What happened
The accident flight was scheduled as the final segment of a series of flight tests designed to evaluate the landing characteristics of an aircraft equipped with a combination speed and short takeoff and landing (STOL) kit. When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight test pilot failed to return from the mission, a search operation was initiated.
Three witnesses observed the aircraft spinning in the air. These same witnesses also reported seeing the pilot jump from the aircraft at a low altitude. Although the pilot was wearing a parachute, it was not deployed, resulting in fatal injuries. The pilot's body was located approximately 20 yards from the wreckage of the aircraft.
The investigation
Examination of the pilot's clothing revealed oil splatters that chemically tested identical to the oil used for ballast within the aircraft. No oil containers were found near the body. Investigators determined that the ballast inside the aircraft was improperly secured and had not been inspected by the FAA. Additionally, the exit door jettison function required three procedural steps for egress.
Findings
The FAA inspector did not perform any evaluation or provide instruction regarding the conduct of these tests. The aircraft owner stated that he had performed similar tests previously, but there were no records concerning those activities.