MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The National Transportation Safety Board reported that there was no distress call made by the pilot of the Piper Malibu Matrix before it crashed in Mooresville on Sunday. The crash resulted in the tragic death of Randy Mysliviec, the pilot of the aircraft. According to the NTSB, it appears that the plane’s engine wasn’t producing power at the time of the crash.
Lynn Spencer, an air safety investigator with the NTSB, revealed at a news conference that audio calls and investigation of the propellers suggest the engine wasn’t producing power at the time of the fatal crash. The aircraft had left the Lake Norman Airpark and was headed northwest for 30 miles at 3,000 feet before attempting to return to the airpark.
Mysliviec made a standard two-mile final radio call as he returned toward the airpark, and all parts of the aircraft were found at the crash site ruling out an inflight breakup. However, the investigator stated that whatever went wrong happened quickly before the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration, Lycoming Engines, and Piper Aircrafts are all assisting the NTSB with the investigation.
The preliminary investigation will take about 10 days, but a full report can take approximately 18 months to determine the probable cause of the crash. The NTSB is asking anyone with video or audio of the accident to share them with witness@ntsb.gov. The crash took place around 12:15 p.m. on Sunday as the plane was attempting to land at Lake Norman Airpark. The plane struck several trees and crashed into an abandoned house site, resulting in Mysliviec’s transportation to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The N.C. Highway Patrol has secured the scene, and further investigation is underway.