Accident Sequence
The accident airplane departed from runway 32 at Lake Norman Airpark (14A) in Mooresville, North Carolina, at about 1152 local time. It climbed to approximately 3,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL) and followed a northwest ground track along the Catawba River for about 30 nautical miles. At 1202, the airplane turned left and proceeded on a direct course back toward the airport. Its ground speed remained about 200 knots until approximately 1210, when it decreased and the airplane began a descent. The last ADS-B position was recorded at 1213, showing the airplane at 850 feet MSL, about 60 feet above ground level (agl). The accident site was located 488 feet southeast of that position, about three-quarters of a nautical mile from the threshold of runway 14.
Witness and Camera Evidence
A witness near the accident site reported hearing no engine noise from the airplane before impact. A security camera at a private residence captured video and audio of the accident. The airplane was visible for nine seconds as it traveled from right to left across the camera’s field of view. The sound of impact occurred about three seconds after the airplane exited the frame. When the airplane entered the camera’s view, it exhibited minor roll oscillations, and its propeller was turning. It then began to bank to the right and lose altitude before disappearing from view.
Propeller Analysis
A sound spectrum study performed on the captured audio calculated that the propeller rotation was about 1,100 revolutions per minute, consistent with the propeller windmilling rather than producing thrust.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a missing induction clamp, which allowed the induction hose to the left side intercooler to become disconnected. This resulted in a total loss of engine power due to an overly rich fuel/air mixture. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.