Meyer PULSAR XP N912XP

Summary

On 10 July 1995 at about 21:00 local time, a Meyer PULSAR XP registered N912XP was involved in an accident near Spring Branch, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

10 July 1995 at 21:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Spring Branch, Texas, United States

Coordinates

29.8596, -98.3991

Aircraft

Meyer PULSAR XP

Registration

N912XP

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW95LA285

2 people died.

The pilot's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector and his failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention to the power loss.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Two witnesses reported hearing the engine make a 'grinding' or 'starting and stopping sound' as if the pilot was 'trying to start his engine.' One witness reported the airplane was 'flying pretty high' and then 'nose dived straight down, rotating as it went.' Impact was near vertical and all major components of the airplane were located within a circular area approximately 70 feet in diameter. The fuel selector valve was found in the off position. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies. Toxicological findings were positive for valproic acid (Depakote). Tests showed the pilot's blood contained 5.700 ug/mL valproic acid and valproic acid was detected in his liver fluid. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant that could cause drowsiness and is not approved for use while flying. Review of the pilot's medical records revealed he was prescribed Depakote for the treatment of seizures. According to CAMI, the drug concentration was below therapeutic level, and may not have been high enough to control seizures.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.