History of Flight
On October 27, 2010, at about 1600 central daylight time, a Donegan Benton Kitfox II experimental airplane, registration N8700T, was substantially damaged after impacting terrain while departing Elm Creek Airpark (0TX6) in Seguin, Texas. The private pilot was fatally injured. The local flight was conducted under Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
A witness observed the airplane climb out after takeoff. While still at low altitude, just over a set of power lines, the airplane banked to the right, entered a spin, and impacted the ground near vertical. The witness responded to the scene and reported smelling fuel but did not see any fuel dripping from the wreckage.
Personnel Information
The pilot, age 69, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His last third-class medical certificate was issued on October 16, 2006. The Federal Aviation Administration reported the pilot had approximately 2,200 total flight hours. The pilot’s flight logbooks were not located during the investigation.
Aircraft Information
The homebuilt airplane was of a high-wing, two-seat, tailwheel configuration with steel frame and fabric construction. It was powered by a Rotax 582UL two-cycle engine rated at 65 horsepower, driving a GCS Systems N750 three-bladed propeller.
Meteorological Information
Weather observations at 1551 from New Braunfels, Texas, about 15 miles northwest of the accident site, recorded winds calm, clear skies, visibility seven miles, temperature 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and dew point 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane was examined on scene by an FAA inspector. Both wings were damaged, the landing gear were crushed, and the fuselage was twisted. One propeller blade was damaged and folded under the wreckage. The remaining two blades were undamaged, and there was no evidence of rotational impact damage found on the propeller assembly. The engine was pushed back and to the airplane’s right. The fuel lines, gascolator fuel filter, and carburetor bowl were examined, and no fuel was found.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed on the pilot on October 29, 2010, attributed the cause of death to multiple traumatic injuries. Toxicological testing conducted by the FAA's Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory tested negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and drugs.