FTW04LA019

The 1,500-hour commercial pilot was practicing slow flight operation at 400-500 feet above the ground, when he lost control of the aircraft and was unable to recover. The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that he attempted both power on and power off recovery techniques, but could not overcome the nose high attitude. Unsuccessful attempts were made by the NTSB investigator to obtain a complete Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot.

On November 6, 2003, approximately 1745 central standard time, a Richard Riley Velocity experimental homebuilt airplane, N57V, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control while maneuvering near Fargo, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received serious injuries. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the personal flight, which originated from the West Woodward Airport (WWR), near Woodward, Oklahoma, about 1730.

The 1,500-hour pilot reported to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, that he was flying at 6,500 msl when the nose of the aircraft pitched-up while practicing slow flight operation. The pilot stated that he attempted both power-on and power-off recovery techniques, but could not overcome the nose high attitude. The pilot further stated that the vertical speed indicator (VSI) showed a constant 2,000-feet per minute rate of descent until the airplane impacted trees. The airplane came to rest in the inverted position. There was no fire.

A witness observed the plane traveling southbound at approximately 400-500 feet agl and stated that the airplane began to "cut out." The pilot initiated a turn to the north. Before the turn was completed, the aircraft spun and impacted a group of trees. The witness then proceeded to the accident scene and transported the pilot to a local hospital.

Weather at WWR, approximately 10 nautical miles from the accident site, at 1751, reported clear skies, wind 360 at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature -3 degrees Celsius, dewpoint -5 degrees Celsius, barometric pressure of 30.32 inches of Mercury.

Unsuccessful attempts were made by the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot.