Cessna 140, N76452: Accident occurred April 18, 2015 in Mize, Smith County, Mississippi

NTSB Identification: GAA15CA042
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, April 18, 2015 in Mize, MS
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/08/2015
Aircraft: CESSNA 140, registration: N76452
Injuries: 1 Minor.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the pilot made an emergency landing on a highway due to weather conditions. The FAA stated that during the landing roll, the airplane struck a highway sign, flipped upside down, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. 

It is unknown if there were any pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during an off airport precautionary landing roll.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the pilot made an emergency landing on a highway due to weather conditions. The FAA stated that during the landing roll, the airplane struck a highway sign, flipped upside down, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot refused to make a statement to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge. After multiple requests, the pilot did not turn in the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report as requested.

It is unknown if there were any pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

FAA FSDO:     FAA Jackson FSDO-31


WILLIAM RICHARD BENSYL: http://registry.faa.gov/N76452

 MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

 SMITH COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) - Authorities in Smith County are on the scene where a plane made an emergency landing near Mize Saturday evening.

We're told the incident happened around 6:50 p.m.

Sheriff Charlie Crumpton confirmed the small aircraft, successfully landed on Highway 28 then flipped after its wing hit the ground. 

Officials on the scene described the plane as a red Cessna.

Crumpton said the 78-year-old male pilot was able to walk away from the plane, but appeared somewhat disoriented after the landing. We're told he was the only person aboard the aircraft.

Officials tell us the man suffered minor injuries. MHP Trooper Andy West said he was taken to South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.

Officials said there were no vehicles on the roadway at the time and traffic was being redirected.

We are told the pilot took off from Atlanta and was headed to Houston.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been called in to investigate.

We're told the plane has been removed.

The Smith County Sheriff's Department responded to a single engine plane crash in the middle of a storm. 

It happened on Highway 28 just east of Mize a little after 6:00 PM. 

That area had been under a tornado warning when the crash happened.

Thankfully, there were no major injuries reported as a result of the crash. 

The pilot was able to walk away from the crash. He was taken by ambulance to South Central Hospital to be checked out.

 Authorities say the pilot was trying to make an emergency landing near Highway 28 when the plane went down.

 The pilot hit a sign along the way, which caused the plane to tumble and crash.

The Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, The Smith County Volunteer Fire Department and authorities out of Taylorsville. 

All lanes of Highway 28 are clear and moving at this point.

Original article can be found here: http://www.wjtv.com

SMITH COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) -    Smith County Sheriff Charlie Crumpton confirmed a plane crashed Saturday evening on Highway 28 near Mize.

We're told Mississippi Highway Patrol Officials along with Smith County authorities are on the scene.

Sheriff Crumpton said the aircraft landed on Highway 28 and flipped.

Law enforcement officials at the scene said the male pilot was en route to South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, with minor injuries.

We're told he was flying from Atlanta to Houston and got caught in the storm.

Skydiver injured: Skydive Fargo at West Fargo Municipal Airport (D54), North Dakota

West Fargo, ND (WDAY/WDAZ TV) - Skydive Fargo is investigating what went wrong in an accident involving an experienced skydiver Saturday morning.

West Fargo Police and F-M Ambulance responded to a call on the east side of the West Fargo airport around 11:45.

48-year-old Roger Thompson from Bismarck was skydiving when police say he hit the ground hard.

Police say Thompson was complaining of leg and ankle injuries along with back pain. He was taken to Sanford.

Thompson told police he has been skydiving at least 70 times.

Joe Birrenkott/West Fargo Police, "From what we have described, he probably came in a little steep instead of pulling up. But the only witness that we have is another guy that was about 1,000 feet above him."

The incident is still under investigation.

According to police, they believe Skydive Fargo will have to file paperwork on the case with the FAA.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.wdaz.com

Grumman G-164A, N7951: Accident occurred April 18, 2015 in Maysville, Garvin County, Oklahoma

Regis#: N7951 
Aircraft Make: GRUMMAN
Aircraft Model: G164
Event Type: Accident
Highest Injury: Minor
Damage: Substantial
Activity: Aerial Application
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
FAA FSDO: FAA Oklahoma City FSDO-15
City: MAYSVILLE
State: Oklahoma

AIRCRAFT DURING AERIAL APPLICATION FORCE LANDED IN A FIELD AND FLIPPED OVER, NEAR MAYSVILLE, OK

JERRY L. PUTMAN:   http://registry.faa.gov/N7951

GARVIN COUNTY, Okla. —A man was taken to the hospital Saturday morning after a crop duster plane crash, according to a Federal Aviation Administration report.

About 11:35 a.m. Saturday, the plane's engine lost power and landed on its nose three miles west of Maysville, officials said.

The pilot was taken to a hospital in Lindsay. His condition has not been released.

The pilot was the only person in the plane.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.koco.com

Aircraft Loading Event: Mooney M20C Ranger, N9680M; accident occurred April 18, 2015 near Winchester Municipal Airport (KBGF), Franklin County, Tennessee

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

Location: Winchester, TN
Accident Number: ERA15LA190
Date & Time: 04/18/2015, 1452 CDT
Registration: N9680M
Aircraft: MOONEY M20C
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aircraft loading event
Injuries: 2 Serious, 3 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The private pilot attempted to take off in a four-seat airplane with five adults onboard. A witness reported that the airplane lifted off about halfway down the 5,002-ft-long runway and momentarily climbed, then "suddenly dropped" and impacted terrain at the end of the runway. Review of weight and balance information indicated that the airplane was loaded at least 290 lbs above its maximum gross weight of 2,575 lbs. Had the airplane been loaded within limits, it could have taken off and cleared a 50- ft obstacle within a distance about 1,700 ft. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. It is likely that the airplane's performance was significantly reduced given its gross weight, and that the pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot's inadequate weight and balance and performance planning, including his decision to take off with more passengers than permitted, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. 

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot

Personnel issues Weight/balance calculations - Pilot

Aircraft Maximum weight - Capability exceeded

Aircraft Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

On April 18, 2015, about 1452 central daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N9680M, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from runway 18 at the Winchester Municipal Airport (BFG), Winchester, Tennessee. The private pilot and two passengers received minor injuries, two passengers received serious injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was privately owned and operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that after takeoff, the airplane's engine "lost power" and "put it down in a field across from the end of the runway" to avoid power lines. The pilot also stated that there were five people onboard the airplane. The airplane had four seats, and a baggage area located behind the rear seats.

A witness, who worked at the airport, stated that she watched the airplane lift off about halfway down the 5,002-ft-long runway and it did not seem it did not seem to have the proper lift. The airplane seemed to gain altitude then sink as it made a slight left turn at the end of the runway. They airplane then suddenly dropped out of sight.

Examination of the wreckage at the scene by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane impacted a grass field about a 1/4mile south of the runway and came to rest on the edge of a roadway. Both propeller blades exhibited leading edge gouging and chordwise scratches. One blade exhibited aft "s" bending; the other was bent forward about mid span. Recovery personnel drained about 30 gallons of fuel from the airplane at the scene.

A postaccident examination of the engine was conducted by an FAA inspector at a secure facility. Engine crankshaft continuity was confirmed on all cylinders, valves, and accessory gears. Continuity of the valvetrain was verified through a thumb compression test. The spark plugs were removed and inspected; each displayed a light gray color. The carburetor bowl was examined and was found to be

free of debris. The bowl contained fuel and about 1/2 teaspoon of water.

The 1435 recorded weather observation at BGF included wind 170 at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles with few clouds at 8000 feet, temperature 79 degrees F, dew point 57 degrees F; barometric altimeter 29.93 inches of mercury.

Review of records revealed that the airplane's basic empty weight was 1,620.8 lbs., with a maximum gross takeoff weight of 2,575 lbs., resulting in a useful load of 954.2 lbs. According to drivers' license records, the five occupants weighed a total of 1,065 lbs., which added to the weight of the fuel (180 lbs.) resulted in a gross weight that was 290.8 lbs. above the airplane's maximum gross weight, not accounting for any baggage. Review of a takeoff performance chart for the airplane revealed that for the given altitude and temperature, the airplane required about 1,700 feet to takeoff and clear a 50-ft obstacle; however, that data assumed the airplane weighed 2,575 lbs.

History of Flight

Prior to flight Aircraft loading event (Defining event)

Initial climb Off-field or emergency landing

Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 31, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/16/2013
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/25/2013
Flight Time:  63 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: MOONEY
Registration: N9680M
Model/Series: M20C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 670016
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/25/2015, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2575 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 9 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3031 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360
Registered Owner: Pressley, Brent, DBA Smokey Mountain Aeroplanes
Rated Power: 180
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: KBGF, 979 ft msl
Observation Time: 1935 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 358°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 8000 ft agl
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 14°C
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots, 170°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Winchester, TN (BGF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Winchester, TN (BGF)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1452 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: WINCHESTER MUNI (BGF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 979 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5002 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Serious, 2 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious, 3 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  35.167500, -86.065833 (est)  

WINCHESTER, Tenn. – Authorities confirmed a Mooney carrying a pilot and four passengers crashed just after takeoff at the Winchester Municipal Airport. 

Officials said the small plane went down about 500 yards after taking off. All five on board were taken by helicopter to a nearby hospital.

Those with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office said they were expected to survive.

The pilot told officials the plane lost power during takeoff, but authorities said that would have to be confirmed through an investigation.

Authorities said the plane initially made impact in the ground, skidded across Williams Cove Road, and spun around, stopping partially on the road.

The names of those injured have not been released.

Carey Wofford, chairman of the Winchester Airport Authority, said the plane was a Mooney 21 designed for four people. Wofford added the plane would have been several hundred feet off the ground before it experienced trouble.

The investigation was set to be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Original article can be found here:   http://www.scrippsmedia.com

FRANKLIN COUNTY, TN. (WAAY)-According to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, 5 people where injured when a small plane taking off from the Winchester Municipal Airport crashed on Williams Cove Road.

It happened around  2:45 p.m. Saturday. 

Three people were flown to area hospitals and two were transported by ambulance.

Officials said everyone was in stable condition.

Deputies believe there might have been too much weight on the plane as it was taking off and it wasn't able to reach proper elevation.

The plane went down about a quarter mile from the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration will be conducting an investigation.

Original article can be found here: http://www.waaytv.com

Several occupants in a small aircraft were injured mid afternoon Saturday in a crash near Winchester Airport.'

At about 3 p.m., a small passenger aircraft crashed on Williams Cove Road in Winchester after either missing the runway at the Winchester Regional Airport or after attempting to land, with four passengers on board.

The pilot was shaken up, and acknowledging being in pain, but was able to walk around, was conscious and alert. 

Local emergency personnel, fire department, Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies and Winchester Police Chief Dennis Young were on the scene to help evacuate those injured and assess the incident.

The passengers were in the process of being evacuated shortly after the plane crashed. Two were being airlifted. 

Further updates will be available as authorities release information.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.heraldchronicle.com

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (WKRN) – A small plane carrying five people went down in Winchester Saturday afternoon.

The aircraft crashed around 2:30 p.m. on Williams Cove Road shortly after taking off from the Winchester Municipal Airport.

Officials told News 2 the pilot was unable to get above the power lines, so he banked left and crashed. 

The aircraft was on its belly and never flipped over.

Four passengers were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The pilot was transported to Southern Tennessee Medical Center for back pain.

The exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined.

Original article can be found here: http://wkrn.com

Aero Academy International located at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport (KMKL), Jackson, Tennessee

After meeting an individual from the Economic Development Team of West Tennessee, Ravi S. Virdi gave serious thought before deciding to open a flight school at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport.

“I was in Canada, and after noting my business and visiting me, he offered me (a member of the Economic Development Team) to come to Tennessee and visit with the team of Mr. Mike Philpot to see if I would like to start a flight school here,” Virdi said. “And so, after thinking for some two years, I decided to visit West Tennessee in 2012.”

Virdi said he met with the Economic Development Team, and a tour of West Tennessee followed.

“They opened the doors for me to choose any airport to start the International Flight School,” Virdi said. “In three days, they took me across many counties, and showed me various airport operations.”

Virdi, 43, said McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport won out after he considered the possibilities, and Aero Academy International LLC set up shop in Jackson.

“I selected Jackson … as the Airport Authority with Mr. Steve Smith and Ms. Cindy Melton provided the most professional outlook and future development plan that will fit with the establishment of an International Flight School — and provide the facility for continued growth and further expansion,” Virdi said. “Further, Jackson, as seen by me, was very diversified and was able to accept the different cultures that would come with the international students, and make them feel at home.

Smith is the executive director at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, and Melton is the deputy director.

In June 2012, Virdi decided Jackson would become home of Aero Academy International LLC, and in February 2014, the school opened at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport.

“Aero Academy International LLC is a Tennessee registered corporation that was started as a requirement to fulfill the gap in need for aviation school that provides a professional level of training in West Tennessee,” Virdi said. “Aero Academy International LLC’s management team brings with them a combined operational experience of more than 90 years of training students that has given the most importance to provide the highest level of aviation-based training with safety oriented piloting skill level development for students.”

Virdi said with the highly developed training program, the academy is able to meet all the needs of its students to ensure safety and skills are given the highest priority during flying.

“AAI will be able to bring international students to Jackson, Tennessee, who help in the growth of the local economy through the training program that is 12 months in duration,” Virdi said. “Each student will spend more than $20,000 on accommodations, food, entertainment and travel. AAI has its own offices in China and India to recruit student pilots for professional pilot training course.”

While Virdi awaits word on the internationals, the process of arriving in Jackson didn’t happen overnight for him either.

He was born in Bombay, India, and moved to Qatar with his parents when he was in the equivalent of middle school to complete his higher education.

At age 17, Virdi was headed for the Lone Star State.

“After completion of my studies, I was provided with all the support by my parents to achieve the Professional Pilot Training and Management degree in Aviation, and joined the ACME School of Aeronautics in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1988,” Virdi said. “I completed my training in seven months in Texas, and joined Gulf Airlines as training first officer on a Boeing 737-200.”

Virdi left Gulf Air and returned to India at the age of 24, and became a first officer with East-West Airlines.

“I flew for them for three years and my wife (Ahlen) and I moved to Canada in 1996, where I started Executive Charter Service and Time Sensitive Cargo Corporation,” Virdi said. “I met and married my wife during my years with Gulf Air.”

Virdi said he became interested in aviation as a child, and he had a game plan just in case his parents objected to him flying airplanes for a living.

“I was very much interested in becoming an Air force fighter pilot, but as time passed, I saw more advantage in becoming an airline pilot, and with the support from parents, I was able to fulfill my dream and continued the path of becoming a pilot,” Virdi said. “I remember telling my mother — due to the fear of my parents of flying a plane and the expense of training as a pilot — that if I cannot become a plane driver, I will become a bus driver, so the choice is yours, what you want me to become, and support me financially … so they did.”

The professional training program takes one year, and an additional six months for management in the aviation course.

Virdi completed his requirements in six months.

“With extreme hard work, one can complete the course in six to eight months,” Virdi said. “My goal was to get into the airlines at a very young age, and I wanted it as a challenge and a statement to myself that I could be proud of. I received the best training in the field of advanced customer service, dangerous goods, ID of passports and Visa at the check-in counter, dispatcher and such airlines related courses through the British Airways training system.”

All while working for Gulf Air as a ground staff member for the first year, and then offered the opportunity to join the airline as a Trainee First Officer on a Boeing B737-200 Classic.

“No, not in that part of the world,” Virdi said, when asked if it was unusual for a teenager to pilot a commercial jet. “In the Asian countries, the requirements are not as harsh as the United States and Canada, where a pilot needs 2,500 hours and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) to get into the First Officer seat.”

Besides Jackson, Virdi said students attending the academy are from Milan, Medina, Lexington and Memphis.

Virdi owns four aircraft the academy uses for flight training.

“We also provide aircraft rental, and have many clients who rent our aircraft to fly for meetings or a weekend with their friends and family,” Virdi said. “Our client base is growing every month through the positive referral from our present clients, and we also have been doing a lot of aerial photo shoots and sightseeing tours.

“We expect the fleet to grow to 15 aircraft with the arrival of the international students within the next 12 months. We plan to make the Jackson airport one of the busiest airports in all of Tennessee.”

Virdi maintains a professional pilot training flight school in Canada.

“It has been operating with international students since 1989,” Virdi said. “This flight school is also called Aero Academy International Inc., and is managed by my daughter, Ms. Ritu, who is a flight instructor and delegate of the (Canadian) aviation minister to issue pilot’s license.”

Virdi has two full-time and three part-time employees at McKellar-Sipes, a number he said will change once the academy receives its SEVIS — Student and Exchange Visitors Program — certification.

“We can start bringing in international students, and we will be able to add another seven full-time jobs, or more. AAI has just been granted an airline training contract to train 80 students that will itself bring in revenue of $3 million. In a simplified accounting concept, AAI will add a minimum of $2.5 million of revenue that is brought into Jackson, Tennessee, by the international students, which is funds coming into the USA from international markets.”

About Aero Academy International LLC

•The academy is owned by Ravi S. Virdi, who also serves as president.

•The academy is located at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, 2500 Grady Montgomery Drive.

•For more information, call (731) 424-8485.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.jacksonsun.com

Beech F33A Bonanza, N84MD: Accident occurred April 18, 2015 in Puyallup, Washington

http://registry.faa.gov/N84MD

NTSB Identification: WPR15LA167
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, April 18, 2015 in Puyallup, WA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/14/2016
Aircraft: BEECH F33A, registration: N84MD
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The private pilot was conducting the airplane’s first flight after an annual inspection. On the morning of the accident, the pilot picked up the airplane and conducted a run-up, during which the engine lost power. The airplane was towed back to the maintenance shop, and a mechanic recommended that the pilot wait until a more detailed examination could be completed. The pilot downloaded the data from the airplane’s engine data monitor and took it home to examine. After returning to the airport later that day, the pilot reported to the mechanic that he did not observe anything abnormal in the data, and he got back in the airplane to depart for the accident flight. The pilot reported that, about 350 ft above the ground during initial climb, the engine lost power with no abnormal noises or sounds, and he landed in a field. The airplane subsequently rolled down an embankment, the nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane then came to rest.

During a postaccident engine run, the airplane started without hesitation; however, it lost power after the fuel boost pump was turned off. Further examination revealed that the B-nut to the fuel pump inlet was loose. The B-nut was tightened, and the engine then started and operated up to about 2,100 rpm with no additional anomalies. Data from the engine’s data management system were analyzed, and the data revealed seven separate data sessions on the day of the accident, six leading up to the accident session. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the mechanic did not properly tighten the B-nut to the fuel pump inlet during the annual inspection and that the loose B-nut at the fuel pump resulted in the airplane being starved of fuel without the assistance of the pump. The accident likely would have been avoided if the pilot had not attempted to take off with indications that the airplane was not operating normally.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a mechanic’s failure to properly tighten the B-nut to the fuel pump inlet during a recent annual inspection. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off despite indications that the engine was not operating normally.

On April 18, 2015 about 1100 Pacific daylight time, a Beech F33A, N84MD, experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Pierce County Airport – Thun Field (PLU) in Puyallup, Washington. The pilot (sole occupant) sustained no injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounting structure. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed. 

The pilot reported that after an uneventful run-up he took off from the runway. About 350 feet above the ground the engine stopped. There were no abnormal sounds, but instead it sounded as if the mixture had been pulled to cut off. The pilot found a safe place to land and landed in a field. The airplane rolled in the field and down an embankment before the nose wheel collapsed and the airplane came to rest nose down. 

A mechanic reported that this was the first flight after an annual inspection dated April 17, 2015. The morning of the accident, the pilot came to pick up the airplane; he filled it with fuel and taxied toward the runway. The pilot was conducting a run-up when the engine died. The airplane was towed back to the maintenance shop and a mechanic visually inspected, and ran, the engine. Since nothing was found the mechanic suggested the pilot wait until Monday to have it further examined. The pilot downloaded the data from the airplane's engine data monitor and took it home to examine. Later that day the pilot returned to the airport and he informed the mechanic he found nothing abnormal on the data. The pilot got back into the airplane and taxied it to the runway. A different mechanic observed the pilot conduct a few high speed taxi tests before he took off. After the takeoff, about 200 feet above the ground, the engine lost power and the airplane glided to a field. 

After a postaccident external examination and the installation of an undamaged propeller, an engine run was performed. The engine started without hesitation, however, when the fuel boost pump was turned off the engine shut down shortly thereafter. Upon further examination, the B-nut to the fuel pump inlet was noted to be loose. The fuel line B-nut was tightened and another engine run was attempted. The engine started and it operated normally, even after the boost pump was turned off. The engine was run for about five minutes and the engine RPM was slowly increased to about 2,100 RPM. All engine gauges indicated normal operation. 

The airplane's engine data management system was removed from the airframe and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Recorders Laboratory. On the day of the accident there were seven sessions of data recorded. The accident sequence occurred during the seventh session. The first six sessions occurred during a time span of about 1 hour and 18 minutes. There was an about 1 hour and 14 minutes break between the sixth and seventh sessions. The data revealed that during the seventh session, the engine speed was increased to mid power for approximately one minute. About 2 minutes later the engine RPM was increased to 2,727 RPM followed by 2,462 RPM, 6 seconds later. The engine speed briefly increased to 2,628 for 12 seconds before falling below 1,000 RPM.

PUYALLUP, Wash. - A small plane crashed just after taking off from the THUN Field in Puyallup.

Witnesses reported seeing the plane crash Saturday morning in a field near the South Hill LA fitness.

For unknown reasons, the plane stalled in mid-air.

The pilot glided the plane into a field, destroying the plane's propeller upon landing.

There was no official word on the pilot's condition but people at the scene said it appeared the pilot was OK.  

A small plane crashed just after takeoff from THUN Field in Puyallup on Saturday morning.

The FAA identified the aircraft as a Beech 33 Bonanza.

The plane crashed in a field near the South Hill LA Fitness.

There was no official word on the pilot, but people who took photos and video at the scene said the pilot appeared to be OK.

NTSB Identification: WPR15LA167
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, April 18, 2015 in Puyallup, WA
Aircraft: BEECH F33A, registration: N84MD
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

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 April 18, 2015 about 1100 Pacific daylight time, a Beech F33A, N84MD, experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Pierce County Airport – Thun Field (PLU) in Puyallup, Washington. The pilot (sole occupant) sustained no injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounting structure. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed. 

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, the engine suddenly powered back and quit with no abnormal noises. The pilot initiated a forced landing onto a field. During the landing, the nose wheel collapsed and the airplane came to rest in a nose low attitude. 

The airplane has been recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Controlled Flight into Terrain: Cessna 206H, N3535M; fatal accident occurred April 18, 2015 in Redding, California

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

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

Docket And Docket Items - National Transportation Safety Board: http://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N3535M

Location: Redding, CA
Accident Number: WPR15LA150
Date & Time: 04/18/2015, 0838 PDT
Registration: N3535M
Aircraft: CESSNA 206H
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

A witness reported that he saw the airplane climb and then abruptly descend straight down and that it sounded as if the engine was at full power. Radar data indicated that the airplane departed the airport climbing to the east. While still climbing, the airplane made an approximate 360-degree turn. When the airplane reached about 5,500 ft, it descended in a straight line until it impacted the ground. While law enforcement officers were on scene, they received notification of a welfare check on the pilot because he had sent suicidal text messages to friends and family members earlier that morning. The autopsy report determined that the pilot’s cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries and blunt force trauma with the manner of death being suicide.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's intentional descent into terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues
Suicide - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On April 18, 2015, about 0838 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 206H, N3535M, impacted terrain about six miles east of the Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), Redding, California. The commercial pilot (the sole occupant) was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest NA Trustee, and operated by McClelland Aviation doing business as Aperture Aviation under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from RDD at about 0830.

A witness reported that he heard and saw the airplane climbing and gaining altitude when the airplane abruptly descended straight down at, what sounded like, full power. About 500 feet above the ground he heard the engine slowly decelerate before the airplane impacted an open field. The witness mentioned that he did not observe any evasive maneuvers prior to impact.

Radar data revealed the airplane took off and proceeded to climb towards the east. About nine miles from the airport the airplane continued to climb and made an approximate 360 degree turn. Toward the end of the turn, the airplane reached about 5,500 feet. The airplane descended in a straight line until it impacted the ground.

Law enforcement reported that, while they were on scene, they received notification of a welfare check on the pilot because he had sent suicidal text messages to various friends and family members earlier that morning.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot, age 34, held a commercial pilot certificate, as well as a certified flight instructor certificate, for airplane single- and multi- engine land with an instrument rating. The pilot also held a first-class airman medical certificate issued October 14, 2014 with no limitations. During the pilot's most recent medical examination, he reported that he had 850 total flight hours, 350 of which occurred in the previous six months.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The two-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear airplane, serial number 20608161, was manufactured in 2001. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5, 300 horsepower engine, and equipped with a McCauley Model B3D36C432/80VSA-1 controllable pitch propeller. The airplane's most recent maintenance was an annual inspection that occurred on May 12, 2015.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

At 0753, the weather at RDD was reported as calm wind, 10 statute miles of visibility, clear skies, temperature 13 degrees C, dewpoint 8 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of Mercury.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

Given the nature of the accident the National Transportation Safety Board did not conduct an on scene examination. However, photographs provided by law enforcement as well as the Federal Aviation Administration revealed the airplane impacted in a nose low attitude and was heavily fragmented throughout. The engine was separated from the firewall and was heavily damaged. The camshaft from within the engine was found separated and was bent mid span. There was a heavy fuel odor around the wreckage. 

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Shasta County Coroner reported the pilot's cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries and blunt force trauma, with the manner of death being suicide.

The Federal Aviation Administration's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute performed forensic toxicology on the specimens from the pilot with no evidence of tested drugs detected in the muscle. The test was positive for ethanol (24 mg/dL) detected in the muscle; it was unable to be determined if the ethanol was from ingestion or postmortem production. 

History of Flight

Maneuvering
Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 34
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):  Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/14/2014
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/02/2014
Flight Time: (Estimated) 850 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N3535M
Model/Series: 206H
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 20608161
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/12/2015, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 76 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3046 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540 SERIES
Registered Owner: WELLS FARGO BANK NORTHWEST NA TRUSTEE
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: McClelland Aviation Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: Aperture Aviation
Operator Designator Code: 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: RDD, 505 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0753 PDT
Direction from Accident Site: 105°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Redding, CA (RDD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Redding, CA (RDD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0830 PDT
Type of Airspace:

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: 40.505278, -122.289444 (est)

 

Shasta County Sheriff's Office
Zachary Cain Stickler crashed his plane into a California field on April 18, 2015, a day after he pleaded not guilty in Shasta County Superior Court to making criminal threats and to a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an alleged domestic dispute.  

A pilot who authorities said took his life by intentionally crashing his plane into a field in northern California Saturday formerly lived in the Chicago area before he moved to the West Coast to further his career, his former employer said. 
 

Zachary Cain Stickler, 34, formerly of Wadsworth in Lake County, had texted friends to let them know his intentions, authorities in California said.

The previous day, Stickler had pleaded not guilty in Shasta County Superior Court to making criminal threats and to a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an alleged domestic dispute, Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said.

"I was absolutely shocked when I heard that," said Jason Lamberton, chief operating officer of Accelerated Flight Training in Long Beach, Calif., where Stickler had previously worked as a flight instructor. "You never really know somebody, but he was not the kind of individual. … It is a terrible terrible loss."

Stickler moved from Wadsworth to Long Beach in late 2013, according to public records. He worked for Accelerated Flight Training for about 10 months before telling Lamberton in December that he was leaving the job to accommodate his girlfriend's job opportunity.

The couple moved to Redding, Calif., in the Sacramento Valley more than 200 miles north of San Francisco.

"They moved here to launch their professional careers together," said Lamberton, who described Stickler as professional and punctual. "…I offered to give him a reference (when he left the company) because he was an asset to our team."

The charges stemmed from an argument in February in Redding that escalated and became physical, Bridgett said. The victim was dating Stickler, and the two were living together.

The woman with whom he lived posted on her Facebook page Saturday: "The greatest adventure buddy of my life died yesterday. He told me he had no regrets."

She went on seemingly to quote Stickler as stating, "'I'm going out on a high note. I actually lived life. How many people can truly say that? Is it better to have something mediocre for years and years or have something that's condensed with beauty and over quickly?...I LOVED MY LIFE!'"

Stickler killed himself by crashing into a pasture on Saturday morning, Shasta County Sheriff's Deputy Dustin Reynolds said. Sheriff's officials responded to a report of an explosion around 8:30 a.m. and found a small debris field at the site where the single-engine Cessna crashed.

Text messages Stickler sent to friends and family before he crashed indicated he was distraught and planned to kill himself, Reynolds said. There was no indication he wanted to hurt anyone else, Reynolds added.

Sheriff's officials said they did not know what, if anything, triggered Stickler to take his life.

Stickler worked more recently for Aperture Aviation, an aerial photography company, which extended its sympathies to his family and friends in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration has assigned two inspectors to the crash, one of whom may conduct an on-site inspection, FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said.

Original article can be found here: http://www.chicagotribune.com

REDDING, Calif. —A pilot killed himself by intentionally crashing his plane into a field in California a day after pleading not guilty to domestic violence charges, authorities said Tuesday.

Zachary Cain Stickler, 34, entered the plea on Friday in Shasta County Superior Court to a felony count of making criminal threats and a misdemeanor battery charge, Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said.

The charges stemmed from an argument in February in Redding that escalated and became physical, Bridgett said. The victim was dating Stickler, and the two were living together.

She declined to provide more detail, saying she wanted to protect the victim's privacy.

Stickler committed suicide by crashing into a pasture on Saturday morning, Shasta County Sheriff's Deputy Dustin Reynolds said. Sheriff's officials responded to a report of an explosion around 8:30 a.m. and found a small debris field at the site where the single-engine Cessna crashed.

Reynolds said text messages Stickler sent to friends and family before he crashed indicated he was distraught and planned to kill himself. There was no indication he wanted to hurt anyone else, Reynolds said.
=======

The pilot who was involved in a plane crash early Saturday morning in Millville has been identified as Zachary Cain Stickler, 34, from Grass Valley. 

According to the Shasta County Sheriff's office, the plane crash was intentional. Investigators say Stickler left messages with family and friends.

Investigators say Stickler was using the single engine Cessna 206 for work and the plane was registered to a third party.

Stickler took off from the Redding airport just after 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, just 34 minutes later the plane crashed in an open field in Millville.

Residents in the area reported hearing an explosion prior to the plane going down.

Stickler was the only occupant inside the plane during the time of the crash.

The coroner's office identified Stickler through fingerprints.

The Shasta County Sheriff's Office is working with NTSB on providing any information needed.

MILLVILLE, Calif. - The pilot of the single occupant plane crash on Saturday morning in Millville Plains has been identified as Zachary Cain Stickler, 34, of Grass Valley, California, the Shasta County Coroner's Office reported Monday. 

According to officials, Stickler boarded the small aircraft from the Redding Airport shortly after 8:00 a.m., the collision was reported at 8:34 a.m.

It was determined through the investigation and interviews that the collision was an intentional act, not an accident. Due to the intentional act, the FAA will not be responding for a formal investigation. The Sheriff’s Office will forward their investigation to the FAA for review.

The Coroner’s Office was able to make notification of the next of kin.

The area of the collision is on private property and the Sheriff’s Office is heavily discouraging the public from attempting to view the area of the collision. A security company at the scene is not allowing anyone onto the property at this time.