History of Flight
On January 10, 2008, about 1415 Pacific standard time, an experimental category amateur built Corsario MK-5 amphibian airplane, N9639H, impacted terrain while maneuvering near Perris, California. The airplane was registered to the pilot and was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airplane was destroyed and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was killed. The flight originated from Corona Municipal Airport (AJO), Corona, California. The time of departure for the local flight was not determined. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
According to local law enforcement, the wreckage was located about 3 miles southwest of Perris Valley Airport by an individual riding a motorcycle around 1420. There were no reported witnesses to the accident sequence; however, a witness located about four miles southeast reported observing an airplane similar to the accident airplane overfly his position around 1400. No radio transmissions were heard from the accident airplane.
Personnel Information
The pilot, age 68, held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and airplane single-engine sea ratings issued on May 5, 2007. The pilot was issued a third class medical certificate on March 27, 2007, with the limitation "Must Wear Corrective Lenses." A review of flight time logbooks revealed 157.2 total hours, with 37.2 hours in the accident make/model airplane, as of the last logbook entry dated September 15, 2007. A friend reported the pilot flew the accident airplane at least every few weeks during the previous year, typically near Lake Mathews, Canyon Lake, and Lake Elsinore.
Aircraft Information
The 2005-model Corsario MK-5 (serial number 432) was a two-seat, high-wing, retractable-gear amateur built experimental category amphibious airplane. It was powered by a Hirth F30 engine (serial number 897612) rated at 80 horsepower driving a four-bladed Warp Drive fixed pitch propeller (serial number N14742). The airframe logbook showed the airplane was built by the pilot and a special airworthiness certificate was issued on March 9, 2006. The engine logbook noted a gearbox oil change on February 10, 2007. No open maintenance discrepancies were recorded.
Meteorological Information
The weather reporting station at March Air Reserve Base (RIV), Riverside, California, reported at 1355: wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 64°F, dew point 37°F, altimeter setting 30.07 inHg.
Wreckage and Impact Information
According to the FAA inspector, the main wreckage was on an open hillside about 1.5 miles north of Canyon Lake, with the northern edge of the lake visible. Within all quadrants of the lake, rising terrain was prevalent. Ground impact scars consistent with the left wing were found, followed by the main wreckage; the energy path extended on a heading toward the lake. The airplane came to rest inverted. The forward fuselage and cabin were crushed aft; the fuselage was fractured through aft of the cabin. Both wings were buckled and twisted. All primary flight controls were at the site and attached except the left and right ailerons, which were partially separated at outboard attach points. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all controls. The engine remained attached to the pylon and rotated by hand.
A friend of the pilot reported that recovery was delayed due to adverse weather. About four weeks after the accident, a recovery team found that most of the wreckage had been removed, including all aluminum used in the airframe and engine. Only portions of fiberglass and cloth remained.
Medical and Pathological Information
The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy on January 12, 2008. The medical examiner determined the cause of death as "Multiple Blunt Force Injuries." The FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute performed toxicology tests with positive results for Atenolol and Gabapentin in blood and urine.