NTSB Factual Report

On May 31, 2003, at 0720 mountain standard time, an amateur-built experimental Gray Kitfox 5 single-engine airplane, N111BM, collided with terrain while maneuvering in the vicinity of Jerome, Arizona. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured; the airplane was destroyed. The local personal flight departed Cottonwood Airport (P52), Cottonwood, Arizona about 0715. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight plan had not been filed.

An acquaintance of both the pilot and passenger, reported to a Yavapai County detective that he had introduced them earlier that morning. The purpose of the flight was to take the passenger for a short, approximately 30-minute, local area flight. He stated that the men met at the airport about 0700. He watched the plane takeoff with the pilot in the right seat. He noted that the engine sounded normal during takeoff.

Officers from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office interviewed witnesses. One witness, a local firefighter, reported that he saw the airplane flying below a ridgeline. The airplane was flying low and slow at about 200 to 300 feet above ground level (agl). It flew up a canyon, and as it approached a hill, it attempted to increase power. The airplane attempted to climb out, above the canyon, "winged over", and dived, nose first, into the mountainside. He did not hear any abnormalities with the engine. Another witness, the local Mayor, reported hearing the airplane crash. He was the first person on-scene and when he arrived the airplane was engulfed in flames.

A Deputy reported the accident location as: 34 degrees 45.30 minutes north latitude and 112 degrees 06.37 minutes west longitude.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records revealed the pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He was issued a third-class medical certificate on September 25, 2002, with no limitations. According to the last medical certificate application, the pilot reported having accumulated a total of 1000 hours of flight time. The pilot's logbook was not recovered during the investigation.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Yavapai County Office of the Medical Examiner completed an autopsy and reported cause of death blunt force trauma of the torso. The FAA Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory performed toxicological testing of specimens of the pilot. The results of the analysis were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and tested drugs.

TESTS AND RESEARCH

The wreckage was transported to Air Transport, Phoenix, Arizona. The wreckage was examined by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and an engine manufacturer's representative on October 21, 2003. He reported that a post accident fire had consumed the airframe structure and most engine accessories. The engine manufacturers technical representative examined the engine under the supervision of the FAA. The inspector reported that there was no evidence found of mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine. Engine and airframe logbooks were not located.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance/altitude from rising terrain, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with terrain.