CHI99FA202

An aircraft similar in description to the accident airplane was seen by a witness performing 'loops' on June 26, 1999 at 1230 central daylight time. The witness saw the airplane north of her home, which was located 2-3 miles south of the accident site. The airplane was found 2 miles east and 1-1/2 miles south of La Crosse, Kansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight properties of the Rans S-10 Sakota were described in the aircraft's manual as, '...There is a slightly higher rate of speed decay in zero thrust mode and potential for high sink rates due to the 9.4 lb. wing loading. In pitch, the S-10 is neutral.' No mechanical anomalies were noted.

History of flight

On June 26, 1999, at approximately 1230 central daylight time, a Rans S-10 Sakota, N108AN, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed on impact with terrain. 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 sustained fatal injuries. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Timkin, Kansas at approximately 1100.

A witness reported having seen an airplane at approximately 1230 which matched the description of the accident airplane. She reported that the airplane was doing stunts north of her residence which was located 2-3 miles south of the accident site.

Personnel information

The pilot was 50 years old and the holder of a private pilot certificate with a single engine land rating. He received a third class medical certificate on September 23, 1998 with a restriction stating, "must wear corrective lenses". The pilot had accumulated a total flying time of approximately 317 hours. A log of flights states on June 25, 1996, "103 S-10 first flight, airwork and three TOLs".

Aircraft information

N108AN was constructed by the pilot from a kit purchased on April 27, 1991. The airplane was registered as N108AN on May 31, 1994 and subsequently received an airworthiness certificate as an experimental amateur built aircraft on May 29, 1996.

Wreckage and impact information

The main wreckage was found in an agricultural field approximately 2 miles east and 1-1/2 miles south of LaCrosse, Kansas. The wreckage was contained in an area which was approximately 60 feet by 126 feet. The aircraft's fuselage was folded over onto itself in the aft direction, bent laterally and was lying on a magnetic heading of 160 degrees. There was ground scarring beneath the right wing's leading edge. The empennage, with its control surfaces, was attached to the airframe. The engine and propeller hub were buried approximately 2-1/2 feet below ground. Flight control continuity was established. Continuity of the engine was established. No engine anomalies were noted.

Medical and pathological information

An autopsy was conducted by the Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas, on June 28, 1999.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) toxicological results tested positive for 28 (mg/dL, mg/hg) ethanol detected in lung, 6 (mg/dL, mg/hg) acetaldehyde, and 33 (mg/dL, mg/hg) ethanol detected in muscle. Putrefaction was indicated on the FAA toxicological report.

Tests and research

The Ran S-10 Sakota: General Description and Flight Properties states under "DESCRIPTION", The RANS S-10 is a mid wing tractor mono-plane with conventional landing gear. It's strut braced wings utilize aluminum tubes for spars, compression, anti-drag, tip and ribs. The fuselage is of welded 4130 chromoly steel. The design features aerobatic capability at or below 670 lbs, fully enclosed cockpit, bungee landing gear, steerable tailwheel, in-flight elevator trim and full span ailerons." Under, "FLIGHT PROPERTIES", the section states, "The S-10 flight properties are conventional in respect to general aviation aircraft in the areas of control and response. There is a slightly higher rate of decay in zero thrust mode and potential for high sink rates due to the 9.4 lb wing loading. In pitch, the S-10 is neutral. You can in calm air adjust the trim and fly hands off... for a while. But unless you make minor corrections such as leaning your body fore and aft it will not remain in trim. Pitch rate is fast at cruise and lessons as the plane slows down. During the first few flights the S-10 will seem too fast in pitch..."

Additional information

The Federal Aviation Administration was a party to the investigation.

The wreckage was released to the Rush County Sheriff, Lacrosse, Kansas. Retained parts were released to the wife of the pilot.