History of Flight
On September 16, 2012, about 1852 central daylight time, an experimental JDT Mini-Max LLC model 1500R light sport airplane, registration N3533D, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from the Cameron Memorial Airport (EZZ), Cameron, Missouri. The sport pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was originating at the time.
A witness reported hearing the airplane departing to the south. He initially heard the engine before spotting the airplane climbing away from runway 17 at an estimated 45-degree nose-up pitch attitude. The witness perceived no engine anomalies as the airplane climbed to about 350 feet above ground, where it suddenly rolled to the right and entered a near-vertical descent into terrain.
Personnel Information
According to FAA records, the pilot, age 52, held a sport pilot certificate issued on October 9, 2010, with an airplane single-engine land rating. The pilot had never applied for an aviation medical certificate; operation of a light-sport aircraft required only a valid driver's license. No prior accidents, incidents, or enforcement actions were recorded.
The pilot's most recent logbook entry was dated August 12, 2012, showing 72.8 total flight hours, of which 38.5 were as pilot-in-command. His first flight in the accident airplane was on June 11, 2011, and he had accumulated 30 hours in it. He flew 27.5 hours in the past year, 16 hours in the prior 6 months, and 10 hours in the previous 90 days. No record of flight in the 30 days before the accident existed. All flight time in the past year was in the accident airplane.
Aircraft Information
The experimental light sport airplane was a 2002 JDT Mini-Max LLC model 1500R, serial number 852, powered by a two-stroke, two-cylinder, air-cooled, 40-horsepower Rotax 447UL engine with a three-blade Ivoprop propeller. The single-seat, tail-wheel-equipped airplane was constructed of wood and fabric and had a maximum takeoff weight of 630 pounds.
According to FAA records, the airplane had accumulated 195 hours when it received its experimental airworthiness certificate on November 23, 2007. A digital hour meter in the wreckage indicated 253 total hours at the time of the accident. Maintenance records were not located.
Meteorological Information
The nearest weather station, at Midwest National Air Center Airport (GPH), about 28 miles south, reported at 1855: calm wind, clear sky, visibility 10 miles, temperature 22°C, dew point 16°C, altimeter 29.97 inHg. Sunset was at 1923, about 31 minutes after the accident, with civil twilight ending at 1950.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Postaccident investigation confirmed all airframe components were at the site. The main wreckage was about 94 feet north and 27 feet east of the runway end. The wreckage area matched the aircraft's lateral dimensions, with no debris path, consistent with a near-vertical impact. A wing leading edge rib was embedded at about a 75-degree angle to terrain. Elevator and rudder control continuity was established; aileron continuity could not be verified due to damage, but separations were consistent with overstress. Both wing fuel tanks were undamaged and about half full. No evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies precluding normal operation was found.
The engine remained partially attached; the carburetor and fuel pump had separated. Internal engine continuity was confirmed, with compression and suction on both cylinders. Spark plugs showed normal operation. All three composite propeller blades remained attached with impact damage. No mechanical anomalies were found.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy on September 19, 2012, attributed the pilot's death to multiple blunt-force injuries. FAA toxicology tests detected pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) in blood and urine; carbon monoxide, cyanide, and ethanol were absent. Pseudoephedrine is a non-sedating over-the-counter decongestant.