June 18, 2008, Springfield, Ky., Lancair IV-P Experimental

At 1310 Eastern time, the airplane impacted terrain during an emergency landing. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. Soon after takeoff, the pilot told ATC he was losing engine oil pressure. At 1305, he requested radar vectors to the nearest airport. At 1306, the pilot notified ATC his windscreen was covered in oil. At 1308, ATC lost radar and communications with the airplane. A witness saw an airplane flying overhead and heard it "backfire." The witness further stated that shortly thereafter, he saw smoke coming from underneath the airplane. He said that the engine appeared to be running at full power, while continuing to backfire and emit smoke until it disappeared from his sight.

Key Takeaways:

• An airplane crashed during an emergency landing shortly after takeoff, resulting in substantial damage and the fatal injury of the commercial pilot.
• The pilot reported losing engine oil pressure soon after takeoff, followed by the windscreen becoming covered in oil.
• Witnesses observed the engine "backfiring," emitting smoke, and appearing to run at full power shortly before the crash.

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