# NTSB WPR13LA283: Extra 300/LT, N169TM, Adrian, OR, June 23, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 23, 2013, 11:01 local (18:01 UTC) - Place: Adrian, OR - Coordinates: 43.666667, -117.260559 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.6667&lon=-117.2606&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report May 13, 2015 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA Boise FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 87273 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR13LA283 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/87273/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87273 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA283 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level maneuvering in a river canyon with power lines, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring environment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: identification/recognition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 559 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=70218DO), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis Witnesses reported that they observed the airplane flying at a low level through a river canyon—one witness stated it was following the canyon's contours—and then colliding with a marked power line strung across the river. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground. Scratch marks from the wire were observed on the left wing. First responders reported that the pilot was in the rear seat, which might have hampered his forward visibility and led to his failure to see the power lines. The toxicological report identified the presence of ramipril and atorvastatin in the pilot's urine; however, neither of these medications are impairing. The toxicology testing also detected a very low level of morphine in the pilot's urine, which indicates that he had used a medication containing an opioid within a few days of the accident. However, because it was no longer detectable in the blood, it is not likely that the pilot was impaired by the medication at the time of the accident. ## Factual narrative On June 23, 2013, about 1101 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Extra Flugzeugproduktions EA 300/LT, N169TM, collided in flight with power lines near Adrian, Oregon. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage from impact forces. The local personal flight departed Ontario, Oregon, at an undetermined time. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. A witness was preparing to fish when he heard the airplane's engine. He observed the airplane fly through the river canyon above him; it was following the contours of the canyon. He saw the airplane collide with large power lines (5/8-inch cable) across the Owyhee River, about 1/2 mile down river from the Owyhee Dam. The airplane continued on, but he could not see it any longer due to the canyon walls. Another witness was fishing, and heard the airplane come around a corner downriver from him. He thought that the pilot initiated a climb to avoid the power lines. The airplane went into a flat spin, and flew into the power lines before contacting the ground. Another witness, who is a private pilot, was fishing about 2 miles away. He heard the engine get extremely loud, and thought that meant that the airplane was descending rapidly. He observed the airplane flying in the area the previous day, and estimated its speed at 200 miles per hour. A first responder reported that the pilot was in the rear seat, and they observed scratch marks from a wire on the left wing. The Malheur County Medical Examiner authorized an autopsy by the Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Ontario Department of Pathology. The FAA Forensic Toxicology Research Team, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing of specimens of the pilot. Analysis of the specimens contained no findings for carbon monoxide or volatiles. They did not perform tests for cyanide. The report contained the following findings for tested drugs: Atorvastatin detected in urine, Atorvastatin not detected in blood; 0.07 (ug/ml, ug/g) morphine detected in urine, morphine not detected in blood (cavity); Ramipril detected in urine, Ramipril not detected in blood. Ramipril was used to treat high blood pressure, and Atorvastatin was used to treat elevated cholesterol. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage on scene. The airplane came to rest upright. There was extensive damage to the airplane forward of the wings. The landing gear collapsed downward. The power lines were marked with orange spherical balls. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N169TM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N169TM-2018-02-15), registration cancelled 2018-02-15, S/N LT007, built 2011 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: EXTRA 300/LT - Registry model: [Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT](https://openairdocs.org/model/extra-flugzeugproduktions-und-ea-300-lt) (registry code 70218DO) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-580-b1a) (registry code 42403, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: LT007 - Year built: 2011 - Airframe hours: 59 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Edward Claugus - Registered owner: Edward Claugus - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, December 1, 2012 - Departed: Ontario, OR - Destination: Ontario, OR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 52; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,517 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 80° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 29.82 inHg - Observed at: KEUL, 28 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20130623010569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130623010569A), Jun 23, 2013: Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/LT, Vale, OR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The aircraft struck power lines at an altitude of 300 feet AGL. The wire contacted the aircraft forward of the left wing and engine firewall. The lines were… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 8, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87273. 2.2 MB in all. - Sheriff’s Report – Witness Statements (item 1, .PDF, 777 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424895&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Sheriff%E2%80%99s%20Report%20%E2%80%93%20Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation – FAA Inspector (item 2, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424900&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20%E2%80%93%20FAA%20Inspector-Master.PDF - Maintenance Logbook Excerpt (item 3, .PDF, 81 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424901&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Logbook%20Excerpt-Redacted.PDF - Wreckage Disposal Email (item 4, .PDF, 110 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424903&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Wreckage%20Disposal%20Email-Redacted.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 5, .PDF, 113 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424902&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Master.PDF - Photo 1 - Accident Site (item 6, .PDF, 137 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424896&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Accident%20Site-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - Main Wreckage (item 7, .PDF, 295 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424897&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Main%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photo 3 - Left Side of Fuselage (item 8, .PDF, 265 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424898&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20-%20Left%20Side%20of%20Fuselage-Master.PDF - Photo 4 - Wreckage (item 9, .PDF, 334 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424899&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20-%20Wreckage-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.