# NTSB ERA10LA205: Cupaiole RV-6A, N84KM, West Palm Beach, FL, April 3, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 3, 2010, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC) - Place: West Palm Beach, FL - Coordinates: 26.593055, -80.084999 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.5931&lon=-80.0850&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report April 28, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Lycoming Engines, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 75633 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA10LA205 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/75633/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75633 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA205 ## Probable cause The total loss of engine power and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin. The reason for the loss of power could not be determined. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05617C9), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=05617C9), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Power plant](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057100): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057100/cases.md?model=05617C9), [All aircraft, 198 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057100/cases.md) - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=05617C9), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=05617C9), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) (defining event); cases with it: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=05617C9), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05617C9), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis Witnesses reported that the pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane was working on the engine's alternator and then planned to fly from his home airport, to an airport about 30 miles away, to purchase fuel. Shortly after takeoff, witnesses heard the engine noise cease. The airplane then stalled and entered a spin, descending nose-down into a lake, about 1/8 mile east of the departure airport. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that both fuel tanks were compromised during impact and had been filled with water. The quantity of fuel, if any, in the fuel tanks prior to impact could not be determined; the airplane's last fueling could not be verified. The examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Toxicology results indicated that the pilot had used marijuana and an over-the-counter antihistamine. The condition of the samples tested did not permit accurate determination of when the substances might have most recently been used or whether the pilot may have been impaired by their use. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On April 3, 2010, about 1215 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Cupaiole RV-6A, N84KM, operated by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged during impact with a lake, following a total loss of engine power while departing Palm Beach Country Park Airport (LNA), West Palm Beach, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot was killed. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the planned flight to Palm Beach County Glades Airport (PHK), Pahokee, Florida. The airplane was based at LNA. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and a detective from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office interviewed witnesses at LNA and the pilot’s wife. According to a witness at LNA, prior to the flight, the pilot was "working on" the airplane and then planned to get fuel at PHK. Specifically, the pilot was adjusting the alternator and the witness helped him secure the lower engine cowling after the work on the alternator was completed. The pilot’s wife reported that he usually purchased fuel at PHK as the fuel was less expensive at that airport. The airplane subsequently departed runway 9. Shortly after takeoff, witnesses heard the engine noise cease. The airplane then turned right and descended nose-down in to a lake, about 1/8 mile east of LNA. One of the witnesses, who had been a pilot for over 30 years, reported that the engine lost power, the airplane turned right back toward the airport and the airspeed decreased. The airplane then stalled and spun into a lake. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 58, held a commercial pilot certificate, with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land and instrument airplane. He also held a certified flight instructor certificate, with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on March 8, 2010. At that time, the pilot reported a total flight experience of 3,500 hours. The pilot’s wife reported that of the 3,500 hours of total flight experience, about 600 hours were in the accident airplane. Additionally, review of the pilot's logbook revealed a total flight experience of 3,475.7 hours. The pilot's most recent flight review was completed on March 9, 2010. The pilot had flown 10.4 hours and 5 hours during the 90 and 30-day period preceding the accident, respectively. Of the total hours, all were flown in the accident airplane, except for 2 hours completed in a different airplane used for the flight review on March 9, 2010. The pilot did not possess a repairman or airframe and powerplant certificate. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The two-seat, low-wing, fixed tricycle gear airplane, serial number 60564, was issued an FAA experimental airworthiness certificate on February 17, 2004. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320, 160-horsepower engine,equipped with a three-blade propeller. The engine was manufactured in 1969 and had not returned to the factory. The pilot purchased the engine as a salvage core with no carburetor. According to the airplane logbook, its most recent annual condition inspection was completed by the pilot on January 1, 2010. At that time, the airplane had accumulated 594.3 total hours according to the tachometer. The tachometer was part of a digital engine information system (EIS), and a postaccident reading could not be obtained. The engine maintenance and overhaul history could not be determined. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The reported weather at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), at 1153, was: wind from 120 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 17 knots; visibility 10 miles; few clouds at 2,600 feet; scattered clouds at 25,000 feet; temperature 24 degrees Celsius (C); dew point 16 degrees C; altimeter 30.09 inches of mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane was recovered to a hangar for examination. The FAA inspector noted that all major portions of the airplane were accounted for. Two propeller blades did not exhibit damage, while one propeller blade separated about mid-span. The airframe forward of the aft bulkhead was partially crushed. Both wings sustained impact damage and the main cabin structure was compromised. Both wings remained attached to the airplane and both exhibited compression damage to the forward spar. Both fuel tanks were compromised and filled with water. The inspector could not determine the quantity, if any, of fuel in the main fuel tanks prior to impact. The airplane was subsequently examined by NTSB personnel on July 1, 2010. The fuel selector was observed in the right tank position. The fuel placard indicated a capacity of 18 gallons per fuel tank. When the carburetor fuel drain plug was removed, rusty water drained from the carburetor, but no fuel drained. Some fuel was noted in the fuel line connecting the engine driven fuel pump to the carburetor. Fuel and water was also observed in the gascolator. Continuity was confirmed from the throttle and mixture levers in the cockpit, to the engine. Fuel system continuity was confirmed via compressed air, from the carburetor, to the wing roots. Both magnetos were removed for inspection and disassembled. The inspection did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunction and both magnetos produced electrical current when rotated. The oil filter was removed and oil was present with no visible contamination observed. The propeller was rotated freely by hand. Camshaft, crankshaft, and valve train continuity was confirmed to the rear accessory section. Thumb compression was attained on all cylinders. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the State of Florida District Fifteen Medical Examiner's Office, West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 4, 2010. The autopsy report noted the cause of death as "multiple blunt force injuries." Toxicological testing wasperformed on the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Review of the toxicology report revealed: " Cetirizine detected in Blood 0.6735 (ug/ml, ug/g) Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marihuana) detected in Lung 0.047 (ug/ml, ug/g) Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marihuana) detected in Kidney 0.0037 (ug/ml, ug/g) Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marihuana) detected in Blood 0.3711 (ug/ml, ug/g) Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Marihuana) detected in Kidney 0.0446 (ug/ml, ug/g) Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Marihuana) detected in Lung 0.0255 (ug/ml, ug/g) Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (Marihuana) detected in Blood." FAA toxicology staff noted that the blood tested at the FAA toxicology laboratory was noted as having been from "mixed sources." ADDITIONAL INFORMATION An EIS and electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) were recovered from the wreckage and forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Division, Washington, DC. The EIS did not contain non-volatile memory and no data was recovered. The EFIS recorded some data in non-volatile memory; however, none of the data was pertinent to the accident flight. According to the FAA inspector, PHK did not retain fueling records and the accident airplane's most recent fueling could not be determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N84KM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N84KM-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N 60564 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CUPAIOLE RV-6A - Registry model: [Cupaiole Michael RV-6A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cupaiole-michael-rv-6a) (registry code 05617C9) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 60564 - Airframe hours: 594 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Micahel Cupaiole - Registered owner: Micahel Cupaiole - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, January 1, 2010 - Departed: LNA, West Palm Beach, FL - Destination: PHK, Pahokee, FL - Airport: LNA, Palm Beach County Park Airport, runway 09, 3,489 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; injuries: fatal; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 9, 2010; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,500 total, 600 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 120° at 12 knots, gusting 17 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 30.09 inHg - Observed at: PBI, 7 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20100403030609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100403030609A), Apr 3, 2010: Cupaiole Mi RV-6A, West Palm Beach, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Maintenance performed on aircraft (a/c) to replace an alternator earlier that morning. A/c departed from lna to the e at approx 1210 LOC time. A/c began to… ## Docket (14 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 15, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75633. 12.5 MB in all. - Data Recorder(s) - Specialist's Factual Report (item 1, .PDF, 342 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338809&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Data%20Recorder(s)%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-Master.PDF - Interview Summary (item 2, .PDF, 19 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338763&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF - Excerpts From Pilot Logbook (item 3, .PDF, 8.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338467&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20From%20Pilot%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF - Excerpts From Airplane Logbook (item 4, .PDF, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338468&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20From%20Airplane%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF - Correspondence From Engine Manufacturer Representative (item 5, .PDF, 618 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338472&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Correspondence%20From%20Engine%20Manufacturer%20Representative-Redacted.PDF - Weather Report (item 6, .PDF, 34 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338469&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Report-Master.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 7, .PDF, 110 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338470&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 8, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338473&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Photo - Main Wreckage (Courtesy of FAA) (item 9, .PDF, 166 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338474&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Main%20Wreckage%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo - Cockpit (item 10, .PDF, 122 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338475&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Cockpit-Master.PDF - Photo - Left Side View of Engine (item 11, .PDF, 129 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338476&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Left%20Side%20View%20of%20Engine-Master.PDF - Photo - Right Side View of Engine (item 12, .PDF, 120 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338477&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Right%20Side%20View%20of%20Engine-Master.PDF - Photo - Spark Plugs (item 13, .PDF, 69 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338478&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Spark%20Plugs-Master.PDF - Photo - Carburetor (item 14, .PDF, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338479&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Carburetor-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.