Accident Details
On October 5, 2008, at approximately 0953 Pacific daylight time, an amateur-built Bonde TF 51D experimental airplane, registration N267B, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near the Sky Ranch Airport (3L2) in Sandy Valley, Nevada. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which originated from 3L2 at 0930.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses at 3L2 reported that after departure, the pilot was unable to extend the left main landing gear. He conducted a series of low approaches over the runway while communicating with people on the ground via radio. After six passes, the pilot managed to extend the left main landing gear about two-thirds of the way. He continued circling the airport within the traffic pattern. Witnesses on the ground advised him to "slip the airplane to the left then right." While on downwind for runway 21 at an altitude of about 400-500 feet above ground level, the airplane "appeared to enter a slip" followed by an immediate roll to the right into a nose-low attitude, then descended into terrain.
Witnesses noted that it was the accident pilot's first flight in the airplane, which he had recently purchased. They also reported that radio communications with the pilot were "hampered by the loudness of the engine."
Post-Accident Examination
Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane impacted level open desert terrain about 0.5 miles from 3L2. All primary flight controls were accounted for. The left and right wing leading edges were crushed aft, and the forward fuselage was heavily damaged. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all primary controls. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the left main landing gear not extending was undetermined.
Pilot Medical and Toxicology
The Clark County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy on October 6, 2008, and determined the cause of death as "multiple blunt force injuries." The FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute performed toxicology tests, which were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and drugs.