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Date: Mon, 02 May 2005 11:23:56 -0400
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From: lhenney@attg.net
Subject: N204RH Legacy Crash
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Gentleman,

It is with total displeasure to recount the loss of Randy's Legacy.  The 
plane crashed Sat evening and burned following engine failure. Both 
passengers walked away from the crash uninjured.  The details will be well 
documented when the NTSB finishes the investigation.  Please look there 
for the facts in due time (N204RH). 

Randy called me last night and we talked for an hour about the accident.  
He is not an LML subscriber but said it would be ok for me to outline the 
scenario in the interest of safety.  Again, it is too early for the facts to be 
factual so please read the NTSB report when it is published.  I am hoping 
the Chelton data will be extractable from the wreckage and provide a clear 
picture of what happened.

Randy was attending an airshow in Nacogdoches (east TX).  This was the 
aircrafts first major cross country outing following the testing phase.  
Following the airshow Randy had taken one friend for a 15 minute demo 
ride and was now on a second demo ride with another friend.  To this 
point, the aircraft had not experienced so much as a hickup with 30 hours 
total time.  Our biggest headaches were mentioned a couple days ago 
(stby alt and stby att gyro).  

The airplane was a stock Legacy built per the book.  The engine was a 
new Cont IO-550N.  The panel was all glass Sierra Flight Systems 
(Chelton) built by Lancair.  This pristine aircraft was a total loss.

The plane was descending down over Lake Nacogdoches at about 800 ft 
AGL when they both discerned an engine problem.  Randy took the 
controls and began a climb while trouble shooting.  The fuel selector was 
switched and throttle, prop, and mixture were adjusted.  More trouble 
shooting was done as a landing site was chosen.  The airplane was on the 
ground about 1 minute later.  

Lake Nacogdoches is located in the Piney Woods of East TX. which can be 
extremely hazardous to engine out landings.   Randy said he had two 
small clearings from which to chose an impact site.  He picked the 
preferrable of the two and was required to turn during the flair between 
two trees.  The trees were missed but scored earth shows a wing tip 
contact during the turn.  His last recalled airspeed was 74 kts.  Stall on his 
airplane is 64 kts dirty.  The terrain was rugged and the gear were 
lowered and sheared off upon impact.  The propeller left one blade vertical 
which severed a barbed wire fence. The aircraft came to rest 90 off arrival 
heading.  

After the crash Randy felt heat on his left side.  His passenger was 
noticably dazed but conscious.  They evacuated the aircraft off the right 
wing.  As fire developed on the left side Randy grabbed the cockpit fire 
extinguisher.  With about 3 squirts the flames subsided.  He ran to the 
right wing where there were also a few flames and finished the bottle.  
The left wing then reflashed and the fire grew rapidly amidst all the leaking 
fuel.  It took between 30-40 minutes for the fire department to find the 
site.  The aircraft was still buring upon their arrival.

Many lessons can be learned from the accident.  The investigation will 
hopefully reveal the mechanical reason for the engine failure.  The airframe 
and cockpit were structurally sound following the impact.  The canopy and 
frame was not damaged and functioned smoothly for egress.  Superior 
Airmanship was obviously required during this incident.  Thankfully, Randy 
had the skill and presence of mind to save himself and his passenger.  
Further lessons will be revealed upon NTSB investigation.

In view of this incident, please take some time to review your engine out 
plans, skills, and currency.  

Larry Henney