CEN09LA312

Witnesses stated that they heard the aircraft either "flutter" or "sputter" before impacting the ground. An on-site examination revealed that all structural airframe and engine components were found with the wreckage; however, an orange fabric wing piece was located about quarter mile from the main wreckage. It was also observed that a wire support cable was found disconnected; however, no determination could be made regarding whether the cable was disconnected prior to the impact. Terrain and aircraft damage were consistent with the airplane impacting terrain in a nose-low attitude. A reason for the loss of control could not be determined.

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 25, 2009, approximately 1330 central daylight time, a North Wing Design, Apache Sport, experimental, weight-shift control aircraft, N600GB, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain, following a loss of control near Fredericksburg, Texas. The pilot and passenger both received fatal injuries. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, who examined the airplane on site, reported that the aircraft impacted the ground in a steep nose down attitude and that the wreckage/ground scars were consistent with the aircraft "spinning" at the time of impact. The inspector added, witnesses stated that they heard the aircraft either "flutter" or "sputter" before impacting the ground. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. The pilot's personal flight record logbook was not provided for examination and the pilot's flying endorsements were not ascertained. According to FAA records, the pilot's most recent aviation medical certificate, third-class, was issued May 14, 2009. The pilot was required to have available glasses for near vision. The pilot-rated passenger, held a private pilot certificate with airplane single and multi-engine land rating. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The Apache Sport B was certified as an Experimental, Special Light Sport Aircraft in the weight shift control category. The two place "trike" design is equipped with a pusher propeller, tricycle landing gear, and wing struts. The aircraft was powered by a Rotax 582 reciprocating engine. The owner reportedly kept the aircraft in a trailer for the aircraft, and assembled it prior to flying. A review of FAA records, indicated that the pilot purchased the airplane in October, 2008. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The automated weather reporting station located at Gillespie County Airport, Fredericksburg, Texas, reported at 1325, calm wind, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 4,900 feet, temperature 82 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 61 degrees Fahrenheit, and altimeter setting of 29.87 inches of Mercury. COMMUNICATIONS There were no reported radio communications with the accident pilot. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION An FAA inspector examined the airplane on scene. The airplane was found in a relatively open field, with scattered trees. There was no evidence of fire. Terrain and aircraft damage were consistent with the airplane impacting terrain in a nose low attitude. All structural airframe and engine components were found with the wreckage; however, an orange colored fabric wing piece was located about quarter mile from the main wreckage. The fuel tank had been breached by impact; however, a fuel odor was present at the site. The Inspector also reported that a wire support cablewas found disconnected at the accident site; however, no determination could be made regarding whether the cable was disconnected prior to the impact. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION The Office of the Medical Examiner for Travis County, located in Austin, Texas, performed an autopsy on the pilot May 26, 2009. The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries." Toxicological testing on the pilot was performed by the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) Forensic and Accident Research center, near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.