History of Flight
On August 31, 2014, about 1834 central daylight time, a Schafer Foxtrot 4 experimental amateur-built single-engine airplane, N729AR, was destroyed after impacting terrain during initial climb near Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), Abilene, Texas. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, a second passenger was seriously injured, and a 2-year-old child sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 for a local personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
The airplane departed ABI runway 17R to the south and was about 400 feet above ground level when the pilot declared an emergency and reported needing to return. Witnesses observed the southbound airplane in a steep left bank and heard sounds of impact. The airplane was generally northbound when it struck mesquite trees and terrain about one mile south of the airport. Impact caused complete separation of the forward fuselage, engine, and propeller from the fuselage. The wing was also separated, and both wing fuel tanks were compromised. All three adult occupants were ejected or partially ejected; the child remained restrained by a 4-point harness and was removed by emergency responders. A fuel spill occurred but no postimpact fire.
Personnel Information
The pilot, age 35, was a career active duty officer in the United States Air Force, rated as a Senior Pilot and assigned as a military instructor pilot. He held an FAA commercial pilot certificate with ratings in airplane multiengine land (limited to center thrust), instrument airplane, and airplane single engine land (limited to private pilot privileges), as well as a current FAA instructor pilot certificate with an instrument rating. His total flight experience was estimated at 2,594 hours, with over 2,000 hours in military airplanes and 23 hours in the Foxtrot 4, all within the previous three months.
Aircraft Information
The low-wing, fixed tricycle landing gear, single-engine airplane, serial number F-008, was powered by a 300-horsepower Lycoming IO-540-K1H3 fuel-injected engine driving a McCauley three-blade controllable pitch propeller. The structure was primarily composite, with a four-seat enclosed cockpit accessed via gull-wing doors. The kit manufacturer's expected empty weight was about 1,750 pounds, maximum gross weight 3,200 pounds, and landing configuration stall speed about 58 knots. FAA records showed the airplane was completed by the pilot with assistance and issued a special airworthiness certificate on June 10, 2014, in the experimental amateur-built category. The aircraft total time at the accident was estimated at 53.0 hours, engine total time 1,498.5 hours, and time since major overhaul 362.5 hours.
Meteorological Information
At 1752, the ABI automated weather observation reported wind from 150 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 7,500 feet, temperature 36°C, dew point 17°C, and altimeter 29.87 inches of mercury. At the accident time, the sun was at 18 degrees above the horizon with an azimuth of about 269 degrees; apparent sunset was at 2006.
Communications and Radar
At 1755, N729AR landed at ABI after a flight from San Marcos. At 1827:33, the pilot requested taxi from Abilene Aero to runway 17R at taxiway C3 for an intersection takeoff, advising he would operate west of the field for about 15 minutes. At 1832:01, he was ready for departure, and at 1832:19, cleared for takeoff. Radar data showed the airplane southbound at 1833:22; at 1833:42, the pilot transmitted, "tower experimental seven two nine alpha romeo ah emergency landing one seven right opposite direction." No further communications were received. Radar contact was lost at 1833:51 as the airplane turned left.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane struck 15- to 20-foot-tall mesquite trees and flat ranch terrain at an elevation of about 1,755 feet msl, about 2,500 feet south of the departure end of runway 17R. The impact path was north-northwest with a slightly nose-down attitude and right wing low. Initial impact occurred on a tree branch at about 11 feet agl. The main wreckage came to rest about 140 feet from the initial tree strike, with the separated forward fuselage and engine about 195 feet away. The wing was inverted and separated; both fuel tanks were breached. All flight control surfaces and major components were accounted for. The emergency locator transmitter was found without batteries installed. No evidence of liquid fuel was initially observed, but fuel blight on vegetation was noted on the third day.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy was performed on the pilot. Forensic toxicology detected diphenhydramine in urine and femoral blood at levels too low to quantify and considered not impairing. No carbon monoxide or ethanol was present. The pilot held a current unrestricted third-class FAA medical certificate issued January 17, 2001, and a USAF flight physical on January 24, 2014, clearing him for instructor pilot duties.
Tests and Research
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The wing structure showed bonding issues with inconsistent adhesive application. The front seat lap belt anchorages were adhesively bonded with filler and glass cloth, not mechanically attached. The engine exhibited thumb compression and continuity, and spark was present on both magnetos. Fuel system components, including the boost pump and selector valve, were flow tested and found operational with no anomalies. Two electronic displays were damaged beyond data recovery.