What happened
On June 5, 2008, an Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L, registration N12XT, crashed into a wheat field approximately 13 miles north of Gothenburg, Nebraska. The flight originated from North Platte Municipal Airport (LBF) with the intention of reaching Lewis University Airport in Illinois for an aerobatics competition.
At approximately 0849, the aircraft departed LBF. During the flight, radar tracking showed the airplane maintained an altitude of roughly 3,300 feet MSL for eleven minutes before performing a right turn to the west-southwest. In the final four minutes of flight, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated between 3,200 and 4,900 feet MSL, and radar indicated rapid climb and descent rates as high as 6,000 feet per minute, along with two 180-degree heading changes.
At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). A witness near the crash site reported seeing the airplane flying through a "wet" fog with visibility of about three miles, noting that the pilot was rocking the wings back and forth.
The aircraft impacted the terrain, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the airplane. The pilot was found wearing a parachute and secured in his seat, but did not attempt to exit the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the fuselage forward of the rear seat was crushed and largely unrecognizable. The left and right wings had separated from the fuselage at the wing roots. The engine was found buried approximately four feet underground at the impact point. An examination of the engine showed that the oil sump and fuel servo were missing from the engine case, but the cylinders and magnetos were functional.
Testing of the aircraft' and engine components revealed that control cables and rods showed characteristics consistent with an overload. The airplane was not equipped with an attitude gyro or any equipment necessary for flight in instrument meteorological conditions.
Toxicological analysis of the pilot revealed the presence of THC (marijuana) in the blood, urine, lungs, and liver. The levels detected indicated usage within three hours prior to the accident. Additionally, marijuana was recovered from a backpack within the wreckage.
Findings
- The pilot lost visual references due to low visibility and entered a spin.
- The pilot's recent use of marijuana resulted in impaired judgment and decision-making.
- The aircraft was not equipped for flight in instrument meteorological conditions.
- Low visibility weather conditions were present at the time of the accident.