N515KH

On November 1, 2003, at 1552 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Master BD5B airplane, N515KH, piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain during landing approach at the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Traverse City, Michigan. The airplane came to rest about 1,000 feet short of runway 36 (5,107 feet by 150 feet, asphalt). The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was fatally injured. The local flight originated at 1543.

According to the air traffic controller at TVC tower, the pilot taxied and called for departure at 1543. The airplane was cleared for takeoff and was to maintain a southwest heading after takeoff. The controller stated that the pilot called to return to the field at 1545. The controller asked the pilot if anything was wrong, because of the brief duration of the flight. The controller stated that at this time the pilot reported no problems. At 1546, the airplane was cleared to land. At 1547, the pilot indicated a landing gear problem and requested to circle. At 1550, the pilot informed the controller that "everything looks ok." The airplane was again cleared to land. At 1552, the airplane crashed approximately 1/2 mile south of runway 36.

The accident aircraft was an amateur-built Master BD5B, serial number 474. The BD5B is an experimental category airplane with 1 seat. The accident aircraft was powered by a Honda CX500 engine rated at 60 horsepower powering a pusher propeller. The accident aircraft was issued its registration on July 15, 2003, pending a N number change, and received its airworthiness certificate on October 20, 1991.

An investigator from the Federal Aviation Administration conducted a post-accident inspection of the airplane. No pre-impact defects were found.

The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 090 degrees at 5 knots.

An autopsy was performed on the pilot at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Federal Aviation Administration's Civil Aeromedical Institute prepared a Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report on the pilot. The report indicated SALICYLATE found in urine. Salicylate is found in Aspirin.