History of Flight
On December 6, 2015, about 2110 central standard time, a Cessna 140 airplane, N90123, impacted terrain near Keytesville, Missouri. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The origin and destination of the flight could not be determined.
A witness observed the airplane approach from the northeast and begin clockwise turns overhead. The diameter of the turns was estimated between ¼- and ½-mile. The airplane's lights were visible overhead but appeared to be in clouds or fog. During the third circle, the lights became brighter as if the airplane exited the clouds, then it turned south away from the witness and abruptly descended. The witness heard the impact and reported the engine sounded normal beforehand. He noted that stars were not visible due to clouds but he could see the lighted top of a 400-ft-tall tower.
The pilot was not in radio contact with any air traffic control facility.
Personnel Information
The pilot's logbook was not located during the investigation, so total flight experience and night flying time could not be determined. The pilot did not hold an instrument rating; his instrument experience and training are unknown. On his medical certificate application, he reported no flight time. He also reported convictions for driving under the influence on February 29, 2012, and possession of a controlled substance on May 14, 2001, February 10, 2005, and July 14, 2008. He reported last using methamphetamines on October 28, 2011.
Aircraft Information
The airplane's maintenance logbooks were not recovered, and the date of the last annual inspection could not be determined. It is unknown if recent maintenance was performed.
Meteorological Information
The 2115 automated weather observation at Marshall Memorial Municipal Airport, about 30 nautical miles southwest, reported wind from 350° at 4 knots, ceiling broken at 300 ft above ground level, temperature 39°F, dew point 37°F, and altimeter 30.33 inches of mercury. These conditions likely represented those at the accident site. An AIRMET was valid for the area from 2100 to 0300 with forecast ceilings below 1,000 ft and visibility below 3 miles with mist and fog. No record existed of the pilot obtaining a weather briefing.
The NWS Surface Analysis Chart for 2100 showed a low pressure system east over Indiana with an occluded front. Station models over northern Missouri indicated northwest winds at 10 knots or less, overcast skies, temperatures around 40°F, and temperature-dew point spreads less than 6°F. The Weather Depiction Chart for 2200 showed extensive IFR conditions over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and northern Missouri, with MVFR extending into central and eastern Missouri. The NAM model for 2100 indicated relative humidity above 80% from surface to 3,000 ft, cloud base at 50 ft, wind from 320° at 5 kts, temperature 3.6°C, dew point 3.5°C, and relative humidity 99%, supporting fog and low stratiform clouds. GOES-13 infrared imagery at 2115 showed low stratiform clouds and/or deep fog over northern Missouri and Iowa.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was in an open hayfield. Impact signatures indicated a near-vertical impact. All major components were present. Flight control continuity was established. Both wings had accordion crushing along leading edges. Flaps appeared retracted. The fuel selector was in the right tank position; both wing tanks contained fuel. The airspeed indicator read over 160 mph; the altimeter Kollsman window read 30.00 inches.
The engine's upper spark plugs showed normal wear. Engine continuity and compression were confirmed. One propeller blade was curled with leading edge polishing; the other blade was missing several inches from its tip. No anomalies were detected with the airframe or engine.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy listed cause of death as blunt force injuries from the accident. The report stated that methamphetamine use may have contributed to the accident. Thickening of the left ventricle was noted. Forensic toxicology detected amphetamine (0.536 ug/ml in blood) and methamphetamine (5.07 ug/ml in blood). Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance; prescribed oral doses produce blood levels 0.02-0.05 ug/ml, while recreational users may exceed 2.00 ug/ml.