One Witness Saw The Airplane Flying Inverted

Location: Shreveport, LA Accident Number: CEN21FA230
Date & Time: May 23, 2021, 14:47 Local Registration: N465JC
Aircraft: John M Corneal Sub-Sonex Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 23, 2021 about 1447 central daylight time (CDT), a Sub-Sonex JSX-2 experimental amateur built jet airplane, N465JC, was destroyed when it impacted a small recreational lake (Cross Lake) near Shreveport, Louisiana. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Federal Code of Regulations Part 91.

The intent of the flight was to fly over Cross Lake after departing Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV). Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) track data indicated the airplane departed runway (RWY) 24 at SHV, about 1439:00. The airplane made a right turn to the northeast and proceeded to fly over Cross Lake. The ADS-B track data showed the airplane maneuvering low-level over the lake until track data was lost at about 1446:14.

The last track data showed the airplane at 625 ft MSL, 142 knots ground speed, heading 100 degrees over Cross Lake. Several witnesses described the airplane’s low-level flight over the lake, and their observations were consistent with the ADS-B data. One witness saw the airplane flying inverted. He saw the airplane nose down and impact the water in a near vertical attitude. There were no radio or distress calls heard from the pilot.

Examination of the wreckage did not show any pre-impact anomalies with the flight controls or control surfaces. A ballistic recovery system (BRS) was installed. The BRS cockpit deployment lever was found in the stowed position. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin GX3, and the unit was retained for download. The engine had a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) installed. The FADEC unit was retained for download.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov