History of Flight
On December 26, 2023, about 1813 central standard time, a Cirrus Design Corporation SR22, registration N858RC, was involved in an accident near Canton, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
A witness heard radio transmissions from the pilot reporting that he was west of Thompson Field Airport (1TA7), Canton, Texas. The witness then heard additional transmissions reporting the downwind, base, and final legs for runway 13. The transmissions were described as normal. The witness went outside to observe the airplane but could not determine if it was aligned with the runway due to his vantage point.
The airplane impacted trees and terrain, then came to rest against a house. The main wreckage was located about 960 ft from the approach end of runway 13 on a heading of 116°.
Meteorological Information
The U.S. Naval Observatory reported that sunset occurred at 1725 and the end of civil twilight was at 1752. Moonrise was at 1801, and the moon was in a Waning Gibbous phase with 99% of its visible disk illuminated.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane initially impacted a tree line approximately 40-50 ft in height, located about 250 ft from the house where it came to rest. The wreckage path from the tree line to the house was about 250 ft long on a heading of 146°. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces.
Postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity from all control surfaces to the cockpit controls. The wing flaps were in the 50% position. The wreckage path contained propeller blades, all of which were separated consistent with impact at the blade root. The propeller and spinner displayed rotational and torsional features consistent with engine operation.
Medical and Pathological Information
Although an autopsy was requested by the NTSB, the local Justice of the Peace did not order one. Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory found no drugs of abuse.