MIA97LA052

After takeoff, at about the time the pilot was turning crosswind, he transmitted on tower frequency, 'I lost it, I'm coming in.' The airplane was observed to pitch nose down and impact the ground. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the flight controls. According to tower personnel, in the past [previous flight(s)], the pilot had advised the controller of an engine overheating problem, but no determination was made as to the reason for the previously reported engine overheating condition.

On December 31, 1996, about 1113 eastern standard time, a homebuilt MJ 5, N949EA, registered to the Sirocco Flying Club, Inc., experienced an in-flight loss of control and crashed shortly after takeoff from the Central Florida Regional Airport, Sanford, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was destroyed and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The flight originated about 1111, from the Central Florida Regional Airport.

According to a transcript of communications the pilot requested clearance to takeoff from runway 9R with the intention of "shoot a couple of approaches." The flight was cleared to takeoff and at 1111.33, and at 1112.56, an unidentified voice advised the controller, "I just lost it coming in."

The accident site was examined by an FAA inspector who reported that witnesses observed the pilot turn crosswind then observed the airplane pitch nose down and impact the ground. Examination of the flight controls by the FAA inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. No examination of the engine was performed. According to tower personnel, the pilot had in the past while flying in the traffic pattern advised the controller of an engine overheating problem.

A postmortem examination of the pilot was performed by Janet R. Pillow, M.D., Medical Examiner, Seminole County. The cause of death was listed as multiple injuries due to an airplane accident. Toxicological analysis was performed on specimens of the pilot by the Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital Laboratory. No drugs or carbon monoxide were detected. Toxicological analysis was also performed by the FAA Accident and Research Laboratory. The results were negative for all tested drugs, volatiles, cyanide, and carbon monoxide.