KATHMANDU, Nov 5: With
the objective to strengthen its domestic network, national flag carrier
has started preparations to operate its five grounded twin-otters. The
airlines has decided to overhaul the engines of these aircraft on
exchange basis, some of which has been not operated for almost a decade
in the lack of maintenance and unavailability of spare parts.
The decision comes at the time when the government has decided to procure eight aircraft.
Raju
Bahadur K.C, acting Managing Director of the airlines said they were
unable to directly go for the tender to exchange the engine because of
the existing bylaws of the NAC which has not mentioned anything about
procuring engine on exchange basis.
“As per our plan to operate
the grounded aircrafts we have forwarded the proposal to the board so
that the process can go ahead with the amendment of the bylaws,” he
said. Once, the board amends the bylaws, the corporation will invite
tender for the overhauling of the engine.
According to K.C, the
engine overhaul will be carried on zero value basis meaning the engines
will be as good as new one. The airlines had decided to repair the
grounded aircrafts after comparing the cost. “In order to procure a
similar kind of aircraft it will cost us around US $ 6.5 million but on
an average the cost of overhauling is around US $ 2 million,” said K.C.
The
airlines plans to use these aircrafts as profit center. “The demand in
domestic sector is higher and its convenient to operate flight in
domestic sector,” K.C said. “Although we can´t focus on profit only like
private carriers we will try our best to generate more revenue and
provide service to passengers at same time,” he added.
NAC was
planning to increase the flight frequency to its rural destinations and
use the aircrafts for chartered flight which generate more revenue. He
said, “Besides, we are preparing to operate service to tourist
destinations like Lukla and Jomsom.”
NAC operates to most rural
airports with total destinations of around 20. Despite that the airlines
has been operating at a loss, particularly in domestic sector since the
beginning. Not just that, the market share of the airlines in domestic
sector has shrunk to three percent in the last fiscal year because of
limited number of aircrafts.
NAC´s plan to flight to Dammam on hold
Although
the airlines was preparing to operate flights to Dammam of Saudi
Arabia, it has been forced to postpone its plan in the lack of Air
Service Agreement. The NAC board had decided to operate three flights in
a week by cutting down the flights to Dubai in September. As per the
current agreement with Saudia Arabia Nepal can operate two flights a
week to Riyadh only.
“We have requested tourism ministry to
review the ASA so that we can start the direct flight to Dammam,” acting
Managing Director Raju Bahadur K.C said. As the flight hours to Riyadh
is more than six hours, ageing Boeing 757 can´t operate the flights.
Saudi
Arabia is one of the largest destinations for Nepali migrant workers.
Every year more than 80,000 migrant workers fly to Saudi Arabia from
Tribhuvan International Airport. At present NAC is operating 22 flights a
week to five international destinations.
http://www.myrepublica.com
Nov 4, 2012
North Carolina Civil Air Patrol Sending Aircraft To Northeast
Burlington, NC -- The
Civil Air Patrol's North Carolina Wing is sending one Cessna 182
aircraft to the Northeast to help with Sandy cleanup, the unit announced
Sunday.
CAP will send a pilot, an observer and a mission scanner on aerial photography missions to survey areas hit hardest by Super Storm Sandy.
Col. David E. Crawford, wing commander, said the group left from Asheville Sunday morning and rendezvoused with other CAP members in Wilmington, DE.
The mission's goal is to provided FEMA with photos of damages to property and infrastructure throughout Sandy's path.
CAP has been on standby since the storm approached the North coastline.
http://www.digtriad.com
CAP will send a pilot, an observer and a mission scanner on aerial photography missions to survey areas hit hardest by Super Storm Sandy.
Col. David E. Crawford, wing commander, said the group left from Asheville Sunday morning and rendezvoused with other CAP members in Wilmington, DE.
The mission's goal is to provided FEMA with photos of damages to property and infrastructure throughout Sandy's path.
CAP has been on standby since the storm approached the North coastline.
http://www.digtriad.com
Private pilots helping with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts: Delivering food and supplies to those in need
Elkhart, IN -- When Michael McConnell saw the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, he felt the same heartbreak we all did.
"Like everyone, I was just stunned and amazed at how much destruction in such a heavy populated place," McConnell said. "You don't think of New York being hit with something like that."
McConnell is a private pilot from Peoria, Illinois who's helping out with relief efforts.
He flew into the Elkhart Municipal Airport early this morning to load up on supplies from the Elkhart Chapter of Feed The Children.
"Our mission is to help those in need," John Tracy, Distribution Center Manager, said.
Over 500 pounds of cereal and oatmeal was packed into this small carrier plane.
It's only part of what Feed The Children plans to do.
"In Elkhart alone, we're preparing about ten trailer loads of food and other personal care items to go into the devastated area," Tracy said.
Areas; planes can reach more easily than big trucks.
"Small aircrafts have a really big advantage," McConnell said. "We can get in and out, and get a lot of supplies there in a short amount of time."
After getting gassed up, McConnell started his engine, and was wheels up on his way to New Jersey.
"It's nice to have a mission," McConnell said. "It's nice to feel rewarded for helping to contribute even on a really small level like this."
He plans on making more delivery trips throughout the week.
Story and video: http://www.abc57.com
Up Close with the Beechcraft Starship
Published on November 2, 2012 by GeekBeatTV
A Very Unusual Airplane
The Beechcraft Starship was the first composite plane ever created, and only 11 were built.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_Starship
History of NC-50
I talked to the current owner of this Starship, serial number NC-50. He told the story of how he came to own it, and some of the things that make the Beechcraft Starship a very unique plane in civil aviation.
Limitations of the Starship
The Starship is a Burt Rutan design, which accounts for many of its unique qualities, but also led to some complications, and ultimately the short production life of the plane.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Rutan
The Problems of Trailblazing
As the first composite-construction plane, the Starship had a number of advantages, but also some issues such as greater weight than comparably-sized aircraft.
In the Cockpit of the Beechcraft Starship
The Starship had one of the first all-glass cockpits, with display screens replacing mechanical instruments. Many of the redundan
Cessna 310, N6BS: Accident occurred November 04, 2012 in Stotts City, Missouri
NTSB Identification: CEN13FA044
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, November 04, 2012 in Stotts City, MO
Aircraft: CESSNA 310, registration: N6BS
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 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 November 4, 2012, approximately 1800 Central Standard Time, N6BS, a twin-engine Cessna 310 airplane, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and terrain near Stotts City, Missouri. The commercial pilot and the pilot rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot rated passenger. No flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from the Monett Regional Airport (HFY), Monett, Missouri, approximately 1735, and was destined for a private airstrip in Miller, Missouri. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the repositioning flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to a witness, who was a friend of both pilots, he said the airplane’s right engine was recently overhauled and this was the first flight after the new engine was installed. He said the pilots had originally planned to fly to Miller on November 2nd, but had to postpone the flight because the left main landing gear brake was “soft” during the engine run-up. The witness, who was also a pilot, said that in addition to the left main landing gear brake problem, the nose landing gear strut was also flat. According to the mechanic, who was hired to overhaul the engine, the pilot rated passenger asked him if he would fix the nose gear. The mechanic told him it would take at least a day to do the repair. Since the owner planned to fly the airplane to Ohio later that week for a corrosion inspection; he told the mechanic he would have the gear fixed then. In the meantime, he would have to fly with the landing gear extended or “stiff-legged” because he was concerned the gear would get stuck in the nose well. As a temporary fix, the mechanic used shop-air provided by the Monett Airport manager to inflate the nose strut.
The witness said the flight was re-scheduled for November 4th and he met both pilots at the Monett airport around 1700. During the preflight inspection, the pilots noted the nose gear strut was flat again and there was another discussion about keeping the gear extended for the flight. The witness said the two pilots boarded the accident airplane, started the engines, and taxied toward the runway. The airplane stopped on the taxiway and the engines were run-up three or four times. He said the pilots then taxied back to the hangar and shut the engines down. The commercial pilot got out of the airplane and said the right engine was not “feathering” and it needed to be fixed. The pilot rated passenger called the same mechanic and asked him if he could look at the problem. The mechanic arrived 30-40 minutes later and opened the right inboard cowling on the right engine. About five minutes later, the mechanic said they were, “Good to go.”
According to the mechanic, the pilot rated passenger called him at 1648 and told him that the right propeller control lever was not moving smoothly through its full range of travel. There was no mention that the propeller was not feathering. The mechanic said he was surprised that they were planning to do an engine flight test at night. About 30-40 minutes later he arrived at the Monett airport and opened up the right inboard cowling for the right engine. The mechanic asked one of the pilots to move the propeller control lever in the cockpit through its full range of travel. The mechanic said the arm on the propeller governor moved smoothly from stop to stop as the lever was moved. He told one of the pilots to adjust the friction lock for the lever, which eased the tightness of the lever. He also noticed the nose gear strut was flat again.
The witness said he heard the two pilots discussing if they should postpone the flight because it was getting dark. They originally were going to make a few circuits around the traffic pattern before they flew to Miller. However, since they were delayed they agreed to just fly to Miller.
The witness said the pilots got back in the accident airplane;the pilot rated passenger got in the front left seat and the commercial pilot sat in the front right seat. Both engines started normally. The airplane taxied toward the runway and did another long engine run-up on the taxiway, which included cycling the propeller several times. The witness also noted that only the airplane’s beacon lights were turned on.
The mechanic provided a similar account of the engine run-up and also confirmed that only the beacon lights were turned on.
After the accident airplane departed Runway 18, the witness departed in another airplane and followed them to Miller.
The mechanic said that he was surprised when he saw the airplane heading north toward Miller because he thought they were going to stay in the traffic pattern to test the engine. He then called his assistant, who lives at the private airstrip in Miller, and told him that the accident airplane was headed that way.
In an interview, the assistant said he received a call from the mechanic at 1738. He was surprised that anyone would attempt to land on an unlighted grass airstrip at night. The assistant said that by the time he and his girlfriend walked over to the runway, he could see the airplane approaching from the west. Only the airplane’s beacon lights were turned on and he could not tell if the landing gear were extended because it was too dark. The airplane was approximately 500-800 feet above the ground and in a level flying attitude. The assistant said both engines sounded normal and there was “nothing indicating any distress.” The airplane then made a smooth right turn toward the south and maintained a constant altitude. As the airplane turned south, the assistant said he got a call from the owner of the airstrip and asked if he would bring a fire extinguisher out to the airplane when it landed. The assistant said he grabbed a nearby extinguisher, but the airplane never returned.
According to the witness, once he departed Monett airport, he established communication with the other pilots via a common air-to-air traffic frequency and made visual contact with the accident airplane. While en route, the witness noted that the accident airplane was not on course for the private airstrip. The pilot rated passenger asked if they were heading in the right direction and the witness said they needed to correct 20-30 degrees back to the left. Shortly after, the pilot rated passenger said that “fuel or oil” were coming out of the right engine. He asked the witness to arrange for a fire extinguisher to be available when they landed, which he did. A few minutes later, the pilot rated passenger asked the witness where the private airstrip was located, and the witness told him they were "right on top of it". The pilot rated passenger said they informed him that they were losing oil pressure and were returning to Monett, followed by, “We shut the engine down.” The witness responded, “Ok, I’ll follow you.” At this time, the witness said the accident airplane was turning from crosswind to downwind approximately 800-900 feet above the ground. The witness said he then flew up along the right side of the accident airplane and noted that there was no smoke or fire coming from the engine. The witness then trailed back and to the right. He could not recall if the landing gear were extended, but did recall that the light on the nose gear was turned on.
According to the witness, when the accident airplane was approximately a mile south of the private strip, the pilot rated passenger announced, “110 knots.” About 30 seconds later, he said they were having trouble gaining altitude followed by they were not able to maintain altitude. The pilot rated passenger then asked the witness for a vector to Mount Vernon Airport. The witness responded that it was 127 degrees and 4 miles, and he turned the runway lights on for them. The pilot rated passenger again informed the witness that they were not able to maintain altitude. The witness said he could see the airplane losing altitude and advised them that Interstate 44 was one mile ahead. The commercial pilot then announced they were going to land on the interstate.
The witness said the accident airplane continued to lose altitude. The pilot rated passenger then said, “Oh my God, I think we are going to crash.” This was followed by, “We’re going to crash.” The witness said he saw the light on the accident airplane's nose gear come on (the witness thought the light had been turned off at some point) and illuminate the trees in front of them. He then said the nose of the airplane pitched up, rolled slightly to the right, and then pitched forward, followed by flames and a fireball.
The airplane collided with a stand of tall trees and traveled approximately 100 feet on a heading of 185 degrees before it came to rest on a large pile of wooden planks and other debris. A post-impact fire consumed most of the cockpit, fuselage, and portions of both wings and the tail section. The entire airplane was accounted for at the site. From the initial impact point to where the wreckage came to rest, impact marks on the trees became progressively lower along the airplane's direction of travel.
Examination of the airplane revealed the flaps were in the retracted position and the main landing gear were out of the wheel wells. Each of the wing mounted landing lights were found retracted. Both engines had separated from the airplane. The right propeller assembly had separated from the engine and was partially buried in the ground. The two-bladed propeller was found in the feathered position. The left propeller assembly remained on the engine. Both blades exhibited aft bending and leading edge damage. Both engines were retained for further examination.
The commercial pilot held a commercial pilot certificate for airplane single and multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. He was also a certified flight instructor for airplane single and multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. In addition, he held an airframe and power plant certificate. A review of his logbook revealed that as of October 6, 2012, he had a total of 3,299 flight hours; 411 hours in multi-engine airplanes, of which, 102 hours were in a Cessna 310.
The pilot rated passenger held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land, and instrument airplane. A review of his logbook revealed that as of September 28, 2012, he had a total of 1,621.8 hours; of which, all 10.6 hours of multi-engine time were in the accident airplane.
Weather at Joplin Regional Airport (JLN), Joplin, Missouri, about 24 miles west of the accident site at 1753, was reported as wind from 120 degrees at 3 knots, clear skies, temperature 13 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 3 degrees Celsius, and barometric pressure setting of 30.08 inches of Hg.
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 6BS Make/Model: C310 Description: 310, T310 (U-3, L-27)
Date: 11/04/2012 Time: 2345
Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Fatal Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Destroyed
LOCATION
City: STOTTS CITY State: MO Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO A FIELD, THE 2 PERSONS ON BOARD WERE FATALLY INJURED,
NEAR STOTTS CITY, MO
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 1
# Crew: 2 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: Unknown Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: KANSAS CITY, MO (CE05) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N6BS
http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo
http://flightaware.com/photo
STOTTS CITY, Mo. — Investigators today were working to determine what caused a twin-engine airplane to crash Sunday night near Stotts City, killing two people.
The victims have not been identified by county or federal investigators, pending the results of autopsies that are planned for Tuesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been notified of the crash, local authorities said. Information about the plane’s origin and its intended destination were not immediately available from those agencies.
Sgt. Mike Watson, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said the plane went down shortly after 6 p.m. in a wooded area near Route F, four miles west of Stotts City in Lawrence County.
Don Lakin, with Lakin Funeral Home, Pierce City, said the bodies were received by the funeral home and that autopsies will be conducted on Tuesday.
“We are not sure we will have the names of the victims even then,’’ said Lakin.
Lakin said dental records will be used to identify the victims.
Hong Kong-made plane grounded by government's snub
An aircraft handmade
by Hong Kong students will be ready to take to the skies in a year, but
the government's refusal to inspect it and to issue a permit means it
may be grounded indefinitely.
The two-seater plane, now in its final stage of assembly in a classroom at St Paul's Convent School, is a collaborative effort between Cathay Pacific pilot Hank Cheng Chor-hang and students over four years.
Cheng, a Hongkonger educated in the US, said he contacted the Civil Aviation Department before he bought the HK$1.4 million kit from the US in 2008.
But the government's stance was not clear until a stern refusal to inspect the plane in May.
The department cited busy traffic at Hong Kong International Airport as a reason for declining Cheng's request.
But he said: "We just need to leave and land in the airport. For the rest of the time, we'll be out in the air. I can't see why we can't test-fly," he said. A plane needs to go through 25 hours of test-flying before it is considered safe.
The team could skip the red tape by shipping the plane elsewhere for registration and then returning it to Hong Kong, but Cheng is reluctant to do so.
"It's Hong Kong's responsibility to certify a plane that is made here," he said.
Other air fields in Hong Kong are unsuitable for the test flight, including Shek Kong because of nearby residential buildings.
The department confirmed it received Cheng's application to register the plane and for a "permit to fly", but said the airport was too busy. "The [airport] is not a suitable location ... and hence there is no point in conducting any inspections on the aircraft," said a spokeswoman.
http://www.scmp.com
The two-seater plane, now in its final stage of assembly in a classroom at St Paul's Convent School, is a collaborative effort between Cathay Pacific pilot Hank Cheng Chor-hang and students over four years.
Cheng, a Hongkonger educated in the US, said he contacted the Civil Aviation Department before he bought the HK$1.4 million kit from the US in 2008.
But the government's stance was not clear until a stern refusal to inspect the plane in May.
The department cited busy traffic at Hong Kong International Airport as a reason for declining Cheng's request.
But he said: "We just need to leave and land in the airport. For the rest of the time, we'll be out in the air. I can't see why we can't test-fly," he said. A plane needs to go through 25 hours of test-flying before it is considered safe.
The team could skip the red tape by shipping the plane elsewhere for registration and then returning it to Hong Kong, but Cheng is reluctant to do so.
"It's Hong Kong's responsibility to certify a plane that is made here," he said.
Other air fields in Hong Kong are unsuitable for the test flight, including Shek Kong because of nearby residential buildings.
The department confirmed it received Cheng's application to register the plane and for a "permit to fly", but said the airport was too busy. "The [airport] is not a suitable location ... and hence there is no point in conducting any inspections on the aircraft," said a spokeswoman.
http://www.scmp.com
Cessna 140, N77227: Aircraft flipped over on the runway - Watsonville, California
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 77227 Make/Model: C140 Description:
Date: 11/02/2012 Time: 2330
Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: None Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Substantial
LOCATION
City: WATSONVILLE State: CA Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT FLIPPED OVER ON THE RUNWAY UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES,
WATSONVILLE, CA
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: Unknown Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: SAN JOSE, CA (WP15) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N77227
Firefighters respond to a flipped plane at Watsonville Municipal Airport
(DONNA JONES/Santa Cruz Sentinel)
WATSONVILLE — A pilot walked away with minor injuries after flipping his single-engine Cessna 140 upside down on the main runway at Watsonville Municipal Airport about 5 p.m. Friday.
The pilot, who declined to comment, appeared to be in his 60s. He had a gash on the left side of his head, but appeared otherwise unharmed.
Watsonville Fire Capt. John Martorella said the pilot was alone in the plane, and was able to extricate himself from the wreckage.
Witnesses, who declined to give their names, said the pilot was landing, but airport manager Rayvon Williams was unable to confirm.
The runway was cleared about 6 p.m. with the help of crews from nearby businesses.
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KWVI
Waco SRE, N247E: Aircraft flipped over on the runway - Lafayette, Louisiana
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 247E Make/Model: WACO Description: O, E, GXE, CTO
Date: 11/04/2012 Time: 2300
Event Type: Incident Highest Injury: None Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Unknown
LOCATION
City: LAFAYETTE State: LA Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT FLIPPED OVER ON THE RUNWAY, LAFAYETTE, LA
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 0
# Crew: 1 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Pass: 1 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
OTHER DATA
Activity: Pleasure Phase: Unknown Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: BATON ROUGE, LA (SW03) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N247E
LAFAYETTE, La. - The aviation director at Lafayette Regional Airport says an antique plane has crashed there, but the pilot and two passengers all escaped without injury.
Gregory Roberts says the plane crashed about 5 p.m. Sunday while approaching the airport.
The airport was closed while rescue workers assessed the situation. Roberts says the National Transportation Safety Board was being contacted about removing the damaged plane, which he believed was built by Waco Aircraft.
Waco Aircraft Corp. of Battle Creek, Mich., says that from 1919 to 1947, Waco Aircraft Co. of Troy, Ohio, built more aircraft than any other manufacturer. The Michigan company's website says it began producing planes in 1986, using the design of Waco's last model re-engineered to meet current Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
http://www.dailycomet.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLFT
Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N985GE: Accident occurred November 03, 2012 in Roanoke, Texas
NTSB Identification: CEN13LA041
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 03, 2012 in Roanoke, TX
Aircraft: CESSNA 172S, registration: N985GE
Injuries: 2 Minor,1 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. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On November 3, 2012, about 1040 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N985GE, impacted an automobile on final approach to runway 17 (3,500 feet by 40 feet, asphalt) at Northwest Regional Airport (52F), Roanoke, Texas. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Marcair, Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The solo, cross-country flight originated from Possum Kingdom Airport (F35), Graford, Texas, about 1005, with an intended destination of 52F.
The student pilot reported that he entered a left traffic pattern for runway 17 at 52F. He recalled that the approach was normal and the airspeed was about 60 knots when crossing the fence near the end of the runway. He stated that just after crossing the fence the landing gear impacted the automobile, resulting in a hard landing. The nose and left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway before coming to rest in the grass.
http://registry.faa.gov/N985GE
NEWS 8 EXCLUSIVE
ROANOKE — After Saturday's collision between a small plane landing at Northwest Regional Airport and a sport utility vehicle on a road at the north end of the runway, Frank and Heather Laudo told News 8 the impact came as a complete surprise.
"We couldn't see anything at all, and then... all of a sudden... equipment was falling into the car," Heather said.
The pilot, William Davis had asked his wife Kandy to shoot home video of his first solo round-trip. William said the video shows the couple driving into plane.
"I was shocked," he said. "Just from the video that I saw, it looks like they kept going... they didn't stop at the stop sign."
But here's what the video doesn't show: The word STOP is actually painted on the pavement, more than 50 feet from the north end of the runway. The angle of the recording does not show where the Laudos' SUV would have stopped.
Airport management said drivers are supposed to stop when the runway is active. But moments before the Laudos' vehicle crossed the path of Davis' plane, his wife's recording shows a white vehicle taking the same path.
The Laudos said they never saw the plane, even though it was feet away, preparing to land at 65 mph.
In the aftermath of the crash, airport manager Glen Hyde can be heard on Kandy Davis' recording yelling, "Is anybody hurt?"
Hyde grabbed his first aid kit and ran to the Laudos' vehicle. He immediately asked them whether they saw the stop sign... or the approaching plane.
"Whatever that is, it fell. Whatever that it is it hit our car," they said.
"That is the landing gear," Hyde responded. "You got hit by a plane."
"I know that!" Heather Laudo said in the recording.
"Why did you pull out if front of an airplane, is what I wanna know?" Hyde asked.
"We didn't see it," Frank Laudo said.
"We didn't pull out in front of an airplane," Heather Laudo added.
"Yes, you did!" Kandy Davis said.
William Davis said he is grateful everyone survived, but after the incident, he has decided to give up flying, saying it was all too traumatic — even though he was just four weeks away from receiving his pilot's license.
"Things like that make you reconsider what is important and what could have happened," Davis said. "I have a young daughter and a wife, and they need me to be there to take care of them."
Northwest Regional Airport has tried to purchase the property where the private roadway exists to enforce safety measures, but say the owner has declined the offer.
Glen Hyde has asked the FAA to step in and help work out a plan with the owner to place flashing lights and more visible stop signs.
Story, video, photos and reaction/comments: http://www.wfaa.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/52F
http://registry.faa.gov/N985GE
No one was seriously hurt.
The accident happened at Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke, which is linked to three other incidents in the past six weeks, including two fatal crashes that killed a total of six people.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Trooper Lonny Haschel said the 2005 Cessna Skyhawk was coming in for a landing when its landing gear struck a 2008 Volvo SUV that was traveling on an perimeter road at the airport around 10:50 a.m.
The plane skidded off the runway and into a grassy area about 75 yards from the point of impact. Pilot William Davis of Flower Mound was not hurt, but the aircraft was damaged.
The occupants of the SUV, Frank and Heather Laudo of Flower Mound, were taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, Haschel said.
Four people died on October 7 when their plane crashed in Van Zandt County after taking off from Northwest Regional Airport.
On September 11, two people were killed after their small plane crashed in a wooded area shortly after takeoff from Northwest Regional Airport.
And on October 11, a small plane landed upside-down after its engine cut out shortly after takeoff. The pilot was able to walk away.
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 03, 2012 in Roanoke, TX
Aircraft: CESSNA 172S, registration: N985GE
Injuries: 2 Minor,1 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. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On November 3, 2012, about 1040 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N985GE, impacted an automobile on final approach to runway 17 (3,500 feet by 40 feet, asphalt) at Northwest Regional Airport (52F), Roanoke, Texas. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Marcair, Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The solo, cross-country flight originated from Possum Kingdom Airport (F35), Graford, Texas, about 1005, with an intended destination of 52F.
The student pilot reported that he entered a left traffic pattern for runway 17 at 52F. He recalled that the approach was normal and the airspeed was about 60 knots when crossing the fence near the end of the runway. He stated that just after crossing the fence the landing gear impacted the automobile, resulting in a hard landing. The nose and left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway before coming to rest in the grass.
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 985GE Make/Model: C172 Description: 172, P172, R172, Skyhawk, Hawk XP, Cutla
Date: 11/03/2012 Time: 1548
Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Minor Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Substantial
LOCATION
City: ROANOKE State: TX Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT ON FINAL APPROACH TO RUNWAY, STRUCK THE TOP OF A VEHICLE,
ROANOKE, 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: 2 Unk:
OTHER DATA
Activity: Training Phase: Approach Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: FORT WORTH, TX (SW19) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N985GE
NEWS 8 EXCLUSIVE
ROANOKE — After Saturday's collision between a small plane landing at Northwest Regional Airport and a sport utility vehicle on a road at the north end of the runway, Frank and Heather Laudo told News 8 the impact came as a complete surprise.
"We couldn't see anything at all, and then... all of a sudden... equipment was falling into the car," Heather said.
The pilot, William Davis had asked his wife Kandy to shoot home video of his first solo round-trip. William said the video shows the couple driving into plane.
"I was shocked," he said. "Just from the video that I saw, it looks like they kept going... they didn't stop at the stop sign."
But here's what the video doesn't show: The word STOP is actually painted on the pavement, more than 50 feet from the north end of the runway. The angle of the recording does not show where the Laudos' SUV would have stopped.
Airport management said drivers are supposed to stop when the runway is active. But moments before the Laudos' vehicle crossed the path of Davis' plane, his wife's recording shows a white vehicle taking the same path.
The Laudos said they never saw the plane, even though it was feet away, preparing to land at 65 mph.
In the aftermath of the crash, airport manager Glen Hyde can be heard on Kandy Davis' recording yelling, "Is anybody hurt?"
Hyde grabbed his first aid kit and ran to the Laudos' vehicle. He immediately asked them whether they saw the stop sign... or the approaching plane.
"Whatever that is, it fell. Whatever that it is it hit our car," they said.
"That is the landing gear," Hyde responded. "You got hit by a plane."
"I know that!" Heather Laudo said in the recording.
"Why did you pull out if front of an airplane, is what I wanna know?" Hyde asked.
"We didn't see it," Frank Laudo said.
"We didn't pull out in front of an airplane," Heather Laudo added.
"Yes, you did!" Kandy Davis said.
William Davis said he is grateful everyone survived, but after the incident, he has decided to give up flying, saying it was all too traumatic — even though he was just four weeks away from receiving his pilot's license.
"Things like that make you reconsider what is important and what could have happened," Davis said. "I have a young daughter and a wife, and they need me to be there to take care of them."
Northwest Regional Airport has tried to purchase the property where the private roadway exists to enforce safety measures, but say the owner has declined the offer.
Glen Hyde has asked the FAA to step in and help work out a plan with the owner to place flashing lights and more visible stop signs.
Story, video, photos and reaction/comments: http://www.wfaa.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/52F
http://registry.faa.gov/N985GE
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
Credit: Michael Richard / WFAA
ROANOKE — The Federal Aviation
Administration is investigating after a sport utility vehicle had a hole
punched in its roof by a small plane Saturday morning.
No one was seriously hurt.
The accident happened at Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke, which is linked to three other incidents in the past six weeks, including two fatal crashes that killed a total of six people.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Trooper Lonny Haschel said the 2005 Cessna Skyhawk was coming in for a landing when its landing gear struck a 2008 Volvo SUV that was traveling on an perimeter road at the airport around 10:50 a.m.
The plane skidded off the runway and into a grassy area about 75 yards from the point of impact. Pilot William Davis of Flower Mound was not hurt, but the aircraft was damaged.
The occupants of the SUV, Frank and Heather Laudo of Flower Mound, were taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, Haschel said.
Four people died on October 7 when their plane crashed in Van Zandt County after taking off from Northwest Regional Airport.
On September 11, two people were killed after their small plane crashed in a wooded area shortly after takeoff from Northwest Regional Airport.
And on October 11, a small plane landed upside-down after its engine cut out shortly after takeoff. The pilot was able to walk away.
Story, video and photos: http://www.wfaa.com
CENTRAL OHIO DRAGONFLY CLUB LLC DRAGONFLY-C, N667DF: Accident occurred November 04, 2012 in Darbyville, Ohio
NTSB Identification: CEN13LA055
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, November 04, 2012 in Darbyville, OH
Aircraft: CENTRAL OHIO DRAGONFLY CLUBLLC DRAGONFLY-C, registration: N667DF
Injuries: 1 Minor.
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 may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On November 4, 2012, about 1245 eastern standard time, a Dragonfly-C, N667DF, experienced a total loss of engine power during takeoff, and collided with terrain near Darbyville, Ohio. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries. The aircraft received substantial damage to both wing spars and the vertical stabilizer. The aircraft was registered to a limited liability corporation and operated by an individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The airplane had just departed the WesMar Aerodrome, Orient, Ohio.
According to a statement provided by the pilot, the airplane was towing a hang glider, and was about 80 feet above ground level when the engine stopped producing power. The hang glider was released and the pilot attempted to perform a forced landing. The engine was retained for further examination.
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/N667DF
By Nancy Radcliff
The Pickaway County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash of a small single-engine aircraft at 12:31 p.m. Sunday near London Road, about a mile north of Darbyville.
Larry Lindsey, a witness, said Frank Murphy had just taken off towing a glider when the engine of the 2010 Dragonfly aircraft he was flying failed.
Lindsey said the aircraft was about 80 feet in the air when the engine quit and Murphy managed to bring the aircraft in to a controlled landing about 1,500 feet from where he took off from.
Murphy said the aircraft is worth $20,000 and there was about $10,000 worth of damage to it.
According to Pickaway County Deputies at the scene, Murphy, 57, of Hilliard, was not injured in the crash.
Previous accident report:
NTSB Identification: CEN10CA569
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, September 26, 2010 in Orient, OH
Probable Cause Approval Date: 03/16/2011
Aircraft: CENTRAL OHIO DRAGONFLY CLUBLLC DRAGONFLY-C, registration: N667DF
Injuries: 2 Minor.
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.
The pilot planned for a short local flight with a passenger between his continuous aero-tow operations. In an effort to expedite the quick passenger flight, the pilot disconnected the tow line; however, he left the V-Bridal line attached to the rudder post of the airplane. The pilot had conducted previous flights in the same configuration without incident. During taxi, the pilot turned the airplane 180 degrees to position it for an upwind takeoff. Shortly after rotation, the pilot experienced an uncommanded right turn. He attempted to counteract the turn to no avail. The airplane impacted terrain with the right wing and right main landing gear. Examination of the airplane by the pilot and a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the V-Bridal line became entangled in the rudder and tailwheel during the takeoff.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to disconnect the tow bridal line prior to takeoff.
The pilot planned for a short local flight with a passenger between on-going aero-tow operations. In order to expedite the quick passenger flight, the pilot disconnected the tow line; however, he left the V-Bridal line attached to the rudder post of the airplane. The pilot had conducted previous flights in the same configuration without incident. During taxi, the pilot turned the airplane 180 degrees to position into the wind for takeoff. Shortly after rotation, the pilot experienced a uncommanded right turn. The pilot attempted to correct; however, he was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain with the right wing and right main landing gear, and the airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane by the pilot and Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the V-Bridal line became entangled in the rudder and tail-wheel during the takeoff. The forward fuselage structure was crushed, the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer were bent.
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, November 04, 2012 in Darbyville, OH
Aircraft: CENTRAL OHIO DRAGONFLY CLUBLLC DRAGONFLY-C, registration: N667DF
Injuries: 1 Minor.
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 may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On November 4, 2012, about 1245 eastern standard time, a Dragonfly-C, N667DF, experienced a total loss of engine power during takeoff, and collided with terrain near Darbyville, Ohio. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries. The aircraft received substantial damage to both wing spars and the vertical stabilizer. The aircraft was registered to a limited liability corporation and operated by an individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The airplane had just departed the WesMar Aerodrome, Orient, Ohio.
According to a statement provided by the pilot, the airplane was towing a hang glider, and was about 80 feet above ground level when the engine stopped producing power. The hang glider was released and the pilot attempted to perform a forced landing. The engine was retained for further examination.
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 667DF Make/Model: EXP Description: DRAGONFLY-C
Date: 11/04/2012 Time: 1731
Event Type: Incident Highest Injury: Minor Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Unknown
LOCATION
City: ORIENT State: OH Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT ON TAKEOFF, CRASHED, ORIENT, OH
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 0
# Crew: 1 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 1 Unk:
# Pass: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
OTHER DATA
Activity: Unknown Phase: Take-off Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: COLUMBUS, OH (GL07) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/N667DF
By Nancy Radcliff
Investigating the scene where a small single-engine aircraft crashed Sunday afternoon are, from left, Deputy Casey Thress, Sergeant Cory Bachnicki and Deputy Erick Eberhard of the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office.
By Nancy Radcliff
The Pickaway County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash of a small single-engine aircraft at 12:31 p.m. Sunday near London Road, about a mile north of Darbyville.
Larry Lindsey, a witness, said Frank Murphy had just taken off towing a glider when the engine of the 2010 Dragonfly aircraft he was flying failed.
Lindsey said the aircraft was about 80 feet in the air when the engine quit and Murphy managed to bring the aircraft in to a controlled landing about 1,500 feet from where he took off from.
Murphy said the aircraft is worth $20,000 and there was about $10,000 worth of damage to it.
According to Pickaway County Deputies at the scene, Murphy, 57, of Hilliard, was not injured in the crash.
Previous accident report:
NTSB Identification: CEN10CA569
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, September 26, 2010 in Orient, OH
Probable Cause Approval Date: 03/16/2011
Aircraft: CENTRAL OHIO DRAGONFLY CLUBLLC DRAGONFLY-C, registration: N667DF
Injuries: 2 Minor.
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.
The pilot planned for a short local flight with a passenger between his continuous aero-tow operations. In an effort to expedite the quick passenger flight, the pilot disconnected the tow line; however, he left the V-Bridal line attached to the rudder post of the airplane. The pilot had conducted previous flights in the same configuration without incident. During taxi, the pilot turned the airplane 180 degrees to position it for an upwind takeoff. Shortly after rotation, the pilot experienced an uncommanded right turn. He attempted to counteract the turn to no avail. The airplane impacted terrain with the right wing and right main landing gear. Examination of the airplane by the pilot and a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the V-Bridal line became entangled in the rudder and tailwheel during the takeoff.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to disconnect the tow bridal line prior to takeoff.
The pilot planned for a short local flight with a passenger between on-going aero-tow operations. In order to expedite the quick passenger flight, the pilot disconnected the tow line; however, he left the V-Bridal line attached to the rudder post of the airplane. The pilot had conducted previous flights in the same configuration without incident. During taxi, the pilot turned the airplane 180 degrees to position into the wind for takeoff. Shortly after rotation, the pilot experienced a uncommanded right turn. The pilot attempted to correct; however, he was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain with the right wing and right main landing gear, and the airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane by the pilot and Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the V-Bridal line became entangled in the rudder and tail-wheel during the takeoff. The forward fuselage structure was crushed, the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer were bent.
Luscombe 8E Silvaire, N2368K: Accident occurred November 03, 2012 in West Bend, Wisconsin
NTSB Identification: CEN13CA042
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 03, 2012 in West Bend, WI
Aircraft: LUSCOMBE 8E, registration: N2368K
Injuries: 2 Minor.
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.
The pilot departed a 1,500 foot-long grass runway in calm wind conditions and was unable to gain enough altitude to clear power lines at the end of the runway. He aborted the takeoff and landed in a plowed field near the departure end of the runway. The airplane nosed over on landing damaging the vertical stabilizer, the right wing tip, both main landing gear and the propeller. The pilot reported there were no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine. He said the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for better wind conditions and/or extended the takeoff roll to gain additional airspeed.
http://registry.faa.gov/N2368K
Information from Dodge County Sheriff's Department:
The Dodge County Sheriff's Department was called to a report of a plane down around 12:40p.m. Saturday. The incident happened near Highway A and B in the Town of Beaver Dam. The Sheriff's Department says it appears the plane was taking off and wouldn't be able to get high enough to get over some power lines. So, the pilot made the decision to go under the lines. That caused the plane to go into a field where it flipped. There were no injuries reported. The FAA is investigating.
TOWN OF BEAVER DAM - No one was injured when a small plane flipped over in the town of Beaver Dam at about 12:40 p.m. on Saturday.
According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department briefing, Stephen McGill, 46, was attempting to take off from a private airfield and failed to gain sufficient altitude. He attempted a landing in a field of corn stubble near the intersection of Highways A and B and the plane flipped over landing on its roof.
Beaver Dam Fire and EMS, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department and Beaver Dam Police responded to the scene. No one was transported from the scene and rescue personnel left within 45 minutes.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration tail number registry, the Luscombe Series 8 aircraft is owned by S&S Aero Works, Hartford. The limited liability corporation shares an address with the Luscombe Association, an organization that lists it’s purpose as preserving, promoting restoring, maintaining and flying Luscombe aircrafts.
The incident will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
http://www.nbc15.com
http://www.wiscnews.com
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 03, 2012 in West Bend, WI
Aircraft: LUSCOMBE 8E, registration: N2368K
Injuries: 2 Minor.
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.
The pilot departed a 1,500 foot-long grass runway in calm wind conditions and was unable to gain enough altitude to clear power lines at the end of the runway. He aborted the takeoff and landed in a plowed field near the departure end of the runway. The airplane nosed over on landing damaging the vertical stabilizer, the right wing tip, both main landing gear and the propeller. The pilot reported there were no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine. He said the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for better wind conditions and/or extended the takeoff roll to gain additional airspeed.
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 2368K Make/Model: L8E Description: LUSCOMBE
Date: 11/03/2012 Time: 1740
Event Type: Incident Highest Injury: None Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Unknown
LOCATION
City: HORICON State: WI Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT ON TAKEOFF, GROUND LOOPED, HORICON, WI
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 0
# Crew: 1 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Pass: 1 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: MILWAUKEE, WI (GL13) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N2368K
Citizen Staff/Aaron Holbrook
A man talks on a cell phone next to a plane that flipped upside down in a cornfield at the corner of Highways A and B around 1 p.m. Saturday.
Citizen Staff/Aaron Holbrook
A plane that rests upside down in a cornfield at the corner of Highways A and B Saturday.
Citizen Staff/Aaron Holbrook
Two men talk next to a plane that flipped upside down in a cornfield at the corner of Highways A and B around 1 p.m. Saturday.
Citizen Staff/Aaron Holbrook
A plane that rests upside down in a cornfield at the corner of Highways A and B Saturday.
Information from Dodge County Sheriff's Department:
The Dodge County Sheriff's Department was called to a report of a plane down around 12:40p.m. Saturday. The incident happened near Highway A and B in the Town of Beaver Dam. The Sheriff's Department says it appears the plane was taking off and wouldn't be able to get high enough to get over some power lines. So, the pilot made the decision to go under the lines. That caused the plane to go into a field where it flipped. There were no injuries reported. The FAA is investigating.
TOWN OF BEAVER DAM - No one was injured when a small plane flipped over in the town of Beaver Dam at about 12:40 p.m. on Saturday.
According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department briefing, Stephen McGill, 46, was attempting to take off from a private airfield and failed to gain sufficient altitude. He attempted a landing in a field of corn stubble near the intersection of Highways A and B and the plane flipped over landing on its roof.
Beaver Dam Fire and EMS, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department and Beaver Dam Police responded to the scene. No one was transported from the scene and rescue personnel left within 45 minutes.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration tail number registry, the Luscombe Series 8 aircraft is owned by S&S Aero Works, Hartford. The limited liability corporation shares an address with the Luscombe Association, an organization that lists it’s purpose as preserving, promoting restoring, maintaining and flying Luscombe aircrafts.
The incident will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
http://www.nbc15.com
http://www.wiscnews.com
Flight to freedom: Rescue dog flies in Cessna 172S Skyhawk to Tehachapi Municipal Airport (KTSP), California
Flying high above the Tehachapi mountains, a small plane soared past hundreds of windmills before it landed at Tehachapi Municipal Airport.
"What better way to make an entrance," said Zach Skow, Founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue. An unlikely passenger sat inside the Cessna 172S Skyhawk. "Lucky girl for sure," he continued.
Diamond is a two-year-old pit bull. For the past year, Diamond has been living out of a car in Long Beach. She's had a rough life and it shows.
"She's got an auto-immune disease which is potentially life-threatening. She's also got mange, which is a skin condition," explained Skow.
A woman recently took Diamond in and plotted her escape. Skow said Los Angeles-based rescues are bursting at the seams. The woman arranged for Diamond to be taken in by Skow in Bear Valley Springs.
"I thought Diamond would have been coming by vehicle, and then we were told she was coming by helicopter," he said.
Cody Pierce is the owner of a flight school in Long Beach. He has a soft spot for rescue dogs because he has one at home.
"She spent half the time looking out the window and half the time trying to sit in the front seat," said Pierce.
Pierce donated his time and plane to fly Diamond 140 miles from Long Beach to Tehachapi.
"We would have been coming up doing a flight like this anyhow, so it was convenient for everybody," he continued.
The high-flying rescue made for a unique day of flight school for Nigel Tam, a student from Australia.
"I thought it was a great experience, learning how to adjust to a new type of passenger," said Tam.
Pierce, Tam, and Diamond touched down in Tehachapi Friday morning and met Skow at the airport.
"Hopefully, it's a 'rags to riches' story and she will find a permanent home," said Pierce.
Without her unlikely team of rescuers, Diamond could have been another dog at an overcrowded shelter, put to sleep and forgotten by now.
But, Diamond's story is different. Her story is just beginning. Diamond will spend time learning how to be a dog again at Marley's Mutts before she's adopted out to a loving home.
Story, photo, video and comments: http://www.kget.com
PICTURE: A police helicopter hovers overhead as it drops supplies for residents in the Staten Island Borough of New York
REUTERS/Keith Bedford
Credit: REUTERS
Published date: 11/03/2012
~
A police helicopter hovers overhead as it drops supplies for residents in the Staten Island Borough of New York, November 3, 2012 in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Northeast residents lucky enough to have a roof after Hurricane Sandy struck now face a new problem: a heating oil shortage and widespread power outages mean some homes may go cold as the weather turns wintry.
Calgary, Canada: Plane makes emergency landing in farmer's field; Both occupants safe, did not require hospital attention
A small plane made an emergency landing in a farmer’s field southeast of Calgary on Sunday afternoon.
Fire and emergency service crews were called to the scene north of Highway 22X, near the community of Dalemead shortly after noon.
Stuart Brideaux with EMS said the pilot and passenger walked away from the crash uninjured.
“Both occupants were able to get under their own power. The aircraft was righted in the field, albeit damaged. But they did not require any assistance getting out and or meeting EMS at the roadside, a little ways away from the actual crash site.”
Brideaux neither the passenger nor the pilot were taken to hospital.
The pilot is now working on how to get his plane out of the field.
RCMP and local fire crews were also called to the scene and an investigation into how the emergency landing happened is underway.
http://www.cbc.ca
http://www.660news.com
Fire and emergency service crews were called to the scene north of Highway 22X, near the community of Dalemead shortly after noon.
Stuart Brideaux with EMS said the pilot and passenger walked away from the crash uninjured.
“Both occupants were able to get under their own power. The aircraft was righted in the field, albeit damaged. But they did not require any assistance getting out and or meeting EMS at the roadside, a little ways away from the actual crash site.”
Brideaux neither the passenger nor the pilot were taken to hospital.
The pilot is now working on how to get his plane out of the field.
RCMP and local fire crews were also called to the scene and an investigation into how the emergency landing happened is underway.
http://www.cbc.ca
http://www.660news.com
Beech 35-C33, N6101V: Aircraft force landed on a road - Kennesaw, Georgia
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 6101V Make/Model: BE33 Description: 33 Debonair, Bonanza (E-24)
Date: 11/04/2012 Time: 1854
Event Type: Incident Highest Injury: None Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Unknown
LOCATION
City: KENNESAW State: GA Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT FORCE LANDED ON A ROAD, NEAR KENNESAW, GA
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: Unknown Phase: Landing Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: COLLEGE PARK, GA (SO11) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N6101V
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N6101V
http://flightaware.com/photo
Bags are removed from a single-engine plane after the pilot made an emergency landing on Interstate 575 South.
Photo by Emily Barnes
Photo Credit Rodney Thrash
No one was hurt when a small plane made an emergency landing on Interstate 575 at Barrett Parkway on Sunday afternoon. 
(photo by Chris Rosenthal/FOX 5)
(photo by Chris Rosenthal/FOX 5)
(photo by Chris Rosenthal/FOX 5)
Photo sent by viewer to Channel 2 Action News.
Photo Credit: Homer McEwen
A Georgia Navigator traffic camera captured this image.
http://registry.faa.gov/N6101V
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N6101V
http://flightaware.com/photo
KENNESAW – Drivers on Interstate 575 South near Barrett Parkway were down to just one lane of traffic for more than three hours Sunday after a single-engine plane made an emergency landing on the roadway.
Officer Michael Bowman with Cobb Police said the pilot and his two adult passengers, all whose names are not being released, were flying back to Georgia from Nashville, Tenn., when the plane began experiencing engine problems.
“He was unable to make it to McCollum Air Field so he took the path with the least congested area,” Bowman said. “The pilot did awesome by putting it down on the interstate as opposed in the congested areas of Barrett Parkway or Chastain Road.”
He said no one was injured on the ground or in the aircraft.
Part of the plane stretched into the right-hand lane, causing traffic to slow in the area between 1 and 4 p.m..
Officers on the scene were trying to figure out how to get the plane back to McCollum, which is about five miles away.
“We had a big tow truck put it on a flatbed trailer and take it to the airport,” Bowman said.
Karl Von Hagel, McCollum Airport’s manager, said it seems the pilot was familiar with the area because he figured out the best location to land.
“Pilots are always observant of their surroundings and looking for potential emergency sites,” he said. “Your possibilities become less as your altitude decreases. I don’t know details of the altitude, but his options were probably limited and he found the best and safest landing possibility he could apply and it sounds like he executed it successfully.”
Neither Von Hagel, nor Bowman, could recall a plane ever landing on the interstate safely before, but the airport manager remembered a single-engine plane landing on Cobb Parkway a few years ago.
According to Journal archives, a Canton pilot was on a training flight with a student practicing takeoffs and landings with emergency maneuvers when the cockpit began to fill with smoke in June 2009.
Traveling south, the pilot landed the plane in the southbound lane of Cobb Parkway south of Nance Road and north of the Wal-Mart Shopping Center between a gap in cars.
This landing, like the one around 1 p.m. on Sunday, happened just shy of five miles from the airport.
Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal - Plane makes emergency landing on I 575
A light plane landed on I-575 southbound south of Barrett Parkway on Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.Cobb County police told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the plane was on a final approach to McCollum Field around 1:15 p.m. when it lost power.
Three men were on board on a return trip to McCollum from Nashville, Tenn., said Cobb police spokesman Michael Bowman. The plane was cleared for final approach and landing when the pilot said he lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks, but that didn’t help. The pilot saw a break in the traffic and landed the plane on the interstate. There were no injuries, according to Bowman.
The pilot and his passengers declined to comment on the incident.
Hat tip to Augusta Jim! http://www.ajc.com
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com
Hughes OH-6A, N368PD: Accident occurred November 03, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia
NTSB Identification: ERA13GA046
14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Saturday, November 03, 2012 in Atlanta, GA
Aircraft: HUGHES OH-6A, registration: N368PD
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. : 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 public aircraft accident report.
On November 3, 2012, about 2245 eastern daylight time, a Hughes OH-6A, N368PD, was substantially damaged following a collision with power lines and terrain while maneuvering at Atlanta, Georgia. The certificated commercial pilot and a pilot-rated police officer were fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the Atlanta Police Department as a public use flight. Night, visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at 2224.
The purpose of the flight was to support ground police personnel in locating a missing child. The search area was about 6 nautical miles north-northwest of ATL. The helicopter was observed on radar, maneuvering, immediately prior to the accident. The helicopter was not communicating with air traffic control at the time of the accident and no distress calls from the flight crew were noted.
Examination of the accident site showed the helicopter collided with wires at the top of a 42-foot-high power pole near the intersection of two roads. The main wreckage came to rest in the center of the road adjacent to the power pole. A post-crash fire ensued and the fuselage and cabin sustained substantial fire damage. All main rotor blades were accounted for within the area of the main wreckage. The tail boom of the helicopter was separated from the fuselage was found adjacent to the main wreckage. The tail rotor blades remained attached to the tail rotor gearbox. Signatures consistent with wire contact were found on the tail boom and on one main rotor blade.
Utility company crews replaced the wires and provided the damaged parts to the investigation team. The wires showed evidence of arcing and impact damage. Support structure for the wires and ceramic insulators were also damaged and broken.
The 2053 surface weather observation for Fulton County Airport (FTY), located 3 miles northwest of the accident sire, included sky clear, calm wind, with visibility 10 statute miles or greater.
The Atlanta police helicopter that crashed Saturday night, killing two officers, was a Vietnam War-era chopper that city officials 11 years ago said had outlived its useful life.
Officers Richard J. Halford, 48, and Shawn A. Smiley, 40, were using the helicopter to search for a missing 9-year-old boy when they crashed near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. and Hamilton E. Holmes drives. The boy was later found safe.
According to Atlanta City Council records from September 2001, the Hughes OH-6 helicopter that crashed was built in 1967 and was used by the U.S. Army until it was donated to the APD in 1996 to assist with the Olympic Games.
Eleven years ago, the APD requested $2.8 million from the City Council to replace the Hughes OH-6 that crashed Saturday night, as well as a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter also operated by the department, saying they “have outlived their useful lives of 25 years.”
The council approved $1,360,425 to replace one of the helicopters, but current FAA records show both aircraft still being used by APD.
The AJC is attempting to contact APD officials to find out whether the $1.36 million was used to purchase another helicopter.
The National Transportation Safety Board is working to determine what caused Saturday night’s fatal crash.
http://www.ajc.com
http://registry.faa.gov/N368PD
The two Atlanta police officers killed in a weekend helicopter crash are being remembered as public servants who died honorably as they searched for a missing 9-year-old boy.
Atlanta Police spokesman Carlos Campos identified the two officers Sunday as 48-year-old Richard J. Halford of Lithia Springs, who had been with the department for 26 years, and 40-year-old Shawn A. Smiley of Lithonia, who joined the department two years ago.
Campos said in a statement that Halford had been with the department's air unit for more than 16 years, serving as a pilot.
Officials say the helicopter crashed about 10:30 p.m. Saturday in a busy Atlanta neighborhood. No one was injured on the ground.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The missing boy was later found safe.
A low-flying police helicopter scanning a bustling neighborhood not far from downtown Atlanta for a runaway 9-year-old boy suddenly plummeted to the ground and exploded, killing both officers on board but leaving those on the ground unharmed.
Federal authorities are investigating what caused the aircraft to descend into power lines, knocking out electricity to some residents nearby in the district filled with shopping plazas, fast food restaurants and homes. The boy was found safely a couple of hours after the helicopter crashed late Saturday night. Atlanta police spokesman Officer John Chafee said Sunday that the boy ran away after being scolded by his mother and was later found wandering on a city street.
The mother had been visiting friends when the child ran away.
The officers were not yet identified, but their deaths shook not only the police force, but the entire city.
"It's sad. It's tragic ... for someone to lose their lives trying to find a kid, trying to keep another family together," Rodney Christian, 22, told the AP as he and more than a dozen others looked at the scene in the early morning darkness Sunday. Christian lamented the tragedy and thought of his 1-month-old baby.
"It makes me want to rush home and get back to my kid."
The wreckage of the OH-6A had already been moved as investigators piece together what happened, said Eric M. Weiss, a spokesman with the National Transportation Safety Board.
Records with the Federal Aviation Administration showed the helicopter was a Hughes OH-6A manufactured in 1967. The Hughes has historically been a military workhorse.
Atlanta police referred questions about what caused the crash to federal investigators.
Bystander Darryl James, 42, told the AP that he had gone with a companion to a check-cashing store Saturday night when he heard the helicopter flying overhead and thought it was rather low.
"The tail end went down and then there was an explosion," James said. He said he tried to get close to the wreckage. "As soon as I got close enough to it, poom! It exploded." He added of the helicopter's occupants: "They could not survive it."
James said people are often waiting at a normally busy bus stop near the crash site, adding, "Thank God nobody was out there."
After the crash, fire trucks and police cars with lights flashing converged on the area, blocking surrounding roads. Police put up yellow crime scene tape and kept bystanders so far back they were unable to see the crash site behind a small rise.
"Losing an officer is the most difficult thing a police chief can face," Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said in a news release. "Losing two is an unthinkable tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of these officers and our thoughts and prayers are with them."
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also said early Sunday that he was saddened by what he called a "terrible accident."
"We mourn these two brave men and offer our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones," Reed said in a statement.
http://seattletimes.com
Hughes OH-6A, manufactured in 1967?? "OH-6A is a military version of the old Hughes 500. That machine was pretty old and may already have had lots of hours on the airframe in military service before being acquired by the APD."
ATLANTA (AP) — A police helicopter flying low over Atlanta on a nighttime search for a missing 9-year-old boy plunged to the ground in a neighborhood of shops and apartments, killing the two officers aboard, authorities said Sunday.
Both officers died on impact in the crash about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, but no one was hurt on the ground, police spokesman Carlos Campos said. The crash occurred in a district near heavily traveled Interstate 20 filled with fast food restaurants, shopping plazas and apartments where utility lines bristle overhead.
The National Transportation Safety Board has investigators at the scene and planned an update later Sunday. The wreckage of the OH-6A helicopter was moved to a secure location as investigators worked to piece together what happened, said Eric M. Weiss, NTSB spokesman.
Records with the Federal Aviation Administration showed the helicopter was a Hughes OH-6A manufactured in 1967. The Hughes has historically been a military workhorse.
Two Atlanta police officers died Saturday night when their helicopter crashed as they searched for a missing 9-year-old boy in northwest Atlanta.
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner spoke briefly during a press conference around 1:20 a.m. Sunday. He said the two aviation officers were flying in the area of Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SW looking for a 9-year-old boy who was reported missing around 9 p.m. Chief Turner said the helicopter was flying low when it clipped power lines, causing the crash.
Chief Turner said both officers died on impact. Their identities have not yet been released, but Turner said the department is doing everything it can to support the families of the two fallen officers.
The missing child was later found safe. No one on the ground was injured as a result of the accident.
Witnesses told FOX 5 they heard the chopper flying low, and then saw it burst into flames after it hit power lines.
“It was horrific,” said Darryl James, who witnessed the crash. “It looked like a grenade had gone off or some type of explosion. It was in the middle of the street, thank God nobody else was traveling.”
The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the deadly accident, with the Atlanta Police Department assisting in a support role. The NTSB has planned a news conference for 5 p.m. Sunday to provide further details about the investigation.
“Losing an officer is the most difficult thing a police chief can face,” said Chief Turner. “Losing two is an unthinkable tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of these officers and our thoughts and prayers are with them. This is a difficult day for the APD family and it is a reminder of their bravery and the sacrifices made by our officers every day.”
Turner called upon the citizens of Atlanta to pray for the officers, their families, and the department.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also expressed his condolences through the following statement early Sunday morning:
“I am deeply saddened by the terrible accident that claimed the lives of two on-duty Atlanta Police Department officers. We mourn these two brave men and offer our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We also pause to extend our sympathy to the men and women of the police department who place their lives in harm’s way every day to keep our city safe, and who especially feel the pain of this loss.”
Portions of Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive were closed overnight to allow emergency responders and investigators direct access to the scene. Investigators cleared the wreckage from those roads overnight, and they have since reopened.
Georgia Power told FOX 5 News that power to about 1,200 customers was interrupted due to the incident. Power has since been restored to those customers.
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com
14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Saturday, November 03, 2012 in Atlanta, GA
Aircraft: HUGHES OH-6A, registration: N368PD
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. : 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 public aircraft accident report.
On November 3, 2012, about 2245 eastern daylight time, a Hughes OH-6A, N368PD, was substantially damaged following a collision with power lines and terrain while maneuvering at Atlanta, Georgia. The certificated commercial pilot and a pilot-rated police officer were fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the Atlanta Police Department as a public use flight. Night, visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at 2224.
The purpose of the flight was to support ground police personnel in locating a missing child. The search area was about 6 nautical miles north-northwest of ATL. The helicopter was observed on radar, maneuvering, immediately prior to the accident. The helicopter was not communicating with air traffic control at the time of the accident and no distress calls from the flight crew were noted.
Examination of the accident site showed the helicopter collided with wires at the top of a 42-foot-high power pole near the intersection of two roads. The main wreckage came to rest in the center of the road adjacent to the power pole. A post-crash fire ensued and the fuselage and cabin sustained substantial fire damage. All main rotor blades were accounted for within the area of the main wreckage. The tail boom of the helicopter was separated from the fuselage was found adjacent to the main wreckage. The tail rotor blades remained attached to the tail rotor gearbox. Signatures consistent with wire contact were found on the tail boom and on one main rotor blade.
Utility company crews replaced the wires and provided the damaged parts to the investigation team. The wires showed evidence of arcing and impact damage. Support structure for the wires and ceramic insulators were also damaged and broken.
The 2053 surface weather observation for Fulton County Airport (FTY), located 3 miles northwest of the accident sire, included sky clear, calm wind, with visibility 10 statute miles or greater.
The Atlanta police helicopter that crashed Saturday night, killing two officers, was a Vietnam War-era chopper that city officials 11 years ago said had outlived its useful life.
Officers Richard J. Halford, 48, and Shawn A. Smiley, 40, were using the helicopter to search for a missing 9-year-old boy when they crashed near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. and Hamilton E. Holmes drives. The boy was later found safe.
According to Atlanta City Council records from September 2001, the Hughes OH-6 helicopter that crashed was built in 1967 and was used by the U.S. Army until it was donated to the APD in 1996 to assist with the Olympic Games.
Eleven years ago, the APD requested $2.8 million from the City Council to replace the Hughes OH-6 that crashed Saturday night, as well as a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter also operated by the department, saying they “have outlived their useful lives of 25 years.”
The council approved $1,360,425 to replace one of the helicopters, but current FAA records show both aircraft still being used by APD.
The AJC is attempting to contact APD officials to find out whether the $1.36 million was used to purchase another helicopter.
The National Transportation Safety Board is working to determine what caused Saturday night’s fatal crash.
http://www.ajc.com
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 368PD Make/Model: OH6A Description: HUGHES 0H-6A ROTORCRAFT
Date: 11/04/2012 Time: 0255
Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Fatal Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Destroyed
LOCATION
City: ATLANTA State: GA Country: US
DESCRIPTION
N368PD ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT HUGHES 0H-6A ROTORCRAFT CRASHED UNDER
UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE 2 PERSONS ON BOARD WERE FATALLY INJURED,
ATLANTA, GA
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 2
# Crew: 2 Fat: 2 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Pass: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
OTHER DATA
Activity: Public Use Phase: Unknown Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: COLLEGE PARK, GA (SO11) Entry date: 11/05/2012
http://registry.faa.gov/N368PD
Officer Smiley
Officer Shawn A. Smiley of Lithonia, age 40, joined the APD in October 2010.
Credit: APD
Officer Halford
Officer Richard J. Halford of Lithia Springs, age 48, joined the APD in May 1986.
Credit: APD
The two Atlanta police officers killed in a weekend helicopter crash are being remembered as public servants who died honorably as they searched for a missing 9-year-old boy.
Atlanta Police spokesman Carlos Campos identified the two officers Sunday as 48-year-old Richard J. Halford of Lithia Springs, who had been with the department for 26 years, and 40-year-old Shawn A. Smiley of Lithonia, who joined the department two years ago.
Campos said in a statement that Halford had been with the department's air unit for more than 16 years, serving as a pilot.
Officials say the helicopter crashed about 10:30 p.m. Saturday in a busy Atlanta neighborhood. No one was injured on the ground.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The missing boy was later found safe.
A low-flying police helicopter scanning a bustling neighborhood not far from downtown Atlanta for a runaway 9-year-old boy suddenly plummeted to the ground and exploded, killing both officers on board but leaving those on the ground unharmed.
Federal authorities are investigating what caused the aircraft to descend into power lines, knocking out electricity to some residents nearby in the district filled with shopping plazas, fast food restaurants and homes. The boy was found safely a couple of hours after the helicopter crashed late Saturday night. Atlanta police spokesman Officer John Chafee said Sunday that the boy ran away after being scolded by his mother and was later found wandering on a city street.
The mother had been visiting friends when the child ran away.
The officers were not yet identified, but their deaths shook not only the police force, but the entire city.
"It's sad. It's tragic ... for someone to lose their lives trying to find a kid, trying to keep another family together," Rodney Christian, 22, told the AP as he and more than a dozen others looked at the scene in the early morning darkness Sunday. Christian lamented the tragedy and thought of his 1-month-old baby.
"It makes me want to rush home and get back to my kid."
The wreckage of the OH-6A had already been moved as investigators piece together what happened, said Eric M. Weiss, a spokesman with the National Transportation Safety Board.
Records with the Federal Aviation Administration showed the helicopter was a Hughes OH-6A manufactured in 1967. The Hughes has historically been a military workhorse.
Atlanta police referred questions about what caused the crash to federal investigators.
Bystander Darryl James, 42, told the AP that he had gone with a companion to a check-cashing store Saturday night when he heard the helicopter flying overhead and thought it was rather low.
"The tail end went down and then there was an explosion," James said. He said he tried to get close to the wreckage. "As soon as I got close enough to it, poom! It exploded." He added of the helicopter's occupants: "They could not survive it."
James said people are often waiting at a normally busy bus stop near the crash site, adding, "Thank God nobody was out there."
After the crash, fire trucks and police cars with lights flashing converged on the area, blocking surrounding roads. Police put up yellow crime scene tape and kept bystanders so far back they were unable to see the crash site behind a small rise.
"Losing an officer is the most difficult thing a police chief can face," Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said in a news release. "Losing two is an unthinkable tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of these officers and our thoughts and prayers are with them."
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also said early Sunday that he was saddened by what he called a "terrible accident."
"We mourn these two brave men and offer our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones," Reed said in a statement.
http://seattletimes.com
Hughes OH-6A, manufactured in 1967?? "OH-6A is a military version of the old Hughes 500. That machine was pretty old and may already have had lots of hours on the airframe in military service before being acquired by the APD."
ATLANTA (AP) — A police helicopter flying low over Atlanta on a nighttime search for a missing 9-year-old boy plunged to the ground in a neighborhood of shops and apartments, killing the two officers aboard, authorities said Sunday.
Both officers died on impact in the crash about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, but no one was hurt on the ground, police spokesman Carlos Campos said. The crash occurred in a district near heavily traveled Interstate 20 filled with fast food restaurants, shopping plazas and apartments where utility lines bristle overhead.
The National Transportation Safety Board has investigators at the scene and planned an update later Sunday. The wreckage of the OH-6A helicopter was moved to a secure location as investigators worked to piece together what happened, said Eric M. Weiss, NTSB spokesman.
Records with the Federal Aviation Administration showed the helicopter was a Hughes OH-6A manufactured in 1967. The Hughes has historically been a military workhorse.
Two Atlanta police officers died Saturday night when their helicopter crashed as they searched for a missing 9-year-old boy in northwest Atlanta.
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner spoke briefly during a press conference around 1:20 a.m. Sunday. He said the two aviation officers were flying in the area of Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SW looking for a 9-year-old boy who was reported missing around 9 p.m. Chief Turner said the helicopter was flying low when it clipped power lines, causing the crash.
Chief Turner said both officers died on impact. Their identities have not yet been released, but Turner said the department is doing everything it can to support the families of the two fallen officers.
The missing child was later found safe. No one on the ground was injured as a result of the accident.
Witnesses told FOX 5 they heard the chopper flying low, and then saw it burst into flames after it hit power lines.
“It was horrific,” said Darryl James, who witnessed the crash. “It looked like a grenade had gone off or some type of explosion. It was in the middle of the street, thank God nobody else was traveling.”
The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the deadly accident, with the Atlanta Police Department assisting in a support role. The NTSB has planned a news conference for 5 p.m. Sunday to provide further details about the investigation.
“Losing an officer is the most difficult thing a police chief can face,” said Chief Turner. “Losing two is an unthinkable tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of these officers and our thoughts and prayers are with them. This is a difficult day for the APD family and it is a reminder of their bravery and the sacrifices made by our officers every day.”
Turner called upon the citizens of Atlanta to pray for the officers, their families, and the department.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also expressed his condolences through the following statement early Sunday morning:
“I am deeply saddened by the terrible accident that claimed the lives of two on-duty Atlanta Police Department officers. We mourn these two brave men and offer our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We also pause to extend our sympathy to the men and women of the police department who place their lives in harm’s way every day to keep our city safe, and who especially feel the pain of this loss.”
Portions of Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive were closed overnight to allow emergency responders and investigators direct access to the scene. Investigators cleared the wreckage from those roads overnight, and they have since reopened.
Georgia Power told FOX 5 News that power to about 1,200 customers was interrupted due to the incident. Power has since been restored to those customers.
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com
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