NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On October 27, 2010, about 1600 central daylight time, a Donegan Benton Kitfox II experimental airplane, N8700T, was substantially damaged after impacting terrain while departing Elm Creek Airpark (0TX6), Seguin, Texas. The private pilot was fatally injured. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

A witness observed the airplane climb out after takeoff. While still at a low altitude, just over a set of power lines, the airplane was seen to bank to the right, enter a spin, and impact the ground near vertical. The witness responded to the scene and reported smelling fuel, but did not see any fuel dripping from the wreckage.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot, age 69, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His last third class medical certificate was issued on October 16, 2006. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the pilot had approximately 2,200 total flight hours. The pilot’s flight logbooks were not located during the investigation.

AIRPLANE INFORMATION

The homebuilt airplane was of a high wing, two-seat, tailwheel configuration with steel frame and fabric construction. The airplane was powered by a Rotax 582UL two-cycle engine rated at 65 horsepower, driving a GCS Systems N750 three-bladed propeller.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

Weather observations at 1551 at New Braunfels (KBAZ), Texas, about 15 miles northwest of the accident site, recorded winds calm, clear skies, visibility seven miles, temperature 88 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and dew point 65 degrees F.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The airplane was examined on scene by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. He reported both wings were damaged, the landing gear were crushed, and the fuselage was twisted. One propeller blade was damaged and folded under the wreckage. The remaining two blades were undamaged and there was no evidence of rotational impact damage found on the propeller assembly. The engine was pushed back and to the airplane’s right. The fuel lines, gascolator fuel filter, and carburetor bowl were examined and no fuel was found.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Central Texas Autopsy, PLLC, located in Lockhart, Texas, performed an autopsy on the pilot on October 29, 2010. The cause of death was attributed to multiple traumatic injuries.

The FAA, Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing on the pilot. Testing for carbon monoxide and cyanide were negative. No volatiles or drugs were detected.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure adequate fuel on board and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control following an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion.