Sunday, June 22, 2014

Mooney M20B, N74584: Fatal accident occurred June 20, 2014 in Page, Arizona

Charles M. Trotter:  http://registry.faa.gov/N74584

NTSB Identification: WPR14FA262
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, June 20, 2014 in Page, AZ
Aircraft: MOONEY M20B, registration: N74584
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 June 20, 2014, about 1430 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20B, N74584, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain about 35 miles southeast of the Page Municipal Airport (PGA) Page, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The personal cross-county flight departed PGA about 1409 for an unknown destination. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

Examination of the accident site by the National Transportation Safety Board, investigator in charge, revealed that all the major components of the airplane were contained within 85 feet of the main wreckage site.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

 
Investigating Flight Standards District Office:   FAA Las Vegas FSDO-19 


The wife of a Liberty man killed in a plane crash in Arizona flew to Las Vegas with him and a family friend, but she returned home safely on a commercial flight, a law enforcement official said Wednesday.

Her husband and the 15-year-old friend later boarded a private plane for the trip back to South Carolina, but were killed when it crashed, Coconino County Sheriff's Office Commander Rex Gilliland told GreenvilleOnline.com.

The Sheriff's Office, using dental records, identified the crash victims as Charles Trotter, 47, of Liberty, and Dakota Jacks, 15, of Pickens. Trotter was believed to be piloting the plane. Jacks was a Trotter family friend, according to a Sheriff's Office statement.

A search and rescue officer talked to both families, Gilliland said.

Gilliland said Trotter's wife had flown on the private plane with her husband and Jacks, a Pickens County high school student, to Las Vegas.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash, sheriff's officials said.

The officials said the plane crashed in a remote area of the Navajo Indian Reservation in the northeast part of Coconino County. Sheriff's search and rescue officers along with Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger Helicopter responded to the scene Sunday and confirmed two people died, authorities said.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center had been investigating the report of an overdue aircraft with two males aboard destined for South Carolina, authorities said.

The AFRCC found the aircraft had departed Las Vegas sometime Friday, landed in Page, Ariz., and then departed Page at 1:30 p.m. Arizona time, authorities said. The pilot had not filed a flight plan.

Authorities said the AFRCC found the last cell phone contact with the pilot's phone was off a tower at Navajo Mountain shortly after the takeoff from Page. The Civil Air Patrol launched a multi-state search Sunday morning.

Four CAP wings were involved in the search across four states, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, authorities said.

About 1:40 p.m. Arizona time, the Arizona Wing of the CAP located from the air the wreckage of a plane in a canyon. Wreckage matching the description of the missing aircraft was at the bottom of a remote desert area called Peach Canyon, authorities said.

Due to the remote nature of the canyon, the wreckage could only be accessed by helicopter, authorities said. The victims' bodies were removed and taken to the medical examiner's office in Flagstaff, authorities said.

A Pickens County schools spokesman said Jacks was a rising 10th-grader at Pickens High.

He was an honors student, Pickens High JROTC cadet, and part of the school's Bluegrass music group, said John Eby, spokesman for the Pickens County school district.

Trotter's family confirmed Monday that he was killed in the crash.

The family issued a statement saying: "Charles Michael Trotter, 47 years old, died doing what he loves — flying his plane. Devoted husband, loved his wife, loved flying, and loved Jesus. Now he is at home with his Lord and Savior. May he rest in peace."





Dakota Jacks
~


Charles Michael Trotter 
~



PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. - Two people from the Upstate were killed in a plane crash. 

Dakota Jacks, 15, and pilot and family friend Charles Michael Trotter, 47, of Liberty were on a sightseeing trip when the small plane crashed in Arizona.

The pair was on their way back when the crash happened.

Jacks was a rising 10th at Pickens High School.

Trotter died doing what he loved, flying, according to a statement from his family. “He was a devoted husband, he loved his wife, loved flying and loved Jesus,” it reads. “May he rest in peace.”

Monday evening, the Coconino Co Sheriff's Office released a report giving the current details into the investigation. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center had received a report of an overdue aircraft to South Carolina.

They had found the aircraft had left from Las Vegas and landed in Page, AZ. It then took off from Page. The last contact with the pilot's phone was made shortly after take-off.

The AFRCC had then contacted Civil Air Patrol Wings from different states and a multi-state search was launched on the morning of the 21st. Four different Wings were involved in the search that stretch across the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A Wing of the Civil Air Patrol spotted wreckage that matched the description of the missing plane in a remote desert area called beach canyon.

The cause of the crash will be investigated by National Transportation Safety Board.

A spokesperson for the family says they appreciate the thoughts and prayers of the entire community.



A Pickens County high school student and a Liberty man were killed in a plane crash in Arizona, according to various sources.

 "We are stunned and saddened to learn of the death of Dakota Jacks, a rising 10th-grader at Pickens High School," said John Eby, spokesman for the Pickens County school district.

Officials searching for a missing plane on Sunday discovered two bodies found with aircraft wreckage in Peach Canyon, east of Page, on the Navajo Nation, according to The Arizona Republic newspaper.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Dakota's family, friends and teachers," Eby said. "He was an Honors student, a Pickens High School JROTC cadet, and a part of the school's Bluegrass music group. Dakota was an outstanding member of the Blue Flame family, and he will be greatly missed."

The family of Charles Michael Trotter of Liberty confirmed Monday that he was killed in the crash.

The family issued a statement saying: "Charles Michael Trotter, 47 years old, died doing what he loves — flying his plane. Devoted husband, loved his wife, loved flying, and loved Jesus. Now he is at home with his Lord and Savior. May he rest in peace."

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office was notified of a missing aircraft around 7:30 a.m. Sunday after the aircraft took off from Page traveling to South Carolina carrying a man and juvenile believed to be unrelated, Sgt. Aaron Dick told The Republic.

Page is about 83 miles north of Flagstaff, Ariz.

After hearing of the missing 1961 Mooney M20B aircraft, the Civil Air Patrols of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah began searching for the aircraft, Dick told The Republic.

Around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, the Sheriff's Office was alerted of a possible aircraft wreckage sighting in Peach Canyon, according to The Republic.

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter carrying a sheriff's office deputy located the crash site around 5 p.m. and recovered two bodies, Dick said.

"Based on the description of the aircraft, (the wreckage) is believed to be the one missing," Dick told The Republic.

The bodies were taken to Flagstaff Sunday evening for autopsy and identification, according to Dick.

The National Transportation Safety Board was scheduled to begin its investigation into the cause of the crash on Monday morning, according to The Republic.

Story and photo:  http://www.wltx.com


PAGE, AZ (CBS5) -    Two bodies have been pulled from the wreckage of a small aircraft in northeastern Arizona, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office said Monday afternoon.

The pilot is believed to be 47-year-old Charles Trotter of Liberty, SC and the passenger is believed to be 15-year-old Dakota Jacks from Pickens, SC, the sheriff's office said. Jacks is reported to be a friend of the pilot's family.

Sheriff's officials said positive identification of the victims will be made by the medical examiner's office.

The plane had departed Las Vegas sometime on Friday, June 20, landed in Page and then departed at 1:30 p.m., according to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

The pilot had not filed a flight plan, center authorities said. The last cell phone contact with the pilot's phone was off a tower at Navajo Mountain shortly after the take-off from Page.

"What we did do is we utilized cell phone forensics and the possible sighting that we did see was very close to the location that the cell phone forensics picked up on," said Arizona Civil Air Patrol spokeswoman Lori Raska.

The center then contacted the Civil Air Patrol Wings from several states. A multi-state search began Sunday morning.

Four Civil Air Patrol Wings were involved in the search across four states, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

A ground search team was deployed to Tuba City from Arizona and a communications team from Colorado was deployed to Page.

The Arizona Wing of the CAP located from the air the wreckage of a plane in a canyon at around 1:40 p.m. Wreckage matching the description of the missing aircraft was at the bottom of a remote desert area called Peach Canyon.

Due to the remote nature of the canyon, access to the wreckage could only be made by helicopter. The bodies of the victims were removed and transported to the medical examiner's office in Flagstaff.

Story, photo gallery and videos:   http://www.cbs46.com

PAGE, AZ (CBS5) -    Investigators said they believe they've found the wreckage of an airplane that went missing after taking off from Page airport on Friday.

Officials say a father and his son were on board the aircraft.

The search began Saturday after family members told officials the plane never made it to South Carolina.

The pilot took off from Paige Airport about 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Civil Air Patrol found what they believe is an impact sight between Page and Monument Valley.

Investigators told CBS 5 the area is very mountainous and can only be accessed by helicopter.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Department is in charge of the rescue mission.

Officials say the pilot did not file a flight plan. However, search crews were able to use other technology to locate what they believe is the airplane.

"What we did do is we utilized cell phone forensics and the possible sighting that we did see was very close to the location that the cell phone forensics picked up on," said Arizona Civil Air Patrol Spokeswoman Lori Raska.

Investigators haven't said if the pilot made any distress calls. There's no word yet on what might have caused this plane to go down.


Source:  http://www.kpho.com

PAGE, AZ - The wreckage of a small plane has been found in northeastern Arizona.

Pilots with the Civil Air Patrol had been searching for an aircraft, identified as a 1961 Mooney M20B carrying a father and son, which left southern California and was headed to South Carolina.

The plane was in Page early Friday afternoon, but departed without a flight plan, according to CAP spokesman Paul Rehman.

According to the Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, the plane had remained low for sightseeing outside of Page.

Pilots from Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico were assisting in the search.

Coconino County Sheriff's Sgt. Aaron Dick said they were notified around 1:40 p.m. Sunday of a possible wreckage in Peach Canyon, 35 miles east of Page on the Navajo Nation.

A Department of Public Safety helicopter flew a sheriff's deputy into the area and located the wreckage with two bodies inside.

Dick said due to the damage it has not been possible to confirm that it is the missing plane.

The FAA and NTSB have been notified. Dick said the area is not accessible by ground.

FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer said the family notified authorities on Saturday that the plane was missing.

Source:  http://www.abc15.com

Rush to fill air safety posts

New Delhi, June 22: Efforts are underway to fill up the vacant positions for flight inspectors in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with global safety audit of the Indian skies just months away.

As many as 29 posts of flight operations inspectors need to be filled up by the DGCA before the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) starts its audit in August. The FAA had downgraded the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 2 in January after the DGCA failed to resolve the safety issues flagged off by the Americans.

The FAA had raised concerns over 33 issues, including the filling up of several senior positions such as full-time flight operations inspectors (FOIs).

According to DGCA officials, the FAA guidelines state that there should be one FOI for every 10 aircraft.

“As we have around 750 aircraft in the country, at present, we need 75 FOIs. The recruitment process is going on and will be completed in a few weeks time,” said a DGCA official.

According to sources, the civil aviation regulator has been able to fill as many as 46 positions and has floated advertisements to recruit 29 more.

“The recruitment process will be completed in a swift and efficient manner so that we are ready for the audit soon,” the official added.

In January, the aviation regulator appointed 18 chief flight operation inspectors and FOIs on contract.

Before the FAA downgraded India to Category 2 in January, the government had approved the creation of 75 crucial posts in the DGCA to carry out inspections of airlines and private charter companies.

Crucial positions such as chief, deputy and senior FOIs were also created in the flight standards directorate by the DGCA. The posts have been created based on the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The civil aviation ministry had earlier said the country would be ready for an FAA audit to regain its Category 1 status by June. However, the process is likely to be completed by August.

India now shares the Category 2 status with Bangladesh, Belize, Gambia and Haiti. 

Source:  http://www.telegraphindia.com

ASC Spirit, N127JK: Fatal accident occurred June 22, 2014 near Cedar Valley Airport (UT10), Lehi, Utah County, Utah

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

NTSB Identification: WPR14LA263
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, June 22, 2014 in Lehi, UT
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/23/2017
Aircraft: KNELL ASC SPIRIT, registration: N127JK
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 private pilot of the experimental, amateur-built glider was conducting a local flight. The tow plane pilot reported that, as the glider pilot approached the privately owned airport, he announced over the radio his intent to land. He and one witness in the area reported seeing the glider circling to land and making several steep turns during the descent. When the glider was about 30 to 40 ft above ground level, the nose suddenly dropped, and the glider then descended straight down into the ground short of the runway. Another witness reported that it looked like the glider had stalled. 

Wreckage documentation indicated that the glider impacted terrain in a steep, nose-down, left-wing-low attitude with little forward motion, which is consistent with a stall. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot exceeded the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering in a steep turn at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. 

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N127JK

NTSB Identification: WPR14LA263
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, June 22, 2014 in Lehi, UT
Aircraft: KNELL ASC SPIRIT, registration: N127JK
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.

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On June 22, 2014, about 1430 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built, ASC Spirit Glider, N127JK, impacted terrain about one-half mile southeast of the Cedar Valley Airport (UT10), 10 miles west of Lehi, Utah. The glider was owned and being operated by the pilot/builder as a visual flight rules personal local flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The solo pilot received fatal injuries. The glider departed UT10, about 1350.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 23, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air safety inspector who visited the accident site, said witnesses reported that the glider was circling to land on runway 35. During the descent, the pilot made several steep turns. When the airplane was about 40 to 50 ft above the ground, the right wing dropped and the glider suddenly nosed into the ground short of the runway.

A witness who was the tow-plane pilot, reported that he towed the glider to about 7,500 ft. (mean sea level) where the pilot released from the tow. The tow pilot then landed back at the airfield and met with another glider pilot he was preparing to tow.

The witness added that the accident glider made several circles southeast of the airport and then announced over the radio that he was setting up to land on runway 35. He reported that it appeared the accident glider was coming in too steep. He added that he watched as the glider's turns continued to steepen and then the glider descended straight down at an "almost vertical attitude."

An additional witness reported that he saw the glider from a distance, and that the glider was about 500-800 ft above the ground, and it appeared to be circling back towards the airport when he lost sight of it.

When he saw it again, it appeared to be 30 to 40 ft above the ground. He saw the glider crash south of the airport.

A third witness reported that the glider was coming in to land and made a turn. He added that it looked like the glider stalled and crashed nose first. 

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a glider rating. The pilot received a third-class medical certificate on October 17, 1995, with the limitation for corrective lenses. No personal flight records were discovered for examination and the pilot's total flying experience was estimated to be about 350 total flight hours.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The airplane was an experimental amateur-built ASC, single-seat, Spirit glider, built by the pilot in 2007. The pilot/builder held a Repairman Experimental Aircraft certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Maintenance records showed that the last condition inspection (Annual equivalent) was completed by the pilot/builder on May 18, 2013. At the time of the inspection, the glider had accrued a total of 285 flight hours. 

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The closest official weather reporting station, about 7 miles northwest of the accident site, reported sky condition clear, temperature 86 degrees, dew point 36 degrees, altimeter setting 29.95 inches of mercury, wind variable at 4 knots, and visibility 15 miles. The density altitude was calculated to be 7,874 ft.

COMMUNICATIONS

Prior to the accident, the pilot of the accident airplane was heard on the airport's universal communications radio frequency (UNICOM) reporting his position and intent to land; no mechanical anomalies were reported. 

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Cedar Valley Airport (UT 10), was privately-owned and permission from the owner was required for operating at the airport. The airport was located in a high desert valley at an elevation of 5,000 ft, and had a gravel runway (17/35) 100 ft wide and 5,100 ft long. There was no official weather reporting at the airport. The airport did have a windsock. The Airport Facilities Directory remarks stated glider operations on and in the vicinity of the airport.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

According to a Utah County Deputy who was dispatched to the accident site, upon arrival, he found the glider about one quarter to one half mile South of the airport.

The glider was oriented with the nose pointing southwest. There were imprints in the ground under each wing. There was damage to the tail, cockpit, left wing, and nose. The scattered debris appeared mostly in front of the glider.

The pilot's seat and pilot were located outside of the glider and the pilot was wearing a parachute.

An FAA air safety inspector examined the glider. The inspector said all the major components of the glider were present, and no mechanical anomalies were found. 

Photographs provided by the Utah County Sheriff, Spanish Fork, Utah, taken at the accident site were provided to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge. 

Photographs taken the day of the accident showed Visual Flight rules weather conditions at the time the photos were taken. 

The photos showed the glider upright on the dirt, in a large expanse of flat desert landscape. No trees or large vegetation were visible. No ground-scars were visible at the point of impact. The major structural components of the glider were present. The glider was composite construction, and the nose/cockpit section showed compression fracturing up and aft, consistent with impact at a steep nose-down angle. The cockpit showed a pronounced bend to the left forward of the cockpit's aft bulkhead. The right-wing appeared relatively intact and undamaged. The left-wing showed compression aft and separation forward at the wing-root. The upper and lower left-wing panels had separated along the leading and trailing edges. The vertical stabilizer had folded forward and showed compression fracturing on the upper portion of the joint/intersection with the tail-cone.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

A postmortem examination of the pilot was completed under the authority of the Utah Department of Health, Office of the Medical Examiner, Salt Lake City, Utah. The pilot's cause of death was attributed to multiple blunt force injuries.

The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, completed a toxicological examination September 8, 2014. No toxicological anomalies were found.

NTSB Identification: WPR14LA263
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, June 22, 2014 in Lehi, UT
Aircraft: KNELL ASC SPIRIT, registration: N127JK
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 June 22, 2014, about 1430 mountain daylight time, an ASC Spirit Glider, N127JK, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain, about 1 mile southeast of the Cedar Valley Airport (UT10), 10 miles west of Lehi, Utah. The glider was owned and being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal local flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The solo pilot received fatal injuries. The glider departed Cedar Valley Airport (UT10), about 1350.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 23, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air safety inspector who visited the accident site, said witnesses reported to him that the glider was circling to land on runway 35. During the descent the pilot made several steep turns. When the airplane was about 40 to 50 feet above the ground the right wing dropped and the glider suddenly nosed into the ground short of the runway.

Prior to the accident, the pilot of the accident airplane was heard over the airport's universal communications radio frequency (UNICOM) reporting his position and intentions; no mechanical anomalies were reported.
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Salt Lake City, Utah

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N127JK

NTSB Identification: WPR14LA263
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, June 22, 2014 in Lehi, UT
Aircraft: KNELL ASC SPIRIT, registration: N127JK
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.

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On June 22, 2014, about 1430 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built, ASC Spirit Glider, N127JK, impacted terrain about one-half mile southeast of the Cedar Valley Airport (UT10), 10 miles west of Lehi, Utah. The glider was owned and being operated by the pilot/builder as a visual flight rules personal local flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The solo pilot received fatal injuries. The glider departed UT10, about 1350.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 23, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air safety inspector who visited the accident site, said witnesses reported that the glider was circling to land on runway 35. During the descent, the pilot made several steep turns. When the airplane was about 40 to 50 ft above the ground, the right wing dropped and the glider suddenly nosed into the ground short of the runway.

A witness who was the tow-plane pilot, reported that he towed the glider to about 7,500 ft. (mean sea level) where the pilot released from the tow. The tow pilot then landed back at the airfield and met with another glider pilot he was preparing to tow.

The witness added that the accident glider made several circles southeast of the airport and then announced over the radio that he was setting up to land on runway 35. He reported that it appeared the accident glider was coming in too steep. He added that he watched as the glider's turns continued to steepen and then the glider descended straight down at an "almost vertical attitude."

An additional witness reported that he saw the glider from a distance, and that the glider was about 500-800 ft above the ground, and it appeared to be circling back towards the airport when he lost sight of it.

When he saw it again, it appeared to be 30 to 40 ft above the ground. He saw the glider crash south of the airport.

A third witness reported that the glider was coming in to land and made a turn. He added that it looked like the glider stalled and crashed nose first. 

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a glider rating. The pilot received a third-class medical certificate on October 17, 1995, with the limitation for corrective lenses. No personal flight records were discovered for examination and the pilot's total flying experience was estimated to be about 350 total flight hours.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The airplane was an experimental amateur-built ASC, single-seat, Spirit glider, built by the pilot in 2007. The pilot/builder held a Repairman Experimental Aircraft certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Maintenance records showed that the last condition inspection (Annual equivalent) was completed by the pilot/builder on May 18, 2013. At the time of the inspection, the glider had accrued a total of 285 flight hours. 

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The closest official weather reporting station, about 7 miles northwest of the accident site, reported sky condition clear, temperature 86 degrees, dew point 36 degrees, altimeter setting 29.95 inches of mercury, wind variable at 4 knots, and visibility 15 miles. The density altitude was calculated to be 7,874 ft.

COMMUNICATIONS

Prior to the accident, the pilot of the accident airplane was heard on the airport's universal communications radio frequency (UNICOM) reporting his position and intent to land; no mechanical anomalies were reported. 

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Cedar Valley Airport (UT 10), was privately-owned and permission from the owner was required for operating at the airport. The airport was located in a high desert valley at an elevation of 5,000 ft, and had a gravel runway (17/35) 100 ft wide and 5,100 ft long. There was no official weather reporting at the airport. The airport did have a windsock. The Airport Facilities Directory remarks stated glider operations on and in the vicinity of the airport.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

According to a Utah County Deputy who was dispatched to the accident site, upon arrival, he found the glider about one quarter to one half mile South of the airport.

The glider was oriented with the nose pointing southwest. There were imprints in the ground under each wing. There was damage to the tail, cockpit, left wing, and nose. The scattered debris appeared mostly in front of the glider.

The pilot's seat and pilot were located outside of the glider and the pilot was wearing a parachute.

An FAA air safety inspector examined the glider. The inspector said all the major components of the glider were present, and no mechanical anomalies were found. 

Photographs provided by the Utah County Sheriff, Spanish Fork, Utah, taken at the accident site were provided to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge. 

Photographs taken the day of the accident showed Visual Flight rules weather conditions at the time the photos were taken. 

The photos showed the glider upright on the dirt, in a large expanse of flat desert landscape. No trees or large vegetation were visible. No ground-scars were visible at the point of impact. The major structural components of the glider were present. The glider was composite construction, and the nose/cockpit section showed compression fracturing up and aft, consistent with impact at a steep nose-down angle. The cockpit showed a pronounced bend to the left forward of the cockpit's aft bulkhead. The right-wing appeared relatively intact and undamaged. The left-wing showed compression aft and separation forward at the wing-root. The upper and lower left-wing panels had separated along the leading and trailing edges. The vertical stabilizer had folded forward and showed compression fracturing on the upper portion of the joint/intersection with the tail-cone.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

A postmortem examination of the pilot was completed under the authority of the Utah Department of Health, Office of the Medical Examiner, Salt Lake City, Utah. The pilot's cause of death was attributed to multiple blunt force injuries. 


The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, completed a toxicological examination September 8, 2014. No toxicological anomalies were found.

NTSB Identification: WPR14LA263
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, June 22, 2014 in Lehi, UT
Aircraft: KNELL ASC SPIRIT, registration: N127JK
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 June 22, 2014, about 1430 mountain daylight time, an ASC Spirit Glider, N127JK, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain, about 1 mile southeast of the Cedar Valley Airport (UT10), 10 miles west of Lehi, Utah. The glider was owned and being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal local flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The solo pilot received fatal injuries. The glider departed Cedar Valley Airport (UT10), about 1350.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 23, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air safety inspector who visited the accident site, said witnesses reported to him that the glider was circling to land on runway 35. During the descent the pilot made several steep turns. When the airplane was about 40 to 50 feet above the ground the right wing dropped and the glider suddenly nosed into the ground short of the runway.

Prior to the accident, the pilot of the accident airplane was heard over the airport's universal communications radio frequency (UNICOM) reporting his position and intentions; no mechanical anomalies were reported.


 Jeffrey Kent Knell
1953 - 2014


Jeffrey Kent Knell passed away on June 22, 2014. He was 60 years old.

Jeff was a native of Salt Lake City, born to Jim and Shirlee Knell on July 28, 1953. He graduated from Skyline High School in 1971 and received Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Utah. Jeff had a colorful list of hobbies and interests, including music, aviation, enjoying his mountain home in the great outdoors, and fine wine and scotch. He was a beloved son, an incredible father, a loving brother, and a friend to everyone he met.

Jeff is survived by his two children, Steven and Georgia; his long-time companion, Sue; his mother and father, Jim and Shirlee; and his siblings, Brent, Carolyn, Kathy, David, and Scott.

A memorial for Jeff will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn at 2350 E 1300 S in Salt Lake City on Monday, June 30 at 11:00AM. A celebration of his life will be held at the Hog Wallow at 3200 E Big Cottonwood Canyon Road on the same day beginning at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the Nature Conservancy, to help protect the outdoors that he knew so well and loved so much. http://www.nature.org/

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituary

 
EAGLE MOUNTAIN — One man died after a glider-style aircraft crashed at Cedar Valley Airport on Sunday afternoon.

According to Sgt. Cole Christensen of the Utah County Sheriff's Office, police received a report that an aircraft crashed at approximately 2:20 p.m. Christensen described the aircraft as "a glider-type airplane. It looks like an airplane without the motor on it."

The pilot of the aircraft, Jeff Knell, 60, of Salt Lake City, died before police arrived on scene, though it was unclear if the pilot died on impact. Christensen said the pilot was an experienced flyer who was known at the airport.

Eyewitnesses told police the aircraft appeared to have trouble while in flight, which they say could have caused the accident. Christensen said there were three witnesses on scene.

"I saw the glider going around doing a couple loops above us," Glen Black said. Black was driving on Pony Express Parkway when he saw the accident.

"It was really low on the horizon, and it had missed its last turn to make a good approach," Black said.

What happened next, Black can only guess. To him, he said, it looked like the wind caught the right wing of the glider.

"He dipped and went straight into the ground. I saw the tale go up and then dust everywhere," Black said. Black jumped into his car and cut through the field straight to the glider. He found the aircraft in pieces.

"I could see the pilot had been ejected from the plane. He wasn't in good shape. He wasn't moving," Black said.

Two other witnesses and Black took the pilot's pulse, but Black said the pilot had already died. Friends of the pilot told Black it was an experimental aircraft they had built. There allegedly was a problem with the glider about a year ago, but it had been fixed. Whether or not that played any part in causing the accident, investigators don't know.

"Investigations like this take some time because there's a lot of loose ends that need some follow up," Christensen said. Christensen could not provide a definitive timeline due to the nature of the investigation. Police will continue to gather flight and pre-flight information.

  http://www.ksl.com  


EAGLE MOUNTAIN — One man died after a glider-style aircraft crashed at Cedar Valley Airport on Sunday afternoon.

According to Sgt. Cole Christensen of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, an aircraft crashed at approximately 2:20 p.m.

Christensen described the aircraft as “a glider-type airplane.

It looks like an airplane without the motor on it.”

The pilot of the aircraft died before police arrived on scene, though it was unclear if the pilot died on impact.

Officials said the pilot was an experienced flyer who was known at the airport.

Eyewitnesses told police the aircraft appeared to have trouble in the air, which they say could have caused the accident.

Christensen said investigations like this will take time and does not have timeline.

Police will continue to gather flight and pre-flight information.

Police have identified the pilot, but have not released his name pending notification of kin.

Ask The Times: Planes

Q. Is it allowed in Streator for a small airplane to continuously fly over residential areas? There is a small aircraft continuously flying over my house and disturbing the peace. Many people work the night shift and need to sleep during the day.

A. The plane in question is a crop duster. The city has no jurisdiction over airplanes. They are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration.


Source:   http://www.mywebtimes.com

Mysterious jet is operated through Million Air: Rogue Valley International - Medford Airport (KMFR), Oregon

On Monday, June 16, around noon, a huge, white jet, looking brand new and with no markings, flew into the Medford airport. Several of us noticed it and all commented that it was quite an awesome sight. Any information on it?

— Jerry S., via email


Well, Jerry, we here at Since You Asked take a particular interest in shiny things, so we're glad to help. We called Bern Case, manager of Medford/Rogue Valley International Airport, to find out about that plane.

Case told us it's a private jet operated through Million Air, one of the two fixed-base operation franchises at the airport.

If you're unfamiliar with FBOs, they're refueling facilities and hangars for private aircraft.

Unfortunately, Jerry, that's about where the info ends. We called Million Air Medford to see whether we could learn anything else about the jet, but they do not comment to newspapers as company policy.

A quick look at the company's website — www.millionair.com — shows a list of the aviation services and amenities at the Medford office, 2040 Milligan Way, and it all seems quite posh.

In addition to aircraft refueling, maintenance, detailing and storage, the site offers gourmet catering, a theater room, lounges, conference rooms and, brace yourself Jerry, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.

SYA is looking into moving our operations there instead of our dark corner of the newsroom.


Source:  http://www.mailtribune.com

OUR OPINION: Federal Aviation Administration must make passenger safety its top priority

Miami Herald >  Opinion >  Editorials
 

The news has been scarier than usual: Iraq is on the boil, which has serious implications for U.S. security, random and mass-shooting tragedies seem to be coming at us weekly.

Add to these the fact that air-traffic controllers are too sleepy, and anyone who boards a plane should be very afraid. The controllers are suffering from chronic fatigue while on the job — the task of keeping the millions of people who fly from here to there safe in the air. It remains a major threat to the safety of the flying public that the Federal Aviation Administration must address immediately.

It’s not as if the FAA had no idea that too many of its 15,000 air-traffic controllers are at risk of nodding off or sluggish thinking. Three years ago, it was disclosed that there were controllers who were falling asleep in front of their screens, which forced the FAA to take a closer look at work scheduling, which has contributed to the problem.

This latest disclosure is a result of a report, mandated by Congress, from the National Research Council. At issue, short-term, is the policy that allows controllers to work five eight-hour shifts over four consecutive days — the last one being a midnight shift.

Controllers love it because they get 80 hours — the equivalent of two traditional work weeks — off before they have to return to work. However, the report says that this scheduling likely results in “severely reduced cognitive performance’’ during the midnight shift because of fatigue.

The schedule might be popular, but it’s a dangerous one. The FAA should sit down with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and develop scheduling that reduces fatigue on the job and increases flight safety.

To its credit, the FAA imposed a fatigue risk management program after several controllers were caught sleeping on the job a few years ago. Cutbacks, however, have thwarted the program’s effectiveness. This is not encouraging news. Neither is what’s roaring down the pike, coming straight at helpless plane passengers and crew members at the mercy of air-traffic controllers who might — or might not — be at the top of their game. The FAA is confronting a deluge of retirements. Controllers are required to retire when they turn 56. The agency will have to replace about two-thirds of this workforce — 10,000 controllers — during the next 10 years.

In order to fill the ranks, the FAA has abandoned its hiring program, in place for almost 25 years, of recruiting controllers from among military veterans who have aviation experience and from FAA-accredited colleges and universities.

It’s a controversial move that rightly raises concerns about safety. It takes years to properly train air traffic controllers. It is imperative that the FAA — along with Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx — make a persuasive case that replacing recruits who have a leg up in their knowledge of aviation with neophytes starting from scratch will not further imperil people who fly.

The report makes several recommendations, including that the FAA analyze accident and incident reports and voluntary reports by controllers to identify specific links between staffing and safety; involve controllers in staffing decisions; and ensure sufficient staffing as its modernization initiative proceeds. Next Generation Transportation System will shift from ground-based radar to a satellite system. The agency must follow through.

Flying shouldn’t be a crap shoot because someone was asleep at the switch.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com

Delegate Gary Howell wants a review of Autocross denial: Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (KCBE), Maryland

Cumberland — Delegate Gary Howell of District 56, W.Va. has asked Creade Brodie Jr., chair of the Potomac Highlands Airport Authority, to reconsider a recent vote that denied the members of the National Road Autosport LLC from holding their annual Autocross on the operational grounds of the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport. 

 Brodie made a motion at a special meeting of the PHAA on June 12 to deny the racing group access to the operational grounds and instead allow them to create an area outside the airport fence to hold the races.

“Let me keep this simple. It would be outside the fence,” said Brodie at the special meeting.

The motion also included an offer from Brodie of $5,000 for additional paving to the outlying property if it would help the Autocross meet its needs.

Although it passed unanimously, some authority members were uncomfortable with the motion.

Bill Herbaugh, secretary of the NRA, said the PHAA is not looking at the total benefit of the event.

“They are missing the boat. The Autocross has been a good economic development tool.”

For the past 11 years the Autocross has been held on the taxiway of the airport. The Autocross pits drivers from a wide variety of auto classifications against each other in races against the clock. Drivers compete individually in precision driving races through a series of highway cones.

 Del. Howell via email urged Brodie, who is also an Allegany County Commissioner, to revisit the vote.

“With autocrosses taking place at FAA controlled airports across the nation, I would request that you reconsider your decision to end the autocross at the airport in Wiley Ford, WV.,” wrote Howell.

Howell also want to review the process.

“I want to see the minutes from the meeting. I’m going to check with the state ethics committee and look into it. I want to be sure no ethics laws were violated,” said Howell.


Source:  http://www.times-news.com

Milwaukee Air and Water Show cancelled for second straight day: Air Show will not be rescheduled

MILWAUKEE -- Show organizers have called off the Milwaukee Air and Water Show for Sunday's performance.

Foggy conditions at Milwaukee's lakefront once again caused performers to stay on the ground. Organizers originally delayed the show to see if conditions would improve.

The Air Show was cancelled on Saturday as well because of the low visibility, which makes it unsafe for pilots to perform. Air show announcer Herb Hunter said it was unprecedented weekend.

"I can say that in 28 years of announcing, I've never seen two washouts back-to-back," said Hunter.

The Air Show will not be rescheduled. 


Source:  http://www.620wtmj.com

Midair scare as flight drops 5000ft in seconds

Patna, June 22: A Patna-Delhi Air India flight sharply tilted left and then right and lost thousands of feet in seconds, giving passengers a sensation of “free fall”, apparently because two planes had been allowed to come closer than stipulated.

It all happened as air traffic control (ATC) allowed Flight AI-410, carrying 119 passengers, to try and climb to 33,000ft from its assigned height of 32,000ft.

An aviation expert said the A319 probably got caught in the wake turbulence — the turbulence that forms behind a flying aircraft — of a bigger plane that had possibly flown above it a little earlier breaching the critical separation limit of 1,000ft between flights.

No Air India official at Patna airport would confirm the incident but an airline source said it was not a safety threat.

Among the passengers was Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh, former director-general of police D.N. Gautam and an aviation expert, Atul Singh.

“The flight first tilted 40 degrees to the left and began losing altitude. Then it tilted 80 degrees the other way and continued to lose height,” said Singh, executive director of the Delhi-based company, Centre for Aviation Policy, Safety and Research.

“It lost around 5,000ft from its assigned height of 32,000ft within 10 to 12 seconds.”

He said the aircraft almost seemed out of control and was on the verge of entering into a stall — a situation where a plane can fall vertically because of lack of speed.

Gautam said from Delhi that the passengers “had to hold the meals kept on the tray as they were falling”.

Retired IAS officer Phool Singh said: “Suddenly, there was a thud and a feeling of free fall. The flight stabilised in a few seconds. A similar turbulence was felt a few moments later for 2-3 seconds. There wasn’t much panic among the passengers.”

Captain Amitesh Ahuja, the pilot, announced the situation was under control.

Singh, the aviation expert, said he spoke to Ahuja in the cockpit. “He said he had requested the Varanasi ATC to grant permission to ascend to 38,000ft but was directed to go up to 33,000ft only,” Singh said.

“Ahuja said probably a Boeing 747 or Boeing 777 had passed through the same altitude a little earlier. He said he had never experienced such wake turbulence in his career. As I am certain there was a human error, I shall file an official complaint with the (aviation regulator) DGCA.”

Another aviation expert, Mirza Faisan, who was not on the plane, said a “bank (flying with one wing above another) of 40 degrees is quite sharp for an A319, as the maximum permissible banking according to its design is 45 to 60 degrees”.

Story and photo:   http://www.telegraphindia.com

Fred Lutz receives prestigious pilot award

Fred Lutz had to get his mother's signature to fulfill his dream of flying.

The young Lutz had friends with student pilot licenses and he wanted to take lessons at the old Mankato Airport near what is now Minnesota State University — something he couldn't do without mom's signature for a form from the then Federal Aviation Agency.

Since then the 73-year-old North Mankato resident has logged 2,600 hours of private pilot hours — and done it without a single mishap or flight violation.

That record has landed Lutz in an elite group of pilots. As a result he received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, given to pilots who've flown for at least 50 years and have a clean flight record.

"It's rewarding. There are just over 2,000 in the country and only three of us from Mankato."

The other two are former banker George Sugden and the late John Roberts, who was a longtime flight instructor at MSU.

Recently, the FAA delivered Lutz's award during an event at the Mankato Regional Airport that drew 180 of Lutz's fellow pilots, local dignitaries and well wishers.

Lutz had forgotten about his mom's signature on the old document from 1960 but revisited it along with a detailed history of his flying life, thanks to impeccable record keeping by the FAA. When he qualified for the 50-year award, the FAA combed through all their records of his career, which included details of all his physical exams, inspections, licensing requirements, a Western Union telegram telling him he got his first license and his lifelong flight history — all of which he received copies of.

"People talk about the NSA. It's amazing the records a big agency like the FAA kept all these years," Lutz said.

While many of his young friends went on to become commercial pilots, he only flew for himself — for pleasure and for business when he ran the North Mankato soft drink bottling company that long produced 7Up.

The tail number of his Beechcraft Bonanza still carries the 77UP license number. "I tried to get 7UP, but someone in the parent company already had it," Lutz said.

Lutz said his only brush with a problem while flying was one incident where the engine killed in flight due to a failed fuel pump. "I just switched on the (fuel) boost pump and it was fine."

The Beechcraft that Lutz still flies was purchased with a partner in 1970 for $41,000. The plane's been completely reconditioned over the years, including new paint, new engine and updated controls. "That plane today costs $700,000 and it doesn't do any more than this one," Lutz said.

He said the biggest changes he's seen has been the advent of modern controls. "All the GPS and weather and traffic and maps, the communications systems all make it a lot safer."

And he's seen dramatic changes at the Mankato airport as it grew from a small local air strip to a regional airport.

"We have a great airport out there. The city has really done a lot and the (local) sales tax has done a lot for it. There is a lot of activity out there."

Lutz said his long flight career has been aided by good health. "I have to get a physical every two years. A lot of guys get grounded because of their health."

Lutz still flies fairly often, usually around Minnesota and neighboring states. "I go to Omaha, Chicago, down to St. Louis. I don't go a long ways too often anymore."

Story and photo:  http://www.mankatofreepress.com

Czech Sport Aircraft PS-28 Cruiser, HB-WXC: Lake Neuchâtel

Authorities on Sunday retrieved a small plane that crashed into Lake Neuchâtel, killing the two men aboard.

A 71-year-old and 59-year-old, both residents of the canton of Neuchâtel, died after the aircraft plunged into the water on Saturday morning around 30 minutes after taking off from Colombier, southwest of the city of Neuchâtel, Vaud cantonal police said.

A team, including a dozen police divers, managed to pull up the plane from a depth of 80 metres, using a crane on a barge, in a northeastern area of the lake three kilometres from the village Cudrefin, in the canton of Vaud, police said in a release.

Divers hooked a cable to the wreckage to allow it to be pulled to the surface, police said.

The two victims were extricated from the cabin of the aircraft.

It was the first time that Vaud police divers had achieved a mission at such depths, Olivia Cutruzzolà, a spokeswoman for the cantonal force told the ATS news agency.

Cutruzzolà noted the operation involved the cooperation of police and emergency rescue organizations from the cantons of Vaud, Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Geneva.

Sophisticated equipment including underwater robots from the Geneva and Vaud cantonal police forces were used to pinpoint the location of the plane by 7pm on Saturday, Vaud police said.

The bodies of the victims were transported to Lausanne for a forensic analysis.

The remains of the plane were taken to the Payerne aerodrome, in the canton of Vaud, where it will be examined by staff from the Swiss accident investigation service.

The cause of the accident has not yet been established.

Police issued a call for witnesses or people who may have information about what happened to phone 021 644 44 44.

Story:  http://www.thelocal.ch

Insassen des abgestürzten Flugzeugs sind tot

Die beiden Insassen des Flugzeugs, das in den See bei Cudrefin gestürzt ist, sind bei dem Unglück ums Leben gekommen. Ein Unterwasserroboter hatte das Wrack zuvor lokalisiert.

Story and photo gallery:   http://www.20min.ch

Loss of Control in Flight: Christen A-1 Husky, N436C; accident occurred June 22, 2014 at Tampa Executive Airport (KVDF), Hillsborough County, Florida

Ki L. Martin, 53

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Tampa, Florida

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfg


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 
 
https://registry.faa.gov/N436C 

 
Location: Tampa, FL
Accident Number: ERA14LA305
Date & Time: 06/22/2014, 1545 EDT
Registration: N436C
Aircraft: CHRISTEN INDUSTRIES INC A 1
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

Witnesses reported seeing the airplane take off from a grassy area adjacent to the runway. Witness statements and a video revealed that, immediately after takeoff, the airplane entered a steep left turn about 30 ft above ground level. The airplane then turned about 270 degrees, with continuous engine noise, before descending nose down into the ground. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not have his five-point harness buckled during the flight. Although the pilot’s widow reported that the pilot probably crashed the airplane on purpose because they had been separated about 1 year and she had moved out of their residence 4 days before the accident, it could not be determined if the accident occurred as a result of an intentional act by the pilot.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into the ground.

Findings

Aircraft
Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

On June 22, 2014, about 1545 eastern daylight time, a Christen Industries Inc. A-1 (Husky), N436C, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Tampa Executive Airport (VDF), Tampa, Florida. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the planned local flight.

Two witnesses, who worked at the airport, were standing outside and watched the accident takeoff. They stated that the airplane departed on the grass adjacent to runway 23. Immediately after takeoff, about 30 feet above ground level, the airplane entered a steep left bank turn. The airplane then turned about 270 degrees, before the nose dropped and it impacted the ramp area left wing and nose low. One of the witnesses added that the engine noise was loud during the turn. She also captured a video of the accident takeoff, which was forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory, Washington, D.C. Review of the video confirmed the witness statements regarding the steep left bank and sound of continuous engine noise.

The airplane came to rest upright on the tarmac. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the three wooden propeller blades had separated from the hub. The engine was partially separated from the airframe and canted right. Both wing outboard leading edges were impact damaged and the flaps were partially extended. The inspector was able to confirm flight control continuity from the elevator, rudder, and right aileron to the cockpit area. Left aileron continuity could not be confirmed due to impact damage. The inspector also noted that the pilot's five-point harness was intact and unbuckled. He confirmed with witnesses that the harness was not buckled when the pilot was recovered from the wreckage. The inspector added that when law enforcement notified the pilot's widow, she replied that the pilot had probably crashed on purpose as they had been separated for about 1 year and she moved out of their residence 4 days prior to the accident.

Review of maintenance records revealed that the airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on December 28, 2013, at a total airframe and engine time of 1,250 hours. The engine had operated 817 hours since major overhaul at the time of the inspection. The pilot's logbook was not recovered. He reported 3,600 total hours of flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA second-class medical certificate, which was issued on March 27, 2013.

An autopsy was performed on the pilot on June 23, 2014, by the State of Florida District 13 Medical Examiner's Office, Tampa, Florida. The cause of death was noted as due to blunt impact to the head and neck. Toxicological testing was performed on the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The test results were negative for drugs, ethanol, and carbon monoxide.

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)

Uncontrolled descent
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 53
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/23/2013
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 3600 hours (Total, all aircraft), 999999 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CHRISTEN INDUSTRIES INC
Registration: N436C
Model/Series: A 1
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 1063
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/28/2013, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1250 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360
Registered Owner: MARTIN KI
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: MARTIN KI
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: TPF, 8 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1555 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 210°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 270°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 33°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Tampa, FL (VDF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Tampa, FL (VDF)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1545 EDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Tampa Executive Airport (VDF)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 21 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 28.013889, -82.345000 (est)