N6234X

Substantial
Fatal

MCRAE TITAN ACFT TORNADO S/N: 2503S0HK0043

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, February 15, 1996
NTSB Number
ATL96LA048
Location
PAHOKEE, FL
Event ID
20001208X05215
Coordinates
26.809045, -80.660560
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N6234X
Make
MCRAE
Serial Number
2503S0HK0043
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
TITAN ACFT TORNADO BPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
326 FOREST HILL BLVD
Status
Deregistered
City
WEST PALM BEACH
State / Zip Code
FL 33405-4650
Country
United States

Analysis

On February 15, 1996, at 1430 eastern standard time, a Finley M. Mcrae, Titan Aircraft Tornado, N6234X, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain near Pahokee, Florida. The private pilot and his passenger were both fatally injured. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local, personal flight. The flight departed Pahokee, Florida, at 1400 hours.

Witnesses in the area stated that the aircraft was observed to be practicing maneuvers at about 1000 feet above the terrain. The aircraft appeared to stall and enter a spin before impacting the terrain. The aircraft impacted the terrain southeast of the Pahokee Airport.

The aircraft, engine, and related components were examined by FAA inspectors, the examination revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The Rotax engine started and ran with no problems.

An autopsy was performed on the pilot by Dr. Michael D. Bell from the Palm Beach County Medical Examiners Office, West Palm Beach, Florida. The cause of death was found to be multiple injuries due to blunt trauma. A toxicological examination was performed on the pilot by Dr. Dennis V. Canfield of the FAA Research Laboratory, and no drugs or alcohol were detected.

The operator of the aircraft failed to complete the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report upon request.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL96LA048