Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Miramar, Florida
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
http://registry.faa.gov/N1075F
Location: Weston, FL
Accident Number: ERA16FA238
Date & Time: 07/03/2016, 0930 EDT
Registration: N1075F
Aircraft: GERDTS MARK E RV7A
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On July 3, 2016, about 0930 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Van's Aircraft RV-7A, N1075F, was destroyed when it impacted a swamp about 10 nautical miles north of Weston, Florida. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Boca Raton Airport (BCT), Boca Raton, Florida, about 0915, destined for Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF), Miami, Florida.
On the morning of the accident, the pilot departed OPF about 0730 and arrived at BCT about 0800, where he met an acquaintance to show him the airplane and discuss the installed avionics. He departed BCT about 0915. Radar data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed the airplane on a southwesterly track from BCT, with the last several radar returns indicating a descending left turn that began about 1,500 ft mean seal level (msl) and ended at 700 ft msl, about 1/2 nautical mile from the accident location. No witnesses to the accident were identified. The airplane was located the following morning by search and rescue personnel.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 78, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/08/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/11/2015
Flight Time: 3599 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 3358 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 11.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. His last FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on January 8, 2015. According to his logbook, he had accumulated about 3,600 hours of flight experience.
A family member reported that the pilot purchased the airplane about 10 days before the accident flight. According to the pilot's logbook, he flew the airplane on 4 occasions between June 24 and July 2, 2016, for a total of 2.5 hours.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: GERDTS MARK E
Registration: N1075F
Model/Series: RV7A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 71583
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/03/2016, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 308 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-A1A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
The two-seat, single-engine, low-wing airplane was built in 2010 and was equipped with a Lycoming O-360-series engine. The most recent condition inspection was completed on June 3, 2016, at 308 total airframe and engine hours.
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFXE, 14 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0953 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 105°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2300 ft agl
Visibility: 8 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 6000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 24°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Light - Thunderstorms - Rain; No Obscuration
Departure Point: BOCA RATON, FL (BCT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: MIAMI, FL (OPF)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0915 EDT
Type of Airspace:
At 0953, the reported weather conditions at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Fort Lauderdale, Florida, located about 14 miles east of the accident site, included wind from 110° at 10 knots, visibility 8 statute miles in light thunderstorm rain showers, scattered clouds at 2,300 ft, scattered clouds at 3,300 ft, broken ceiling at 6,000 ft, temperature 26°C; dew point 24°C, and altimeter setting 30.13 inches of mercury. Review of weather radar images did not reveal any precipitation along the accident route or near the accident site.
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: 26.254444, -80.415556
The accident site was in flat swamp and sawgrass terrain at an elevation of about 13 ft. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. The wreckage path was teardrop shaped, about 50 ft long by 30 ft wide, and oriented about 130° magnetic. Wing tips, sections of fairings, cowling, seat cushions, and other small pieces associated with the airplane were in a wide arc surrounding the initial impact crater. The distance from the initial impact crater to the main wreckage was about 25 ft. A slight odor of fuel was present.
The cockpit, cabin area, and tail section were significantly fragmented and largely contained on the muddy perimeter of the initial impact crater, which was full of water. The main wing spar was fractured in multiple pieces and located on the side of the impact crater. All flight control surfaces were located at the accident scene. Both ailerons were separated from their respective wings. The inboard one-third of the left aileron was bent upward about 80°; the right aileron was dented and damaged at both ends but otherwise relatively intact. The empennage was buckled just forward of the horizontal stabilizer and was twisted toward the left. Both elevators remained attached, exhibited minor damage, and moved freely. The vertical stabilizer was crushed aft, and the rudder was crushed and partially separated from the stabilizer. The engine was separated from the firewall, and the propeller was separated from the engine at a crankshaft fracture consistent with overload, just aft of the propeller flange. Both propeller blades were bent aft and exhibited slight twisting.
The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. Aileron control continuity was confirmed from the pilot control stick through overload fractures in the push-pull tubes and rod ends to both aileron input rods. Elevator control continuity was established from a bellcrank located behind the seats, though an overload fracture in a rod-end attachment fitting to the elevators. The rudder cables remained attached to both rudder control horns, and continuity was confirmed through overload tensile breaks in both cables to the rudder pedals, which were separated from the fuselage. The fuel selector valve was in the "RIGHT" fuel tank position.
The engine remained attached to its mounts, which were separated from the firewall. The No. 2 cylinder pushrods, the carburetor, and exhaust components were found separated from the engine. The engine was rotated by hand at the accessory gear section, and crankshaft continuity was confirmed. Valve action was observed at cylinder Nos. 1, 3, and 4, and valve lifter action was observed for cylinder No. 2. Thumb compression was attained on all cylinders. The engine-driven fuel pump contained a blue liquid consistent with 100 low-lead aviation fuel and produced suction and pressure when activated by hand. The carburetor floats exhibited damage consistent with hydraulic crushing. The float bowl contained a teaspoon of clear liquid. The inlet fitting was impact fractured and exposed to mud/water. The impulse-type left magneto was partially separated from the engine and did not produce spark when rotated. Disassembly of the left magneto revealed that the plastic arm that held the contact points in place was impact fractured, and the points were displaced. The right magneto produced spark on all towers when rotated after water was drained from the unit and the contact points were wiped clean. All spark plugs electrodes were contaminated with mud and/or engine oil. The engine oil filter element was absent of debris. The internal oil suction screen contained a small amount of debris but was unobstructed.
Remnants from the primary flight display, a handheld GPS receiver, and a damaged tablet computer were retained and forwarded to the NTSB laboratory in Washington, DC, for data readout. Due to impact damage, data were not recovered from any of the units.
Medical And Pathological Information
The Broward County Medical Examiner, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, performed an autopsy on the pilot. According to the autopsy report, the pilot's cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. The examination of the body for natural disease was limited due to the degree of damage. A readout of the pilot's pacemaker performed during the autopsy did not identify any significant arrhythmia at or around the time of the accident.
Toxicology testing was performed by the FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The toxicology report stated that ethanol was detected in muscle (98 mg/dl) and in liver (35 mg/dl), and N-butanol and N-propanol were identified in muscle. In addition, metoprolol and valsartan were identified in liver and lung.
Ethanol can be produced in postmortem tissues by microbial action. This often occurs in conjunction with the production of other alcohols such as N-propanol and N-butanol. Metoprolol and valsartan are prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure.
According to FAA records, the 78-year-old pilot had previously reported coronary artery disease with a bare metal stent placed in 2003, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, removal of a bladder stone, prostate cancer treated with radioactive seed implantation, and a pacemaker placement in 2009. At the time of his last FAA medical examination, he reported using valsartan and metoprolol to treat his blood pressure and help prevent a heart attack. In addition, he was on clopidogrel to prevent clots forming in the stent and simvastatin to control his cholesterol. None of these medications are considered impairing. No significant abnormalities were identified during the pilot's most recent FAA examination.
Additional Information
The airplane was equipped with an Artex model ME406 emergency locator transmitter (ELT), which did not activate during the accident sequence. During the postaccident examination of the airplane, the internal battery connector was found disconnected inside the unit. According to the airplane maintenance records, the battery was replaced on June 3, 2016.
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 03, 2016 in Weston, FL
Aircraft: GERDTS MARK E RV7A, registration: N1075F
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators 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 July 3, 2016, at 0930 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur built Vans RV-7A, N1075F, was destroyed when it impacted a swamp about 10 nautical miles north of Weston, Florida. The private pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Boca Raton Airport (BCT), Boca Raton, Florida, about 0915, destined for Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF), Miami, Florida. The flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
A family member reported that the pilot purchased the airplane about 10 days prior to the accident flight. According to the pilot's logbook, he flew the accident airplane on four occasions between June 24 and July 2, 2016, for a total of 2.5 hours. On the morning of the accident, he departed OPF at 0730, and arrived at BCT at 0800, where he met an acquaintance to show him the airplane and discuss the installed avionics. He departed BCT at 0915. Preliminary radar data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) depicted a visual flight rules (1200 code) radar target on a southwesterly track from BCT, with the last several points indicating a descending left turn which began from about 1,500 feet mean seal level (msl), and ended at 700 feet msl, about 1/2 nautical mile from the accident location. The airplane was located the following morning by search and rescue personnel.
The wreckage came to rest inverted on flat swamp and sawgrass terrain at an elevation of about 13 feet, in the vicinity of 26.2544 degrees north latitude, -80.4155 degrees west longitude. All major components were accounted for at the scene. The wreckage path was teardrop shaped, approximately 50 feet long, 30 feet wide and oriented about 130 degrees magnetic. Wing tips, sections of fairings, cowling, seat cushions, and other small pieces associated with the airplane were located in a wide arc surrounding the accident site. The distance from the initial impact to the main wreckage was about 25 feet. A slight odor of fuel was present.
The cockpit, cabin area, and tail section were significantly fragmented, and largely contained on the muddy perimeter of the initial impact crater, which was full of water. The main wing spar was fractured in multiple pieces and located on the side of the impact crater. All flight control surfaces were located at the accident scene. Both ailerons were separated from their respective wings. The inboard one-third of the left aileron was bent upward about 80 degrees; the right aileron was dented and damaged at both ends, but otherwise relatively intact. The empennage was buckled just forward of the horizontal stabilizer, and was twisted toward the left. Both elevators remained attached, exhibited minor damage, and moved freely. The vertical stabilizer was crushed aft, and the rudder was crushed and partially separated from the stabilizer. The engine was separated from the firewall, and the propeller was separated from the engine at a crankshaft fracture consistent with overload, just aft of the propeller flange. Both propeller blades were bent aft and exhibited slight twisting.
The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for postaccident examination. Aileron control continuity was confirmed from the pilot control stick through overload fractures in the push-pull tubes and rod ends, to both aileron input rods. Elevator control continuity was established from a bellcrank located behind the seats, though an overload fracture in a rod-end attachment fitting, to the elevators. The rudder cables remained attached to both rudder control horns, and continuity was confirmed through overload tensile breaks in both cables, to the rudder pedals, which were separated from the fuselage. The fuel selector valve was in the RIGHT fuel tank position.
The engine remained attached to its mounts, which were separated from the firewall. The No. 2 cylinder pushrods, carburetor and exhaust components were found separated from the engine. The engine was rotated by hand at the accessory gear section. Crankshaft continuity was confirmed and valve action observed at cylinder Nos. 1, 3 and 4, and valve lifter action for cylinder No. 2. Thumb compression was attained on all cylinders. The engine-driven fuel pump contained a blue liquid consistent with 100 low-lead aviation fuel, and produced suction and pressure when activated by hand. The carburetor floats exhibited damage consistent with hydraulic crushing. The float bowl contained a teaspoon of clear liquid. The inlet fitting was impact fractured and exposed to mud/water. The impulse-type left magneto was partially separated from the engine, and did not produce spark when rotated. The plastic arm which held the contact points in place was impact fractured and the points were displaced. The right magneto produced spark on all towers, after water was drained from the unit and the contact points were wiped clean. All spark plugs electrodes were contaminated with mud and/or engine oil. The engine oil filter element was absent of debris. The internal oil suction screen contained a small amount of debris, but was unobstructed.
Remnants from the primary flight display, a handheld GPS receiver, and a damaged tablet computer were retained and forwarded to the NTSB laboratory, Washington, DC for data readout.
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single and multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His last FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on January 8, 2015. According to his logbook, he accumulated a total of 3,600 hours of flight experience.
The amateur-built two-seat, single engine, low-wing airplane was built in 2010 and was equipped with a Lycoming O-360 series engine. The most recent conditional inspection was completed on June 3, 2016, at 308 total airframe hours.
Michael Allen Russin MD
January 9, 1938 - July 3, 2016
Obituary
RUSSIN, Michael A., MIAMI. Michael A. Russin, 78, died on July 3, 2016. Michael is survived by his companion, Melanie Cohen, his daughters Courtney and Michelle and his sister, Judith Margulies (Jeffrey) and his many nieces and nephews. Michael was born on January 9, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Sarah and Lester Russin. He was predeceased by his wife, Merrily, his twin brother, David and his daughter, Leslie. Michael grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Tulane University after which he graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine and settled in Miami Beach, Florida.
He practiced orthopedic surgery, specializing in hand surgery, at Mt. Sinai Medical Center on Miami Beach for over 45 years. He was fortunate to have been able to practice medicine at the same hospital as his father, Lester, and his brother David.
Michael loved Melanie, his family, flying and the Cincinnati Reds. He lived his life with passion, devotion and was tremendously loyal to those he loved.
Funeral Services Thursday, 10:30 am, Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo Kendall Memorial Gardens, 5900 SW 77th Avenue, Miami, FL 33141 with interment to follow in the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Michael Russin to The ALS Association Florida Chapter, Inc. 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, FL 33619.
Arrangements under the direction of Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo (Kendall), Miami, FL.
Dr. Michael Russin, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center, died in the crash, according to a media release issued by the hospital. He was the only one on the plane.
The plane took off from Boca Raton Airport at about 5 p.m. Sunday and crashed about a half-hour later, the Federal Aviation Administration reported.
The family of the pilot reported the plane missing at 12:19 a.m. Monday, Capt. Ty Lanhen from Civil Air Patrol said.
"Florida Civil Air Patrol then began an immediate response launching aircraft out of the Pompano Beach area and at 6:30 a.m., basically first light we did locate the aircraft," Lanhen said.
When a rescue crew found the plane around 6:30 a.m., they could not land because the wreckage was in a swampy area.
The FAA said the plane was heading to Opa-locka Executive Airport and crashed after traveling 25 miles.
Crews works throughout the day Monday to recover Russin's body.
"BSO air rescue, they launched and (the Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue) regional Everglades airboat was the first to make contact with the wreckage, that's when they determined there were no survivors," Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles said. "When we are dealing with the Everglades, anything is a possibility for logistics and rescue and we're equipped for it."
Russin's scrub nurse Nancy Nunez said the doctor was an "amazing surgeon, father and friend."
Mount Siani Medical Center issues a statement about Russin's passing:
"All of us at Mount Sinai Medical Center are deeply saddened by the unfortunate passing of Dr. Michael Russin. Michael enjoyed life and the practice of medicine. He and his family have a legacy of caring for patients at Mount Sinai. He and his twin brother, David, treated patients at our medical center for decades, and their father was once our chief of orthopedics. Michael will be missed by the entire Mount Sinai family. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and wish them comfort during this time."
Story and video: http://www.local10.com
Airboat 106 heading to crash site with extrication tools.
The crash occurred just east of U.S. 27 about seven miles north of Alligator Alley in unincorporated Broward County.
FAA spokesman Jim Peters said the Van's RV-7 experimental aircraft left the Boca Raton Airport at about 9 p.m. and crashed 30 minutes later about 25 miles southwest of the airport.
Peters said the FAA issued an alert Sunday after the plane did not land at Opa-Locka Executive Airport in Miami.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office learned from Civil Air Patrol that the plane had gone missing and began searching for the plane.
The wreckage was located just before 7 a.m. Monday after the Civil Air Patrol located the crash site and directed BSO Aviation Unit to the location.
BSO Marine Unit and fire rescue arrived at the site and confirmed the single occupant of the plane had died.
The sheriff’s office said the cause of the crash will be investigated by NTSB.
The sheriff’s office said the cause of the crash will be investigated by NTSB.
Story and video: http://www.wptv.com
EVERGLADES, Fla. —One person is dead Monday after a plane crashed off of US 27, authorities said.
According to Broward Sheriff's Office, the plane went down near US 27, about seven miles north of Interstate 75 in unincorporated Broward County.
The plane took off from Boca Raton Airport around 5 p.m., officials said. The plane crashed at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Debris from the plane was found at 6:30 a.m. after the crew in a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 aircraft based out of Pompano Beach located an aircraft crash site in a swampland outside of Coral Springs.
Regional Communications learned from Civil Air Patrol that a single-engine plane was missing after family of the pilot alerted the Federal Aviation Administration that the pilot had not checked in taking off Sunday night. The FAA issued an alert notice Sunday after the plane did not land at Opa-Locka Executive Airport in Miami.
Florida Civil Air Patrol immediately began a full-scale response.
They began searching for the plane last night. They resumed the search Monday morning.
The BSO marine unit and fire rescue arrived at the site.
According to officials, the pilot of the plane died in the crash.
The cause of the crash is being investigated by National Transportation Safety Board.
Original article can be found here: http://www.wpbf.com
MIAMI —Authorities in South Florida have located the wreckage of a small plane that crashed in Broward County.
The plane and its pilot were reported missing at 12:19 a.m. Monday. The pilot's name was not released. The aircraft was described as a RV-7 experimental airplane.
In a statement, the Broward County Sheriff's Office says the plane was spotted in a "swampland" outside Coral Springs, east of U.S. 27 and seven miles north of Interstate 75. At first, rescue units couldn't get to the crash site due to the terrain.
Around 7 a.m., the sheriff's office's marine unit and fire rescue arrived to confirm the single occupant of the plane was killed.
The cause of the crash will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Original article can be found here: http://www.wesh.com
WEST BROWARD, FLA. (WSVN) - A previously missing small, single-engine plane has been found in West Broward, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Monday morning.
According to BSO officials, the single-engine plane was reported missing on Sunday night.
Officials conducted a search after the pilot’s family called the Federal Aviation Administration. The family said the pilot failed to check-in after some time.
The plane was located at about 7 a.m., east of U.S. 27 and almost seven miles north of I-75, officials said.
BSO officials confirmed the single occupant of the plane has died.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Story and video: http://wsvn.com
The Florida Civil Air Patrol was alerted just before 12:30 a.m. Monday that the pilot of a Van's RV-7 experimental aircraft had not checked in with family members.
The plane is reported to have taken off from Boca Raton Airport and was heading for Opa-Locka Executive Airport in north Miami-Dade.
Shortly before 7 a.m., the wreckage was found just east of U.S. 27, about seven miles north of Alligator Alley by the Civil Air Patrol, which alerted the Broward Sheriff's Office, deputies said.
Fire rescue and a Marine Unit from the sheriff's office arrived at the crash site and confirmed that one person was found dead, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Original article can be found here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com
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