Accident Overview
On August 12, 2023, at approximately 0848 central daylight time, a Vans RV-14A airplane, registration N6161, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Virden, Illinois. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, 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, the airplane departed Litchfield Municipal Airport (3LF), Litchfield, Illinois, from runway 27 at 0838. It then flew north toward Virden. At 0847, the airplane made a sharp left turn with an estimated heading change of 125 degrees, turning toward the southwest.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses in Virden reported observing the airplane flying to the southwest in an inverted attitude. Some witnesses noted that the engine made unusual noises. One witness saw the airplane bank left and roll upright before it descended and impacted the terrain.
Impact and Damage
The airplane collided with trees and terrain approximately 0.8 miles southwest of the center of Virden. The first impact signatures were broken tree limbs about 20 feet above the ground. The main impact point was located directly beneath the trees. Evidence at the scene indicated an impact angle of about 45 degrees nose-low. The airplane remained relatively intact, with both wings, the engine, fuselage, and empennage accounted for at the accident site.
Examination
The airplane was retained for further examination.