Accident Overview
On November 5, 2021, at approximately 0937 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Van's RV-6 airplane, registration N16TG, was destroyed when it struck the ground near Harrison, Michigan. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The airplane departed runway 27L at Oakland International Airport (PTK), Pontiac, Michigan, at 0846. After takeoff, it made a climbing right turn and proceeded northwest for about 12 nautical miles, then turned north for approximately 5 nm, and resumed a northwest heading. The aircraft climbed to a cruise altitude of about 3,000 ft mean sea level and maintained that heading until ADS-B data was lost at approximately 0905, at a position about 56 nm and 143° from the accident site. Discrete radar beacon returns indicated the airplane continued straight and level flight for another 60 nm after the ADS-B loss. The accident site was located about 1 nm south of the approach end of runway 36 at Clare County Airport (80D), Harrison, Michigan.
Communication and Witnesses
The pilot was in contact with air traffic control facilities, having requested and received flight-following services after departure from PTK. No distress calls were received from the pilot.
Impact and Wreckage
The airplane impacted the backyard of a residence. Evidence indicated it struck the ground at approximately a 45° nose-down angle. The initial impact point was directly beneath the aircraft. The airframe remained largely intact with all major components connected. The engine was partially attached to the fuselage. The three-blade wood core propeller remained attached; one blade was broken near the root, and none were splintered, consistent with low or no engine power at impact.
Engine and Systems Examination
The engine's crankshaft could be rotated via the propeller, and compression and suction were verified on all cylinders. Accessory gear and camshaft continuity were confirmed. The carburetor was partially disassembled, and no anomalies were found.
The engine was equipped with dual electronic ignition systems. One system, reliant on airplane electrical power, was damaged by impact and could not be tested. The second system used airplane power for starting and low-power operation but had an internal alternator for higher rpm; it could automatically switch power sources and maintain ignition if airplane power was lost. Functional testing of this ignition system revealed no preimpact anomalies.
The airplane carried a GRT Avionics MX100-01 and a Horizon EFIS HX MFD-03-070801. Both units were removed for data download, but subsequent investigation determined that neither unit could store data internally.
Airframe Condition
Examination of the airframe and engine disclosed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.
Glide Performance
No manufacturer-published glide ratio data were available for the accident model. Builder data from online sources indicated a glide ratio of approximately 7:1. The distance and altitude from the last radar return to the accident site would have required a glide ratio of about 23:1.
Medical and Toxicological Findings
An autopsy performed by the Western Michigan University School of Medicine, on behalf of the Clare County Medical Examiner, determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries and the manner as accident. No significant natural disease was identified. Toxicological testing by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory detected diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine, in the pilot's cavity blood at 18 ng/mL and in liver tissue. Additionally, loratadine (marketed as Claritin) and its metabolite desloratadine, both non-impairing antihistamines, were detected in cavity blood and liver tissue.