Accident Overview
On May 24, 2021, at approximately 1330 central daylight time, an amateur-built Rans RV-8, registration N284RM, was destroyed in an accident near Van Cleve, Kentucky. The private pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
The flight originated from Haller Airpark (7FL4) in Green Cove Springs, Florida, on a visual flight rules (VFR) plan, with a fuel stop at Pickens County Airport (LQK) in Pickens, South Carolina. According to air traffic control (ATC) data, after departing LQK, the airplane made a climbing left turn followed by a series of turns while ascending to about 9,000 feet. The flight continued VFR until ATC assigned a transponder code for flight following, which the aircraft maintained while proceeding northbound.
Emergency and Descent
Upon reaching the Van Cleve area, the pilot declared an emergency, citing a loss of oil pressure and engine power. ATC advised of an airport approximately 3 miles to the aircraft's 2 o'clock position. The pilot reported not having the airport in sight and opted for a forced landing in a field. The airplane then entered a 270° turn while descending, with ground speed decreasing until flight track data ended.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage came to rest on a heading of 353°. All structural components were accounted for, and flight control continuity was established from the surfaces to the fire-damaged cockpit area. The fuselage from the firewall to about two feet forward of the empennage was consumed by post-impact fire. The engine sustained significant fire damage, and cockpit instruments and controls were destroyed. The main landing gear were sheared from the fuselage. Both propeller blades were separated from the hub and recovered in the impact crater along with the spinner and nose cone remnants. The propeller governor was detached and partially burned. The wings were destroyed by fire, though wing root fragments remained attached. Some flight control surfaces were still connected to the wing remains. The empennage exhibited fire damage, with both stabilizers attached but showing impact and thermal damage. Burnt oil streaks were observed on the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, and fresh oil was present on broken windscreen pieces.
Engine and Oil System Examination
The engine crankcase and cylinders were intact; the accessory section was fire damaged. After removing the accessory case, the crankshaft could be rotated through 360 degrees, and continuity to the rear gears and valve train was confirmed. Compression and suction were noted from all four cylinders, and borescope inspection revealed no anomalies. Fire damage affected oil and fuel lines. One oil line connecting the engine to an aftermarket oil valve was broken at the fitting, but the timing of the failure (before or after impact) could not be determined due to fire damage. The oil valve (Christen 802) was also fire damaged, and the oil sump was partially consumed. A maintenance logbook excerpt indicated the oil valve had been "resealed" on March 25, 2021. This valve was part of an accessory kit for Lycoming engines, designed for normal lubrication with minimal oil loss during aerobatic flight.
Medical and Toxicological Findings
The Kentucky Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, with the manner deemed accidental. FAA toxicology tests found 0.010 gm/dl of ethanol in cavity blood, but no ethanol in brain or muscle tissue.