History of Flight
On June 23, 2013, about 1101 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Extra Flugzeugproduktions EA 300/LT, N169TM, collided in flight with power lines near Adrian, Oregon. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The local personal flight departed Ontario, Oregon, at an undetermined time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
A witness preparing to fish heard the airplane's engine and observed it fly through the river canyon above him, following the canyon contours. He saw the airplane collide with large power lines (5/8-inch cable) across the Owyhee River, about 1/2 mile downriver from Owyhee Dam. The airplane continued but became obscured by canyon walls.
Another witness, also fishing, heard the airplane come around a corner downriver. He thought the pilot initiated a climb to avoid the power lines. The airplane entered a flat spin and struck the power lines before impacting the ground.
A third witness, a private pilot fishing about 2 miles away, heard the engine become extremely loud, which he interpreted as a rapid descent. He had observed the airplane flying in the area the previous day and estimated its speed at 200 miles per hour.
A first responder reported that the pilot was in the rear seat and observed scratch marks from a wire on the left wing.
Wreckage and Impact Information
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage on scene. The airplane came to rest upright with extensive damage forward of the wings. The landing gear collapsed downward. The power lines were marked with orange spherical balls.
Medical and Pathological Information
The Malheur County Medical Examiner authorized an autopsy by the Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Ontario Department of Pathology. The FAA Forensic Toxicology Research Team performed toxicological testing of pilot specimens.
Analysis found no carbon monoxide or volatiles. Tests for cyanide were not performed. The report noted: Atorvastatin detected in urine (0.07 ug/ml, ug/g), but not in blood; morphine detected in urine but not in blood (cavity); Ramipril detected in urine but not in blood. Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure, and Atorvastatin is used to treat elevated cholesterol.