NTSB Report: Witness Saw Propeller Break Off Plane Moments Before Fatal Crash

MOORESVILLE, N.C.,None — A preliminary crash report from the National Transportation Safety Board is revealing new details into what happened in the days and moments before a plane crash that killed a Mooresville doctor.

Dr. Thomas Wilson's private plane was severely damaged during a crash in April. Wilson told investigators he landed but forgot to put down his landing gear. The report said Wilson was getting work done to repair damage from that crash two days before the fatal crash last month.

According to the report, maintenance crews told investigators they "removed the damaged three blade propeller and replaced it with a two blade propeller." They also said they secured the main landing gear in the extended position because of the previous accident.

The maintenance crews said they prepped the airplane for a ferry flight back to Lake Norman Airpark. The FAA can issue special waivers for ferry flights when an aircraft doesn't meet certain air regulations but is safe to make a flight to a place where other repairs can be made.

The report showed witnesses said when Wilson's plane took off for a test flight, the engine sounded extremely loud and then they heard a bang. The report said "one witness observed the propeller separate from the airplane and fall to the ground, followed by the airplane in a nose down spiral."

Eyewitness News revisited Ben Weddington, a longtime friend of Wilson, and shared details from the NTSB's early report.

"You have to find your own comfort and your own peace and not question everything because sometimes, the answers make it worse." Weddington said. "You just kind of in your own mind know that he went doing what he loved doing and trying to fix what he liked fixing."

The NTSB said its investigation should be completed in 12 to 18 months. The FAA said if any safety regulations were violated, the agency could cite the person or company in violation.

Previous Stories: July 19, 2011: Friends Say Doctor Killed in Ga. Plane Crash Was Jack Of All Trades July 19, 2011: Mooresville Doctor-Pilot Killed in Fiery Plane Crash

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