SEA08LA058

The experimental amateur built amphibian airplane impacted hilly terrain within a sparsely populated area during daytime visual meteorological conditions. The wreckage site was near a lake and on scene documentation by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector indicated that the airplane was maneuvering at low level within sight of the lake shore when the left wing contacted terrain, followed by the fuselage. No radio transmissions were received by the pilot nor were there any witnesses to the accident sequence. A post accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have suggested mechanical malfunction or failure. After the initial on-scene examinations by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the wreckage recovery was delayed due to weather. Once access to the site was obtained, the recovery crew indicated that the majority of the wreckage had been removed and its disposition is unknown.

History of flight

On January 10, 2008, about 1415 Pacific standard time, an experimental category amateur built Corsario MK-5 amphibian airplane, N9639H, impacted terrain while maneuvering near Perris, California. The airplane was registered to the pilot and was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airplane was destroyed and the private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was killed. The flight originated from Corona Municipal Airport (AJO), Corona, California. The time of departure for the local flight was not determined. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and no flight plan was filed.

According to local law enforcement, the wreckage was located about 3 miles southwest of the Perris Valley Airport by an individual riding a motorcycle in the area around 1420. There were no reported witnesses to the accident sequence; however, local law enforcement reported that a witness located about four miles southeast of the accident site reported observing an airplane similar to the accident airplane over fly his position around 1400. No radio transmissions were heard from the accident airplane.

Personnel information

The pilot, age 68, held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and airplane single-engine sea ratings issued on May 5, 2007. The pilot was issued a third class medical certificate on March 27, 2007, with the limitation stated "Must Wear Corrective Lenses."

Review of the pilot's personal flight time logbooks revealed he had accumulated 157.2 hours total flight time at the time of the last logbook entry dated September 15, 2007. The logbook indicated 37.2 hours in the accident make/model airplane. A friend of the pilot reported the pilot flew the accident airplane at least every few weeks during the previous year and stated the pilot typically flew near Lake Mathews, Canyon Lake, and Lake Elsinore, which were near the area of the accident.

Aircraft information

The 2005-model Corsario MK-5 (serial number 432), was a two-seat, high-wing, retractable-gear amateur built experimental category amphibious airplane. The airplane was powered by a Hirth F30 engine (serial number 897612), rated at 80 horsepower driving a four bladed Warp Drive fixed pitch propeller (serial number N14742).

Review of the airframe logbook revealed the airplane was built by the pilot and a special airworthiness certificate was issued on March 9, 2006. Review of the engine logbook revealed that the gearbox oil was changed on February 10, 2007 by the pilot. The airframe and engine logbooks showed no open maintenance discrepancies.

Meteorological information

The weather reporting station at the March Air Reserve Base (RIV), Riverside, California, reported at 1355; wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 64 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.07 inches of Mercury.

Wreckage and impact information

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident site, the main wreckage was located on an open hillside about 1.5 miles north of Canyon Lake. The northern edge of the lake was visible from the accident site. Within all quadrants of the lake, rising terrain was prevalent. The FAA inspector stated that ground impact scars consistent with the left wing were found present at the accident site followed by the main wreckage. The wreckage energy path extended on a heading towards the lake. The airplane came to rest inverted. The forward portion of the fuselage and cabin area was crushed aft. The fuselage was fractured through aft of the cabin area. The left and right wings were buckled and twisted throughout. All of the primary flight controls were located at the accident site and remained attached to their respective mounts except for the left and right aileron, which were partially separated at the outboard attach points. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit area to all respective flight controls. The engine remained attached to the engine pylon and rotated by hand.

According to a friend of the pilot, the recovery of the airplane wreckage was delayed due to adverse weather conditions preventing access to the accident site. About four weeks after the time of the accident, a recovery team accessed the accident site and discovered that a majority of the wreckage had been removed, including all of the aluminum used in the airframe and engine. Portions of fiberglass and cloth were the only remaining portions of the wreckage.

Medical and pathological information

The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy on the pilot on January 12, 2008. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was "Multiple Blunt Force Injuries."

The FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology tests on the pilot. According to CAMI's report, carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and drugs were tested, and had positive results with an unspecified amount of Atenolol and Gabapentin in the blood and urine.