Monday, April 08, 2013

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N75558, Brenda Lee Houston: Fatal accident occurred July 27, 2008 in McMurray, Washington

Location: McMurray, WA 
Accident Number: LAX08FA246
Date & Time: 07/27/2008, 1439 PDT
Registration: N75558
Aircraft: CESSNA 172N
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The instrument rated commercial pilot departed under visual flight rules (VFR) for a planned cross-country flight.  Shortly after departure, the pilot was receiving radar flight following for about 15 minutes.  During this time, the controller advised the pilot that no one had successfully proceeded south VFR and that low ceilings and reduced visibility existed between her destination and her point of departure.  Radar data revealed that the flight was initially on a southeasterly heading at an altitude of about 2,400 feet.  About 18 minutes after departure, the flight initiated a descent to 900 feet while remaining on the southeasterly heading.   As the flight approached an uncontrolled airport, radar data showed a slight climb to 1,400 feet, followed by a climbing 180-degree turn to the northwest, which was opposite the direction of her intended destination.  Two minutes later the flight initiated a right turn to a northerly course, while continuing to climb.  As the flight proceeded northward, radar data depicted a series of turns to the left and right with the altitude fluctuating between 1,500 feet and 2,900 feet before radar contact was lost.  Wreckage and impact signatures were consistent with the airplane impacting trees and mountainous terrain at 2,250 feet msl within a heavily wooded area on an easterly heading.  All major components of the airframe were located at the accident site.  Review of recorded weather data revealed that instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the accident, with restricted visibilities in rain showers, and overcast clouds with bases and tops at 1,900 and 10,000 feet, respectively.  Examination of the recovered airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.  Examination of the engine revealed that the number four cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the open position and was bent.  The camshaft was intact and each of the camshaft cam lobes exhibited severe wear and spalling signatures.  The corresponding tappets exhibited severe spalling on their respective camshaft contact surfaces.  The engine exhibited signatures consistent with a high time engine.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions.  Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues
Flight planning/navigation - Pilot (Cause)
Weather planning - Pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Mountainous/hilly terrain - Contributed to outcome (Factor)
Clouds - Effect on operation (Factor)
Low ceiling - Effect on operation (Factor)
Below VFR minima - Decision related to condition (Cause)

Factual Information

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On July 27, 2008, at 1439 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N75558, impacted trees and terrain while maneuvering near McMurray, Washington.  The airplane was registered to Crest Airpark, Inc., Kent, Washington, and operated by the pilot, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91.  The commercial pilot and two passengers were killed.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of departure and instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the accident.  No flight plan was filed for the personal flight.  The cross-country flight originated from the Roche Harbor Airport (WA09), Roche Harbor, Washington, about 1402, with an intended destination of Auburn, Washington. 

A family member of the pilot reported the airplane missing to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on July 27, 2008, after becoming concerned when the airplane had not arrived at its intended destination.  The FAA subsequently issued an Alert Notification (ALNOT). The airplane was located by air units on July 27, 2008, approximately 2120, in a heavily wooded mountainous area about 6 miles east of McMurray. 

A witness who was flying in a Cessna 170 reported she intended to fly from Blakely, Washington, to Auburn.  During the flight, they elected to return to Blakely due to lowering ceilings and decreasing visibility south of Port Townsend, Washington.  During the return flight to Blakely, she was receiving traffic advisories from Whidbey Approach Control.  The controller advised her about opposite direction traffic.  The witness stated that she observed a Cessna that matched the accident airplane passing in front of her position on an eastbound heading.  She added that during this time, the visibility to the east of her current position appeared to be "very poor."

There were no known witnesses to the accident sequence. 

According to a family member of the pilot, the flight was destined for Auburn to drop off two passengers, pickup one passenger, return to WA09 to pickup two additional passengers, and return to Auburn.

Review of radar data provided by the FAA revealed that a primary radar contact was initially obtained at 1404, about 5.2 miles southeast of WA09 at an altitude of 2,200 feet mean sea level (msl).  The flight path of the airplane was generally on a southeasterly heading with at an altitude between 2,400 and 2,500 feet msl until 1420, where a gradual descent to 900 feet msl was observed.  At 1427, a slight climb was initiated until approaching the vicinity of Arlington Airport, Arlington, Washington, at 1429.  While in the vicinity of Arlington, radar data depicted the airplane initiated a left turn from a southeasterly course to a northwesterly course while climbing to an altitude of 1,700 feet msl.  At 1431, the airplane initiated a right turn to northerly course until 1434, where the airplane performed a series of left and right turns with the altitude fluctuating between 1,500 feet msl and 2,900 feet msl.  The last three radar returns were consistent with the airplane being in a descending right-hand turn.  The last recorded radar return was at 1439, located 0.17 miles southwest of the accident site at an altitude of 2,200 feet msl. 

PERSONNEL INFORMATION 

The pilot, age 47, held an airline transport pilot certificate with airplane multiengine rating, and a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and airplane single-engine sea ratings.  In addition, the pilot held a turbojet powered rating and type ratings in various transport category aircraft.  A first-class airman medical certificate was issued on November 26, 2007, with the limitations stated, "must wear corrective lenses, not valid for any class after."  The pilot reported on her most recent medical certificate application that she had accumulated 14,200 total flight hours.  

Review of the pilot's rental records provided by Crest Airpark revealed the pilot had rented a Cessna 172 on seven separate occasions, totaling 12.3 hours of usage between July 5, 2007 and July 17, 2008.  Of the seven rentals, six were conducted in a Cessna 172SP and one in a Cessna 172N.  According to the rental record, the pilot had rented a Cessna 172SP and Cessna 172N within the previous 90 days to the accident.  The total flight time for both rentals was 2.5 hours.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION 

The four-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear airplane, serial number (S/N) 17267807, was manufactured in 1977.  It was powered by a Lycoming O-320-H2AD engine, S/N L-4858-76, rated at 160 horsepower and equipped with a McCauley two bladed fixed-pitch propeller.  Review of copies of maintenance logbook records showed an annual inspection was completed on April 1, 2008, at a recorded tachometer reading of 2,609.8 hours; airframe total time of 9,935.4 hours; and engine time since major overhaul of 2,559.8 hours.  At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 105.2 hours since the time of the inspection.

The engine was overhauled on June 19, 2001, at a total time of 4805.0 hours.  According to an entry in the engine logbook, the number four cylinder and number four piston were replaced on August 30, 2007, due to low compression.  According to the FAA inspector who interviewed the mechanic that performed the maintenance, the replacement cylinder was removed from another O-360-H2AD engine.  Logbooks for the engine in which the cylinder was removed revealed that metal was found in the oil filter and oil suction screen in 2005.

Review of Lycoming Service Instruction Number 1009AT, the recommended time between overhauls is 2,000 hours.  The Service Instruction states for the O-320 engine, "if an engine is being used in a 'frequent' type service and accumulates 40 hours or more per month, and has been so operated consistently since being placed in service, add 200 hours to the TBO time."   

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION 

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station at Arlington Municipal Airport, Arlington, Washington, located about 11 miles southwest of the accident site reported at 1435; wind from 320 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; scattered cloud layer at 500 feet above ground level (agl), broken cloud layer at 2,000 feet agl, and an overcast ceiling at 2,700 feet agl; temperature 15 degrees Celsius; dew point 13 degrees Celsius; and an altimeter setting of 30.05 inches of Mercury.  

The National Transportation Safety Board's staff meteorologist reviewed weather data and reported that the northwest portion of the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Depiction Charts for 1200 depicted an area of instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions over Washington in the vicinity of the accident site.  Surrounding that area was an area of marginal visual flight rules (MVFR) conditions over portions of western Washington, Oregon, and northern California.  The closest visual flight rules (VFR) conditions were depicted over eastern Washington.  MVFR conditions were depicted over the route of flight and the accident site, with IFR conditions in the immediate vicinity.  The closest station model to the south of the accident site depicted MVFR conditions with a ceiling overcast at 1,900 feet agl.  The northwest section of the NWS hourly Radar Summary Chart for 1419 PDT (2119Z) depicted a band of "light" intensity echoes associated with rain showers over the Cascade Range and Puget Sound area, and in the immediate vicinity of the accident site. 

The northwest section of the NWS hourly Radar Summary Chart for 1419 depicted a band of "light" intensity echoes associated with rain showers over the Cascade Range and Puget Sound area, and in the immediate vicinity of the accident site. 

According to the Skagit County Sheriff Deputy, who was located just north of the accident site, "spotty rain showers" and a "typical marine layer" were present around the time of the accident.  

COMMUNICATIONS 

Review of communication transcripts provided by Whidbey Approach Control revealed that the pilot initially contacted Whidbey Approach Control at 1408.  At 1410, the controller notified the pilot of the accident airplane that he didn't have "anybody go south of bush point in the last hour VFR."  The pilot responded to the controller that it "looks pretty good so far."  At 1413, the controller informed the pilot to maintain VFR at or above 2,500 feet msl due to other traffic in the vicinity.  At 1414, the controller advised the pilot to contact Whidbey Approach Control on 120.70, and the pilot acknowledged.  The pilot contacted Whidbey Approach Control at 1415, reporting they were at an altitude of 2,500 feet msl.  The controller canceled the altitude restriction for the accident airplane at 1417, followed by an acknowledgment from the pilot.  

At 1419, the controller reported to another aircraft in the vicinity that the weather around Seattle extending north 15 to 20 miles was "pretty limited visibility with low ceilings," and subsequently asked if the pilot of the accident airplane copied that radio transmission.  The pilot of the accident airplane acknowledged that they heard the controller's transmission and reported that they were going to initiate a descent to 2,000 feet msl.  The controller responded, "maintain VFR altitudes your discretion."  At 1423, the controller terminated radar service with the accident airplane and informed the pilot to squawk VFR and frequency change approved.  The pilot subsequently responded acknowledging the controller's request.  No further radio communications were received from the accident airplane.  

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION 

The airplane impacted trees and terrain within heavily wooded mountainous area about 6 miles east of McMurray at an elevation of 2,214 feet msl.  The airplane came to rest on its left side on a heading of about 085 degrees magnetic.  The wreckage energy path was measured about 175 feet in length on an approximate heading of 085 degrees magnetic from the first identified point of contact (FIPC) with trees to the main wreckage and engine.  Located within the wreckage debris path were various broken trees and wreckage debris.  All major components of the airframe, primary flight controls, engine, and propeller were observed at the accident site.  

The left and right wings were separated from the fuselage.  The right wing was located near the FIPC and exhibited a semicircular impact about 2 feet outboard of the wing root.  The left wing and fuselage were located about 100 feet beyond the right wing.  The left wing was separated from the fuselage and exhibited leading edge compression throughout its span.  The engine was separated from the fuselage and was located about 30 feet beyond the main wreckage.  

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION 

The Skagit County Coroner’s office conducted an autopsy on the pilot on July 29, 2008.  The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was "blunt trauma injuries." 

The FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology tests on the pilot. According to CAMI's report, carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and drugs were tested with negative results for carbon monoxide, cyanide, and volatiles.  An unspecified amount of Azacyclonol was detected in the urine, however, it was not detected in the blood. 

TESTS AND RESEARCH 

On August 7, 2008, at the facilities of Precision Airmotive, Marysville, Washington, the Precision MA-4SPA carburetor, serial number 10-5217, was examined by representatives of Precision Airmotive under the supervision of the Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC).  The examination revealed that the carburetor exhibited impact damage.  The mixture and throttle levers were separated.  The inlet fuel fitting was finger tight.  The fuel inlet screen was removed and found to be free of debris.  The right pontoon of the delrin type float was found completely filled with a blue liquid that appeared to be consistent with 100 low-lead aviation fuel.  No visible leaks were noted with the pontoon.  A blue stain was observed on the inner edge seam at the top of the right pontoon.  

On August 26, 2008, at the facilities of AvTech Services, Maple Valley, Washington, the engine and airframe were examined.  

Examination of the recovered airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.  Flight control continuity was established throughout the airframe to all primary flight controls. 

Examination of the engine revealed that all of the cylinders remained attached to the engine crankcase.  All of the engine accessories were separated from the engine.  The top spark plugs and rocker box covers were removed.  Mechanical continuity was established throughout the engine and valve train when crankshaft was rotated by hand.  Thumb compression was obtained in proper firing order on all cylinders except for number four.  The engine was disassembled and visually examined. 

No anomalies were noted with the number one, two, and three cylinders.

Examination of the number four cylinder revealed that the exhaust valve was stuck in the open position.  Tooling marks were observed on the rocker box casting internal surface next to the exhaust valve spring.  The exhaust valve springs and exhaust valve were removed from the cylinder.  During removal of the exhaust valve, significant binding was noted.  The valve springs visually appeared to be distorted and were intact.  The exhaust valve stem was found bent.  The exhaust valve guide was found loose within its respective bore within the casting of the cylinder head.  The exhaust pushrod was intact and straight.  A wear pattern was present around the circumference of the pushrod, consistent with contact against the pushrod tube, which was dented. 

The crankshaft was intact and undamaged.  All four connecting rods remained attached to the crankshaft and were undamaged.  The camshaft was intact and each of the camshaft cam lobes exhibited severe wear and spalling signatures.  The corresponding tappets exhibited severe spalling on their respective camshaft contact surfaces. 

The single drive dual magneto exhibited damage consistent with impact.  When the magneto drive shaft was rotated by hand, spark was produced on each post with impulse coupling engagement.  According to the Lycoming investigator, the "e-gap timing was not within specifications" and the points were "opening slightly." 

The Lycoming investigator stated that the engine exhibited significant internal wear characteristics consistent with a "high time engine." 

No additional anomalies were noted with the engine.

The two bladed fixed pitch propeller remained attached to the crankshaft propeller flange.  One of the propeller blades exhibited a slight aft bend about 6 inches from the propeller blade tip.  The opposing propeller blade was bent aft and slightly curled. 

History of Flight

Enroute
VFR encounter with IMC
Loss of visual reference
Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial
Age: 47, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
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: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/26/2007
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 14200 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N75558
Model/Series: 172N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:  Normal
Serial Number: 17267807
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/01/2008, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 105.2 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  9935.4 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91  installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner: CREST AIRPARK, INC.
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Brenda Lee Houston
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: ARO, 142 ft msl
Observation Time: 1435 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 210°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 500 ft agl
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / 13°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots, 320°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Roche Harbor, WA (WA09)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Auburn, WA (S50)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  1402 PDT
Type of Airspace: Unknown 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  48.301667, -122.109167



SEATTLE —  A defective carburetor is blamed for the 2008 crash of a small plane north of Arlington that killed three people.

A King County Superior Court jury awarded two families $26.1 million for the deaths of  Dr. Tory Becker, an Auburn spine surgeon, Enumclaw airline pilot Brenda Houston, and her 10-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Crews.

The jury awarded both compensatory and punitive damages against the engine manufacturer.

The single-engine Cessna was flying from San Juan Island to Auburn when its engine failed, causing the airplane to crash into a heavily forested area north of Arlington.  Investigators at the scene discovered that the carburetor float, an accessory which supplies fuel to the engine, had leaked and was full of fuel. 

“Once we analyzed the defects in the carburetor, our investigation focused on the carburetor design, manufacturing process, and failure history,” said Robert Hedrick, an attorney with Aviation Law Group in Seattle who represents the Becker family.  “Sure enough there was a significant history of similar failures for years before this accident,” Hedrick said.

Attorneys said the manufacturer implemented a fix for the carburetor problem more than two years before the crash but the fix was not implemented for thousands of aircraft already operating the field, including the Cessna that crashed.

The trial took place in February and March in Seattle. After hearing testimony and arguments from both sides, the jury awarded compensatory damages to the families. In a second phase of the trial, the jury awarded $6 million in punitive damages.

Becker was in private practice in Auburn and was a staff surgeon at Auburn Regional Medical Center. 

Brenda Houston was an experienced airline pilot with United Airlines.

Source:   http://www.kirotv.com 

Yeager Airport unveils veteran memorial project

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Twenty Air National Guard members who died 62 years ago in one of the worst air tragedies in southern West Virginia are being honored in a living memorial at Yeager Airport

The special project, which aims to recognize contributions of West Virginia veterans, features photographs in the baggage claim area for the Wall of Honor. The wall was unveiled Monday, with the 130th Air Guard Honor Guard displaying post and retire colors. 

The focal point of the first display is a tragic chapter of Yeager Airport's own history.

In 1951, an Air National Guard transport plane clipped the top of a hill and crashed about 10 miles north of Charleston. Nineteen servicemen immediately died; two others died later of their severe burns. Twenty of the 21 were from West Virginia.

The servicemen were flying home from Godman Air Base in Fort Knox, Ky., for the funeral of Major Woodford "Jock" Sutherland, who had been piloting an airplane in Florida that had gone the wrong direction on a taxiway and ended in a ground collision between two F-51 fighter planes.

"This event has big ties to the community," said Tim Murnahan, assistant director of the Yeager Airport. "It's altogether fitting and proper for this flight group to be our first showcase of photos on the 62nd anniversary of the crash."

Story and Photos:  http://www.wvgazette.com

Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL), North Carolina: Plane Landing Gear Malfunction


A landing gear wheel on a twin-engine Cessna gave way upon landing this afternoon at Asheville Regional Airport, causing a fuel tank to rupture. 

 No one was injured in the 1:27 p.m. incident, according to airport spokeswoman Tina Kinsey. The Cessna 310 has three landing gear, and the wheel on the right side of the plane is the one that collapsed.

“The plane had to be removed from the runway,” Kinsey said. “The runway reopened at 2:26 p.m. A few flights were impacted with slight delays.”

A pilot and one passenger were on board. A fuel tank on the wing tip ruptured, but no fire resulted, Kinsey said.

No further information was available.

Man charged with murder after Welsh pilot found dead

Steven Barrett
A man has been charged with murder after a Welsh pilot was found dead in his Edinburgh flat over the weekend.

Steven Barrett, 27, originally from Kenfig Hill, near Bridgend, was found dead in Lochend Butterfly Way in the early hours of Saturday.

Mr Barrett had recently left the RAF and is understood to have been working as a first officer for budget airline Flybe out of Edinburgh Airport.

Police in Scotland said a 23-year-old man had been charged and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Mr Barrett attended Cynffig Comprehensive School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree at Swansea University.

While at university he became an active member of the University of Wales Squadron.

He was then selected to go to Cranwell to begin training to be a pilot with the RAF, graduating as a flying officer in 2007.

From Cranwell he went to RAF Wynton and later to Linton-on-Ouse, successfully completing the Basic Jet Training Course.

He was presented with his wings, achieving the title Flight Lieutenant Stephen Barrett Bsc (Hons) RAF in 2009.

Following the news of his death, friends posted tributes on the internet.

A message from the Rest Bay Lifeguards Club – which Mr Barrett used to a member of – read: “Steven was a member in our junior section for several years.

“He went on to achieve his dream and worked as a pilot.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

While Hywel Davies wrote: “This is really sad news.

“I have a happy memory during one of the junior training sessions before we did risk assessments of Steven breast stroking out through 8ft surf much faster than I could get out front crawl (I was trying to catch up to tell him to return to shore).

"Gareth Law was doing backstroke at the same speed.

“I remember Steven as an awesome athlete and him and his brother Stuart were most valued club members.

“My thoughts go out to his family.

On Twitter Sara Orwin said: “Can't understand why you were taken from us so soon and so young.

“You were a great guy, Steven Barrett #restinpeace.”

And Georgiana Browne wrote: “RIP Baz! You will be sorely missed by us all.”


Story and Photo:   http://www.walesonline.co.uk

Texas Turbine Conversions putting the brakes on expansion at North Texas Regional Airport (KGYI)

The development of North Texas Regional Airport-Perrin Field’s west side has hit a snag after the first prospective tenant for undeveloped portion of NTRA has decided to stay where they are for the time being.

Texas Turbine Conversions had planned to move to a built-to-suit hangar along Highway 289. On Thursday the company will ask the Grayson County Regional Mobility Authority Board to release them from the lease agreement for the new hangar.

“There’s been a change in circumstance with them and they’ve requested (the Board) to … release them from their obligation,” said NTRA Director Mike Shahan.

The lease agreement between the airport and Texas Turbine called for the airport to construct the terminal shell and the company to finish the building. The company was to repay the airport for the cost of the hangar plus 5 percent interest over 20 years of a 40-year lease. Shahan said Texas Turbine has already made one down payment, slightly over $50,000, which will be forfeited with the termination of the agreement.

He stressed that the company, which has been modifying propeller aircraft since the 1990s, according to its website, still plans to operate out of the hangar it currently occupies at NTRA.

“They’re not moving or anything,” Shahan said. “They just can’t commit to such a big project right now.”

He said the airport still plans to complete construction of the 22,500-square-foot hangar. “We’re going to continue to work on the hangar and go ahead and finish it out,” Shahan said.

The airport director said NTRA has two prospects for the hangar. “We’ve got at least one company very seriously considering it,” he said.

“It’s a setback, but we’re moving on,” Shahan said. “We’ll get it built. We’ll get a tenant in there. Hopefully we’ll get a tenant in there before we even have it built.”

Source:  http://heralddemocrat.com
 
GRAYSON COUNTY, TEXAS -- What was a big economic announcement for North Texas Regional Airport this summer is now being put on hold.

This past July, Texas Turbine Conversions announced their plan to lease to purchase a hangar out at NTRA.

Grayson County Commissioners approved spending up to $1.8 million dollars to build a hangar for the company to lease.

Today, Airport Director Mike Shahan says Texas Turbines is "holding off" on their lease because of a "change of circumstance."

Shahan would not give further comment. We'll bring you more information on this story as it becomes available.
 

Source:   http://www.kxii.com

Peru Perenco Helicopter Crash Leaves Nine Dead: Caída de helicóptero en Loreto deja al menos nueve muertos

A helicopter charted by French oil company Perenco SA in Peru crashed today in the northern Amazon jungle, killing all nine people on board, daily El Comercio reported in its online edition.

The Mil Mi-8PS carrying four crew members and five oil workers operated by Helicopteros del Pacifico fell to the ground near the Arabela River near where Perenco is drilling in Block 67, the Lima-based newspaper said.

It was the deadliest helicopter accident in the country since June 2010, when a chopper chartered by Samsung C&T Corp. and Korea Engineering Consultants Corp.  crashed in the southern jungle, killing 14, El Comercio said.

Telephone numbers listed for Perenco’s Lima office weren’t answered outside business hours. 


La nave se precipitó cerca del río Arabela, en el distrito de Napo, provincia de Maynas. Viajaban trabajadores de petrolera Perenco

 
Un helicóptero de la compañía Helipac (Helicópteros del Pacífico) cayó por causas que aún se desconocen cerca del río Arabela, en una zona con vegetación conocida como Curaray, correspondiente al distrito de Napo, provincia de Maynas, en la región Loreto.

Según pudo conocer El Comercio, la nave con cuatro tripulantes y cinco trabajadores de la empresa petrolera Perenco se dirigía al lote 67 de la base petrolera de esta compañía. Todos habrían muerto. Otras versiones señalan que serían 13 los fallecidos.

El helicóptero modelo MI-8 se precipitó aproximadamente a las 11:10 a.m. y aún continuaría ardiendo en llamas.

Un equipo de contingencia de la empresa Perenco y personal de Defensa Nacional del gobierno regional se dirigen a la zona. Aún se desconoce el nombre de los accidentados.

En los exteriores de la empresa petrolera, en Iquitos, se encuentran amigos y familiares de los trabajadores buscando información. Una mujer que dijo tener a un amigo y a su hermano entre las víctimas, comentó esta tarde a RPP que en representantes de la compañía le habían dicho que todos los ocupantes han fallecido.

Según reportó Canal N, tres de los fallecidos serían Hernán Cervantes, Máximo Rolando Cuello y Frider Pasmiño.


Source:  http://elcomercio.pe

A helicopter Helipac Company (Pacific Helicopters) dropped for reasons still unknown about Arabela River, in an area known as Curaray vegetation, for the district of Napo province Maynas, in the Loreto region.

According to El Comercio could meet, the vessel with four crew and five employees of the oil company Perenco headed to lot 67 of the base oil from this company. All have died. Other versions say that the deceased would be 13.

The model helicopter MI-8 crashed at about 11:10 am and still continue to burn in flames.

A contingency team Perenco and Defence personnel regional government target area. Even the name is unknown to the injured.

In the foreign oil company in Iquitos, friends and family are workers looking information. A woman claiming to be a friend and brother among the victims, said this afternoon RPP that company representatives had been told that all passengers have died.

According to Canal N reported, three of the deceased would Hernán Cervantes, Rolando Maximum Neck and Frider Pasmiño.

Beech A36TC, N36SG: Accident occurred April 06, 2013 in Big Bear City, California

NTSB Identification: WPR13LA184 
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, April 06, 2013 in Big Bear City, CA
Aircraft: BEECH A36TC, registration: N36SG
Injuries: 1 Serious,3 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 April 6, 2013, about 1035 Pacific daylight time, a Beech A36TC airplane, N36SG, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, California. The pilot received serious injuries, and his three passengers received minor injuries. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident location. The airplane had departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ), Carlsbad, California, and was destined for Big Bear City Airport (L35).

According to the pilot, his passengers include his niece, her husband, and their 5-year-old son. En route, the pilot cancelled his IFR flight plan, and continued, using flight following services from SoCal Approach. The pilot planned to follow his normal route, which included a slow let down to L35 after passing ARRAN intersection. Shortly after the airplane passed ARRAN, at an estimated altitude of between 9,500 and 9,000 feet, the airplane experienced a "very sudden" onset, high-frequency vibration. The pilot reduced the power setting, and notified the air traffic controller of an engine problem. Initially the manifold pressure gauge provided very erratic indications, but the pilot was unable to discern whether this was a valid indication, or the instrument responding to the vibration. The airplane began to descend, and the pilot adjusted the engine controls to yield normal manifold pressure and rpm cruise values. However, the airplane did not respond commensurately with the indicated power setting, and continued its descent. When the airplane was approximately abeam the "observatory" (a visual landmark) at an altitude of about 6,900 feet, the pilot switched to the airport advisory frequency, and notified them of his engine problem. The pilot observed a causeway that crossed the lake between his position and the airport, and began a turn to his right (south) to avoid the causeway. At some point, the pilot recognized and broadcast that he was unable to make the airport, and planned to land in a field west of the airport. The pilot banked to the right to turn for the field, but the right wingtip contacted the lake. The airplane "flipped," and came to rest inverted in water about 1 to 3 feet deep. The impact location was about 0.3 miles southwest of the causeway, and about 1.25 miles southwest of the L35 runway 8 threshold. L35 elevation was 6,752 feet.

An eyewitness on his property on the lake was attracted to the airplane by its sound. He estimated that at that time he noticed the airplane, it was about 30 to 35 feet above the lake, and headed south, towards him. He then saw it bank right, and impact the lake. He summoned 911 assistance, and then ran into the lake to render assistance.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single engine land and instrument airplane ratings. He reported that he had a total flight experience of approximately 1,300 hours, including about 1,250 hours in the accident airplane make and model. The airplane was manufactured in 1979, and was equipped with a Teledyne Continental TSIO-520 engine.

The L35 1035 automated weather observation included winds from 260 degrees at 8 knots, variable between 224 and 284 degrees; visibility 10 miles, clear skies; temperature 15 degrees C; dew point minus 8 degrees C; and an altimeter setting of 30.14 inches of mercury.



Two people were injured Saturday morning, April 6, when an airplane crashed in shallow water on the south shoreline of Big Bear Lake. 

 San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies described the crash as “more of a hard landing.” The injuries were minor.

The airplane, a Beech A36 Bonanza, lost engine power and ditched in shallow water at 10:41 a.m., according to Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer.

Three people were aboard, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, although Kenitzer said there may have been as many as four. The aircraft had substantial damage.

Details about the aircraft involved in the crash were not available, but specifications found on the Internet indicate it is normally a six-seat, single-engine aircraft.

No information was available on where the plane took off from or where it was headed.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating, Kenitzer said in an email, noting that it could take months before a preliminary report is prepared.