Location: Cleburne, Texas
Accident Number: CEN22FA203
Date and Time: May 17, 2022, 17:51 Local
Registration: N6409L
Aircraft: American Aviation AA-1A
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On May 17, 2022, about 1751 central daylight time, an American Aviation AA-1A, N6409L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cleburne, Texas. The student pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
A review of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane departed Cleburne Regional Airport (CPT) about 1309 and flew to Clifton Municipal Airport (7F7), Clifton, Texas. The pilot departed 7F7 with a passenger and flew to Roger M. Dreyer Memorial Airport (T20), Gonzales, Texas. The airplane was refueled at T20 and flown back to 7F7, where the passenger disembarked. About 1734, the pilot departed solo from 7F7 to return to CPT.
About 5 miles south of CPT, the airplane made a left turn about 200 to 300 ft above ground level (agl) to the west of the pilot’s house while on a south heading and a groundspeed of about 70 knots. The airplane subsequently turned right and flew to the west of the pilot’s house about 200 to 300 ft agl while on a north heading and a groundspeed of about 90 knots. The airplane continued turning right and then rapidly descended. Witnesses reported very strong and gusty wind from the south at the time of the accident.
The airplane impacted a grassy field with a nose down attitude and minimal forward momentum. The airplane came to rest upright on a northwest heading, with both wings crushed downward. The tail section was twisted slightly to the right of the fuselage as viewed from the rear of the airplane. Two propeller strike ground scars about 3 ft apart were located immediately in front of the wreckage.
All flight control surfaces were accounted for at the accident site, and continuity was confirmed from the control surfaces to the cockpit. The wing flaps were in the retracted position. The wing fuel tanks were breached but fuel was observed in each tank. The carburetor was disassembled and one of the brass floats exhibited hydraulic crushing. No evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were observed during examinations of the engine and airframe.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: American Aviation
Registration: N6409L
Model/Series: AA-1A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCPT,854 ft msl
Observation Time: 17:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 33°C /14°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 16 knots / 27 knots, 170°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.83 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Clifton, TX (7F7)
Destination: Cleburne, TX (CPT)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.266722,-97.424446 (est)
Joshua Bo Kirkpatrick
Joshua "Bo" Kirkpatrick, 41, of Cleburne, TX unexpectedly began his journey in heaven on May 17, 2022 at 5:52p.m. doing what he loved!
Bo was born on June 6, 1980 in Arlington, TX to Ann and Mike Kirkpatrick. He graduated Joshua HS in 1998. He was known to be adventurous during his teenage years; just ask his older brothers.
Bo was blessed with a loving family. He met Hilary, the love of his life in 2002 and they married on June 28, 2003 in Burleson. Their love granted them with two beautiful children, Camden Bo and Kamree Anne who were his greatest joys.
One of his many passions was his partnership with Justin McIntosh with Seco Creek Services where his business acquaintances and employees were more like family. He worked hard over the years to provide for his family and recently settled in "their dream home" on 5 acres where they spent time together making memories to last a lifetime.
Bo was always the life of the party and lived his life to the fullest. He had the biggest heart and would do anything he could to help those in need. He loved cooking, hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Bo was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Kirkpatrick; Grandparents, Bob Carter and Sonny & DeeDee Kirkpatrick; Uncle, Pat Kirkpatrick and Aunt, Jan Rose.
He leaves behind his wife, Hilary; Son, Camden; Daughter, Kamree; Father, Mike Kirkpatrick; Grandmother, Theresa Carter; Brothers, Trey (Hope) and Bucky (Lisa) Kirkpatrick, Nieces & Nephews, Blayne, MacKenzie, Allie, Hayden, Rafe & Lukas; In-Laws, Patrick (Terri) Wiggam; Sister-in-law, Kristen Caldwell; and many other friends and family.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Temple Assembly of God, 600 S. Colonial Dr., Cleburne, TX. Flowers may be sent to Rosser Funeral Home, 1664 W Henderson St., Cleburne. Thereafter, contributions may be made in honor of his children via VENMO @KirkpatrickBenefitFund.
