Introduction
On May 14, 2010, about 0718 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250, registration N6967P, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during takeoff initial climb from Roberts Field Airport (RDM), Redmond, Oregon. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed. The cross-country flight was originating to Burns, Oregon.
Witness Observations
A witness conducting a runway inspection on runway 4 saw the airplane initiate takeoff on runway 10. After diverting attention, he reestablished visual contact and observed the airplane in an almost vertical attitude about 100-200 feet above the departure end. It performed a 360-degree roll, "stalled", entered a nose-down attitude, performed a second 360-degree roll, and descended below a tree line. Another witness in the air traffic control tower saw the airplane depart runway 10 on a normal climb, then about half a mile beyond the runway it entered an abrupt climb at an approximate 90-degree angle, climbed about 200 feet, nosed over, descended steeply, and impacted terrain north of runway 10/28.
Pilot Information
The pilot was 87 years old, held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine land and land ratings, and a third-class medical certificate issued December 20, 2007, with a limitation for corrective lenses. He reported 10,000 total flight hours on his most recent medical application. His logbook was not recovered.
Aircraft Information
The four-seat, low-wing, retractable gear airplane (serial number 24-2108) was manufactured in 1960, powered by a Lycoming O-540-A1D5 engine (250 hp), with a two-bladed Hartzell propeller. An annual inspection was completed June 1, 2009, at 2,131.48 hours tachometer; engine time since major overhaul was 1,147.9 hours. The tachometer at the accident site read 2,143.38 hours. The airplane was refueled the previous day with 41 gallons of 100LL fuel; no anomalies were found in fuel samples. Weight and balance were within limits with the pilot's reported weight and full fuel.
Meteorological Conditions
At 0723, weather at RDM was wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 9°C, dew point 3°C, altimeter 30.04 inHg.
Airport Information
Roberts Field Airport operates under Class D airspace from 0530 to dusk. It has two asphalt runways: 4/22 and 10/28. Runway 10/28 is 7,006 feet long, 100 feet wide, with a 0.5% upslope gradient. Field elevation is 3,080 feet msl.
Wreckage and Impact
Debris was scattered over about 400 feet along a 310-degree bearing from the first identified point of contact (FIPC). The FIPC was a ground scar with paint chips and green lens fragments from the right wing navigation light, extending about 50 feet across taxiway Zulu to a one-foot by two-foot crater. Engine cowling and one propeller blade were in the crater. Right wing, empennage, vertical stabilizer, engine components, and fuselage parts were along the debris path. The main wreckage (left wing inverted, cockpit and forward fuselage upright) was found with the engine and right wing parts about 30 feet beyond. Flight control continuity was established from the cabin to all primary controls. The horizontal stabilator trim drum was in a full nose-up (tab down) position and free to move; trim cable ends showed overload signatures. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found in the airframe or engine.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy on May 15, 2010, by the Deschutes County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as blunt force traumatic injuries. Toxicology tests by CAMI were positive for an unspecified level of Amlodipine in urine and blood.