What happened
On June 14, 2024, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N515DH, crashed near Siler City, North Carolina, resulting in 2 fatal injuries. The aircraft, operated by Executive Flight Training and Services LLC, was performing a Part 91 instructional flight.
At approximately 12:48 EDT, the aircraft was participating in the traffic pattern at Siler City Municipal Airport (SCR). A flight instructor flying in a separate aircraft in the pattern reported that after performing a touch-and-go landing, he observed the accident aircraft on the downwind leg. The instructor noted that the accident aircraft requested spacing, stating, "Can you extend, we’re having an issue," followed by the student pilot asking, "We are having issues, can we land?"
Following those transmissions, the instructor heard only background noise and a "hot microphone" for approximately 30 to 45 seconds. The instructor observed the aircraft's altitude on his ADS-B display decreasing steadily. Upon banking his aircraft for a better view, he and his student observed smoke rising from the trees near the crash site.
A witness nearby reported seeing the aircraft take off but noted it appeared to be "flying sideways." The witness further stated the airplane nearly rolled onto its side and entered a nosedive before impacting the ground, followed by black smoke.
Preliminary ADS-B data showed the aircraft flying the downwind leg at approximately 1,100 ft MSL at 90 knots. The aircraft slowed to the 80-knot range on the left base leg and into the 70-knot range on final approach before the data was lost. About one minute later, the track resumed near the runway departure end at 625 ft MSable at 66 knots, showing a 90-degree left turn before the track ended.