BFO94LA141

According to an FAA aviation safety inspector, the pilot was performing in an airshow. He stated that, although the pilot had some difficulty starting the engine, he completed his preflight inspection and engine run-up successfully. During the pilot's airshow routine, he was maneuvering at low altitude around pylons that were positioned adjacent to runway 4/22. Some witnesses reported the engine lost power (as the airplane was proceeding along the right side of runway 4). The engine sound was described as 'sputtering.' The airplane entered a climb and maneuvered to the right & back left (as if the pilot was attempting to maneuver for landing on runway 22). The airplane then descended in a nose down attitude and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination revealed the fuel selector valve was in the 'off' position. An examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction.

On August 20, 1994, at 1803 eastern daylight time, N63VW, a homebuilt V-WITT W2, operated by the private pilot/registered owner, crashed at Wilmington, Ohio. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local, personal flight was operated under 14 CFR 91.

According to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, the pilot was performing in an airshow. He stated that the pilot had completed his preflight inspection and had some problems starting the engine. He stated that the pilot started the engine, completed an engine run-up and departed on runway 22. He stated the pilot completed his performance and returned to the airfield.

Witnesses stated they observed the airplane circling the field. One witness stated that the airplane, "...seemed from my angle to climb slightly, level the wings, then all of a sudden the left wing appeared to drop, the airplane went into a left bank, and then the nose dropped." Another witness stated that he heard the engine sputter and, "...it appeared to lose power."

The airplane was examined at the accident site by an FAA Inspector. The examination revealed the fuel selector valve which has two positions, "on" and "off", was found in the off position. The FAA Inspector reported that he asked the rescue team if anyone had switched the fuel off and he was told that no one touched anything in the airplane. The FAA Inspector reported there was no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.