Sunday, December 06, 2015

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Vodochody L39 Albatros, N39AY; fatal accident occurred December 06, 2015 at Apple Valley Airport (KAPV), San Bernardino County, California

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside, California
Air Accidents Investigation Institute; Praha, FN

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


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


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

http://registry.faa.gov/N39AY

Location: Apple Valley, CA
Accident Number: WPR16FA035
Date & Time: 12/06/2015, 1407 PST
Registration: N39AY
Aircraft: AERO VODOCHODY L 39C
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The airline transport pilot was taking the private-pilot-rated passenger on a local flight in the former foreign-military jet trainer. After the airplane was refueled, the pilot delivered his customary 1-hour safety briefing to the passenger. The pilot subsequently taxied the airplane to the airport run-up area and, after a brief pause, to the runway. As the pilot initiated the takeoff roll, a witness observed dark gray smoke coming from the engine exhaust. When the airplane was about halfway down the runway and about 100 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The airplane maintained altitude until it reached the end of the runway, at which point it rolled left, descended rapidly, and impacted the ground. A postcrash fire erupted that destroyed the majority of the airplane.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact anomalies with the airplane's control system; however, control continuity could not be confirmed due to the extensive thermal damage to the airframe. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that thermal distress of the 2nd and 3rd stage turbine nozzles and blades led to failure of the 2nd stage turbine blades, which rendered the engine incapable of producing thrust. All the fuel nozzles were below factory allowable limits in terms of flow rate and spray pattern and failed the factory functional test procedure. The asymmetrically deteriorated conditions of the installed fuel nozzle set matched the asymmetrically deteriorated condition of the 2nd stage turbine nozzle.

The maximum metered fuel delivery pressure measured on the test bench for the fuel control unit (FCU) was 85 atmospheres (atm). The typical maximum metered fuel delivery pressure for a normally operating engine to produce maximum approved thrust is 48 to 50 atm of pressure with an absolute maximum fuel pressure of 65 atm. The FCU was adjusted back to 50 atm during the test, indicating that there was no internal fault with the FCU but rather it had been purposely adjusted to 85 atm fuel pressure.

A search of the maintenance logbooks did not reveal when or where this FCU fuel pressure adjustment occurred. During the inspection and engine performance run-up of the engine performed about 2 weeks before the accident, maintenance personnel should have noticed an overly high fuel pressure, but this did not occur, making it likely that the FCU was adjusted after the inspection. It is possible that whoever made this adjustment did not understand or appreciate the fuel nozzle condition and erroneously tried to increase the fuel pressure to compensate for the low flow rate of the fuel nozzles.

The manual adjustment of the FCU to deliver an overly high fuel pressure combined with the deteriorated condition of the fuel nozzles likely led to the heat-deteriorated condition of the 2nd and 3rd stage turbine nozzles and blades within a short period of time. Further, two of the four thermocouples that sense exhaust gas temperature had failed, which increased the likelihood of an incorrect cooler-than-actual temperature indication in the cockpit. As a result, the pilot likely did not observe any indication of engine thermal distress before the power loss.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A total loss of engine power on takeoff, which resulted from a sudden over-temperature condition due to an improperly adjusted fuel control unit and the deteriorated condition of the fuel nozzles.

Findings

Aircraft
Engine (turbine/turboprop) - Failure (Cause)
Fuel controlling system - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)
Engine fuel and control - Fatigue/wear/corrosion (Cause)

Personnel issues
Maintenance - Not specified (Cause)

Factual Information

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On December 6, 2015, about 1407 Pacific standard time, an Aero Vodochody L-39C, N39AY, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Apple Valley, California. The airline transport pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Jettran LLC as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which departed Apple Valley Airport (APV) about 1406.

A friend of the pilot-rated passenger reported that the passenger was considering purchasing a partial ownership in another L-39 airplane that was based at his local airport. Additionally, the passenger was a fan of the accident pilot's performances in the Red Bull Air Races. After the friend introduced the passenger to the pilot, they arranged to fly together in the L-39.

Witnesses reported that, on the day of the accident, after refueling the airplane, the pilot delivered a 1-hour safety briefing to the passenger inside the airport terminal. Subsequently, they boarded the airplane, and the pilot taxied it to the airport run-up area. After a brief pause, the pilot taxied the airplane to runway 18 and began a ground roll. One witness reported seeing dark grey-colored exhaust coming from the exhaust nozzle as the airplane began its takeoff roll.

According to witnesses, when the airplane was about 3,400 ft down the runway (just beyond the halfway point), witnesses heard a "pop, pop, pop" sound, which was immediately followed by intermittent, bright orange flashes coming from the exhaust nozzle. Witnesses reported that the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level; multiple witnesses reported that they had observed the airplane reach an altitude of about 500 ft above ground level by this point during previous takeoffs. A witness reported that while the airplane appeared to have slowed down after the popping sound was heard, it did not appear to lose any altitude. As the airplane reached the departure end of the runway, it rolled into a left-wing-low attitude. Two witnesses reported that the airplane rolled 90° to the left. The airplane then descended rapidly, and the left wing impacted the ground followed by the nose. The wreckage slid and came to rest in the dirt between two taxiways, and a fire ensued.

A photograph of the airplane's departure captured the airplane about 2,200 ft down the runway and showed the airplane airborne in a slight nose-up attitude with the flaps deployed and the landing gear extended.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Pilot

A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had accumulated a total of 23,200.3 hours of flight experience of which 170 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. The pilot accumulated a total of 12.2 hours in the accident airplane between August 25, 2015, and November 20, 2015, which was the date of the last recorded logbook entry. The last entry in the logbook was a simulator flight in a Boeing 787 on November 20, 2015, and his last recorded flight in the accident airplane was on October 27, 2015, from APV to Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada.

The pilot had been a competitive air racer since 1990 and was active in the Red Bull Air Races from 2004 to 2009. He won the Red Bull Air Race World Series Championship in 2005 and again in 2007.

A friend of the pilot who had known him for about 15 years reported that he worked with the pilot at Racing Jets, Inc. According to this friend, it was not unusual for the accident pilot to take passengers for rides in the L-39. It was customary for the accident pilot to conduct a 1-hour safety briefing with each passenger before departure. During this time, the pilot would address numerous safety items including: canopy operation, parachute deployment, safety belt operation, and the procedures for a manual bailout.

The pilot's wife, a professional career pilot and former aerobatic pilot, stated that it was not uncommon for the accident pilot to deliver a 1-hour safety briefing before flying with a new passenger. During a flight with a new passenger, the pilot might let them fly, but he would normally follow them on the controls, and, should an emergency arise, he would immediately resume control of the airplane.

Pilot's 72-hour History

The pilot was a first officer for a major airline. According to the pilot's wife, he left their home about 1500 on December 3, 2015, and drove to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) where he boarded a commercial flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil as the first officer. The return flight arrived at LAX at 0900 on the morning of the accident flight.

According to the pilot's fellow crewmembers on the flights to and from Sao Paulo, the crew queried each other to ensure they had received adequate rest. A crewmember recalled that during the return flight to Los Angeles, the pilot had a total of two breaks consistent with the shift schedule. On his first break, he rested in a business class seat; however, the crewmember could not confirm if he slept during that time. During the pilot's second break, a 3-hour time period, he used the airplane's crew bunk. The crewmember surmised that the accident pilot was sleeping during this time as his bunk light was not illuminated. Another crewmember stated that he would have recalled if another crewmember had slept or not.

Pilot-rated Passenger

The pilot-rated passenger, age 42, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He was issued a third-class medical certificate on May 20, 2014, at which time he reported a total flight experience of 377 hours and 0 hours in the previous 6 months. A copy of his logbook was furnished by a family member and indicated that he had accumulated a total flight experience of 409 hours. The logbook showed that he had not amassed any time in turbine engine aircraft. According to the passenger's friend, he was a general aviation pilot who flew airplanes equipped with reciprocating engines. The witness was under the impression that his friend was not going to fly the airplane on the day of the accident.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

According to FAA records, the single-engine, two-seat tandem airplane was manufactured in 1993. According to Aero Vodochody, the airplane was manufactured in 1983. It was issued an FAA experimental special airworthiness certificate in the exhibition category on February 23, 2003, and it was registered to Jettran LLC on December 16, 2014.

The airplane was originally used as a military jet trainer, and it was powered by an AI-25 TL engine that was manufactured by Ivchenko (now Motor Sich). According to the manufacturer, the airplane was owned and operated by the Ukrainian military from 1991 to 2002, when it was decommissioned, transported to the United States, and repurposed as a civilian airplane. A logbook entry dated February 20, 2003, indicated that the airframe had accumulated 1,908 total flight hours, and the engine had accumulated 532 total hours. The airplane's records prior to entering service in the United States could not be located.

A maintenance entry from February 20, 2003 stated that the ejection seat rocket motors and charges had been removed, and the ejection system was no longer operative. The airplane's most recent condition inspection was completed on November 23, 2015, at which time the airplane had accumulated 2,062 total flight hours. The logbook entry for the condition inspection showed that the right- and left-wing flight controls and the aft flight controls were inspected. Additionally, the elevators, rudder, wing flaps, and ailerons were lubricated.

Engine History

The AI-25TL model engine was designed for use in the L-39 military trainer, and its first flight occurred in 1968. About 2,900 L-39 airplanes were built between 1968 and 1992, and the airplane remains in operational service with several air forces around the world. About 4,000 total AI-25TL engines were built during its production run.

The engine was originally intended to have a time between overhaul (TBO) of 750 hours and a life service limit of 8 calendar years. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated 686 hours and had been in service about 26 years. Recent service bulletins by the manufacturer have extended the life limit to 15 calendar years; however, the extension applies only to engines that have been operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's approved instructions for continued airworthiness.

According to foreign documentation and industry consultants, the engine was installed on the airplane in 1991 as a replacement. When the airplane was imported into the United States in 2003, the engine passed an FAA-approved maintenance inspection. The AI-25TL engine record-keeping requirements do not require recording of cycles since new or cycles since overhaul. According to the logbooks, the engine was never overhauled.

During the most recent engine inspection on November 23, 2015, the 1st and 2nd stage turbine blades and wheel assemblies were inspected by borescope for condition, and no anomalies were observed. According to the maintenance personnel who performed the inspection, he performed a critical tip clearance inspection of the 2nd stage blades. The tip clearance inspection determines if the blades have stretched in operation due to an over-temperature condition. Normally, there is a small clearance between the 2nd stage blade tips and the outer tip shroud. If the blades have stretched, then the tips will contact the shroud and deform, producing a visible "curl" on the concave sides of the tips. According to the maintenance personnel, they did not detect any blade curl during the November 23, 2015, borescope inspection.

Further, according to the maintenance personnel, during the November 23, 2015, engine inspection, two engine performance check ground run-ups were accomplished, and the maximum fuel delivery pressure did not exceed the published limit during these run-ups. The maintenance personnel reported that a high fuel pressure would have been visible on the fuel pressure gauge in the cockpit. The high fuel pressure would also have manifested itself as an elevated interstage turbine temperature value during the high-power test. According to the maintenance personnel, neither of these discrepancies were observed.

Airport fueling records indicated that the airplane had been serviced with about 131 gallons of JET-A fuel before the accident flight. A fuel sample was taken from the fuel facility, and the fuel was clear and free of contaminants.

Maintenance Program

The owner's maintenance program for the airplane was originally approved by the FAA on July 11, 2002, and the first revision was approved on December 17, 2014. The program listed the engine under the "Life Limited Items" and requires a "Condition Inspection" at 1,500 and 3,000 hours and an engine overhaul at 4,000 hours. The engine "Condition Inspection" consists of the standard factory-prescribed engine run-up performance test and inspection, which, according to the Motor Sich Engine Manual, should occur at 100-hour intervals.

The maintenance program also required a borescope inspection through the ignitor holes. No other details were specified, and no engine manual references were made. According to the Motor Sich Engine Manual, a borescope inspection of the hot section, which includes a close examination of the fuel nozzle condition, should be performed at intervals of 100 hours.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The 1415 recorded weather observation at Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV), Victorville, California, located about 9.8 nautical miles west of APV, included wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 12,000 ft, temperature 15°C, dew point -10°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.27 inches of mercury.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

APV was publicly owned and operated by the County of San Bernardino and was not equipped with an operating control tower. Runway 18/36 was 6,498 ft long and 150 ft wide with displaced thresholds at both ends. The airport elevation was about 3,062 ft above mean sea level.

The terrain beyond the airport perimeter along the extended centerline of runway 18 was mostly flat desert sparsely covered with brush.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The airplane impacted an area of flat terrain between two taxiways about 800 ft beyond the departure end of runway 18, and about 150 ft to the right of the runway centerline. The debris path, which measured 263 ft long by 100 ft wide, was oriented on a 193° magnetic heading. The path was composed of airframe fragments and a black substance that resembled oil residue, which spanned the length of the debris field. The initial impact point (IIP) was identified by a V-shaped ground scar that scraped the northern edge of a taxiway. Red position light fragments (from the left wingtip navigation light) were observed around the left side of the debris path about 20 ft from the IIP, and several small pieces of plexiglass were scattered beyond the position light fragments.

All major structural components of the airframe were accounted for at the accident site. The main wreckage came to rest on a 080° magnetic heading and was comprised of the fuselage, empennage, and portions of both wings. The fuselage and engine compartment were destroyed by fire, but the engine and empennage remained intact. Visual examination of the engine case and exhaust shaft revealed no evidence of a catastrophic engine failure. An inspection of runway 18/36 following the accident revealed no evidence of foreign object debris.

The primary flight controls (aileron, elevator, and rudder) were activated by push-pull tubes and levers that were attached to two interconnected control sticks located in the forward and aft cockpits. Only two control tubes from the elevator and rudder assembly were recovered; one of the tubes had separated from the elevator/rudder bell crank and had fractured into 5 pieces that displayed signatures consistent with overload separation. The remaining control tubes were destroyed by the postcrash fire.

Most of the wings were destroyed by fire. The left aileron control turnbuckles and main aileron bellcrank were intact but were separated from their respective control tubes, which were destroyed by the postcrash fire.

The rudder control system consisted of two pairs of interconnected, adjustable rudder pedals. The front seat occupant's rudder pedal assembly remained intact and had been adjusted to the forward position. Both control tubes, which had separated from the pedals and bellcrank mounts, were destroyed by the postcrash fire. The rear seat occupant's rudder assembly was also intact; the control tubes remained attached; and the rudder pedal mounting tubes were straight. The airplane was equipped with two slotted fowler flaps interconnected by a single actuating cylinder and synchronized mechanically. One of three flap settings was achieved by depressing the appropriate control button on the left side control console. The inboard and outboard right-wing flap tracks had separated from the wing, but portions of the flaps remained attached to their respective tracks, which indicated a 25° deployed (takeoff) position.

The nose landing gear was in the extended position and the nose landing gear door was closed. Both main landing gear were collocated with the main fuselage, but their positions could not be determined due to postcrash fire.

The airplane was equipped with trim tabs for both the longitudinal and lateral axes. Longitudinal trim was provided by trim tabs that were fitted to the left and right elevators. The left trim tab was designed to deflect automatically when the flaps were deployed to the landing position to compensate for aerodynamic ballooning during landing. The right trim tab was controlled by the trim switch in either cockpit.

Continuity of the elevator and flap trim linkages were confirmed from their respective tail section control tubes to both trim tabs. Both the elevator and flap trim were in their neutral positions; the manufacturer indicated that a takeoff can be accomplished with the elevator trim in either the neutral or takeoff positions. The elevator bearings appeared to be lubricated, and the hinges did not display any signs of deformation.

Fuel System

The airplane was equipped with five interconnected fuselage fuel tanks, two tip fuel tanks, and one inverted-flight fuel reservoir. A fuel shutoff valve, a low-pressure fuel pump, fuel filter, and a fuel indicator completed the system. All of the airplane's fuel tanks were destroyed by fire, with the exception of the left-wing tip tank, which exhibited significant vertical crush damage as indicated by its accordion-like appearance.

The front seat passenger fuel cutoff remained attached to the left side cockpit fuselage. The fuel lever was in the full aft position (closed), and the protective gate that prevented inadvertent manipulation of the fuel cutoff remained attached to the fuel lever assembly. Both the lever and the gate were bent to the side about 10° by impact forces. The low-pressure fuel boost pump, was thermally damaged, and the screen was partially separated but did not contain any debris.

Engine Examination

The engine displayed no evidence of an un-containment, such as case breaches or failed flanges. The compressor section of the engine was intact and generally undamaged. The combustor housing, turbine housing, and the exhaust pipe were externally intact. The four exhaust gas thermocouples were present, and three of the thermocouples were deformed.

The engine was torn down, and the fuel nozzle manifold was found intact as were the 12 individual fuel nozzle assemblies. The combustor was intact but displayed carbon deposits within the fuel nozzle head assembly cooling and anti-carbon build-up holes. All the fuel nozzles were removed from their combustor locating ferrules with ease and were found to be intact; however, most were coated with black carbon or coke deposits.

Examination of the turbine or "hot" section of the engine revealed evidence of thermal distress. The lst stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. A rippling of the parent material near the outer span at the trailing edges of the blades was observed on many blades, consistent with blade material becoming plastic during operation at elevated temperatures.

The 2nd stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. About half of the blades were fractured in a sequential fashion near the tip shroud blend radius, and those with their tip shrouds still intact had fractures near the trailing edges with fingernail-sized particles missing. A visual examination of all the fractures revealed only overload type failure. No evidence of fatigue was observed. All the blades exhibited a rippled pattern on the mid-span, consistent with a melted plastic flow. Most of the vanes of the 2nd stage turbine nozzle exhibited a rippling pattern on the vane airfoil surfaces along the inner half of the vane span, consistent with a melted plastic flow.

The 3rd stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. Two non-consecutive blades were bent. Blade tip shrouds from the 2nd stage turbine and other metal debris were found between the blades and at the bottom of the housing. The 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes displayed a circumferentially-varying heat distress pattern with the distress most prominent between the 9:00 and 12:30 o'clock positions and the 2:00 and 4:00 o'clock positions.

After the examination of the engine, the FCU, the fuel nozzles, and the thermocouples were sent to a maintenance and overhaul facility in Prague, Czech Republic, for testing and disassembly of the components.

FCU

The Ivchenko AI-25TL engine measures the metered fuel pressure between the FCU and the fuel nozzles. The typical maximum metered fuel delivery pressure for a normally-operating engine to produce maximum approved thrust is 48 to 50 atmospheres (atm) of pressure. A review of the aircraft manual engine field adjustment worksheet values revealed that the absolute maximum fuel pressure for takeoff conditions is 65 atm. According to the consulted L39 specialists, any fuel pressure over 55 atm for the engine to produce approved thrust is cause for further maintenance investigation. A gauge on the pilot's instrument panel displays the engine metered fuel delivery pressure and has a redline at 65 atm.

The maximum metered fuel delivery pressure measured for the accident FCU was 85 atm. Screw number 28 had to be adjusted by several turns in the counterclockwise direction to bring the fuel delivery pressure back to 50 atm, indicating that there was no internal fault with the FCU but rather it had been intentionally adjusted above the unit's maximum allowable fuel pressure.

Fuel Nozzles

The Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan engine, features an axially-oriented single-annulus type combustor into which the fuel is fed by 12 fuel nozzles, all supplied by a single manifold. The condition of the fuel nozzles significantly affects all the components in the downstream gas path, such as the combustor and the turbine section. A streaky nozzle with an uneven spray pattern will distribute a sharp streak of fuel into the combustion chamber, rather than a fine mist, and will delay the complete combustion of the fuel, causing the heat profile of the flame to migrate aft in the flowpath, increasing the heat to the 2nd and 3rd stage turbines. Temperature unevenness around the circumference of a turbine nozzle causes the turbine blades to encounter highly variable conditions as they rotate through the disturbed airflow, causing fore and aft load variations on individual blades, leading to one-per-revolution vibrations, which is detrimental to the fatigue life of the blades. Hot streaks also thermally shock the blades and lead to blade over-temperature.

Inspection of the accident fuel nozzles assemblies revealed black, sooty deposits on the nozzle tips and shrouds. Before testing, the fuel nozzles were cleaned in a solvent bath overnight to remove the soot. They were then tested in a factory-specialized apparatus.

All of the fuel nozzles failed the factory functional test procedure and would have required overhaul in order to be returned to service. The fuel nozzles were all below allowable factory limits for flow rate and spray pattern. It was noted that fuel nozzle No. 3 had the highest spray pattern variance or streakiness (97%), which matched the location of the thermal distress between 9:00 and 12:30 o'clock on the 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. Additionally, fuel nozzles Nos. 10 and 11 had the narrowest spray cone angles (70° and 73°, respectively), which matched the location of the thermal distress between 2:00 and 4:00 o'clock on the 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. Figure 1 shows the fuel nozzle locations overlaid on the damaged 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. The two orange arcs in the figure highlight the areas of greatest thermal distress on the 3rd state nozzle vanes.


Figure 1 – Fuel Nozzle Locations Overlaid on Damaged 3rd Stage Turbine Nozzle Vanes

The damage noted on the 2nd and 3rd stage nozzles and turbines was consistent with an over-temperature condition caused by a disturbed combustion process in the combustor due to poor fuel atomization by the fuel nozzles.

Thermocouples

The AI-25TL engine has four thermocouples in the exhaust that measure the exhaust gas temperature. Each thermocouple unit contains two separate and independent sensors. All four accident thermocouples were tested in a factory test apparatus, and the results indicated that only two of the thermocouples had one acceptable sensor. Because the thermocouple electrical system measures the average temperature of all thermocouples, if a thermocouple in the hot zone fails, then the temperature indicated to the pilot will go down, giving the pilot the false indication that the engine is performing cooler than it really is.

For further information about the engine and engine component examinations, refer to the Powerplant Group Chairman's Factual Report available in the public docket for this investigation.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division, San Bernardino, California, conducted autopsies on the pilot and the passenger. The cause of death determined for each was multiple blunt force injuries.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division and the FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological tests on specimens recovered from the pilot. A carboxyhemoglobin saturation test performed by the Sheriff's Department revealed no evidence of carbon monoxide in the pilot's cavity blood. Tests performed by both agencies were negative for ethanol and tested-for drugs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The takeoff, emergency, and aborted takeoff procedure excerpts below were found in the airplane's flight manual.

Takeoff Procedures

Before starting the takeoff roll, mentally go through the "Abort" procedure and relevant takeoff data.

Engine instruments – Check within limits:
RPM
EGT
Oil pressure
Caution and warning lights – Out
Takeoff clearance – Request
Clock – Start flight time counting
Throttle – Take Up
Wheel brakes – Release
Maintain directional control initially by differential braking and then by rudder. The rudder becomes effective at approximately 60 km/h.
At 150 km/h [81 knots] IAS, smoothly raise the nose wheel. An aircraft in clean configuration will become airborne at approximately 180 to 190 km/h [97 to 103 knots] IAS.

Emergency Procedures

Engine Failure During Takeoff (Loss of Power)

If possible:
ABORT TAKEOFF – Follow abort takeoff procedures

If airborne:
THROTTLE – MAX. Consider controlling engine by means of secondary circuit
SEC. REG. switch – ON
EXTERNAL STORES – JETTISON

If thrust is insufficient to maintain a safe climb:
Forced landing - Perform

Aborted Takeoff

THROTTLE – STOP
BRAKE – NORMAL BRAKING
RADIO – DECLARE ABORT
'BARRIER" – As required
Assess the situation
Airplane Inspection Guidance

FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 43-209A – Recommended Inspection Procedures for Military Aircraft was published in 2013 and superseded AC 43-209, which was released in 2003 and provided a recommended inspection program specifically for owners of the L-39 airplane. AC 43-209A provides broad guidelines for the inspection, storage, and certification of all ex-military aircraft and is not specific to the L39 airplane. This AC requires the owner/operator to submit a written inspection program to the FAA based on manufacturer or military service maintenance requirements of their aircraft. 

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Post-impact
Fire/smoke (post-impact) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Flight Engineer
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/22/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/06/2015
Flight Time:  23223 hours (Total, all aircraft), 170 hours (Total, this make and model), 68.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 42, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/20/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 409 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AERO VODOCHODY
Registration: N39AY
Model/Series: L 39C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1993
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental; Restricted
Serial Number: 332703
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/23/2015, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10360 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Fan
Airframe Total Time: 2062 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: IVCHENKO
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AI-25TL
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 3800 lbs
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: VCV, 2885 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1407 PST
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 12000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.27 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / -10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Apple Valley, CA (APV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Apple Valley, CA (APV)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1407 PST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: APPLE VALLEY (APV)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3062 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6498 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.571944, -117.185000 (est)
=======

Location: Apple Valley, CA
Accident Number: WPR16FA035
Date & Time: 12/06/2015, 1407 PST
Registration: N39AY
Aircraft: AERO VODOCHODY L 39C
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On December 6, 2015, about 1407 Pacific standard time, an Aero Vodochody L-39C, N39AY, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Apple Valley, California. The airline transport pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Jettran LLC as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which departed Apple Valley Airport (APV) about 1406.

A friend of the pilot-rated passenger reported that the passenger was considering purchasing a partial ownership in another L-39 airplane that was based at his local airport. Additionally, the passenger was a fan of the accident pilot's performances in the Red Bull Air Races. After the friend introduced the passenger to the pilot, they arranged to fly together in the L-39.

Witnesses reported that, on the day of the accident, after refueling the airplane, the pilot delivered a 1-hour safety briefing to the passenger inside the airport terminal. Subsequently, they boarded the airplane, and the pilot taxied it to the airport run-up area. After a brief pause, the pilot taxied the airplane to runway 18 and began a ground roll. One witness reported seeing dark grey-colored exhaust coming from the exhaust nozzle as the airplane began its takeoff roll.

According to witnesses, when the airplane was about 3,400 ft down the runway (just beyond the halfway point), witnesses heard a "pop, pop, pop" sound, which was immediately followed by intermittent, bright orange flashes coming from the exhaust nozzle. Witnesses reported that the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level; multiple witnesses reported that they had observed the airplane reach an altitude of about 500 ft above ground level by this point during previous takeoffs. A witness reported that while the airplane appeared to have slowed down after the popping sound was heard, it did not appear to lose any altitude. As the airplane reached the departure end of the runway, it rolled into a left-wing-low attitude. Two witnesses reported that the airplane rolled 90° to the left. The airplane then descended rapidly, and the left wing impacted the ground followed by the nose. The wreckage slid and came to rest in the dirt between two taxiways, and a fire ensued.

A photograph of the airplane's departure captured the airplane about 2,200 ft down the runway and showed the airplane airborne in a slight nose-up attitude with the flaps deployed and the landing gear extended.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Pilot

A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had accumulated a total of 23,200.3 hours of flight experience of which 170 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. The pilot accumulated a total of 12.2 hours in the accident airplane between August 25, 2015, and November 20, 2015, which was the date of the last recorded logbook entry. The last entry in the logbook was a simulator flight in a Boeing 787 on November 20, 2015, and his last recorded flight in the accident airplane was on October 27, 2015, from APV to Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada.

The pilot had been a competitive air racer since 1990 and was active in the Red Bull Air Races from 2004 to 2009. He won the Red Bull Air Race World Series Championship in 2005 and again in 2007.

A friend of the pilot who had known him for about 15 years reported that he worked with the pilot at Racing Jets, Inc. According to this friend, it was not unusual for the accident pilot to take passengers for rides in the L-39. It was customary for the accident pilot to conduct a 1-hour safety briefing with each passenger before departure. During this time, the pilot would address numerous safety items including: canopy operation, parachute deployment, safety belt operation, and the procedures for a manual bailout.

The pilot's wife, a professional career pilot and former aerobatic pilot, stated that it was not uncommon for the accident pilot to deliver a 1-hour safety briefing before flying with a new passenger. During a flight with a new passenger, the pilot might let them fly, but he would normally follow them on the controls, and, should an emergency arise, he would immediately resume control of the airplane.

Pilot's 72-hour History

The pilot was a first officer for a major airline. According to the pilot's wife, he left their home about 1500 on December 3, 2015, and drove to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) where he boarded a commercial flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil as the first officer. The return flight arrived at LAX at 0900 on the morning of the accident flight.

According to the pilot's fellow crewmembers on the flights to and from Sao Paulo, the crew queried each other to ensure they had received adequate rest. A crewmember recalled that during the return flight to Los Angeles, the pilot had a total of two breaks consistent with the shift schedule. On his first break, he rested in a business class seat; however, the crewmember could not confirm if he slept during that time. During the pilot's second break, a 3-hour time period, he used the airplane's crew bunk. The crewmember surmised that the accident pilot was sleeping during this time as his bunk light was not illuminated. Another crewmember stated that he would have recalled if another crewmember had slept or not.

Pilot-rated Passenger

The pilot-rated passenger, age 42, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He was issued a third-class medical certificate on May 20, 2014, at which time he reported a total flight experience of 377 hours and 0 hours in the previous 6 months. A copy of his logbook was furnished by a family member and indicated that he had accumulated a total flight experience of 409 hours. The logbook showed that he had not amassed any time in turbine engine aircraft. According to the passenger's friend, he was a general aviation pilot who flew airplanes equipped with reciprocating engines. The witness was under the impression that his friend was not going to fly the airplane on the day of the accident.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

According to FAA records, the single-engine, two-seat tandem airplane was manufactured in 1993. According to Aero Vodochody, the airplane was manufactured in 1983. It was issued an FAA experimental special airworthiness certificate in the exhibition category on February 23, 2003, and it was registered to Jettran LLC on December 16, 2014.

The airplane was originally used as a military jet trainer, and it was powered by an AI-25 TL engine that was manufactured by Ivchenko (now Motor Sich). According to the manufacturer, the airplane was owned and operated by the Ukrainian military from 1991 to 2002, when it was decommissioned, transported to the United States, and repurposed as a civilian airplane. A logbook entry dated February 20, 2003, indicated that the airframe had accumulated 1,908 total flight hours, and the engine had accumulated 532 total hours. The airplane's records prior to entering service in the United States could not be located.

A maintenance entry from February 20, 2003 stated that the ejection seat rocket motors and charges had been removed, and the ejection system was no longer operative. The airplane's most recent condition inspection was completed on November 23, 2015, at which time the airplane had accumulated 2,062 total flight hours. The logbook entry for the condition inspection showed that the right- and left-wing flight controls and the aft flight controls were inspected. Additionally, the elevators, rudder, wing flaps, and ailerons were lubricated.

Engine History

The AI-25TL model engine was designed for use in the L-39 military trainer, and its first flight occurred in 1968. About 2,900 L-39 airplanes were built between 1968 and 1992, and the airplane remains in operational service with several air forces around the world. About 4,000 total AI-25TL engines were built during its production run.

The engine was originally intended to have a time between overhaul (TBO) of 750 hours and a life service limit of 8 calendar years. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated 686 hours and had been in service about 26 years. Recent service bulletins by the manufacturer have extended the life limit to 15 calendar years; however, the extension applies only to engines that have been operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's approved instructions for continued airworthiness.

According to foreign documentation and industry consultants, the engine was installed on the airplane in 1991 as a replacement. When the airplane was imported into the United States in 2003, the engine passed an FAA-approved maintenance inspection. The AI-25TL engine record-keeping requirements do not require recording of cycles since new or cycles since overhaul. According to the logbooks, the engine was never overhauled.

During the most recent engine inspection on November 23, 2015, the 1st and 2nd stage turbine blades and wheel assemblies were inspected by borescope for condition, and no anomalies were observed. According to the maintenance personnel who performed the inspection, he performed a critical tip clearance inspection of the 2nd stage blades. The tip clearance inspection determines if the blades have stretched in operation due to an over-temperature condition. Normally, there is a small clearance between the 2nd stage blade tips and the outer tip shroud. If the blades have stretched, then the tips will contact the shroud and deform, producing a visible "curl" on the concave sides of the tips. According to the maintenance personnel, they did not detect any blade curl during the November 23, 2015, borescope inspection.

Further, according to the maintenance personnel, during the November 23, 2015, engine inspection, two engine performance check ground run-ups were accomplished, and the maximum fuel delivery pressure did not exceed the published limit during these run-ups. The maintenance personnel reported that a high fuel pressure would have been visible on the fuel pressure gauge in the cockpit. The high fuel pressure would also have manifested itself as an elevated interstage turbine temperature value during the high-power test. According to the maintenance personnel, neither of these discrepancies were observed.

Airport fueling records indicated that the airplane had been serviced with about 131 gallons of JET-A fuel before the accident flight. A fuel sample was taken from the fuel facility, and the fuel was clear and free of contaminants.

Maintenance Program

The owner's maintenance program for the airplane was originally approved by the FAA on July 11, 2002, and the first revision was approved on December 17, 2014. The program listed the engine under the "Life Limited Items" and requires a "Condition Inspection" at 1,500 and 3,000 hours and an engine overhaul at 4,000 hours. The engine "Condition Inspection" consists of the standard factory-prescribed engine run-up performance test and inspection, which, according to the Motor Sich Engine Manual, should occur at 100-hour intervals.

The maintenance program also required a borescope inspection through the ignitor holes. No other details were specified, and no engine manual references were made. According to the Motor Sich Engine Manual, a borescope inspection of the hot section, which includes a close examination of the fuel nozzle condition, should be performed at intervals of 100 hours.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The 1415 recorded weather observation at Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV), Victorville, California, located about 9.8 nautical miles west of APV, included wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 12,000 ft, temperature 15°C, dew point -10°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.27 inches of mercury.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

APV was publicly owned and operated by the County of San Bernardino and was not equipped with an operating control tower. Runway 18/36 was 6,498 ft long and 150 ft wide with displaced thresholds at both ends. The airport elevation was about 3,062 ft above mean sea level.

The terrain beyond the airport perimeter along the extended centerline of runway 18 was mostly flat desert sparsely covered with brush.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The airplane impacted an area of flat terrain between two taxiways about 800 ft beyond the departure end of runway 18, and about 150 ft to the right of the runway centerline. The debris path, which measured 263 ft long by 100 ft wide, was oriented on a 193° magnetic heading. The path was composed of airframe fragments and a black substance that resembled oil residue, which spanned the length of the debris field. The initial impact point (IIP) was identified by a V-shaped ground scar that scraped the northern edge of a taxiway. Red position light fragments (from the left wingtip navigation light) were observed around the left side of the debris path about 20 ft from the IIP, and several small pieces of plexiglass were scattered beyond the position light fragments.

All major structural components of the airframe were accounted for at the accident site. The main wreckage came to rest on a 080° magnetic heading and was comprised of the fuselage, empennage, and portions of both wings. The fuselage and engine compartment were destroyed by fire, but the engine and empennage remained intact. Visual examination of the engine case and exhaust shaft revealed no evidence of a catastrophic engine failure. An inspection of runway 18/36 following the accident revealed no evidence of foreign object debris.

The primary flight controls (aileron, elevator, and rudder) were activated by push-pull tubes and levers that were attached to two interconnected control sticks located in the forward and aft cockpits. Only two control tubes from the elevator and rudder assembly were recovered; one of the tubes had separated from the elevator/rudder bell crank and had fractured into 5 pieces that displayed signatures consistent with overload separation. The remaining control tubes were destroyed by the postcrash fire.

Most of the wings were destroyed by fire. The left aileron control turnbuckles and main aileron bellcrank were intact but were separated from their respective control tubes, which were destroyed by the postcrash fire.

The rudder control system consisted of two pairs of interconnected, adjustable rudder pedals. The front seat occupant's rudder pedal assembly remained intact and had been adjusted to the forward position. Both control tubes, which had separated from the pedals and bellcrank mounts, were destroyed by the postcrash fire. The rear seat occupant's rudder assembly was also intact; the control tubes remained attached; and the rudder pedal mounting tubes were straight. The airplane was equipped with two slotted fowler flaps interconnected by a single actuating cylinder and synchronized mechanically. One of three flap settings was achieved by depressing the appropriate control button on the left side control console. The inboard and outboard right-wing flap tracks had separated from the wing, but portions of the flaps remained attached to their respective tracks, which indicated a 25° deployed (takeoff) position.

The nose landing gear was in the extended position and the nose landing gear door was closed. Both main landing gear were collocated with the main fuselage, but their positions could not be determined due to postcrash fire.

The airplane was equipped with trim tabs for both the longitudinal and lateral axes. Longitudinal trim was provided by trim tabs that were fitted to the left and right elevators. The left trim tab was designed to deflect automatically when the flaps were deployed to the landing position to compensate for aerodynamic ballooning during landing. The right trim tab was controlled by the trim switch in either cockpit.

Continuity of the elevator and flap trim linkages were confirmed from their respective tail section control tubes to both trim tabs. Both the elevator and flap trim were in their neutral positions; the manufacturer indicated that a takeoff can be accomplished with the elevator trim in either the neutral or takeoff positions. The elevator bearings appeared to be lubricated, and the hinges did not display any signs of deformation.

Fuel System

The airplane was equipped with five interconnected fuselage fuel tanks, two tip fuel tanks, and one inverted-flight fuel reservoir. A fuel shutoff valve, a low-pressure fuel pump, fuel filter, and a fuel indicator completed the system. All of the airplane's fuel tanks were destroyed by fire, with the exception of the left-wing tip tank, which exhibited significant vertical crush damage as indicated by its accordion-like appearance.

The front seat passenger fuel cutoff remained attached to the left side cockpit fuselage. The fuel lever was in the full aft position (closed), and the protective gate that prevented inadvertent manipulation of the fuel cutoff remained attached to the fuel lever assembly. Both the lever and the gate were bent to the side about 10° by impact forces. The low-pressure fuel boost pump, was thermally damaged, and the screen was partially separated but did not contain any debris.

Engine Examination

The engine displayed no evidence of an un-containment, such as case breaches or failed flanges. The compressor section of the engine was intact and generally undamaged. The combustor housing, turbine housing, and the exhaust pipe were externally intact. The four exhaust gas thermocouples were present, and three of the thermocouples were deformed.

The engine was torn down, and the fuel nozzle manifold was found intact as were the 12 individual fuel nozzle assemblies. The combustor was intact but displayed carbon deposits within the fuel nozzle head assembly cooling and anti-carbon build-up holes. All the fuel nozzles were removed from their combustor locating ferrules with ease and were found to be intact; however, most were coated with black carbon or coke deposits.

Examination of the turbine or "hot" section of the engine revealed evidence of thermal distress. The lst stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. A rippling of the parent material near the outer span at the trailing edges of the blades was observed on many blades, consistent with blade material becoming plastic during operation at elevated temperatures.

The 2nd stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. About half of the blades were fractured in a sequential fashion near the tip shroud blend radius, and those with their tip shrouds still intact had fractures near the trailing edges with fingernail-sized particles missing. A visual examination of all the fractures revealed only overload type failure. No evidence of fatigue was observed. All the blades exhibited a rippled pattern on the mid-span, consistent with a melted plastic flow. Most of the vanes of the 2nd stage turbine nozzle exhibited a rippling pattern on the vane airfoil surfaces along the inner half of the vane span, consistent with a melted plastic flow.

The 3rd stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. Two non-consecutive blades were bent. Blade tip shrouds from the 2nd stage turbine and other metal debris were found between the blades and at the bottom of the housing. The 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes displayed a circumferentially-varying heat distress pattern with the distress most prominent between the 9:00 and 12:30 o'clock positions and the 2:00 and 4:00 o'clock positions.

After the examination of the engine, the FCU, the fuel nozzles, and the thermocouples were sent to a maintenance and overhaul facility in Prague, Czech Republic, for testing and disassembly of the components.

FCU

The Ivchenko AI-25TL engine measures the metered fuel pressure between the FCU and the fuel nozzles. The typical maximum metered fuel delivery pressure for a normally-operating engine to produce maximum approved thrust is 48 to 50 atmospheres (atm) of pressure. A review of the aircraft manual engine field adjustment worksheet values revealed that the absolute maximum fuel pressure for takeoff conditions is 65 atm. According to the consulted L39 specialists, any fuel pressure over 55 atm for the engine to produce approved thrust is cause for further maintenance investigation. A gauge on the pilot's instrument panel displays the engine metered fuel delivery pressure and has a redline at 65 atm.

The maximum metered fuel delivery pressure measured for the accident FCU was 85 atm. Screw number 28 had to be adjusted by several turns in the counterclockwise direction to bring the fuel delivery pressure back to 50 atm, indicating that there was no internal fault with the FCU but rather it had been intentionally adjusted above the unit's maximum allowable fuel pressure.

Fuel Nozzles

The Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan engine, features an axially-oriented single-annulus type combustor into which the fuel is fed by 12 fuel nozzles, all supplied by a single manifold. The condition of the fuel nozzles significantly affects all the components in the downstream gas path, such as the combustor and the turbine section. A streaky nozzle with an uneven spray pattern will distribute a sharp streak of fuel into the combustion chamber, rather than a fine mist, and will delay the complete combustion of the fuel, causing the heat profile of the flame to migrate aft in the flowpath, increasing the heat to the 2nd and 3rd stage turbines. Temperature unevenness around the circumference of a turbine nozzle causes the turbine blades to encounter highly variable conditions as they rotate through the disturbed airflow, causing fore and aft load variations on individual blades, leading to one-per-revolution vibrations, which is detrimental to the fatigue life of the blades. Hot streaks also thermally shock the blades and lead to blade over-temperature.

Inspection of the accident fuel nozzles assemblies revealed black, sooty deposits on the nozzle tips and shrouds. Before testing, the fuel nozzles were cleaned in a solvent bath overnight to remove the soot. They were then tested in a factory-specialized apparatus.

All of the fuel nozzles failed the factory functional test procedure and would have required overhaul in order to be returned to service. The fuel nozzles were all below allowable factory limits for flow rate and spray pattern. It was noted that fuel nozzle No. 3 had the highest spray pattern variance or streakiness (97%), which matched the location of the thermal distress between 9:00 and 12:30 o'clock on the 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. Additionally, fuel nozzles Nos. 10 and 11 had the narrowest spray cone angles (70° and 73°, respectively), which matched the location of the thermal distress between 2:00 and 4:00 o'clock on the 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. Figure 1 shows the fuel nozzle locations overlaid on the damaged 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. The two orange arcs in the figure highlight the areas of greatest thermal distress on the 3rd state nozzle vanes.


Figure 1 – Fuel Nozzle Locations Overlaid on Damaged 3rd Stage Turbine Nozzle Vanes

The damage noted on the 2nd and 3rd stage nozzles and turbines was consistent with an over-temperature condition caused by a disturbed combustion process in the combustor due to poor fuel atomization by the fuel nozzles.

Thermocouples

The AI-25TL engine has four thermocouples in the exhaust that measure the exhaust gas temperature. Each thermocouple unit contains two separate and independent sensors. All four accident thermocouples were tested in a factory test apparatus, and the results indicated that only two of the thermocouples had one acceptable sensor. Because the thermocouple electrical system measures the average temperature of all thermocouples, if a thermocouple in the hot zone fails, then the temperature indicated to the pilot will go down, giving the pilot the false indication that the engine is performing cooler than it really is.

For further information about the engine and engine component examinations, refer to the Powerplant Group Chairman's Factual Report available in the public docket for this investigation.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division, San Bernardino, California, conducted autopsies on the pilot and the passenger. The cause of death determined for each was multiple blunt force injuries.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division and the FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological tests on specimens recovered from the pilot. A carboxyhemoglobin saturation test performed by the Sheriff's Department revealed no evidence of carbon monoxide in the pilot's cavity blood. Tests performed by both agencies were negative for ethanol and tested-for drugs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The takeoff, emergency, and aborted takeoff procedure excerpts below were found in the airplane's flight manual.

Takeoff Procedures

Before starting the takeoff roll, mentally go through the "Abort" procedure and relevant takeoff data.

Engine instruments – Check within limits:
RPM
EGT
Oil pressure

Caution and warning lights – Out

Takeoff clearance – Request

Clock – Start flight time counting

Throttle – Take Up

Wheel brakes – Release

Maintain directional control initially by differential braking and then by rudder. The rudder becomes effective at approximately 60 km/h.

At 150 km/h [81 knots] IAS, smoothly raise the nose wheel. An aircraft in clean configuration will become airborne at approximately 180 to 190 km/h [97 to 103 knots] IAS.

Emergency Procedures

Engine Failure During Takeoff (Loss of Power)

If possible:

ABORT TAKEOFF – Follow abort takeoff procedures

If airborne:

THROTTLE – MAX. Consider controlling engine by means of secondary circuit

SEC. REG. switch – ON

EXTERNAL STORES – JETTISON

If thrust is insufficient to maintain a safe climb:

Forced landing - Perform

Aborted Takeoff

THROTTLE – STOP
BRAKE – NORMAL BRAKING
RADIO – DECLARE ABORT
'BARRIER" – As required
Assess the situation
Airplane Inspection Guidance

FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 43-209A

Recommended Inspection Procedures for Military Aircraft was published in 2013 and superseded AC 43-209, which was released in 2003 and provided a recommended inspection program specifically for owners of the L-39 airplane. AC 43-209A provides broad guidelines for the inspection, storage, and certification of all ex-military aircraft and is not specific to the L39 airplane. This AC requires the owner/operator to submit a written inspection program to the FAA based on manufacturer or military service maintenance requirements of their aircraft. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Flight Engineer
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/22/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/06/2015
Flight Time:  23223 hours (Total, all aircraft), 170 hours (Total, this make and model), 68.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 42, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/20/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 409 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AERO VODOCHODY
Registration: N39AY
Model/Series: L 39C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1993
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental; Restricted
Serial Number: 332703
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/23/2015, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10360 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Fan
Airframe Total Time: 2062 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: IVCHENKO
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AI-25TL
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 3800 lbs
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: VCV, 2885 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1407 PST
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 12000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.27 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / -10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Apple Valley, CA (APV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Apple Valley, CA (APV)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1407 PST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: APPLE VALLEY (APV)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3062 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6498 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  34.571944, -117.185000 (est)

NTSB Identification: WPR16FA035 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, December 06, 2015 in Apple Valley, CA
Aircraft: AERO VODOCHODY L 39C, registration: N39AY
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 December 6, 2015, about 1407 Pacific standard time, an Aero Vodochody L-39C, N39AY, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during takeoff from Apple Valley Airport (APV), Apple Valley, California. The airline transport pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was registered to and operated by Jettran LLC as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to a friend of the passenger, the pilot had planned to take the passenger on a familiarization flight, as the passenger was interested in purchasing a similar airplane. Several witnesses reported that the pilot briefed his passenger for 45 minutes before taxiing the airplane to runway 18 for departure. One witness observed a "dark blackish/grey colored exhaust" coming from the exhaust nozzle prior to takeoff. When the airplane was approximately halfway down the runway and about 125 feet above ground level, witnesses heard a "pop, pop, pop", which was immediately followed by bright orange flashes from the exhaust nozzle. Witnesses reported that the airplane maintained its altitude and an approximate 20-degree nose-up attitude until it reached the end of the runway, where it rolled left and impacted the ground.

The airplane impacted an area of flat terrain between two taxiways about 800 feet from the departure end of runway 18. The debris path, which measured 263 feet long by 100 feet wide, was oriented on a 193-degree magnetic heading. The path was composed of airframe fragments and a black substance that resembled oil residue, which spanned the length of the debris field. The initial impact point (IIP) was identified by a v-shaped ground scar near the northern edge of a taxiway. Red position light fragments were observed around the left side of the debris path about 20 feet from the IIP, and several small pieces of plexiglass were scattered beyond the position light.

All major structural components of the airframe were accounted for at the accident site. The main wreckage came to rest on a 080-degree magnetic heading, and was comprised of the fuselage, empennage, and portions of both wings. The fuselage and engine compartment were destroyed by fire, but the engine and empennage remained intact. Visual examination of the engine case and exhaust shaft revealed no evidence of an internal catastrophic engine failure. An inspection of runway 18/36 following the accident revealed no evidence of foreign object debris.

The pilot reported 23,000 total hours of flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA first-class medical certificate, which was issued on September 22, 2015.

The single engine, two seat, high performance airplane was manufactured in 1993 as a military jet trainer. The airplane was equipped with an Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan engine. A review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that its most recent condition inspection was completed on November 23, 2015. Airport fueling records indicated that the airplane had been serviced with about 131 gallons of JET-A fuel prior to the accident flight. A fuel sample was taken from the fuel facility, and the fuel was clear and free of contaminants.

The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination at a later date.


Geza Decsy


Geza Decsy Memorial: https://www.facebook.com/GezaDecsyMemorial

Dear Family & Friends,

On behalf of Jessica and the Decsy family, thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and support at this painful time. The overwhelming response is a powerful testament to the wonderful way in which Geza touched all of our lives.

Details are still to be determined, but we wanted to establish this page as a place to check for information, and it will be updated as more is known.

At this time, the intention is to hold a Memorial Service for Geza in Los Angeles during the daytime on Saturday, December 19th.

Additionally, we will have a donation link for those who would like to help cover expenses, and support Geza's fiancée, Jess, in her time of need.

Also, we are currently gathering digital material (photos, video clips, short audio remarks, etc.) for a tribute to be played at the memorial. If you have any wonderful memories you'd love to share--and we know you do--please forward them to the following email, and we'll do our best to include as many as possible: GezaDecsyMemorial@gmail.com

Thank you for your thoughts and support, it's heartening to share our feelings with so many.

Geza Decsy Memorial: https://www.facebook.com/GezaDecsyMemorial



Michael Eugene Mangold (1955 - 2015)


Obituary
Michael Eugene Mangold
October 10, 1955-December 6, 2015

Mangold, Michael Eugene, RedBull Champion Race Pilot, Skydiver and Airline Captain perished when his L-39 jet crashed at Apple Valley airport on December 6, 2015. 

Mike graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1978, and was the outstanding graduate of the Air Force's "Top Gun" fighter weapons school in 1983.

He left active military duty in 1989 and began his airline career, first with US Air and then American Airlines in 1991.

Mike was the RedBull Air Race world champion in 2004, 2005, and 2007.

He has won Gold, Silver and Bronze at the US National Aerobatic Championships, was a member of the US Unlimited Aerobatic team, a five-time California Unlimited Aerobatic Champion and had over 5,000 skydives. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Julie and loving children Nicholas and Melissa, his mother Luana and his brothers Robert and Frank.

A memorial service for Family and Friends will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015, at two o'clock in the afternoon at Congregation Bamidbar shel Ma'aleh, 15347 Sixth Street, Victorville. 

For further information, please e-mail Julie Mangold at info@Chalk2.com

Source: http://www.legacy.com


Mike Mangold


APPLE VALLEY — Rob Harrison’s voice cracked before he quietly broke down. 

A local aerobat who goes by “The Tumbling Bear” while performing stunts at air shows in his 1996 Zlin 50LX airplane, Harrison was describing his friend, Mike Mangold, who — along with one other person — died Sunday afternoon after the L-39 plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff from the Apple Valley Airport.

San Bernardino County sheriff's Deputy Adam Cervantes told the Daily Press on Monday he had not received any information from investigators regarding the identification of those on board the plane; however, numerous news outlets have reported that Mangold was piloting the L-39 on Sunday at the time of the crash.

Harrison, 74, and his wife Susan, who is the Apple Valley Airshow Marketing Coordinator, had just landed her airplane in Paso Robles when they heard the news of the crash and Mangold’s passing.

“We knew Mike a long time,” Rob Harrison told the Daily Press. “Mike is one of the most admired aviators in the entire aviation community. He was a pilot’s pilot. I’m heartbroken. That very much breaks my heart.”

Rob Harrison did not speculate on a cause of the crash, but added that the situation was very hard to understand because the L-39 Mangold was piloting is “a very fine airplane.”

First flown in 1968, the Aero L-39 Albatros is an advanced trainer aircraft developed by the Czech Republic-based company Aero Vodochody, according to Rob Harrison. The L-39 is used for training tactical pilots.

“It’s a very popular airplane,” he said. “Much easier to manage than the other warbirds. It’s pretty spectacular as an airshow airplane.”

The L-39's first military role was with the Czech Republic's air force in 1972 and there are approximately 2,800 still in use, according to Harrison.

California State Assemblyman Jay Obernolte — who also knew the decorated pilot — told the Daily Press he has flown Mangold’s L-39 airplane.

“It was very interesting,” Obernolte said. “You've got all kinds of visibility. It doesn't have as much thrust as a real fighter jet, but that makes it a little forgiving.”

Obernolte said he has been flying for 25 years and first met Mangold four years ago when Obernolte was training to fly the pace plane at the Reno Air Racing Association’s National Championship Air Races.

Mangold was a frequent competitor in the Reno Air Races and was the Red Bull Air Racing world champion in 2005 and 2007.

“He really had risen to the pinnacle of a flying career,” Obernolte said. “He was the top graduate of the Top Gun fighter school. He flew F-4 Phantoms in the Air Force. Mike was a very close friend of mine, an outstanding pilot and (his death is a) great loss for the entire aviation community."

Red Bull Air Race officials said they were deeply saddened by Mangold’s death in a statement on the Red Bull Air Race website.

“The entire Red Bull Air Race community have (sic) lost one of their most vibrant and respected friends,” the statement read. “Mike Mangold was a talented race pilot who won two world championships and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Despite all his accomplishments, Obernolte said Mangold was "the most humble and self-effacing" person he had ever met.

Daily Press Information Systems Administrator Antonio Puccio — who trained with Mangold in 2014 at the Mateo Academy of Self Defense in Victorville — reiterated Obernolte's sentiments.

"You would never know he was a world champion," Puccio said. "He was very humble and just talked about normal things. When I talked to him about his championships it was nothing to him. He was just comfortable."

Rob Harrison described Mangold as a consummate gentleman and all-around athlete who was broadly certified in many areas, including sky diving, water skiing and body building.

“Mike was a highly accomplished body builder,” Harrison said. “This guy was solid leather. I was a powerlifter in the Inland Empire 30 or 40 years ago and I never came anywhere near what Mike sported. He was close to being a pro body builder. He could break your hand and squash your palm if he wanted to but he never would. He was a gentle giant.”

Harrison remembered Mangold as a man anyone should admire.

“(He would) get kids interested in flying and interested in going into the Air Force,” Harrison said. “Mike was always taking time to talk to the kids and the old guys.”

Mike Mangold was 60 years old.

Story and photos: http://www.vvdailypress.com


 Mike Mangold


An aerobatic pilot for Red Bull was killed Sunday when his jet aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the Apple Valley Airport, the beverage company announced.

Mike Mangold, 60, was piloting an L-39 trainer around 2 p.m. when the plane crashed in a fireball, killing Mangold and another unidentified person, officials said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the cause of the accident in San Bernardino County, according to agency spokesman Keith Holloway. On Monday, experts continued to examine wreckage of the aircraft.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of former Red Bull Air Race World Champion Mike Mangold," Red Bull said in a statement. “The entire Red Bull Air Race community have lost one of their most vibrant and respected friends. Mike Mangold was a talented race pilot who won two world championships and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

In air racing, pilots fly at low altitudes and high speeds to perform aerobatic movements on specially designed aerial racetracks.

Mangold began his aviation career in the U.S. Air Force in 1978, where he flew F-4 Phantoms. He was a graduate of the Air Force Academy and Air Force’s “Top Gun” Fighter Weapons School, according to RacingJets.com.

He later flew Boeing 757 and 767 commercial jets for American Airlines. He competed in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship from 2004-09, and won overall titles in 2005 and 2007 before retiring from the competitive sport.

Afterward he worked as a commentator and a pilot coach.

Story and video:  http://www.latimes.com


APPLE VALLEY:(VVNG.com)- The pilot killed in the Apple Valley plane crash has been identified as 60-year-old Mike Mangold, a world-famous aerobatics champion for Red Bull who was a resident of Victorville.

The crash occurred on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at about 2:20 P.M., according to the Apple Valley Fire Protection District the aircraft is described as an L39 jet. Witnesses say, that the small plane was attempting to take off from the airport located at 21600 Corwin Road.

Mangold was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 10th 1955 and is the oldest of three children. He moved to California at 3 years old and then to Pennsylvania for his high school years.

Mangold previously performed shows at the Apple Valley Airshow in his L39 jet that crashed today. He was also a Boeing 757 and 767 commercial pilot for American Airlines.

He is survived by his wife Julie, and his two children Nick and Melissa.

No information on the identity of the second passenger killed in the crash has been released.

The FAA is en route to the crash scene and the Apple Valley airport will remain closed for at least 24 hours.

Story, comments and photos: http://www.vvng.com




     










5 comments:

  1. One has to wonder why the FAA or NTSB has not pursued criminal or at least administrative charges against the mechanic who was supposed to be maintaining the engine. Clearly the engine was beyond it certification and was being maintained in a criminally negligent manner that cost two lives. In some jurisdictions, this would result in jail time. Just goes to show that you cannot trust your mechanic to know anything about what he claims to know. In a high performance aircraft, one should probably have a second set of eyes looking over the shoulder of the first set and that at another facility. It seems the mechanic of this engine did not have a clue on how to maintain it, unless he can show that he flagged it and the owner/pilot over-road the tear-down recommendation. From the narrative, it appears the mechanic did not know how to check the engine's critical elements. One narrative I read indicated that the fuel adjustment screw had been intentionally adjusted to the higher pressure to obtain the proper readings, but that the adjustment set the engine up for failure as detailed in the report. This was not an "accident" but an intentional act by someone who did not know how to maintain the engine and the effect of the fuel over-pressure. The NTSB did an excellent job detailing the issues that their investigators found. One would think that the FAA would require the mechanics on these engines to be certified as proficient in the particular engine, not just some generic certification.

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  2. Hi "Anonymous",
    I would like to hear more about your perspective. I am currently writing a book about my brother Mike's life... Perhaps you can contact me, Rob at 949-293-8826 or email: Rob1934PA@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Hey Rob, just came across this NTSB report. Very sorry for your loss.
      If it's ok, I would like to email you.
      Ati

      Delete
  3. Yes! "Unknown"/ Ati, lets get in touch, -Rob at 949-293-8826 or email: Rob1934PA@yahoo.com

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  4. The Investigation Team is moving forward where the NTSB left off. See the latest updates at youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJAH3ndOwfE
    -Thanks Rob M. @ Rob1934PA@Yahoo.com Mike's Brother.

    ReplyDelete