According to the Lincoln County Communications, a plane has crashed near the Lincoln County Airport early Tuesday morning.
According to the FAA, two people were onboard after a Piper PA-32 aircraft crashed in a field. NBC Charlotte has learned both of those on board the plane were killed.
Officials identify the two victims as 63-yr-old Teddy Wayne Heavner of Lincolnton, pilot, and 54-yr-old Basil "Todd" Sain of Lincolnton, passenger.
Officials report the call came in at around 5:39 a.m. stating a plane had crashed 714 Jack Dellinger Dr in Lincolnton.
According to an incident report from the FAA, this same aircraft had issues last year. The report states when the aircraft left Lincoln County, the pilot heard two loud knocks/bangs and observed the engine RPM decrease and then quit. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing.
FAA report by Meilin Tompkins on Scribd
The FAA is investigating the crash and the NTSB will determine the probable cause of the accident. Stick with NBC Charlotte for the latest on this developing story.
Sign up for WCNC NBC Charlotte’s 5 Things to Know newsletter and get the latest in your inbox each morning!