Accident Summary
On April 9, 2014, about 0830 central daylight time, an Aerotrike Safari experimental light sport aircraft, registration N678TW, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after takeoff from runway 19 at Littlefield Taylor Brown Municipal Airport (LIU), Littlefield, Texas. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airport manager discovered the aircraft about 0850; no witnesses were known.
Pilot Information
The accident pilot had no record of applying for or being issued any pilot, medical, mechanic, or repairman certificates with the FAA. A hangar mate reported that the pilot had been interested in trikes for years but had no hands-on training, though he planned to obtain flight training. Days before the accident, the pilot was observed taxiing the aircraft on the runway.
Aircraft Information
The weight-shift control, two-place Aerotrike was issued an experimental light sport airworthiness certificate in August 2007, with a build year of 2001 and 104 total hours at application. The operating limitations required the pilot to hold a student pilot certificate or higher. The pilot had purchased the aircraft about three weeks before the accident, but no transfer of ownership was documented with the FAA. No maintenance records were obtained. A hangar mate who had flown the aircraft noted it did not lift off at expected speeds but "popped" off the ground at a higher speed; he found it not easy to fly and advised the pilot not to fly it. The engine performed normally during his flight.
Meteorological Information
Weather at 0853 from Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (33 miles southeast) reported few clouds at 30,000 feet, wind from 240° at 7 knots, temperature 13°C, dew point -3°C, altimeter 30.16 inHg.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft came to rest upright about 200 feet left of runway 19 in grass and low brush. The cart tubing was deformed and separated consistent with impact forces; the wing remained attached but deformed at the cart pivot. Fabric and engine/propeller appeared intact. A postaccident examination found no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.
Medical and Pathological Findings
Autopsy attributed death to injuries from the accident. Findings included myocardial scarring on the posterior left ventricular wall, mild coronary artery disease (≤20% occlusion), and cardiomegaly. Microscopic examination showed no acute inflammation. Toxicology detected cyclobenzaprine in blood and liver (muscle relaxant), hydrocodone metabolites in urine but not blood (narcotic), and metoprolol in blood (beta-blocker). Cyclobenzaprine and hydrocodone can have sedating effects; metoprolol is used for hypertension, angina, or arrhythmias.