ATL95LA059

Before the flight of two aircraft departed Kentucky, the pilots received a weather briefing, and visual flight was not recommended. The pilot of the lead airplane was aware of the frontal system, and the low ceilings. As the flight of two approached the front, the lead aircraft continued into instrument weather conditions. The trail airplane diverted into another airport. The lead airplane never arrived at the destination airport. After an extended search, the fire damaged aircraft wreckage was located at the 1450 level of lookout mountain. The wreckage examination failed to disclose mechanical problems with the engine or airframe.

History of flight

On October 9, 1994, at 1030 central standard time, a Hayes Long-EZ, N33EZ, collided with the ground at the 1450 foot level of Lookout Mountain near Collinsville, Alabama. The personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was destroyed, and the pilot received fatal injuries. The flight departed Falls Of Rough, Kentucky, at 1000 hours on October 9, 1994, and the aircraft wreckage was located on March 5, 1995.

According to another pilot, flying as part of the flight of two aircraft, he obtained a weather briefing from Louisville Flight Service Station before they departed. He stated that the weather information was shared with the pilot of N33EZ, he was also aware of the weathers condition as they approached Huntsville, Alabama. The second pilot also recalled the briefer telling him that visual flight was not recommended because of the forecasted low cloud condition in the vicinity of Huntsville.

As the flight of two approached the forecasted frontal system, they experienced low clouds, reduced visibility, and rain showers. After visual contact was lost with N33EZ the second pilot elected to divert into Gadsden, Alabama. At this point he assumed that N33EZ had continued on to Tampa, Florida.

Personnel information

Information on the pilot is contained in this report at the data field Labeled "First Pilot Information." A review of the pilot certificate revealed that the pilot was not instrument qualified.

Aircraft information

Information on the airplane is included in the data field labeled "Aircraft Information." Aircraft maintenance logs for N33EZ were not recovered for examination.

Meteorological information

Visual weather conditions prevailed at Gadsden, Alabama , however the exact weather conditions at the accident site were not determined. As the flight of two approached the forecasted frontal system, they experienced reduced visibility and rain showers (see attached weather data). Weather information for the nearest weather reporting site is included in this report at the data field labeled "Weather Information."

Wreckage and impact information

The examination of the accident site disclosed that wreckage debris was scattered over an area 75 feet long and 25 feet wide. The airplane collided with several trees before resting on a 240 degree magnetic heading. The airplane center section and wing assemblies were destroyed by a post-impact fire. Examination of the airframe and engine assemblies failed to disclose a mechanical failure or system malfunction (see attached FAA inspector's statement.)

Medical and pathological information

The postmortem examination of the pilot was performed by Dr. Joseph H. Embry, on March 7, 1995, at Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Huntsville. The cause of death was reported as multiple trauma secondary to the aircraft accident.