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NTSB Identification: CEN12FA152
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, February 08, 2012 in Frankston, TX
Probable Cause Approval Date: 02/27/2013
Aircraft: VARGA AIRCRAFT CORP. 2150A, registration: N8293J
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
The pilot was returning from a cross-country flight. The airplane was overdue, and a search was initiated. The airplane was located in a lake short of the pilot’s destination airport. There were no reported witnesses to the accident. The airplane’s canopy was found locked in the open position, the pilot’s seat belts were unlatched, the fuel shut-off valves and ignition switch were in the “OFF” position, and the battery and avionics switches were also in the off position. The throttle was found full open, the mixture control was full rich, and the carburetor heat was in the cold position. The airplane was recovered, and the engine was test run. The engine started and ran; no preimpact abnormalities with the airplane or engine were found. The medical examiner noted the pilot’s cause of death as "drowning, hypothermia, and minor blunt force injuries.” The weather in the area was clear with light wind; however, the temperature and dew point indicated that the airplane was operating in an area that was associated with a serious risk of carburetor ice accumulation at cruise power settings. Based on the location of the destination airport, weather, and the airplane’s condition and location, it is likely that the pilot had not applied carburetor heat, and the airplane experienced a loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. The pilot then had to ditch the airplane in the lake. The loss of engine power was likely due to carburetor ice.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice, which resulted in the pilot ditching the airplane into the lake. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision not to apply carburetor heat.
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On February 8, 2012, approximately 1200 central standard time, a Varga Aircraft Corporation 2150A single-engine airplane, N8293J, impacted Lake Palestine, while approaching the Aero Estates Airport (T25), Frankston, Texas. The airplane sustained minor damage and the private rated pilot, the sole occupant, was fatality injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Visual flight rules (VFR) meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Cherokee County Airport (JSO), Jacksonville, Texas.
The pilot departed T25 earlier in the day with the intent of refueling the airplane. Fuel records at JSO reveal that about 1045, the airplane was serviced with about 18 gallons of fuel and then was seen departing the airport, headed north. When the pilot did not return home, an ALNOT (Alert Notice) for a missing aircraft was issued and a search was initiated. The airplane was located on February 9th, just off shore of Lake Palestine, in approximately 18 feet of water.
Once the airplane was retrieved from the lake, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigator-In-Charge (IIC) and inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), examined the airplane wreckage on site. A visual examination of the airplane and engine revealed minor damage to the airplane and no discrepancies with the engine.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine, multi-engine land, with instrument airplane ratings. The pilot also held a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. His third-class FAA medical was issued on April 04, 2011. According to the pilot’s log book, he had approximately 5,575 total flight hours.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The accident airplane was a Varga 2150A, which is an all metal, low wing, tandem two-seat airplane, with fixed tricycle landing gear. The airplane was powered by a reciprocating Lycoming O-320 engine that developed 150 horsepower. The airplane was not equipped with a carburetor ice indicator.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
At 1135, the automated weather station at JSO, located about 16 miles southeast of the accident site, reported the wind from 030 degrees at 6 knots, temperature 48 degrees Fahrenheit (F), dew point 37 degrees Fahrenheit, (F), visibility 10 miles, a clear sky, and an altimeter pressure setting 30.44 inches of mercury.
At 1153, the automated weather station at Tyler Pounds Regional airport, located about 17 miles north of the accident site, reported the wind from 290 degrees at 5 knots, temperature 48 degrees F, dew point 37 degrees F, visibility 10 miles, sky overcast at 2,500 feet, and an altimeter pressure setting 30.46 inches of mercury.
At 1135, the automated weather station at Palestine Municipal airport, located about 22 miles southwest of the accident site, reported the wind from 350 degrees at 5 knots, temperature 52 degrees F, dew point 39 degrees F, visibility 10 miles, a clear sky, and an altimeter pressure setting 30.45 inches of mercury.
The carburetor icing probability chart included in Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, indicated that the airplane was operating in an area that was associated with a serious risk of carburetor ice accumulation at cruise power settings.
COMMUNICATIONS & RADAR INFORMATION
Both JSO and T25 do not have operating control towers and pilots are advised to use CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) for communication. The pilot was not in contact with air traffic control/radar service and no distress call from the pilot was reported.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The NTSB IIC, and inspectors from the FAA, examined the airplane wreckage on site. After retrieval from water, the airplane placed on shore; the airplane’s canopy was found locked in the open position and the pilot’s seat belts were unlatched. Additionally, the examination revealed that the fuel shut-off valves and ignition switch were in the “OFF” position, the battery and avionics switches were also in the off position. The throttle was found full open, mixture control was found set to full rich, and the carburetor heat was in the cold position. The airplane was then relocated to salvage facility. To preserve the engine for a later examination, both magnetos were removed from the engine, the oil was drained from the engine and replaced with new oil, the lower sparksplugs were removed, and the carburetor bowl and gascolator were drained.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Office of the Medical Examiner, Dallas, Texas, conducted an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was determined to be "drowning, hypothermia, and minor blunt force injuries”.
The FAA Toxicology Accident Research Library, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing. The results were negative for tested drugs.
TEST AND RESEARCH
A follow-up examination of the aircraft wreckage was conducted at a salvage facility by the NTSB IIC and an FAA inspector. The airplane’s lower engine cowling had sustained damage during the accident, resulting in damage to the carburetor’s airbox. In order to perform an engine run, the airbox was removed, the magnetos were re-installed, and the carburetor bowl was drained of remaining water. The battery was installed and fuel was connected to the airplane’s left side fuel line. The engine started and operated on both the left and right magnetos. The engine was shut down, and the fuel was switched to the right side fuel lines. The engine started again and operated on both magnetos. No pre-impact abnormalities were noted with the engine or airframe.
NTSB Identification: CEN12FA152
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, February 08, 2012 in Frankston, TX
Aircraft: VARGA AIRCRAFT CORP. 2150A, registration: N8293J
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On February 8, 2012, approximately 1200 central daylight time, a Varga 2150 airplane, N8293J, impacted Lake Palestine, while approaching the Aero Estates Airport (T25), Frankston, Texas. The private rated pilot, sole occupant, was fatality injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Visual flight rules (VFR) meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Cherokee County Airport (JSO), Jacksonville, Texas.
Initial reports indicate that the pilot departed T25 earlier in the day, with the intent of refueling the airplane. Fuel records at JSO reveal that the accident pilot received about 17 gallons of fuel, and then was seen departing the airport, headed north. When the pilot did not return home, an ALNOT (Alert Notice) for a missing aircraft was issued, and a search was initiated. The airplane was located on 9 February, just off shore of Lake Palestine, in approximately 18 feet of water. The pilot was not located until 10 February.
Once the airplane was retrieved from the lake, the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-In-Charge (IIC), and inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), examined the airplane wreckage on site. The airplane’s canopy was found locked in the open position and the pilot’s seat belts were unlatched. Additionally, the exam revealed that the fuel shut-off valves and ignition switch were in the “OFF” position, the battery and avionics switches were also in the off position. A visual examination of the airplane and engine revealed relatively minor damage to the airplane, and no visual discrepancies with the engine.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.
N8293J
Sidescan sonar photos obtained by KLTV 7 reveal the plane submerged in Lake Palestine.
The cursor in this photo shows the plane is submerged 15-20 feet deep in some spots.
The cursor in this sidescan sonar photo shows the plane is submerged over 40 feet deep.
LAKE PALESTINE, TX (KLTV) - Authorities have suspended their efforts to locate a missing pilot after a plane crashed into Lake Palestine overnight Wednesday.
The plane was reportedly spotted Wednesday night by Henderson County Sheriff's Deputies and Anderson County Deputies responded calling in crews from Texas Parks and Wildlife and dive teams.
FAA officials said the plane, a single-engine Varga aircraft, was reported missing after it never landed in Berryville, TX.
The plane is registered to Fred & Dorothy Scholz who have a Frankston address, but DPS officials say the pilot is from Berryville.
FAA officials say the pilot was the only one on board. It is not known who was on board.
DPS Troopers say the plane stopped in Jacksonville to refuel before going on to Berryville.
Sidescan sonar photos obtained by KLTV 7 News reveal the plane is submerged in 15-20 feet of water. DPS officials say the plane was found on its belly, submerged in 17 and a half feet of water. Game Wardens tell KLTV that officials located the plane and found the door was open.
No body was found in the plane, and officials say the pilot escaped the harness in the cockpit, reportedly underwater, Game Warden Captain Gary Dugan said.
Authorities expanded their search to the shoreline on Thursday and a DPS helicopter is circling the lake searching for the man.
In total, one dive team and three search boats are involved in the rescue efforts on the water.
Game Wardens said nothing has been ruled out. Officials are still treating this as a search and rescue, however, as time goes on, it may turn into a search and recovery.
DPS officials added that the pilot was in excellent physical condition.
Authorities say the plane is intact, with very little damage; there appears to be no broken glass.
As a precaution, the FAA has shut off the fuel pump the pilot last used in Jacksonville. DPS says this precaution was taken in case there is something wrong with the fuel.
FAA teams are en route to the lake and will begin the process of investigating the crash.
Authorities plan to recover the submerged plane on Friday morning.
JACKSONVILLE — Anderson County DPS officials tell KETK there was no body found in the plane in Lake Palestine.
The Anderson County game warden tells us, crews are still searching the rest of the surrounding lake area, and won't know for certain that there is no body near the plane until it is removed from the lake on Friday.
DPS officials are reporting that the plane appears to be intact, and believe that it may have had a soft landing in the lake.
KETK crews are still on scene and will continue to update as the details come in.
The FAA released the following statement concerning the Lake Palestine plane crash.
N8293J
The airplane was a single-engine Varga MOR2. It was flying from Jacksonville, TX, to Frankston yesterday when it crashed into Lake Palestine under unknown circumstances. The search began after concerned family members reported that the aircraft was overdue, with one person on board.
FAA investigators are on their way to the site.
In a team effort the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), have found the missing aircraft, a Varga that was flying from Jacksonville, Texas to Frankston, Texas. The aircraft took off at approximately 5:40 pm Wednesday and failed to arrive at its intended destination. The aircraft was found off the Aero Estates Airport in Lake Palestine.
The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Tyndall AFB, Florida requested Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to conduct aerial and ground searches Wednesday evening after the aircraft was reported overdue. CAP requested support from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as radar forensic reports narrowed the search to the Lake Palestine area. Both departments confirmed that the aircraft had been found by the lake patrol’s side scan sonar.
Information from Civil Air Patrol
A neighbor of the reportedly missing man, Fred Scholz, has provided the following picture to KETK.
It is the plane registered to Mr. Scholz, matching the description of the alleged missing plane (an orange Varga two seater). See the press release at the bottom of this story for a more detailed description of the plane.
Neighbors and close friends of the pilot's family tell KETK, the pilot's name is Fred Scholz. The family has been notified of the situation.
Friends of Mr. Scholz tell us, he is an 82-year old man from Iowa, with a part time residence in the Frankston area.
KETK crews on scene are reporting that recovery crews are searching the area near the Aero Estates Air Park.
KETK crews have just arrived on scene.
Texas Parks and Wildlife divers are preparing to launch into the water near the dam in the southern portion of Lake Palestine.
The missing plane has been found in Lake Palestine, according to airport officials. Divers are currently on the scene.
The plane is reportedly owned by a Frankston man, who would have been flying the plane on Wednesday evening. Family members believe he was travelling alone.
The Henderson County Game Warden found the plane early Thursday morning.
KETKNBC.com will bring you more information as it becomes available.
Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), is searching for a low wing aircraft flying from Jacksonville, Texas to Frankston, Texas that has been reported overdue. The aircraft took off at approximately 5:40 pm Wednesday and failed to arrive at its intended destination. The pilot flying the single engine Varga, described as primarily orange in color had one passenger aboard. The Varga is a fixed gear, low wing, two seat aircraft with a plexi-glass cockpit cover. The wing span is 30’ and is 21 feet long.
The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Tyndall AFB, Florida has requested Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to conduct aerial and ground searches. Any information that anyone could provide about the plane from Jacksonville to the Aero Estates area, around Lake Palestine from 5:40 pm to 7:00 pm would be appreciated. Please contact either Maj. Steve Hudson or the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department.
