NTSB Factual Report

On October 19, 2003, approximately 1635 central daylight time, a Rans S-10 homebuilt experimental airplane, N190SP, registered to and operated by a private individual, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control while maneuvering in the vicinity of Ponder, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated approximately 1600 from a private grass airstrip near Ponder, Texas.

According to several witnesses, the airplane was maneuvering above the pilot's residence when they observed the airplane "pitch up," and then stall, before impacting the ground in a nose low attitude. One witness, who was a neighbor of the 314-hour pilot, reported that the pilot took off from a field in front of his house and made a pass over his front yard approximately 200 feet above ground level (agl). While passing over the field, the pilot appeared to "lean out of the right side" of the cockpit and "waved" at his neighbors. The airplane then pitched nose up, rolled to the right, and flew "straight into the ground" in a nose-down attitude. The pilot was transported to a hospital with serious injuries, and 5 days later, succumbed to his injuries.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the tail wheel-equipped airplane was issued its initial experimental / amateur homebuilt airworthiness certificate on July 6, 1990, and had accumulated approximately 176 total flight hours as of the accident date. The airplane was powered by a ROTAX model 582, 65 horsepower, liquid cooled reciprocating engine with a 2-blade wood propeller. The main structure of the fabric covered fuselage consisted of welded "4130" steel tubes, pre-formed trussed wing ribs, and 3-inch tubular aluminum main spars. The flight control system consisted of: differential ailerons, operated by cable and push-pull tubes; dual elevator horns, operated by a 1 1/2-inch push-pull elevator control tube; and a cable operated rudder. The pilot's seat was equipped with lap and shoulder restraints.

An FAA inspector, who examined the wreckage at the accident site, reported that the airplane appeared to have impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude. All flight control surfaces appeared to have no pre-impact anomalies. Flight control cables and push-pull tubes did not show evidence of pre-impact failures or binding.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to conduct low altitude maneuvering flight and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed.