NTSB Factual Report

On September 28, 1995, about 1900 eastern daylight time, a Mcclintic-Piercie KR-1, N9975A, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain in Scotts, Michigan. The solo private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The planned destination and departure location of the personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight are unknown. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

According to witnesses, interviewed by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department, a "red airplane" was observed flying in the vicinity of the accident site about 1830. The wreckage was discovered about 1900. No eyewitnesses to the accident were located.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspectors who examined the wreckage reported that the smell of fuel permeated the accident site. The blades of the wooden propeller were splintered near the hub. They reported that all airframe components were located at the site with no evidence of preimpact structural failure. Examination of control system continuity revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunction. Crush angles and ground scars corresponded to a pitch attitude of approximately 45 degrees nose low, with evidence of "rotation to the left."

Autopsy of the pilot was conducted at the Bronson Methodist Hospital, 252 E. Lovell Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49007.

FAA toxicological testing was negative for all tests conducted.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.