Background
On March 19, 2011, at 1255 eastern daylight time, an unregistered, experimental amateur-built Jennings Mini Max airplane collided with trees during takeoff from a private residence in Clinton, South Carolina. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained structural damage to the airframe and wings.
The pilot, age 71, was not certificated and did not hold an airman medical certificate. His logbook was not recovered, so his total flight time could not be determined. According to the pilot's wife, he had been flying for more than 25 years and had built three or four kit airplanes; this particular airplane had taken about one year to build.
Accident Sequence
A witness reported taking photographs of the pilot and airplane before takeoff. She stated that the engine sounded normal during the takeoff roll. As the airplane began to climb, the left wing struck a small tree. The airplane then tilted left and collided with trees before impacting the ground. The witness ran to the wreckage and checked for signs of life; she initiated CPR and continued until emergency personnel arrived.
Examination of Wreckage
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector, under direction of the NTSB, examined the accident site. The takeoff area was adjacent to the pilot's home and consisted of a cleared strip approximately 150 yards long, with trees up to 100 feet tall at both ends. The left wing impacted a tree about 20 feet above ground, shearing off approximately half of the wing. The airplane then struck larger trees before hitting the ground.
Examination of the airframe and flight control systems revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction. The engine remained attached to the firewall, but the firewall had separated from the airframe. The propeller was attached to the crankshaft; both wooden blades were splintered at the hub. No pre-impact mechanical issues were found with the recovered engine and components. Maintenance records were not available for review.
Weather Conditions
Recorded data from the Laurens, South Carolina (LUX) automated weather observation station, located about 10 miles east of the accident site, indicated at 1255: wind 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, broken clouds at 11,000 feet above ground level, temperature 26°C, dew point 13°C, and altimeter 30.22 inches of mercury.
Medical and Toxicological Information
An autopsy performed on March 21, 2011, by Pathology Associates of Greenville, authorized by the Laurens County Coroner, listed multiple blunt force injuries as findings. The cause of death was attributed to two of the listed injuries. Forensic toxicology conducted by NMS Labs, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, detected no ethanol in liver or muscle and no drugs in the liver.