Accident Overview
On October 26, 2021, about 1914 eastern daylight time, a Vans Aircraft RV-12, registration N525AT, was destroyed when it struck a utility pole and came to rest next to a road near Folkston, Georgia. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane departed Winter Haven Regional Airport (GIF), Winter Haven, Florida, at 1725. After approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes of northbound flight, the airplane turned toward Davis Field Airport (3J6) in Folkston, Georgia. The airplane crossed over the runway midpoint at 575 ft above ground level (agl), then made a descending left turn. It crossed the runway again at 100 ft agl, followed by a descending right turn, during which airspeed decreased from 76 knots to 47 knots. The airplane subsequently contacted a utility pole.
Witness Accounts
A witness reported that he and his wife had just parked in their driveway when his wife saw the airplane fly over. He entered his house and received a phone call from a neighbor at 1914, who reported the airplane flying east with an inoperative right navigation light. During the call, the witness heard the impact and the engine running “like it was hitting something.” The witness and his wife drove to the accident site, taking about 30 seconds. Upon arrival, the engine was on fire, and the witness pulled the pilot from the airplane. The witness also noted that the runway lights at 3J6 were not functioning and that a NOTAM had been published regarding the inoperative lights.
A family member of the pilot stated that the pilot had difficulty with his vision and locating airport runways during daytime. The family member believed the pilot was not supposed to be flying at night.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination by an FAA inspector revealed extensive damage: the cabin, cockpit, and instrument panel were destroyed by postimpact fire. The right wing was folded back and separated from the fuselage. The left wing remained attached but the outboard portion was damaged. The empennage remained attached with minor damage. The engine remained attached, but all three propeller blades were separated.
Environmental and Airport Conditions
According to the Astronomical Application Department of the United States Naval Observatory, sunset occurred at 1845, the end of civil twilight at 1909, and moonrise at 2303. The moon was a waning crescent with 66.1% illumination. Davis Field Airport (3J6) is located 3 miles southwest of Folkston, Georgia, at an elevation of 68 ft msl, with a single runway (1/19) measuring 2,500 ft by 50 ft. A NOTAM was active indicating that the runway edge lights were inoperative.
Pilot Medical Information
An autopsy performed by the Office of the Medical Examiner in Gainesville, Florida, listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma. Toxicology testing was not performed due to the length of the pilot's hospital stay before death.