SEA94LA156

Witnesses observed the motorized glider making low-level steep turns and porpoising-type maneuvers over the pilot's property and near a family member's house. The left wing and nose then dropped, and the glider impacted the ground. Toxicological tests were positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (marihuana) (0.002 ug/ml blood), thc carboxylic acid (marihuana) (0.012 ug/ml blood, 0.158 ug/ml urine), alprazolam (0.035 ug/ml blood), diazepam (0.207 ug/ml blood), and nordiazepam (0.305 ug/ml blood).

History of flight

On June 27, 1994, at 1534 Pacific daylight time, a motorized Burkhart Grob G-109B, N109KM, collided with the terrain near Bend, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The glider was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The flight had departed from Bend, Oregon, on June 27, 1994, at an unknown time.

Witnesses in the area reported that the glider was seen maneuvering at low levels near a family member's home and over the pilot's property. The glider was observed making a "porpoise" type maneuver before a left banking turn. The nose of the glider dropped and collided with the terrain in a nose and left wing low attitude. One witness stated that she heard a "popping" sound as the glider passed over her house. It then made a sharp U-turn and just cleared trees before visual contact was lost. Seconds later she heard the sound of the crash.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Hillsboro, Oregon, Flight Standards District Office was in the area at the time of the accident. The inspector reported that control continuity was established at the accident site before it was moved to Redmond, Oregon.

The engine was inspected and found that one of the wooden propeller blades was broken off at the propeller hub. The other blade remained intact. The pitch of the blade was determined to be in the low pitch or unfeathered position. The crankshaft rotated easily and gear and valve train continuity was established. The oil screen was clean and clear of contaminants. The spark plugs displayed normal operating signatures. The magneto was destroyed. Engine control cable continuity was established from the firewall to the throttle, choke and carburetor heat.

Medical and pathological information

Dr. Roger A. Schneider, Physician/Pathologist, Central Oregon Pathology Consultants, Bend, Oregon, determined that the cause of death was due to massive blunt trauma.

Toxicological samples were taken and analyzed by the Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aeromedical Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The tests confirmed positive results of Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marihuana), Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid, Alprazolam, Diazepam and Nordiazepam was detected in the blood and urine. Alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, Oxazepam, Temazepam and Salicylate was detected in the urine.