History of Flight
On November 25, 2022, about 1615 central standard time, an Extra EA 300/LC airplane, registration N361LX, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain while on approach to runway 27 at Galt Field Airport (10C), Wonder Lake, Illinois. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Review of ADS-B data showed the airplane departed runway 27 at 10C at 1558 and climbed in a right turn toward 3,000 ft mean sea level (MSL). Between 1559:15 and 1600:30, the airplane performed at least two aerobatic maneuvers about 1.8 nm north-northwest of the airport. Thereafter, the airplane flew east toward Antioch, Illinois, and conducted a left 360° turn over a residential area at about 1,250 ft above ground level (AGL) around 1605. The flight continued northwest, climbing to about 2,700 ft MSL, then turned west and descended to 2,400 ft MSL at 1608:30. At 1610, about 1.7 nm north of Genoa City, Wisconsin, the airplane turned south toward the airport.
At 1613:12, the airplane entered the traffic pattern for runway 27 on left crosswind, decelerating through 160 knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS). Between 1613:45 and 1614:30, the airplane performed a 360° left turn abeam the runway threshold at about 1,800 ft MSL (950 ft AGL). After the 360° turn, the airplane entered a descending left base turn toward runway 27, briefly decelerating to 70 KCAS and reaching a descent rate of about 1,700 feet per minute (fpm). The final ADS-B data point at 1615:23 showed the airplane at 922 ft MSL, 84 KCAS, descending about 900 fpm, with a 270.5° true heading, 2.7° left-wing-down roll, and -6.4° flight path angle, about 0.31 nm from the runway threshold. The airplane then descended into trees about 0.28 nm from the threshold and came to rest about 0.24 nm from the threshold.
Downloaded engine monitor data confirmed the engine was operating at impact. Cylinder head temperatures, exhaust gas temperatures, fuel flow, and total fuel used were recorded; however, exhaust gas temperature for cylinder No. 2 was not recorded during the accident flight or the previous flight.
A witness, a Piper PA-28-181 pilot flying the same traffic pattern, reported that he heard the Extra pilot announce his entry on crosswind and established radio contact. The Piper pilot saw the Extra behind him at higher speed. After the Piper turned final, the Extra pilot announced turning base. The Piper pilot performed a touch-and-go landing to allow room for the Extra. Another witness east of the accident site saw the airplane descending with engine running, heard no change in engine noise, then heard a sound like a wood-chipper.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held a medical application dated August 18, 2021, reporting 6,200 total flight hours with 50 hours in the previous 6 months. No pilot logbook was located during the investigation.
Examination of the airplane, engine, and propeller revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have prevented normal operation. No bird strike was evident. The fuel selector was set to the center/aerobatic fuel tank. Fuel was leaking from the impact-damaged gascolator. Both wings separated from the fuselage due to impact with trees and terrain. Elevator and rudder flight control continuity was confirmed; aileron control continuity could not be established due to wing damage, but all observed separations were consistent with impact.
Meteorological Conditions
Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident with no clouds or visibility restrictions. The sun was about 1.1° above the horizon and positioned 27.5° left of the runway 27 centerline. Official sunset occurred at 1624:31, about 9 minutes after the accident.
Medical and Pathological Information
Autopsy by the McHenry County Coroner's Office determined the cause of death as blunt force injuries of the head and chest; manner of death was airplane crash. Postmortem toxicology detected Losartan and Atorvastatin in cavity blood and urine, which are acceptable medications for pilots for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, respectively. No carboxyhemoglobin, ethanol, glucose, or drugs of abuse were found.
Additional Information
The FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute's study on natural sunlight and its association to aviation accidents was referenced in relation to sun glare; however, the probable cause was not explicitly stated by the investigation.