WPR09LA004

On October 5, 2008, about 0953 Pacific daylight time, an amateur built Bonde TF 51D experimental airplane, N267B, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near the Sky Ranch Airport (3L2), Sandy Valley, Nevada. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was killed. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The local flight originated from 3L2 at 0930. According to multiple witnesses located at 3L2, the pilot was unable to extend the left main landing gear after departure and conducted a series of low approaches over the runway while talking via radio to people located on the ground. After conducting six passes over the runway, the pilot was able to extend the left main landing gear about two-thirds the way down. The pilot continued to circle the airport within the traffic pattern as the witnesses located at the airport advised him to "slip the airplane to the left then right." Witnesses reported that while the airplane was on downwind for runway 21 at an altitude of about 400-500 feet above ground level (agl), the airplane "appeared to enter a slip" followed by an immediate roll to the right into a nose low attitude and descended into terrain. Witnesses further reported that it was the accident pilot's first flight in the airplane, which he had just recently purchased. The witnesses added that radio communications with the pilot was "hampered by the loudness of the engine." Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane impacted level open desert terrain about 0.5 miles from 3L2. All primary flight controls were accounted for at the accident site. The left and right wing leading edges were crushed aft. The forward portion of the fuselage was heavily damaged. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all primary flight controls. Examination of the airframe and engine by the FAA inspector revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the left main landing gear not extending was undetermined. The Clark County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy on the pilot on October 6, 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 negative results.