What happened
On October 20, 2024, at approximately 1600 EDT, an experimental amateur-built Lancair 360, registration N510G, crashed near Cross City, Florida, resulting in 2 fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger.
The flight originated from Atmore Municipal Airport (0R1) in Alabama, with an instrument flight rules flight plan filed for Cross City Airport (CTY). While in contact with Tallahassee approach control at 1520, the aircraft's ADS-B track and radio communications were lost. Air traffic controllers attempted to re-establish contact via various methods, including the VHF emergency frequency, but received no response. The aircraft was later tracked by Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center as a primary radar target until contact was lost roughly 24 miles from CTY.
A pilot flying into CTY reported hearing a radio transmission from the aircraft on the common traffic advisory frequency. The pilot of the accident aircraft indicated an electrical failure had occurred and was using a handheld radio to request a gear check while on the downwind leg for runway 4. Shortly after, an emergency locator transmitter was heard broadcasting on the VHF emergency frequency, and debris was observed overflying the airport.
Witnesses near the airport reported the engine sounded as though it was sputtering and backfiring. One eyewitness observed the aircraft flying at an altitude of 600 to 700 feet over the fixed base operator building before it began a left descending turn. At approximately 100 feet above the ground, the nose and left wing of the aircraft dropped suddenly, leading to the impact.
The aircraft came to rest on airport property, approximately 4,500 feet from the runway 4 threshold.
The investigation
Investigators confirmed control continuity from the cockpit to the left aileron, elevator, and rudder surfaces. The landing gear position selector was found in the "retract" position. While the engine remained partially attached to the fuselage, it was found upside down at the site.
Regarding the electrical system, the aircraft was equipped with two engine-driven alternators. The belt-driven alternator and its drive belt remained intact. The main 12-volt battery measured 11.8 volts, while a second 12-volt battery found in the debris path measured 12.5 volts.
Examination of the fuel system showed fuel present in the wing tank boost pumps, filters, header tank boost pump, filter, and fuel strainer. However, the header and wing tanks were breached during impact and contained no residual fuel. Fuel receipts indicated the pilot had purchased fuel in Jasper, Texas, and again at Atmore Municipal Airport earlier that day.