When The Airplane Was Approximately Abeam The Approach End Of Runway 20, It Made A Rapid Descent

Location: Wadsworth, OH Accident Number: CEN21LA395
Date & Time: September 3, 2021, 10:16 Local Registration: N729PK
Aircraft: Klapp Peter A Klapp KR-2S Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 3, 2021, about 1016 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Klapp KR2S airplane, N729PK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Wadsworth Municipal Airport (3G3), Wadsworth, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data indicated that the airplane took off from runway 20 at 3G3 at 1011. The airplane proceeded to the southwest after takeoff. When the airplane was about 2.5 miles southwest of the airport, a 180° left turn was executed to a northeast ground track back toward the airport traffic pattern. The airplane made a gentle left turn and paralleled the runway, consistent with the downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 20. When the airplane was approximately abeam the approach end of runway 20, it made a rapid descent. The final position was recorded at 1016.

The airplane impacted a small lake about 0.8 miles and 100° from the approach end of runway 20 and fragmented upon impact. A pilot in another airplane reported hearing the pilot announce on his communication radio that he was returning to the airport due to a canopy problem. Airplane components were recovered from the lake and were retained for further examination. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov