History of Flight
On November 7, 2009, at 0800 central standard time, a Wicks Air Center LLC Hornet, N651WA, collided with the ground near Bonham, Texas. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight departed Jones Field Airport (F00), Brenham, Texas, at approximately 0755.
Several witnesses reported that the airplane appeared to be flying less than 100 feet above ground level (AGL) when it entered fog or low hanging clouds. Less than a mile northeast of the departure airport, the airplane made a left turn toward the airport when witnesses saw it “suddenly spiral nose down” into the ground. A post-impact fire and explosion occurred.
Personnel Information
The 57-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate for single-engine land aircraft and a third-class medical certificate issued August 12, 2009, with no limitations. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicated the pilot was not instrument rated. The pilot's logbook was not recovered. Based on aircraft logbooks and FAA medical records, total flight experience was estimated at 840 hours, with approximately 70 hours in the accident airplane.
Aircraft Information
The single-engine, two-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear, amateur-built experimental light sport airplane, serial number 0048, was manufactured in 2005. It was powered by a Rotax 582UL 65-hp engine driving a Warp Drive ground-adjustable propeller. The airplane was not equipped for instrument flight. A condition inspection was completed January 12, 2008, at an airframe total time of 56 hours. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated an estimated 126 hours.
Meteorological Information
At 0753, the automated surface observing system (ASOS) at Collin County Regional Airport (TKI), McKinney, Texas, approximately 27 miles west, reported wind from 190 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 2 statute miles, overcast ceiling at 300 feet, temperature 14°C, dew point 14°C, altimeter 30.11 inHg.
At 0755, the ASOS at Cox Field Airport (PRX), Paris, Texas, approximately 36 miles east, reported wind from 170 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 3 statute miles, overcast at 900 feet, temperature 16°C, dew point 14°C, altimeter 30.12 inHg.
At 0803, the ASOS at Majors Airport (GVT), Greenville, Texas, approximately 33 miles southeast, reported wind from 190 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 5 statute miles, overcast at 700 feet, temperature 16°C, dew point 15°C, altimeter 30.14 inHg.
Witnesses at the accident scene reported fog and clouds lower than 100 feet AGL. One witness said, “it was really foggy; we wondered how the pilot could see.” Another said it was very foggy but he “could see across the street.”
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was located in a rural backyard approximately 150 feet from the house. Trees and power lines 100 feet east were undamaged. The upright fuselage was oriented along an approximate 235-degree magnetic bearing. Both wings had leading edge crushing damage and were partially separated and displaced aft. Wing struts, ailerons, elevators, rudder, and flaps remained attached. Flight control continuity was partially confirmed except in areas with thermal damage. The cockpit, forward fuselage, inboard wing sections, and both propeller blades were nearly consumed by post-impact fire. The cooling hoses and radiator could not be inspected due to thermal damage. The engine and propeller separated and were found about 10 feet from the fuselage. A separated propeller drive cog belt, not thermally damaged, was found near the left rear tail section.
Visual inspection of pistons via exhaust ports showed no cylinder wall scoring. No evidence of prior or existing piston seizure. Cylinder heads were undamaged except for burnt carbon and melted O-ring material. Spark plugs exhibited normal wear. Piston rings were intact. No signs of pre-impact engine overheat damage.
The FAA inspector found no pre-impact anomalies of the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operations.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy was performed on the pilot on November 8, 2009, by the Collin County Medical Examiner, McKinney, Texas. The autopsy findings listed specific injuries.
Forensic toxicology was performed on specimens from the pilot and passenger by the FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The toxicology reports were negative for tested drugs.