CHI95DCA01

The pilot overflew the airport and performed a roll at 1000 feet. The airplane was observed rolling inverted a second time at 300 feet above the ground. The airplane nose then dropped to near vertical, the airplane impacted, and was destroyed in the post crash fire.

History of flight

On November 29, 1994, at 1553 central standard time (CST), a Yakovlev YAK-52, N2215C, operated as a personal airplane by Harlass P. Moore of Caruthersville, Missouri, impacted level terrain at the Caruthersville Municipal Airport (M05), Caruthersville, Missouri, and was destroyed.

The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, had originated from West Memphis, Arkansas, at an undetermined time, and no flight plan was filed. Upon arrival at M05, the airplane was observed overflying the airport, then making a second pass and performing a roll over the airport at approximately 1000 feet above ground level (agl) and continuing southeast. A short time later the airplane was observed approaching from the southeast, rolling inverted at approximately 300 feet agl, and stabilizing inverted for a few seconds. The nose then dropped to near vertical, and the airplane impacted the ground near the airport boundary.

The commercial rated pilot sustained fatal injuries, and a post-crash fire occurred. The cockpit area was destroyed, and minor damage occurred to the surrounding crops and field.

Crew information

The pilot was the sole occupant, and held a commercial pilot certificate with privileges for single and multi engine land airplanes, instrument airplane, and flight instructor rating for single engine airplanes. He held a current class-2 medical certificate with no limitations, and a statement of demonstrated ability for 20/50 vision in the left eye.

Aircraft information

The airplane was a Yakovlev YAK-52, serial number 888413, certificated in the experimental category, which had accrued a total of 680 flight hours. It was powered by a single Vendeneyev M-14P, 360 horsepower reciprocating engine. The last inspection performed was an annual conducted on November 12, 1994, 5 flight hours prior to the accident.

Meteorological information

Visual meteorological condition existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. No ceilings or restrictions to visibility were reported. The winds were light and variable.

Wreckage and impact information

The airplane came to rest upright, on the edge of the impact crater, at the airport boundary. The impact was slightly inverted, approximately 105 degrees nose down, with the right wing 15 degrees low. The airplane came to rest pointing 270 degrees magnetic, which was opposite the original direction of flight. The left wing separated from the fuselage, and was located 190 feet on a heading of 170 degrees from the initial impact point. The fuel tank separated, and was located 95 feet on a heading of 160 degrees from the impact. Rib parts were located 140 feet on a heading of 160 degrees from the impact point. Miscellaneous parts were scattered for approximately 200 feet in all directions.

Fire

A post crash fire occurred, destroying the center section of the airplane. The local fire department extinguished the fire after their arrival on scene.

Medical and pathological

An autopsy was performed, with no pre-existing deficiencies noted. Toxicology results were negative.

Additional information

The wreckage was released to Moore Flying Service, Incorporated, on November 30, 1994.