Accident Overview
On February 22, 2021, at approximately 1756 central standard time, an experimental, amateur-built Vans RV-7A airplane with registration N383DB was substantially damaged when it crashed near Mayfield Graves County Airport (M25) in Mayfield, Kentucky. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Witness Observations
A witness located at the airport reported that the airplane was performing touch-and-go landings on runway 1. Another witness, who was traveling eastbound on a nearby interstate, observed the airplane climbing. This witness recounted that "as the airplane went higher…the tail dropped, and the plane went into a back flip." Subsequently, the witness saw the airplane exit the flip and begin a nose-first descent toward the ground. A third witness noted seeing the airplane take off and remarked that it was climbing at a high angle of attack.
Wreckage Location and Examination
The airplane impacted an open field about 1,011 feet north of the airport. The wreckage was contained within a small area, and all components were accounted for. Flight control continuity was confirmed for all control surfaces. The wings displayed symmetrical accordion-type crushing damage and were still attached to the fuselage. Both wing fuel tanks were ruptured, and both fuel main caps were secured in place. The empennage, main landing gear, and all control surfaces remained attached to the fuselage. The engine and nose landing gear had separated from the forward fuselage.
Engine and Propeller Findings
Manual rotation of the engine at the accessory gear section confirmed crankshaft continuity. Thumb compression was achieved on all cylinders. The engine-driven fuel pump contained 100 low-lead aviation fuel and produced both suction and pressure when operated by hand. The left magneto was damaged due to impact and could not be rotated; the right magneto generated spark on all towers. The two-bladed propeller had fractured from the engine due to impact forces. One blade exhibited rearward bending and leading-edge gouges, while the other blade showed S-bending.
Mechanical Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine disclosed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.