CHI07LA272

The experimental amateur-built airplane owned and piloted by a private pilot was reported maneuvering at a low altitude over a house when it spiraled in a nose down attitude following an increase in engine noise. No anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal airplane operation.

On August 16, 2007, at 2023 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Titan Tornado II, N39YP, piloted by a private pilot, received substantial damage on impact with terrain while maneuvering near a house about three miles north of Henning, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot was fatally injured. The local flight originated from a private airstrip at 1930.

A witness stated that the airplane was headed in a northerly direction when it flew over a house and began turning to the west. The turn continued toward a southwesterly direction at which time the witness lost sight of the airplane. The witness stated that as the airplane was banking from the west and heading southeast, he heard the steady drone followed by a spike in engine noise. After the engine accelerated sharply, he heard nothing for a few seconds and then heard the crash. The witness stated that he was not sure of the airplane’s altitude, but the pilot had flown low over the house numerous times in the past to say hello.

Another witness reported that the airplane was flying low comparing it to a "crop duster." The airplane turned to the east followed by an increase in engine speed when it "twisted" while descending "straight down" impacting the ground.

Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the propeller was separated mid span and was resting about 15 feet behind the tail of the airplane. The airplane wing exhibited a slash mark consistent with a propeller strike. No anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal airplane operation.