What happened
At approximately 11:52 local time, a single-engine airplane departed from runway 32 at Lake Norman Airpark (14A) in Mooresadamente, North Carolina. After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of roughly 3,000 feet MSL, traveling northwest along the Catawba River for approximately 30 nautical miles. Flight data indicates that at 12:02 local time, the aircraft executed a left turn and began a direct heading back toward the airfield.
Throughout the flight, the aircraft maintained a ground speed of approximately 200 knots. However, at around 12:10 local time, the speed decreased as the aircraft began a descent. The final ADS-B position recorded at 12:13 local time placed the aircraft at an altitude of 850 feet MSL, which was roughly 60 feet above ground level. The wreckage was located approximately 488 feet southeast of this final position, near the threshold of runway 14.
Video and audio from a nearby security camera captured the aircraft as it moved across the field of view for nine seconds. The footage showed the aircraft exhibiting minor roll oscillations with a spinning propeller before it banked to the right and lost altitude. The impact occurred approximately three seconds after the aircraft left the camera's view. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, and the pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed.
Findings
An analysis of the audio from the security camera included a sound spectrum study, which determined the propeller was rotating at approximately 1,100 rpm. This rate was consistent with propeller windmilling. Additionally, a witness near the crash site noted that there was no audible engine noise from the aircraft prior to the impact.