Accident Details
A witness driving on U.S. Highway 31 at 0650 reported seeing a low-flying airplane buzzing the city of Hartselle and aligning with a local airport's runway. The witness proceeded to the airport intending to speak with the pilot but found no airplane upon arrival.
Another witness, outside his home before 0700, observed the airplane flying south-southeast near the airport. He saw the airplane execute a steep bank of approximately 45 degrees before leveling out. Believing the airplane would land, he went inside. Shortly thereafter, his mother departed with his daughter, and he heard a car horn sounding. Investigating, his mother informed him that an airplane was inverted in a field near the home. The witness went to the site and saw one occupant who appeared to be fatally injured.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed it had impacted the ground in a descending, nose-down attitude. The left wing was displaced aft, and its leading edge showed accordion-style crushing. Examination of the engine, accessories, airframe, and flight controls found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction.
Performance and Toxicology
Review of performance data for the RV6 airplane indicated a stall speed of 49 mph. Post-mortem toxicology testing detected ethanol in the pilot's blood at 0.061 percent, as well as in urine and vitreous fluid.
Pilot Background
Several pilots from the deceased pilot's home base stated that he frequently conducted high-speed passes and performed aerobatic maneuvers over and around the airport area and runway.