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May 11, 1999 · Michael W Campbell Lancair 320 Lancair 32 · N6111

Tallessee, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Tallessee, AL
Aircraft
Michael W Campbell Lancair 320 Lancair 32
Tail Number
N6111
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL99LA083

The purpose of the flight was to demonstrate a high speed, low altitude pass over the runway. During climb out the airplane entered a nose-up attitude followed by a nose-down attitude. A witness reported that the airplane entered a counter clockwise spin, and collided with the ground in a wooded area. A tree in the immediate vicinity of the impact point was damaged. A witness also reported that the engine continued to run at a high RPM rate throughout the sequence of flight events. Examination of the accident site disclosed the airplane rested in a nose down attitude at the base of a large tree. Examination of the airframe confirmed that flight control cables and control surfaces were connected. Examination of the airframe and engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or a component failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during the takeoff to initial climb that resulted in the a stall and the inflight collision with the trees.

Full Narrative

On May 11, 1999, at 1000 central daylight time, a Campbell Lancair 320, N6111, collided with a tree and the ground during climb out from the Reeves Airport in Tallessee, Alabama. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local flight departed Tallessee, Alabama, at 0959. According to a friend of the pilot, who was located at the Reeves Airport at the time of the accident, the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate a high speed, low pass over the runway. The pilot's friend reported that, during climb out there was a short radio conversation with the pilot followed by an abrupt end to the conversation. At this point, the airplane entered a nose-up attitude followed by a nose-down attitude. Another witness reported that the airplane entered a counter clockwise spin. The airplane collided with the ground and was located in a wooded area with the nose section still in a nose-down attitude. A tree in the immediate vicinity of the impact point was damaged. A witness also reported that the engine continued to run at a high RPM rate throughout the sequence of flight events. Examination of the accident site disclosed the airplane rested in a nose down attitude at the base of a large tree. There were several fresh slash marks several feet above the ground. Wreckage debris was scattered in the immediate vicinity of the main wreckage. The engine assembly was buried in the ground several inches, and the instrument panel was displaced aft into the pilot's station. Further examination of the airframe confirmed that flight control cables and control surfaces were connected. The engine assembly sustained extensive impact damage. Examination of the airframe and engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or a component failure. A post mortem examination was performed on the pilot on May 11, 1999, at Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery, Alabama. A review of the toxicological examination disclosed that 0.014 (ug/ml, ug/g) of diphenhydramine (antihistamines) was detected in the blood; an unspecified quantity of diphenhydramine was detected in the urine sample.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest AirportReeves Airport (1nm)
Runway13
Runway Length3232 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMichael W Campbell Lancair 320 Lancair 32
Tail NumberN6111
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-260-EXP · Reciprocating · 180

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data