History of Flight
On January 14, 2017, at about 1715 eastern standard time, an amphibious experimental amateur-built Buccaneer II B, registration N696FT, was substantially damaged after impacting high voltage power lines and a river near Mayo, Florida. The sport pilot, who was also the registered owner and operator, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.
According to a friend, the pilot had flown to the Suwannee River in Blue Springs Park to meet him and camp overnight. The pilot landed northbound on the river, flying over power lines during the approach. About 20 minutes after landing, the friend arrived. After a brief conversation, the friend went downstream to retrieve a life vest, and shortly thereafter heard the airplane take off.
Multiple witnesses reported seeing the airplane take off northbound along the river, then make a 180° left turn, descend below treetop level, and fly southbound out of view. A loud "boom" was heard, followed by the engine going quiet and a power outage. One witness about 1 mile from the power lines saw the airplane flying 30-40 ft above the river when it "suddenly flipped backwards and then hit the water."
Personnel Information
The pilot held a sport pilot certificate, an airframe mechanic certificate, and a light sport repairman certificate for three airplanes (none of which was the accident airplane). His pilot logbook was not located. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on May 17, 2016, at which time he reported 8,000 total hours of flight experience. During his prior medical exam on March 6, 2014, he reported 982 hours.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was primarily constructed from aluminum and Dacron with a fiberglass hull, and powered by an 80-horsepower Rotax 912 four-cylinder engine mounted in pusher configuration. The pilot purchased the airplane about 9 months before the accident. FAA records showed a registration application had been submitted and later extended, but no current registration was on file. The most recent engine maintenance record entry was dated June 14, 2015. Airframe records were not located.
Meteorological Information
The closest weather reporting facility, Cross City Airport (CTY), about 30 nautical miles south, reported at 1710: broken clouds at 4,400 ft, wind from 030° at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 22°C, dew point 17°C, and altimeter 30.24 inches of mercury. A witness noted grey clouds at sunset and that light and sky conditions made the power lines difficult to see.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage came to rest inverted and partially submerged in shallow, fast-moving water beneath power lines that crossed the Suwannee River below treetop level. All major components were accounted for; the airplane was intact except the left float, which was found downstream. Examination on shore revealed leading edge damage to both wings near the roots, fractured structural tubing along the right wing leading edge, separated wing struts midway, and a fractured windscreen and supports. The hull was fractured in multiple places. The propeller separated from the flange (flange remained on crankshaft); all three composite blades remained attached to the hub, with two fractured about mid-blade. The power lines directly above displayed striations consistent with impact.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy by the Office of the Medical Examiner in Tallahassee, Florida, determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. The autopsy also identified an enlarged heart with left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac muscle fibrosis. The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory performed toxicological testing, detecting gabapentin in the liver and blood at a level well below therapeutic range, and ibuprofen in urine. Gabapentin is an antiseizure medication also used for chronic pain, with warnings about impairment of driving assessment and somnolence.