History of Flight
On July 3, 2022, about 0849 Pacific daylight time, an Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH EA 300/L, N343BH, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Boulder City, Nevada. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight, operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, departed Henderson Executive Airport (HND) about 0844. ADS-B data showed the airplane flew east-southeast, reaching a maximum altitude of about 4,244 ft msl. About 9.3 miles from the airport, the pilot flew into a gap between ridgelines and performed a series of rapid climbs, turns, and descents.
The maneuvers were similar to a wingover, involving a steep climb, a turn at the top using rudder, and a descent in the opposite direction. Three turn reversals were accomplished. During the first, climb rate was nearly 15,000 fpm, descent rate over 10,000 fpm, and load factor peaked about 3 g. During the second, climb rate was about 8,000 fpm and descent rate about 5,000 fpm. During the third and final maneuver, climb rate was about 6,500 fpm and descent rate about 6,800 fpm. Throughout the maneuvers, roll angles exceeded 90° and airspeed was near stall speed on the first and last turns. At times, the airplane was less than 200 ft above ground level. The last data point showed altitude of about 2,519 ft msl and ground speed 48 knots. The airplane then impacted desert terrain at about 2,050 ft msl, and a postimpact fire consumed most of the wreckage.
A witness reported that the pilot planned the maneuvers for a ground photo shoot. Two witnesses observed the airplane fly overhead, pull up in a climb, and enter a spin toward the ground. The engine sounded normal during the flyby. Video showed low-altitude flybys near or below ridgelines and vertical turn reversals. On the final turn, the airplane went out of view and reappeared in a steep nose-down descent with rotation, consistent with a spin.
Personnel Information
The pilot was a former Marine F-18 fighter pilot and an airline pilot. According to the flight instructor who provided training in the accident airplane, the pilot was a good pilot trained to maintain a minimum altitude of 1,500 ft agl for aerobatic maneuvers and 3,000 ft agl for spins, and was trained for stall and spin recovery.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was an Extra EA 300/L, registration N343BH. Its airframe and engine logbooks were not located. The airplane's information manual specified a load limit of +/-10 g with one seat occupied. The recommended minimum entry indicated airspeed for a 90° climb maneuver was the design maneuvering airspeed of 158 knots; for a 1/4 loop climb and stall turn, it was 100 knots. The stall speed was 60 knots.
Wreckage and Impact
The accident site was in a remote desert area with sage brush about a foot high. The fuselage was bent slightly to the right, consistent with a spin. All major components were present. The postimpact fire consumed most of the wreckage except the left wing, left horizontal stabilizer, and engine. The debris field was about 110 ft long. The first point of contact was disturbed dirt leading to the fuselage, which came to rest upright on about a 250° magnetic heading at an elevation of about 2,050 ft msl. Both wings and the engine separated. All flight control surfaces were found. The three-bladed propeller had one blade attached; the other two separated at the hub. Postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Additional Information
The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook describes accelerated maneuver stalls, which can occur at higher indicated airspeeds when the aircraft is subject to acceleration greater than +1G. FAA Advisory Circular 91-61 discusses G-tolerance. The NTSB performance study indicated that the maximum load factor during the three maneuvers was approximately 3 g, with the third maneuver having a normal load factor less than 2 g. Title 14 CFR 91.303 prohibits aerobatic flight below an altitude of 1,500 feet above the surface.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy by the Clark County Coroner determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing detected methamphetamine, its metabolite amphetamine, phenylpropanolamine, and pseudoephedrine. Methamphetamine is a DEA Schedule II stimulant and is disqualifying for FAA medical certification. Phenylpropanolamine, commonly a decongestant, and pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter decongestant, are not disqualifying.