History of Flight
On March 9, 2009, at about 1219 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built MXR Technologies MX2, registration N262MX, was substantially damaged following an in-flight loss of control and impact with trees and terrain near Dade City, Florida. The airplane was registered to Aerobatic Activity, Inc. of Zephyrhills, Florida. The commercial pilot and one passenger were killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Zephyrhills about 1200.
Witnesses reported that the pilot was performing aerobatic maneuvers. One witness observed the aircraft complete two loops; during the pull-out from the second loop, the engine became quiet and the aircraft entered a tail spin, descending straight down. Three other witnesses stated they watched the aircraft performing stunts for 10-15 minutes, then saw it stall, nose down, with the engine sounding full throttle as it accelerated downward. The pilot pulled the nose up, but the aircraft crashed into orange groves.
The pilot was scheduled to perform at the Valiant Air Command Airshow in Titusville, Florida, later that week.
Personnel Information
The pilot, age 40, held a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land rating. On his last FAA second-class medical certificate application, dated March 5, 2009, he reported 1,260 hours of flight time, including 100 hours in the previous 6 months. His occupation was listed as "Airshow Pilot."
The pilot's private pilot certificate was suspended for 15 days on February 2, 2006, for failing to report an alcohol-related motor vehicle action to the FAA. On July 23, 2004, he was arrested in Hillsborough County, Florida, following a traffic accident; his blood alcohol content was 0.163. He was also convicted of driving under the influence in California in September 1991.
A review of the pilot's website revealed multiple video clips of him flying N262MX during airshow performances, including a clip from the 2008 Tico Airshow where an announcer stated, "That’s about 11 Gs right there…"
Aircraft Information
According to the manufacturer, the two-seat, low-wing aerobatic sport airplane is capable of a roll rate of 400 degrees per second and has G limits of +14 and -14. Logbook records indicate the airplane, engine, and propeller received a 12-month conditional inspection on March 2, 2009, at which time the aircraft had accrued approximately 586 hours.
Meteorological Information
The 1253 weather observation at Brooksville, Florida (BKV), about 20 miles northwest of the accident site, reported surface winds variable at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, a broken ceiling at 4,700 feet, temperature 79°F, dew point 54°F, and an altimeter setting of 30.25 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was found in an orange grove near Enterprise Road and Old Lakeland Parkway in Dade City, in an upright attitude. An FAA inspector reported that one orange tree was impact-damaged and the wreckage was confined to one area with no linear ground scar. The aircraft appeared to have impacted the ground in a nose-down, belly-first attitude. A post-crash fire damaged most of the main wreckage. All primary flight control surfaces were present, but intense heat and movement of the wreckage prevented determination of flight control continuity. Two of the three propeller blades were largely intact and not sheared by rotational forces. Several engine accessories were broken off. Prior to moving the wreckage, the engine crankshaft was turned by hand, confirming internal drive train continuity.
On March 30, 2009, an engine examination at Quality Air Salvage revealed the right magneto sheared off and the left magneto melted. The engine accessory case was removed; the crankshaft gear retaining bolt was in place, and magneto drives and bearings were heat damaged. After removal, the engine spun freely. The numbers 1, 3, and 5 cylinders were removed; the crankshaft, connecting rods, counterweights, and camshaft were in place and rotated freely. Cylinders, valves, spark plugs, and pistons appeared normal. The fuel servo was partially crushed, but its inlet screen was clean and fuel was present. No evidence of pre-existing mechanical failure or malfunction was found.
Medical and Pathological Information
Postmortem examination of the pilot listed the cause of death as blunt trauma, with manner of death as accident. Forensic toxicology was negative for ethanol, cyanide, and carbon monoxide. The following drugs were detected: atenolol in blood and urine, ibuprofen in urine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana) at 0.0012 ug/ml in blood and 0.0186 ug/ml in urine.
FAA medical records show the pilot was treated for essential hypertension since August 2005 with atenolol (50 mg) and losartan (160 mg). On his last medical application, he indicated no current medication use and no substance abuse, but noted high blood pressure with the remark "Now Normal without Meds." The U.S. Navy Aeromedical Reference notes that personnel on beta blockers (including atenolol) should not exceed 2.5 Gs. The FAA 2006 and 2009 Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners lists beta blockers as acceptable for hypertension treatment.