History of Flight
On April 30, 2015, about 1257 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Hoffman Zenith 701, registration N95MH, sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain approximately 2.5 miles north of Trinidad, Colorado. The non-certificated pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The departure time, departure location, and destination are unknown.
Personnel and Aircraft Information
The 53-year-old pilot was not a certificated pilot and did not hold a medical certificate. He possessed a valid Colorado identification card but no driver's license. His flight experience is unknown. The aircraft, serial number 001, was manufactured in 2009 and powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS-2 engine. It had a maximum gross weight of 1,100 lbs. The hour meter indicated 435 hours total time. The aircraft was equipped with a Dynon EFIS-D10A. Originally painted red, yellow, and white, the aircraft was repainted white after a 2014 accident that damaged the nose gear, engine compartment, and both wings. The aircraft's registration numbers were not painted on the sides or tail.
Meteorological and Witness Information
Surface weather observation at Perry Stokes Airport (TAD), about 10 miles northeast, at 1354 reported wind variable at 3 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 25°C, dew point -1°C, and altimeter 30.01 inches of mercury. A witness living near the accident site reported hearing the aircraft approach from the east. He observed it making two left-hand circles at about 200-300 feet above ground level, with the engine running normally and "revved out." During a third circle, the aircraft "floated." The pilot appeared to be turning using rudder only, with wings not banked and airspeed low. The engine noise stopped, the aircraft flipped left, and descended straight down. The nose rose slightly just before impact.
Wreckage and Examination
The aircraft impacted terrain on a heading of 55° magnetic. The wreckage was inverted, about 12 feet from the initial impact point, with significant crushing but largely intact. Flight control continuity was confirmed for rudder, elevator, and ailerons, except the elevator push/pull tube had separated due to overload. The three-bladed composite propeller showed minimal damage: one blade intact, one separated at the hub, and one broken 10 inches from the root. The engine exhibited minimal damage; thumb compression and suction were confirmed on all cylinders. The cockpit fuel selector was positioned to the right tank. Both fuel tanks were inverted and contained little fuel; less than a pint was drained from the right tank. The ground beneath was wet with aviation fuel. The aircraft's data plate identified it as N95MH. The Dynon EFIS-D10A was examined but had firmware version 2.19, which does not support data logging; no data were recovered.
Ownership and Toxicology
The aircraft was purchased by the current owner in April 2014. On December 11, 2014, the owner reported it missing to the Longmont Police Department, and on December 24, 2014, he stated in writing that it was stolen and he did not authorize the accident pilot to possess it. An autopsy determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing detected diphenhydramine in urine and blood, naproxen in urine, and carbon monoxide (12%) in blood. An engine run test showed the engine started and ran smoothly at idle, but the oil pump fixture was damaged, limiting the run duration.