Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, the pilot of an airplane registered as N4780H reported electrical problems to FAA Charlotte departure control while en route. The pilot stated he needed to "get down nearest airport no emergency yet." The controller informed him of two options: an airport approximately 2 miles behind him, or Monroe Airport about 6 miles ahead with more services. At 1730:57, the pilot reported Monroe Airport in sight, and the controller cleared him for a visual approach to runway 23, authorizing descent at his own discretion. The pilot acknowledged at 1732:05 with "roger two three," which was the last radio communication.
Witness Observations
At 1735:46, the crew of a Hawker corporate jet (N942DS) departing from Monroe Airport reported that N4780H had just crashed, with smoke and fire at the scene. Witnesses stated they observed N4780H approach Monroe Airport from the northeast. The aircraft turned left beyond runway 23, approximately 200 yards from the end of the runway, in a left descending turn. Following this, the pilot executed a right descending turn toward the runway, as if to enter a left downwind approach for runway 23. During the turn, the airplane descended below the treeline. As it approached the trees, it assumed a nose-high pitch attitude, and witnesses heard a noise when the bottom of the airplane struck the trees. The pitch attitude then increased to near vertical, and the airplane pitched over nose-first, descending almost straight down before disappearing below the treeline.
Postcrash Examination
Postcrash examination of the airframe, flight controls, and engine revealed no evidence of preaccident failures or malfunctions.