Monday, July 30, 2012

Aiken Municipal (KAIK), South Carolina: Airport topic of City Council work session

The Aiken Municipal Airport's success seems to be flying high as the facility has seen an increase in traffic over the last few months.

Aiken City Council members gathered at the airport Thursday afternoon for a work session to hear from Aiken Aviation Enterprises owner Mike Laver about the happenings at the facility.

Aiken Aviation Enterprises is the fixed-base operator which first leased the airport from the city in 1977.

The airport has seen many changes over the years. Most recently, the Instrument Landing System was installed and first used in February. ILS provides navigational guidance - both horizontal and vertical - to properly equipped aircraft, allowing them to land at the airport in bad weather conditions of cloud ceiling and visibility. The ILS permits additional piston-powered and jet aircraft at the airport.

Thanks to that new system, aircraft that couldn't land there before now can. For example, Laver said, they had a Global Express aircraft land there this year, which is a pretty large plane with a 100-foot wingspan. The ILS has helped increase the airport's traffic flow.

This year, the week of the Masters Golf Tournament was extremely busy, Laver said.

"It's crazy - that's the only way to describe that," Laver said when Councilwoman Gail Diggs asked what it's typically like during the Masters. "I was very proud with what everybody (staff) did this year. It was quite amazing."

The Aiken airport experienced a 47 percent increase in traffic during the Masters week. Laver said he remembers seeing 48 large jets that Friday. Aiken's aiport was taking in aircraft when Bush and Daniel fields in Augusta couldn't.

The airport did face a few challenges when the economy tanked. Starting around 2007 or 2008, the airport saw a decrease in fuel sales, Laver said. And over the years, he had to put in around $500,000 to keep the FBO afloat.

But, with his great staff, competitive fuel prices and the recent increase in traffic, Laver said the airport has pulled through a tough time.

The Aiken Municipal Airport was established by the federal government during World War II on 1,150 acres that was owned by the city. It was later returned to the municipality when the war ended, according to a memorandum from City Manager Richard Pearce. The city had to continue using that land for an airport or other related uses.

Through the years, many improvements have been made to the airport. Small, local aircraft and larger jet planes from around the country and world have made a stop at the airport as it expanded its services.

"We seem to have a good reputation - I'm proud of the job we're doing here," Laver said, later adding, "The community should be proud of what's happening at the airport."

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, Interstate Aviation Inc., N64182: Accident occurred July 26, 2012 in Plainville, Connecticut

NTSB Identification: ERA12FA483 
 Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, July 26, 2012 in Plainville, CT
Probable Cause Approval Date: 04/25/2013
Aircraft: CESSNA 172P, registration: N64182
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.

During daylight in good weather conditions, the pilot was flying an approach to his home airport. After one go-around, the airplane approached the same runway a second time. During the second final approach, the airplane flew lower than normal and the nose dropped. The airplane subsequently impacted a berm 20 feet below and immediately before the runway. A postcrash fire consumed the cockpit and cabin area. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

The toxicological report noted that Zolpidem (a sleep aid known by the brand name Ambien among others) was detected in the blood and liver. Toxicological reports note “detected,” rather than an actual value, when the level of a substance is below the therapeutic range and, thus, is not intended to imply impairment.

According to law enforcement personnel, during the 2 years preceding the accident, the pilot had gone through a divorce, the closure of his business, and most recently was anticipating arrest on a felony charge. Additionally, about 1 month before the accident, a detective received a telephone call from a family member of the pilot, who expressed concern that the pilot was going to commit suicide based on remarks that the pilot had made; however, the family member later stated that the pilot recanted. Further investigation by law enforcement personnel did not recover a suicide note.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during final approach in visual meteorological conditions, resulting in collision with a berm.

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On July 26, 2012, about 1910 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N64182, operated by Interstate Aviation Inc., was substantially damaged during final approach, when it impacted a berm just prior to and below runway 20 at Robertson Airport (4B8), Plainville, Connecticut. The private pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Columbia County Airport (1B1), Hudson, New York, at 1739.

The airplane was based at 4B8. Several witnesses at North Canaan Aviation Facilities Inc. Airport (CT24), North Canaan, Connecticut, stated that earlier during the day, the accident airplane arrived there uneventfully about 1430 and departed about 1630. They added that it was common for the accident pilot to visit the airport and fly around the local area. They did not report anything abnormal with the pilot or the airplane.

Review of radar data, provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), revealed primary targets that originated approximately .1 mile south of 1B1 at 1739:17. The targets proceeded to 4B8 and terminated on a left downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern to runway 20, at 1901:24. The targets then reappeared on another left downwind leg for runway 20 at 1903:47, and terminated at 1905:15. There was no record of radio contact with air traffic control. Additionally, there was no record of any contact with flight service or direct user access terminal service.

A flight instructor, who was walking to his car at the airport about 1900, saw the accident airplane approach. He reported that the pilot made one radio transmission on the local common traffic advisory frequency, regarding landing advisories. The airplane proceeded to fly a mid-field crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern, followed by a left downwind, base, and final leg of the airport traffic pattern. The witness noted that when the airplane was on final approach, its flaps were extended and it was "a bit" high. The nose then moved right, as if the airplane entered a controlled slip. The witness then left the airport in his car and did not see the impact.

Three people, who were driving their respective cars near 4B8 about 1910, witnessed the accident. The first witness stated that she observed the airplane "lower than usual" and it looked low as it crossed a street and impacted the berm below the runway. The second witness stated that the airplane looked level at first, but then the front end dropped down and she lost sight of the airplane. She subsequently saw smoke and the airplane engulfed in flames. The third witness stated that were no visible signs of engine distress prior to impact. Specifically, the airplane was not flying erratically or emitting smoke.

PILOT INFORMATION

The pilot, age 51, held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and airplane single-engine sea. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on July 30, 2011. The pilot's logbook was not recovered. He reported a total flight experience of 1,000 hours on a "Renter Pilot Information" form he completed on June 23, 2012.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The four-seat, high-wing, fixed tricycle-gear airplane, serial number 17275530, was manufactured in 1982. It was powered by a Lycoming, O-320, 160-horsepower engine, equipped with a two-blade fixed pitch McCauley propeller. Review of the aircraft logbooks revealed that the airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on July 13, 2012. At that time, the airplane had accumulated 8,690 total hours of operation. The engine had accumulated 3,784 total hours of operation, and 1,655 hours of operation since major overhaul. The airplane had flown about 9 hours since the annual inspection, until the accident flight.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

Hartford-Brainard Airport (HFD), Hartford, Connecticut, was located about 10 miles northeast of the accident site. The reported weather at HFD, at 1853, was: wind from 200 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 miles; overcast ceiling at 9,000 feet; temperature 29 degrees C; dew point 21 degrees C; altimeter 29.62 inches of mercury.

WRECKAGE INFORMATION

The wreckage came to rest upright, with the empennage resting on top of the airport perimeter fence. An approximate 4-foot diameter by 1-foot deep impact crater was observed in the berm, about 20 feet below runway 20. The cockpit and cabin area were consumed by a postcrash fire. Both wings were observed separated from the airframe and exhibited impact damage along the leading edge. The ailerons were approximately neutral and measurement of the flap jackscrew corresponded to an approximate 30-degree full flap extended position. The horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and elevator remained intact and undamaged. Measurement of the elevator trim jackscrew corresponded to an approximate 5-degree tab up (nose down) trim position.

Flight control continuity was confirmed from the rudder pedal torque tubes to the rudder and from the control yoke base to the elevator. Continuity of the elevator trim was confirmed from trim wheel sprocket to the elevator trim tab. Aileron continuity was confirmed from the aileron control sprocket to their respective separation near the wing roots. The aileron balance cable remained attached to the left and right aileron bellcranks.

The engine remained partially attached to the airframe and was canted right. The propeller remained attached to the engine. One propeller blade exhibited s-bending and melting, while the other blade was bent aft and exhibited leading edge gouges. The engine was separated from the airplane and the propeller was removed from the propeller flange to facilitate further examination of the engine. The valve covers were removed and oil was noted throughout the engine. The top spark plugs were also removed for inspection; their electrodes were intact and light gray in color. When the crankshaft was rotated by hand, camshaft, crankshaft, and valvetrain continuity were confirmed and thumb compression was attained on all cylinders. Both magnetos sustained fire damage and could not be tested. Inspection of the carburetor revealed that the floats, needle valve, and venturi were consumed by fire.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy was performed on the pilot on July 28, 2012, by the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Farmington, Connecticut. Review of the autopsy report revealed that the cause of death was "multiple blunt traumatic injuries" and the manner of death was "accident."

Toxicological testing was performed on the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Review of the toxicology report revealed:

"Zolpidem detected in Liver
Zolpidem detected in Blood"

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

According to law enforcement personnel, during the 2 years preceding the accident, the pilot had gone through a divorce, a closure of his business, and most recently was anticipating arrest based on a warrant being processed, which included the charge of sexual assault in the first degree. Additionally, on June 22, 2012, a detective received a telephone call from a family member of the pilot, who expressed concern that the pilot was going to commit suicide based on remarks that the pilot had made. The family member later stated that the pilot recanted; however, on the day after the telephone call (June 23), the pilot went to Interstate Aviation and completed a "checkout" flight in order to rent their airplanes. Further investigation by law enforcement personnel did not recover a suicide note.




TORRINGTON >> James E. Seaver, Sr. the Torrington man killed in a Plainville plane crash in July, had a drug used to treat insomnia running through his veins when his Cessna 172P crashed into a berm near Robertson Airport.
 
Seaver, who was also being investigated by Torrington Police on allegations of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl years prior, had zolpidem detected in his liver and bloodstream, according to a toxicology report released by the National Transportation Safety Board. The brand name of zolpidem is Ambien, a sedative-hypnotic designed to slow brain activity, allowing a person to sleep easier.

Seaver’s fatal plane crash occurred on July 26 shortly after 7 p.m. in Plainville, after the private pilot departed from North Canaan Aviation Facilities, Inc. Airport at 6:20 p.m. He was 51.

Weeks following the fatal accident, Torrington Police released an unsigned arrest warrant indicating Seaver was under investigation for allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old girl in 2010. The girl, now 14, reported the incident to her mother in June and was given a forensic interview which proved consistent with her testimony of alleged sexual activity, the warrant states.

The warrant application relays an exchange between Seaver and the girl’s mother, with Seaver admitting he had “only touched her” three to four times, requesting the mother not to report him. 
“Can’t we find a therapist that doesn’t have to report,” Seaver said, according to the report.

Seaver’s toxicology report, finalized on Aug. 29 by the U.S. Department of Transportation, examined specimens from the decedent’s vital organs, blood and urine. The one-page summary states that no carbon monoxide or cyanide was detected in his blood, nor was any ethanol — indicating alcohol use — found in Seaver’s urine. The report additionally tested for amphetamines, opiates, marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs, including anti-depressants.

Medical information states that consumers of zolpidem — whether in its pill form, like Ambien, or its oral spray version — should expect to sleep shortly after taking the drug. The drug makes consumers sleepy, and consumers should expect to sleep a minimum of seven hours, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

The National Library of Medicine states that zolpidem should only be taken for seven to 10 days; not to exceed two weeks of consumption.

A recent study released by BMJ Open, a British-based medical publication, found drugs like zolpidem are more likely to cause cancer and consumers have a greater risk of death than people who don’t use sleep aid medication.

“When starting Ambien, do not do anything that requires complete alertness, such as driving, operating machinery, or piloting an airplane,” the drug’s user precautions read.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration has yet to finalize a report from the July 26 incident, although preliminary investigation by the NTSB claims weather was not an issue during the crash. The initial report additionally states that Seaver never made radio contact with flight service, nor were there records of contact with air traffic control.

The Cessna 172, the same model Seaver flew, is a four-seat single engine aircraft and according to the company, its best seller. Seaver’s crash marks the second fatality in the 172 model in Plainville since 2002. There have been two other crashes investigated by the NTSB near Robertson Airport since that time, although neither caused death.

Seaver was the only victim in the crash.

Source: http://www.registercitizen.com

NTSB Identification: ERA12FA483  
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation  
Accident occurred Thursday, July 26, 2012 in Plainville, CT
 Aircraft: CESSNA 172P, registration: N64182 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 July 26, 2012, about 1910 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N64182, operated by Interstate Aviation Inc., was substantially damaged during final approach, when it impacted a berm just prior to and below runway 20 at Robertson Airport (4B8), Plainville, Connecticut. The private pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed North Canaan Aviation Facilities Inc. Airport (CT24), North Canaan, Connecticut, about 1820.

Review of preliminary radar data, provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, revealed primary targets that originated approximately 3 miles southeast of CT24 at 1825:57. The targets proceeded to 4B8 and terminated on a left downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern to runway 20, at 1901:24. There was no record of radio contact with air traffic control. Additionally, there was no record of any contact with flight service or direct user access terminal.

A flight instructor, who was walking to his car at the airport, saw the accident airplane approach. He reported that the pilot made one radio transmission on the local common traffic advisory frequency, regarding landing advisories. The airplane proceeded to fly a mid-field crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern, followed by a left downwind, base, and final leg of the airport traffic pattern. The witness noted that when the airplane was on final approach, its flaps were extended and it was “a bit” high. The nose then moved right, as if the airplane entered a controlled slip. The witness then left the airport in his car and did not see the impact.

The wreckage came to rest upright, with the empennage resting on top of the airport perimeter fence. An approximate 4-foot diameter by 1-foot deep impact crater was observed in the berm, about 20 feet below runway 20. The cockpit and cabin area were consumed by a postcrash fire.

NTSB Identification: ERA12FA483 
 Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, July 26, 2012 in Plainville, CT
Aircraft: CESSNA 172P, registration: N64182
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.


On July 26, 2012, about 1910 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N64182, operated by Interstate Aviation Inc., was substantially damaged during final approach, when it impacted a berm just prior to and below runway 20 at Robertson Airport (4B8), Plainville, Connecticut. The private pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed North Canaan Aviation Facilities Inc. Airport (CT24), North Canaan, Connecticut, about 1820.

Review of preliminary radar data, provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, revealed primary targets that originated approximately 3 miles southeast of CT24 at 1825:57. The targets proceeded to 4B8 and terminated on a left downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern to runway 20, at 1901:24. There was no record of radio contact with air traffic control. Additionally, there was no record of any contact with flight service or direct user access terminal.

A flight instructor, who was walking to his car at the airport, saw the accident airplane approach. He reported that the pilot made one radio transmission on the local common traffic advisory frequency, regarding landing advisories. The airplane proceeded to fly a mid-field crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern, followed by a left downwind, base, and final leg of the airport traffic pattern. The witness noted that when the airplane was on final approach, its flaps were extended and it was "a bit" high. The nose then moved right, as if the airplane entered a controlled slip. The witness then left the airport in his car and did not see the impact.

The wreckage came to rest upright, with the empennage resting on top of the airport perimeter fence. An approximate 4-foot diameter by 1-foot deep impact crater was observed in the berm, about 20 feet below runway 20. The cockpit and cabin area were consumed by a postcrash fire.





Fire engulfs a plane that crashed just off the runway at Robertson Field Airport in Plainville Thursday.


NTSB investigating deadly plane crash in Plainville 
Federal officials arrived Friday to investigate a deadly plane crash near Robertson Field in Plainville. The plane crashed shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday night, killing the pilot.


Monday, July 30, 2012   9:12 PM EDT
 By Lisa Backus

 PLAINVILLE — The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is waiting on dental records to positively identify the man who died in a plane crash while trying to land at Robertson Airport Thursday night. 

A spokesperson for the medical examiner said they have determined a tentative identity of the pilot but the office still needs to locate and compare dental records to make a positive ID.

The plane burst into flames after crashing into a fence in front of a berm at the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Northwest Drive around 7 p.m. Thursday. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are still looking into the cause of the crash. The Cessna was rented from a company at the airport around 1 p.m. the day of the crash, investigators said.

Police said they would not release the identity of the pilot until his name is confirmed by the medical examiner’s office.


http://registry.faa.gov/N64182

http://www.newbritainherald.com

FAA IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: 64182        Make/Model: C172      Description: P172,Skyhawk Hawk XP
  Date: 07/26/2012     Time: 1915

  Event Type: Accident   Highest Injury: Fatal     Mid Air: N    Missing: N
  Damage: Destroyed

LOCATION
  City: PLAINVILLE   State: CT   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  AIRCRAFT ON LANDING CRASHED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY, THE 1 PERSON ON BOARD WAS 
  FATALLY INJURED, PLAINVILLE, CT

INJURY DATA      Total Fatal:   1
                 # Crew:   1     Fat:   1     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: Landing      Operation: OTHER


  FAA FSDO: WINDSOR LOCKS, CT  (EA63)             Entry date: 07/27/2012 

New Braunfels Regional Airport (KBAZ), Texas: EMS on Stand-By for Emergency Landing at Airport Saturday

(New Braunfels, TX) -- For the second time in a week, New Braunfels Fire and EMS were called to the New Braunfels Regional Airport for reports of a plane that had issues with its landing gear. 

In the most recent incident, crews were called to the airport around 10:45am Saturday after a pilot declared an in-flight emergency and began circling the airport after a piece of his landing gear apparently malfunctioned.

The first attempt at landing was stopped short after the tower told the pilot that his left landing gear wasn’t fully extended. So the pilot circled around the airport, eventually getting ready to attempt a 2nd landing, only to be told once again that his left landing gear had come down and then had gone back up into the plane. So the pilot circled the airport a few more times.

On the 3rd landing attempt, the airplane gave the pilot some warning signals about the landing gear, but the tower told him that the gear had finally extended all the way, so he came in on final approach and landed safely. In all, the plane, a small single-engine propeller-driven plane, had circled the airport for about an hour before finally landing.

The pilot and his passenger were uninjured in the incident, and EMS crews immediately cleared the scene, around 11:40am.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, first responders were called to the airport, in the 23-hundred block of FM 758, after a Beechcraft single engine plane landed without its landing gear down at all.

The pilot, an 84-year old Seguin man, told KGNB News that a flock of buzzards got in his way on his final approach for landing, and so after he maneuvered around the birds, he simply forgot to put the landing gear down.

The plane scraped the tarmac and the propeller blades were bent back when they hit the ground before the engine went into an emergency stop.

The pilot was uninjured in the incident, and EMS crews released him at the scene.

Source:   http://kgnb.am

FAA IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: 9493S        Make/Model: BE35      Description: 35 Bonanza
  Date: 07/23/2012     Time: 1631

  Event Type: Incident   Highest Injury: None     Mid Air: N    Missing: N
  Damage: Minor

LOCATION
  City: NEW BRAUNFELS   State: TX   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  AIRCRAFT LANDED GEAR UP, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX

INJURY DATA      Total Fatal:   0
                 # Crew:   1     Fat:   0     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: Landing      Operation: OTHER

  FAA FSDO: SAN ANTONIO, TX  (SW17)               Entry date: 07/24/2012

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=9493S

Dana Air McDonnell Douglas MD-83, 5N-RAM, Flight 9J-992: Lawyer blame high casualty on poor crowd management - Lagos, Nigeria

 

A legal Practitioner, Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday told Coroner Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe inquiring into the cause of death of the victims of the 3 June crash of a Dana Air plane in Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos state, that there was poor management of the crowd at the crash site.

Mr Adeniyi, while responding to questions from other lawyers at the sitting, said he was related to a member of the cabin crew, Vivien Oshinuga who died in the crash.

He said he got to the site around 4.30pm after the husband of the deceased alerted him from London, urging him to rush to the site to see if there was anything he could do to save the deceased.

In his testimony, Mr Adeniyi said, “The crowd at the site was not well managed. There was stampede. People were running helter skelter. A helicopter was hovering over us. The soldiers were beating us with horse whip when the helicopter wanted to land.

“The crowd was not well managed by the agencies at the site. The crowd was too enormous for the agencies on the ground to handle.”

The lawyer, who said the post-crash inferno was still burning as at the time he left the site at 6pm, listed the agencies he met at the site to include the Federal Fire Services attached to the airport, the Nigerian Army, the Police, Julius Berger Construction Company and Red Cross.

The Counsel representing the Lagos State Ministry of Justice at the sitting, Adetunji Bakare, however blamed Mr Adeniyi for being part of the crowd which obstructed rescue operations.

Though Mr Adeniyi disagreed that the crowd obstructed rescue operations, he conceded that, due to the circumstances at the crash site, there was not much he or any other persons in the crowd could do to rescue any of the victims.

“What you should have done is to leave the scene when you could not help,” Mr Bakare said.

But Mr Adeniyi responded, saying the crowd did not obstruct rescue operations but rather “assisted in quenching the fire.”

He admitted that the crowd was using the equipment provided by the fire services and Julius Berger whose vehicles were prevented from reaching the point of the post-crash inferno.

Meanwhile, three television stations, the African Independent Television (AIT), Channels Television and the Television Continental (TVC), summoned by the Coroner were unable to bring the needed equipment to show the video clips they recorded at the crash site.

The video clips of the television stations which were said to have conducted a thorough coverage of rescue operations are to give insight into the post-crash activities at the site.

They were then slated to appear on Wednesday with their reporters who recorded the video clip. They were also asked to come to the sitting with a copy of the VCD which will be kept in the custody of the court.

Dana Air and the Accident Investigation Bureau have been slated to give their testimonies on Thursday.

The Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Airforce were asked to appear before the court on the 9th of August.

The Coroner has adjourned sitting till Tuesday when the National Aviation Management Authority, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the MRS Oil Nigeria are expected to testify. 


Source:  http://www.channelstv.com

Flight Design GMBH CTSW, N460CT: Accident occurred July 30, 2012 in Hutchinson, Kansas

http://registry.faa.gov/N460CT

NTSB Identification: CEN12CA499
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, July 30, 2012 in Hutchinson, KS
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/09/2012
Aircraft: FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW, registration: N460CT
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

During the landing roll on a grass airstrip, the airplane encountered a wind shift and began to skid to the left. The pilot turned the airplane in order to level the wings and stop the skid; however, the airplane departed the runway at a 30-degree angle, encountered soft ground, and nosed over. The aft spar in the vertical stabilizer and the rudder hinge were broken. During a postaccident examination of the airplane, no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll.

During the landing roll on a grass strip (runway 9) at a private airport, the airplane encountered wind and began to skid to the left. The pilot turned the airplane in order to level the wings and stop the skid; however, the airplane departed the runway at a 30 degree angle and nosed over in the soft ground. The aft spar in the vertical stabilizer and the rudder hinge were broken. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation. Wind at the time of the accident were recorded as 100 degrees at 6 knots.


FAA IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: 460CT        Make/Model: LSA       Description: FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW
  Date: 07/30/2012     Time: 1748

  Event Type: Accident   Highest Injury: None     Mid Air: N    Missing: N
  Damage: Substantial

LOCATION
  City: HUTCHINSON   State: KS   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  AIRCRAFT ON LANDING, WENT OFF THE RUNWAY AND FLIPPED OVER, HUTCHINSON, KS

INJURY DATA      Total Fatal:   0
                 # Crew:   1     Fat:   0     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: Pleasure      Phase: Landing      Operation: OTHER


  FAA FSDO: WICHITA, KS  (CE07)                   Entry date: 07/31/2012 



 

(RENO COUNTY, Kan.)— The Kansas Highway Patrol is on the scene of a crash landing in Reno County. 

 Officials on the scene tell Eyewitness News the plane went down in a field in the 3600 block of Mohawk in Reno County.

A single pilot was on board at the time. Authorities tell us he was landing on a private airstrip when he lost control and veered to the left and went into the field. His nosegear collapsed and the prop of the small plane went into the ground, causing the plane to flip over onto its back. 


No one was hurt.

Story & Photo:   http://www.kansascw.com

Robinson R44, N34JS: Accident occurred August 02, 2010 in Blairsville, Georgia

NTSB Identification: ERA10FA403
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, August 02, 2010 in Blairsville, GA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 02/06/2012
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, registration: N34JS
Injuries: 2 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 non-instrument-rated private pilot departed on a multi-leg cross-country trip without obtaining a weather briefing or filing a flight plan. Prior to the flight, the pilot asked a friend, a commercial helicopter operator, to accompany him on the trip, as the pilot had never flown over mountainous terrain. The friend could not accompany him due to a prior commitment and tried to dissuade the pilot from going because he thought the pilot needed mountain flying experience, but the pilot insisted on making the flight. When the helicopter failed to arrive at its destination, an alert notice was issued. The helicopter was located by aerial search in mountainous terrain 4 days after the accident. Examination of satellite images revealed that the wreckage was located in a box canyon and that the wreckage path was oriented opposite the intended route of flight. An AIRMET advisory for instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration were current for the route of flight and the crash site. Satellite images from over the accident site around the time of the accident depicted an area of low stratiform clouds that extended over the area. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction, and the damage was consistent with controlled flight into terrain.

Post mortem examinations and testing revealed heart disease and the use of amphetamine and anti-depressant medications. At least two of the medications that the pilot was taking are not permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration for use while flying, but he did not report them. However, it could not be determined whether the pilot's heart disease or his use of unapproved medications posed a significant risk to flight safety.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

The initial ground scar was about 30 feet beyond the first tree strikes on a rock slope of about 60 degrees. The fall line was oriented about 090 degrees. The remainder of the helicopter was scattered down slope over a distance of about 170 feet. The tail section, with the vertical fin, tail rotor gear box, tail rotor assembly, and tail rotor driveshaft were about 100 feet below the initial ground scar. These components were impact and fire damaged. One tail rotor blade appeared severely fire-damaged. The skin was intact, but split along the trailing edge, and the core of the blade appeared consumed by fire.

The main fuselage, with the engine, transmission, and tail boom attached, came to rest against a tree about 40 feet below the tail section. The components were heavily damaged by impact and post crash fire. Control continuity could not be established, but all breaks were consistent with overload or fire damage. All of the flight instruments located were either completely destroyed, or provided no useful information.

A detailed examination of the wreckage could not be conducted at the site due to terrain, and was scheduled for a later date.

The wreckage was recovered from the site by helicopter on November 12, 2010. The complete tailrotor, tailrotor gearbox, and the empennage were stolen from the site prior to recovery. The tail rotor driveshaft was cut with a saw, forward of the gearbox, to affect the theft. A detailed examination of the remaining wreckage was conducted in Griffin, Georgia on November 18, 2010.

The examination revealed that all airframe and component damage was due to impact and fire. The engine could not be rotated due to impact, fire, and corrosion damage. Several holes were drilled in the crankcase halves, and the powertrain and valve train were examined by borescope. The borescope examination revealed no evidence of abnormal wear or pre-impact mechanical anomaly. The engine cooling fan scroll inlet lip displayed rotational scoring.

The main transmission displayed impact and fire damage, and continuity was established through the input drive to the main mast. Flight control continuity could not be established due to impact, fire, and missing components.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Division of Forensic Sciences, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, for the State of Georgia, performed the autopsy on the pilot in Decatur, Georgia. The autopsy report indicated that the pilot died as a result of “traumatic injuries…due to helicopter crash.”

The autopsy noted that the pilot had greater than or equal to 60% occlusion of unnamed cardiac vessels. It could not be determined if the pilot would have had any symptoms from his coronary artery disease and thus it cannot be determined if the condition posed a significant hazard to flight safety.

The FAA’s Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing of the pilot. Tissue specimens from the pilot tested positive for bupropion, diphenydramine, and phentermine.

Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Phentermine is a stimulant that is similar to an amphetamine. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system.

According to the FAA, Bupropion and Phentermine were not appropriate for use while flying.

It could not be determined whether the pilot's use of medications posed a significant hazard to flight safety.

The pilot's medical and pharmacology histories could not be established. Numerous records requests were made to the pilot's psychiatrist, with no response. A subpoena was then issued July 15, 2011, received, and signed for on July 19, 2011, with no response. When a follow-up telephone call was made, it was learned that the psychiatrist's practice was closed, and the telephone had been disconnected. Efforts to locate the psychiatrist were unsuccessful.

According to the pilot's May 11, 2009, Application for Airman Medical Certificate, FAA Form 8500-8, Item 17, "Do You Currently Use Any Medication (Prescription or Nonprescription)?" the pilot responded that he did not. Further, Item 18, "Have you ever in your life been diagnosed with, had, or do you presently have any of the following? (m) "Mental disorders of any sort, depression, anxiety, etc." the pilot again responded that he did not.

A review of pharmaceutical records revealed that the pilot had filled prescriptions from his psychiatrist for a wide range of anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, sleep, and stimulant medications, as well as heart medication, for years prior to his application for an FAA medical certificate.


 WEST PALM BEACH — The husband of a 37-year-old Boynton Beach woman who was killed in a 2010 helicopter crash in Georgia has sued the helicopter maker, and the companies that serviced and sold the aircraft. 

In the lawsuit filed last week in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, Sasha Zapototsky claims the companies— Robinson Helicopter Co., South Florida Helicopters and The Gates Corp. — are responsible for the death of his wife, Shelley.

The registered nurse died when the helicopter owned and piloted by her boss, Adam Reeves, crashed near Blood Mountain en route from the North County Airport, near Palm Beach Gardens. The 45-year-old Jupiter businessman also died.

The National Transportation Safety Board last year blamed the crash on bad weather and Reeves’ inexperience.

In his lawsuit, Zapototsky says the crash occurred when the helicopter’s rotors lost power. Such problems have contributed to other crashes, the suit claims. None of the companies were immediately available for comment.

Story and comments:   http://www.palmbeachpost.com

NTSB Identification: ERA10FA403
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, August 02, 2010 in Blairsville, GA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 02/06/2012
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, registration: N34JS
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

The non-instrument-rated private pilot departed on a multi-leg cross-country trip without obtaining a weather briefing or filing a flight plan. Prior to the flight, the pilot asked a friend, a commercial helicopter operator, to accompany him on the trip, as the pilot had never flown over mountainous terrain. The friend could not accompany him due to a prior commitment and tried to dissuade the pilot from going because he thought the pilot needed mountain flying experience, but the pilot insisted on making the flight. When the helicopter failed to arrive at its destination, an alert notice was issued. The helicopter was located by aerial search in mountainous terrain 4 days after the accident. Examination of satellite images revealed that the wreckage was located in a box canyon and that the wreckage path was oriented opposite the intended route of flight. An AIRMET advisory for instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration were current for the route of flight and the crash site. Satellite images from over the accident site around the time of the accident depicted an area of low stratiform clouds that extended over the area. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction, and the damage was consistent with controlled flight into terrain.

Post mortem examinations and testing revealed heart disease and the use of amphetamine and anti-depressant medications. At least two of the medications that the pilot was taking are not permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration for use while flying, but he did not report them. However, it could not be determined whether the pilot's heart disease or his use of unapproved medications posed a significant risk to flight safety.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

ExcelAire Expands Fleet: Adds Three Private Jets

 RONKONKOMA, NY, Jul 30, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Continuing its fleet expansion, ExcelAire today announced the addition of three private jets, including a Cessna Citation Sovereign, Learjet 60 and a Gulfstream GIII. ExcelAire is one of the nation's leading private jet charter and aircraft management companies. 

 "Our fleet of private jets is an ideal way to travel anywhere in the world -- for business or leisure, and these fleet additions offer our clients even more choices in how they travel with us," said David Rimmer, president of ExcelAire.

The 2012 Cessna Citation Sovereign is a factory-new aircraft equipped with eight captain's chairs. For maximum productivity, the Sovereign features Wi-Fi along with a state of the art entertainment system. With a range of 2,847 nautical miles, the Sovereign flies non-stop from coast-to-coast. In addition, an on-board cabin attendant accompanies each Sovereign flight, providing premium service.

For shorter trips, the new Learjet 60 seats seven passengers and features a new interior. With a mid-size cabin and a range of 2,405 nautical miles, it is ideal for trips throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and beyond.

ExcelAire's new GIII offers passengers a spacious cabin, with seating for 11, including eight captain's chairs and a 3-seat divan. With a range of 3,200 nautical miles, the GIII offers an unmatched combination of comfort, capability and value. ExcelAire's highly-qualified pilots and cabin attendants ensure the highest levels of safety and service on every flight.

ExcelAire provides unmatched levels of service to aircraft owners and charter customers, which include heads of state, business leaders, royalty, celebrities and high net worth individuals. With a team of private jet travel professionals, ExcelAire exceeds even the highest expectations and ensures that each trip is executed flawlessly.

About ExcelAire
A Hawthorne Global Aviation Services company, ExcelAire is one of the nation's leading private jet charter firms, specializing in worldwide jet charters, aircraft management, maintenance and sales. The company maintains office and hangar space at Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), with aircraft based throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Further information about the entire ExcelAire fleet, including downloadable photos and individual aircraft specifications, is available at ExcelAire's website, www.excelaire.com , or by calling 800-773-9235.

About Hawthorne Global Aviation Services 

ExcelAire is a Hawthorne Global Aviation Services company. Hawthorne is a premier provider of general aviation services, with a rich history in the industry dating back to 1932. For more information, please visit www.hawthorne.aero . 

SOURCE: ExcelAire 

http://www.marketwatch.com

Video: Ace's furniture is made from old airplanes

 

July 25, 2012 by XanCreativeDenver

This video shows the creation of repurposed airplane pieces into restaurant fixtures — host stand, wait stations, and signage. Xan Creative http://www.xancreative.com commissioned local Denver handmade furniture company, Fin Art, to help our designs come to life. The finished pieces can be seen at Ace Eat Serve, a restaurant / ping pong hall in Denver, Colorado http://www.acedenver.com/.

Feathers to fly as airport approves turkey shooting: John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County (KJST), Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Airport leaders are talking some serious turkey when it comes to the safety of aircraft at John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. 

The authority has approved the purchase of a shotgun to use on persistent wildlife that present hazards at the Richland Township facility.

Last month, maintenance supervisor Josh Keyser told the authority his crews were regularly chasing a group of turkeys off the airfield. Keyser said he contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission for suggestions and was told experts don’t recommend any type of trapping for turkey.

The commission recommended “lethal measures” using firearms, Keyser said last month.

Several authority members voiced concerns about authorizing the use of firearms by employees. Keyser was asked to investigate more for this month’s meeting.

Authority members stressed last month that the wildlife issue is a serious concern.

“Really bad things happen,” authority member and Cambria County Commissioner Douglas Lengenfelder said.

“When it comes to turkeys, if I hit them in my plane, I’m dead,” authority Chairman James Loncella said.

Keyser on Tuesday reported the game commission had no new suggestions, and pointed to a recently completed wildlife hazard survey that also recommended shooting birds that present hazards.

The birds are becoming cockier, Keyser reported.

“They aren’t afraid of the vehicles,” he said. “They are used to seeing us. They don’t run away until we get out of the vehicle. We fire some pyrotechnics at them and they don’t move.”

Authority member Raymond Porsch said if airport maintenance workers are trained in gun and hunting safety, they should be able to take care of the turkeys.

“We have to weigh the risks to our airline versus the risks to our personnel,” Lengenfelder said.

“We can either trust the turkeys to stay out from in front of the planes, or we can trust our people.

“I’d rather trust our staff to safely handle the shotgun.”

After a suggestion that the property committee develop firearm handling procedures to be presented at next month’s meeting, authority member Jonathan Gleason said the issue shouldn’t be put off. He made the motion to purchase a shotgun and authorize Keyser to develop criteria and safety rules, including those authorized to use the gun, required training and areas of the property where shooting would be permitted.

The motion passed unanimously.

“It was a difficult decision, but think of what would happen if we failed to act and we had an aircraft accident,” authority member Charles Moyer said.

“I’d hate to be sitting here, trying to explain to the public why we didn’t deal with this problem,” Lengenfelder said.


http://tribune-democrat.com

Cirrus SR22 GTS, RTJ Aircraft Inc., N462CP: Accident occurred July 29, 2012 in Lakeview, Arkansas

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry

NTSB Identification: CEN12LA495
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 29, 2012 in Lakeview, AR
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/29/2013
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22, registration: N462CP
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

During the takeoff roll on a grass runway, the airplane veered right and impacted trees and a fence. A check of the runway surface did not reveal any obstacles or reasons for the right turn. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions with the airplane’s controls. The airplane was equipped with a Recoverable Data Module (RDM,) which records various aircraft parameters, including brake temperatures. The right brake temperature started at about 105 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and rose to a high of about 120 degrees F. The left brake temperature was not captured by the RDM, suggesting that the temperature sensor was not working at the time of the accident. Without the left brake sensor reading, a comparison of the left and right brake temperatures cannot be made; therefore, it cannot be determined if the pilot inadvertently applied the right brake during the takeoff roll.

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

The pilot’s loss of control during the takeoff roll for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
 

On July 29, 2012, about 1430 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N462CP, veered right during the takeoff roll and impacted trees near Gastons Airport (3M0), Lakeview, Arkansas. The private rated pilot and two passengers were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by RTJ Aircraft, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating from 3M0 at the time of the accident.


The pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that during the takeoff roll the airplane pulled to the right. He was unable to correct the right turn and the airplane impacted a fence and trees before coming to a stop. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the outboard section of the left wing impacted a tree and was severed from the rest of wing; the remaining section, near the wing root, remained with the fuselage. A small outboard section of the right wing was separated during impact with the tree.

The grass runway surface had the airplane’s tracks leading to the right, into the trees and fence. No obstacles or airplane debris were noted on the runway surface.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and a technical representative from the airframe manufacturer examined the airplane at a salvage yard.

Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.

The airplane’s Recoverable Data Module (RDM) and flight display’s data cards were removed and sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for download. The display’s data cards did not contain any suitable data. The RDM records numerous airplane parameters. The RDM normally records both left and right brake temperatures; however, data for the left brake was absent on the RDM. The temperature data for the right brake started at about 105 degrees F, and rose to a maximum of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Other than the missing left brake temperature readings, no other abnormalities were noted.



 NTSB Identification: CEN12LA495 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 29, 2012 in Lakeview, AR
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22, registration: N462CP
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.

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 29, 2012, about 1430 central standard time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N462CP, impacted trees during an attempted takeoff near Lakeview, Arkansas. The private rated pilot and two passengers were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by RTJ Aircraft, Inc., New Castle, Delaware, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating from Gastons Airport (3MO), Lakeview, Arkansas at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that during the takeoff roll the airplane pulled to the right. He was unable to correct the right turn and the airplane impacted a fence and trees before coming to a stop.

The airplane was recovered for further examination.

 
FAA IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: 462CP        Make/Model: SR22      Description: SR-22
  Date: 07/29/2012     Time: 1937

  Event Type: Accident   Highest Injury: None     Mid Air: N    Missing: N
  Damage: Substantial

LOCATION
  City: LITTLE ROCK   State: AR   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  DURING TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY STRIKING TREES. LITTLE 
  ROCK, AR

INJURY DATA      Total Fatal:   0
                 # Crew:   1     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:    
                 # Pass:   2     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:    
                 # Grnd:         Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:    


OTHER DATA
  Activity: Pleasure      Phase: Take-off      Operation: OTHER


  FAA FSDO: LITTLE ROCK, AR  (SW11)               Entry date: 07/30/2012 
 
 

 
Photo provided by Baxter County Sheriff's Office.


 
Photo provided by Baxter County Sheriff's Office.


Photo provided by Baxter County Sheriff's Office.


Photo provided by Baxter County Sheriff's Office.


BAXTER COUNTY, AR (KAIT) – Three people escaped injury Sunday afternoon when their small plane crashed at Gaston's Resort near Lakeview, according to the Baxter County Sheriff's Office. Corporal Edward Elliott said the 2008 4-seat Cirrus SR- 22 was attempting to take off when it began having trouble and veered to the right. 

 The plane's wings then clipped several trees before coming to a stop in front of several cabins.

The pilot, 30-year-old Jordan Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, and his passengers, 23-year-old Matthew Stengel and 28-year-old Casey Stengel of Springfield, were not injured.  The plane, however, sustained heavy damage.

According to Corporal Elliott, the Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is expected to investigate.

The plane was registered to RTJ Aircraft, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware.

An officer with the Lakeview Police Department assisted at the scene.



The pilot and two passengers escaped injury in a small plane crash in Baxter County over the weekend.

It happened Sunday afternoon at the air strip at Gaston's Resort along the White River near Lakeview.

The Baxter County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) says the 911 Center received the call at about 2:30 PM.

Deputies say the pilot of a 2008 4 seat Cirrus SR-22 aircraft was trying to take off from Gaston's.

The plane encountered difficulties and veered to the right. Each wing of the plane struck some trees, and the aircraft then traveled about 50 yards more and came to rest in some hedges near cabin no. 71.

The aircraft was registered to RTJ Aircraft, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware.

The plane was being piloted by Jordan Smith, 30, of Kansas City, Missouri. His passengers were Matthew Stengel, 23, of Springfield, Missouri in the front and Casey Stengel, 28, in the back.
The plane sustained heavy damage, the BCSO said.

The Federal Aviation Administration was contacted, and representatives from that agency will be coming to the location to investigate the crash.



 LAKEVIEW, Ark. -- Federal authorities will investigate the crash of a small plane in northern Arkansas Sunday.  No one was injured in the crash, which happened at an air strip at Gaston's Resort near Lakeview.
 

The Baxter County Sheriff's office says the pilot from Kansas City and two passengers from Springfield were on board the Cirrus SR-22 plane as it was trying to take off.

The plane veered off to one side, both wings clipped some trees and came to a stop near a cabin at the resort.

The pilot was Jordan Smith, 30, of Kansas City.  Passengers were Matthew Stengel, 23, of Springfield and Casey Stengel, 28. The Sheriff's department says the plane is registered to RTJ Aircraft, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware.

Investigators from the FAA are expected to examine the plane this week.

 

Low flying plane explained: Victoria International Airport, British Columbia, Canada

 NAV Canada Flight Inspection Fleet in photos;

Photo C-GCFK Dehavilland DHC-8
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bill_fawcett/5940144226/sizes/l/

 

Photo C-GFIO Canadair CRJ-200ER
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33932332@N07/5717027321/sizes/l/

Photo C-GNVC Canadair CRJ-200ER
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcavpics/7504828218/sizes/l/


A low-flying plane over Sidney on Wednesday, July 25 was cause for some concerned calls to Victoria International Airport and to the Peninsula News Review.

The blue and white plane could be seen flying slow, wide circles above the airport in the early afternoon. It was conducting a routine inspection of the airport's instrument landing system.

"We get a lot of calls from people every year wondering what [the plane] is doing," said Terry Stewart, director of marketing and community relations at the airport. "The calibration tests are completely controlled by Nav Canada and happen on a regular basis."

Nav Canada, a private company, performs flight inspections to verify and calibrate ground-based navigational aids as well as to check the accuracy of newly designed approaches and isolate the causes of frequency interference or system outages, said Jonathan Bagg, manager of public affairs at Nav Canada.

During the inspections, new approaches, departures and arrivals are also flown to ensure correct design and terrain clearance.

Nav Canada currently uses three aircraft to fly the tests: one Dash turboprop and two Canadair Regional Jets (CRJs). The latter was used at Victoria airport last week.

Source: http://www.peninsulanewsreview.com

Weather Channel takes to the skies with “Plane Xtreme”

New non-fiction series is about to take flight on the Weather Channel. 


Plane Xtreme, produced by Spectrum Productions (Swamp Men), follows the adventures of a group of pilots who risk their lives flying small planes through numerous adverse weather conditions to deliver general aviation aircraft – ranging from small Piper Cubs to vintage aircraft – from Florida to locations around the world.

Plane Xtreme shows the real dangers of working for this unusual aircraft delivery business, from unpredictable weather conditions to the perils of landing in obscure destinations,” said Michael Dingley, senior vice president of content and development, for The Weather Channel Companies. “Our viewers will experience the fears and thrills of flying undersized airplanes over huge stretches of ocean, where the weather or mechanical issues can quickly become a life or death situation.”


"Plane Xtreme" is sectioned into four half-hour episodes and joins Weather Channel's emerging slate of original series including "Coast Guard Alaska" and "Hurricane Hunters." Should the new show find ratings success, net will pick up more episodes as it did with "Iron Men" this year.

"Plane Xtreme"  will bow October 15 at 9pm ET.

Ice Pilots: Engine Fire

 

July 17, 2012 by The Weather Channel 

A fire alarm goes off in the cabin of Devan's plane. It is too late to abort take off! Devan must either shut down the troubled engine and attempt a one engine landing or risk an engine fire. Watch Ice Pilots, Mondays at 9pm.

Aero AT-4 LSA, 9M - EYM: Accident occurred July 29, 2012 in Kampung Parit Puasa, Ayer Baloi - Malaysia

Samuel Ling.


Malaysian fire and police personnel conducting their investigations at the site of the plane crash.




SINGAPORE: Samuel Ling Shi Min, the 25-year-old Singaporean pilot who died in the plane crash in Pontian, Johor on Sunday, was supposed to begin his postgraduate studies at the Singapore Management University (SMU) in August. 

Professor Bryce Hool from SMU School of Economics said SMU is saddened by the tragic news and would render any assistance possible to Mr Ling's family.

Mr Ling had enrolled into the School of Economics' Master of Science in Applied Economics program.

Singaporean pilot not reckless, friends say

SINGAPORE- Friends of 25-year-old Singaporean pilot Samuel Ling Shi Min who died in Pontian, Johor said they are shocked to learn that he crashed his plane.


Samuel was also an avid diver and his diving instructor, Neo Kah Heng, told Channel NewsAsia that he was persistent in his pursuits but he was never reckless.

Neo Kah Heng, diving instructor at Sunny Cove LLP, said: "When he says he wants to try something, he will go ahead and he will do it until the very end. He will not stop halfway. And he seeks something for interest other than his work. He's very friendly and very humble.

"He doesn't like to talk loud about his stuff. Only when we talk to him then he will just mingle and share a bit about what he's doing.

"He's not the kind to do crazy stuff. I was quite shocked."


http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com

GoPro Learjet 25 Takeoff - SABE (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery)

 

July 25, 2012 by snash24 

Learjet 25 taking off from SABE (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery) with original audio, making a flyby and a step turn into the river.

More work for GE Aviation - Rutland, Vermont

GE Aviation has landed a $2.65 billion engine contract from Aeromexico that will mean additional work for GE’s Rutland jet engine plants.

Included in the Aeromexico order are 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners that will be powered by the GEnx. The GEnx engine order is valued at $400 million.

GE Rutland makes compressor and fan blades for a variety of commercial and military jet engines, including components for the GEnx.

“The development of each engine is a national effort, with several GE Aviation facilities around the United States playing a part in the production and assembly,” GE spokeswoman Amanda Belcher said in an email. “In Rutland, GE’s more than 1,000-person facility plays an important role in developing airfoils for the GEnx engine, supporting high technology manufacturing jobs.”

Belcher said recent engine orders “signal stable long-term production at the facility.”

Aeromexico Chief Executive Officer Andres Conesa said in a statement that the airline “selected the GEnx-1B engine for its thrust capability, excellent fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower noise levels.”

More than 850 GEnx-1B engines have been sold to 30 customers to power Boeing’s newest passenger jet, the 787 Dreamliner.

At the recent Farnborough Airshow in England, GE Aviation and its partner CFM International received orders for engines and services valued at $17.5 billion.

The backlog of engine orders has had a ripple effect. To keep up with demand, local subcontractor Ellison Surface Technologies opened a second manufacturing facility on Quality Lane in Rutland Town. Ellison provides coating and manufacturing services to the local GE plants.

Story:  http://www.timesargus.com

High-Profile aviation broker gets just six months for sex attack but he must pay victim €75k

 
Anthony Lyons ...
His lawyer told the court he was a 'businessman of impeccable character' involved in the aviation industry. 
Photograph: Collins Courts

A high-profile aviation broker will serve just six months in jail for sexual assault after a Judge today suspended five-and-a-half years of a six year prison sentence.

Anthony Lyons (51), of Griffith Avenue in Dublin, was also ordered by Judge Desmond Hogan to pay his victim €75,000.

Last month a jury rejected his claim that his cholesterol medication had made him do it.

Anthony Lyons (51), of Griffith Avenue in Dublin, had pleaded not guilty at the Circuit Criminal Court to the sexual assault of a 27-year-old woman in the early hours of October 3, 2010.

The victim’s family today reacted angrily to the sentence and said “money talks”.

Lyons was head of the aviation company Santos Dumont, before stepping aside after he had been charged.

He admitted the attack but claimed that he had been overcome with an "irresistible urge" due to the combination of alcohol, the cholesterol medicine Rosuvastatin and cough syrup.

The eight-day trial had heard extensive expert evidence on the potential effects of the cholesterol drug. The jury took just over three hours to reject the defence claim that the medicine had caused Lyons to lose control of his actions and attack the woman.

Read more here:  http://www.independent.ie

Related:  http://www.rte.ie

Man in critical condition after glider crash near Dundalk, Ontario

A glider mishap in Grey County last evening sent one pilot to hospital in London.

 The glider crashed in Southgate Township, near Side Road 15 and Southgate Road 8. The pilot had ejected from the glider and deployed his parachute just before the crash.
 

The 57-year-old man from Aurora hit the ground hard. He was air lifted to London Hospital with life threatening injuries.

The pilot was one of several glider enthusiasts from the Toronto Soaring Club that were flying above the Township of Southgate when the mishap occurred.


 A glider crash in Southgate Township has left an Aurora man in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

OPP say the 57-year-old was among a number of glider enthusiasts from the Toronto  Soaring Club that took to the skies yesterday.

Police say the man abandoned his glider around 6pm and deployed his parachute before hitting the ground.

Police say he was unresponsive when emergency workers arrived on the scene.

He was airlifted to a London Hospital.


The Transport Safety Board was notified.

Read more here: 

http://www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca
 
http://www.570news.com

http://www.am920.ca

Cozy III, N904DB: Accidents occurred February 17, 2018 and July 29, 2012 at Mid Valley Airpark (E98), Los Lunas, Valencia County, New Mexico

View of Front of Engine and Gearbox


Side View of Propeller Gearbox

Closeup of Propeller Gear


The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico


Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N904DB


Location: Los Lunas, NM
Accident Number: CEN18LA117
Date & Time: 02/17/2018, 1500 MST
Registration: N904DB
Aircraft: BLACK DONALD COZY III
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 17, 2018, about 1500 mountain standard time, a Cozy III experimental amateur-built airplane, N904DB, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after an in-flight propeller gearbox failure at the Mid Valley Airpark (E98), Los Lunas, New Mexico. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was privately owned, and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight originated from E98 about 1400.

After flying uneventful for about 1 hour in the local area, the pilot set up for landing at E98. On downwind for runway 36, the propeller seized and the pilot executed a forced landing to runway 36. While turning on final approach, the pilot slightly overshot the runway and touched down hard on the right edge of the runway. The landing gear were sheared upon touchdown and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and center fuselage section.

Examination of the airplane revealed that the propeller gearbox was seized. Examination of the gearbox did not reveal any obvious reason for the seizure. Logbooks indicated that the airplane and engine total hours were about 13.4 since it's initial airworthiness certificate was issued on July 5, 2012.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/06/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1220 hours (Total, all aircraft), 13 hours (Total, this make and model), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BLACK DONALD
Registration: N904DB
Model/Series: COZY III NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2011
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 64
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/05/2012, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 13 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 13.4 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Mazda
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: Renesis 13B
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 200 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: E80, 4550 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1455
Direction from Accident Site: 180°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 250°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -21°C / -6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1400 MST
Type of Airspace:Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Mid Valley Airpark (E98)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4835 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4332 ft / 37 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire:None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.761111, -106.745000 (est)

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N904DB

Location: Los Lunas, NM
Accident Number: CEN18LA117
Date & Time: 02/17/2018, 1500 MST
Registration: N904DB
Aircraft: BLACK DONALD COZY III
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 17, 2018, mountain standard time, a Cozy III experimental homebuilt airplane, N904DB, registered to the pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after an in-flight propeller gearbox failure at the Mid Valley Airpark (E98), Los Lunas, New Mexico. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of regulations Part 91. The flight originated from E98 about 1400.

After flying uneventful for about 1 hour in the local area, the pilot set up for landing at E98. On downwind for runway 36, the propeller seized and the pilot executed a forced landing to runway 36. While turning on final approach, the pilot slightly overshot the runway and touched down hard on the right edge of the runway. The landing gear were sheared upon touchdown and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and center fuselage section.

Upon inspection of the airplane, it was discovered that the propeller gearbox was seized. Review of logbooks indicated that the airplane's total hours were about 13.4 since it's initial airworthiness certificate was issued on November 21, 2011. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BLACK DONALD
Registration: N904DB
Model/Series: COZY III NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: E80, 4550 ft msl
Observation Time: 1455
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -21°C / -6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 250°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Destination: Los Lunas, NM (E98)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.761111, 106.745000


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

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


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


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


http://registry.faa.govN904DB

Location: Los Lunas, NM
Accident Number: CEN12CA496
Date & Time: 07/29/2012, 1030 MDT
Registration: N904DB
Aircraft:  DONALD BLACK, COZY III
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fire/smoke (non-impact)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis


While taxiing after landing, the engine lost power, and the pilot turned the airplane off the runway. The pilot exited the airplane and noticed smoke at the rear of the airplane near the engine. The pilot attempted to extinguish the fire; however, his efforts were unsuccessful, and the airplane was consumed by the fire. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 4.9 flight hours. Postaccident examination of the airplane found loose B-nuts on two fuel lines and one oil line. An oil streak was noted on the runway surface, and no oil was found in the engine. The pilot stated that the fire likely resulted from oil leaking onto the hot turbocharger.


Probable Cause and Findings


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

A loose oil line, which allowed oil to leak onto the hot engine turbocharger and resulted in a fire.

Findings


Aircraft

Recip eng oil sys - Malfunction (Cause)

Factual Information


History of Flight


Taxi-from runway

Fire/smoke (non-impact) (Defining event) 

Pilot Information


Certificate: Commercial

Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/13/2011
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/14/2011
Flight Time: 1160 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5 hours (Total, this make and model), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Manufacturer: DONALD BLACK

Registration: N904DB
Model/Series: COZY III
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 64
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/26/2012,
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  4.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Mazda
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: RX8
Registered Owner: ON FILE
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: ON FILE
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Precipitation
Departure Point: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0900 MDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information


Airport: Mid Valley Airpark (E98)

Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation:
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  34.759722, -106.745278 (est) The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N904DB

Location: Los Lunas, NM
Accident Number: CEN18LA117
Date & Time: 02/17/2018, 1500 MST
Registration: N904DB
Aircraft: BLACK DONALD COZY III
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 17, 2018, mountain standard time, a Cozy III experimental homebuilt airplane, N904DB, registered to the pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after an in-flight propeller gearbox failure at the Mid Valley Airpark (E98), Los Lunas, New Mexico. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of regulations Part 91. The flight originated from E98 about 1400.

After flying uneventful for about 1 hour in the local area, the pilot set up for landing at E98. On downwind for runway 36, the propeller seized and the pilot executed a forced landing to runway 36. While turning on final approach, the pilot slightly overshot the runway and touched down hard on the right edge of the runway. The landing gear were sheared upon touchdown and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and center fuselage section.

Upon inspection of the airplane, it was discovered that the propeller gearbox was seized. Review of logbooks indicated that the airplane's total hours were about 13.4 since it's initial airworthiness certificate was issued on November 21, 2011. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BLACK DONALD
Registration: N904DB
Model/Series: COZY III NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: E80, 4550 ft msl
Observation Time: 1455
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -21°C / -6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 250°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Destination: Los Lunas, NM (E98)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.761111, 106.745000


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

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


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


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


http://registry.faa.govN904DB

Location: Los Lunas, NM
Accident Number: CEN12CA496
Date & Time: 07/29/2012, 1030 MDT
Registration: N904DB
Aircraft:  DONALD BLACK, COZY III
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fire/smoke (non-impact)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis


While taxiing after landing, the engine lost power, and the pilot turned the airplane off the runway. The pilot exited the airplane and noticed smoke at the rear of the airplane near the engine. The pilot attempted to extinguish the fire; however, his efforts were unsuccessful, and the airplane was consumed by the fire. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 4.9 flight hours. Postaccident examination of the airplane found loose B-nuts on two fuel lines and one oil line. An oil streak was noted on the runway surface, and no oil was found in the engine. The pilot stated that the fire likely resulted from oil leaking onto the hot turbocharger.


Probable Cause and Findings


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

A loose oil line, which allowed oil to leak onto the hot engine turbocharger and resulted in a fire.

Findings


Aircraft

Recip eng oil sys - Malfunction (Cause)

Factual Information


History of Flight


Taxi-from runway

Fire/smoke (non-impact) (Defining event) 

Pilot Information


Certificate: Commercial

Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/13/2011
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/14/2011
Flight Time: 1160 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5 hours (Total, this make and model), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Manufacturer: DONALD BLACK

Registration: N904DB
Model/Series: COZY III
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 64
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/26/2012,
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  4.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Mazda
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: RX8
Registered Owner: ON FILE
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: ON FILE
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Precipitation
Departure Point: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0900 MDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information


Airport: Mid Valley Airpark (E98)

Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation:
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  34.759722, -106.745278 (est) Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Aircraft made a hard landing.


http://registry.faa.gov/N904DB


Date: 17-FEB-18

Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N904DB
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: COZY III
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: LOS LUNAS
State: NEW MEXICO

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

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


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


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


http://registry.faa.govN904DB

Location: Los Lunas, NM
Accident Number: CEN12CA496
Date & Time: 07/29/2012, 1030 MDT
Registration: N904DB
Aircraft:  DONALD BLACK, COZY III
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fire/smoke (non-impact)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis


While taxiing after landing, the engine lost power, and the pilot turned the airplane off the runway. The pilot exited the airplane and noticed smoke at the rear of the airplane near the engine. The pilot attempted to extinguish the fire; however, his efforts were unsuccessful, and the airplane was consumed by the fire. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 4.9 flight hours. Postaccident examination of the airplane found loose B-nuts on two fuel lines and one oil line. An oil streak was noted on the runway surface, and no oil was found in the engine. The pilot stated that the fire likely resulted from oil leaking onto the hot turbocharger.


Probable Cause and Findings


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

A loose oil line, which allowed oil to leak onto the hot engine turbocharger and resulted in a fire.

Findings


Aircraft

Recip eng oil sys - Malfunction (Cause)

Factual Information


History of Flight


Taxi-from runway

Fire/smoke (non-impact) (Defining event) 

Pilot Information


Certificate: Commercial

Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Seatbelt, Shoulder harness
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/13/2011
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/14/2011
Flight Time: 1160 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5 hours (Total, this make and model), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Manufacturer: DONALD BLACK

Registration: N904DB
Model/Series: COZY III
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 64
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/26/2012,
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  4.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Mazda
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: RX8
Registered Owner: ON FILE
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: ON FILE
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Precipitation
Departure Point: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Los Lunas, NM (E98)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0900 MDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information


Airport: Mid Valley Airpark (E98)

Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation:
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  34.759722, -106.745278 (est)

LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) - A pilot survived a fire that engulfed his small plane Sunday morning, shortly after landing in Los Lunas. 
 
It happened at the Mid Valley Airpark.

According to state police the pilot made an emergency landing after smelling smoke.

Shortly after landing, the plane caught fire.

State police say he tried dousing the flames with a fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful.

So far, no word on what caused the fire.




A Los Lunas man survived a fire that engulfed his small engine plane after landing at the Mid Valley Airpark in Valencia County on Sunday.

New Mexico State Police Lt. Robert McDonald said the plane caught fire after landing.

The pilot, who hasn't been identified, did not suffer any serious injuries, McDonald said.

It's unclear what caused the fire.