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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 29, 2010 · Walker Kenneth Sonex · N234KS

San Angelo, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 2010
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
San Angelo, TX
Aircraft
Walker Kenneth Sonex
Tail Number
N234KS
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA045

A private pilot and a student pilot were departing a private airfield when they heard a loud bang. The airplane climbed to 100 to 200 feet above ground level when it began to vibrate. The private pilot, who was operating the airplane, remarked that he did not have control of the airplane. The student pilot recalled that the airplane entered a nose-high left turn prior to ground impact. An examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. There was no evidence of a material failure to explain the loud noise prior to the accident; the source of the loud noise was not determined. An alcohol screen conducted on a sample of the private pilot's blood revealed a 0.11 percent blood alcohol level.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

On October 29, 2010, approximately 1430 central daylight time, a Walker Sonex airplane, N234KS, impacted terrain near San Angelo, Texas. The private pilot and student pilot were seriously injured. The airplane sustained substantial crushing damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating from a private airstrip at the time of the accident. According to a statement provided by the student pilot, the flight was the second flight the two pilots had flown that day. The private pilot was controlling the airplane during the accident flight. At an estimated 100 feet above ground level the student pilot heard a loud noise come from the back of the airplane like they had struck an object. The airplane began to vibrate and the private pilot told the student pilot that he did not have control of the airplane. The student pilot recalled that the engine appeared to be operating at full power with his last recollection that the airplane in a left turn with a nose high attitude before impacting terrain. An inspection of the airframe and engine by a responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact anomalies which would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft. Impact signatures were consistence with an aircraft stall during the initial climb. There was no evidence of a material failure to explain the loud noise prior to the accident; the source of the loud noise was not determined. A blood sample obtained from the private pilot by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) revealed an intoxication level of 0.11 blood alcohol content.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWalker Kenneth Sonex
Tail NumberN234KS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAma/Expr · UNKNOWN ENG · Reciprocating · 92
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 64 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data