Event ATL96LA048

Factual narrative

On February 15, 1996, at 1430 eastern standard time, a Finley M. Mcrae, Titan Aircraft Tornado, N6234X, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain near Pahokee, Florida. The private pilot and his passenger were both fatally injured. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local, personal flight. The flight departed Pahokee, Florida, at 1400 hours. Witnesses in the area stated that the aircraft was observed to be practicing maneuvers at about 1000 feet above the terrain. The aircraft appeared to stall and enter a spin before impacting the terrain. The aircraft impacted the terrain southeast of the Pahokee Airport. The aircraft, engine, and related components were examined by FAA inspectors, the examination revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The Rotax engine started and ran with no problems. An autopsy was performed on the pilot by Dr. Michael D. Bell from the Palm Beach County Medical Examiners Office, West Palm Beach, Florida. The cause of death was found to be multiple injuries due to blunt trauma. A toxicological examination was performed on the pilot by Dr. Dennis V. Canfield of the FAA Research Laboratory, and no drugs or alcohol were detected. The operator of the aircraft failed to complete the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report upon request. Witnesses in the area stated that the aircraft was observed to be practicing maneuvers at about 1000 feet above the terrain. The aircraft appeared to stall and enter a spin prior to impacting the terrain. Examination of the aircraft, engine, and related components revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12