Accident Details
On May 4, 2014, at approximately 1635 central daylight time, a Champion 7GCAA, registration N9588S, collided with terrain less than 0.3 miles from the departure airstrip near Bardwell, Kentucky. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated less than one minute earlier from a runway adjacent to the pilot's sister's house.
Pilot and Passenger Statements
The pilot stated that earlier that day he had flown the airplane from his house to the airstrip; after landing, he secured the engine and remained on the ground for about 30 minutes with no issues. He and his nephew then boarded for a local flight. The pilot performed an engine run-up before takeoff, checking both magnetos, each decreasing equally by 75 rpm. He applied takeoff power, noting the engine developed full redline rpm, and became airborne in about 500 to 600 feet. After becoming airborne, he leveled off to accelerate, then began a climbing turn to the southwest, into the wind (from the south at 10 to 15 knots with occasional gusts). The airplane climbed to between 150 and 200 feet, with the engine operating at 2,400 rpm, when the airplane began descending. He applied full power; the engine responded, but the descent continued. The airplane impacted in a field and nosed over; both occupants exited. The pilot was taken to a hospital by relatives for treatment.
The passenger reported that the takeoff was okay, and after climbing above trees in a turn, a large gust of wind came from the right side, causing the airplane to nose dive. He indicated the airplane hit nose first and nosed over.
Toxicology and Alcohol Observations
A Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper at the hospital where the pilot was treated reported communicating with the pilot and noting an odor of alcohol. A doctor and nurse also reported the smell. The pilot left the hospital before toxicology testing was performed; he later indicated he left because he felt okay, not to avoid testing.
The trooper informed the passenger that she smelled alcohol on the pilot's breath and asked if he had been drinking. The passenger stated he never saw a beer but noted the pilot was slurring his words; he did not know if it was blood or something else. The passenger also indicated the pilot had arrived only 5 to 10 minutes before departure.
During a follow-up interview at the accident site, the FAA inspector asked the pilot about intoxication. The pilot denied being intoxicated and stated his last alcohol consumption was a few beers the night before. When confronted about the hospital reports, the pilot claimed his cologne contained alcohol.
Inspection Findings
Two days after the accident, the FAA inspector reviewed maintenance records and pilot logbooks, noting the airplane was out of annual inspection and the pilot's last flight review was more than two years prior.
Postaccident inspection revealed that the left wing had been cut by first responders due to fuel leakage; some fuel remained but no sample was taken. The right fuel tank was more than half full, with blue fuel consistent with 100 low lead (100LL); no contaminants were observed. The fuel selector was in the "on" position. Due to the engine's position, the fuel strainer and carburetor were inaccessible.
Rudder flight control continuity was confirmed, but elevator and aileron continuity could not be confirmed due to damage. All engine controls from the cockpit remained connected; the throttle and mixture controls were full forward. The Lycoming O-320-A2B engine could not be rotated through 360 degrees, but no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction was found. The No. 1 cylinder top spark plug was dry and black. The propeller showed one blade bent slightly forward then sharply aft; the second blade was bent aft with leading edge twisting toward low pitch and deep gouges at the tip, along with chordwise scratches on the blade face.
No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.