Accident Overview
On December 8, 2020, at approximately 1540 central standard time, a Vans RV-6 airplane, registration N69HF, was destroyed in an accident near Hitchcock, Texas. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Witness Accounts
Family members and a friend reported that the pilot had gone to the airport that day to work on the airplane's magnetos and did not take his flying gear or indicate any intention to fly. Witnesses saw the pilot performing maintenance in front of his hangar. One witness described the pilot as "distracted" and noted that he avoided conversation, appearing "very distant" and possibly impaired.
At about 1415, a witness heard the engine start and saw the pilot in the cockpit with the canopy closed. The airplane took off from the ramp area to the west. It became airborne as it entered the grassy area between the taxiway and runway 18/36, then bounced, pitched, and yawed erratically as it accelerated. A pilot on the parallel taxiway saw the airplane "shoot out" of the ramp area about 200 yards ahead and become airborne over grass; the pilot appeared to have trouble controlling the airplane. No radio calls on ground or tower frequencies were heard.
Additional witnesses observed the airplane flying at low altitude, 200–300 ft above ground, over a residential area about 6 miles west of the airport. It turned west toward the accident location, about 4 miles northwest. The engine sounded normal, and residential security camera videos captured the airplane with the engine operating at high power.
About 1.5 hours after takeoff, a witness near the accident site heard a loud noise and felt her house shake. She saw the airplane flying low, describing it as "out of control," wobbling and moving unusually before hitting the ground. The airplane descended more horizontally than vertically, with a constant engine noise until impact.
Investigation Findings
All flight control surfaces were identified at the accident site, but flight control continuity could not be verified due to impact damage. On his most recent FAA medical certificate application, the pilot reported no medical conditions, medication use, or health provider visits.
An autopsy by the Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, with the manner accidental. Toxicology testing by NMS Labs identified ethanol at 0.252 gm/dl in femoral blood. FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory testing found ethanol in liver (0.160 gm/dl), lung (0.348 gm/dl), muscle (0.238 gm/dl), and brain (0.196 gm/dl), as well as cetirizine at 60 ng/ml in cavity blood and liver tissue.
Family and friends reported the pilot had experienced episodes of unusual behavior for about 4 years and had sought medical evaluation, but no medical records or treatment details were located during the investigation.