Accident Summary
On September 10, 2024, at approximately 1345 eastern daylight time, a Sonex airplane bearing registration N966DP sustained substantial damage when it crashed near Sulphur Springs, Indiana. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to a witness, the pilot had indicated he intended to conduct a short local flight. The pilot, who stored the airplane at his residence, taxied the aircraft from his home to a private grass airstrip. After performing an engine run-up, the pilot initiated the takeoff. The witness lost sight of the airplane shortly after the start of the takeoff roll due to terrain obscuration. The witness then observed a dust cloud and, upon investigation, found the airplane inverted in an adjacent soybean field approximately 1,250 ft from the beginning of the takeoff roll. The witness extricated the pilot and provided assistance until first responders arrived.
Pilot Information
A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that the pilot had completed a total of four flights in the accident airplane, accumulating 4.0 flight hours since purchasing the aircraft in 2021. The pilot's most recent flight in the same airplane occurred on August 14, 2023, about 13 months before the accident.
Wreckage Examination
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit controls to the flight control surfaces. The flaps were found in the retracted position, and the canopy was locked and secured. The main wheel brake handle was in the OFF position; the wheel brakes engaged when the handle was manually moved to the ON position.
After recovery, the engine was functionally tested on the airframe at various throttle settings with no anomalies noted. Multiple throttle bursts were performed without hesitation or anomalies. The electric fuel pump, when activated in idle and three-quarter throttle positions, caused no change in engine performance.
Overall, the examination found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Medical and Toxicological Findings
An autopsy conducted by Saguaro Forensic Consulting Firm, LLC, at the request of the Henry County Coroner’s Office, determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt force injuries, with the manner of death ruled as accident. The autopsy report was reviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-In-Charge.
Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory detected Clopidogrel, Doxazosin, Naproxen, and Pantoprazole in the pilot’s blood and liver. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a platelet aggregation inhibitor used to prevent blood clots in coronary artery stents. Doxazosin (Cardura) is an alpha-1-adrenergic blocker used to treat prostate hypertrophy and high blood pressure. Naproxen (Aleve) is a non-prescription NSAID for pain and inflammation. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a proton-pump inhibitor used to treat acid reflux and other stomach conditions. All detected medications are acceptable for use by pilots and were not impairing or adversely affecting performance.