What happened
On March 7, 2009, at approximately 10:30 EST, an experimental amateur-built Fritz RV3-A, registration N933WF, experienced a loss of engine power during its initial climb from Putnam County Airport (4I7) near Greencostle, Indiana. The flight was a personal operation under 14 CFR Part 91, intended to travel from 4I7 to the Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field (2R2).
Witnesses observed the aircraft descending while in a bank, noting that the engine RPM was low and quiet. As the aircraft lost altitude, the bank angle increased to 90 degrees. The engine subsequently revved before the aircraft impacted the terrain in a nose-down attitude. Following the impact, the pilot communicated to witnesses that he had experienced engine and fuel pressure problems.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with 10 miles of visibility. Winds at a nearby facility were reported at 200 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots.
The pilot sustained injuries during the crash and passed away in the hospital on March 26, 2009. The cause of death was listed as renal failure and the aviation accident.