FTW95FA307

A witness reported observing the airplane begin 'to spiral or corkscrew.' The rate of descent 'was slow,' and the rate of rotation 'was not fast.' The airplane made approximately eight full rotations prior to descending out of view. At no time was there any indication of the pilot trying to recover from the rotation. The witness further reported that there were no erratic or abrupt movements of the airplane prior to the entry of the spiral. It was as if the pilot 'intentionally' entered into the maneuver. The witness also reported the airplane was about 1 to 1.5 miles west of his location at an altitude of approximately 900 feet when it entered the maneuver. Flight control continuity was established.

History of flight

On July 20, 1995, at 1904 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N6463B, was destroyed while maneuvering near Rhome, Texas. The flight instructor and pilot rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was rented from Skywings Flight Training and was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Fort Worth Meacham Airport, Fort Worth, Texas at approximately 1850. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local flight.

A witness reported observing the airplane "heading north when the right wing dipped down, and the airplane began to spiral or corkscrew." The rate of descent "was slow," and the rate of rotation "was not fast." The airplane was observed making approximately eight full rotations prior to descending out of view. At no time was there any indication of the pilot trying to recover from the rotation. The witness further reported that there were no erratic or abrupt movements of the airplane prior to entering the spiral. It was as if the pilot "intentionally" entered into the maneuver. The witness also reported the airplane was about 1 to 1.5 miles west of his location at an altitude of approximately 900 feet when it entered the maneuver.

Personnel information

The flight instructor held a commercial pilot special purpose certificate issued on the basis of and valid only when accompanied by India pilot license number 4219. The operator reported that he had previously employed the pilot as a flight instructor for about a year. He further reported that the pilot rented an airplane from him approximately once every three months.

The pilot rated passenger held a private pilot special purpose certificate issued on the basis of and valid only when accompanied by India pilot license number 4237. The passenger and the flight instructor were partners in a local business.

Aircraft information

A review of the airframe and engine logbooks revealed no record of any uncorrected maintenance discrepancies.

Wreckage and impact information

The aircraft came to rest upright in the initial ground scar on a magnetic heading of 080 degrees on the Chisolm Trail Ranch. According to the operator, the airspace over the Chisolm Trail Ranch was used as a practice area for the operator/flight school.

The cabin, aft engine compartment, and inboard wing sections were destroyed by a post impact fire. The left and right horizontal stabilizer exhibited some downward buckling, with the right horizontal stabilizer and right wing tip showing slight upward compression. The right main wheel was separated from the main gear spring. No crushing was evident on the leading edges of either wing. Some upward/aft compression damage was evident on the underside of the engine compartment, and the nose wheel was found 300 feet west of the main wreckage. All primary and secondary flight controls were accounted for and control continuity was established to all flight controls.

The engine was damaged by a post crash fire. The engine was examined on August 22, 1995, and according to the Textron Lycoming representative, no pre-mishap discrepancies were observed with the engine. Manufacturer's engine disassembly notes enclosed. The propeller was separated from the engine and exhibited twisting and chordwise scratching on one blade and minor damage to the other blade. See the enclosed wreckage diagram for wreckage distribution details.

Medical and pathological information

The autopsies were performed by Joseph A. Prohlow, M.D., at the Southwestern Institute Of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas. Toxicology findings for Debashish Chaudhury were negative and the findings for Nitin Khot were positive for Norpropoxyhene.

According to Dr. Soper, CAMI Toxicology Laboratory, the level of Norproxyphene (metabolite of Darvocet) detected in urine, indicates that Proxyphene (Darvocet) had been ingested at some point in time; however, the level would probably not have been high enough to cause impairment. The presence of this drug may indicate a condition which might have caused discomfort or a distraction.

Additional information

The airplane was released to the owner's representative.