History of Flight
On April 22, 2013, at about 1117 central daylight time, an Alon A2 airplane, N6369V, was destroyed after impact with terrain at Arkavalley Airport (12A), Greenbrier, Arkansas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Dennis F. Cantrell Airport (KCWS), Conway, Arkansas, at 1055.
According to a witness, the pilot attempted two landings on Runway 18, touching down briefly each time and performing a go-around. On the third landing attempt, the airplane touched down, bounced, and began to porpoise. About 1000 feet after the first bounce, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck a culvert. As the pilot initiated a go-around, the airplane became airborne and impacted a tree to the left of the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain, and a post-impact fire ensued, consuming most of the airplane.
Personnel Information
The pilot, age 81, held a commercial pilot license with airplane single-engine land and instrument ratings. On September 21, 2011, he was issued a limited Class 3 medical certificate requiring corrective lenses. At the time of the exam, he reported 1900 total flight hours, with zero in the previous six months. According to a friend, the pilot had not flown regularly for about 20 years.
The pilot recently purchased the accident airplane and traveled to North Carolina to ferry it back to Arkansas. On April 20, 2013, he completed a biennial flight review at Harnett County Airport (KHRJ), Erwin, North Carolina. The flight instructor stated the pilot flew fairly well and safely, but not great, and recommended additional flight instruction after returning to Arkansas. The instructor was concerned about fatigue and discussed appropriate rest periods; the pilot chose to stop overnight on his return trip. The instructor was not familiar with Arkavalley Airport and no approach/landing considerations were discussed.
Aircraft Information
The Alon A2 (serial number A-45) was manufactured in 1965 and registered with a standard airworthiness certificate for normal operations. The airplane had a total time of 3,654 hours as of the last annual inspection on November 2, 2012. It was equipped with a Continental C90 series engine, which had accumulated 1,661 total hours, with 287 hours since last major overhaul.
Meteorological Information
The weather station at Little Rock Air Force Base (KLRF), about 18 miles southeast of the accident site, reported at 1158: wind 150 at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 21°C, dew point 8°C, altimeter setting 30.14.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane came to rest about 200 feet beyond the tree strike, facing southeast. The majority of the airplane was consumed by fire. FAA personnel confirmed flight control continuity on scene. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy on April 24, 2013, attributed the cause of death to smoke and soot inhalation. FAA toxicology tests were negative for carbon monoxide, ethanol, and tested drugs.