History of Flight
On June 18, 2015, at approximately 0738 mountain standard time, a North Wing Apache Sport powered-lift aircraft (registration N51311) collided with terrain after a loss of control during initial climb following takeoff from Taos Regional Airport (SKX), Taos, New Mexico. The sport pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, and no flight plan was filed for the local departure at about 0736. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed near the accident site.
Several witnesses working near the departure end of runway 22 observed the aircraft take off, climb to about 500 ft, and then enter a right turn. They reported that the aircraft seemed to "fall out of the sky" and stall before striking terrain adjacent to and to the right of the departure end. One witness heard the engine revving before impact.
Personnel Information
The 69-year-old pilot held a sport pilot certificate for powered-lift aircraft. His logbook showed 540 total flight hours, all in powered-lift aircraft, with 300 hours in the accident aircraft. The last recorded flight in the accident aircraft was on August 9, 2014, and his most recent logbook entry was September 8, 2014, flying another aircraft of the same make and model. Family and friends confirmed that this was his last flight before the accident. The pilot had successfully completed a flight review on November 22, 2014, as required by 14 CFR Section 61.56(a), but the flight hours for that review were not recorded. Logbook entries indicated a pattern of not flying during winter months, with gaps of several months in previous years.
Aircraft Information
The two-seat, powered-lift aircraft, serial number 4608087, was manufactured and owned by the pilot since 2003. It held a special airworthiness certificate for the experimental light sport aircraft category. The aircraft was powered by a rear-mounted Rotax 582 UL engine. According to a friend, the aircraft was in good condition, well maintained, and stored in an airport hangar since new.
Meteorological Information
At 0713, the routine aviation weather report for SKX reported calm wind, clear skies, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 18°C, dew point 8°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.35 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
On-site examination found no evidence of mechanical anomalies in the flight controls, structure, or engine. Ground scars and wreckage orientation indicated impact in a nose-low attitude. The wooden propeller was shattered, with signatures consistent with the engine producing power at impact.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center listed the cause of death as "multiple blunt force injuries" and the manner as "accident." The autopsy revealed significant coronary artery disease (80% stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery), increased interstitial fibrosis of the heart, a thickened right ventricular wall (0.7 cm), arteriosclerosis in the kidneys, and extensive pulmonary emphysema.
Toxicology testing detected sildenafil, its metabolite, and zolpidem in urine and blood (0.003 ug/ml zolpidem in blood). Additionally, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 0.0036 ug/ml and THC-COOH at 0.0105 ug/ml were identified in cavity blood, with THC-COOH also in liver and brain. Sildenafil is not impairing, while zolpidem is a Schedule IV sleep aid with warnings about impairing hazardous tasks. THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, can cause performance impairments.
Medical records were not available, as the pilot's physician had retired. The pilot's wife reported he had shortness of breath and often used an inhaler.
Additional Information
The wreckage was released to the owner's representative.