Background
On July 28, 2013, about 1230 central daylight time, a kit-built Vans RV-8A airplane, registered as N131RP, impacted terrain near Lucas, Kansas. The airplane was operated by a private individual under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate for single-engine land but no instrument rating, was fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed.
The flight originated from Larned, Kansas, en route to Atlantic, Iowa. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Accident Sequence
The accident airplane was flying in trail formation behind another airplane. Both airplanes were maneuvering between cloud layers at about 7,500 feet mean sea level. As the formation approached Lucas, the accident pilot requested the lead airplane's heading. The lead pilot reported his heading and noted the accident airplane about 1 mile behind and 800 feet below his altitude. Clouds were present about 1,000 feet below and 4,000–5,000 feet above the lead airplane, with visibility estimated at 4–5 miles. The accident pilot reported he could not see the lead airplane. Shortly after, he again requested the heading. The lead pilot reported his altitude but could not visually locate the accident airplane. No further radio transmissions were received from the accident pilot.
Witness Reports
An eyewitness repairing a fence about 3/4 mile north of the accident site reported rain showers and a cloud ceiling of about 50 feet at the time. He heard one or two airplanes circling overhead, then the sound of impact, and another airplane still flying overhead. He noted the accident airplane's engine sounded at high rpm until impact.
Wreckage Information
The wreckage was located in a field by a local resident. FAA inspectors documented that the airplane was highly fragmented over a relatively large area, with a debris field running from southwest to northeast. Ground scars and damage were consistent with the airplane in a 60-degree left turn at impact.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land. His most recent medical certificate was a third-class issued on December 3, 2001, which expired on December 31, 2003. On that medical application, he reported 400 total hours and no flight time in the preceding six months. Acquaintances estimated he had 300–400 hours in an RV-6 and 130–150 hours in an RV-8. He also reported being prescribed medications and treated for coronary artery disease, but the status could not be determined. Several people who interacted with him before the flight did not observe any unusual behavior or medical issues.
Toxicology
Forensic toxicology on limited specimens found carbamazepine (an anticonvulsant) and ranitidine (a histamine H2-receptor antagonist). Neither medication had been reported to the FAA.
Weather Conditions
At 1253, an automated weather reporting facility 14 nautical miles southwest of the accident site reported wind from 110 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 10 miles, an overcast ceiling at 400 feet, temperature 63°F, dew point 61°F, and barometric pressure 30.02 inches of mercury.