History of Flight
On December 10, 2011, about 1316 Pacific standard time, an experimental amateur-built Crosley Vans RV-8, registration N948RC, impacted terrain while maneuvering near Armistead, California. The airplane was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Rosamond, California about 1300. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Multiple witnesses near the accident site reported observing the airplane flying northbound at approximately 130 feet above ground level. One witness noted the airplane was low enough to see the pilot looking down. The airplane continued north, initiated a right turn to the east, performed several barrel rolls, then turned west and executed a loop. During the loop, it impacted terrain. Witnesses reported the engine appeared to be developing power at the time.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 65, held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane multi-engine land, single-engine land, and instrument ratings. A third-class medical certificate was issued September 3, 2009, requiring corrective lenses. The pilot reported 2,800 total flight hours on his most recent medical application.
Aircraft Information
The two-seat, low-wing, fixed-gear experimental amateur-built airplane, serial number 0002, was built in 2005. It was powered by a Lycoming O-360-A1A engine rated at 180 horsepower, driving a three-bladed Catto fixed-pitch propeller. The most recent annual inspection was completed on November 16, 2011, at an airframe total time of 430.2 hours.
Meteorological Information
Recorded data from Mojave Airport's automated weather station, 27 miles southwest of the accident site, indicated at 1315: wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 14°C, dew point -13°C, altimeter 30.12 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane came to rest upright on a heading of about 245 degrees magnetic. The debris path extended about 150 feet, containing parts of the instrument panel, canopy, and fiberglass. Leading edges of the wings, horizontal stabilizer, and vertical stabilizer were crushed aft. Flight control continuity was established, with overload separations consistent with impact damage. The engine separated from the airframe and exhibited impact damage to the sump, induction tubes, exhaust system, starter, and alternator. The crankshaft was displaced aft, preventing rotation. Spark plugs showed normal operation, and combustion chambers were undamaged with no evidence of foreign object ingestion. No preimpact mechanical malfunction was found in the airframe or engine.
Medical and Pathological Information
The Kern County Coroner conducted an autopsy on December 13, 2011, determining the cause of death as "massive blunt force trauma." Toxicology tests by the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute detected Losartan in the liver and ethanol in the muscle at 13 (mg/dL or mg/hg), noted to be from sources other than ingestion.