What happened
On June 11, 2009, an amateur-built Peterson Dragonfly II, registration N360KK, crashed into terrain near Arthur, Nebraska. The flight departed Miller Field Airport (VTN) in Valentine, Nebraska, at 12:39 local time, heading south-southwest.
GPS data recovered from the aircraft showed that approximately 48 minutes into the flight, the airplane abruptly reversed course and began traveling north at an altitude of roughly 400 feet above ground level. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered a left turn and completed nearly three full 360-degree turns, with each subsequent turn radius becoming smaller. During these maneuvers, the aircraft climbed to approximately 5,100 feet. Following these turns, the airplane entered a descending right turn and impacted the ground at an altitude of 3,602 feet.
The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument rated, sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the main wings and canard had separated from the fuselage, though they remained adjacent to the wreckage. The engine remained attached to the firewall, and the three wooden propeller blades were fragmented. Investigators found no anomalies in the airframe or engine consistent with a pre-impact failure.
Meteorological analysis confirmed that instrument meteorological conditions (IFR) were present at the time of the accident, with local cloud ceilings as low as 600 feet. An AIRMET advisory for IFR conditions was in effect for the area.
Toxicology results from the pilot's autopsy revealed the presence of diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine known for its sedative effects. There was no record of the pilot obtaining a pre-flight weather briefing from Flight Service or the Direct User Access Terminal System (DUATS) prior to the flight.