N306FR

On July 20, 2018, about 1310 central daylight time, a Vans RV-6 airplane, N306FR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Coldwater, Kansas. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flightThe pilot reported to responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the flight was landing at Commanche County Airport (3K8), Coldwater, Kansas after departing from Austin, Texas. The pilot joined a long, straight in final for runway 17. The pilot added that he did not know the exact winds, but knew that they were gusty, and as such increased his approach airspeed. He flew between 90-93 knots, with the airplane configured with partial flaps. As he attempted a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, there were some turbulent air due to wind, then a gust of wind hit the airplane and it ballooned about 8-12 ft above the runway. The pilot said he initiated a go-around and added full power when the engine hesitated and "stuttered". The pilot stated the engine did not have any abnormalities prior to the go-around.

The airplane settled and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane spun, coming to rest facing southwest. Flames began to enter the cockpit and the pilot and passenger egressed the airplane. They were wearing shorts and flip-flops and received burns during the egress. The pilot was not able to turn off the master switch, so the electric fuel pump continued to move fuel increasing the postimpact fire. The fire consumed most of the cockpit and fuselage.

The FAA inspectors visually inspected the airplane and found that level of thermal damage sustained to the engine precluded a thorough examination. All airplane logbooks were consumed in the fire, and further information is not available.

The nearest aviation weather station was 37 nautical miles away. About the time of the accident, the wind was recorded as 120° at 8 knots, but later increased at the station to 9 knots gusting to 16 knots.