What happened
On December 6, 2024, an experimental Vans Aircraft Inc RV-12IS, registration N702DP, was involved in a fatal accident near Homosassa, Florida. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
According to ADS-B data, the aircraft departed Falcon Field Airport (FFC) in Atlanta, Georgia, at approximately 14:42 and arrived at George T. Lewis Airport (CDK) in Cedar Key, Florida, at 16:40. Following the arrival, the pilot traveled to a local restaurant and later returned to the aircraft. The pilot did not purchase fuel during the stop at CDK and did not file a flight plan for the return trip, nor was the aircraft in communication with air traffic control.
The aircraft departed CDK at approximately 17:52. The flight path initially climbed to 4,300 feet MSL on a north-westerly track toward Atlanta, before descending to 2,300 feet MSL and turning east-southeast and then southeast. After flying along the coastline, the aircraft maneuvered over the water and tracked south-southeasterly toward Tampa, Florida. As the aircraft reached the area west of Tampa, it descended to 1,500 feet MSL, then turned north-northeast and descended to 1,000 feet MSL. At approximately 20:02, the aircraft performed several climbing and descending turns west of U.S. Highway 98. The flight ended at 20:04 when the aircraft entered a shallow, descending right turn toward the highway.
The aircraft struck approximately 50-foot-tall power lines located west of the highway and came to rest inverted. The impact resulted in 1 fatality. There was no post-impact fire, and no fuel leaks were observed by first responders at the scene.
Weather at Crystal River Airport (CGC) at 20:55 reported clear skies, 10 miles of visibility, and winds from 010 degrees at 3 knots.