NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On January 31, 2004, about 0945 Pacific standard time, an experimental Tailwind W-8, N192S, operated by the pilot, experienced an in-flight loss of control and impacted the ocean near San Pedro, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. The personal local flight departed Compton/Woodley Airport, Compton, California, at an unknown time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a telephone interview with a Safety Board investigator, Coast Guard personnel stated that they received a report of an aircraft crash in the Pacific Ocean, near Carbrillo Break. After initiating a search, they discovered the wreckage several hours later, where it was submerged about 45 feet below the ocean surface. Witnesses reported to the Coast Guard that they observed the airplane in a shallow descent, which continued until the airplane impacted the water. One witness remarked that it appeared that the airplane was landing in the water; the witness did not observe any attempt by the pilot to egress after it came to a stop in the water and began to sink.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot was a retired airline captain and held an airline transport pilot certificate, with several type ratings for a variety of jetliners. The pilot's personal flight records were not provided to the Safety Board investigator for examination. In an application for an aviation medical certificate in July 2003, the pilot reported that his total flight time was 29,000 hours, of which 55 were in the pervious 6 months.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The airplane's last special airworthiness certificate was issued in 1997, in the amateur-built experimental category. Since 1999, the airplane has been registered in the name of the pilot's friend.

During an interview with a Safety Board investigator, the friend who the airplane is register to, stated that the pilot was a partner in owning the accident airplane, as well another airplane. He further stated that he and the pilot had an agreement that that pilot would not fly the airplane solo.

METEROROLOGICAL INFORMATION

At 0945, Long Beach Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), located about 9 statute miles on a 235 degree bearing from the accident site, reported the following weather conditions: few clouds at 3,000 feet and scattered clouds at 10,000 feet; visibility 10 miles; wind 360 degrees at 7 knots; and temperature 16 degrees Celsius.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT

With the assistance of the Coast Guard personnel and local municipal authorities, the main wreckage was recovered from the Pacific Ocean off of San Pedro. The wreckage was at the global positioning satellite (GPS) coordinates of 33 degrees 42.062 minutes north latitude and 118 degrees 16.448 minutes west longitude. The wreckage was transported to a hangar and retained for a later examination.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the pilot. The autopsy report stated that the cause of death was "blunt injuries." The report also noted the pilot had "severe atherosclerotic heart disease." In the description of the cardiovascular system, it stated the heart "is markedly enlarged weighing 640 grams due to left ventricular wall hypertrophy." The autopsy revealed that the pilot had several stents implanted, as well as an internal cardioverter/defibrillator.

A review of personal medical records revealed, that, according to the pilot's physician, the pilot had a past medical history of "hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, prostrate carcinoma, radiation colitis, a possible cerebrovascular accident, and mild dementia of Alzheimer's type." On July 9, 2003 the pilot's physician further stated that the pilot was taking 6 different medications, including Aricept, Celebrex, and Lipitor.

The pilot's most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical examination was performed on July 17, 2003, when the pilot applied for a third class airmen medical certificate. On the application, in response to the question "Do you currently use any medication (Prescription of Nonprescription)," the pilot checked the box "yes" and listed "Centrum Silver vitamins." Under "Medical History," the pilot checked "no" for all of the conditions listed, including specifically:, Dizziness or fainting spell; Heart or vascular trouble; High or low blood pressure; Stomach, liver, or intestinal trouble; Neurological disorders, epilepsy, seizures, stroke, paralysis, etc.; Mental disorders of any sort, depression, anxiety, etc.; Admission to hospital; or Other illness, disability, or surgery.

The FAA's Civil Aeromedical's Institute (CAMI) Forensic Toxicological and Accident Research Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma performed a toxicological test on samples from the pilot, with negative results for carbon monoxide, cyanide, and ethanol. The toxicology report did reveal positive results for the following: "LANSOPRAZOLE present in Blood and Lung; DONEPEZIL present in Blood and Liver; CHLORPHENIRAMINE detected in Liver, but not Blood."

A cardiologist performed a post mortem forensic cardiology/cardiac electrophysiology evaluation of the internal defibrillator. In part, the cardiologist stated that the "evaluation of the device revealed normal function and no evidence of any correlated event." He further stated that he could not find "evidence of an arrhythmic death, nor any relation to the implanted defibrillator."

The Safety Board's Medical Officer reviewed the medical records obtained from the pilot's physicians and the FAA medical records, as well as the medical examiner's autopsy report. For additional information relating to the pilot's medical condition, see the Medical Officer's extraction which is contained in the docket for this accident.

TESTS AND RESEARCH

Following recovery, Safety Board investigators examined the airplane at a private hangar in Compton, California. As well as FAA inspectors, a manufacturer's representative from Textron Lycoming assisted with the examination.

Airframe Examination.

The left side of the cockpit panel was crushed in, toward the firewall, creating a large semi-circular impression. The shoulder harnesses were tucked behind the front seats, the buckle and straps remaining independently intact.

Investigators established control continuity from the cockpit to the ailerons, elevator and rudder surfaces.

Engine Examination.

The Lycoming engine O-290-G4, serial number 5720-24, sustained impact damage and the case revealed cracks in several locations. The energy damage signatures, including crushing, were observed at the forward bottom section of the engine, encompassing the exhaust system and carburetor. The two-bladed fixed pitch wooden propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange, with only 1/3 of both propeller blades remaining, splintered at their ends. The propeller spinner was unevenly crushed aft, leaving one side almost flush with the propeller blades and the other with a protruding lip.

Investigators removed and examined the top spark plugs, which exhibited signatures consistent with having been subject to the corrosive effect of the salt-water environment. The spark plug electrodes were undamaged, and, according to the Champion Spark Plugs Check-A-Plug chart AV-27, were consistent with normal operation.

Investigators established continuity of the valve and gear train by rotating the crankshaft via the crankshaft flange (exerting force on the splintered propeller blades); they detected compression in all cylinders. Investigators removed the accessory case, revealing an intact alignment dowel.

The magnetos were securely attached to their respective mounting flanges. Investigators disassembled the magnetos, which revealed internal contamination of salt water; they noted no evidence of internal damage.

Investigator observed no evidence of pre-mishap mechanical malfunctions during the examination of the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's incapacitation during descent, which resulted in a loss of control and an in-flight collision with water.