IAD96LA116

Several witnesses saw the non-certificated pilot performing several aerobatic maneuvers. One witness reported that the pilot completed a full loop at approximately 1500 feet agl; during a second loop, the wing collapsed, and the airplane fell to the ground. The airplane was equipped with a ballistic recovery system (BRS) (an aircraft mounted parachute). A second witness stated that he saw a parachute deploy about 500 feet agl, but the parachute became entangled in the propeller. Postaccident investigation by the FAA revealed that the ultralight type aircraft had a supplemental fuel tank installed; therefore, the ultralight was considered an airplane. Toxicology tests showed the pilot's blood and urine were positive for Phenytoin (11.100 mcg/ml blood, 6.900 mcg/ml urine). Phenytoin is a prescription anti-seizure medication.

History of flight

On July 13, 1996, at 1946 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Quicksilver Sprint (ultralight), crashed while maneuvering in the vicinity of Mt. Airy, Maryland. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Frederick, Maryland, exact time unknown.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Inspector, the airplane was equipped with a supplemental fuel tank. Therefore the ultralight was considered an unregistered airplane. According to the State Police, the supplemental fuel tank was a black, plastic, rectangular, commercially fabricated, five gallon portable tank. The police stated that the modified tank had fuel lines through the wall of the tank.

According to the Maryland State Police, there were several eye witnesses who observed the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers. One of the witnesses reported that, "...we noticed an ultralight performing tricks and aerial aerobatics. He completed a full loop at approx 1500 feet ...on the second loop the wing collapsed...I saw a chute deployed, however the plane spiraled out of sight towards the ground...." A second witness reported that,"...the parachute deployed at approximately 500 feet agl, but the parachute was caught in the propeller and did not deploy fully." The airplane fell to the ground and came to rest in a field.

According to the State Police, the lines to the parachute were tangled in the three bladed propeller. He reported that the parachute was deployed by a charged device which was mounted to the structure of the main landing gear. He stated that the device was positioned to deploy the parachute behind the airplane.

Medical and pathological information

A Toxicological examination was done by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI), in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Toxicological results were positive for Phenytoin (11.100 ug/ml blood, 6.900 ug/ml urine). Phenytoin is a prescription medication not approved for flying.