What happened
On November 1, 2011, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-6, registration N262MA, crashed in Taylorsville, Georgia. The flight originated from Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Airport in Kentucky, with a planned destination of Weedon Field Airport in Alabama. The pilot was in the process of relocating the aircraft for the winter.
At approximately 16:33 EDT, the pilot contacted Atlanta Approach Control while flying at 6,500 feet MSL. The pilot acknowledged instructions to remain clear of Atlanta Class B airspace and was provided an altimeter setting. Following this communication, there were no further radio contacts. Radar data indicated the aircraft climbed to approximately 7,100 feet before radar contact was lost at 16:42.
A witness near the site reported hearing a loud engine noise and observing the airplane in a very fast, steep, and almost straight nose-down descent. The aircraft struck a cow pasture, causing the airframe to become highly fragmented. The weather at the time was clear with visual meteorological conditions.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the airplane was highly fragmented. The engine, a Lycoming O-320-E2D, was located in an impact crater; while the crankcase and accessories sustained significant impact damage, a borescope inspection of the cylinders showed no evidence of pre-impact malfunctions. The wooden propeller blades were also fragmented at the hubs.
Data recovered from a Garmin 496 GPS receiver provided a sequence of the aircraft's final moments. The data showed the aircraft's altitude fluctuating between 6,554 feet and 6,939 feet while the heading gradually shifted from 191 degrees to 268 degrees. The final recorded data point occurred at 16:41:37, showing an altitude of 6,899 feet and a ground speed of 131 knots.
An autopsy of the 70-year-old pilot determined the cause of death was blunt force injuries due to the crash. Toxicological testing was negative for drugs and alcohol. While the pilot had a known history of hypertension, it was reported as well-controlled, and his physician had described his health as fine during a checkup six months prior to the accident.