NTSB Factual Report

On March 6, 1998, about 1130 eastern standard time, a Nickelson-Martin Coot-A experimental airplane, N84MN, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed after departing Tampa Bay Executive Airport, Odessa, Florida, while maneuvering in the traffic pattern. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

Witnesses stated the airplane was observed on takeoff about 10 to 20 feet above the runway in a left wing low attitude. It appeared to be very near stall speed while climbing. The airplane started a slow left climbing turn towards the north. It reached about 100 to 150 feet in the turn when the airplane appeared to enter a stall. The airplane rotated quickly to the left, and the angle of bank increased to about 60 to 70 degrees. The nose was observed to pitch down about 50 to 60 degrees. The engine sounded normal with full power all the way to impact. The airplane collided with a utility pole, and the ground, and a post crash fire ensued.

Examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure. Continuity of the flight control system was confirmed for the rudder and elevators. The control tube for the ailerons was consumed by postcrash fire. The engine and propeller system were not checked due to witness reports that the engine was running all the way to the point of impact.

Postmortem examination of the pilot of N84MN was conducted by Dr. Joan E. Wood, Medical Examiner, District Six, Medical Examiner's Office, Largo, Florida, on March 8, 1998. The cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. Postmortem toxicology of specimens from the pilot was performed by the Forensic Toxicology Research section, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. These studies were negative for ethanol, acidic, and neutral drugs. Fluoxetine, 0.061 (ug/ml, ug/g), was detected in the blood. Fluoxetine is a drug which acts on the central nervous system, and reported side effects include anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, drowsiness, and dizziness, although most patients do not experience these effects. Review of records on file with the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division revealed no recorded entry on the pilot's application for a third class medical certificate, dated December 31, 1996, that he was using the prescription drug fluoxetine. The source of the drug could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the terrain.