What happened
On October 25, 2023, a Lancair 320, registration N320P, was involved in a fatal accident near Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The flight originated from Jesse Viertel Memorial Airport in Boonville, Missouri, at approximately 15:45. ADS-B data shows the aircraft flew northeast toward the Wisconsin Door County peninsula, initially intending to land at Ephraim/Gibraltar Airport (3D2).
Upon reaching 3D2, the aircraft encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with a 500-foot ceiling. The aircraft did not land at 3/2 but instead proceeded south-southwest toward Manitowoc County Airport (MTW). At approximately 18:25, the airport's pilot-controlled lighting activated. The aircraft was observed 12 miles north of MTW before turning south to align with runway 17.
During the final 90 seconds of the flight, the aircraft was descending at 900 feet per minute. The aircraft impacted trees approximately 2.5 miles north of the approach end of runway 17 and came to rest submerged in a small lake. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage showed the fuselage was broken into two pieces just forward of the empennage. The landing gear was found in the retracted position. While the vertical tail, rudder, and right horizontal stabilizer remained intact, the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were separated from the aircraft. The wings also sustained significant damage, with the outboard panels fragmented.
The engine was found to be in working order; it was free to rotate, and all cylinders showed proper suction and compression. While the engine monitor recorded a reduction in manifold pressure and engine RPM shortly before the end of the data, the engine was still receiving fuel at the time of the accident. The fuel selector was found positioned past the detent for the right-wing fuel tank.
The aircraft was equipped with a Narco NCS 812 navigation/communication receiver, which was the only piece of equipment approved for instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation. It also contained a Garmin GPSMAP 496 handheld receiver, which was capable of monitoring approaches but not approved as a primary navigation source in instrument conditions. Investigators could not determine which navigation source the pilot was using.
Findings
- The pilot was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) as indicated by the transponder code 1200, despite the presence of IMC.
- The pilot did not request a weather briefing prior to the flight, and it is unknown what weather information was reviewed.
- The pilot attempted an unapproved instrument approach into Manitowoc County Airport.
- There were no mechanical failures or malfunctions identified that contributed to the accident.