NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT

On December 22, 1996, about 0608 eastern standard time, a Forney F-1, N7530C, registered to an individual, crashed into trees near Spencer's Airpark, Middleburg, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was destroyed and the private-rated pilot was fatally injured. The flight originated from Middleburg, Florida, the same day, about 0530.

Family members and friends of the pilot stated the pilot planned to depart about 0530 for a local flight and return at about 0800. They stated it was foggy at the planned departure time. When the pilot did not return a search was initiated. The wreckage of the aircraft was located in a wooded area, 1 mile southwest of Spencer's Airpark, at 1630.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Information on the pilot is contained in this report under pilot information.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

A note found in the pilot's logbook showed the engine tachometer read 194.57 hours after he finished flying the aircraft on December 21, 1997. It also showed he had flown the aircraft 1.69 hours on that date. After the accident the engine tachometer read 195.21, showing the aircraft had flown .64 hours or about 38 minutes on the day of the accident. Additional information on the aircraft is contained in this report under aircraft information.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

Witnesses stated it was foggy and dark at the pilot's planned departure time of 0530. The fog was patchy, but at times was very dense. It remained foggy until about 1100. Additional meteorological information is contained in this report under weather information.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The aircraft crashed in a wooded area located on the north end of the Camp Blanding Training Site, Middleburg, Florida. The crash site was about 1 mile southwest of Spencer's Airpark, the departure airport. The crash site was located at latitude 30 degrees 03 minutes and longitude 81 degrees 59 minutes.

Examination of the crash site showed the aircraft collided with 75-foot-tall trees while on a northwesterly heading, severing the tops of the trees. The wreckage was scattered along a 320-degree line. The left wing and the left vertical stabilizer and rudder were located about 50 feet past the point of initial tree impact. The fuselage, engine, propeller, right wing, and the remainder of the tail section was located about 100 feet past the point of initial tree impact. All components of the aircraft necessary for flight were located along the wreckage path. Continuity of the flight control system was established. All separation points within the flight control system was typical of overstress separation.

Postcrash examination of the engine showed the engine rotated and continuity of the crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, and all accessory drives was established. Each cylinder produced normal compression. Each spark plug had deposit coloring consistent with normal engine operation. Each magneto sparked normally when rotated by hand. The engine-drive-fuel pump operated normally and teardown examination of the carburetor showed no evidence of carburetor malfunction. Automotive fuel was found in the engine fuel lines. The propeller had bending damage consistent with being rotated by engine power at the time of tree and ground impact. The cable-driven engine tachometer was found indicating 1,400 rpm after the accident.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Postmortem examination of the pilot was performed by Dr. Margarita Arruza, Associate Medical Examiner, Jacksonville, Florida. The pilot died as a result of multiple injuries. No findings which could be considered causal to the accident were reported. Postmortem toxicology tests on specimens obtained from the pilot was performed by the Jacksonville Medical Examiners Office and the Federal Aviation Administration Toxicology Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The tests were negative for ethanol alcohol, carbon monoxide, basic, acidic, and neutral drugs. For additional medical and pathological information see Supplement K and the toxicology reports attached to this report.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The aircraft wreckage was released on December 23, 1996, to Dennis Degerald, the pilot's step-son. Components retained by NTSB for examination were released on January 15, 1997, to Don Huntington, Quality Aircraft Salvage, Groveland, Florida.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Langley, Virginia, received a merge of two satellite contacts with an emergency locator transmitter in the area of the crash site at 0657. Search and rescue operations were initiated.

NTSB Probable Cause

VFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and an uncontrolled descent into a wooded area. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, darkness, the adverse weather condition (fog and/or low ceiling), and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.