A devastating aircraft crash has led to a significant legal battle involving multiple aviation companies accused of negligence and product liability. On December 30, 2025, Deborah Mysliviec filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against Avstar Fuel Systems, Inc., Lycoming (an operating division of AVCO Corporation), AVCO Corporation, Piper Aircraft, Inc., Parker Hannifin Corporation (Nichols Airborne Division), Precision Airmotive, LLC, Hartzell Engine Technologies, LLC, Dukes Aerospace, Inc., Champion Aerospace, LLC, and Floscan, Inc.
The case revolves around the tragic death of Randolph T. Mysliviec following an aircraft crash on December 31, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants were responsible for designing, manufacturing, and maintaining various components of the Piper PA-46R-350T aircraft and its engine that failed during flight near Lake Norman Airpark in Mooresville, NC. According to the complaint, witnesses reported no engine noise before the crash—an assertion supported by video evidence—which indicates a catastrophic engine failure not attributable to pilot error.
Deborah Mysliviec accuses AVCO Corporation specifically of negligence in overhauling the aircraft’s TIO-540-AE2A engine just months before the accident. She claims that AVCO failed to inspect and maintain the engine properly despite knowing about potential defects. The lawsuit also targets other defendants for their roles in producing allegedly defective components contributing to the fatal crash.
The plaintiffs seek damages exceeding $75,000 for economic and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering endured by Randolph Mysliviec before his death. They also demand compensation for emotional distress suffered by his surviving family members due to their loss. Furthermore, they are pursuing claims under North Carolina’s product liability statutes against all defendants involved in producing or distributing faulty parts leading up to this tragedy.
Representing Deborah Mysliviec is attorney John D. Hurst from Motley Rice LLC based in Mt. Pleasant SC; he filed this action seeking justice on behalf of her deceased husband’s estate while demanding accountability from those allegedly responsible for his untimely demise.
Source: 525cv00221_Mysliviec_v_Avstar_Fuel_Systems_Inc_Complaint_Western_District_North_Carolina.pdf
