14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, September 19, 2014 in Alton, VA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 11/17/2014
Aircraft: NORTH AMERICAN T 28C, registration: N531KG
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
A witness, who was a friend of the pilot, was at an automobile racing facility and received a text message from the pilot that the airplane would fly over in 6 minutes. The accident airplane then performed a low pass over the area, reversed direction, and initiated a barrel roll during the second pass. Although the airplane started to climb before the barrel roll, video evidence indicates that it was only 100 feet above ground level, which was not high enough to complete the maneuver. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On September 19, 2014, about 1710 eastern daylight time, an experimental North American T-28C, N531KG, operated by a private individual, was destroyed when it impacted a kudzu field, while performing aerobatics near Alton, Virginia. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Easton Airport (ESN), Easton Maryland, about 1600. No flight plan was filed for the planned flight to Danville Regional Airport (DAN), Danville, Virginia.
A witness, who was a friend of the pilot, was at a racing facility with a motorcycle racing team that the pilot owned. The witness added that he received a text message from the pilot that the pilot would be there in 6 minutes. The accident airplane then performed a low pass over the area, reversed direction, and initiated a barrel roll during the second pass. The witness stated that the airplane started to climb before the barrel roll, but it wasn't enough and he knew the airplane would not have enough altitude to complete the maneuver. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain. A second witness recorded a video of the maneuver, which was forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory, Washington, D.C. The video confirmed the witnesses' statements and revealed that the airplane attempted a barrel roll about 100 feet above ground level and then disappeared behind a treeline.
PILOT INFORMATION
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and airplane multiengine land. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical certificate was issued on October 5, 2011. At that time, he reported a total flight experience of 1,410 hours. The pilot's logbook was not recovered.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The two-seat tandem, low-wing, retractable tricycle gear airplane, serial number 140531, was manufactured in 1954. It was equipped with a Wright R-1820, 1,425-horsepower engine and a three-blade constant speed propeller. The airplane maintenance logbooks were not recovered; however, an invoice revealed that an annual inspection was completed on the airplane on December 6, 2013.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
The accident site was located about 6 miles east of DAN. The recorded weather at DAN, at 1653, was: wind 040 degrees at 8 knots; visibility 10 miles; broken ceiling at 11,000 feet; temperature 21 degrees C; dewpoint 17 degrees C; altimeter 30.22 inches Hg.
WRECKAGE INFORMATION
A debris path was observed, initiating with the propeller, and extending approximately 300 feet on a magnetic heading about 320 degrees. The three propeller blades remained attached to the hub and the hub had separated from the engine. The blades were twisted and bent aft, with one blade exhibiting leading edge gouges. A flight control cable was located about 200 feet along the debris path and it exhibited damage consistent with overload. The left flap was located about 250 feet along the debris path. An aileron cable was separated consistent with overload and resting on top of the left flap The right elevator was located about 275 feet along the debris path and the right flap was located about 290 feet along the debris path. An aileron cable was separated consistent with overload and resting on top of the right flap.
The left wing and engine were located at the end of the debris path, to the left of the cockpit. The left wing and cockpit sustained heat damage from a postcrash fire. The left wing also exhibited impact damage and the left aileron remained attached. The landing gear had separated from the left wing. The engine was resting on the propeller flange and several of the cylinders sustained impact damage. The cockpit and empennage were resting on the right wing. The left horizontal stabilizer, left elevator, and rudder remained attached to the empennage. Elevator, elevator trim, and rudder control cable continuity were confirmed from the control surfaces to the mid-cockpit area. Aileron control continuity could not be confirmed due to the fragmentation and disposition of the wreckage. Review of the cockpit revealed that the propeller and mixture control were in the full forward position. The throttle lever was midrange. The pilot's five-point harness remained buckled and the belts were cut by rescue personnel.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
An autopsy was performed on the pilot on September 20, 2014, by the State of Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Richmond, Virginia. The cause of death was noted as "Blunt force injuries of head."
Toxicological testing was performed on the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The results were negative for carbon monoxide, alcohol, and drugs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Review of Federal Aviation Regulation 91.303 revealed: "No person may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight - …
(b) Over an open air assembly of persons…
(e) Below an altitude of 1,500 feet above the surface…"
Jon Couch: http://registry.faa.gov/N531KG
NTSB Identification: ERA14FA445
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, September 19, 2014 in Alton, VA
Aircraft: NORTH AMERICAN T 28C, registration: N531KG
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 September 19, 2014, about 1710 eastern daylight time, an experimental North American T-28C, N531KG, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted a kudzu field, while performing low-level aerobatics near Alton, Virginia. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Easton Airport (ESN), Easton Maryland, about 1600. No flight plan was filed for the planned flight to Danville Regional Airport (DAN), Danville, Virginia.
A witness, who was a friend of the pilot, was at a racing facility with a motorcycle racing team that the pilot owned. The witness stated that he received a text message from the pilot that the pilot would be there in 6 minutes. The accident airplane then performed a low pass over the area, reversed direction, and initiated a barrel roll during the second low pass. The witness added that the airplane started to climb before the barrel roll, but it wasn't enough and he knew the airplane would not have enough altitude to complete the maneuver. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain and a postcrash fire ensued. A second witness recorded a video of the aerobatic maneuver, which was forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory, Washington, D.C.
A debris path was observed, initiating with the propeller, and extending approximately 300 feet on a magnetic heading about 320 degrees. The cockpit, empennage, left wing, and engine were located at the end of the debris path.
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and airplane multiengine land. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration third-class medical certificate was issued on November October 5, 2011. At that time, he reported a total flight experience of 1,410 hours.
The two-seat tandem, low-wing, retractable tricycle gear airplane, serial number 140531, was manufactured in 1954. It was equipped with a Wright R-1820, 1,425-horsepower engine and a three-blade constant speed propeller.
The accident site was located about 6 miles east of DAN. The recorded weather at DAN, at 1653, was: wind from 040 degrees at 8 knots; visibility 10 miles; broken ceiling at 11,000 feet; temperature 21 degrees C; dewpoint 17 degrees C; altimeter 30.22 inches Hg.
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.
NTSB Identification: ERA14FA445
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, September 19, 2014 in Alton, VA
Aircraft: NORTH AMERICAN T 28C, registration: N531KG
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 September 19, 2014, about 1710 eastern daylight time, an experimental North American T-28C, N531KG, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted a kudzu field, while performing low-level aerobatics near Alton, Virginia. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Easton Airport (ESN), Easton Maryland, about 1600. No flight plan was filed for the planned flight to Danville Regional Airport (DAN), Danville, Virginia.
A witness, who was a friend of the pilot, was at a racing facility with a motorcycle racing team that the pilot owned. The witness stated that he received a text message from the pilot that the pilot would be there in 6 minutes. The accident airplane then performed a low pass over the area, reversed direction, and initiated a barrel roll during the second low pass. The witness added that the airplane started to climb before the barrel roll, but it wasn't enough and he knew the airplane would not have enough altitude to complete the maneuver. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain and a postcrash fire ensued. A second witness recorded a video of the aerobatic maneuver, which was forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory, Washington, D.C.
A debris path was observed, initiating with the propeller, and extending approximately 300 feet on a magnetic heading about 320 degrees. The cockpit, empennage, left wing, and engine were located at the end of the debris path.
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and airplane multiengine land. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration third-class medical certificate was issued on November October 5, 2011. At that time, he reported a total flight experience of 1,410 hours.
The two-seat tandem, low-wing, retractable tricycle gear airplane, serial number 140531, was manufactured in 1954. It was equipped with a Wright R-1820, 1,425-horsepower engine and a three-blade constant speed propeller.
The accident site was located about 6 miles east of DAN. The recorded weather at DAN, at 1653, was: wind from 040 degrees at 8 knots; visibility 10 miles; broken ceiling at 11,000 feet; temperature 21 degrees C; dewpoint 17 degrees C; altimeter 30.22 inches Hg.
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.
Left, Frances Gene Couch and her son Jon Couch at New Jersey Motorsports Park, in September 2014.
(Via Facebook / HANDOUT / September 26, 2014)
Jon Couch
TOBC Racing
Jon Couch
Rand Construction
Danville, VA - New details are emerging about the victims of a deadly plane crash at Virginia International Raceway. The pilot, 46-year-old Jon Couch and his mother, 72-year-old Frances Couch, were killed in the accident.
Those who knew Jon Couch say he had a special zest for life that you don't see everyday. The 46-year-old was an AMA superbike racer and the owner of TOBC racing, but by day, he was the President of Rand Construction. In a statement, the company said "Jon was a strong, smart, and bold leader".
"When you look at social media after the accident happened, there were hundreds and hundreds of people expressing their condolences and I think that is a testament to the individual, " said VIR Director of Marketing Mike Rose.
VIR had to postpone Saturday's Champion Cup Series motorcycle race because of the investigation. Couch and his team were in town for the race. TOBC still participated as scheduled.
"Jon would want them to go out there and race the second they could. Jon was a racer through and through, " Rose said.
On cell phone video, witnesses captured the plane doing aerobatics just moments before it crashed. Averett University's head aviation instructor Travis Williams says stunts like those can be tricky for even the most experienced pilots.
"It's definitely dangerous and one thing we teach is you have to know what your abilities are. Training is extremely important, " Williams said.
Those who knew Couch say he had more than 15 years flying experience and participated in a number of airshows. Bystanders who saw the plane flying low just before the crash suspect that something went terribly wrong after his final stunt.
"Accidents do happen unfortunately. It's a small, tight knit community of pilots" Williams said.
HALIFAX CO., Va. - Investigators began day two on Saturday shifting through brush and kudzu in the middle of the Patriot Track at Virginia International Raceway.
Last night around 5:15 witnesses say the plane crashed, inside the plane were TOBC racing team owner and racer, Jon Couch, and his mother, Frances Couch.
State police say it was a World War II single-engine plane.
"The airplane was coming from somewhere in Maryland, possibly Easton and was headed here for the races," said Bob Gretz, National Transportation Safety Board investigator.
About 30 percent of the plane burned in what witnesses call a large fireball.
Investigators from the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration are looking into what made it go down.
"Unfortunately with this one, due to the impact and fire there is some evidence that is lost," said Gretz.
Racers at the track are mourning.
"A lot of his good friends, a lot of his team members and race teams is sad. I don't know of any other way to put it. They lost a good friend," said Nathan Jennings, Frontline Eurosports.
On the TOBC Facebook page, fans and friends are posting memorials.
"Jon Couch knew how to live. I am lucky to call him my friend," one friend writes.
Witnesses say the plane was flying low when it came across VIR.
This video shared with WDBJ7 from one witness shows the plane doing tricks moments before it crashed.
"A lot of the VIR races you'll see him do his flyover and throw a few stunts in there," said Jennings.
Dozens of people came to the VIR for races that were supposed to start at 8 a.m. Two events started later than scheduled, as requested by the FAA.
Couch's team did not participate in the motorcycle race on Saturday at VIR. Most of his crew left Saturday morning. Two motorcycles remained as a memorial to their owner.
His plane will be removed early next week.
The NTSB is releasing a preliminary report later this month.
==============================
The names of the pilot and passenger killed in a plane crash that happened Friday at Virginia International Raceway in Halifax County have been released.
According the Virginia State Police, Jon Couch, 46, was flying the plane with his mother, Frances G. Couch, age 72. Both were from Annapolis, Maryland.
The investigation is ongoing. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are also conducting investigations.
http://www.wdbj7.com
Jon Couch, president of Rand Construction Corp., was killed about 5 p.m. Friday in a plane crash at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton in southern Virginia, state police confirmed.
Couch, 46, was piloting the American T-28 C Trojan plane, according to media reports. His mother, Frances Gene Couch, 72, was a passenger and was also killed. No one was hurt on the ground.
The crash apparently came as Couch was attempting some acrobatic maneuvers, witnesses said. Couch, known for his love of extreme sports, owned a motorcycle racing team called TOBC Racing that was preparing for a weekend event at the raceway.
Couch, a resident of Annapolis, oversaw day-to-day operations at Rand, a general contractor founded by local business leader Linda Rabbitt. He had been with the company for more than 18 years. Read his bio on the company's website here. The D.C.-based company reports more than $263 million in revenue.
Click here for RoadRacingWorld.com's coverage of the incident and a picture of Couch with his mother.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
- Source: http://www.bizjournals.com
No comments:
Post a Comment