Airplane Climbed To About 5,500 Ft Mean Sea Level (MSL) And Entered A Descending Right Turn With Increasing Speed

Location: Chandler, TX Accident Number: CEN23FA016
Date & Time: October 20, 2022, 14:30 Local Registration: N86GV
Aircraft: Vans Aircraft Inc RV-12 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 20, 2022, about 1430 central daylight time, a Vans RV-12 airplane, N86GV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Chandler, Texas. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed the airplane departed the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR), Tyler, Texas from runway 22 at 1423. The airplane’s intended destination is not known. The data showed the airplane climbed to about 5,500 ft mean seal level (msl) and entered a descending right turn with increasing speed.

The airplane impacted shallow water on a bank of Lake Palestine. Impact signatures were consistent with a near vertical impact. All major flight controls were located at the scene.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov