History of Flight
On November 17, 2010, about 2130 central standard time, a single-engine Hawker-Beechcraft A36 airplane, registration N314DP, collided with terrain while maneuvering for an approach to Wiley Post Airport (PWA), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from the Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport (LAW), Lawton, Oklahoma. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
During the airplane’s approach to PWA, the pilot reported a landing gear indicator problem to air traffic control (ATC). Several witnesses reported seeing the airplane’s red lights appear from the clouds and descend rapidly before impacting the ground, and subsequently lighting the sky with a post-crash fire.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a 1998 model, Hawker-Beechcraft Corporation A36, a single-engine, low-wing airplane with retractable tricycle landing gear, configured for six seats. It was powered by a Continental IO-550-B-AP reciprocating engine rated at 300 horsepower, modified with a turbocharger under a Supplemental Type Certificate from Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc. The engine drove a Hartzell 3-blade constant speed propeller. The last annual inspection was completed on May 26, 2010, at an aircraft time of 2,592.2 hours. The engine and propeller STC were installed in April 2010. Engine oil and filter changes were conducted on July 20, 2010, and October 1, 2010, with an engine compression check. The engine had accumulated 71.6 hours since last overhaul.
Meteorological Information
The automated weather reporting station at PWA reported at 2153: overcast clouds at 1,400 feet, visibility 7 miles, wind 350 degrees at 19 knots gusting to 24 knots, temperature 39°F, dew point 34°F, altimeter 30.33 inches.
Communications
As the airplane approached PWA, the pilot was transferred from Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center to the Oklahoma City approach controller. The pilot reported a gear indicator problem; ATC instructed the pilot to maintain 3,000 feet and turn to a heading of 360 degrees. The pilot acknowledged. No further communications or emergency calls were received.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane impacted a ditch in a near vertical attitude. The impact crater contained largely fragmented and burnt wreckage. The engine and 3-bladed propeller were at the base of the crater, submerged in mud. Small pieces were scattered in an open field. The fuselage, engine, wings, and empennage were destroyed or heavily damaged by impact and post-crash fire. The landing gear and flaps appeared in the retracted (up) positions. Flight control continuity was established from each control surface to the base of the control column or rudder pedals. All major components were accounted for.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force trauma. Forensic toxicology detected ethanol in muscle (from sources other than ingestion), butalbital, citalopram, N-desmethylcitalopram, cyclobenzaprine, and tramadol in various tissues. Butalbital is a prescription barbiturate; citalopram is an antidepressant; cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant; tramadol is a pain medication.
Tests and Research
The engine and airframe were examined at the salvage yard. The engine had heavy impact damage; the crankshaft was bent and could not be rotated. No internal heat stress signatures were found. The turbocharger was impact-damaged, and the compressor section was separated. The oil filter contained no metal particles; oil pump gears were intact and coated with oil. Spark plugs showed normal wear. The fuel pump was impact-damaged. The propeller blades were bent and had gouges. The landing gearbox was examined; the electric motor had thermal damage, and the gear extension handle was stowed in the up position. The gearbox could be manually rotated. No pre-impact mechanical anomalies were identified.