Accident Details
On June 4, 2012, about 1945 central daylight time, a Quicksilver Sport II experimental light-sport aircraft, registration N4396H, impacted terrain while maneuvering over Manchester Municipal Airport (C27), Manchester, Iowa. The certificated sport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The aircraft, which had originated from the pilot's private airstrip near Ryan, Iowa, and was en route to C27, sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.
Witness Observations
One witness observed the aircraft approaching from the south on a northerly heading at about 200 feet above ground level. The airplane turned west at the midpoint of the field, which the witness interpreted as a left downwind entry for runway 36. The witness stated the aircraft flew behind a hangar before he heard the crash. Another witness reported that the aircraft made a "sharp left bank" and flew over the hangar for approximately 15 to 30 seconds prior to the impact.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 2008 Quicksilver Sport II, serial number 0934, registered to the pilot on December 21, 2007. Airworthiness certification was completed in January 2008 at a total airframe time of 1.2 hours. A logbook entry dated August 15, 2008, indicated that flight test hours were completed. The last maintenance entry was on March 22, 2009, for a broken ground wire from the regulator to the frame. The last engine maintenance entry was on July 27, 2010, for installation of a replacement engine at a tachometer reading of 88 hours due to a rod bearing failure. The logbooks showed that the airplane and engine had never received a condition inspection.
Examination Findings
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, witnesses reported that the aircraft was maneuvering and the engine was operating at the time of the accident. The wreckage was found in a corn field about 100 yards west of runway 18/36 in a nose-down, near-vertical attitude. The left wing outer leading edge showed impact damage and the wing was buckled. Examination of the flight control system confirmed continuity, and engine control continuity was also confirmed. Fuel was present in both carburetor float bowls.
An autopsy conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Health reported the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. The FAA Final Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report indicated no carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, or listed drugs were detected in the pilot's blood or vitreous fluid.