Accident Details
On May 2, 2010, at approximately 1713 central daylight time, an unregistered CGS Hawk ultralight airplane was substantially damaged following an impact with terrain near Haysville, Kansas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The local flight departed from Selby Farm Airport (35KS) in Derby, Kansas, and was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Witness Observations
Witnesses who observed the airplane's departure reported that it initially flew south from 35KS before turning west. One witness estimated that the aircraft reached an altitude of 300 to 400 feet above ground level. The witnesses described hearing the engine power decrease while the aircraft's pitch increased, with the altitude remaining unchanged. They then observed the aircraft turn to the north, after which it appeared to stall and enter a spin. Witnesses noted that the engine power increased as the aircraft spun before impacting the ground.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 78, held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and glider aero tow. His most recent application for a third-class medical certificate was dated September 3, 2009, on which he reported a total of 828 flight hours, with 20 hours flown in the preceding six months. The pilot's logbooks were not located during the investigation. Medical records indicated a history of pulmonary embolism. An autopsy conducted by the Regional Forensic Science Center in Sedgwick, Kansas, attributed the cause of death to multiple blunt force injuries.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination by Federal Aviation Inspectors revealed that both left and right wings were twisted, the wing struts were bent, and the fabric covering was torn. One of the wooden propeller blades was splintered, with approximately one quarter of the blade remaining outboard of the hub; the other blade was mostly intact, with about three quarters remaining and a splintered end. Flight control continuity was verified from all control surfaces to the cockpit controls. Throttle cable continuity was confirmed from the throttle control to the carburetor, and the carburetor responded normally to throttle cable movements. Fuel was found in the carburetor bowl, and the fuel filter was free of contaminants. Approximately one gallon of fuel was present in the fuel tank, and no moisture was detected. The aircraft was powered by a Rotax 503 engine, and no engine anomalies were observed.