Accident Sequence
On July 14, 2015, at about 1552 central daylight time, an unregistered Air Creation Clipper 582 weight-shift control aircraft collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Clark County Airport (8D7) in Clark, South Dakota. The uncertificated pilot and a passenger were seriously injured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was owned by the pilot and operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal local flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The passenger reported that when the aircraft was about 100 ft above ground, it "turned onto its side" and descended into terrain. A witness stated that after departure from runway 31 and climbing to about 100 ft, he heard a reduction in engine power, then saw the aircraft pitch down 10°–15° and roll into a 20° left bank before descending.
Video Evidence
The passenger recorded two videos on a handheld mobile phone. The first (9 seconds) showed taxiing with low engine power; the pilot held the control bar, and cables appeared intact. The second (21 seconds) showed takeoff roll, liftoff, and initial climb. About 3 seconds into the recording, the aircraft became airborne. Approximately 12 seconds after liftoff, it abruptly entered a steep left bank; the right wingtip was above the horizon. About 2 seconds later, the engine power reduced and continued at low power. The video ended with the aircraft in a steep left bank.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed significant impact damage to the forward cabin. The fuel tank contained automotive fuel premixed with two-cycle oil; the fuel shutoff valve was safety-wired open. The Rotax 582 engine (serial number 4656198) remained attached to mounts, and the 4-blade propeller was attached with all blades damaged. Several cables were wrapped around the propeller shaft, consistent with the engine operating at impact. No preimpact anomalies were found in the airframe, wing, or control system.
The engine showed no cracks or oil leaks. Spark plugs indicated normal operation. Carburetors had correct jets, no contamination. Compression and suction were noted, and the rotary induction valve was undamaged. An operational test run showed the engine started and ran at various speeds without anomalies. No mechanical malfunction or failure was identified.
Toxicology Findings
Hospital records indicated the 57-year-old male pilot had a history of atrial fibrillation, Hepatitis C, chronic pain, and illicit drug use including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. He also reported drinking "a pint of brandy a day." His blood ethanol level was 0.046% about 40–60 minutes post-accident. Toxicology tests by the South Dakota Public Health Laboratory found ethyl alcohol (0.020 gm/dl), benzoylecgonine (628 ng/ml), methamphetamine (35 ng/ml), and cannabinoids in peripheral blood.
FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory tests detected ethanol in urine (0.019 gm/dl), and in urine: methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid. In peripheral blood: cocaine, benzoylecgonine, methamphetamine, and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (0.0114 µg/ml). Ketamine was detected in blood and urine (administered during medical treatment).