Flight History
The pilot-builder of an RV-8 had been performing taxi tests and power checks for several days prior to the accident, as the aircraft had not been flown in about a year. On the afternoon of the accident, the pilot departed from runway 30. Shortly after departure, he radioed that he was experiencing engine problems and would attempt to return to the airport.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the aircraft at midfield on the downwind leg at the time of the transmissions. However, the aircraft continued past the abeam position and did not initiate the base turn until approximately half a mile beyond that point. The aircraft then struck scrub trees at the midspan of each wing and crashed in a lightly wooded area about 3,300 feet short of the threshold of runway 30.
Pilot Medical History
A review of the pilot's personal medical records revealed that he was taking amitriptyline (a prescription antidepressant, also known as Elavil) for insomnia, and hydrocodone (a prescription narcotic) for chronic abdominal pain. Toxicology tests found very high levels of nortriptyline (a prescription antidepressant and metabolite of amitriptyline) in the pilot's blood. Additionally, a low level of doxylamine (an over-the-counter sleep aid) was detected in the blood. Amitriptyline, nortriptyline, doxylamine, hydrocodone, and metabolites of hydrocodone were detected in the pilot's urine.
Aircraft Examination
The cockpit interior sustained no deformation or space reduction, except for an impact at the top edge of the aluminum glare shield. The instrument panel was intact with no broken or cracked instrument glass. The pilot was found with his seatbelt fastened and his shoulder harness unfastened and behind him. Post-crash examination revealed no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft's powerplant, systems, or controls, except for the Bendix fuel servo. Upon disassembly, the fuel servo was found to have extensive internal corrosion and contamination.