Accident Overview
On June 22, 2008, at 1132 Atlantic standard time, a Rans S-6ES experimental light sport aircraft, registered as N131PR, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an uncontrolled descent near Lajas, Puerto Rico. The pilot and passenger, who were not certificated, sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which departed from a road near a private farm in Lajas.
Flight History
According to an FAA inspector, the pilot departed Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport (TJMZ) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, about 0830, and landed on a road near a private farm in Lajas. At the farm, the pilot met a group at a party and boarded a passenger. They departed about 1100 for a local flight. Witnesses, including a student pilot, reported that after returning from the flight, the pilot performed a low-speed, low-altitude pass over the group. When the airplane was about 1 mile from the intended landing road, it made a steep left turn, followed by a stall and spin from an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at 1150 at Rafael Hernandez Airport (TJBQ), Aguadilla, about 27 nautical miles northwest, included winds from 070 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 2,000 feet, temperature 30°C, dewpoint 23°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.04 inches of mercury.
Wreckage Examination
FAA inspectors examined the wreckage at the scene. The wreckage was confined to the immediate impact area, except for propeller blades found about 50 feet away. Each of the two fuel tanks contained about 4 gallons of fuel. No flight control system separations were noted, and the elevator was found in a nose-up position.
Pilot and Certification
The pilot/owner had applied for an experimental light-sport airworthiness certificate on January 30, 2008, and operating limitations were issued the following day. The limitations required the pilot-in-command to hold at least a student, sport, or recreational pilot certificate. A search of the FAA airman database revealed that neither the pilot nor the passenger held any FAA pilot or medical certificates.
Toxicology and Autopsy
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory performed toxicological testing on the pilot, detecting ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phentermine, and zolpidem in the liver; except for zolpidem, these were also in the blood. Additionally, irbesartan was found in the heart and blood. Phentermine blood level was 0.062 ug/g; other substances could not be quantified. An autopsy by the Institute of Forensic Sciences noted the cause of death as severe blunt trauma. The pilot was 68 inches tall and weighed 280 pounds. Cardiovascular findings included a heart weight of 460 grams, left ventricle wall thickness up to 2.2 cm, and minimal coronary atherosclerosis.
Weight and Balance
Weight and balance records showed an empty weight of 714 pounds and a maximum allowable takeoff weight of 1,100 pounds. Calculations using empty weight, pilot weight, and observed fuel indicated a maximum passenger weight of 58 pounds to stay within limits. The FAA inspector estimated the passenger's weight between 130 and 150 pounds.