NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On June 10, 1993, at 0850 eastern daylight time, a Cessna TP206, N5719J, collided with trees while maneuvering over the pilot's home near Epworth, Georgia. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire; the two occupants were fatally injured in the accident. The flight departed Copperhill, Tennessee, at 0840 hours.

According to the pilot's wife, she was working in the family garden when her husband flew overhead in N5719J. She reported that the airplane approached her position from the north and the airplane was several feet above the tree tops. After the airplane crossed her position, the pilot started a left turn; the pilot's wife waved at her husband as he continued the turn. She continued to watch the airplane until it stopped the left turn and collided with trees on a ridge southeast of her position. The pilot's son also observed the collision with the trees and reported that the airplane fell to the ground and burned.

According to the pilot's wife, the engine sound was normal throughout the over flight and until the airplane collided with the trees. There were no unusual attitude conditions observed by the witness. Finally, the pilot's wife said that her husband usually flew over the house on his return flights instead of departure flights.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Information on the pilot is included in this report at the data field labeled First Pilot Information. The pilot's flight logs were not recovered for examination.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

Information on the aircraft is contained in this report at the data field labeled Aircraft Information.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Weather information is contained in this report at the data field labeled Weather Information.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

Wreckage debris was scattered over an area approximately 135 feet long and 45 feet wide. Components from the empennage were located in the vicinity of where the pilot's wife reported the collision with the 75 foot tall trees. All flight control assemblies were located within the wreckage and impact areas.

The fire-damaged main wreckage rested in a near inverted position in the pilot's backyard. Fire destroyed the aircraft center section and empennage. Examination of the airframe failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure. The engine examination also failed to reveal a mechanical problem. Examination of the propeller assembly showed twisting moments on the propeller blade tips.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Post mortem examination of the pilot was performed by Dr. Kris L. Sperry, Georgia Bureau Of Investigation, Division Of Forensic Sciences, in Decatur, Georgia, on June 11, 1993. The cause of death was determined to be multiple injuries. The toxicological examinations were negative for ethanol and drugs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The aircraft was released to Mr. Phillip Powell, an insurance adjustor, with Carson Brooks, Atlanta, Georgia.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN VERTICAL CLEARANCE ABOVE THE TREES WHILE MANEUVERING WHICH RESULTED IN THE COLLISION WITH TREES.