Background
On March 21, 2018, about 1845 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Rans S-16 Shekari airplane, registration N741WT, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain about ¼ mile from the approach end of runway 11 at a private airstrip near Pierce, Nebraska. The private pilot, who owned and operated the airplane under 14 CFR Part 91, was fatally injured. No flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight had departed Norfolk Regional Airport (OFK) and was returning to the private airstrip.
Accident Narrative
A surveillance video from OFK showed that the airplane arrived at the fuel pump area about 1730. The pilot purchased 16.5 gallons of 100 low-lead fuel. After walking around the airplane, he entered and closed the canopy about 1740. The propeller began rotating about 1741, and the airplane departed about 1742.
A witness near the accident site reported hearing the airplane's engine "quit," "run again," and "then quit." Another witness stated the engine noise "just stopped."
Aircraft Information
The airplane was built by the previous owner and completed on February 5, 2007. The pilot purchased it and applied for registration on June 30, 2017, which was accepted on September 19, 2017. Logbook entries showed condition inspections on October 22, 2013 (Hobbs 38.6 hours) and May 19, 2017 (Hobbs 41.1 hours). A note indicated to add 112.8 tachometer hours for total time.
The airplane was not equipped with a stall warning system, and the airspeed indicator lacked stall speed markings. According to the builder, the stall speed was about 45 mph, and he never flew below 50 mph. The Rans S-16 specifications listed stall speeds of 62 mph (no flaps) and 58 mph (flaps) at maximum gross weight.
Wreckage and Impact
Impact occurred in a field at an elevation of about 1,609 ft msl. The airplane was upright with the canopy closed. Ground scarring was consistent with a nose-low impact. Flight controls were continuous. The wing flaps were extended to 40°, and the cockpit flap handle was in that position. The master switch and auxiliary fuel pump were in the ON position before being turned off by first responders. Both magnetos were ON. No mechanical anomalies were found in the engine, fuel pump, or carburetor. Fuel tanks were about 7/8 full of 100 LL fuel; water-sensing paste showed no water. Debris consistent with dirt was present in fuel system components but did not obstruct screens.
Medical and Data
An autopsy determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. The pilot had severe coronary artery disease. Toxicology testing identified non-impairing medications for blood pressure and cholesterol. Dynon FlightDEK-D180 data showed decreasing airspeed before impact: 60 knots (69 mph) about 48 seconds prior, 35.5 knots (41 mph) at 38 seconds, and 49.3 knots (57 mph) at 30 seconds. The last three data points recorded 0 knots airspeed at altitudes of 1,623 to 1,625 ft msl over 20 seconds.