Docket And Docket Items - National Transportation Safety Board: http://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: http://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
DOUGLAS J. SYMICZEK: http://registry.faa.gov/N3723T
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 06, 2014 in Lake Elsinore, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/18/2015
Aircraft: PIPER PA 28R-180, registration: N3723T
Injuries: 3 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
A video made by a witness located in a restaurant parking lot near the top of a ridge initially shows the airplane wings level at a low altitude with a steady engine rpm and the landing gear in the retracted position. The airplane then makes about a 45-degree, left turn. The airplane subsequently levels off, flying in the direction toward the ridgeline with the landing gear in the extended position. The airplane continues at a low altitude toward the rising terrain, and then the video ends. Shortly thereafter, witnesses reported seeing smoke in the area where the airplane had disappeared from their sight. The wreckage was found about 0.32 mile southwest of the restaurant parking lot, and the airplane had impacted trees on the rising terrain. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
This airplane was equipped with a back-up landing gear extension system, which incorporates a pressure-sensing device to automatically lower the landing gear at airspeeds between about 85 and 105 mph depending upon the power setting and regardless of the position of the gear handle in the cockpit. The system can be overridden by manually holding the emergency gear lever in the raised position. About 16 years before the accident, the manufacturer issued a mandatory two-part service bulletin requiring that either (1) the back-up landing gear extension system be removed from the airplane or (2) that the owner and operator review and understand the information about the system in the airplane flight manual and Pilot’s Operating Handbook, including its operation and limitations. The mechanic who conducted the airplane’s most recent annual inspection reported that the airplane’s back-up landing gear extension system was still operational and that it had not been disabled.
The pilot was maneuvering at a low level in an area with no suitable terrain for landing; therefore, it is likely that he did not intentionally lower the landing gear. During the steep turn, the airspeed likely decreased enough for the back-up landing gear system to engage and extend the gear. With the increased drag of the landing gear and low airspeed, the airplane did not have sufficient power or altitude to clear the rising terrain and subsequently collided with trees.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the landing gear unintentionally extended while maneuvering at low altitude and airspeed, which increased the airplane’s drag and decreased its ability to climb over the rising terrain.
On July 6, 2014, about 0920 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-180, N3723T, collided with mountainous terrain near Lake Elsinore, California. The private pilot and two passengers died and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from French Valley Airport (F70), Murrieta, California at about 0815.
A witness reported that he was standing in the parking lot for a popular cliff side restaurant with about 25 other people. He heard and observed an extremely low flying airplane buzz overhead. The airplane made about a 45 degree banking turn towards the ridgeline when he heard a hydraulic noise ("gggeee"); he observed the landing gear doors open and the landing gear extend. He reported that the gear took about three seconds to lower; it wasn't a sudden drop. The witness also stated that it didn't sound as if the airplane was operating at full power, but at about half power. As the airplane leveled off in a southwesterly direction, it barely cleared the powerlines along the road and proceeded towards the ridge before going out of sight. About five seconds later they observed a plume of smoke. The witness mentioned that it appeared as if the pilot was "showing off."
One witness videoed the flyby while standing in the restaurant parking lot. The airplane was seen coming from the southeast with a steady engine RPM, and the landing gear in the retracted position. The pilot made a hard left turn; when the airplane started to level off towards the southwest, the landing gear was in the extended position. The airplane went out of sight flying towards rising terrain with the right wing slightly lower than the left, and the video ends. The provider of the video reported that a few seconds after the video ended he observed a cloud of smoke rise where the airplane had disappeared.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The pilot, age 49, held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land with an instrument rating issued January 18, 2004, and a third-class airman medical certificate issued April 17, 2014 with no limitations. During his most recent medical examination, he reported he had accumulated 3,400 total flight hours, none of which were within the past six months.
A friend of the pilot reported that the pilot purchased the airplane in about 2008 and used it to commute to work for about one or two years. After a change in work, the pilot did not fly the airplane for about five years. During that time, the pilot had the airplane's engine overhauled and airframe completely inspected. After the work, and an annual inspection was completed, the airplane was test flown and broken-in about 5-7 weeks prior to the accident. The pilot had told his friend that, after the maintenance, the airplane had been flying better than ever before.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The four-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear airplane, serial #28R-30029 was manufactured in 1967. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-360-B1E, 180 horsepower engine and equipped with a Hartzell, constant speed propeller. Review of copies of maintenance logbook records showed an annual inspection was completed May 12, 2014, at a recorded tachometer reading of 4,651.1 hours, and airframe total time of 9,487.1 hours. Due to extensive damage, the tachometer and the Hobbs hour-meter were unable to be identified within the wreckage.
This airplane was equipped with a back-up landing gear extension system. This system incorporates a pressure sensing device to automatically lower the landing gear at airspeeds between about 85 MPH and 105 MPH depending upon the power setting, and regardless of the position of the gear handle within the cockpit. The system can be overridden by manually holding the emergency gear lever in the raised position.
The mechanic who conducted the airplane's most recent annual inspection reported that the airplane's back-up landing gear extension system was still operational, and that the system had not been disabled.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
The nearest weather reporting station was located at the March Air Reserve Base (RIV), Riverside, California, about 17 miles north of the accident site. At 0858, the weather was reported as calm wind, clear skies, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 28 degrees C, dewpoint 7 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.06 inches of mercury.
Witnesses reported that the wind was calm the morning of the accident.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The wreckage was approximately 560 yards (0.32 miles) southwest of the restaurant parking lot at an elevation of about 2,585 feet. The first identified points of impact were three topped trees near the edge of a ravine. The trees measured between about 3-5 inches in diameter and were topped about mid-height. About 20 feet beyond the trees was the right wing and right wing landing gear at the edge of the ravine. The aileron and flap were partially attached to the wing, which sustained fire damage specifically in the fuel tank area.
The main wreckage came to rest at the bottom of the ravine; no impact damage was noted to the ravine wall between the right wing and main wreckage, however, this area was heavily burned and trafficked by emergency personnel. The engine was found inverted and partially covered in dirt and debris. One propeller was visible, and the outboard about 1/3rd of it was bent forward. The other blade was partially underneath the firewall and forward fuselage; it was noted that it was bent aft about midspan. The forward cabin was on top of and slightly to the right of the engine. The forward cabin area was heavily damaged and burned. The instrument panel was unreadable, and the fuel selector was unable to be located. The front two seats and rear bench seat were burned and located within this area. Further to the right was the empennage, which was heavily damaged and burned.
The left wing was separated from the fuselage at the wing root and came to rest on top of, and to the left of, the engine. The left wing sustained heavy fire damage specifically in the fuel tank area. The aileron and flap were partially attached to their attachment points.
Control continuity was established throughout the airframe. The cables leading to the wings sustained fractures consistent with tension overload, and the empennage control cables had been cut by emergency personnel.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
An autopsy was performed on the pilot on July 8, 2014, by the Riverside County Sheriff - Coroner Division located in Perris, California. The cause of death was thermal injuries with inhalation of products of combustion.
The FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute performed forensic toxicology on specimens from the pilot with negative results for carbon monoxide, ethanol, and tested for drugs.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
The airplane was recovered and transported to a recovery yard; there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.
The Engine:
Postaccident visual examination of the engine revealed no evidence of catastrophic mechanical failure or malfunction.
The engine and fuel system sustained heavy thermal damage throughout. The fuel flow divider was still secured to its mount and the fuel lines were still secured from its fittings to each cylinder's fuel injector. The throttle and mixture controls were still secured to their respective control arms on the fuel servo, and the throttle lever was found against the stop in the full open position. The throttle plate displayed heavy thermal damage and was bent in half.
The magnetos were still attached to the aft portion of the engine, but they sustained heavy thermal damage and were unable to be tested. The ignition harness was still secured from its respective magnetos to the spark plugs. The top spark plugs were removed and the electrodes displayed wear consistent with normal operations when compared to the Champion Spark Plugs "Check-A-Plug" chart AV-27. The rocker covers were removed and no thermal damage was noted. The propeller was attempted to be rotated by hand; but it would not rotate. The accessory section sustained heavy thermal damage. Further examination revealed melted aluminum was found covering the accessory gears that connect to the crankshaft, restricting its movement.
A borescope was used to examine the inside of the cylinders combustion chambers. The combustion chambers, piston heads, and valves were intact and undamaged. There was no evidence of foreign objects or oil deprivation. Holes were drilled into the crankcase to examine the crankshaft, connecting rods, and camlobes. The crankshaft and the connecting rods were well oiled and displayed no evidence of oil deprivation, contamination, or heat distress. The camshaft was intact and all camlobes appeared to have their normal shape.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Piper Aircraft Corporation issued a mandatory service bulletin (No. 769) on October 19, 1983 recommending that a landing gear back-up extension override mechanism be installed onto the airplane within the next 100 hours of operation, or at the next scheduled inspection or maintenance, whichever occurs first. This mechanism will override the back-up landing gear extension system without the pilot having to manually hold the emergency gear lever.
On March 4, 1988, Piper Aircraft Corporation issued a two part service bulletin (No. 866A) requiring the back-up landing gear extension system to be removed from the airplane or that the owner and operator review and understand the system, how it operates, and its limitations. To remove the back-up gear extend system, Piper provides a back-up landing gear extender removal kit. However, the removal kit can only be used if service bulletin No.769 has already been complied with. If the owner and/or operator chooses to continue to use the system, Piper requires that not only does the owner/operator understand the system, how it operates, and its limitations, but they require a copy of this service bulletin to be attached to the airplane flight manual. Piper also mandates that an entry is made in the airplane logbook indicating compliance with Part II of this service bulletin.
Separate memorial services will be held over the next week for three family members who died in a plane crash near Lake Elsinore on July 6.
Doug Symiczek, 49, of Menifee; Kyle Parton, 29, of Menifee; and Jacob Giffiths, 32, of Costa Mesa died when the small plane piloted by Symiczek crashed in the 31900 block of Ortega Highway as a result of engine failure.
Symiczek and his wife Kim are 25-year residents of Menifee who were preparing to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Parton and Griffiths were their sons-in-law.
Symiczek's daughter Breanna and her husband Kyle Parton have lived in Menifee for four years. Their second child, a daughter named Trulee, was born one week after the accident, on July 13. Breanna's sister Amanda Griffiths, expecting her first child in January, also lost her husband and her father in the crash. The Griffiths own a home in Costa Mesa.
Separate memorial services will be held over the next week for three family members who died in a plane crash near Lake Elsinore on July 6.
Doug Symiczek, 49, of Menifee; Kyle Parton, 29, of Menifee; and Jacob Giffiths, 32, of Costa Mesa died when the small plane piloted by Symiczek crashed in the 31900 block of Ortega Highway as a result of engine failure.
Symiczek and his wife Kim are 25-year residents of Menifee who were preparing to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Parton and Griffiths were their sons-in-law.
Symiczek's daughter Breanna and her husband Kyle Parton have lived in Menifee for four years. Their second child, a daughter named Trulee, was born one week after the accident, on July 13. Breanna's sister Amanda Griffiths, expecting her first child in January, also lost her husband and her father in the crash. The Griffiths own a home in Costa Mesa.
Kyle Lawrence Parton (right) was born Oct. 1, 1984 and grew up in Yucaipa. A 2002 graduate of Yucaipa High School, he was employed by Burnham Energy and worked as a solar panel instructor.
Parton was described by his sister as someone who was "fun loving and an adventurous spirit who enjoyed golfing, hunting, dirt biking, and any other outdoor activity among the company of family friends. He will also be looked up to as a loving and caring father, husband, son, uncle and brother. He will be remember for his easygoing personality, sense of humor, and loving and compassionate ways."
Parton is survived by his wife Breanna; son Ryder, age 3; daughter Trulee, born July 13; parents Mark and Barbara Parton of Yucaipa; and sister Jen Parton of Yucaipa.
Following is information on the memorial services:
Service for Jacob Timothy Griffiths
Friday, July 18, 2 p.m.
Mariners Worship Center
5001 Newport Coast Drive
Irvine, CA
Reception on the lawn immediately following the service.
Service for Douglas John Symiczek
Saturday, July 19, 2 p.m.
Hans Christensen Middle School
27625 Sherman Road
Menifee, CA
Reception to follow
Service for Kyle Lawrence Parton
Wednesday, July 23, 11 a.m.
Redlands Calvary Chapel Packing House
9700 Alabama St.
Redlands, CA
Reception to follow
Kim Symiczek's wishes are that the July 19 memorial service for her husband in Menifee also be a celebration of the life of all three men.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the nearest Chase Bank or bank-to-bank online to the Symiczek, Griffiths and Parton Memorial Fund. Account number is 3025577627.
Donations may also be made through this gofundme account online.
http://www.menifee247.com
Douglas John Symiczek
Kyle Lawrence Parton
Breanna Parton and her daughter Trulee, born on July 13.
(Photo courtesy of Jen Parton)
Family members say Kyle Parton, second from left, Doug Symiczek, center, and Jacob Griffiths, second from right, were killed in a plane crash Sunday in Lake Elsinore. Parton and Symiczek were from Menifee.
COURTESY OF THE SYMICZEK FAMILY
COURTESY OF SUSAN GRIFFITHS
Costa Mesa man remembered after plane crash
Jacob Griffiths, 32, was expecting a baby with his wife when he died with three others in accident.
Jacob Griffiths, 32, was expecting a baby with his wife when he died with three others in accident.
Donations can be made at gofundme.com/dougjacobkyle.
NTSB Identification: WPR14FA282
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 06, 2014 in Lake Elsinore, CA
Aircraft: PIPER PA 28R-180, registration: N3723T
Injuries: 3 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On July 6, 2014, about 0920 Pacific daylight time, a Piper 28R-180, N3723T, collided with mountainous terrain near Lake Elsinore, California. The private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from French Valley Airport (F70), Murrieta, California about 0815.
Witnesses reported that they observed the airplane flying in a northerly direction about 200 feet above the ground. The airplane made a steep, climbing turn to the left, barely clearing nearby powerlines. The wings leveled and the airplane flew in a southwesterly direction towards rising terrain. The airplane flew out of view, and about five seconds later they observed a plume of smoke.
Initial review of the accident site revealed the airplane had impacted two trees before coming to rest at the base of a ravine. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
In honor of Doug, Jacob and Kyle
On Sunday July 6th 2014, Doug Symiczek, Jacob Griffiths and Kyle Parton passed away in a tragic plane accident.
Doug Symiczek, 49, left behind his wife Kim, and two daughters, Amanda and Breanna.
Jacob Griffiths, 32, left behind his wife Amanda and their unborn child.
Kyle Parton, 29, left behind his wife Breanna, their 3 year old son, Ryder and their unborn baby girl.
All donations will be given directly to the spouses of Doug, Jacob and Kyle for any funeral costs or extra expenses as well as supporting the new babies.
We appreciate your donations and ask that you continue to pray for the family and friends affected by this great tragedy.
Please continue to share this link with everyone you know.
The family needs as much support as they can!
God bless you.
Source: http://www.gofundme.com/dougjacobkyle
It was supposed to be a quick Sunday morning flight from French Valley to Corona Airport for breakfast at Doug Symiczek’s favorite cafe. Then he and his two sons-in-law were to return to southwest Riverside County and get a boat from Symiczek’s Menifee home, family members said.
“He had just put a new motor in his boat and they were going to take it out to Lake Elsinore,” said Bob Dennison, Symiczek’s brother-in-law.
But Symiczek, 49, the pilot, and passengers Kyle Parton, 29, of Menifee, and Jacob Griffiths, 32, of Costa Mesa, never made it back to French Valley Airport.
Witnesses said that the 1967 Piper PA28 they were in abruptly made a sharp turn, clipped some trees and crashed into the mountains above Lake Elsinore in a fiery explosion shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday.
Beckie Dennison, Symiczek’s sister-in-law, said initial reports suggest the plane’s sputtering single engine was failing.
“(Doug) knew what was going on, and that he needed to land right away,” she said an interview Monday in Menifee. “If he hadn’t hit the tree, they would have landed safely. It’s such a freak accident.”
The National Transportation Safety Board sent an investigator to the crash site Monday to investigate.
NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss said the agency was “trying to get a sense of the history of the flight” in the hopes of determining what went wrong.
“They’re racing against the daylight hours to gather as much data as they can,” Weiss said by telephone.
Weiss said a preliminary report will be released in a week to 10 days, but it likely will be a year before the cause is determined.
Bob and Beckie Dennison, who live in La Quinta, said Symiczek had hired a firm to rebuild the engine and the plane was recently cleared for flight. They said he had been flying since 1990 and had owned the plane since 1991, and that many times they had flown with him.
Beckie Dennison said the accident couldn’t have come at a worse time. Kyle Parton and his wife Breanna Parton were expecting a baby girl. Sunday was Breanna’s due date. It also came in the month that Doug and Kim Symiczek were to mark their 30th wedding anniversary. There was talk of celebrating in Hawaii.
“They were the most amazing men – all of them,” said Doug’s wife, Kim. “My husband was the best pilot ever.”
Kyle Parton leaves behind not only his pregnant wife but also a 3-year-old son, Ryder. Meanwhile, Jacob Griffiths’ wife, Amanda, is three months along with her first child.
Jacob Griffiths grew up in Orange County, graduating from Garden Grove High School. He later moved to Irvine where his father and stepmother – Scott and Susan Griffiths – live, and most recently lived in Costa Mesa.
The Griffiths family frequented Mariners Church in Irvine long before pastor Eric Heard arrived 15 years ago.
“He was a young man of noble character,” Heard said of Jacob, who was involved in the church’s outreach ministry.
“These are just good people,” he said.
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