Accident Overview
On May 7, 2025, at approximately 1600 eastern daylight time, a Diamond Aircraft DA 40 NG, registration N499BW, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Sanford, North Carolina. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured.
Preflight Events
According to the passenger, who also served as the aircraft's mechanic, he had completed the annual inspection on the airplane the week prior to the accident flight. On the day of the accident, the pilot approached the mechanic and asked him to check the gearbox oil level, as it appeared lower than normal. The mechanic inspected the oil plug and found a tear in the gasket, which he replaced with a new one. After cleaning the area, he ran the engine to check for leaks. The engine check was satisfactory, and the pilot requested that the mechanic accompany him on a test flight around the airport traffic pattern, which would include a touch-and-go landing followed by a full-stop landing.
Flight and Accident Sequence
The flight departed runway 21 at Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County Airport (TTA) in Sanford, North Carolina. Runway 21 is 6,501 feet long and 100 feet wide, surfaced with asphalt. The aircraft circled to perform a touch-and-go landing on runway 21. Before landing, however, the pilot decided to execute a go-around and leveled the airplane above the runway. While flying down the runway, the engine emitted a sound described as a "pop" or "backfire." The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway, but the aircraft's speed was too high and the remaining runway length insufficient. The pilot bounced the airplane twice, then announced they would go around. The pilot applied engine power, and the mechanic heard the engine rpm increase. The pilot then turned the airplane left, and they "fell" and impacted the ground. The mechanic reported no recollection of events after the impact.
Pilot Statement
Due to his injuries, the pilot was unable to provide a statement regarding the accident.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage has been retained for further examination to determine the cause of the accident.