14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, August 29, 2012 in Millville, NJ
Probable Cause Approval Date: 11/06/2013
Aircraft: BEECH 95-A55, registration: N71BM
Injuries: 1 Fatal,1 Serious.
NTSB investigators may have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
The pilot receiving instruction was conducting a simulated engine-out emergency landing when the accident occurred. Several eyewitnesses reported that the airplane began to roll to the left while it was in flight. One eyewitness reported hearing the airplane's engines increase in power. During postaccident interviews, the flight instructor stated that the left engine was at the idle power setting to simulate the engine failure for landing; however, he could not recall the events that took place during the accident sequence. Examination of the airframe and engines revealed no anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Review of the private pilot’s medical history revealed nothing to suggest a medical cause for impairment or incapacitation. Therefore, it is likely that during the landing flare, the pilot receiving instruction added power to the right engine and failed to properly compensate for the increased asymmetrical thrust, which resulted in a loss of control.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot receiving instruction failed to maintain airplane control during the simulated engine-out landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to take timely remedial action.
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On August 29, 2012, about 1445 eastern daylight time, a Beech 95-A55, N71BM, impacted the ground while landing at Millville Municipal Airport (MIV), Millville, New Jersey. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) sustained serious injuries, and the certificated private pilot receiving instruction was fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and all flight control surfaces. The airplane was registered to the pilot receiving instruction and was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Several eyewitnesses reported that the airplane appeared to have touched down on the runway before it veered to the left and "cart-wheeled" prior to coming to rest about 500 feet from the edge of the runway. Other witnesses reported that the airplane was approximately 20 feet above ground level, rolled to the left, climbed, then nosed over, impacted the ground, and "cart-wheeled." One eyewitness reported hearing the "engines power up," and then observed the airplane pitch up and to the left prior to impacting the ground in a nose-low attitude.
According to a written statement by the CFI, the pilot receiving instruction was conducting a simulated engine-out emergency landing with the left engine at idle power when the accident occurred. However, the CFI at the time of this writing had no memory of the accident sequence. He stated that his last recollection of the accident was being over the runway threshold in the simulated engine-out landing configuration.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
Flight Instructor
The CFI, age 69, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single- and multiengine land and instrument airplane. He also held a flight instructor certificate with ratings for airplane single- and, multi-engine, and instrument airplane; as well as a flight engineer certificate with a rating for jet. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate was issued September 1, 2011. He reported 2,729.9 total hours of flight experience, of which 35.8 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent flight review was conducted on July 24, 2011.
Pilot Receiving Instruction
The pilot receiving instruction, age 60, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued August 25, 2010, and was not valid for any class after. The pilot's logbook was recovered and indicated 216.9 total hours of flight experience, of which 11.9 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent flight review was conducted on August 23, 2012.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The airplane was a low-wing, multiengine, retractable tricycle gear airplane. It was equipped with two Continental Motors IO-470-L, 260-hp engines, and two Hartzell 2-bladed propellers. According to FAA and airplane maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1962 and registered to the owner on December 15, 2011. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was dated on July 1, 2012. At the time of the inspection, the reported aircraft total time was 3,813.8 hours. At the time of the inspection, the right engine had 1,771.8 hours since major overhaul and the left engine had 761.0 hours since major overhaul.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
The 1454 recorded weather observation at MIV included wind from 290 degrees at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 27 degrees C, dew point 13 degrees C; barometric altimeter 29.97 inches of mercury.
COMMUNICATION
At 1426:59, one of the pilots made initial contact with Millville Radio, which was monitored by personnel at Lockheed Martin Flight Service. The pilot subsequently reported that the airplane was 5 miles to the southwest of MIV, and was inbound for landing. At 1429:16, the pilot reported entering the downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 32. The final transmission recorded from the accident flight was at 1431:52, when the pilot stated "seven one bravo mike wilco we're uh simulate an engine out."
AIRPORT INFORMATION
MIV was a publicly-owned airport and at the time of the accident did not have an operating air traffic control tower; however, a flight service station was located on the airport at the time of the accident. The airport was equipped with two runways, designated as runway 10/28 and 14/32. The runways were reported as "in good condition" at the time of the accident. Runway 10/28 was 6,003-foot-long by 150-foot-wide and runway 14/32 was 5,058-foot-long by 150-foot-wide. The airport was 85 feet above mean sea level.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
Initial examination by an FAA inspector revealed that the initial ground scars were located approximately 115 feet from the side edge of the runway and the airplane came to rest about 300 feet from the ground scars and facing back to the direction of travel. One engine was located approximately 30 feet from the wreckage and the other engine was located under the airplane, both had been detached from the firewall. The left wingtip was bent in the positive direction, and the right wing exhibited crush damage. Flight control continuity was confirmed to all surfaces.
During recovery of the airplane, approximately 62 gallons of fuel was removed from the fuel tanks.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
An autopsy was performed on the pilot receiving instruction on August 31, 2012, by the City of Philadelphia Office of the Medical Examiners, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The autopsy findings listed the cause of death as "multiple blunt impact injuries" and the report listed the specific injuries.
Toxicological testing was performed post mortem at the FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The tests were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, and ethanol. The following drugs were detected in the specimens submitted for testing:
- Atropine was detected in the Urine; however, was not detected in the Blood (Heart)
- Clopidogrel was detected in the Urine; however, was not detected in the Blood (Heart)
- Desmethylsildenafil was detected in the Urine and the Blood (Heart)
- Etomidate was detected in the liver and the Blood (Heart)
- Lorazepam was detected in the Muscle and the Blood (Heart)
- Salicylate was detected in the Urine
- Sildenafil was detectyed in the Blood (Heart) and the Urine
- Trimethoprim was detected in the Blood (Heart) and the Urine.
The toxicology results include some medications administered intravenously during hospital interventions: atropine (a Cardiac stimulant) and etomidate (a sedative/hypnotic). Oral medications ingested prior to the crash include clopidogrel (an antiplatelet medication used to prevent heart attacks and strokes), salicylate (also known as aspirin, an antiplatelet medication used to prevent heart attacks and strokes), and trimethoprim (an antibiotic used to prevent urinary tract infections after kidney transplant).
The toxicological report also identified Lorazepam (a hypnotic benzodiazepine); however, it is unclear from the records if this was an oral medication administered prior to the accident, or given in the hospital.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Engine Examination
Both engines were sent to the manufacturer's facility in Mobile, Alabama for further examination. Both engines were mounted in a test stand and operated at varying power settings. During the tests, neither engine exhibited any signs of hesitations, malfunctions, or anomalies. A detailed examination report for both engines is located in the docket that accompanies this accident report.
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)
According to FAA publication FAA-H-8083-3A, Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 12, "Transition to Multiengine Airplanes" which states in part "Engine Inoperative Approach and Landing: The approach and landing with one engine inoperative is essentially the same as a two-engine approach and landing…the differences will be the reduced power available and the fact that the remaining thrust is asymmetrical…large, sudden power applications or reductions should also be avoided…the pilot must be prepared, however, for a rudder trim change as the power of the operating engine is reduced to idle in the roundout just prior to touchdown…"
FAA Advisory Circular 61-21A
FAA Advisory Circular 61-21A, states in part "Due to variations in performance, limitations, etc., of many light twins, no specific flightpath or procedure can be proposed that would be adequate in all engine-out approaches. In most light twins, however, a single-engine approach can be accomplished with the flight path and procedures almost identical to a normal approach and landing."
NTSB Identification: ERA12LA535
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, August 29, 2012 in Millville, NJ
Aircraft: BEECH 95-A55, registration: N71BM
Injuries: 1 Fatal,1 Serious.
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 August 29, 2012, about 1445 eastern daylight time, a Beech 95-A55, N71BM, impacted the ground while landing at Millville Municipal Airport (MIV), Millville, New Jersey. The certificated flight instructor sustained serious injuries, and the pilot-rated student was fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and all flight control surfaces. The airplane was registered to the pilot-rated student and was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
According to recordings obtained from Lockheed Martin Flight Service, the accident flight's first transmission over the airport advisory service frequency stated that it was about five miles from the airport. The last recorded transmission from the accident airplane occurred a few minutes prior to the accident, when they reported simulating an engine failure. No other transmissions were recorded from the accident airplane.
Several eyewitnesses reported that the airplane appeared to have touched down and while on the ground, veered to the left, "cartwheeled," and then came to rest about 500 feet from the edge of the runway. Other witnesses reported that the airplane was approximately 20 feet above ground level, rolled to the left, climbed, then nosed over, impacted the ground and "cartwheeled."
Initial examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the initial ground scars were located approximately 115 feet from the edge of the runway and the airplane came to rest about 300 feet from the ground scars and facing back to the direction of travel. One engine was located approximately 30 feet from the wreckage and that other engine was located under the airplane, both had been detached from the firewall. The left wingtip was bent in the positive direction and the right wing exhibited crush damage.
During recovery of the airplane approximately 62 gallons of fuel was removed from the fuel tanks. The engines were retained for further examination.
Ronald L. LeCates
Ronald E. LeCates
AGE: 60 • Swedesboro, New Jersey
Ronald E. LeCates of Swedesboro, NJ, passed away on Thursday, August 30th, 2012. He was 60 yrs of age. Born in Camden, NJ, he has resided in Swedesboro for the past 14 yrs. and was formerly of Medford, NJ. Ron was as Regional Sales Manager for Analytic Stress Relieving Inc. in Robbinsville, NJ and was formerly with Cooper Heat. He was a former volunteer for the Taunton Fire Company #252 in Medford and a member of the dive rescue team.
A Certified Pilot, Ron's love flying and traveling took him on an adventurous life that many people only dream of. He is the Beloved Father of Rebecca E. LeCates and her fiancé Jon of New Hope, PA, the loving son of Richard E. LeCates Sr. of Media, PA and Grandfather of Zachary. He is also survived by his Brothers Robert LeCates and his wife Marlene of Dacula, GA and George LeCates and his wife Cami of Quakertown, PA and his fiancé Ellen Kurtz.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:00 PM at the BRADLEY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Rd., Medford, NJ. (609-953-7600), where a Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 PM.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family requests memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation , 111 S. Independence Mall E., Suite 411, Phila, PA 19106.
(www.BradleyStow.com)
Guest Book: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook
Source: http://www.legacy.com
Published in Courier-Post on September 2, 2012
Born in Camden, he had resided in Swedesboro for the past 14 years, and was formerly of Medford. Ron was a regional sales manager for Analytic Stress Relieving Inc. in Robbinsville, N.J., and was formerly with Cooper Heat.
He was a former volunteer for the Taunton Fire Company 252 in Medford, and a member of the dive rescue team. A certified pilot, Ron's love of flying and traveling took him on an adventurous life that many people only dream of.
He was the beloved father of Rebecca E. LeCates and her fiancé, Jon, of New Hope, Pa., the loving son of Richard E. LeCates Sr. of Media, Pa., and grandfather of Zachary. He also is survived by his brothers, Robert LeCates and his wife, Marlene, of Dacula, Ga., and George LeCates and his wife, Cami, of Quakertown, Pa., and his fiancé, Ellen Kurtz.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, where a celebration of his life will be held 7 p.m.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation, 111 S. Independence Mall E., Suite 411, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, Medford
www.BradleyStow.com
Source: http://www.phillyburbs.com
Beech 95-A55 Baron, N71BM: Accident occurred August 29, 2012 at Millville Municipal Airport (KMIV), New Jersey
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 71BM Make/Model: BE55 Description: 55 Baron
Date: 08/29/2012 Time: 1845
Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Serious Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Destroyed
LOCATION
City: MILLVILLE State: NJ Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT ON LANDING, BOUNCED OFF THE RUNWAY ONTO ITS NOSE, MILLVILLE, NJ
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 0
# Crew: 2 Fat: 0 Ser: 2 Min: 0 Unk:
# Pass: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
OTHER DATA
Activity: Training Phase: Landing Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: TETERBORO, NJ (EA25) Entry date: 08/30/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N71BM
