Saturday, September 15, 2012

Cirrus SR22, N436KS: Accident occurred September 15, 2012 in Willard, Missouri

National Transportation Safety Board - Aviation Accident Final Report: http://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Docket And Docket Items -  National Transportation Safety Board:   http://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

National Transportation Safety Board  -  Aviation Accident Data Summary:   http://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N436KS

NTSB Identification: CEN12FA633 
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, September 15, 2012 in Willard, MO
Probable Cause Approval Date: 12/05/2013
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22, registration: N436KS
Injuries: 5 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 conducting an instrument landing system approach in night instrument meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Radar track data indicated that the airplane crossed the final approach course near the initial approach fix, about 11 miles from the runway. The airplane drifted through the localizer about 0.25 mile before crossing the localizer again and drifting about 0.25 mile to the opposite side of the localizer. The airplane flightpath then paralleled the localizer briefly. The track data indicated that the airplane entered a left turn, which resulted in about a 90-degree course change. About that time, the pilot requested radar vectors to execute a second approach. The airplane entered a second left turn that continued until the final radar data point, which was located about 420 feet from the accident site. During the second left turn, about 9 seconds before the final radar data point, the pilot transmitted, "I need some help." The data indicated that the accident airplane descended at an average rate of 6,000 feet per minute during the final 10 seconds of data. No further transmissions were received from the pilot. The airplane impacted an open area of a lightly wooded pasture located about 6 miles north-northwest of the destination airport. A witness reported hearing an airplane engine surge to high power about four times, followed by what sounded like a high speed dive. She heard the initial impact followed by an explosion. The postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The location and condition of the airframe parachute system were consistent with partial deployment at the time of ground impact. Based on the performance information depicted by the radar data, the pilot's request for assistance, and examination of the airplane at the accident scene, it is most likely the pilot became spatially disoriented in night meteorological conditions and subsequently lost control of the airplane.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot's loss of airplane control as a result of spatial disorientation experienced in night instrument meteorological conditions.


HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On September 15, 2012, at 0021 central daylight time, a Cirrus Design SR22 airplane, N436KS, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Willard, Missouri. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by JL2, LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The flight originated from Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport (LXT) about 2330 on September 14, 2012. The intended destination was the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), Springfield, Missouri.

At 2338, the pilot contacted the Kansas City Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility and requested an IFR clearance to SGF. The pilot was subsequently issued an IFR clearance and the flight proceeded on course to SGF. A cruising altitude of 7,000 feet mean sea level (msl) was assigned.

About 0002, control of the flight was transferred to the Springfield TRACON. The flight was about 50 miles north of SGF at that time. At 0014, air traffic control instructed the pilot to cross the initial approach fix (BVRLY intersection) at or above 3,000 feet msl, and cleared the pilot for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 14 at SGF. The flight was about 18 miles north of SGF. The pilot was instructed to contact the control tower at that time.

At 0017, the pilot contacted the SGF air traffic control tower. At that time, the tower controller cleared the pilot to land at that time. At 0020:31 (hhmm:ss), the pilot requested radar vectors in order to execute a second approach. The controller instructed the pilot to maintain 3,000 feet msl and turn left to a heading of 360 degrees. The pilot subsequently acknowledged the clearance. At 0021:17, the pilot contacted the controller and the controller acknowledged. At 0021:21, the pilot transmitted, “I need some help.” No further communications were received from the pilot.

Radar track data depicted the accident airplane approaching SGF from the north-northwest on an approximate magnetic course of 157 degrees. After an en route descent, the airplane leveled at an altitude of 2,900 feet msl about 16 miles north-northwest of SGF. About 0018:00, the airplane flight path crossed the ILS runway 14 localizer near the initial approach fix (BVRLY intersection). The airplane drifted about 0.25 miles southwest of the localizer before crossing the localizer again, and drifting about 0.25 miles northeast of the localizer. Beginning about 0019:44, he airplane flight path appeared to parallel the localizer, about 0.12 miles northeast, for about the next 40 seconds.

The track data indicated that, about 0020:09, the airplane entered a left turn to become established on an approximate 064-degree magnetic course. About 0020:38, the airplane entered a second left turn that continued until the final radar data point, which was recorded at 0021:28. The final radar data point was located about 420 feet west-northwest of the accident site. The data indicated that the accident airplane descended from 2,800 feet msl at 0021:18 to 1,800 feet msl at 0021:28; an average descent rate of 6,000 feet per minute.

A witness reported hearing a low flying airplane prior to the accident. She noted the engine surged with high power about four times, followed by what sounded like a high speed dive. She stated that she heard the initial impact followed by an explosion. She observed the glow of the postimpact fire from her bedroom window. Her husband notified local authorities and they both responded to the accident site.

The airplane impacted an open area of a lightly wooded pasture located about 6 miles north-northwest of SGF. The elevation of the accident site was about 1,120 feet.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land airplane and instrument airplane ratings. He was issued a third class airman medical certificate without limitations on October 7, 2011. On the application for that medical certificate, the pilot reported a total flight time of 731.9 hours, with 97.2 hours flown within the preceding 6 months. The pilot’s logbook was not available to the NTSB for review.

According to the pilot’s flight instructor, the accident pilot had completed a flight review on January 23, 2012. The flight instructor estimated the pilot’s total flight time at 1,000 hours, with about 75 hours of actual instrument time and 650 hours in Cirrus airplanes.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The accident airplane was a 2002 Cirrus Design SR22, serial number 0202. It was a low wing, four place, single engine airplane, with a fixed tricycle landing gear configuration. The airplane was powered by a 310-horsepower Continental Motors IO-550-N reciprocating engine, serial number 686271. The accident airplane was issued a normal category, standard airworthiness certificate in April 2002.

The aircraft maintenance logbooks were not available to the NTSB for review. Maintenance work orders provided by a mechanic indicated that an annual inspection was completed on September 1, 2011, at 2,001 hours total airframe time. An engine oil change was accomplished on April 10, 2012 at 2,070 hours total airframe time.

A logbook that appeared to contain flights in the airplane was recovered at the accident site. The most recent entry was dated September 9, 2012. The entry included an ending airframe service time of 2,172.8 hours. The preceding entry, dated September 8, 2012, included a notation for a dual VHF Omni Range (VOR) equipment check that appeared to have been signed by the pilot. The log contained entries totaling 14.5 hours within the preceding 30 days, and about 70.3 hours within the preceding 90 days.

The airframe manufacturer stated that the accident airplane was equipped with four seats and four corresponding restraints (seatbelts/shoulder harnesses) at the time of manufacture. The manufacturer was not aware of any available modifications to increase the seating capacity of the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certificate Data Sheet applicable to the accident airplane noted a seating capacity of four. Aircraft records on file with the FAA did not include any modifications to the seating arrangement or occupant restraint systems.

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Weather conditions recorded by the SGF Automated Surface Observing System, at 0020, were: wind from 070 degrees at 6 knots, 8 miles visibility, overcast clouds at 700 feet above ground level (agl), temperature 16 degrees Celsius, dew point 14 degrees Celsius, dew point 30.27 inches of mercury.

The area forecast current at the time of the accident noted overcast ceilings at 3,000 feet with cloud tops to 15,000 feet, and visibilities of 3 to 5 mile in light rain and mist. The terminal forecast for SGF current at the time of the accident noted overcast clouds at 300 feet agl with 6 miles visibility in mist and rain showers in the vicinity of the airport. An airman’s meteorological information (AIRMET) advisory noted that IFR conditions were expected over southwestern Missouri, which included the accident site, with ceilings below 1,000 feet agl and visibility below 3 miles. There were no significant meteorological information (SIGMET), convective SIGMET, or weather watches in effect for Missouri at the time of the accident.

Civil twilight ended at 1948, with the moon setting at 1818. The moon was more than 15 degrees below the horizon at the time of the accident. The subsequent moonrise occurred at 0627, with the beginning of civil twilight at 0630.

There was no record of the pilot obtaining an official weather briefing from a flight service briefer; nor was there any record of weather information being accessed via the Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS). However, two IFR flight plans were filed through DUATS. An IFR flight plan from SGF to LXT was filed at 1604, and an IFR flight plan for the return flight from LXT to SGF was filed at 2257.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

The Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) was served by two paved runways. Runway 14 was 8,000 feet by 150 feet and constructed of grooved concrete. Approach and landing guidance to runway 14 consisted of an ILS approach procedure, a 4-light precision approach path indicator (PAPI), a medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR), and high intensity runway edge lights.

The ILS runway 14 approach procedure specified a minimum initial (glide slope intercept) altitude of 2,900 feet msl, with a 3.00-degree glide slope. The published decision height for a straight-in approach was 1,462 feet msl, with one-half mile visibility required for landing.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The accident site was located in an open area of a lightly wooded pasture about 6 miles north-northwest of SGF. Linear ground impact marks consistent with being formed by the wing leading edges emanated from the main impact crater. Based on the ground impact markings, the airplane was oriented on an approximate heading of 340 degrees at the time of impact. The debris field extended to approximately 110 feet east, 140 feet northeast, and 70 feet north of the main impact crater. Significant portions of the airframe were consumed or damaged by a postimpact fire. Isolated areas of the surrounding vegetation were also affected by the postimpact fire.

The entire airframe was fragmented. The main impact crater contained the propeller, engine, instrument panel, and portions of the fuselage. The airplane flight control surfaces and wing flaps were located within the debris field. The ailerons and flaps had separated from the wings and were deformed consistent with impact forces. The aileron control cables were frayed and separated consistent with impact forces.

The empennage was separated from the airframe. It came to rest inverted about 10 feet east of the main impact crater. The elevator remained attached to the stabilizer and both appeared to be otherwise intact. The left horizontal and vertical stabilizers, left elevator, and rudder were consumed by the postimpact fire. A portion of the rudder remained attached to the lower rudder hinge. Elevator and rudder control continuity was confirmed between the empennage and the cockpit area.

The engine was located in the impact crater. It remained partially attached to the engine mount and airframe firewall. Portions of the firewall were deformed into/around the engine accessory section. The crankcase, cylinders, induction system, and exhaust system exhibited damage consistent with impact forces. All of the cylinders remained attached to the crankcase. The magnetos had separated from the engine and the ignition harness was damaged.

The three-bladed propeller assembly, with the propeller flange attached, separated from the engine. The engine crankshaft was fractured aft of the propeller flange. The appearance of the fracture surface was consistent with an overstress failure. One propeller blade had separated at the hub and was recovered from the impact crater. The remaining two propeller blades remained attached to the hub. The propeller blades exhibited S-bending and chordwise scratches.

The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) components remained attached to the airframe. The activation cable was continuous from the cockpit activation handle to the igniter assembly. The safety pin was not located with the activation handle consistent with it being removed prior to flight. The packed parachute assembly was located about 40 feet from the main impact crater. The parachute risers and suspension lines extended from the main impact crater to the parachute assembly and were oriented approximately perpendicular to the linear impact marks emanating from the main impact crater.

The postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy of the pilot was conducted at the Boone/Callaway County Medical Examiner’s Office, on September 17, 2012. The pilot’s death was attributed to blunt trauma injuries sustained in the accident.

The FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute toxicology report was negative for all drugs in the screening profile. The report stated that 10 (mg/dL, mg/hg) ethanol was detected in blood samples. The report also noted that the ethanol was likely due to sources other than ingestion.


 NTSB Identification: CEN12FA633  
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, September 15, 2012 in Willard, MO
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22, registration: N436KS
Injuries: 5 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 September 15, 2012, about 0023 central daylight time, a Cirrus Design SR22, N436KS, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Willard, Missouri. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by JL2, LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport (LXT) about 2340 on September 14, 2012. The intended destination was the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), Springfield, Missouri.

Springfield Approach was providing air traffic control services to the flight at the time of the accident. The pilot contacted Springfield Approach about 0002 as the flight entered their airspace. About 0017, the pilot was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 14 at SGF. The pilot was instructed to contact the control tower at that time. At 0020, about 3 minutes after establishing contact with the control tower, the pilot requested radar vectors in order to execute a second ILS approach. About 30 seconds later, radar contact was lost. The controller’s attempts to contact the flight were not successful.

The accident site was located in a pasture about 6 miles northwest of SGF. Ground impact was located in an open area of the lightly wooded pasture field. The airplane was fragmented. The main impact crater contained the propeller, engine, instrument panel, and portions of the fuselage. Linear ground impact marks, consistent with being formed by the wings, emanated from the main impact crater. Based on the ground impact markings, the airplane was oriented on an approximate heading of 340 degrees at the time of impact. The debris field extended to approximately 110 feet east of the main impact crater. Located within the debris field were the airplane flight control surfaces and wing flaps.
 

 Suit filed over fatal SW Missouri plane crash  

Posted:  June 11, 2013


SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A new lawsuit blames pilot "negligence and carelessness" for causing a southwest Missouri plane crash that killed five people.

The suit was filed Monday in Springfield by Janis Melton, the mother of one of the victims, 46-year-old Robin Melton. It seeks unspecified damages from the estate of the pilot, 44-year-old John Lambert of Springfield.

Melton, Lambert and Lambert's three children were killed in the crash on Sept. 15 after flying back from a Kansas City Royals game. The single-engine plane went down near Willard, Mo., about six miles from Springfield-Branson National Airport.

There was no listed attorney for Lambert's estate.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the cause of the crash continues and isn't expected to be complete until September at the earliest.


Community members have made a memorial Facebook page and can be found at http://www.facebook.com/RipGraysonLambert
 

 
Investigators work last weekend at the site of the plane crash near Willard. The debris field extended about 110 feet from the main crater of the impact, according to a preliminary report on the crash. News-Leader file photo




 
Pictured: John Lambert and his three children - Grayson, McKinley and Joshua - were killed in the plane crash. This photo was uploaded to Grayson's Twitter account on Friday night.   Robin Melton, not pictured, was also killed.



Obituary 
Joshua Robert Lambert

Joshua Robert Lambert, 10, Springfield, was granted his angel wings with his father, John Lambert, brother Grayson Lambert, and sister McKinley Lambert. He passed into the arms of his loving grandmother "Nana" Debbie Chrisman and great-grandmother, Madelyn Davis on September 15, 2012 after a tragic plane crash.

Known affectionately as "Bigs" by his close family, Josh was a fifth grader at Sequiota Elementary and was a member of the Boy Scout, Den 1, Pack 197 there. Josh loved basketball, math/numbers, and anything computerized. He especially enjoyed singing and dancing. Josh always would bring a smile to your face with his smiling hello that lit up the room. His ability to make people laugh was such a gift. His loving nature touched everyone who knew him and he was always the gentleman who would be the first to give a handshake.

Joshua was born May 11, 2002 in Springfield, MO. He leaves behind his mother, Holly Gregory Lambert; his grandparents, "Gran" Patricia Lambert and "Papa" Mike Lambert, Springfield; uncle Courtney Lambert, Texas; uncle Bobby Chrisman, Purdy; uncle Charlie Chrisman and his wife Christy, Strafford; and grandfather Danny Chrisman, Strafford. He also leaves behind his many other great-grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family and all of his cherished friends.

Those left behind will sadly miss his sense of humor, his huge kind heart, his love of people, nurturing soul, and constant smile, but we will cherish the memories and are thankful for the time we had with him.

A memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012 in Second Baptist Church in Springfield, 3111 E. Battlefield Rd. Friends will have an opportunity to meet with the family and share their condolences immediately following the memorial.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Lambert Children Memorial Fund at Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney. Funds will be distributed among organizations throughout the community.


http://www.legacy.com/obituary

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Obituary 
McKinley Rae Lambert 

McKinley Rae Lambert, age 15, was welcomed by her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 12:25 a.m. McKinley was born on August 8, 1997 to mother, Georgia Marie Marshall and father, John Michael Lambert. "Mick" perished as the result of a plane crash along with her older brother Grayson, age 16, and her younger brother Joshua, age 10.

Mick was a freshman at Glendale High School and an Honor Student. She was a member of the Glendale Falcon volleyball and basketball teams.

The American Heart Association honored Mick in 2010. She was their 2010 Poster Child after open-heart surgery. Mick was a member of Schweitzer Methodist Church.

She is survived by her mother; Georgia Marshall, stepmother, Holly Lambert; her sister Tyler Jane Kieny; grandparents; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Mick was loved and will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lambert Children's Memorial Fund at Morgan Stanley, Jeff Laymen contact person. Funds will be distributed among organizations throughout the community.

Services will be held in Second Baptist Church on Battlefield Road in Springfield on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

The family appreciates all the prayers, love and amazing support from everyone since her passing.


http://www.legacy.com/guestbook

http://www.legacy.com



Obituary 
Grayson Michael Lambert

Beloved Springfield teenager, Grayson Michael Lambert, age 16, was welcomed into God's Kingdom on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 12:25 a.m. Grayson was born on April 25, 1996 to mother, Georgia Marie Marshall and father, John Michael Lambert. Grayson perished as the result of a plane crash along with his sister McKinley, age 15, and his younger brother Joshua, age 10.

Grayson was a junior at Glendale High School and an Honor Student. He was a member of the Debate team as well as a teammate to the Glendale Falcon Soccer team.

Grayson never passed up a bowl of ice cream or a plate of Sloppy Joes with tater-tots. He worked as a lifeguard at Hickory Hills Country Club in the summer and was a member of Schweitzer Methodist Church.

He is survived by his mother, Georgia Marshall; stepmother Holly Lambert; his sister Tyler Jane Kieny; grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Grayson was loved and will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lambert Children's Memorial Fund at Morgan Stanley, Jeff Laymen contact person. Funds will be distributed among organizations throughout the community.

Services will be held in Second Baptist Church on Battlefield Road in Springfield on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

The family appreciates all the prayers, love and amazing support from everyone since his passing.


http://www.legacy.com/obituary

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook
 
Obituary 
John M. Lambert 

On Saturday, September 15, 2012, John M. Lambert, 44, Grayson M. Lambert, 16, McKinley Rae Lambert 15, and Joshua Robert Lambert, 10, died in a tragic plane crash when returning to Springfield from a Kansas City Royals baseball game. Also with them was family friend Robin Melton, 46. John and his children are survived by parents, Mike and Trisha Lambert of Springfield; brother, Courtney C. Lambert, and cousins Carson and Clay of Cedar Park, Texas; grandparents Col (ret) and Mrs. Robert Lambert and Floyd M. Davis and numerous aunts, uncles and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Grayson and McKinley are survived by the Lamberts above and their mother Georgia Marie Marshall and sister Tyler Jane Kieny of Springfield, grandparents Karen Lutz and husband Harvey of Fayette, MO, and numerous aunts, uncles and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joshua is survived by the Lamberts and his mother Holly Ann Lambert of Springfield and grandfather Dan Chrisman of Strafford, and numerous aunts, uncles and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John Lambert has been a leader in his family and within the community. Graduating from Drury University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business. He was the owner of Missouri Insulation and many subsidiary companies. He served as President of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Chair of the OTC Foundation Board, Board Member of Big Brother Big Sisters, member of Home Builders Association, Webelos Den Leader for Pack 197 of Sequeota Elementary School. He was very involved with all his children's educational and extra-curricular activities. When John entered a room everyone smiled and gravitated towards his positive and high-energy personality.

A memorial Celebration of Life will be held at Second Baptist Church on Battlefield in Springfield. The memorial will begin at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 22, 2012.

In lieu of flowers the Lambert family has designated the "Lambert Family Memorial Fund" for those wishing to send memorial contribution. Please mail to: Lambert Family Memorial Fund, MorganStanley-Smith Barney, 1535 E. Primrose, Springfield, MO 65804.

Funds will be designated for community charities and organizations that were of particular interest of the John Lambert family.


http://www.legacy.com/obituary

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook 




Robin Melton remembered   

 Obituary:  Robin E. Melton, 46, Ozark. 

Arrangements: Greenlawn Funeral Home South.











  
Cirrus SR22, N436KS

 
Cirrus SR22, N436KS










WILLARD, Mo. -- It could be another 9 months until we learn what caused a deadly plane crash north of Willard last weekend that killed two adults and three kids.  That's according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The victims include Springfield natives John Lambert and his children, Grayson, McKinley and Joshua and family friend Robin Melton.

NTSB investigator Tim Sorenson tells KOLR10 News the crash site is now cleared, the plane has been recovered and taken to a local recovery center.

Investigators will now review pictures of the crash site and examine GPS information along with the dimensions of the debris field.

They'll also rely on information from meteorologists, engineers and human performance experts.

Sorenson says a preliminary report on the crash could be available as early as next week.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- Services are set for this Saturday to mourn the loss and celebrate the lives of a local father and his three young children. 
 
They were all killed in a plane crash near Willard early Saturday morning.  

Grayson, McKinley and Joshua Lambert were on board the small plane piloted by their dad, John, when it crashed.  Family friend, Robin Melton, was also killed.

"We didn't know.  Neither one of us knew that our kids were on the plane, we didn't know," said Holly Lambert and Georgia Marshall.

The shock of Saturday morning's event is waring off, but the horror remains.

"I thought no way McKinley is on the plane because she has a volleyball tournament and Grayson, he was actually supposed to be out on a date on Friday night," Georgia said.

The harsh reality came 5-hours after the crash on Holly Lambert's doorstep.

"The police officer said does your husband own a plane?  And I said yes and he said what is the tail number?  And so I said it and they said the plane has crashed and there were four people in the plane," Holly explained.

What investigators didn't know at that point, is that there were actually five people on board.

So then, Holly and Georgia had to find out who exactly was on that plane.

"We were calling friends and calling his peers, are you with Grayson, are you with Grayson, and they went over to the house and checked and his car was there but he was not.  We knew he was on the plane as well but they had just not found his body," Holly said.

All three kids, their dad John and a family friend, Robin Melton, had all perished.
There is little comfort right now except in what these two moms say they just know to be true.

"The both of us sit and say they crashed at 12:25 in the morning and we pray and we just know in our hearts that the children were asleep… and it happened very fast and they had no idea.  Right," the moms said.

After getting the news of the crash, Georgia Marshall says a friend of Grayson's forwarded her a text that Grayson had sent him saying he was concerned to fly of the stormy weather.

"We see pictures and it just brings it back to life that they are not going to walk in that door and be laughing and smiling, and ya know, McKinley is not going to go to homecoming even though they went out and bought a dress."

"I think after the memorial service and the celebration of life on Saturday, it's really going to hit us because the house is going to be silent and that's when it is going to be so hard… because we're so used to a house full of children," Georgia said.

Celebration of Life services for the Lambert's are set for 1:00pm on Saturday, at Second Baptist Church in Springfield.

Holly and Georgia are asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lambert family children memorial fund at the funeral.  The money will be divvied up between several community organizations.

They say John was a good dad and a good pilot.  He had flown with the children on multiple occasions.

Story and video:  http://www.ky3.com


 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield students and faculty members leaned on each other for support Monday to mourn the deaths of three classmates killed in a plane crash.

16-year-old Grayson, 15-year-old McKinley, and 10-year-old Joshua Lambert died along with their father, John Lambert and family friend Robin Melton just after midnight Saturday. The plane Lambert piloted crashed in a field just north of Highway 123 near Willard.

Throughout the Springfield school system, those who knew the family and friends wore orange, McKinley's favorite color. Tuesday's color is blue, in honor of Grayson.

On a pedestrian bridge across South Campbell Avenue, friends of McKinley Lambert spelled out a message in Styrofoam cups: RIP Kinley. We love you.

The investigation into the cause the crash could take years. Members of the National Transportation and Safety Board picked up evidence to attempt to piece together the fateful night.

Friday, Melton and the Lamberts flew up to Kansas City in a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, a plane Lambert and a friend shared. Although five people were on board, the fixed wing single engine plane seats four. The Cirrus SR22 is known throughout the aviation world for the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS), a parachute that when used in an emergency can lower the plane to the ground.

The group reportedly watched a Kansas City Royals baseball game and returned to the plane at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport. According to Airport Manager John Ohrazda, the plane took off around 11:30 Friday night. The plane crashed roughly five miles from the Springfield-Branson National Airport at about 12:25 a.m.

"I heard this plane going over behind us and it was real loud and I thought, 'something's wrong, they're in trouble,'" said Cindy Farmer who owns the property the plane crashed on. "It got louder and louder and I could tell it was coming down, you know, and it was right behind us and I thought, 'this is awful close."'

Weather data taken at the Springfield airport provide clues into the crash. Friday at 11:52 p.m., conditions were overcast with an 8-mile visibility. The next data entry was after the crash at 12:41 a.m. with the same visibility report.

Bruce Landsberg, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), speculated about contributing factors of various plane crashes. The avid flyer has more than 6,000 hours of flight time logged and is responsible for air safety information and educational outreach efforts.

To read about the AOPA, click here.

"At five miles out, I should probably be able to see the runway and see the lights of the airport and so forth," explained Landsberg. "Probably going to be somewhere between, oh 1,500 and 1,000 feet above the ground."

According to the 2010 Joseph T. Nall Report, the Air Safety Institute's annual review of general aircraft crashes, light and weather conditions have a statistical impact on flying. For non-commercial, fixed wing aircrafts, most crashes (87%) occur in the light with favorable viewing conditions. However, accidents at night are 2 1/2 times more likely to be fatal, when instrumentation is relied upon for inclement weather or other purposes.

 To see the full 2010 Nall Report, click here.

"When it's a dark night, you are generally flying more by instruments than you are by outside reference," detailed Landsberg. "If you're going to have an accident in an airplane, it's best to have it in the daytime in visual conditions. If you have it a night, it's going to be much more dangerous when the pilot is less able to avoid obstacles."

Time and the investigation will tell what contributed to the fatal crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is overseeing the investigation and the Federal Aviation Administration will assist.

The preliminary phase of the investigatory process is complete. The crash site is clear, evidence collected, and samples taken. A spokesperson with the FAA said a preliminary report might be posted within two weeks. Then, in the coming months, officials will release a probable cause affidavit. The final report may take more than a year to finish.

Monday, autopsies on the bodies were completed. Greene County Medical Examiner Tom VanDeBerg said it appears everyone in the plane died on impact. An exhaustive toxicology screening will be conducted on the pilot and should be released in three to four weeks.   


Story and video:   http://www.kspr.com

Duluth-based Cirrus, the airplane company, is investigating another crash. The AP and the News Tribune report:   “A Cirrus SR-22 private plane crashed early Saturday in southwestern Missouri, killing the pilot, his three children and a businesswoman, authorities said. Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Jason Pace said the single-engine plane went down about 12:30 a.m. northwest of the town of Willard, killing all five people on board. The plane appeared to have been headed toward the Springfield airport when it crashed about five miles away. … It’s at least the sixth fatal crash involving a Cirrus SR-22 this year, according to the FAA and news reports.”  And that is what you call bad publicity.

Source:  http://www.minnpost.com


Community members have made a memorial Facebook page and can be found at http://www.facebook.com/RipGraysonLambert

Facebook memorial page





SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Investigators worked throughout the weekend to determine why a small plane crashed into an open field just north of the Springfield-Branson National Airport. The 2002 Cirrus SR22 went down after midnight Saturday north of State Highway 123 near Willard.

 Four of the victims were from the same Springfield family. 44-year-old John Lambert was the President of the Board of Directors for the OTC Foundation. Lambert, his 16-year-old son Grayson, 15-year-old daughter McKinley, and 10-year-old son Joshua were killed on impact. Family friend Robin Melton also died in the crash. Melton was the President and Owner of Environmental Works Incorporated.

The group was flying back from a Kansas City Royals game Friday night during stormy weather. Investigators speculate weather may have played a role in the crash. Weather conditions also complicated the investigation. Throughout the weekend, vehicles became stuck in the mud around the crash site. Sunday, cones and tarps lined the field.

As for family and friends of the victims, the healing process has only just begun.

"We're still in shock. You don't think about those things happening to people that you know," said Ozark Technical Community College Chancellor, Dr. Hal Higdon.  "It's just hard to really grasp that in your mind. It still does not seem real."

Those who knew Melton and the Lambert family try to remember happier times.

"John was always positive, always enthusiastic," explained Higdon. "He was just kind of a nice quiet guy who got things done, loved his family, loved his kids."

Robin Melton liked to ride horses and play polo. She also served on the boards of many charitable organizations.

"The influence that both Robin and John had in the community was tremendous. They were very well known, very active in the local community," said Jason Smith, who worked with Melton. "Robin was a very generous individual both as a friend and a business owner. She always looked out for the best interest of the company and she also looked out for the best interest of the staff, employees of the company, always willing to help them out. Both as a mentor and as a personal level."

Brian Reynolds knew the Lambert family well. The Drury swim coach and his family would take vacations with Lambert and the kids.

"The Lambert family is a very special family," Reynolds said. "They were just the happiest, the most fun to be around. They were just always beaming and glowing and had big smiles on their faces and that's how I think everyone will remember them."

Reynolds shared that Grayson Lambert was top of his junior class at Glendale high school. 10-year-old Josh loved numbers. Their sister McKinley survived open-heart surgery. Now, Reynolds struggles to comprehend their tragic deaths.

"The impact is just too overwhelming at this time to really kind of let it all sink it. It's really going to be difficult not to pick up the phone and just want to call and know it's just not going to be there," he said, choking up.

Saturday, a facebook group set up in memory of the victims had thousands of members. Sunday, before the Kansas City Royals baseball game, the stadium fell silent to honor the victims.

Monday, friends plan to wear orange to show support for the Lambert and Melton families. Also on Monday, counselors will be in Springfield schools to help grieving students and teachers.

"I think it's an important lesson for all of us to remember how fragile life is," said Hal Higdon. "And how important it is to live each day the way it should be.


Story and video:   http://www.kspr.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Nearly a week after a Springfield family and a friend were killed in a fiery plane crash in a field near Willard, we got new information about what may have gone wrong.  The National Transportation and Safety Board released its preliminary report.

John Lambert, his three children, and his friend Robin Melton were flying back to Springfield last Friday night after a Royals game.  About five miles out from the Springfield-Branson National Airport, Lambert told air traffic control he needed a second approach.  One of the area's most experienced pilots says that's a major red flag.

"I heard this boom, a sonic boom and it shook the house, and then I saw balls of red shoot above the tree line."

That's how a woman from Willard remembers the plane that barreled into her farm field last weekend.

Flying over it Friday, you'd never know what disaster occurred thousands of feet below.  Jack Reynolds has passed that field, landed on that runway at Springfield-Branson National Airport -- the same runway John Lambert had intended to land on -- hundreds, probably thousands of times.  But he's never missed an approach, not the way Lambert did.

"The turn he made, what made him decide to go back, I have no idea, but he never got closer than five miles to the airport.   Sometimes you do the approach and go to the end of the runway and miss, but he decided to go back and start over before he ever got on the approach," Reynolds said.

Reynolds has been flying for more than 50 years, trained more than 500 other pilots, logged more than 26,000 hours at the controls, even flown the very plane Lambert crashed, yet he's puzzled by the NTSB preliminary crash report.

"There might have been an equipment malfunction.  It would just be a guess as to what would have gone wrong."

Friday, he flew almost the same course that Lambert did.  Instead of Kansas City, we took off from Warrensburg after picking up his granddaughter.  Of course there are a few differences.  Lambert was flying at night and there was some bad weather in the area.

"I have a three-strike rule and, if you get three strikes, you're out, just go land the airplane," Reynolds said.  "One strike is always night, two strikes is always weather, and then the third strike can be anything -- you're tired, you don't feel good, problems at home."

Reynolds doesn't know if Lambert had a third strike, or maybe just bad luck.  All he knows for certain is the end result was tragedy.

"I hope the Lambert family knows they are in our prayers," he saud,

The full NTSB report could take between six months and a year to be released.  This initial report did not cite a cause of the crash.

One thing to note: Lambert was instrument rated, and Reynolds says, at night, pilots have to rely on their instruments, not their eyes, to land the plane.

Family and friends will celebrate the lives of John, Grayson, Mckinley, and Joshua Lambert at a ceremony on Saturday at 1 at Second Baptist Church in southeast Springfield.  That's at the corner of Battlefield and Ingram Mill Road.

See full article and watch video:  http://www.kspr.com