Schiele "Bill" Brewer standing next to one of his planes. Brewer, 77, died Thursday in a plane crash in Herkimer County.
Sierra Bravo Aircraft Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N8768B
NTSB Identification: ERA14LA423
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, September 04, 2014 in Webb, NY
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/29/2016
Aircraft: MCMURRAY DAVID C SEAREY, registration: N8768B
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
The commercial pilot had purchased the experimental, amateur-built amphibious airplane about 6 months before the accident and was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on a reservoir. A witness reported observing the airplane departing from the water and flying overhead before losing sight of it behind trees. She added that the airplane then sounded as if it was approaching for another landing when she heard a series of engine “sputters and roars,” followed by silence. The airplane was subsequently located nose down submerged in water. The pilot was in the interior of the empennage, and he had drowned. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Autopsy findings indicated that the pilot likely had longstanding hypertension and significant coronary artery disease, and toxicology testing detected enalapril, a blood pressure medication, in his urine; however, it is unlikely that his medical conditions or the medication he was taking to treat them contributed to the accident. Further, the pilot was able to attempt to extricate himself from the wreckage, which indicated that he was alive and at least somewhat functional after the crash. This eliminates the possibility that sudden cardiac death or unconsciousness caused the loss of control. Although lesser cardiac symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath might be distracting, there is no evidence that such symptoms occurred. Given the evidence, it is likely that the pilot lost control of the amphibious airplane while practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings, which resulted in its impact with water.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the amphibious airplane while practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on a reservoir.
On September 4, 2014, about 1105 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built amphibious McMurray Searey seaplane, N8768B, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged while landing on the Stillwater Reservoir, Webb, New York. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that originated at the Boonville Airport, Boonville, New York. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to records obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane was purchased by the pilot through a corporation on March 3, 2014. The airplane was equipped with a Rotax 912 ULS, 100-horsepower engine and originally issued an airworthiness certificate on July 1, 1997.
According to information obtained from an FAA inspector, the pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on the reservoir. A witness observed the airplane departing from the water and flying overhead before losing sight of it behind trees. The witness stated that the airplane sounded as if it was approaching for another landing and she heard a series of engine "sputters and roars" followed by silence; however, she did not associate the sounds with an airplane accident. The airplane was subsequently located nose down, submerged in the water, with the pilot, located in the interior of the empennage. The canopy was completely fractured and the airframe around the forward portion of the canopy was substantially damaged.
Examination of the airframe and engine, which included confirming flight control continuity to all control surfaces, and a successful postaccident engine operational test run by an FAA inspector, did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, which would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was equipped with lap belts, and was not equipped with shoulder harnesses.
The pilot, age 77, held a commercial pilot certificate, with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, single-engine sea, and instrument airplane. He also held a flight instructor certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine, and instrument airplane. The pilot reported 3,100 hours of total flight experience, with 48 hours flown during the previous 6 months on his most recent application for an FAA second class medical certificate, which was dated July 3, 2014. The pilot's logbook was damaged due to water immersion; however, examination of the logbook by an FAA inspector determined that he had accumulated approximately 11 hours in the airplane since it was purchased.
The airframe logbooks were not recovered and the airplane's last condition inspection could not be verified; however, it was noted that the airplane had been issued a new FAA Airworthiness Certificate on August 5, 2013, which would have required a condition inspection. Review of maintenance information provided by the pilot's family indicated that at the time of the accident, the airplane had been operated for about 300 total hours. In addition, the last engine maintenance was an oil and filter, and air filter change, which were performed on November 20, 2013, about 65 hours prior to the accident.
An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the Herkimer County Coroner's Office, District No. 1, Old Forge, New York. According to the autopsy report, the cause of death was warm water drowning and the manner of death was accident. The heart weighed 450 grams. The left ventricle was described as normal sized but hypertrophied. The left ventricle measured 2.0 centimeters (cm) thick and the right ventricle measured 0.6 cm thick. In addition, coronary artery disease was identified with 60 percent stenosis in both the left main and left anterior descending arteries and 20 percent stenosis in the right and circumflex coronary arteries. However, the heart muscle was free of scar or other focal findings.
Toxicological testing performed on the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, identified enalapril in urine, but not in blood. No other tested-for substances were identified. The pilot reported a diagnosis of hypertension with the use of omeprazole and enalapril during his most recent FAA medical examination.
A weather observation taken at an airport that was located about 50 miles south-southwest of the accident site, at 1053, reported winds from 140 degrees at 5 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clear skies; temperature 23 degrees Celsius (C); dew point 18 degrees C; altimeter 30.15 inches of mercury.
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, September 04, 2014 in Webb, NY
Aircraft: MCMURRAY DAVID C SEAREY, registration: N8768B
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On September 4, 2014, about 1105 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built amphibious Searey, N8768B, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged while landing on the Stillwater Reservoir, Webb, New York. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that originated at the Boonville Airport, Boonville, New York. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to records obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane was purchased by the pilot through a corporation on March 3, 2014. The airplane was equipped with a Rotax 912 ULS, 100-horsepower engine and originally issued an airworthiness certificate on July 1, 1997.
According to initial information obtained from an FAA inspector, the pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on the reservoir. A witness observed the airplane departing from the water and flying overhead before losing sight of it behind trees. The witness stated that the airplane sounded as if it was approaching for another landing and she heard a series of engine "sputters and roars" followed by silence; however, she did not associate the sounds with an airplane accident. The airplane was subsequently located submerged in the water. The canopy was completely fractured and the airframe around the forward portion of the canopy was substantially damaged.
Initial examination of the airframe and engine by an FAA inspector did not reveal evidence of any obvious catastrophic failures. The wreckage was retained for further examination to be performed at a later date.
The pilot reported 3,100 hours of total flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA second class medical certificate, which was dated July 3, 2014.
AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE 1 PERSON ON BOARD WAS FATALLY INJURED, STILLWATER RESERVOIR, HERKIMER COUNTY, NY
Flight Standards District Office: FAA Albany FSDO-01
Any witnesses should email witness@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.
Schiele "Bill" Brewer
Obituary of Schiele Brewer
Schiele "Bill" Brewer
Sherrill-Schiele "Bill" Brewer, 77 of 1005 Sherrill Road, Sherrill passed away Thursday September 4, 2014 in a tragic airplane accident.
Born in New Rochelle, NY on July 25th 1937, he was the son of James Edward and Catherine Schiele Brewer.
Dr. Brewer was a class of 1955 graduate of St Frances DeSalles High School in Utica. He attended the University of Notre Dame from which he graduated in 1958.
He completed his medical training in 1961 at Upstate Medical School in Syracuse.
Upon his graduation from medical school he was commissioned with the Air Force as a flight surgeon and performed active duty from 1962-1964.
He then returned to Upstate Medical Center in 1965 to complete his residency in Ophthalmology.
In 1968 Dr. Brewer started his medical practice in both Oneida and Rome continuing to help people preserve their vision for 30 years. In addition to his private practice he also served as a faculty member training new ophthalmology residents at the VA Hospital in Syracuse.
Dr. Brewer also served with the Air Force Reserves for over 20 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2000.
On June 18, 1960 he married Heleene Volk. The couple remained happily married for 54 years creating a family with seven children.
Bill's volunteer activities and clubs included the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Quiet Birdmen and Madison County Medical Society. He served as a Sherrill City Commissioner from 2002 to 2011.
Bill's passions included a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a love of flying. He took his young family to the Adirondacks and soon bought a camp in Beaver River. Summers were spent in the woods and on the waters of the Stillwater Reservoir where Bill found peace and adventure in outdoor projects and pursuits. The Adirondacks always remained a haven for him, his wife and children.
The clear blue sky was a constant draw to Bill Brewer. His interest in airplanes began as a young boy. He soloed when he was 16 and maintained his pilot credentials throughout his life. He considered any time spent in the air with friends and family as preferable to being bound to the ground. He was a Certified Flight Instructor who frequently introduced young pilots to the thrill of flying and infrequently charged them for the service. He combined his medical skills and flying interests by providing area pilots with annual flight physicals. He lived each day with energy and optimism looking at the gift of 24 hours as something that should be spent learning, working and enjoying family, friends and the opportunities provided by a vigorous life.
He is survived by his wife Heleene, his seven children Christine (Roy) Regner, William (Leah), Edward (JoDean), Paul (Una), Mark (Pam), Ken (Kris), Anne (Pete Evans), and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother James (Joanna) and sister Kate (Gordon) Greer.
Friends may call on Sunday September 7th from 3:00-7:00pm. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc. 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill.
Funeral services will be held Monday September 8th at 3pm at St. Helena's Catholic Church, Primo Ave. , Sherrill. A reception for friends and family will be held at the Brewer home, 1005 Sherrill Road, following the service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be directed to the VVS Educational Foundation or the Lions Club.
- See more at: http://maleckifuneralhomes.com
SHERRILL, N.Y. -- Compared to his decades of serving in the Air Force, Thursday's routine flight practice was supposed to be nothing for Schiele Brewer.
The 77-year-old, who went by Bill, recently retired as an attending physician at the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, his daughter Christine Regner said. Before that, the ophthalmologist held a private practice in Oneida and Rome for more than 30 years. He retired in 1998.
When he wasn't caring for patients, he was in the sky.
Brewer was in his 1997 Searey single-engine plane practicing touch-and-go water landings Thursday on the Stillwater Reservoir when his plane crashed. State Forest Rangers and the Lewis County sheriff's deputies found Brewer's body inside the wreckage.
State police and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. The FAA said it could take weeks before the investigation is concluded.
The plane Brewer was flying Thursday was smaller than the single-engine Cessna plane Brewer was used to flying. The smaller Searey plane, considered a light-sport aircraft, is harder to maneuver and required more technical skills than the Cessna, Regner said.
Brewer got the new, smaller plane in March and saw it as a new challenge, Regner said. Thursday was not the first time Brewer had done the touch-and-go water landings and had never had any problems doing them before. He'd been flying in the area many times in the past, including over the reservoir, Regner said.
"He was a very experienced pilot," she said.
Taking advantage of the nice weather, Brewer had been out flying on Wednesday, the day before the fatal crash, Regner said.
Brewer's love of flying started in 1962, when he began service as an flight surgeon for the Air Force in Texas following his graduation from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 1961. He served on active duty until 1964.
While balancing his private practice, Brewer served in the Air Force Reserve for more than 20 years, reaching the rank of colonel while based at Dover Air Force Base, Regner said. He retired in 2000.
Brewer bought property in Beaver River, on the south shore of the Stillwater Reservoir, in 1980, Regner said, where the family would often spend time.
Brewer has taken Regner, her six siblings and all of Brewer's 16 grandchildren up in the air with him, she said. They had plenty of opportunities to go, as Brewer would go flying as often as he could.
"Any time it was a nice day, blue sky, he wanted to be up there," she said.
A passion for flying runs deep in the Brewer family. Regner said her brother Edward is a commercial pilot for Delta Airlines and another brother, Mark, flies recreationally. Regner herself has a student pilot's certificate.
"He was doing what he absolutely loved to do right up until the end," she said.
Brewer served as Sherrill City Commissioner from 2002 until 2011 and was active in the Lions Club, St. Helena's Catholic Church and was a volunteer for Angel Flight, a non-profit organization that provides free flights for those needing non-emergency medical treatment.
Calling hours will be held at the Malecki Funeral Home, 464 Sherrill Road., Sherrill, on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at St. Helena's Catholic Church, 210 Primo Ave., Sherrill.
Source: http://www.syracuse.com
Ronald Nearing surveys light plane wreckage on Stillwater Reservoir near Beaver River on Thursday.
Update: State police said a 76 year old man was killed Thursday when his plane crashed at Stillwater Reservoir in a remote section of Herkimer County.
Officials identified him as Schiele "Bill" Brewer, who had a camp at Beaver River (also known as Beaver River Station).
According to police, his small single-engine plane took off from Boonville Thursday morning.
His body was recovered and taken to Lewis County General Hospital Thursday evening.
Scott Thompson was the first to approach the plane.
"The plane had damage. It had been there a long time and we could just see sneakers and legs," he said.
It was emotional for Thompson because he lives in Beaver River, a tight community where everyone knows everyone.
He, just like everybody else who owns property there, knew Brewer, who was an experienced flyer.
"We had just had his daughter's wedding here and everybody that's been coming to town for the last 10 years came to the wedding. So it was a real family event," said Thompson.
The mood around town during last month's wedding was polar opposite of Thursday's mood.
State police spent a majority of Thursday afternoon and evening navigating the waters trying to find a way to get to the plane - not an easy task because the water levels are low.
The water is the only way to get to the plane.
Investigators still aren't sure exactly what happened over the reservoir.
Crews from the Federal Aviation Administration were expected arrive Friday to try to determine just that.
In the meantime, state police will monitor the plane, Which was moved to a dock about a mile from where it crashed.
Our report from earlier Thursday evening:
Emergency personnel from Lewis County have been called to the scene of a reported plane crash in Herkimer County.
County Emergency Services Director Jim Martin said the plane reportedly crashed in Stillwater Reservoir near the community of Beaver River Station.
He said the area is so remote that Lewis County has the only access road to transport equipment into the water.
Martin said a sheriff's department boat and the county's search and rescue squad were called to the scene.
Martin told 7 News one person was reported to still be in the plane and another person was in the water.
However, the co-owner of the Norridgewock Lodge in Beaver River (also known as Beaver River Station) said one person was dead.
Scott Thompson said the scene is about a half mile from the lodge.
"We all went to the scene and all we could see was that there was a body in the plane. It was a small amphibious home-built aircraft or a kit-built aircraft," he said.
Thompson said he had spotted the craft in the water earlier in the day, but had no idea it was a plane.
A camp owner in the area, Ronald Nearing, told 7 News he heard a plane flying overhead at around 9 a.m.
Nearing (pictured at the accident scene) said he also heard the sound of an engine dying during that same time period.
"I know what engines sound like when they're going bad. It sounded like a plane that was in trouble and I thought, 'Wow, what can that be?' And all of a sudden, I didn't hear anything more," he said.
Nearing and Thompson said state police and officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation are on the scene.
Dive teams have also responded, they said.
According to Martin, Lewis County's undersheriff and Emergency Medical Services coordinator responded.
- Source: http://www.wwnytv.com
Sep 05, 2014 — Emergency responders expected back at the scene of a plane crash today in the remote Stillwater Reservoir, in the western Adirondacks
A local eyewitness interviewed by NCPR say it appears that the pilot of the small aircraft was killed in the accident, which occurred sometime on Thursday.
According to WWNY-TV, State Police have identified the victim as 76-year-old Schiele "Bill" Brewer
According to numerous sources, Brewer was a physician in central New York who owned a camp on the Stillwater.
Scott Thompson, a proprietor with the Norridgewok Inn in Beaver River, tells NCPR that he visited the scene of the crash and found the plane tail-down in roughly five feet of water.
"Because we're so remote we sort of have our own emergency procedures here," Thompson said, but he added that it appeared that the operator of the plane was already deceased beneath the water.
"Most of the wing was actually protruding from the lake," he recounted, adding that it was apparently a man who died in the crash.
According to WWNY TV, officials from neighboring Lewis County responded to the scene because they have the easiest access to the reservoir.
The crash occurred in one of the most inaccessible corners of the Adirondacks. Beaver River is accessible only by boat, float plane, or rail. Federal investigators are expected to reach the scene today.
- Source: http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org
A small plane crashed Thursday afternoon on the north side of Stillwater Reservoir in Herkimer County, killing the pilot, according to Robert A. Mackenzie III, Lewis County emergency medical services coordinator.
The pilot of the plane was identified in broadcast reports as Schiele “Bill” Brewer, 76. His single-engine plane crashed after taking off in Boonville. Police were still working to remove his plane, the report said.
State police did not release details of the crash.
Lewis County Emergency Services Director James M. Martin said the crash site is 6 to 10 miles by boat from Stillwater, nearer to Beaver River Station, a Herkimer County community accessible mainly by boat.
Mr. Mackenzie and Lewis County Undersheriff James M. Monnat were among the emergency responders dispatched to the boat launch at the Stillwater Hotel. The county Search and Rescue squad was placed on standby at the hotel.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation also has boats in the area.
No comments:
Post a Comment