20160704010649A

The accident which occurred in Buena Vista, Colorado on July 4th, 2016, that resulted in the fatal injury of one person. The aircraft, an experimental amateur-built amphibious Seawind, N46EB s/n 64, owned and operated by a private individual, was substantially damage when it impacted in an open ranch field with post fire. Impact was estimated 2.75 miles to 3.0 miles from Buena Vista Colorado regional airport (kaej). The private pilot with single and multiengine land was seriously injured on impact and in post fire. The private pilot succumbed to his injuries on site. The personal flight was conducted under provisions of title 14 code of federal regulations part 91. The purpose of the flight was to fly to leadville Colorado airport (klxv) to meet with owner of N46EB from leadville, Colorado. The owner met with pilot and they had lunch together. The owner of N46EB, the owner reported that there were no problems with airplanes takeoff roll and initial climb returning to Buena Vista Colorado regional airport (kaej). According to witnesses the pilot flew from the Buena Vista Colorado regional airport (kaej) to leadville Colorado airport (klxv) on July 4th, 2016. No fuel was received from the Buena Vista airport fueling services, nor did he receive fuel from fueling services in leadville Colorado airport (klxv).

N46EB broadcasted on Buena Vista Colorado regional airport ctaf/unicom (122.8)-according to a witness at the Buena Vista Colorado regional airport they heard ?N46EB may day may day straight in for 15?. No further radio transmission was made. According to witnesses in the neighborhood of the accident they reported that they heard the aircraft engine running extremely rough like it was running on three cylinders and the wings were rocking back and forth. Estimate altitude from the witness at that time was 200 to 300 feet AGL and losing altitude fast. Aircraft N46EB made a steep left turn and witness noted gear was extended. Witness lost sight of aircraft N46EB before impact. Witness noted dust, smoke, and then fire. 911 were called at 12:18 pm MST 07-04-2016. Sheriff was dispatched at 12:23 pm MST 07-04-2016. Sheriff arrived at the accident sight on 12:28 pm MST \07-04-2016. Aircraft was engulfed in fire. No rescue possible for pilot. The pilot log books were not located. His total flight experience and his flight experience in make and model could not be determined. The airframe and engine logbooks were not located. The airplane descended into an open ranch field, located about 2.75 to 3.0 miles from the end of runway 15 at the Buena Vista Colorado regional airport (kaej). The plane impacted an open ranch field, before coming to rest upside down on a heading of 009 degrees. The airplane was in initially examined at the accident site. A post-crash fire destroyed the cock-pit and consumed the airframe, with the exception of the out board wings and small composite fragments. All primary flight controls were connected at their respective controls columns and the pedals in the elevator bell-crank. The propeller assembly was destroyed. Two of the propellers blades were separated from the propeller assembly. One was melted estimated 24 inches from the hub, one attached on the hub was melted estimated 36 inches from the hub. The third propeller was intact with scarring marks on blade found in the debris. The engine, including all accessories was destroyed. The engine won?t rotate with pry bar used in the hub at the accident site. The spark plugs were removed at the accident site and their electrodes were found intact. The engine fuel flow transducer, fuel line and fittings, which were heavily fire damaged and destroyed. Amendment to this 8020-23 narrative is expected upon completion of the NTSB report.