NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On June 23, 2013, about 1101 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Extra Flugzeugproduktions EA 300/LT, N169TM, collided in flight with power lines near Adrian, Oregon. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage from impact forces. The local personal flight departed Ontario, Oregon, at an undetermined time. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

A witness was preparing to fish when he heard the airplane's engine. He observed the airplane fly through the river canyon above him; it was following the contours of the canyon. He saw the airplane collide with large power lines (5/8-inch cable) across the Owyhee River, about 1/2 mile down river from the Owyhee Dam. The airplane continued on, but he could not see it any longer due to the canyon walls.

Another witness was fishing, and heard the airplane come around a corner downriver from him. He thought that the pilot initiated a climb to avoid the power lines. The airplane went into a flat spin, and flew into the power lines before contacting the ground.

Another witness, who is a private pilot, was fishing about 2 miles away. He heard the engine get extremely loud, and thought that meant that the airplane was descending rapidly. He observed the airplane flying in the area the previous day, and estimated its speed at 200 miles per hour.

A first responder reported that the pilot was in the rear seat, and they observed scratch marks from a wire on the left wing.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage on scene. The airplane came to rest upright. There was extensive damage to the airplane forward of the wings. The landing gear collapsed downward. The power lines were marked with orange spherical balls.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Malheur County Medical Examiner authorized an autopsy by the Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Ontario Department of Pathology. The FAA Forensic Toxicology Research Team, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing of specimens of the pilot.

Analysis of the specimens contained no findings for carbon monoxide or volatiles. They did not perform tests for cyanide.

The report contained the following findings for tested drugs: Atorvastatin detected in urine, Atorvastatin not detected in blood; 0.07 (ug/ml, ug/g) morphine detected in urine, morphine not detected in blood (cavity); Ramipril detected in urine, Ramipril not detected in blood.

Ramipril was used to treat high blood pressure, and Atorvastatin was used to treat elevated cholesterol.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level maneuvering in a river canyon with power lines, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.