NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT:

On June 13, 1993, at approximately 1339 Pacific daylight time, a Henderson Rutan Long EZ, N874PM, operated by the pilot, crashed into the Pacific Ocean (San Pedro Bay) about three miles from the shoreline. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight. The experimental category airplane was destroyed and the private pilot was fatally injured. A friend of the pilot reported that about 1300 hours the pilot performed a preflight inspection of his airplane. The pilot appeared in good spirits and in good health. The pilot planned to fly his airplane in the local area for about an one-half hour flight.

Prior to departure, the pilot taxied to the fuel pit. Thereafter, at 1317, the pilot took off from the Hawthorne Municipal Airport, California, with between 16 and 20 gallons of fuel on board.

The friend further reported that he observed and heard the accident airplane during its takeoff, and the engine sounded "very good." Nothing unusual was observed during the airplane's departure from the traffic area.

A witness, who was located in a boat about 0.4 miles from the crash site, reported hearing and seeing the airplane a second or two before it crashed while it was flying between 100 and 200 feet above the ocean. According to the witness, the airplane initiated a sudden, steep right bank turn, and then it quickly disappeared from view as it collided with the water. During the impact sequence, a portion of the airplane was observed being "flung up into the air" and a "water spray" occurred. The witness stated his impression was that the airplane cartwheeled when it hit the water. No fire or smoke was noted.

The witness further reported that the airplane's engine had been "definitely operating," and it sounded as though a "high RPM" was being produced just prior to the crash. No sputtering noise or deceleration sound was heard.

TESTS AND RESEARCH:

According to the FAA Coordinator, most of the airframe wreckage was recovered. The engine sank in 55 feet deep water and was recovered on June 16, 1993. The wreckage examination revealed that all major components, including the flight control surfaces, had been attached to the structure at the time of impact. No evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions was noted.

The FAA Coordinator further reported that the engine's propeller was found splintered from the center of the hub. No evidence of a pre-impact power loss was noted.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION:

An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. The autopsy did not disclose any evidence of physical incapacitation or impairment that would have adversely affected the pilot's ability to operate the airplane. Results of toxicology tests on the pilot were negative for all screened drugs and ethanol.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The FAA Coordinator reported that he received telephone calls from persons indicating that on previous occasions an airplane, of the same configuration as the accident airplane, had been observed flying low over the water. Some of the persons reported observing the airplane flying as low as 50 feet above the water. The pilot's friend reported to the Safety Board that on numerous occasions the pilot had flown over the water in the vicinity of the crash site. The airplane was flown between 200 and 300 feet above the water. The lowest altitude flown above the water was 50 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilots failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering over the water at low altitude.