DFW06FA095

The 228-hours private pilot lost control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane while maneuvering at low altitude. The airplane impacted terrain on a heading of 045 degrees in a near vertical nose down attitude. There was no post-impact fire. There were no eye witnesses to the mishap. The airplane was found by a family member when the pilot was late returning from his personal flight. Examination of the airplane did not revealed any anomalies. Flight control continuity was established to all flight controls. No discrepancies were noted with the engine that could have prevented normal engine operation. Toxicological tests were completed for carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and tested drugs. Test results were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, and volatiles but revealed significant amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (marihuana) and Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxlic Acid (marihuana) detected in the blood and lungs. Also noted was a presence in the blood and liver of Benzoylecgonine, Ecgonine Methylester, and Anhydroecgonine Methylester which are chemicals found in the body and normally associated with use of cocaine.

History of flight

On April 5, 2006, approximately 1830 central daylight time, a single-engine Piper/Stevens PA-18A-150 tailwheel equipped airplane, N3887P, was destroyed upon impact with terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering near the Longwood Flying Service private airstrip, Hollandale, Mississippi. The private pilot and his passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was corporate owned being flown by a private individual conducting a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Personnel information

The private pilot held a rating for airplane single-engine land, and was issued a first-class medical certificate on March 26, 2004, with no limitations. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated a total of 228 flight hours.

Aircraft information

The 1988 model airplane, serial number LC001, was certificated for single pilot operation, with seating for two occupants. The aircraft showed a total time according to the logbooks and the Hobbs meter of 628 hours.

Meteorological information

At 1853 local time, Mid Delta Regional Airport, near Greenville, MS (KGLH), the closest weather reporting station located approximately 25 miles to the north, reported weather conditions as winds 140 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 23 degrees Celsius, dew point 7 degrees Celsius, and a barometric pressure at 29.92 inches of Mercury.

Wreckage and impact information

The airplane impacted terrain on a heading of 045 degrees near wings level in a near vertical nose down attitude. There was no post-impact fire.

There were no eye witnesses to the mishap. The airplane was found by a family member when the pilot was late returning from his personal flight.

Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies. Flight control continuity was established to all flight controls at the accident site. No discrepancies were noted with the engine during a field teardown and inspection that could have prevented normal engine operation.

Medical and pathological information

An autopsy was performed on the pilot on April 6, 2006, at the Mississippi Medical Examiner's Office located in Washington County, Greenville, MS, by a medical examiner from that office. The underlying cause of death was listed as craniocerebral trauma.

Toxicological testing on the pilot was performed by the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) Forensic Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and tested drugs. Test results were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, and volatiles. The tests revealed significant amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (marihuana) and Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxlic Acid (marihuana) detected in the blood and lungs. Also noted was the presence in the blood and liver of Benzoylecgonine, Ecgonine Methylester, and Anhydroecgonine Methylester which are chemicals found in the body associated with use of cocaine.

Additional information

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative on April 7, 2006.