Impact Signatures Indicated That The Airplane Struck The Ground About 45° Nose Low

Location: Harrison, MI Accident Number: CEN22FA029
Date & Time: November 5, 2021, 09:37 Local Registration: N16TG
Aircraft: Vans RV Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On November 5, 2021, about 0937 eastern daylight time, a Van’s RV-6 airplane, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Harrison, Michigan. 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 departed runway 27L at Oakland International Airport (PTK), Pontiac, Michigan, at 0846. After departure the airplane climbed in a right turn and flew northwest for about 12 nm, then turned north for about 5 nm, then back to a northwest heading. The airplane reached a cruise altitude of about 3,000 ft and remained on the northwest heading until track data was lost about 0930. The last ADS-B position was about 8.4 miles and 260° from the accident site. The data showed that the airplane was in straight and level flight before the end of the data. The accident site was located about 1 mile south of the approach end of runway 36 at the Clare County Airport (80D), Harrison, Michigan.

The airplane impacted the back yard of a residence. Impact signatures indicated that the airplane struck the ground about 45° nose low. The initial impact point was located directly beneath the airplane. The airplane remained predominately intact with all major airframe components still connected. The engine was still partially attached to the fuselage. The 2-blade wood core propeller was still attached to the engine. One blade was broken off near the blade root. Neither blade was splintered and were predominately intact.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov