History of Flight
On July 31, 2008, at approximately 0937 central daylight time, a Moser George Lancair Legacy, Fixed Gear Aircraft, registration N515RB, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while on a straight-in final approach to runway 27 at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The pilot and one passenger received fatal injuries. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was on an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan. The flight had departed Washington, Pennsylvania earlier that morning at 0650, destined for the 2008 AirVenture Convention at Oshkosh, and was on a visual approach at the time of the accident.
Witnesses
Numerous witnesses observed the aircraft on approach to runway 27. They reported hearing the engine running, then observing a sudden bank, and seeing the aircraft hit inverted and slide to a stop. One witness stated: "With my back turned to the centerline of 27, I heard a loud engine noise, very suddenly. I turned and looked to see a 2-seat airplane, starboard(ing) very low and rolling clockwise. The plane struck the ground canopy-first and totally inverted. The strike was very violent, and the airplane wreckage moved another 150 feet downrange…"
Personnel Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot Certificate with single-engine land and instrument endorsements, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The pilot also held a third-class medical certificate issued on March 13, 2008. The pilot had approximately 1,700 hours of total flight time and more than 10 hours in the accident aircraft make and model.
Aircraft Information
N515RB was a low-wing, propeller-driven, fixed landing gear, semi-monocoque, two-seat airplane. It was a Lancair Legacy Model, serial number LS-205. The aircraft was powered by a 310-horsepower, six-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected Teledyne Continental Motors IO-550 series engine. The airplane was operating in the Experimental Classification, Amateur Built Category. The last inspection was an annual inspection in May 2008 at a total airframe and engine time of 97.0 hours.
Meteorological Information
Weather reported at KOSH at 0942 central daylight time included clear skies, visibility 10 statute miles, winds from 300 degrees true at three knots, temperature 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.79 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane came to rest left of and short of the threshold for runway 27. The initial impact point was about 315 feet from the end of the runway, and the final resting point was about 135 feet from the end of the runway, left of the extended centerline. The flaps were found in the down position. All three propeller blades exhibited leading edge nicks and gouges, and the blades had chordwise scratches. The left and right wing spoilers were extended about 75% of their full extension. Inspection of the flight control system revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.
Communications
Approximately four minutes before the accident, the aircraft called the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) at OSH, reporting the flight six miles east on a visual final for runway 27. The ATCT North Local Controller instructed N515RB to report a four-mile final, which the flight acknowledged. A minute later, the flight stated they would need 4,500 feet of runway. At about 0936, the flight reported being at a three-and-a-half-mile final. The tower advised N515RB they were number four following a second Malibu on base, and the flight acknowledged looking for the traffic. About 45 seconds later, the controller instructed N515RB that a Malibu was turning final in front of them and cleared N515RB to land on the orange dot. N515RB responded they were cleared to land on the orange dot. About 15 seconds later, the controller instructed the Malibu to keep it in the air down to the green dot. At 0936:55, an open microphone was heard on the frequency. About 15 seconds later, the controller broadcast that the airport was closed.
Airport Information
Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) was operating under special flight procedures effective from July 25 to August 3, 2008, during the 2008 AirVenture Oshkosh event. The "Orange Dot," where N515RB was cleared to land, is approximately at the intersection of Taxiway A and runway 27 at Wittman Airport. The 2008 AirVenture Oshkosh NOTAM publication depicts the Orange, Green, and White landing dots for runway 27.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner. The Federal Aviation Administration prepared a Final Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report, which tested negative for cyanide and volatiles. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen were detected in the pilot's blood.
Test and Research
The baggage weighed 149 pounds. The pilot weighed 155 pounds, and the passenger weighed 209 pounds, totaling 513 pounds excluding fuel. The aircraft had a useful load of 750 pounds. Based on an approximate flight time of three hours and fuel burn at 12 gallons per hour, the aircraft was within weight and balance limitations at the time of the accident. The Piper Malibu Pilot's Operating Handbook lists the landing final approach speed with full flaps at 77 knots. A Lancair representative stated that the Lancair final approach speed is about 90 knots.
Additional Information
The wreckage was released to the insurance adjuster for the aircraft.