N912WD

On August 11, 2001, about 1445 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Kitfox, N912WD, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain while maneuvering over a residential area in Byron, New York. The certificated private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that departed from a private airstrip. No flight plan was filed, and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to several witnesses, the airplane was circling around a residential area 15 to 20 feet above trees and power lines. While maneuvering, the airplane reached bank angles of approximately 90 degrees, before impacting the ground in a nose low attitude.

According to the owner of the airplane, the pilot had approximately 450 hours of total flight experience, with 30 hours of that being in the accident airplane make and model. In addition, the pilot had flown 22 hours in the accident airplane within 30 days of the accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma performed a toxicological test, on bile, blood, brain, gastric, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, spinal fluid, spleen, urine, and vitreous samples taken from the pilot. According to the test results, 126 (mg/dL, mg/hg) of Ethanol, 1 (mg/dL, mg/hg) of Acetaldehyde, and 0.452 (ug/ml, ug/g) of Benzoylecgonine was detected in the pilot's blood. In addition, 0.347 (ug/ml, ug/g) of Cocaine, 6.045 (ug/ml, ug/g) Benzoylecgonine, and 0.233 (ug/ml, ug/g) of Cocaethylene was detected in the pilot's urine.

The Medical Examiner's Office for Monroe County conducted a toxicological test on the pilot and passenger. According to the results, the pilot had a blood alcohol content of 0.12 percent (w/v), and the passenger had a blood alcohol content of 0.11 percent (w/v).

According to a FAA inspector, examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions.