NTSB Factual Report

On July 27, 2001, about 1733 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Lancair 320, N92SB, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees while maneuvering near the C4C Airport (3NY0), Charleston, New York. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

During a telephone interview, the pilot said that he departed the Penn Yan Airport (PEO), Penn Yan, New York, destined for the Columbia County Airport (1B1), Hudson, New York. While en route to Hudson, the pilot diverted to the C4C Airport, which was owned by a friend. The pilot reported that his last memory of the accident flight was en route to Hudson.

Several witnesses observed the airplane flying in the vicinity of the C4C Airport. In a written statement, one witness said:

"On 7/27/01 at approximately 5:15 PM I was outside and heard the sound of a small plane. I saw the plane fly over the neighbor's private airport very low and very fast. He turned sharply and flew back over the airport. On the second pass, he climbed very steep and looked like he was coming back for a third time, but he was coming back down so steep and so fast I knew he was not going to be able to pull up. I lost sight of him in the tree tops and then heard a loud bang. I immediately ran in to call 911 and went to the scene."

In a telephone interview, the owner of the C4C Airport stated that he heard the airplane flying overhead and went outside to watch it. He observed the airplane perform "a couple of flybys," and during the last pass he lost sight of the airplane behind trees at the far side of the runway. Several seconds later, he heard fire trucks heading toward the trees where he last saw the airplane. The owner stated that he realized the pilot was a friend of his, after he went to the accident site. He did not believe the pilot was attempting to land at the airport, because he had not been in contact with the owner and had never landed his airplane there before.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-scene examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, the airplane collided with trees and separated into several sections. The wreckage was dispersed over an area of about 50-yards. The left wing, engine, and propeller were found separated from the main wreckage, which included the right wing and fuselage. The fuel tanks were examined and found to be ruptured; however, the inspector reported that vegetation around the airplane was wet with fuel, and an odor of fuel was present. Examination of the airplane revealed there were no mechanical deficiencies.

The weather reported at Albany International Airport, Albany, New York, 26 miles away, at 1651, included winds from 010 degrees at 6 knots, clear skies, and 10 miles visibility.

The pilot's most recent FAA third class medical certificate was issued on June 28, 2001. At that time, he reported 1,000 hours of total flight time.

The pilot did not respond to two requests to submit a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot Operator Report.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees.