What happened
On April 19, 2016, a Vans RV-12, registration N276VA, was involved in a fatal accident during the final approach for landing at Bay Bridge Airport (W29) in Stevensville, Maryland. The flight had originated from Easton/Newnam Field Airport (ESN) as a personal flight under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
After departing W29 and performing a landing at ESN, the pilot returned to W29. Witnesses at the airport reported that the aircraft approached without any radio transmissions on the common traffic advisory frequency. Flight track data indicated the aircraft entered the left downwind leg for runway 29 at approximately 1,000 feet mean sea level before initiating a left descending turn toward the base leg.
Observers near the airport noted the airplane appeared unusually low, at an altitude of approximately 50 to 75 feet. Witnesses described seeing the right wing drop, followed by a nose-down pitch that sent the aircraft into the ground. One witness specifically noted the nose pitched up briefly before a right bank and a subsequent nose-dive.
The aircraft impacted the terrain and cartwheeled approximately 75 feet before coming to rest upright about 750 feet short of runway 29. A post-impact fire consumed the fuselage. The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries.
The investigation
Mechanical examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation. The engine, including the crankshaft and cylinders, showed no signs of internal failure, and the spark plugs appeared normal. While the right flaperon was separated from the aircraft and the engine had separated from the airframe, flight control continuity was established through the fuselage.
An examination of the pilot's medical history revealed significant coronary artery disease and a history of hypertension. Toxicology testing identified several non-impairing prescription medications, including blood pressure and cholesterol medications, in the pilot's system.
Findings
- The pilot was attempting to land in gusty, front quartering crosswind conditions.
- Weather observations indicated winds from 320 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 16 knots.
- A morning surface-based inversion had been present, which can result in low-level wind shear and turbulence.
- The pilot's failure to compensate for the turbulent, gusty conditions led to the aircraft exceeding its critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.