14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, September 16, 2012 in Cameron, MO
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/09/2014
Aircraft: JDT MINI-MAX LLC 1500R, registration: N3533D
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
A witness to the accident reported that he was outside his residence when he heard the accident airplane departing to the south. He initially heard the sound of the airplane's engine before he saw the airplane climbing away from the runway at an estimated 45-degree, nose-up pitch attitude. The witness did not perceive any engine anomalies as the airplane climbed to about 350 feet above the ground, where it suddenly rolled right and entered a near-vertical descent into terrain. The postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The witness's description of the airplane's flightpath was consistent with an aerodynamic stall and spin during initial climb.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On September 16, 2012, about 1852 central daylight time, an experimental JDT Mini-Max LLC model 1500R light sport airplane, N3533D, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from the Cameron Memorial Airport (EZZ), Cameron, Missouri. The sport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The local area flight was originating at the time of the accident.
A witness to the accident reported that he was outside his residence when he heard the accident airplane departing to the south. He initially heard the sound of the engine before he spotted the airplane climbing away from runway 17 at an estimated 45-degree nose up pitch attitude. The witness reported that he did not perceive any engine anomalies as the airplane climbed to about 350 feet above the ground, where it suddenly rolled to the right and entered a near vertical descent into terrain.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the accident pilot, age 52, held a sport pilot certificate, issued on October 9, 2010, with airplane single engine land rating. The pilot had never applied for an aviation medical certificate; however, the operation of a light-sport aircraft only required a valid driver's license. A search of FAA records showed no accident, incident, enforcement, or disciplinary actions.
The pilot's most recent logbook entry was dated August 12, 2012, at which time he had accumulated 72.8 hours total flight time, of which 38.5 hours were as pilot-in-command. The pilot's first recorded flight in the accident airplane was completed on June 11, 2011. He had accumulated 30 hours in the accident airplane as of the last logbook entry. He had flown 27.5 hours during the past year, 16 hours during the prior 6 months, and 10 hours during previous 90 days. There was no record that the pilot had flown during the 30 day period before the accident flight. All of the flight time accumulated during the previous year had been completed in the accident airplane.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The experimental light sport airplane was a 2002 JDT Mini-Max LLC model 1500R, serial number (s/n) 852. A two-stroke, two-cylinder, air cooled, 40-horsepower, Rotax model 447UL engine, s/n 5504279, powered the airplane. The engine was equipped with a three-blade Ivoprop propeller. The single-seat, tail-wheel equipped airplane was constructed of wood and fabric and had a maximum takeoff weight of 630 pounds.
According to FAA records, the airplane had already accumulated 195 hours when it received its experimental airworthiness certificate on November 23, 2007, by a designated airworthiness representative. A digital hour meter found in the wreckage indicated that the airplane had accumulated 253 hours total time at the time of the accident. The airplane maintenance records were not located during the on-scene investigation.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
The closest weather observing station was located at the Midwest National Air Center Airport (GPH), about 28 miles south of the accident site. At 1855, the GPH automatic weather observing station reported: calm wind conditions, clear sky, surface visibility 10 miles, temperature 22 degrees Celsius, dew point 16 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inches of mercury.
Astronomical data obtained from the United States Naval Observatory indicated that the local sunset was at 1923, about 31 minutes after the accident, and the end of civil twilight was at 1950.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
The Cameron Memorial Airport (EZZ), a public-use airport, located about 2 miles southwest of Cameron, Missouri, was served by a single runway: 17/35 (4,000 feet by 75 feet, concrete). The airport elevation was 1,040 feet mean sea level (msl). According to airport data, there were trees, measuring 23 feet tall, located 1,200 feet from the departure end of runway 17 and 326 feet west of the extended runway centerline.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
A postaccident investigation, completed by FAA inspectors, confirmed that all airframe structural components were located at the accident site. The main wreckage was located about 94 feet north of the runway end and about 27 feet east of the runway edge. The entire wreckage was contained within an area comparable to the lateral dimensions of the aircraft. The lack of a wreckage debris path was consistent with a near vertical impact angle. A portion of a wing leading edge rib was found embedded into the ground. The angle between the rib and the surrounding terrain was about 75 degrees. Elevator and rudder flight control continuity was established from the control surfaces to their associated cockpit controls. Aileron flight control continuity could not be established due to damage; however, all observed separations were consistent with overstress failure. Both wing fuel tanks appeared undamaged and were about 1/2 full. The airframe examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
The engine remained partially attached to the fuselage; however, the carburetor and fuel pump had separated from the engine. Internal engine and valve train continuity was confirmed as the engine crankshaft was rotated. Compression and suction were noted on both cylinders in conjunction with crankshaft rotation. The spark plugs were removed and exhibited features consistent with normal engine operation. All three composite propeller blades remained attached to the metal hub assembly and exhibited damage consistent with ground impact. The engine examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
On September 19, 2012, an autopsy was performed on the pilot at the First Call Morgue, located in Kansas City, Kansas. The cause of death for the pilot was attributed to multiple blunt-force injuries sustained during the accident.
The FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology tests on samples obtained during the pilot's autopsy. Carbon monoxide, cyanide, and ethanol were not detected. Pseudoephedrine was detected in blood and urine samples. Pseudoephedrine, brand name Sudafed, is a non-sedating over-the-counter medication that is used to relieve nasal congestion and pressure caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever.
http://registry.faa.gov/N3533D
NTSB Identification: CEN12LA636
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, September 16, 2012 in Cameron, MO
Aircraft: JDT Mini-Max LLC 1500R, registration: N3533D
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On September 16, 2012, about 1852 central daylight time, an experimental JDT Mini-Max LLC model 1500R light sport aircraft, N3533D, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Cameron Memorial Airport (KEZZ), Cameron, Missouri. The sport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The local area flight was originating at the time of the accident.
A witness to the accident reported that he was outside his residence when he heard the accident airplane departing to the south. He initially heard the sound of the aircraft’s engine before he spotted the airplane climbing away from runway 17 (4,000 feet by 75 feet, concrete) with an estimated deck angle of approximately 45 degrees. The witness reported that the engine was not sputtering or running rough as the airplane climbed to 300-400 feet above the ground, where it suddenly rolled to the right and entered a near vertical descent into terrain.
A postaccident investigation confirmed that all airframe structural components were located at the accident site. The main wreckage was located about 94 feet north of the runway end and about 27 feet east of the runway edge. The entire wreckage was contained within an area comparable to the lateral dimensions of the aircraft. The lack of a wreckage debris path was consistent with a near vertical impact angle. A portion of a wing leading edge rib was found embedded into the ground. The angle between the rib and the surrounding terrain was about 75 degrees. Elevator and rudder flight control continuity was established from the empennage control surfaces to their associated cockpit controls. Aileron flight control continuity could not be established due to damage; however, all observed separations were consistent with an overstress failure. Both wing fuel tanks appeared undamaged and were about 1/2 full. The postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
The engine, a Rotax model 447UL, serial number 5504279, remained partially attached to the fuselage. The carburetor and fuel pump had separated from the engine. A postaccident engine examination confirmed internal engine and valve train continuity as the engine crankshaft was rotated. Compression and suction were noted on both cylinders in conjunction with crankshaft rotation. The spark plugs were removed and exhibited features consistent with normal engine operation. All three composite propeller blades remained attached to the metal hub assembly and exhibited damage consistent with ground impact. The postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the accident pilot, age 52, held a sport pilot certificate, issued on October 9, 2010, with airplane single engine land rating. A search of FAA records showed no accident, incident, enforcement, or disciplinary actions. The pilot's most recent logbook entry was dated August 12, 2012, at which time he had accumulated 73 hours total flight time, of which 39 hours were as pilot-in-command. The pilot had accumulated 30 hours in the accident airplane. He had flown 28 hours during the past year, 16 hours during the prior 6 months, 10 hours during previous 90 days. There was no record that the pilot had flown during the 30 day period before the accident flight. All of the flight time accumulated during the previous year had been completed in the accident airplane.
The experimental light sport airplane was constructed of wood and fabric and was equipped with a single-seat. According to FAA records, the airplane already had accumulated 195 hours when it received its airworthiness certificate on November 23, 2007, by a designated airworthiness representative. A digital hour meter found in the wreckage indicated that the airplane had accumulated 253 hours total time at the time of the accident. The airplane maintenance records were not located during the on-scene investigation.
The closest weather observing station was located at the Midwest National Air Center Airport (KGPH), about 27.6 miles south of the accident site. At 1855, the KGPH automatic weather observing station reported the following weather conditions: calm wind, clear sky, visibility 10 miles, temperature 22 degrees Celsius, dew point 16 degrees Celsius, and altimeter 29.97 inches of mercury. Review of photographs taken by local law enforcement immediately following the accident revealed no appreciable cloud cover or visibility restrictions at the accident site, consistent with visual meteorological conditions. Astronomical data obtained from the United States Naval Observatory indicated that the local sunset was at 1923, about 31 minutes after the accident, and the end of civil twilight was listed at 1950.
(LAWSON, Mo.) Investigators are still trying to sort out what caused a plane to crash in Cameron, killing the pilot.
The pilot was 52-year-old David King of Lawson.
Family members say it wasn't unusual to find King somewhere in the great outdoors.
They say he loved hunting, fishing, and flying his plane.
"He was always working on adjusting the carburetor and different things. He just liked to fly," John Cayton, who lives near the Cameron Airport said.
King's love of flying ended tragically when his aircraft went down at Cameron Memorial Airport Sunday night.
Investigators were at the crash site Monday trying to figure out what happened.
A truck moved what was left of his plane into a hangar so authorities could take a closer look.
"I think he got up probably a couple hundred feet. One of the people there said it looked like he got up a couple hundred feet then the plane quit and he just came down so he didn't have any speed to glide or anything," Cayton said.
Cayton says he heard the noise and knew something was wrong.
"The engine was kind of cutting out so I got up to look to see if I could see where it was. I didn't see it but by then it had gone down on the south end of the runway," Cayton said.
The aircraft, a small one-seat plane with an open cockpit, is similar to the other planes in the Cameron hangars.
The ultralight planes, like the one King had, are often made from a kit.
Family members say King spent a lot of time working on his plane, but he was an experienced pilot.
They say he was always trying to make others happy.
"Just a very cheery, happy person," Tracy Bush, of Lawson said.
The 52-year old was also a pastor at Grace Family Worship Center in Excelsior Springs.
The FAA is still investigating the cause of the crash.
King's family released a statement about his life:
While we mourn the loss of David, we also celebrate the life he had. He was a passionate man--passionate for God and for his church. He had been preaching since he was 14. He was also passionate for his wife Lisa, Sons Skyler and Daniel and Daughter-In-Law Kristin, passionate to be a Grandpa to his Grandson Elijah, that brought him so much joy. He was passionate about being a pilot, a lifelong dream. He was a passionate outdoors-men often hunting with his sons, brothers and close friends. He was a man of many talents, and he used those talents to accomplish many of his dreams by the age of 52. While this is a tragic end to such a beautiful, vibrant life, we know this was not the end for him. He has now reached his ultimate destination in Heaven. We appreciate the respect of our privacy during this difficult time.
One person has died following a plane crash at Cameron Memorial Airport
Sunday evening. Cameron Police Department Public Information Officer
Heath Henry spoke to the media about the crash.
CAMERON, Mo. — Federal officials will begin an investigation in
what caused a single-engine airplane to crash early Sunday night at the
Cameron Memorial Airport. One person was killed.
Patrolman Heath Henry of the Cameron Police Department said a call was received at 6:53 p.m. of an aircraft crash at the airport. The crash involved a small airplane with only one occupant, whom Mr. Henry said was listed as the lone fatality in the incident. He said the crash occurred in the south area of the airport.
The Federal Aviation Adminstration and the National
Transportation Safety Board were being summoned to the crash site to
initiate an investigation. Both agencies will assist Cameron police with
the probe, with the FAA expected to arrive this morning.
An identity and any other details on the victim were withheld Sunday night, pending notification of next of kin.
“There was a witness that had called it in,” Mr. Henry said.
No airport staff were on duty at the time, he said. The airport was closed for the remainder of Sunday night and will most likely remain closed until the scene can be processed. Law enforcement secured the site.
“Airport officials were contacted and called to come out” to the scene, he added.
It was unknown whether the plane involved was locally based. The airport has a runway and a taxiway that parallel each other and have a north/south orientation, Mr. Henry said.
Cameron police were assisted by the Cameron Fire Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department and Clinton County Coroner’s office.
The airport, whose origins date back to 1969, is located about one mile southwest of the Cameron city limits on Missouri Route A.
One person has died following a plane crash at Cameron Memorial Airport Sunday evening. Patrolman Heath Henry of the Cameron Police Department said a call was received at 6:53 p.m. of an aircraft crash at the airport. The crash involved a small airplane with only one occupant, whom Mr. Henry said was listed as the lone fatality in the incident. He said the crash occurred in the south area of the airport.
An identity and any other details on the victim were withheld Sunday night, pending notification of next of kin.
“There was a witness that had called it in,” Mr. Henry said.
No airport staff were on duty at the time, he said. The airport was closed for the remainder of Sunday night and will most likely remain closed until the scene can be processed. Law enforcement secured the site.
“Airport officials were contacted and called to come out” to the scene, he added.
It was unknown whether the plane involved was locally based. The airport has a runway and a taxiway that parallel each other and have a north/south orientation, Mr. Henry said.
Cameron police were assisted by the Cameron Fire Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department and Clinton County Coroner’s office.
The airport, whose origins date back to 1969, is located about one mile southwest of the Cameron city limits on Missouri Route A.
The crash occurred just before 7 p.m. at the south end of the runway at the airport. The airport has been closed to all air and vehicle traffic.
The name of the victim has not been released pending notification of relatives. No information is available at this time as to what type of aircraft was involved in the crash.
The Cameron Police Department, Cameron Fire Department, Cameron Ambulance, and Clinton County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been called to the scene to investigate.
(CAMERON, Mo.) Authorities have confirmed there was a fatal airplane crash in Cameron.
Cameron Police Chief Corey Sloan confirmed the call came in just before 7 p.m. Sunday evening about a crash at the Cameron Memorial Airport.
Authorities tell KQ2 the pilot of the small aircraft was the only one aboard at the time of the crash.
The victim's name has not been released until the family has been notified.
Specific details are unconfirmed at this time. However, we can confirm the Federal Aviation Administration has been contacted and they will be investigating.
The airport has been closed at this time.
