History of Flight
On January 29, 2009, around 1500 central standard time, a single-engine, amateur-built Bearhawk (N3WC) was substantially damaged after impacting terrain following a loss of control. The accident occurred about 6 miles south of Chambers County Airport (T00) in Anahuac, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Six people in the area reported seeing the airplane just before the accident. One witness reported the engine was "sputtering" and the airplane was "wiggling up-and-down" before descending behind trees. Other witnesses described the engine making "missing" or "popping" sounds, and one reported the airplane "weaving side-to-side" before a nose dive.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land rating and an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued July 15, 2008. He had accumulated approximately 1,795 total flight hours.
Meteorological Information
At 1350, weather at Ellington Field (EFD), about 25 nautical miles west, reported winds from 360 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 25,000 feet, temperature 57°F, dew point 34°F, barometric pressure 30.18 inHg. At 1452, weather at Scholes Field (GLS), about 26 nautical miles south, reported winds from 350 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear sky, temperature 52°F, dew point 38°F, barometric pressure 30.18 inHg. A carburetor icing chart indicated the airplane was operating in the area of "serious to moderate icing at cruise power or serious icing at descent power."
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane impacted an open field. Damage and ground signatures were consistent with an inverted collision. The fuselage, wings, engine, landing gear, and empennage were at the site. Fuel tanks were breached, and a strong fuel smell was present. The wreckage was transported to a secure site for examination. The cabin area was largely compromised. Wings had been removed and showed slight crushing and a wave effect on top skins. Flight control cables were attached at their attach points, with several salvage cuts. The instrument panel was destroyed. Push-pull controls for throttle, propeller, and carburetor heat were present; the prop control was out about ½ inch, throttle full in, and carburetor heat control broken off. No pre-impact anomalies were found with the airframe. The Lycoming O-540 engine and Hartzell two-bladed constant-speed propeller were examined. The crankshaft flange was slightly bent. Both magnetos produced spark when rotated. Thumb compression was established on all cylinders. The carburetor and airbox were examined; the fuel inlet screen was clean. The carburetor's venturi throat and throttle plate were sooted, and the discharge nozzle was sooted, consistent with backfiring and carburetor icing.
Medical and Pathological Information
The pilot's autopsy listed cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries. Forensic toxicology was positive for Azacyclonol.
Test and Research
One GPS unit provided data from 1435:25 CST, starting at RWJ Airpark (54T) in Baytown, TX. The flight headed easterly along Trinity Bay. The final GPS fix at 1443:35 CST placed the aircraft at N29°42.698' W94°41.348' at 828 ft GPS altitude, with last calculated groundspeed 130 mph and course 169° true. The accident site was about three-quarters of a mile from the last fix. The camcorder tape was examined; it ended before impact but showed a routine flight until the last moments when a quick change in bank or pitch occurred. An audio spectrum study indicated engine RPM constant at 2283 until the last 20 seconds, then fluctuating between 2220 and 2500 RPM. It was not determined whether the fluctuation was from engine behavior or camera movement. The video showed the left-front seat occupant in a blue flannel shirt and khaki pants, and the right-front seat occupant in light brown work pants, operating the camcorder.