Accident Overview
On July 9, 2011, at approximately 1105 central daylight time, a De Havilland DHC-1 aircraft, registration N22DH, was substantially damaged when it lost control on final approach to runway 17 at Lloyd Stearman Airport (1K1) in Benton, Kansas. The private pilot and registered owner sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Witness Accounts
Two witnesses, who were operating a helicopter in the traffic pattern, observed the airplane enter a sudden, 360-degree turn to the right over the end of the runway. According to one witness, as the airplane initiated the turn, the wings appeared to buffet. The pilot then recovered on a north heading at an altitude of about 200 feet above ground level. As the pilot attempted to turn back toward the runway, the airplane stalled and entered a spin to the right. It subsequently collided with terrain approximately half a mile northwest of the runway.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, along with two other inspectors, conducted a postaccident examination of the airplane and interviewed the pilot. The inspector reported that the pilot had recently purchased the airplane and was practicing touch-and-go landings at the time of the accident.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that while on final approach, he performed a right 360-degree turn for spacing. He reported that he subsequently allowed the airspeed to decrease, resulting in a stall and entry into a spin. The pilot was unable to recover from the spin before the aircraft struck the ground.
Damage Details
The airplane came to rest against a residential shed. The impact caused substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the tail section. There was no postimpact fire. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane or its engine prior to the accident.