What happened
On August 1, 2009, at approximately 13:50 mountain daylight time, a Gray RV-6, registration N69KG, crashed near Caldwell Industrial Airport (EUL) in Caldwell, Idaho. The aircraft was in the initial stages of flight, departing the airport under visual meteorological conditions.
A witness on the airport observed the tan and blue aircraft depart Runway 12. At an altitude between 100 and 200 feet, the witness noted a "popping" noise coming from the engine. The aircraft then performed a quick turn to a left crosswind and subsequently to a downwind leg at approximately 200 feet. During the downwind leg, the witness observed the aircraft's nose pitch upward without gaining altitude. As the aircraft reached the numbers on the left downwind, it entered a steep left turn toward Runway 12. During this maneuver, the nose dropped, and the aircraft struck power lines on the north perimeter of the airport before impacting the ground and catching fire. The 1 fatal accident resulted in the death of the pilot, the sole occupant.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage, which rested upright near the airport perimeter fence, approximately 700 feet northeast of the approach end of Runway 12. The fuselage, engine, and empennage were located at the main impact site. While no airframe anomalies were found, control continuity could not be confirmed due to impact and thermal damage.
An engine examination performed by a mechanic revealed no issues with the cylinders or valve train, and no stuck valves were found. However, the inspection of the spark plugs showed excessive gaps, measuring between .028 and .030 inches, whereas the manufacturer recommends .016 to .021 inches. Additionally, all but one spark plug failed a bench test when subjected to pressures above 80 psi. The oil filter contained an acceptable amount of trace particulate matter.
Information provided by a family member indicated the aircraft had been idle on the airport ramp for about a year. On the morning of the accident, the pilot had removed and sandblasted the spark plugs, checked cylinder compression, and cleaned the air filter. No aircraft, engine, or pilot logbooks were available for review.
An autopsy determined the cause of death was thermal injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning.