History of Flight
On April 25, 2009, at 1053 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built McGrath Sonex, registration N692RM, collided with trees while landing at Yoder Airport (10A7) in Louisville, Ohio. The private pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Salem Airpark (38D) in Salem, Ohio.
According to the pilot's son, the pilot departed 10A7 to obtain fuel at 38D, then planned to overfly Barber Field (2D1) in Alliance, Ohio, before returning to 10A7. The global positioning system (GPS) used during the flight indicated a total flight time of 40 minutes and a distance of 56 miles; however, no ground track data was stored.
The pilot's wife reported that he departed 10A7 around 1005, circled once over the airstrip, and then departed the area. She stated he took off with 9 gallons of fuel, and the airplane typically burned about 4 gallons per hour. He intended to refuel at a nearby airport before returning. She noted that winds were calm at departure but increased to 23 miles per hour with gusts to 32 miles per hour prior to the accident.
The airport manager at 38D reported that the pilot flew in on the morning of the accident, had breakfast, and visited with other pilots. He did not purchase fuel. The manager identified the pilot's airplane as a red, blue, and silver Sonex and noted that wind speed increased during the pilot's stay.
Witnesses observed the airplane just before the accident. One witness stated the propeller was not turning and the engine was silent; the airplane tipped left, then right, and descended straight down. Another witness reported the airplane rose slightly before "nose diving straight into the ground." A third witness described a "tip stall" followed by a roll to the right. Another witness heard the engine cutting out and saw the pilot attempt to glide back to the airport; the airplane made a U-turn after the engine stopped, then "almost stopped in mid-air and turned on the side as if the wind caught the wing." Multiple witnesses confirmed the propeller was not turning and the airplane rolled right before descending.
Personnel Information
The pilot-in-command, aged 87, held a private pilot certificate issued February 19, 1941, by the Civil Aeronautics Authority. His logbook, with the first entry dated November 23, 1963, and the last on March 14, 2009, recorded a total flight time of 325.48 hours, including 100.2 hours brought forward from a previous logbook. He logged approximately 10 hours in the accident airplane, 4 of which were within the 90 days preceding the accident. He completed a flight review on August 31, 2007.
He was issued a third-class medical certificate on March 21, 2007, with the limitation that he must possess glasses for near vision. He also held an Experimental Aircraft Builder certificate issued July 14, 2008, with ratings and limitations for the accident airplane.
Aircraft Information
The accident airplane was an experimental amateur-built Sonex, serial number 0692, a two-place monoplane. The pilot purchased the kit on February 17, 2006, and the airplane received an experimental airworthiness certificate on June 9, 2008. Total time on the airplane was approximately 10 hours. The pilot was completing the required 40-hour Phase I testing in a designated geographic area.
The airplane was powered by an 80-horsepower AeroVee Conversions 2180cc engine, serial number 0188. It was not equipped with a fuel quantity indicator; the pilot used a calibrated yardstick to measure fuel. According to the pilot's son, the fuel level before takeoff from 10A7 measured 9 inches on the yardstick, which the son stated equated to 3 to 4 gallons based on the pilot's calibrations. The fuel capacity was 16 gallons.
Meteorological Information
Weather reported at Akron-Canton Regional Airport, 10 miles west-northwest of the accident site at 1051, included wind from 240 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 26 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 6,500 feet, scattered clouds at 25,000 feet, temperature 25°C, dew point 12°C, and altimeter 30.18 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The main wreckage came to rest in a wooded area approximately one-quarter mile northeast of 10A7, near Meese Road and the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. The airplane traveled about 83 feet from the first visible tree strike to its resting position. It came to rest on its right side with the left wing propped against a tree. Both wings and the forward and aft fuselage sustained impact damage. The wooden propeller remained attached to the engine, with one blade fractured near the hub and the other intact.
The clear fuel tank was found on its side, containing approximately one-quarter inch of fuel (less than 5 ounces), below the filler opening. No fuel was detected in the gascolator or fuel lines, and no fuel odor was present at the accident site.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed on April 26, 2009, at the Stark County Coroner's Office listed the cause of death as "Multiple Traumatic Injuries." Forensic toxicology reports prepared by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute were negative for all tested substances.