History of Flight
On June 18, 2021, at approximately 1357 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR20 airplane, registration N62WR, was destroyed when it crashed at Conway Regional Airport (CXW), Conway, Arkansas. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
A witness reported that after the airplane departed runway 22 at CXW, they heard a transmission over the Universal Integrated Communications (UNICOM) frequency stating "six-two whiskey romeo emergency landing runway 2." Runway 2 does not exist at CXW. Shortly thereafter, the witness observed the airplane make a left turn and overfly runway 4, appearing "crazy fast." After overflying runway 4, the airplane entered a steep left bank, made 1½ rotations, and then impacted the ground.
Recovered GPS data from the airplane showed that the highest altitude reached was 593 ft above ground level (agl) while on a crosswind leg in the traffic pattern. The airplane then began a continuous descent until impact. The downwind leg was flown about 0.1 nautical mile south of the runway.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane struck the ground in a nose-low, inverted attitude. The right wing was fractured, and pieces of the wing were found in the initial ground scar. Propeller slash marks were present in the ground near the initial impact point, with white paint transfer signatures. The propeller blades were fractured and separated from the crankshaft flange.
Fragments of windscreen were found near the propeller. During the impact sequence, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) deployed, and the canopy remained bundled in a straight line away from the wreckage. The total debris field from the CAPS rocket to the main wreckage spanned about 110 ft. A postaccident examination revealed that the pitot tube cover remained secured on the pitot tube, with a "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" banner attached.
Additional Information
The Cirrus Design SR20 Pilot’s Operating Handbook includes a preflight inspection procedure. Under the normal procedures section, step 12.b for the left wing tip states: "Pitot Mast (underside) ................. Cover Removed, Tube Clear."
Medical and Pathological Information
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Forensic Sciences Laboratory performed toxicology testing on the pilot. The antidepressant bupropion was detected at 6,618 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and its metabolite hydroxybupropion at 444 ng/mL in cavity blood. The mood stabilizer lamotrigine was detected at 2,134 ng/mL. All three compounds were also found in urine.
Bupropion is prescribed as an antidepressant (marketed as Wellbutrin) or for smoking cessation (Zyban). Hydroxybupropion is its major active metabolite. Treatment of depression requires FAA review before flying, and bupropion is not permitted for depression by the FAA. The FAA notes that bupropion may impair mental or physical ability for hazardous tasks.
Lamotrigine is indicated for bipolar disorder and adjunctive epilepsy treatment (marketed as Lamictal). It can cause dizziness and drowsiness, and patients should be warned not to operate complex machinery while on the medication.
One medical record was obtained from the healthcare provider who completed the pilot’s BasicMed form on January 16, 2021. The pilot reported no medical conditions and no medication use.