Accident Overview
On November 19, 2020, at approximately 1709 Pacific standard time, a Blevins Kamron Odyssey, registered N562TB, was destroyed in an accident near Arlington, Washington. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal operation.
Flight Path
ADS-B radar data indicated that the airplane departed Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW) at 1556. It turned westbound, then tracked north-northeast for about 50 nautical miles to an area near Lake Cavanaugh, where data briefly stopped. After reacquisition, the airplane performed a tight 360° right turn, continued southwest for about 5 nautical miles, turned west and then north, and entered a right spiral descent until data was lost at 1709.
Engine Examination
Postaccident engine inspection revealed normal combustion deposits on cylinders and piston faces. All intake and exhaust valves were unremarkable. Automotive-type spark plugs exhibited normal operational signatures. The carburetor had impact damage to the diaphragm cover but the float bowl was free of debris. The throttle lever moved freely, and the electric fuel pump expelled liquid when tested.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather observation from Arlington Municipal Airport (KAWO) at 1656 reported wind from 130° at 9 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 2,700 feet, overcast ceiling at 4,100 feet, temperature 8°C, dew point 5°C, and altimeter 30.32 inches of mercury. NWS radar showed moderate-to-heavy echoes over the departure area and scattered echoes near the accident site. The airplane approached a small area of echoes with maximum reflectivity near 45 dBZ when the accident occurred. AIRMETs were current for mountain obscuration, moderate turbulence below 14,000 feet, and moderate icing conditions.
Pilot Toxicology
Toxicology testing identified cetirizine (a sedating antihistamine) at 83 ng/ml, hydroxyzine (a sedating anxiolytic/antihistamine) at 28 ng/ml, and rosuvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering medication) in cavity blood. All three were also found in urine. Hydroxyzine carries warnings about drowsiness and operating vehicles. Common effect levels for cetirizine in peripheral blood are 100–600 ng/ml; for hydroxyzine, 50–100 ng/ml. Rosuvastatin is not considered impairing. The pilot's most recent medical certificate application was on May 28, 1987, reporting no medical conditions or medication use, and a third-class certificate was issued without limitations.
Autopsy
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries.