NTSB Factual Report

On July 26, 2001 at 1312 central daylight time, an amateur-built Schuchart Stoddard Hamiltom SH3, N325HP, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain and burned about 2 nautical miles west of the Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The aircraft was on final approach to runway 09 (6,178 feet by 150 feet, asphalt). The airplane was en route to the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and was not on a flight plan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The exact departure point and departure time was not determined.

The air traffic controller that was working the accident airplane stated that he instructed the accident airplane to, "S-turn to stay in trail." He stated that he later told the airplane to, "bring it back to the final the spacing is good." He said that the airplane proceeded through the final approach course to the south and he again told the airplane to, "bring it straight in." The airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

Witnesses reported that the airplane was making "S"-turns while on final approach. One witness reported that the, "aircraft's nose was high and appeared slow. The aircraft stalled and spun." Other witnesses also reported seeing the airplane in a spin prior to impacting the ground.

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane singe engine land rating. The pilot also held a third class medical certificate issued on April 12, 2000. The medical certificate listed the restriction, "Must wear corrective lenses." According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the pilot reported a total flight time of 1,100 hours on the application for his medical certificate.

An on scene examination of the wreckage was conducted. The main wreckage was located within a circle approximately 30 feet in diameter. The fuselage forward of the leading edge of the tail surfaces, the right horizontal stabilizer, the right vertical stabilizer skin, and both wings were damaged by fire. The main wing spar remained in one piece. Control system continuity was established from the control surfaces to the cockpit. The engine was examined and was found to rotate. Valve train continuity was established and the engine exhibited "thumb" compression on cylinders 1 through 5. The engine mount was bent down and was impinged on the pushrod tube for cylinder number 6. The magnetos were examined and were found to be damaged by fire. No anomalies were found, with respect to the airplane, engine or systems, that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.

An autopsy was performed at the Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 26, 2001.

A "Final Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report", prepared by the FAA listed negative results for all tests performed.

The airplane wreckage was released to a representative of the insurance company.

The Federal Aviation Administration and Textron Lycoming were parties to the investigation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadvertent stall/spin by the pilot.