What happened
On June 9, 2009, an experimental Harden RV-7, registration N303BK, crashed approximately 0.1 miles north of the Elim airport in Alaska. The flight departed from Galena, Alaska, with the intended destination of Nome, Alaska. The pilot, a private pilot without an instrument rating, was operating the aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Witnesses in the village of Elim reported seeing and hearing the aircraft flying at a very low altitude over the town, which sits at a lower elevation than the airport. One observer estimated the plane was only about 30 feet above the ground, passing near power lines. The aircraft reportedly flew over the airport and village twice before turning north. Witnesses noted the engine sound remained steady, but described the weather as very foggy with poor visibility.
At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). No flight plan had been filed for the flight, and there was no record of the pilot obtaining a weather briefing. The wreckage was located on June 10, 1920 Alaska daylight time.
The investigation
An examination of the engine, a Textron Lycoming IO-320-M1, revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies. The spark plugs were clean and showed no signs of mechanical deformation, and the engine produced compression on all cylinders. While the control rod on the governor had fractured, the investigation found no evidence that this contributed to the crash.
Data retrieved from a GPS unit found in the wreckage showed a meandering flight path near the Elim airport, including several course reversals. The GPS track indicated the aircraft was descending through 331 feet near the approach end of runway 19, and later recorded a peak altitude of 695 feet at the point of impact while heading north.
Weather cameras at the Elim airport confirmed limited visibility in the area during the time of the accident. An autopsy of the pilot was performed, and toxicological testing found no ethanol or carbon monoxide in the blood, though several prescription medications were detected.
Findings
- The pilot was flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the required instrument rating.
- The aircraft struck rising terrain while the pilot was attempting to locate the airport runway.
- Visibility was poor due to fog and low clouds.
- The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing prior to the flight.