Friday, August 14, 2015

Unknown or Undetermined: Lancair Evolution, N427LE; fatal accident occurred August 13, 2015 in the Pacific Ocean











Troy Johnson

The Troy family issued a statement. It read in part: “Troy was a wonderful man who was passionate about aeronautics from an early age. He was an accomplished pilot, aeronautical engineer and a loving father, brother and son. His family, friends and coworkers would like to extend their appreciation to those brave men and women who aided in the search. We find our peace and comfort in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”


Aviation Investigation Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Keliher, Zoe

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Steven Kautner;  Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oakland, California
Lancair International Inc; Redmond, Oregon
Unmanned Systems Inc; Henderson, Nevada

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Pacific Ocean, PO
Accident Number: WPR15LA242
Date & Time: 08/13/2015, 2235 PDT
Registration: N427LE
Aircraft: BARTELS Lancair
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The commercial pilot was working on the development and modification of hardware and software systems for the experimental airplane, which was being adapted for unmanned flight; however, the purpose of the flight was for personal reasons. The flight was delayed a day so the pilot could work on the airplane and perform unknown maintenance to restore functionality to the batteries, which had been drained.

After takeoff, the pilot contacted air traffic control, stating that he was at 18,100 ft and climbing to 21,000 ft. The controller responded that he was cleared to climb and maintain 25,000 ft, which was the altitude listed in the pilot's flight plan. About 4 minutes later, the pilot made his last radio transmission, which was a response to the controller's frequency change instructions. The pilot read back the new frequency correctly; he also made a slight stutter at the beginning of the transmission and double clicked the microphone. The controller checked to see if the pilot was on the frequency about 5 minutes later but did not receive a response. There were insufficient voice communications to determine if the pilot was experiencing hypoxia.

Radar data indicated that the airplane made a continuous climb until reaching 25,000 ft and tracked a jet route, passing over a series of waypoints, consistent with the autopilot controlling the airplane. After the controller did not receive a response from the pilot, two military jets intercepted the airplane. Despite trying to get the pilot's attention, they were unable to get a response from or see the pilot inside the cockpit. The airplane overflew the destination airport and eventually descended into the ocean after 4 hours 22 minutes in flight, which was likely when the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The airplane's flight track and the pilot's lack of responsiveness are consistent with pilot incapacitation.

After impacting the water, the airplane floated for at least 42 minutes before it sank, which indicates that no catastrophic decompression event occurred because the airplane's pressure vessel was intact enough to not rapidly fill with water. The airplane eventually sank and was not recovered, which precluded any physical examination of the wreckage. Therefore, the configuration and status of the airplane's pressurization and oxygen systems could not be determined.

The pilot had received training in the airplane and would have known how the pressurization system operated. He had been in a hypobaric chamber and was likely familiar with the symptoms of hypoxia. He reportedly did not use any medications and was in good health. Because the pilot's body was not recovered, an autopsy and toxicology testing could not be conducted.

One of the military pilots who intercepted the airplane stated that, although he could not see anyone in the airplane, he saw what he believed to be a seatbelt shoulder harness fully forward and extremely tight. It is likely that the accident pilot was not visible because he was fully slumped over into the right seat or on the floor. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's incapacitation for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered from the ocean. 

Findings

Personnel issues
Impairment/incapacitation - Pilot (Cause)

Not determined
Not determined - Unknown/Not determined (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute-climb to cruise
Unknown or undetermined (Defining event)

On August 13, 2015, about 2235 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Bartels Lancair Evolution airplane, N427LE, descended into the Pacific Ocean about 490 nautical miles (nm) northwest of San Francisco, California. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by Unmanned Systems, Inc., under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed and activated. The personal flight departed from Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona, about 1815 with a planned destination of Hesperia Airport, Hesperia, California.

Unmanned Systems was in the process of modifying the airplane so that it could be used as a trainer for pilots flying unmanned aircraft. During the month before the accident, the pilot, who was an employee of Unmanned Systems, had spent the majority of his time in Phoenix working on the development and modification of hardware and software systems for the airplane. The pilot had planned to fly the airplane to Hesperia the day before the accident to pick up his children and return with them to Phoenix. He had to delay his flight because flight line personnel at the fixed based operator (FBO) where he hangared the airplane had left the airplane's master switch on, which completely drained the batteries.

At 1258 on the day of the accident, the pilot sent a text message to his ex-spouse (the children's mother) stating that he had worked on the airplane until 0500 and then had stopped to get some sleep. He told her that he was going back to the airport to work on the airplane and might have to change batteries. At 1728, he sent her a text message stating that he was" finishing up after all the [maintenance]" and would likely be able to fly. At 1746, he texted that "everything is working so far" and "if checks are good when I'm airborne I'll keep going" to the destination airport. At 1815, the pilot texted that he was departing and would be landing in Hesperia between about 1915 and 1930.

Air traffic control (ATC) communication audiotapes from the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ABQ ARTCC) indicated that, after takeoff, the pilot contacted ABQ ARTCC at 1825:24, stating that he was at 18,100 ft and climbing to 21,000 ft. The controller responded that he was cleared to climb and maintain 25,000 ft, which was the altitude listed in the pilot's flight plan. At 1829:54, the pilot made his last radio transmission, which was a response to the controller's frequency change instructions. The pilot read back the new frequency correctly making a slight stutter at the beginning of the transmission and double clicking the microphone. The controller checked to see if the pilot was on the frequency about 5 minutes later but did not receive a response.

Radar data indicated that, at the time of the pilot's first radio call, the airplane was transitioning through 18,100 ft, consistent with the pilot's transmission stating that he was climbing through that altitude. During the pilot's last radio transmission, the airplane was climbing through 22,800 ft on a westerly heading; the airplane reached 25,000 ft about 1832:30. The airplane tracked jet route J212, passed over the waypoint CURIV, and about 1850 began a turn to the south-southwest to overfly the Blythe, California very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR). The airplane completed an s-turn, passed over waypoint DECAS, and continued west, tracking jet route J65. The airplane overflew the destination airport and continued on the heading of 238°.

According to US military representatives, two F-15 fighter jets and a KC-135 air refueling tanker intercepted the airplane near Fresno, California, around 1900. An NTSB investigator reviewed the video taken by the F-15 that was in trail behind the airplane. The other F-15 maneuvered close to the accident airplane and attempted to get the pilot's attention. In the audio of the video, the F-15 pilot nearest the accident airplane reported that he was able to see the airplane's lights flashing (likely referring to the airplane's anti-collision lights and rotating beacon). He added that, due to the window position and the sun's glare, it was difficult to see inside. From what both pilots observed, they could not see anybody inside the airplane. They then used flares in an attempt to get the pilot's attention, but there was no reaction from the pilot. The airplane continued on a heading of about 260° at an altitude of about 25,000 ft.

The pilot of the F-15 closest to the airplane then attempted to see inside the cockpit using night vision googles. After maneuvering to about 200 ft from the airplane, the F-15 pilot reported that he could see in the front seat what he believed to be a seatbelt should harness fully forward and extremely tight. He was only able to observe this because of the contrast of the dark material. It appeared there was no one inside the airplane. The windows were not frosted. Neither F-15 pilot saw lights in the cockpit area. The F-15s continued to follow the airplane for about 20 to 30 minutes before they were recalled to their base at which point a US Coast Guard C-130 airplane followed the airplane until it crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Radar contact was lost at 2150 as the airplane entered non-radar airspace over the Pacific Ocean.

A video taken from the C-130 showed the airplane after its impact with the water. At the beginning of the 49-minute video, the airplane was floating in a nose-low attitude, with the right wing and propeller submerged under water. About 19 minutes into the video, the airplane was in a nose-low, near vertical attitude with the entire nose of the airplane submerged beneath the surface. About 42 minutes into the video, the aft portion of the tail was the only piece of the airplane above the water. The airplane sunk in the ocean, and the wreckage was not recovered. According to a Lancair representative the 4 hours and 22 minutes of flight is consistent with the airplane's engine experiencing a total loss of power from fuel exhaustion.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/06/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 30 hours (Total, this make and model), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

A review of the airmen records maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed that the pilot, age 39, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single- and multi-engine land airplanes and instrument airplane. He held a flight instructor certificate with ratings for single-engine airplane and instrument airplane. The pilot was also a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic. His most recent second-class medical certificate was issued in February 2015 and had the limitation that he must wear corrective lenses.

On his most recent FAA medical certificate application, the pilot reported a total flight experience of 2,150 hours of which 50 hours were acquired in the last 6 months. The pilot's personal flight records contained entries up to June 17, 2015, at which time the pilot recorded that he had about 4,025 hours of flight experience, which included his pilot-in-command time of unmanned aircraft. On an application for insurance for the accident airplane the pilot reported that he received 25 hours of Lancair Evolution initial flight training from Elite Pilot Services in December 2014. He additionally reported that he had attended Test Pilot Professional Training at the National Test Pilot School in December 2007 and had previously been in a hypobaric chamber to learn his symptoms of hypoxia. He reported that he did not use any medications.

According to the airplane's radar flight history, 18 flights were made between June 2015 and the accident flight. The airplane had been flown from Phoenix to Hesperia on June 14, June 21, and August 3.

The pilot's friends and acquaintances reported that he had been working long hours but could perform and operate well with little sleep. The pilot reported in the company records that from August 3 to 10, he worked every day for a total of 83 hours; he had not entered his more recent hours.

According to the pilot's girlfriend, he was in good health and had recently run a half marathon. The pilot's body was not recovered so an autopsy and toxicological testing could not be performed.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BARTELS
Registration: N427LE
Model/Series: Lancair Evolution
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 002
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-135A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

The Lancair Evolution was developed by Lancair and is available as an amateur-built kit from Evolution Aircraft. The high-performance, pressurized airplane is constructed mainly of composite materials and is equipped with four seats, retractable tricycle landing gear, and traditional flight control surfaces. The accident airplane was manufactured in 2009 as serial number EVO-002 and received a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category for the purpose of research and development in October 2014. The airplane was equipped with a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-135A engine, serial number PCE-P21565. According to airplane records, the engine was installed new in December 2014.

An airplane discrepancy list dated February 2, 2015, included an operational check of the pressure controller. There was a further notation that the cabin pressure could not maintain the maximum differential possibly due to a cabin leak or the outflow valve not closing entirely. The records indicated that various maintenance was performed, and the problem was rectified. A new carbon monoxide detector was installed in April 2015.

The airplane was equipped with two EnerSys sealed lead acid batteries. The standard battery installation is two sealed lead acid 24-volt batteries wired in parallel located on the cabin side of the firewall forward of the pilot and co-pilot rudder pedals.

About 1700 on the day of the accident, the airplane was fueled with 70 gallons of fuel topping the wing tanks to full.

The airplane was equipped with a Garmin 900X primary flight display (PFD) and multifunction display (MFD) arrangement with a Radiant Power Corporation (formerly Moritz) touchscreen system between the units. The Moritz touchscreen controlled cabin pressure settings, cabin temperature, cabin fan, and internal and external lighting. A small overhead electrical subpanel controlled pitot heat, prop heat, door seals, the deice door, XM satellite radio volume, and the environmental control system (ECS) flow pack. An oxygen subpanel with an oxygen pressure gauge and switch was mounted to the right of the MFD.

In the several months before the accident, the pilot had been working on the development of a prototype to replace the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen control panel, which had a history of failures. People familiar with the pilot and the airplane stated that the pilot's prototype touchscreen was mounted in the panel, and the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen (which had been removed from the panel but was still connected to the airplane's systems) would rest on the seat beside the pilot. The pilot told a co-developer of the prototype touchscreen that, when he returned from the accident flight, he would give the prototype to the co-developer so that software could be loaded into the unit. The co-developer stated that he thought the pilot still had the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen installed in the airplane (resting on the seat adjacent), and it was possibly a unit that had a history of failing when it overheated. He further stated that, if the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen stops working, it becomes a monitoring device. The Lancair repair station manager stated that a few weeks before the accident, the pilot had flown from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Phoenix with his prototype touchscreen installed on the airplane and a failed Radiant/Moritz touchscreen in his possession.

Moritz/Radiant Touchscreen

The Moritz/Radiant touchscreen had five main screen selections: cockpit pressure control system (CPCS) control, climate control, breaker control, main, and utility. The CPCS control page had an automatic mode selection, an option to set field elevation, and showed "cabin altitude comm error" and "differential pressure comm error" if these conditions occurred. The Breaker Control page contained the electronic circuit breakers for numerous items, including the CPCS, fan power, and air conditioning.

The CPCS button would map to pages where the cockpit pressure control system could be configured. In the event of cabin pressure exceeding 12,000 ft or differential pressure exceeding 6.7 pounds per square inch (psi), the CPCS button background would change from blue to red. There would also be an audible alarm if either of these conditions occurred. Pressing the red button would take the pilot to the CPCS page where the pressure error data would be indicated in red. The unit displayed actual cabin pressure in feet and had a yellow background if cabin altitude exceeded 10,000 ft. The CPCS page did not need to be selected for the pilot to receive warnings (including if no power was going to the outflow valve).

The airplanes' outflow valve supplied an analogue signal at the selected pressure altitudes that was fed to the CO Guardian carbon monoxide detector unit, which also provided cabin pressure warnings. This signal triggered the same aural tone via the audio panel as would be sent for a high carbon monoxide level in the cabin. The tone that the CO Guardian transmitted was not triggered by an output from the outflow valve. According to Lancair builders, the warning tone is a loud, intermittent beeping sound clearly identifiable as a warning and would not be confused with any other sound normally heard in flight.

According to Lancair, the most common type of failure on the Moritz/Radiant touchscreen was the touchscreen becoming unresponsive or "going black." They suspected that the cause of these failures was heat sensitivity of the unit, which warped the touchscreen board. If such a failure happened during flight, the pilot would lose the ability to control the screen-based functions, including the pressurization. The pressurization controllers were designed to maintain the current cabin differential pressure if a controller failure occurred and would schedule a pressure reduction during descent and would go to zero at the previously-set destination airport altitude.

Oxygen System

The airplane's oxygen system configuration during the accident flight could not be determined. Several people who had flown with the pilot stated that he kept an oxygen mask on his lap, and others stated that the oxygen mask would be in the seat pocket behind him. A Safety Board investigator observed in a storage area in Redmond Oregon there were numerous parts that had been removed from the airplane or were going to be installed in the airplane. In those parts, there were oxygen regulator valves, oxygen masks, and oxygen bottles making it further difficult to determine what was installed on the airplane at the time of impact.

People familiar with the airplane stated that it was equipped with a Mountain High oxygen flow box and bottle that were located in the baggage area under the floor. (This system required no on/off switch, because it was an on-demand flow system.)

Pressurization and Environmental System

The airplane's maximum pressure differential of 6.5 psi differential (psid) was the maximum differential between cabin and ambient altitudes that the pressurized section of the fuselage could support. Cabin pressurization is the compression of air in the cabin to maintain a cabin altitude lower than the actual flight altitude. At an altitude of 28,000 ft and 6.5 psid, the cabin altitude is maintained at 7,000 ft.

The airplane was equipped with a Kollsman ECS outflow valve, which was auto-sequencing and did not require extra equipment to operate normally. On the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen, the cabin altitude could be automatically selected and monitored, and the unit would indicate the pressure difference between the cabin and ambient altitudes. The rate of change between those two pressures was automatically controlled. Activation of the ECS switch (overhead bleed air switch) allowed compressed engine bleed air from the engine compressor section to go from the flow pack to the cockpit. Bleed air was then routed from the engine through an intercooler and the flow pack that expands the compressed air, thus reducing the pressure.

A squat switch on the landing gear opened the outflow valve and prevented cabin pressurization with the landing gear extended on the ground. Switches on the cabin door and baggage door permitted the door seal motors to be energized and inflate the seals.

Seat Belt

The pilot's seat was equipped with a single cross-body shoulder harness. When a man of stature and build similar to the accident pilot was seated in an exemplar airplane and wore the shoulder harness, he was visible in the airplane. Even when slumped all the way forward, he was visible. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBLH
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 0152 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 11000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.73 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 44°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: PHOENIX, AZ (DVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: HESPERIA, CA (L26)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1815 MST
Type of Airspace: Class A 

Phoenix Deer Valley Airport reported the following weather conditions near the time of the departure: wind 200° at 8 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 107°F, dew point 48°F, and altimeter setting 29.81 inches of mercury. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  37.433333, -130.833333 (est) 

Communications

There were insufficient transmissions by the pilot on the accident flight to compare the pilot's voice on the accident flight to his voice on a previous flight to look for signs of hypoxia.

Additional Information

Hypoxia

The FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (Section 8-1-2) states that "the effects of hypoxia are usually quite difficult to recognize, especially when they occur gradually."

FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 61-107B, "Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75," states that altitude hypoxia is caused by "an insufficient partial pressure of oxygen in the inhaled air resulting from reduced oxygen pressure in the atmosphere at altitude. Altitude hypoxia poses the greatest potential physiological hazard to a flightcrew member when at altitude. Supplemental oxygen will combat hypoxic hypoxia within seconds. Check your oxygen systems periodically to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and that the system is functioning properly. Perform this check frequently with increasing altitude. If supplemental oxygen is not available, initiate an emergency descent to an altitude below 10,000 ft MSL."

AC 61-107B includes the following warning concerning altitude hypoxia:
"If hypoxia is suspected, immediately don oxygen mask and breathe 100 percent oxygen slowly. Descend to a safe altitude. If supplemental oxygen is not available, initiate an emergency descent to an altitude below 10,000 ft MSL. If symptoms persist, land as soon as possible."

AC 61-107B also describes the concept of "time of useful consciousness" (TUC) or "effective performance time" (EPT) as follows:

"This is the period of time from interruption of the oxygen supply, or exposure to an oxygen-poor environment, to the time when an individual is no longer capable of taking proper corrective and protective action. The faster the rate of ascent, the worse the impairment and the faster it happens. TUC also decreases with increasing altitude. Figure 2-3, Times of Useful Consciousness versus Altitude, shows the trend in TUC as a function of altitude. However, slow decompression is as dangerous as or more dangerous than a rapid decompression. By its nature, a rapid decompression commands attention. In contrast, a slow decompression may go unnoticed and the resultant hypoxia may be unrecognized by the pilot."

AC61-107B includes the following warning concerning TUC:

"The TUC does not mean the onset of unconsciousness. Impaired performance may be immediate. Prompt use of 100 percent oxygen is critical."

Figure 2-3 in AC 61-107B indicates that the TUC/EPT for a slow decompression at 28,000 ft is 2.5 to 3 minutes, and at 25,000 ft it is 3 to 5 minutes. The table notes that "the times provided are averages only and based on an individual at rest. Physical activity at altitude, fatigue, self-imposed stress, and individual variation will make the times vary."



Location: Pacific Ocean, PO
Accident Number: WPR15LA242
Date & Time: 08/13/2015, 2235 PDT
Registration: N427LE
Aircraft: BARTELS Lancair
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On August 13, 2015, about 2235 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Bartels Lancair Evolution airplane, N427LE, descended into the Pacific Ocean about 490 nautical miles (nm) northwest of San Francisco, California. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by Unmanned Systems, Inc., under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed and activated. The personal flight departed from Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona, about 1815 with a planned destination of Hesperia Airport, Hesperia, California.

Unmanned Systems was in the process of modifying the airplane so that it could be used as a trainer for pilots flying unmanned aircraft. During the month before the accident, the pilot, who was an employee of Unmanned Systems, had spent the majority of his time in Phoenix working on the development and modification of hardware and software systems for the airplane. The pilot had planned to fly the airplane to Hesperia the day before the accident to pick up his children and return with them to Phoenix. He had to delay his flight because flight line personnel at the fixed based operator (FBO) where he hangared the airplane had left the airplane's master switch on, which completely drained the batteries.

At 1258 on the day of the accident, the pilot sent a text message to his ex-spouse (the children's mother) stating that he had worked on the airplane until 0500 and then had stopped to get some sleep. He told her that he was going back to the airport to work on the airplane and might have to change batteries. At 1728, he sent her a text message stating that he was" finishing up after all the [maintenance]" and would likely be able to fly. At 1746, he texted that "everything is working so far" and "if checks are good when I'm airborne I'll keep going" to the destination airport. At 1815, the pilot texted that he was departing and would be landing in Hesperia between about 1915 and 1930.

Air traffic control (ATC) communication audiotapes from the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ABQ ARTCC) indicated that, after takeoff, the pilot contacted ABQ ARTCC at 1825:24, stating that he was at 18,100 ft and climbing to 21,000 ft. The controller responded that he was cleared to climb and maintain 25,000 ft, which was the altitude listed in the pilot's flight plan. At 1829:54, the pilot made his last radio transmission, which was a response to the controller's frequency change instructions. The pilot read back the new frequency correctly making a slight stutter at the beginning of the transmission and double clicking the microphone. The controller checked to see if the pilot was on the frequency about 5 minutes later but did not receive a response.

Radar data indicated that, at the time of the pilot's first radio call, the airplane was transitioning through 18,100 ft, consistent with the pilot's transmission stating that he was climbing through that altitude. During the pilot's last radio transmission, the airplane was climbing through 22,800 ft on a westerly heading; the airplane reached 25,000 ft about 1832:30. The airplane tracked jet route J212, passed over the waypoint CURIV, and about 1850 began a turn to the south-southwest to overfly the Blythe, California very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR). The airplane completed an s-turn, passed over waypoint DECAS, and continued west, tracking jet route J65. The airplane overflew the destination airport and continued on the heading of 238°.

According to US military representatives, two F-15 fighter jets and a KC-135 air refueling tanker intercepted the airplane near Fresno, California, around 1900. An NTSB investigator reviewed the video taken by the F-15 that was in trail behind the airplane. The other F-15 maneuvered close to the accident airplane and attempted to get the pilot's attention. In the audio of the video, the F-15 pilot nearest the accident airplane reported that he was able to see the airplane's lights flashing (likely referring to the airplane's anti-collision lights and rotating beacon). He added that, due to the window position and the sun's glare, it was difficult to see inside. From what both pilots observed, they could not see anybody inside the airplane. They then used flares in an attempt to get the pilot's attention, but there was no reaction from the pilot. The airplane continued on a heading of about 260° at an altitude of about 25,000 ft.

The pilot of the F-15 closest to the airplane then attempted to see inside the cockpit using night vision googles. After maneuvering to about 200 ft from the airplane, the F-15 pilot reported that he could see in the front seat what he believed to be a seatbelt should harness fully forward and extremely tight. He was only able to observe this because of the contrast of the dark material. It appeared there was no one inside the airplane. The windows were not frosted. Neither F-15 pilot saw lights in the cockpit area. The F-15s continued to follow the airplane for about 20 to 30 minutes before they were recalled to their base at which point a US Coast Guard C-130 airplane followed the airplane until it crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Radar contact was lost at 2150 as the airplane entered non-radar airspace over the Pacific Ocean.

A video taken from the C-130 showed the airplane after its impact with the water. At the beginning of the 49-minute video, the airplane was floating in a nose-low attitude, with the right wing and propeller submerged under water. About 19 minutes into the video, the airplane was in a nose-low, near vertical attitude with the entire nose of the airplane submerged beneath the surface. About 42 minutes into the video, the aft portion of the tail was the only piece of the airplane above the water. The airplane sunk in the ocean, and the wreckage was not recovered. According to a Lancair representative the 4 hours and 22 minutes of flight is consistent with the airplane's engine experiencing a total loss of power from fuel exhaustion.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/06/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 30 hours (Total, this make and model), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

A review of the airmen records maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed that the pilot, age 39, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single- and multi-engine land airplanes and instrument airplane. He held a flight instructor certificate with ratings for single-engine airplane and instrument airplane. The pilot was also a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic. His most recent second-class medical certificate was issued in February 2015 and had the limitation that he must wear corrective lenses.

On his most recent FAA medical certificate application, the pilot reported a total flight experience of 2,150 hours of which 50 hours were acquired in the last 6 months. The pilot's personal flight records contained entries up to June 17, 2015, at which time the pilot recorded that he had about 4,025 hours of flight experience, which included his pilot-in-command time of unmanned aircraft. On an application for insurance for the accident airplane the pilot reported that he received 25 hours of Lancair Evolution initial flight training from Elite Pilot Services in December 2014. He additionally reported that he had attended Test Pilot Professional Training at the National Test Pilot School in December 2007 and had previously been in a hypobaric chamber to learn his symptoms of hypoxia. He reported that he did not use any medications.

According to the airplane's radar flight history, 18 flights were made between June 2015 and the accident flight. The airplane had been flown from Phoenix to Hesperia on June 14, June 21, and August 3.

The pilot's friends and acquaintances reported that he had been working long hours but could perform and operate well with little sleep. The pilot reported in the company records that from August 3 to 10, he worked every day for a total of 83 hours; he had not entered his more recent hours.

According to the pilot's girlfriend, he was in good health and had recently run a half marathon. The pilot's body was not recovered so an autopsy and toxicological testing could not be performed.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BARTELS
Registration: N427LE
Model/Series: Lancair Evolution
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 002
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-135A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

The Lancair Evolution was developed by Lancair and is available as an amateur-built kit from Evolution Aircraft. The high-performance, pressurized airplane is constructed mainly of composite materials and is equipped with four seats, retractable tricycle landing gear, and traditional flight control surfaces. The accident airplane was manufactured in 2009 as serial number EVO-002 and received a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category for the purpose of research and development in October 2014. The airplane was equipped with a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-135A engine, serial number PCE-P21565. According to airplane records, the engine was installed new in December 2014.

An airplane discrepancy list dated February 2, 2015, included an operational check of the pressure controller. There was a further notation that the cabin pressure could not maintain the maximum differential possibly due to a cabin leak or the outflow valve not closing entirely. The records indicated that various maintenance was performed, and the problem was rectified. A new carbon monoxide detector was installed in April 2015.

The airplane was equipped with two EnerSys sealed lead acid batteries. The standard battery installation is two sealed lead acid 24-volt batteries wired in parallel located on the cabin side of the firewall forward of the pilot and co-pilot rudder pedals.

About 1700 on the day of the accident, the airplane was fueled with 70 gallons of fuel topping the wing tanks to full.

The airplane was equipped with a Garmin 900X primary flight display (PFD) and multifunction display (MFD) arrangement with a Radiant Power Corporation (formerly Moritz) touchscreen system between the units. The Moritz touchscreen controlled cabin pressure settings, cabin temperature, cabin fan, and internal and external lighting. A small overhead electrical subpanel controlled pitot heat, prop heat, door seals, the deice door, XM satellite radio volume, and the environmental control system (ECS) flow pack. An oxygen subpanel with an oxygen pressure gauge and switch was mounted to the right of the MFD.

In the several months before the accident, the pilot had been working on the development of a prototype to replace the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen control panel, which had a history of failures. People familiar with the pilot and the airplane stated that the pilot's prototype touchscreen was mounted in the panel, and the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen (which had been removed from the panel but was still connected to the airplane's systems) would rest on the seat beside the pilot. The pilot told a co-developer of the prototype touchscreen that, when he returned from the accident flight, he would give the prototype to the co-developer so that software could be loaded into the unit. The co-developer stated that he thought the pilot still had the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen installed in the airplane (resting on the seat adjacent), and it was possibly a unit that had a history of failing when it overheated. He further stated that, if the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen stops working, it becomes a monitoring device. The Lancair repair station manager stated that a few weeks before the accident, the pilot had flown from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Phoenix with his prototype touchscreen installed on the airplane and a failed Radiant/Moritz touchscreen in his possession.

Moritz/Radiant Touchscreen

The Moritz/Radiant touchscreen had five main screen selections: cockpit pressure control system (CPCS) control, climate control, breaker control, main, and utility. The CPCS control page had an automatic mode selection, an option to set field elevation, and showed "cabin altitude comm error" and "differential pressure comm error" if these conditions occurred. The Breaker Control page contained the electronic circuit breakers for numerous items, including the CPCS, fan power, and air conditioning.

The CPCS button would map to pages where the cockpit pressure control system could be configured. In the event of cabin pressure exceeding 12,000 ft or differential pressure exceeding 6.7 pounds per square inch (psi), the CPCS button background would change from blue to red. There would also be an audible alarm if either of these conditions occurred. Pressing the red button would take the pilot to the CPCS page where the pressure error data would be indicated in red. The unit displayed actual cabin pressure in feet and had a yellow background if cabin altitude exceeded 10,000 ft. The CPCS page did not need to be selected for the pilot to receive warnings (including if no power was going to the outflow valve).

The airplanes' outflow valve supplied an analogue signal at the selected pressure altitudes that was fed to the CO Guardian carbon monoxide detector unit, which also provided cabin pressure warnings. This signal triggered the same aural tone via the audio panel as would be sent for a high carbon monoxide level in the cabin. The tone that the CO Guardian transmitted was not triggered by an output from the outflow valve. According to Lancair builders, the warning tone is a loud, intermittent beeping sound clearly identifiable as a warning and would not be confused with any other sound normally heard in flight.

According to Lancair, the most common type of failure on the Moritz/Radiant touchscreen was the touchscreen becoming unresponsive or "going black." They suspected that the cause of these failures was heat sensitivity of the unit, which warped the touchscreen board. If such a failure happened during flight, the pilot would lose the ability to control the screen-based functions, including the pressurization. The pressurization controllers were designed to maintain the current cabin differential pressure if a controller failure occurred and would schedule a pressure reduction during descent and would go to zero at the previously-set destination airport altitude.

Oxygen System

The airplane's oxygen system configuration during the accident flight could not be determined. Several people who had flown with the pilot stated that he kept an oxygen mask on his lap, and others stated that the oxygen mask would be in the seat pocket behind him. A Safety Board investigator observed in a storage area in Redmond Oregon there were numerous parts that had been removed from the airplane or were going to be installed in the airplane. In those parts, there were oxygen regulator valves, oxygen masks, and oxygen bottles making it further difficult to determine what was installed on the airplane at the time of impact.

People familiar with the airplane stated that it was equipped with a Mountain High oxygen flow box and bottle that were located in the baggage area under the floor. (This system required no on/off switch, because it was an on-demand flow system.)

Pressurization and Environmental System

The airplane's maximum pressure differential of 6.5 psi differential (psid) was the maximum differential between cabin and ambient altitudes that the pressurized section of the fuselage could support. Cabin pressurization is the compression of air in the cabin to maintain a cabin altitude lower than the actual flight altitude. At an altitude of 28,000 ft and 6.5 psid, the cabin altitude is maintained at 7,000 ft.

The airplane was equipped with a Kollsman ECS outflow valve, which was auto-sequencing and did not require extra equipment to operate normally. On the Radiant/Moritz touchscreen, the cabin altitude could be automatically selected and monitored, and the unit would indicate the pressure difference between the cabin and ambient altitudes. The rate of change between those two pressures was automatically controlled. Activation of the ECS switch (overhead bleed air switch) allowed compressed engine bleed air from the engine compressor section to go from the flow pack to the cockpit. Bleed air was then routed from the engine through an intercooler and the flow pack that expands the compressed air, thus reducing the pressure.

A squat switch on the landing gear opened the outflow valve and prevented cabin pressurization with the landing gear extended on the ground. Switches on the cabin door and baggage door permitted the door seal motors to be energized and inflate the seals.

Seat Belt

The pilot's seat was equipped with a single cross-body shoulder harness. When a man of stature and build similar to the accident pilot was seated in an exemplar airplane and wore the shoulder harness, he was visible in the airplane. Even when slumped all the way forward, he was visible. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBLH
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 0152 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 11000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.73 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 44°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: PHOENIX, AZ (DVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: HESPERIA, CA (L26)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1815 MST
Type of Airspace: Class A 

Phoenix Deer Valley Airport reported the following weather conditions near the time of the departure: wind 200° at 8 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 107°F, dew point 48°F, and altimeter setting 29.81 inches of mercury. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  37.433333, -130.833333 (est) 

Communications

There were insufficient transmissions by the pilot on the accident flight to compare the pilot's voice on the accident flight to his voice on a previous flight to look for signs of hypoxia.

Additional Information

Hypoxia

The FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (Section 8-1-2) states that "the effects of hypoxia are usually quite difficult to recognize, especially when they occur gradually."

FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 61-107B, "Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75," states that altitude hypoxia is caused by "an insufficient partial pressure of oxygen in the inhaled air resulting from reduced oxygen pressure in the atmosphere at altitude. Altitude hypoxia poses the greatest potential physiological hazard to a flightcrew member when at altitude. Supplemental oxygen will combat hypoxic hypoxia within seconds. Check your oxygen systems periodically to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen and that the system is functioning properly. Perform this check frequently with increasing altitude. If supplemental oxygen is not available, initiate an emergency descent to an altitude below 10,000 ft MSL."

AC 61-107B includes the following warning concerning altitude hypoxia:
"If hypoxia is suspected, immediately don oxygen mask and breathe 100 percent oxygen slowly. Descend to a safe altitude. If supplemental oxygen is not available, initiate an emergency descent to an altitude below 10,000 ft MSL. If symptoms persist, land as soon as possible."

AC 61-107B also describes the concept of "time of useful consciousness" (TUC) or "effective performance time" (EPT) as follows:

"This is the period of time from interruption of the oxygen supply, or exposure to an oxygen-poor environment, to the time when an individual is no longer capable of taking proper corrective and protective action. The faster the rate of ascent, the worse the impairment and the faster it happens. TUC also decreases with increasing altitude. Figure 2-3, Times of Useful Consciousness versus Altitude, shows the trend in TUC as a function of altitude. However, slow decompression is as dangerous as or more dangerous than a rapid decompression. By its nature, a rapid decompression commands attention. In contrast, a slow decompression may go unnoticed and the resultant hypoxia may be unrecognized by the pilot."

AC61-107B includes the following warning concerning TUC:

"The TUC does not mean the onset of unconsciousness. Impaired performance may be immediate. Prompt use of 100 percent oxygen is critical."

Figure 2-3 in AC 61-107B indicates that the TUC/EPT for a slow decompression at 28,000 ft is 2.5 to 3 minutes, and at 25,000 ft it is 3 to 5 minutes. The table notes that "the times provided are averages only and based on an individual at rest. Physical activity at altitude, fatigue, self-imposed stress, and individual variation will make the times vary."

NTSB Identification: WPR15LA242 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, August 13, 2015 in
Aircraft: BARTELS LANCAIR EVOLUTION, registration: N427LE
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 August 13, 2015, about 2215 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Bartels Lancair Evolution, N427LE, descended into the Pacific Ocean about 430 nautical miles (nm) northwest of San Francisco, California. The airplane was registered to and being operated by Unmanned Systems, Inc under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The certified flight instructor was fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed. The personal flight departed from Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona about 1815 with a planned destination of Hesperia Airport, Hesperia, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed and activated.

During the month prior to the accident, the pilot had spent a majority of his time based in Phoenix to work on the development of hardware/software upgrades systems for the Lancair Evolution. The pilot had been planning to take the airplane to pick up his four children in Hesperia and return back to Phoenix where they would stay with him for the week. He had to delay his flight because the flight line personnel at the fixed based operator (FBO), where he hangared the airplane, had left the master switch on and the batteries were completely drained.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) communication audiotapes from the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ABQ ARTCC) were provided to the National Transportation Safety Board for review. Following departure, the pilot contacted ABQ ARTCC at 1825, indicating he was at 18,100 ft and climbing to flight level (FL)210. The controller read back that he was cleared to climb and maintain FL250, which is the FL listed in the pilot's flight plan. At 1829 the pilot made his last radio transmission which was a response to the controller's frequency change instructions. The pilot read back the frequency and did not make further contact. The controller checked to see if he was on the frequency about 5 minutes later, but did not receive a response.

Preliminary radar data indicated that following departure, the airplane made a continuous climb until reaching FL250. At the time of the first radio call, the airplane did appear to be transitioning through 18,100 ft, consistent with the pilot's transmission. During the pilot's last radio call, about 4 minutes later, the airplane was climbing through 22,800 ft continuing on a westerly heading. While tracking jet route J212, the airplane passed over the waypoint CURIV and at about 1850 began, a turn to the south-southwest to overfly the Blythe, California very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR). Completing an s-turn, the airplane passed over way point DECAS and continued west tracking jet route J65 overflying the destination airport and continuing on that heading until descending into the ocean. The airplane floated intact for over 20 minutes before becoming submerged in the water.

According US military representatives, two F-15 fighter jets and a KC-135 air refueling tanker intercepted the airplane near




HESPERIA (CBSLA.com) — A father of four and seasoned pilot, Troy Johnson is missing Friday night. 

Johnson, 39, was flying an experimental Lancair plane that was seen crashing into the ocean 460 miles from San Fransisco on Thursday.

“He’s a Christian man, and we know that he’s at peace. It’s a difficult time, and we ask that everyone keep the family in their prayers,” said Lindsay Woods, Johnson’s brother-in-law.

“During the flight there was some unknown mechanical malfunctions. The planes auto pilot continued on its course until the fuel supply was exhausted and it descended into the ocean,” Woods said in a statement.

“Troy at an early age knew that he wanted to be in aviation and right out of high school and Bible college and went to aviation school right after that and graduated and went right into the field,” Woods said.

The FAA says the plane took off from Phoenix, stopped in Palmdale and then took off for Hesperia, only 60 miles away.

But the plane veered off course. Military radar operators picked the plane up off the coast of Point Reyes, just north of San Francisco Bay.

A Coast Guard rescue plane flew alongside and reported seeing the pilot slumped over the controls.

The crew watched as the plane crashed into the ocean about 460 miles off the coast.

Johnson was born in Apple Valley. In addition to his four children, he also has eight siblings.

The family issued a statement Friday evening. It read in part: “Troy was a wonderful man who was passionate about aeronautics from an early age. He was an accomplished pilot, aeronautical engineer and a loving father, brother and son. His family, friends and coworkers would like to extend their appreciation to those brave men and women who aided in the search. We find our peace and comfort in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The Coast Guard says the search for Johnson was suspended Friday at sunset. There are no plans to resume the search. 

Source:  http://losangeles.cbslocal.com

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