14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft: PIPER PA-32R-301, registration: N432LT
Injuries: 2 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.
On July 18, 2012, about 1646 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-32-301 airplane, N432LT, sustained substantial damage during an uncontrolled descent and a collision with terrain about 43 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The non-instrument rated private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to LNP Saratoga Inc., Palo Alto, California, and operated by West Valley Flying Club, Palo Alto. The airplane was being operated as a 14 CFR Part 91 visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. At the time of the accident, instrument meteorological conditions were reported in the area of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the airplane's point of departure. The accident flight originated at the Fort Yukon Airport, Fort Yukon, Alaska, about 1600, en route to Fairbanks, the flight's final destination for the day.
According to the leader of the group the accident pilot was flying with, the accident airplane was the third of three airplanes that were touring northern Canada and Alaska. On the day of the accident, the group was scheduled to fly from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada, to Fairbanks. The first airplane in the group flew to Fairbanks uneventfully. The other two airplanes encountered deteriorating weather conditions while en route to Fairbanks, which required an unscheduled stop in Fort Yukon to refuel. After departing Fort Yukon, the two airplanes again encountered marginal weather conditions. The pilot of one of the two airplanes requested, and received an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance to Fairbanks. The accident airplane continued VFR, and the accident pilot reported to the pilot of the other airplane that he had found “a good VFR track.”
About 1641, the pilot contacted the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) specialist on duty, requesting an IFR clearance direct to Fairbanks. The approach controller instructed the pilot to climb to 7,000 feet, and issued a clearance direct to Fairbanks. At 1646, the ARTCC lost radio and radar contact with the accident airplane. No further communications were received from the accident airplane, and the airplane did not arrive at Fairbanks. It was officially reported overdue at 1719.
After being notified of an overdue airplane, search and rescue personnel from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) began a search for the missing airplane near its last known location, close to an area known as the White Mountains. About 1948, the crew of the CAP airplane located the airplane's wreckage in an area of mountainous, tundra-covered terrain. Rescue personnel aboard an Air National Guard HH-60G helicopter reached the site later that night. A Pararescue Jumper (PJ) was lowered to the accident site, and confirmed that the airplane's occupants were deceased.
Continuous poor weather conditions prevented the NTSB IIC from reaching the site until July 20, along with an additional NTSB air safety investigator, and a Federal Aviation Administration operations inspector from the Fairbanks Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The wreckage was located on a brush and tundra-covered hillside. Portions of the fragmented airplane wreckage were scattered along a debris path oriented along a magnetic heading of 330 degrees, and measured about one-quarter mile in length.
A postaccident examination of the airplane is pending.
Steve and Gillian Knight.
Source: The Courier-Mail
Video Link: Australian News Report (RIP)
A GOLD Coast couple who loved the thrill of flying have died in a plane crash in a remote and rugged corner of Alaska.
Pilot Stephen Knight, 64, and his wife Gillian, 60, were killed when the Piper PA32 light aeroplane they were flying crashed about 60km north of Fairbanks early yesterday. They were the only people on board.
Experienced aviators who loved flying adventures, the Knights were also successful Gold Coast business owners, running the Choice Homes building company.
The couple's son Troy was yesterday too distraught to talk, but the family posted a statement on the Choice Homes website.
"The news of their tragic accident in Alaska is being taken very severely by all who were touched by this amazing and wonderful couple."
Alaskan aviation investigator Clint Johnson told the Alaska Dispatch the plane disappeared from radar travelling from the tiny outpost of Fort Yukon to Fairbanks, one of Alaska's major towns.
He described the terrain of the area where the plane went down as "mountainous, rolling hills".
It is believed the Knights contacted air traffic control just before the crash before communication lines went dead. The plane then dropped off the radar.
Neighbour Joan Austin fought back tears as she remembered her friends of more than 20 years.
"They were a lovely couple. This is just horrible news," she said.
She said they had been excited about their North American flying holiday.
"They were really looking forward to it," she said.
She said the Knights were experienced aviators.
"They owned a plane of their own here. They had flown it all over Australia on a few different trips."
The Piper PA32 they were flying in Alaska was similar to the plane owned by the Knights in Australia.
http://www.couriermail.com.au
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Video Link: Australian News Report (RIP)
Choice Homes owners Steve and Gillian Knight have been identified as the victims of a plane crash near Fairbanks, Alaska.
The Gold Coast family of a couple who died in a plane crash in Alaska say they're shocked and saddened, and have asked for privacy.
Choice Homes owners Steve and Gillian Knight have been identified as the victims of the crash near Fairbanks.
Local authorities say Mr Knight, 64, was piloting a Piper Saratoga PA32R 301 with his 60-year-old wife on board.
They were en route from Fort Yukon to Fairbanks when the plane disappeared from radar.
The Knights were owners of Gold Coast-based Choice Homes, an investment builder employing about 65 staff.
The company derives its income from high volume, low margin construction in southeast Queensland's growth corridors, with customers including investors, owner-occupiers and international buyers.
The couple's son, Choice Homes CEO Troy Knight, issued a statement on Friday afternoon saying his family was shocked and deeply saddened by their deaths.
"The news of their tragic accident in Alaska is being taken very severely by all who were touched by this amazing and wonderful couple," the statement said.
"We will all be in shock for some time but our strength and love will continue to ensure their legacy, and Choice Homes' future only grows stronger with their memory."
The family asked for privacy as it grieves in the days ahead.
Alaska's National Transportation Safety Board has sent an investigator to the crash scene.
The National Guard has told reporters that troopers found the couple's bodies in the burning wreckage on Wednesday night (local time) but recovery efforts had to wait, due to bad weather and fading light.
Poor weather continues to hamper their efforts, Alaska's KTUU news reported.
The Alaska Dispatch newspaper reports the terrain where the plane went down is "mountainous, rolling hills".
"From what I understand, the plane had made contact with the (air traffic control), had asked a question, and when (the tower) answered, there was no response and they noticed it had dropped off the radar," trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters said.
Investigator Clint Johnson said the plane was in the process of filing what's known as a "pop-up" Instrument Flight Rules Plan.
That can mean the weather is worsening and a pilot is switching from visual to instrumental navigation.
The airplane was under lease to the California-based West Valley Flying Club, according to the company's owner, Lee Price.
Interior Alaska Piper plane crash kills 2 Australians
Two people are dead following a plane crash north of Fairbanks on Wednesday night, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The two were identified by Alaska State Troopers as 64-year-old pilot Stephen Knight and 60-year-old Gillian Knight of Queensland, Australia.
NTSB investigator Clint Johnson said that the plane, a Piper PA-32R-301, disappeared from radar just before 5 p.m. en route from Fort Yukon to Fairbanks.
The Civil Air Patrol was called in to search in the area where the plane disappeared. Wreckage was located about 40 miles north of Fairbanks, but a landing was impossible. Johnson described the terrain of the area where the plane went down as "mountainous, rolling hills."
The Air National Guard's 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons were then deployed to the scene, and were able to confirm at least two bodies in the wreckage, but couldn't recover the victims due to the plane being on fire. Alaska State Troopers also confirmed the wreckage.
"From what I understand, the plane had made contact with the (air traffic control), had asked a question, and when (the tower) answered, there was no response and they noticed it had dropped off the radar," troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said.
Johnson said the plane was in the process of filing what's known as a "pop-up" Instrument Flight Rules Plan. That can mean the weather is worsening over the course of a flight and a pilot is switching from visual to instrumental navigation.
The plane was registered to a company in Palo Alto, Calif., LNP Saratoga Inc., which in turn had been leasing the aircraft for more than a decade to West Valley Flying Club, according to the company's owner, Lee Price.
The club, also based in California, offers numerous aircraft for rent to qualified pilots, according to their website.
"The club has both an excellent safety record and a top-notch maintenance department. This means that your airplane is well looked after, and not likely to be involved in an accident or incident," the club's website says.
Johnson said that the downed plane was traveling with at least one other aircraft, which the West Valley Flying Club confirmed. Chris Shaver, an NTSB investigator dispatched to the Interior city to visit the accident site, said two other planes were actually travelling with the crashed aircraft.
Investigators were unable to reach the crash site during the day Thursday, as thick fog and a low ceiling kept aircraft grounded. Shaver said that troopers may attempt a run to the site later Thursday.
Shaver had spoken with the occupants of the other two planes traveling with the Piper Saratoga. He said that the other pilots and passengers, also flying rented planes, made trips around North America together "every year or two" to do a flight, and had traveled from California to Alaska on this particular trip. He described all the pilots as "fairly experienced."
He said it wasn't clear yet if weather was a factor, since the other pilots weren't in communication with the Knights when their plane went down.
"There was a little bit of weather," Shaver said. "Some clouds, some light rain. They all took different routes, basically, so it’s a little tough to tell exactly what was going on in the area where the accident occurred."
http://www.alaskadispatch.com
Choice Homes owners Steve and Gillian Knight have been identified as the victims of the crash near Fairbanks.
Local authorities say Mr Knight, 64, was piloting a Piper Saratoga PA32R 301 with his 60-year-old wife on board.
They were en route from Fort Yukon to Fairbanks when the plane disappeared from radar.
The Knights were owners of Gold Coast-based Choice Homes, an investment builder employing about 65 staff.
The company derives its income from high volume, low margin construction in southeast Queensland's growth corridors, with customers including investors, owner-occupiers and international buyers.
The couple's son, Choice Homes CEO Troy Knight, issued a statement on Friday afternoon saying his family was shocked and deeply saddened by their deaths.
"The news of their tragic accident in Alaska is being taken very severely by all who were touched by this amazing and wonderful couple," the statement said.
"We will all be in shock for some time but our strength and love will continue to ensure their legacy, and Choice Homes' future only grows stronger with their memory."
The family asked for privacy as it grieves in the days ahead.
Alaska's National Transportation Safety Board has sent an investigator to the crash scene.
The National Guard has told reporters that troopers found the couple's bodies in the burning wreckage on Wednesday night (local time) but recovery efforts had to wait, due to bad weather and fading light.
Poor weather continues to hamper their efforts, Alaska's KTUU news reported.
The Alaska Dispatch newspaper reports the terrain where the plane went down is "mountainous, rolling hills".
"From what I understand, the plane had made contact with the (air traffic control), had asked a question, and when (the tower) answered, there was no response and they noticed it had dropped off the radar," trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters said.
Investigator Clint Johnson said the plane was in the process of filing what's known as a "pop-up" Instrument Flight Rules Plan.
That can mean the weather is worsening and a pilot is switching from visual to instrumental navigation.
The airplane was under lease to the California-based West Valley Flying Club, according to the company's owner, Lee Price.
Interior Alaska Piper plane crash kills 2 Australians
Two people are dead following a plane crash north of Fairbanks on Wednesday night, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The two were identified by Alaska State Troopers as 64-year-old pilot Stephen Knight and 60-year-old Gillian Knight of Queensland, Australia.
NTSB investigator Clint Johnson said that the plane, a Piper PA-32R-301, disappeared from radar just before 5 p.m. en route from Fort Yukon to Fairbanks.
The Civil Air Patrol was called in to search in the area where the plane disappeared. Wreckage was located about 40 miles north of Fairbanks, but a landing was impossible. Johnson described the terrain of the area where the plane went down as "mountainous, rolling hills."
The Air National Guard's 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons were then deployed to the scene, and were able to confirm at least two bodies in the wreckage, but couldn't recover the victims due to the plane being on fire. Alaska State Troopers also confirmed the wreckage.
"From what I understand, the plane had made contact with the (air traffic control), had asked a question, and when (the tower) answered, there was no response and they noticed it had dropped off the radar," troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said.
Johnson said the plane was in the process of filing what's known as a "pop-up" Instrument Flight Rules Plan. That can mean the weather is worsening over the course of a flight and a pilot is switching from visual to instrumental navigation.
The plane was registered to a company in Palo Alto, Calif., LNP Saratoga Inc., which in turn had been leasing the aircraft for more than a decade to West Valley Flying Club, according to the company's owner, Lee Price.
The club, also based in California, offers numerous aircraft for rent to qualified pilots, according to their website.
"The club has both an excellent safety record and a top-notch maintenance department. This means that your airplane is well looked after, and not likely to be involved in an accident or incident," the club's website says.
Johnson said that the downed plane was traveling with at least one other aircraft, which the West Valley Flying Club confirmed. Chris Shaver, an NTSB investigator dispatched to the Interior city to visit the accident site, said two other planes were actually travelling with the crashed aircraft.
Investigators were unable to reach the crash site during the day Thursday, as thick fog and a low ceiling kept aircraft grounded. Shaver said that troopers may attempt a run to the site later Thursday.
Shaver had spoken with the occupants of the other two planes traveling with the Piper Saratoga. He said that the other pilots and passengers, also flying rented planes, made trips around North America together "every year or two" to do a flight, and had traveled from California to Alaska on this particular trip. He described all the pilots as "fairly experienced."
He said it wasn't clear yet if weather was a factor, since the other pilots weren't in communication with the Knights when their plane went down.
"There was a little bit of weather," Shaver said. "Some clouds, some light rain. They all took different routes, basically, so it’s a little tough to tell exactly what was going on in the area where the accident occurred."
http://www.alaskadispatch.com
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Alaska State Troopers have identified the victims of a fatal airplane crash as residents of Queensland, Australia.
National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Clint Johnson says their rented Piper Saratoga was en route from Fort Yukon to Fairbanks shortly before 5 p.m. when it disappeared from radar.
The airplane, which burned after the crash, was registered to aircraft rental company LNP Saratoga Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., and leased to the West Valley Flying Club of Palo Alto.
The airplane was found 39 miles north of Fairbanks.
The Fairbanks Civil Air Patrol spotted the wreckage Wednesday. Bad weather, including low clouds hampering helicopter flights, delaying the recovery operation.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—
Two people were killed in a plane crash near Fairbanks Wednesday evening, according to Clint Johnson with the National Transportation Safety Board.
NTSB said a Piper Saratoga PA32R 301, was en route from Fort Yukon to Fairbanks shortly before 5 p.m. and disappeared from radar.
The six-seat, single engine plane was registered to LNP Saratoga Inc in Palo Alto, CA. The owner, Lee Price said the plane has been leased to the West Valley Flying Club, also out of Palo Alto, CA, for many years. Price says the flying club would rent the plane out to aviators to fly all over the country.
Price said he believes the plane was rented out at the time to an Australian couple. He says they had left Palo Alto more than a week ago to fly through Canada, Alaska and then back to the Lower 48.
Price says the flying club does regular, thorough checks on the plane.
NTSB said a crash investigator was sent to Fairbanks early Thursday morning.
The Alaska National Guard's rescue squadrons responded to the downed aircraft Wednesday evening.
Major Guy Hayes, director of public affairs for the Air National Guard, said Wednesday night there was a report of an overdue plane. He said Fairbanks Civil Air Patrol was tasked to search the area and found a downed aircraft 40 miles north of Fairbanks.
The CAP were not able to land due to weather conditions.
The Rescue Coordination Center sent the Air National Guard's 210th and 212th Rescue Squadron to respond to the scene.
The names of the victims have not been released, pending family notification.
NTSB said a Piper Saratoga PA32R 301, was en route from Fort Yukon to Fairbanks shortly before 5 p.m. and disappeared from radar.
The six-seat, single engine plane was registered to LNP Saratoga Inc in Palo Alto, CA. The owner, Lee Price said the plane has been leased to the West Valley Flying Club, also out of Palo Alto, CA, for many years. Price says the flying club would rent the plane out to aviators to fly all over the country.
Price said he believes the plane was rented out at the time to an Australian couple. He says they had left Palo Alto more than a week ago to fly through Canada, Alaska and then back to the Lower 48.
Price says the flying club does regular, thorough checks on the plane.
NTSB said a crash investigator was sent to Fairbanks early Thursday morning.
The Alaska National Guard's rescue squadrons responded to the downed aircraft Wednesday evening.
Major Guy Hayes, director of public affairs for the Air National Guard, said Wednesday night there was a report of an overdue plane. He said Fairbanks Civil Air Patrol was tasked to search the area and found a downed aircraft 40 miles north of Fairbanks.
The CAP were not able to land due to weather conditions.
The Rescue Coordination Center sent the Air National Guard's 210th and 212th Rescue Squadron to respond to the scene.
The names of the victims have not been released, pending family notification.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska— The Alaska National Guard's rescue squadrons are responding to a downed aircraft near Fairbanks Wednesday evening.
Major Guy Hayes, director of public affairs for the Air National Guard, said Wednesday night there was a report of an overdue plane.
He said Fairbanks Civil Air Patrol was tasked to search the area and found a downed aircraft 40 miles north of Fairbanks.
The Rescue Coordination Center sent the Air National Guard's 210th and 212th Rescue Squadron to respond to the scene.
FAA IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 432LT Make/Model: PA32 Description: Saratoga, Turbo
Date: 07/19/2012 Time: 0046
Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Fatal Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Substantial
LOCATION
City: FAIRBANKS State: AK Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE 2 PERSONS ON BOARD WERE
FATALLY INJURED, SUBJECT OF AN ALERT NOTICE, WRECKAGE LOCATED 40 MILES FROM
FAIRBANKS, AK
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 2
# Crew: 2 Fat: 2 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Pass: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
OTHER DATA
Activity: Unknown Phase: Unknown Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: FAIRBANKS, AK (AL01) Entry date: 07/19/2012
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