Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida
Lycoming; 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/N379RV
Accident Number: ERA16FA297
Date & Time: 08/24/2016, 0630 EDT
Registration: N379RV
Aircraft: HEBERLEIN RONALD VANS RV 9A
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On August 24, 2016, about 0630 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built RV-9 airplane, N379RV, was destroyed when it collided with terrain near Sebring, Florida. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to Saflight LLC 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 cross-country flight, which departed Sebring Municipal Airport (SEF), Sebring, Florida, at 0623 and was destined for Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport (PMH), Portsmouth, Ohio.
According to the pilot's spouse, the pilot was traveling to a class reunion in Portsmouth. A review of SEF airport security camera video showed an airplane departing at 0623 from runway 14. At the time of departure, it was dark, and the registration number of the airplane could not be confirmed. Shortly thereafter, a witness southeast of the airport heard a low flying airplane followed by a loud crashing sound. He subsequently contacted local authorities and advised them that he believed an airplane may have crashed somewhere near his farm. A search ensued, and the airplane was located about 4 nautical miles northeast of SEF.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/04/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 920 hours (Total, all aircraft), 920 hours (Total, this make and model)
The 76-year-old pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. On his FAA second-class medical certificate application, dated May 4, 2015, he reported a total flight experience of 920 hours, including 2 hours during the last 6 months. The medical certificate indicated no restrictions. The pilot's logbook was not available for review during the investigation.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: HEBERLEIN RONALD
Registration: N379RV
Model/Series: VANS RV 9A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 90965
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-D2J
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
The airplane was manufactured in 2005. It was powered by a 160-horsepower Lycoming O-320-D2J engine equipped with a Sensenich two-bladed fixed-pitch propeller. The most recent condition inspection was completed on April 1, 2016.
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dawn
Observation Facility, Elevation: SEF, 61 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0559 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 114°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1700 ft agl
Visibility: 7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Sebring, FL (SEF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Portsmouth, OH (PMH)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0623 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G
The recorded weather at SEF, at 0559, included wind from 360° at 5 knots, 7 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 1,700 ft, and an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of mercury. Temperature and dew point were not reported. According to U.S. Naval Observatory Sun and Moon Data, the beginning of local civil twilight was 0637 and local sunrise was at 0701.
Airport Information
Airport: Sebring (SEF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 61 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 27.486111, -81.283333 (est)
Examination of the accident site revealed a group of four ground scars that were consistent with impact of the three landing gear and the wing leading edge. The 250-ft-long wreckage path extended beyond the ground scars on a magnetic heading of 030°, continued through a shed, and ended at the main wreckage. Fragmented pieces of the airplane's wings, fuselage, and engine parts were distributed along the wreckage path. All flight control surfaces were accounted for at the accident site. Flight control cables and push-pull tubes were fragmented and found along the wreckage path. The instrument panel was destroyed. The cockpit, fuselage, empennage, and the inboard sections of the wings were crushed.
The engine was broken away from its mounts and displayed significant impact damage. The propeller was separated from the engine, and the crankshaft flange was bent. The forward portion of the oil sump was fragmented, and the oil sump cavity contained grass and dirt. A small amount of oil drained from the engine as it was disassembled. No debris was noted in the oil filter or the oil suction screen.
The carburetor and oil filter adapter were impact-separated from the engine and observed among the recovered wreckage. The starter and alternator were impact-separated and not observed. The intake and exhaust tubing were impact-damaged. The bent crankshaft flange allowed the engine to rotate only about 350° before the flange contacted the crankcase. Compression was observed from three cylinders, and valve action was observed from all valve rockers. The No. 1 and No. 3 cylinders were removed, and continuity of the crankshaft and camshaft was observed by visual inspection.
The engine-driven fuel pump remained attached to the engine and was removed for examination. When actuated by hand, the fuel pump produced pressure at the outlet port. The fuel pump was partially disassembled, and no damage was noted to the valves or rubber diaphragms. The airframe fuel strainer was partially disassembled, and no debris was noted in the fuel screen.
The engine ignition harness was destroyed. Both magnetos remained attached to the engine and produced spark from all electrode towers when removed and rotated by hand. The top sparkplugs were removed, and the electrodes exhibited gray coloration.
Examination of the propeller revealed that one propeller blade exhibited leading edge paint abrasion and slight torsional twisting toward the blade face. The other blade exhibited paint abrasion to the outboard portion of the blade, forward curving of the outboard portion of the blade, and torsional twisting.
During examination of the airframe and the engine, no anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation.
Medical And Pathological Information
The Office of the District Medical Examiner, Winter Haven, Florida, performed an autopsy on the pilot and determined that the cause of death was multiple blunt force traumatic injuries. The autopsy documented moderate-to-severe coronary artery disease; specifically, the left anterior descending coronary artery had severe narrowing with a focal pinpoint coronary lumen. No areas of hemorrhage, fibrosis, or hyperemia were identified in the cardiac muscle.
The Federal Aviation Administration's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicology on specimens from the pilot with positive results for atorvastatin, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, donepezil and terazosin. Due to limited specimens, blood drug levels were not available.
Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine that is generally not considered impairing. Terazosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and high blood pressure; it is generally not considered impairing.
Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine available over the counter in many cold, cough, and allergy preparations. It carries the following warning: "May impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating heavy machinery)."
Diphenhydramine is a potentially impairing sedating antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms and as a sleep aid. It carries the same warning as chlorpheniramine. Compared to other antihistamines, diphenhydramine causes marked sedation; it is also classed as a central nervous system depressant. Altered mood and impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance may also be observed.
Donepezil, also called Aricept, is prescribed for the treatment of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. The medication is generally not considered to be impairing. However, the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease is generally considered impairing, and an aviation medical examiner cannot certify an airman with this condition.
Review of the pilot's FAA medical records revealed that he had reported hypothyroid disease treated with levothyroxine, high blood pressure treated with losartan and hydrochlorothiazide; an enlarged prostate treated with terazosin; and gastric reflux disease treated with omeprazole and ranitidine to the FAA. Review of the pilot's personal medical records revealed that on June 7, 2016, he received a neurology evaluation for memory loss and visuospatial dysfunction, was diagnosed with early dementia of the Alzheimer's type, and was prescribed donepezil.
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in Sebring, FL
Aircraft: HEBERLEIN RONALD VANS RV 9A, registration: N379RV
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 August 24, 2016, about 0630 eastern standard daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-9A, N379RV, was destroyed when it collided with terrain while in cruise flight near Sebring, Florida. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The personal flight, which departed Sebring Municipal Airport (SEF), Sebring, Florida, and was destined for Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport (PMH), Portsmouth, Ohio, was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to the spouse of the pilot, he was traveling to PMH to attend a class reunion. A review of SEF airport security camera video revealed an airplane departing at 0623 from runway 14. At the time of departure it was dawn and the registration number of the airplane could not be observed. Shortly thereafter, a witness southeast of the airport reported hearing the sound of a low flying airplane followed by a loud crashing sound. He subsequently contacted local authorities and advised them that he believed that an airplane may have crashed somewhere near his farm. A search ensued and the airplane was located a 1/2 mile south of the witnesses' location.
The airplane was manufactured in 2005. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320-D2J engine rated at 160 horsepower at 2,700 rpm, and was equipped with a Sensenich two-bladed fixed pitch propeller.
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He reported a total flight experience of 920 hours, including 2 hours during the last 6 months, on his Federal Aviation Administration second-class medical certificate application, dated May 4, 2015. The medical certificate indicated no restrictions.
The recorded weather at SEF, at 0559, included winds from 360 degrees at 5 knots; 7 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 1,700 feet, temperature and dew point were not reported, and an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of mercury.
The initial impact revealed a ground scar that was identified with a series of three ground scars and a 28 foot perpendicular ground scar just forward of the three ground scars. The wreckage path extended beyond the initial ground scars and was on a magnetic heading of 030 degrees and continued for 250 feet. Fragmented pieces of the airplane's wings, fuselage, and engine parts were distributed along the wreckage path.
The engine was fractured from its mounts and displayed significant impact damage to the external sections of the engine. The propeller was fractured and separated at the propeller hub.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
Leon David Adelstone, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in Sebring, Florida. He was born on February 9, 1940 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late James and Charlotte (Schloss) Adelstone. Leon was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, chapters 1240 and 175; Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association; Professional Photographers of America-Life Member and an honorary member of the Professional Photographers of South Carolina. He had received the FAA Master Pilot Award. Leon was a true patriot having served three enlistments in the U.S. Air Force that totaled 14 years. His last enlistment was during the Viet Nam War. He loved his family very much and will be missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife: Ginger Adelstone-Sebring, daughter: Lori Ann Bradford (Jeff)-Woodstock, GA; son: Rodney Lee Adelstone (Charlene)-Myrtle Beach, SC; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Leon was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson: Lee Adelstone. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, September 9, 2016, 1:00 pm, at EAA 1240 Hanger, Sebring Airport, 197 Challenger Drive, Sebring, FL. 33870 and there will be a memorial service on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 1:00pm – 3:30pm at Lutz First Baptist Church, 11816 US-41, Lutz, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to: EAA, Chapter 1240 “Aviation Scholarship Fund”, 197 Challenger Drive, Sebring, FL 33870 or Florida Heartland 99’s “Scholarship Fund”, 5614 Lilac Road, Sebring, FL 33875.
http://www.stephensonnelsonfh.com
LORIDA (FOX 13) - The pilot of a small plane that crashed in Highlands County was confirmed dead by the sheriff's office Wednesday afternoon.
The pilot was identified as Leon Adelstone, 76, from Sebring.
The crash happened just after 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. Dispatchers got a call that a plane had gone down near Arbuckle Creek Road.
Highlands County Sheriff's Office deputies went to the scene, then called in an aircraft for help.
At about 8:30 a.m., the sheriff's office pilot spotted the crash site in a pasture west of Scrub Pens Road.
Deputies on the ground said they found the body of the pilot, but no one else seemed to be onboard the airplane.
Adelstone owned the Van's RV-9A experimental aircraft. Deputies said he took off from Sebring Regional Airport before the crash.
Highlands County Sheriff's Office detectives and the FAA were were investigating.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jamie Davidson at 863-402-7250.
Source: http://www.fox13news.com
One person is dead following a plane crash early Wednesday morning. The crash, involving what was described as a small plane, occurred in a rural section of Lorida near Scrub Pens Road.
According to a Highlands County Sheriff’s Office press release, the pilot has been identified a Leon Adelstone, 76, of Sebring. No one else was onboard the airplane.
The aircraft is a single-engine experimental airplane owned by Adelstone. Adelstone had taken off from Sebring Regional Airport prior to the crash, the report said.
According to Chief Deputy Mark Schrader of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the accident reportedly occurred sometime around dawn.
“We received a call from a resident in the area of Scrub Pens Road around 6:32 a.m. reporting a low-flying plane,” Schrader told the Highlands News-Sun Wednesday morning.
Deputies, however, were unable to locate signs of the plane from the ground and called for the HCSO’s plane to begin an aerial search.
Robert Jordan, the sheriff’s official pilot, began a search and located what appeared to be wreckage from a plane wreck around 8:30 a.m.
“He was able to guide our deputies on the ground to the crash site,” Schrader said.
A rescue unit from Highlands County EMS and the Lorida Volunteer Fire Department were called to return to the crash site around 10:15 a.m. to assist with extrication and recovery of remains from the scene.
Detectives were on scene securing the area and beginning the initial stages of an accident investigation; and an investigator with the Federal Aviation Administration is on scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board has also been called and is expected to respond, Schrader said.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jamie Davidson at (863) 402-7250.
Source: http://www.highlandstoday.com
A preliminary report on the August small plane crash near Lorida noted that the pilot who was killed planned to fly to Portsmouth, Ohio for a class reunion.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s report offered details about pilot Leon Adelstone’s flight experience and the aircraft he was flying.
Adelstone, 76, departed from Sebring Municipal Airport around 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 24, according to the report.
Shortly after takeoff, a witness southeast of the airport reported hearing the sound of a low flying airplane followed by a loud crashing sound, the report states.
The experimental amateur-built Vans RV-9A was destroyed when it hit the ground while in cruise flight near Sebring and the pilot was fatally injured, the report shows. He was the sole occupant of the plane, which crashed near Scrub Pen Road.
The wreckage path extended beyond the initial ground scars and continued for 250 feet, the report notes. Fragmented pieces of the airplane’s wings, fuselage and engine parts were distributed along the wreckage path.
The engine was fractured from its mounts and displayed significant impact damage to the external sections of the engine, according to the report. The propeller was fractured and separated at the propeller hub.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
The RV-9A is a single-engine, two-seat, low-wing, home-built plane with a nose wheel.
It was manufactured in 2005 and powered by a 160 horsepower engine with a two-blade propeller, according to the report.
Adelstone held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane, the report notes.
Adelstone reported a total flight experience of 920 hours, including two hours during the last six months, on his Federal Aviation Administration second-class medical certificate application, dated May 4, 2015, the report shows. The medical certificate indicated no restrictions.
At the conclusion of its investigation the NTSB will issue a probable cause report.
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