What happened
On May 7, 2025, at approximately 16:00 EDT, a Diamond DA 40 NG, registration N499BW, was involved in an accident near Sanford, North Carolina. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Prior to the flight, the passenger, who also served as the aircraft's mechanic, had completed an annual inspection the previous week. On the day of the accident, the pilot requested a check of the gearbox oil level after noticing it appeared low. The mechanic discovered a torn oil plug gasket and replaced it with a new one. After verifying there were no leaks during an engine run, the pilot requested the mechanic join him for a flight involving a touch-and-go landing and a full-stop landing.
The flight departed from runway 21 at Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County Airport (TTA). While performing a touch-and-go, the pilot initiated a go-around and leveled off the aircraft above the runway. During the descent down the runway, the engine produced a sound described as a "pop" or "backfire." The pilot attempted to land on the remaining portion of the runway, but the aircraft was traveling too fast for the remaining distance. After the aircraft bounced twice, the pilot attempted another go-around. Although the mechanic noted an increase in engine RPM, the pilot turned the aircraft to the left, at which point the plane fell and impacted the ground.
The accident resulted in 2 serious injuries to the pilot and passenger, with 0 fatalities.