Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Cirrus SR20, G-ZOGT: Fatal accident occurred January 04, 2016 in Egmond, Netherlands

NTSB Identification: CEN16WA074
Accident occurred Monday, January 04, 2016 in Egmond, Netherlands
Aircraft: CIRRUS SR20, registration:
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.

On January 4, 2016, about 1356 UTC, a Cirrus Design, Incorporated SR-20, United Kingdom registration G-ZOGT, owned by a private individual, was destroyed when it impacted into the North Sea near Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands, under unknown circumstances. The pilot on board the airplane is missing and presumed dead. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The foreign, non-scheduled, local personal flight had departed Birmingham Airport (EGBJ), Birmingham, England, United Kingdom, and was enroute to Osnabruck-Atterheide Airport (EDWO), Osnabruck, Germany.

The airplane was on a VFR flight. The pilot reported meteorological conditions, fog. The airplane disappeared from radar while enroute. Airplane wreckage was found in the water about 4 nautical miles west of Egmond aan Zee.

This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of The Netherlands. Any further information regarding the investigation can be obtained from:

The Dutch Safety Board
P.O. Box 95404
2509 CK THE HAGUE
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 70 333 7000
Facsimile: +31 70 333 7077
www.safetyboard.nl

This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information released by, or obtained from, the Dutch Safety Board, The Netherlands.




Gütersloh/Camperduin. Es ist Montagnachmittag gegen 15 Uhr, als die einmotorige Sportmaschine mit der britischen Kennung G-ZOGT vom Radar der Flugaufsicht des Amsterdamer Flughafens Schiphol verschwindet. Am Steuer sitzt der ehemalige Claas-Vorstandschef Gernot Schäfer aus Gütersloh. Der 76-Jährige stürzt mit seinem Flugzeug vor der niederländischen Küste in die Nordsee.

Ein technischer Defekt? Ein gesundheitliches Problem? Ein Pilotenfehler? Die Absturzursache steht bislang nicht fest. Sicher ist inzwischen nur: Schäfer hat keine Chance, er stirbt bei dem Crash. Das bestätigte seine Ehefrau Mieke am Donnerstag gegenüber der NW.

Bei einer Sicht von noch nicht einmal 400 Metern eilen Rettungshubschrauber, Suchflugzeuge und Rettungsboote zu der Stelle, an der das Flugzeug zuletzt geortet worden war – etwa sechs Seemeilen von der Nordseeküste beim Örtchen Camperduin entfernt.

Auch Marinetaucher suchen nach dem Piloten

Dort werden zwar schnell erste Trümmerteile entdeckt, vom Wrack des Flugzeuges selbst und vom Piloten fehlt jedoch am Montag jede Spur. „Ich habe auf dem Flugplatz Osnabrück-Atterheide auf ihn gewartet", sagt Mieke Schäfer. „Aber er kam nicht. Da haben wir bei der Flugsicherung in Frankfurt angerufen und erfahren, dass er abgestürzt ist."

Die Küstenwache in Den Helder berechnet zu diesem Zeitpunkt das Suchgebiet anhand der Meeresströmung und des Windes neu und weitet es auf drei Areale aus. Zwischenzeitlich suchen auch Marinetaucher und das Minensuchboot „Zierikzee", das mit Hilfe seines Sonars den Meeresboden auslotet, nach dem Gütersloher Piloten. Gegen Mitternacht muss die Suche vorerst eingestellt werden.

Am Dienstagmorgen dann rücken erneut Kräfte der Küstenwache und der Marine aus – auch, wenn die Rettungskräfte kaum noch Hoffnung auf ein Wunder hegen.
Die Polizei meldet gegen Mittag, dass man davon ausgehe, dass sie den 76-Jährigen – auch wegen des kalten Wassers – nicht mehr lebend finden werde.

Flugzeug gerade erst erworben

Die Befürchtungen scheinen sich zu bestätigen, als auch am Dienstag die Suche ergebnislos abgebrochen werden musste. Erst am Mittwochmittag tauchen dann größere Trümmerteile des Sportflugzeuges auf, wenig später kann auch der tote Pilot aus der unruhigen See geborgen werden.

Besonders tragisch: Gernot Schäfer war vergangene Woche noch voller Vorfreude nach Großbritannien gereist, um sein neues Flugzeug abzuholen. Bislang hatte er im Cockpit einer Cessna 172 S gesessen, die er liebevoll „Mücke" nannte und die ihn zu zahlreichen Zielorten im Mittelmeerraum flog.

Jetzt aber sollte die Cessna gegen ein anderes Modell eingetauscht werden. Schäfer flog als Passagier per Linie nach Großbritannien – wohl um den Flugzeugkauf abzuwickeln. Er hatte sich für eine sieben Jahre alte Cirrus SR20 entschieden – ein viersitziges Leichtflugzeug aus amerikanischer Herstellung. Das Flugzeug gilt gemeinhin als sicher und zuverlässig.

Mitglied im Aero Club Osnabrück

Dass der Absturz etwas mit dem Typenwechsel zu tun haben könnte, kann sich Wilfried Bockbreder, Vorstand vom Aero Club Osnabrück, kaum vorstellen: „Von der Cessna zur Cirrus umzusteigen – das ist so, als würden sie von einem VW zu einem Opel wechseln."

Mehr als zehn Jahre war Schäfer Mitglied im Aero Club Osnabrück. Der Verein zeigte sich erschüttert über die Nachricht seines verunglückten Mitglieds. Er habe zwar erst spät die Privatfluglizenz erworben, Schäfer sei aber ein Pilot mit immerhin rund zwölf Jahren Flugerfahrung gewesen, betonte Wilfried Bockbreder auf Nachfrage von nw.de.

Auch Mieke Schäfer beschreibt ihren Mann als erfahrenen und besonnenen Flieger. „Er hat vor Abflug das Wetter immer genau studiert. Bei schlechtem Wetter wäre er nie gestartet. Zudem war er kerngesund", sagt sie. „Wir wissen nicht, was passiert ist." 

http://www.lz.de

The body of a 76 year old German pilot, whose small plane crashed into the North Sea near Petten on Monday, was found off the coast of Schoorl on Wednesday, NU reports.

The Dutch Coast Guard lead the two day long search. Navy divers found the body.

The plane, a Cirrus Aircraft SR20, took off on  from an airport in Gloucestershire, England on Monday and was on his way to the Musnster-Osnabruck in Germany. The pilot was the only person on board.

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Aviation expert Martin Duijvestin thinks that sleet probably caused the crash, he said to Noordhollands Dagblad. “As a pilot you should stay away from such ice, if it appears suddenly, you have to turn around as fast as possible and get out.”



The coast guard and rescue brigade KNRM called off the rescue operation searching for the pilot of a small airplane that crashed into the North Sea near Petten on Monday afternoon. The coastguard assumes that he won’t be found alive. The search for his body continues.

“The rescue operation was halted around midnight. The coast guard and navy are now searching for the body and debris”, a spokesperson for the coast guard said to news wire ANP.

The KNRM, Rederij Noordgat and the Royal Navy searched for the pilot for more than eight hours on Monday, using several rescue boats and sonar equipment, but the search was unsuccessful.

The experienced pilot of the plane is a 76 year old German man from Gutersloh. According to the police he took off in a Cirrus SR-20 from an airport in Gloucestershire, England and was on his way to the Musnster-Osnabruck in Germany.

The police launched and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.  Several pieces of debris was found and stored. The police are calling on the public to report any further pieces washing up on the North Sea beach

Source:  http://www.nltimes.nl

Dutch Coastguard search for a light aircraft on Monday night which crashed off the Netherlands Coast. It is believed to have flown from Norfolk on Monday evening.


A Dutch naval ship has joined a major search operation today to find a plane which crashed off the Netherlands coast yesterday afternoon after taking off from the UK. The pilot is feared dead.

The plane, believed to be a Cirrus SR20, was heading to Germany when it crashed off the coast at Petten in the province of North Holland shortly before 3pm yesterday.

Dutch Coastguard initially said the plane took off from Norwich Airport and was heading to the German island of Sylt.

But on Tuesday morning, they issued a correction, stating the plane took off from Gloucester and was heading to Osnabruck, Germany.

Norwich Airport said on Tuesday they had no record of the plane landing or departing from the airport.

Dutch police are now investigating the crash.

They said the pilot, a 76-year-old German, was feared dead.

The pilot took off from the Cotswolds yesterday and according to the flight plan was heading for Munster-Osnabruck Airport in Germany.

Story and photo gallery: http://www.edp24.co.uk


Voor de kust van Petten (Noord-Holland) is maandagmiddag rond 15.00 uur een sportvliegtuig neergestort. Het toestel was afkomstig uit het Engelse Norwich. Dit melden diverse media. Aan boord van het toestel zou één inzittende zijn.

Volgens het AD was het toestel, een Cirrus SR20 afkomstig uit Norwich en zou het naar het Duitse eiland Sylt vliegen. Het KNRM-station van Egmond laat via Twitter weten dat het toestel inmiddels gelokaliseerd is. Het toestel zou de registratie G-ZOGT hebben en eigendom zijn van een particulier.

Over de toestand van de piloot is nog niets bekend. Volgens de Kustwacht zijn marineduikers vanuit Den Helder onderweg naar de plaats van het ongeval. Rond 21.00 uur werd nog naar de piloot gezocht.

Police arrest aviation student in airline laser pointing: Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida

Gerardo Sanchez


DAYTONA BEACH — An aviation student who told police he is studying to be a pilot at a flight school here was arrested Sunday night after officers said he pointed a green laser at a pilot and at the control tower at Daytona Beach International Airport.

Suspect Gerardo Sanchez was stopped Sunday just after 10 p.m. as he walked along Clyde Morris Boulevard near the Bellevue  Avenue Extension, an arrest report states. Police approached Sanchez because he was the only one walking near the airport after a 9-1-1 call was made by the control tower at DBIA regarding a green laser being pointed at the control tower and at an American Airlines plane arriving at the airport, the report states.

When an officer approached Sanchez at Clyde Morris and Bellevue, she asked the 23-year-old if he had a laser with him. Sanchez answered "yes," the report states, and took the instrument from his front jacket pocket to show it to the officer. 

After being read his rights, Sanchez spoke with the officer, saying that he was on Clyde Morris, on the flight path. Sanchez said he was playing with the green laser light pointing it in various directions, the report states. The suspect said he saw an incoming plane "on short approach," the report states. Conley recognized the phrase as an aviation term and asked Sanchez if he was a pilot.

Sanchez said he is studying to be a pilot at ATP Flight School, an airport property tenant. ATP had not confirmed that Sanchez is a student.

The suspect told the officer that he saw the plane's landing light and that he began playing with the laser "in the areas of the in-flight American Airlines aircraft, the report states. Sanchez also admitted that he pointed the laser at the clouds in the general vicinity of the plane and that the pilot may have flown through the laser beam, the report states. 

Sanchez also admitted that he pointed the laser at the control tower "several times," the report states.

Officers interviewed air traffic controller Richard Steele and Joseph Gambino and both said they were struck in the eyes by the green laser beam, the report states. Both men said they saw the light coming from Clyde Morris and Aerospace Parkway. Steele, who had binoculars, told police that he spotted someone walking south along Clyde Morris and he called 9-1-1, the report states.

American Airlines pilot Francis McMillan and co-pilot Jeremy Rae also spoke to police. McMillan, 54, said the green laser did affect him for about one or two seconds because it was pointed at his eyes, the report states. Rae saw the laser beam, but it was not pointed at him. McMillan said he was attempting to land the aircraft on runway 25R, descending about 500 feet when he was hit with a green laser beam that lasted one to two seconds, the report states.

McMillan said he was able to land the plane without any problem, but he and Rae both reported the issue to the control tower, the report states.

Sanchez has been charged with pointing a laser light at a driver/pilot, a felony. He was released Monday afternoon from the Volusia County Branch Jail after posting $1,500 bail. He could not be reached.

In 2014, the FBI launched a campaign to address the issue and make the public aware of the consequences of pointing a laser at motorists or aircraft.

According to the federal agency, there was a 1,100 percent increase in incidents in which aircraft pilots have reported laser flashes while flying. At least 3,700 incidents were recorded in 2013 — compared to just 283 in 2005. And that doesn't include the thousands of attacks that go unreported every year, the agency reported. Though laser light-into-aircraft incidents have increased, there are no reports that laser pointers are responsible for bringing down any airplanes or seriously injuring people, said local defense attorney David Damore, who represented a man who was accused of pointing a laser at a Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety officer in 2015.

The misuse of hand-held lasers is what prompted Patrick Murphy, who has a degree in Laser Art from Oberlin College in Ohio, to launch the website laserpointersafety.com to educate the public about laser pointers. While laser pens can be useful and fun, they are often misused because of the lack of education or warning “never to aim laser pointers at aircraft,” Murphy said.

Murphy is working on a proposal for a label to appear alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's warning that laser pointers may irritate the eyes. The label, which Murphy hopes will get approval from the FDA, would warn people not to point lasers at aircraft.

Volusia County spokesman Dave Byron reiterated that pointing a laser light at a pilot could result in a tragedy.

"This is not a game, this is dangerous," Byrion said Monday. "We have had some incidences, this is not the first.

"People who engage in this activity are risking the safety of the aviation industry and they could be facing some pretty significant charges," Byron said. "It just perplexes me that someone who wants a future in aviation would do this."

Story and photo:  http://www.news-journalonline.com

Jet AirWerks Awarded Repair Station Certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China

Keith Humphrey, president and CEO of Jet AirWerks LLC and Jet AirParts LLC.



ARKANSAS CITY, Kan., Jan. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jet AirWerks, LLC (JAW), a Kansas-based turbine jet engine component repair station, has been awarded certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the performance of repair and overhaul services for commercial turbine jet engine and airframe components. The CAAC certification allows Jet AirWerks to expand its market footprint and enhance its current certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by additionally providing airworthiness releases for turbine jet engine and airframe components destined for markets regulated by the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The award of the CAAC Certification follows a year-long application process and a rigorous, on-site quality audit conducted by inspectors from the PRC. With nearly 10,000 part numbers authorized by the CAAC certificate, Jet AirWerks now boasts one of the largest repair capabilities listings for turbine jet engine products manufactured by CFM International, LP (CFMI) and GE Aviation, General Electric's aviation division.

"Adding the CAAC certification has always been a key piece of our business plan. The award of this certificate provides the opportunity to increase the company's services to meet the needs of our customers, to open additional markets and new opportunities, and ultimately to create high quality jobs right here at home in South Central Kansas," said Keith Humphrey, Jet AirWerks' President and CEO (Twitter).

"South Central Kansas is arguably the most impressive and well-established aviation and aerospace cluster in the United States. So, naturally, our region has one of the most impressive, skilled aviation and aerospace workforces in the country. I'm beyond thrilled that we can expand the opportunity to showcase our collective talents, technical skills and quality workmanship to the global market," Humphrey continued.

Jet AirWerks' new repair station CAAC Certificate Number is F001006600 and is effective immediately.

About Jet AirWerks, LLC

Jet AirWerks was established by commercial aviation veteran Keith Humphrey with the mission of supplying low cost, high quality MRO overhaul services on a large variety of engine components from low-value parts to critical rotating, life limited turbine jet engine hardware for parts distributors, engine overhaul facilities and airlines.

Jet AirWerks was awarded repair station certification by the FAA in 2008 (Certificate No. J0JR961Y) and, subsequently, EASA repair station certification in 2009 (Certificate No. 145.6130).  Jet AirWerks principally provides inspection, repair and overhaul services for components manufactured for and / or removed from commercial turbine jet engine product lines manufactured by CFMI and GE Aviation, including all engine variants in CFMI's CFM56 engine program and all variants in GE Aviation's CF34, CF6, and GE90 engine programs. Jet AirWerks expanded operations under an affiliated brand and company, Jet AirParts, LLC, in 2011.

About Jet AirParts, LLC

In 2011, Jet AirWerks President and CEO Keith Humphrey founded Jet AirParts, LLC, to compliment the services provided by Jet AirWerks and to fill a growing market demand for inventory salvation review and recovery, inventory management, and sales of both owned and consigned difficult-to-obtain spare part inventories.

Jet AirWerks, LLC and Jet AirParts, LLC are both strategically located in a shared repair and warehouse facility in Arkansas City, Kansas. Both companies additionally operate satellite offices for sales and customer support in Derby, Kansas, just minutes from downtown Wichita, Kansas – the Air Capital of the World.

Jet AirWerks on the Web: http://www.jetairwerks.com
Jet AirWerks on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jet_airwerks

Source:  http://www.prnewswire.com

New Additions Coming to Elmira Corning Regional Airport (KELM) in 2016

HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (18 NEWS)-

The Elmira Corning Regional Airport has some new projects underway for 2016.

That news comes as Director of Aviation, Ann Crook, describes the 2015 travel year as "solid."

2015 made time for a rehabilitated taxiway in front of the terminal, a project she says had to be coordinated and completed around the flight schedules.

This year the airport will begin construction on an entirely new taxiway.

"Overall its about 12 million dollars,” said Crook.

“It'll probably take us two or maybe even three years to construct it but that's a big project -- we're looking forward to that. On the business side we are getting a new restaurant so I'm looking forward to that, Dunkin Donuts will be opening at the airport sometime in the next several weeks."

2014 was a record setting year for the number of travelers at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport and Crook says they are very close to setting a record for 2015 as well.

Source:  http://www.mytwintiers.com

Piper PA-18-135, N2684A: Accident occurred January 01, 2016 in Newman Lake, Spokane County, Washington

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

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

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

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Spokane, Washington

http://registry.faa.gov/N2684A 

NTSB Identification: WPR16LA045
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, January 01, 2016 in Newman Lake, WA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 05/23/2017
Aircraft: PIPER PA18, registration: N2684A
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 performed two low passes to the snow-covered airstrip, during which the airplane’s flaps were extended and carburetor heat was on. After completing the second low pass, the pilot retracted the wing flaps, turned off the carburetor heat, and applied engine power to go around. The engine subsequently experienced roughness and a partial loss of power. The pilot turned the carburetor heat back on, but engine power was not restored. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot elected to land on the airstrip he had been overflying. During the landing, the airplane nosed over due to the depth of the accumulated snow, which resulted in substantial damage.

A postaccident examination of the carburetor revealed full control continuity to the carburetor heat/air box, the butterfly valve reached full travel, and full control continuity from the cockpit throttle and mixture controls to the carburetor was confirmed. An engine run revealed no anomalies. Although the airplane was operating in conditions that were conducive to a serious risk of carburetor ice accumulation at a descent power setting, the engine was operating at a takeoff/go-around power setting at the time of the loss of power, and it is unlikely that carburetor ice would have accumulated during this time. Therefore, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

On January 1, 2016, about 1530 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA18-150, N2684A, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing to a private dirt airstrip following a partial loss of engine power near Newman Lake, Washington. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed Felts Field (SFF), Spokane, Washington, about 1500, with the destination being a private airstrip about 13 nautical miles northeast of SFF.

In a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that after departing SFF, his intention was to make several slow, low passes over the private airstrip, which was located about 13 nautical miles northeast of SFF. He initially climbed to 6,000 ft mean sea level, cycled the carburetor heat while on descent to the airstrip, then made an initial low pass with full flaps and carburetor heat applied, followed by a go-around with carburetor heat off. The pilot opined that he subsequently made a second low pass in the same configuration, but during the go-around experienced engine roughness, a loss of power, the engine backfiring, and a loss of engine rpm from 2,400 to 2,200. He then applied carburetor heat, but there was no increase in rpm. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing on the private airstrip, which was covered with what the pilot described as covered with snow. Upon touchdown the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to both wing struts and the rudder.

A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine overseen by a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector, which included an engine run, revealed no preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. During the examination the inspector noted that the carburetor heat/air box had full continuity, the butterfly valve reached full travel, and full continuity of control was confirmed from the throttle and mixture controls in the cockpit to the carburetor.

At 1450, the weather reporting facility located at SFF reported wind calm, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature -7 C, dew point -9 C, and altimeter reading of 30.52 inches of mercury.

The carburetor icing probability chart from the FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB), CE-09-35 Carburetor Icing Prevention, indicated that the airplane was operating in an area associated with a serious risk of carburetor ice accumulation at descent power.

NTSB Identification: WPR16LA045
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, January 01, 2016 in Newman Lake, WA
Aircraft: PIPER PA18, registration: N2684A
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 January 1, 2016, about 1530 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA18-135, N2684A, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing following a partial loss of engine power near Newman Lake, Washington. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight had departed Felts Field (SFF), Spokane, Washington, about 1500, with the destination being a private airstrip about 13 nautical miles northeast of SFF.

The pilot reported that after reaching the destination airstrip, he overflew the strip in order to judge the depth of the snow on the runway. Subsequent to the second orbit over the runway, and after adding climb power, the pilot observed a power reduction from 2,400 rpm to 2,200 rpm. After attempts to restore power were unsuccessful, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing on the snow-covered airstrip. Upon touching down the main landing gear dug into the snow, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing struts and the rudder.

The airplane was recovered to a secured location for further examination.

Zenith CH601, N676L: Accident occurred January 02, 2016 at Chesapeake Regional Airport (KCPK), Norfolk, Virginia

http://registry.faa.gov/N676L 

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Richmond FSDO-21

NTSB Identification: GAA16CA098
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, January 02, 2016 in Chesapeake, VA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 04/05/2016
Aircraft: JOHNSON GLENN L ZODIAC 601 XL, registration: N676L
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

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.

According to the pilot of the tricycle landing gear equipped airplane, he was performing a normal approach and landing to an asphalt runway. He reported that after accomplishing the landing flare he recalled "jockeying" the stick in order to get closer to the runway. The airplane touched down, bounced three times and the pilot added power. The airplane struck the ground a fourth time and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot reported that the airplane skidded down the center of the runway and came to a halt. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and frame. 

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, causing the airplane to bounce and the nose gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall and frame.

Cessna 170B, N3035A: Accident occurred January 03, 2016 in Ingleside, Texas

http://registry.faa.gov/N3035A 

NTSB Identification: CEN16LA078
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, January 03, 2016 in Ingleside, TX
Probable Cause Approval Date: 08/16/2016
Aircraft: CESSNA 170B, registration: N3035A
Injuries: 2 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 reported that the engine cylinders had been replaced before the accident flight and that the purpose of the flight was to continue a cylinder break-in period. The engine run-up and propeller check were completed during the taxi to the runway to keep the ground run-up to a minimum. After engine start, no anomalies were noted. The pilot stated that the break-in procedures called for lower cylinder head temperatures and less than full power at the beginning of takeoff. After the airplane took off and reached about 100 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot slowly reduced rpm and the manifold pressure to about 65 percent power. At 200 ft agl, the engine lost partial power. The engine briefly regained some power, but it then lost power again. The pilot executed a forced landing in mesquite tree-covered terrain. 

A postaccident examination and functional test of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that he believed the engine lost power due to carburetor ice, and the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at cruise power. It is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The loss of engine power during takeoff due to carburetor icing, which resulted in a forced landing.

On January 3, 2016, at 1445 central standard time, a Cessna 170B single-engine airplane, N3035A, impacted terrain following a loss of engine power during takeoff from the McCampbell-Porter Airport (TFP), Ingleside, Texas. The two private pilots were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the engine cylinders were replaced prior to the accident flight, and the purpose of the flight was to continue the cylinder break-in period after the cylinder replacement. The pilot stated that the break-in procedures called for lower cylinder head temperatures, as practical, and less than full power at the beginning of takeoff. The engine run-up and propeller check were completed during the taxi to the runway in order to keep the ground run-up to a minimum. The engine break-in procedures state the following, "Start engine, run up normally, taxi and takeoff immediately. (Minimize ground time.)" 

After engine start, no anomalies were noted. During takeoff, engine power was set to 2,500 RPM. About 100 feet above ground level, the pilot slowly reduced RPM and reduced manifold pressure to about 65 percent power. Approximately 200 feet above ground level after takeoff during a shallow climb and right turn, the engine lost partial power. The engine briefly regained some power, then lost power again. The pilot executed a forced landing in mesquite tree covered terrain. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted terrain and mesquite trees. The pilot stated he believed the engine lost power due to carburetor ice.

At 1535, the TFP automated weather observing system (AWOS), reported the wind from 310 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky overcast at 4,800 feet, temperature 9 degrees Celsius, dew point 5 degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting of 30.24 inches of mercury.

After the airplane was recovered from the accident site, the engine was functionally tested at various power settings for about 5 minutes, and a magneto check was performed. No anomalies were noted during the engine functional test.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carburetor icing probability chart showed a probability of serious icing at cruise power at the temperature and dew point reported at the time of the accident.

NTSB Identification: CEN16LA078 

14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, January 03, 2016 in Ingleside, TX
Aircraft: CESSNA 170B, registration: N3035A
Injuries: 2 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 January 3, 2016, at 1440 central standard time, a Cessna 170B, N3035A, impacted terrain following a loss of engine power during takeoff from the McCampbell-Porter Airport (TFP), Ingleside, Texas. The two private pilots were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the engine cylinders had been replaced approximately 2 flight hours prior to the accident flight. The purpose of the flight was to continue the cylinder break-in period after the cylinder replacement. After engine start, the pilot taxied the airplane to the runway for takeoff. No anomalies were noted during the engine start or engine run-up. Approximately 200 feet above ground level after takeoff, the engine lost partial power. The engine briefly regained some power, then lost power again. The pilot executed a forced landing in mesquite tree covered terrain. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted terrain and mesquite trees. The pilot stated he believed the engine lost power due to carburetor ice.

At 1535, the TFP automated weather observing system (AWOS), reported the wind from 310 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky overcast at 4,800 feet, temperature 9 degrees Celsius, dew point 5 degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting of 30.24 inches of mercury.

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA San Antonio FSDO-17

Cessna 172R Skyhawk, N72AF, Ameriflyers of California, Inc: Accident occurred January 05, 2016 at Sulfur Springs Municipal Airport (KSLR), Hopkins County, Texas

AMERIFLYERS OF CALIFORNIA INC: http://registry.faa.gov/N72AF 

NTSB Identification: CEN16LA092
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, January 05, 2016 in Sulfur Springs, TX
Probable Cause Approval Date: 08/16/2016
Aircraft: CESSNA 172R, registration: N72AF
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 student pilot was landing at the destination airport after conducting a cross-country solo flight. He reported that, during the touchdown, he lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane crossed over a grass strip onto a taxiway, crossed the taxiway, and impacted a ditch. The nosewheel got stuck in the ditch, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder, left wing strut, cowling, firewall, and engine mount. The nose landing gear was separated at the firewall. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the flight controls, engine, or other airplane systems. Calm wind existed at the time of the accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.






On January 5, 2016 about 1235 Central Standard Time, a Cessna 172R, N72AF, impacted terrain while attempting to land at the Sulfur Springs Municipal Airport (SLR), Sulfur Springs, Texas. The solo student pilot on board was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by American Flyers of California, Incorporated, a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross country flight that was operating on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated at Dallas, Texas, at 1150.

The student pilot reported he was landing at SLR when during touchdown, he lost control of the airplane. The airplane crossed over a grass strip onto a taxiway, crossed the taxiway and impacted in a ditch. The nose wheel stuck in the ditch and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder, left wing strut, cowling, firewall and engine mount. The nose gear was separated at the firewall. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies to the flight controls, engine or other airplane systems.


At 1235, the reported weather conditions at SLR were wind calm, clear skies, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 5 degrees Celsius (C), dew point -2 degrees C, and altimeter 30.37 inches of Mercury.

RV-8A, N958RV: Accident occurred January 02, 2016 in Salem, Marion County, Oregon

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

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

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

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

Additional Participating Entity:  

Federal Aviation Administration /Flight Standards District Office; Hillsboro, Oregon 

http://registry.faa.gov/N958RV 

NTSB Identification: WPR16LA049
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, January 02, 2016 in Salem, OR
Probable Cause Approval Date: 03/06/2017
Aircraft: Kai Engstad RV-8A, registration: N958RV
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 purpose of the flight was to break in the engine and to evaluate the systems and flight characteristics of the newly-constructed, experimental amateur-built airplane. During the flight, the private pilot observed an elevated cylinder head temperature, which he controlled with airspeed, altitude, fuel mixture and engine power settings. The pilot returned to the airport, and, in the traffic pattern, the engine began to run rough, followed by a total loss of power. The pilot subsequently landed in an open field about 150 feet short of the runway threshold. A postaccident examination of the fuel system and a test run of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power was not determined.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, because postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

On January 2, 2016, about 1530 Pacific standard time, an experimental amateur-built Kai Engstad RV-8A airplane, N958RV, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing at McNary Field (SLE), Salem, Oregon. The pilot, who was also the builder/owner of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which was operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight had departed SLE about 1500.

In a report submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that the flight was in conjunction with Phase 1 of the test period for the experimental airplane, with the goals of the flight focused on breaking in the engine and an evaluation of the systems/flight characteristics. The pilot stated that subsequent to the preflight being performed, a short ground run was accomplished, with no issues noted. In flight, the pilot reported that there was an issue with an elevated cylinder head temperature, which he controlled with airspeed, altitude, mixture, and power settings. The pilot opined that upon his return to the departure airport, and with clearance by air traffic control to enter a right base leg for runway 34, he requested a left 360 degree turn from the controller, due to conflicting traffic. The controller then advised the pilot to extend his right downwind leg, and that he would call his base leg. The pilot reported that upon his return to the airport the engine began to run rough and power was lost. An attempt to restart the engine was successful, however, a short time later he again experienced a loss of power. The pilot subsequently landed in a field short of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

On January 14, 2016, the initial phase of the postaccident examination of the airframe and engine was overseen by a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector at the pilot/owner's hangar, located at SLE. As a result of his examination, the inspector reported that he observed bends in the firewall that affected the alignment of the engine mount. The nose landing gear was bent aft but remained connected to the forward fuselage area. Both propeller blades were impact damaged. Additionally, fuel (100LL) recovered from both the left and right fuel tanks was clear, with no contaminants observed. The fuel selector was in the left tank position. The fuel bust pump was observed to operate normally, with proper fuel pressure noted. The electric boost pump operated normally, and an inspection of the fuel vent lines revealed no obstructions. After a fuel line was disconnected from the engine, a check of the fuel again revealed no contaminants. All remaining fuel lines were left connected in place. All linkages to the throttle body were intact, with no anomalies observed. The inspector's examination of the fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The inspector further reported that both magnetos were of the electronic ignition type. Photographs provided by the inspector to the NTSB IIC of the airframe revealed no damage, with the exception of the damage previously reported. The inspector subsequently supervised the removal and shipment of the engine to Aero Sport Power, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

On April 14, 2016, under the supervision of the NTSB IIC, the airplane's engine was examined at the facilities of Aero Sport Power, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Aero Sport Power provided three aircraft technicians to perform the examination, which culminated with the following findings:

The engine was removed from the as arrived crate and secured onto a test stand. Some slight scrape marks were observed on the #2 and #4 valve covers, a small dent on one of the pushrod tubes, and one cross threaded valve cover screw. The starter also has some clearance modifications. The engine crankshaft was rotated and turned freely without interruption. A static timing check on the "P" mags was performed, with timing confirmed set at zero degrees, which was correct for this engine model. The engine was then installed on the test stand, accompanied by a test propeller being installed. The original 6 ½ quarts of engine oil was retained in the engine for the engine run. The original oil filter was removed from the engine and cut open. No foreign material was observed in the paper filtration cartridge. A new oil filter was then installed on the engine. The original oil temperature probe was removed due to incompatible wiring for the Aero Sport Power test stand; a substitute test probe was installed. A "cold" leak down test was performed on the cylinders prior to the initial startup, with leak downs recorded as good - #1 75.6/80; #2 76/80; #3 75/80; #4 75/80. The top spark plugs were removed, followed by the engine oil system being prelubed by rotating the engine with the starter motor until oil pressure was observed on the oil pressure gauges installed in the test stand. The top spark plugs were then reinstalled as per the "P" mag directions; as two plugs lead were missing, two substitute test leads were used, and wired with the test wiring harness. The test stand was then repositioned to an on-airport test area where the engine was started without interruption. The engine was then run for about 30 minutes at various rpm ranges, with no interruptions notes. The engine was examined for oil leak subsequent to the test run having been completed, with no oil leaks observed. A "hot" leak down test was performed and recorded as good - #1 77/80; #2 78/80; #3 78/80; #4 78/80. The oil filter was removed and cut open, with no foreign material observed. The engine run revealed that the engine ran as designed and was in good operating condition, with no anomalies noted that would preclude normal operation. (Refer to the Aero Sport Power Engine Inspection Report, Section 6, which is appended to the docket for this report.)

Subsequent to the examination of the engine at the facilities of Aero Sport Power, the propeller governor was removed from the engine and retained by the NTSB IIC. On July 19, 2016, the governor was shipped to the facilities of MT-Propeller, located in DeLand, Florida, for examination. On August 4, 2016, under the supervision of an FAA aviation safety inspector, the governor was inspected by an MT-Propeller technician. The technician reported that the governor was not damaged, that the drive shaft could be rotated freely by hand, and that the control arm was observed to move freely from high rpm to low rpm stops. The technician further reported that after flushing the governor with parts cleaner, it was installed on a test bench. After reaching operating temperature, a bench check was performed. All parameters were found to be within manufacturer's specifications. No anomalies with the governor were revealed that would have precluded normal operation. (Refer to the MT-Propeller governor examination report, which is appended to the docket for this report.)


The examination of the airplane's engine and associated components failed to reveal what precipitated the reported loss of engine power.

NTSB Identification: WPR16LA049
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, January 02, 2016 in Salem, OR
Aircraft: Kai Engstad RV-8A, registration: N958RV
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 January 2, 2016, about 1530 Pacific standard time, an experimental amateur-built Kai Engstad RV-8A airplane, N958RV, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing at McNary Field (SLE), Salem, Oregon. The pilot, who was also the owner/builder of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which was operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight had departed SLE about 1500.

In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that while turning from base leg to final approach, the engine surged, which was followed by a partial loss of engine power. The pilot stated that subsequent to the power loss, and knowing that he would not be able to make the runway, he set up and landed about 50 yards short of the runway. During the landing roll the nose landing gear collapsed. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector revealed that the airplane's firewall was substantially damaged.

The airplane was recovered to a secured location for further examination.

Incident occurred January 03, 2016 in St. Louis, Missouri

Date: 03-JAN-16
Time: 15:50:00Z
Regis#: AAL358
Aircraft Make: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
Event Type: Incident
Damage: Minor
Activity: Commercial
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Aircraft Operator: AAL-American Airlines
Flight Number: AAL358
FAA Flight Standards District Office:  FAA St. Louis FSDO-62
City: SAINT LOUIS
State: Missouri

AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT AAL358 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD83 AIRCRAFT, REGISTRATION NOT REPORTED, ON LANDING STRUCK A BIRD, LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT, NO INJURIES, DAMAGE IS MINOR, SAINT LOUIS, MO

Piper PA-31 Navajo, N892MM, Wings of Dubuque LLC: Incident occurred January 02, 2016 in Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa

Date: 02-JAN-16
Time: 18:40:00Z
Regis#: N892MM
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA31
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
FAA Flight Standards District Office:  FAA Des Moines FSDO-61
City: DUBUQUE
State: Iowa

AIRCRAFT ON LANDING WENT OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND STRUCK THE PROP, DUBUQUE, IA

WINGS OF DUBUQUE LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N892MM

Incident occurred January 02, 2016 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (KORD), Illinois

Date: 02-JAN-16
Time: 13:39:00Z
Regis#: ENY3137
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: EMB145
Event Type: Incident
Damage: Unknown
Activity: Commercial
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Aircraft Operator: EGF-American Eagle Airlines
Flight Number: ENY3137
FAA Flight Standards District Office:  FAA Chicago PART 121 OPS ONLY - FSDO-31
City: CHICAGO
State: Illinois

AMERICAN EAGLE FLIGHT ENY32137, REGISTRATION NOT REPORTED, EMBRAER ERJ145 AIRCRAFT, WHILE TAXIING TO TERMINAL, WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE, NO INJURIES REPORTED, DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT UNKNOWN, CHICAGO, IL

Piper PA 46-350P Mirage, N9280K, N9280K LLC : Incident occurred January 01, 2016 in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida

Date: 01-JAN-16
Time: 16:58:00Z
Regis#: N9280K
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA46
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
FAA FSDO: FAA Miami FSDO-19
City: SAINT PETERSBURG
State: Florida

AIRCRAFT ON LANDING STRUCK A BIRD, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL

N9280K LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N9280K

Mooney M20D Master, N191PA: Incident occurred January 01, 2016 in North Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida

Date: 01-JAN-16
Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N191PA
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
FAA Flight Standards District Office:  FAA Miami FSDO-19
City: NORTH PALM BEACH
State: Florida

AIRCRAFT LANDED GEAR UP, NORTH PALM BEACH, FL

http://registry.faa.gov/N191PA

Beech G35, N4562D, Cardinal Landmark Properties LLC: Incident occurred January 03, 2016 in Willows, Glenn County, California

Date: 03-JAN-16
Time: 23:05:00Z
Regis#: N4562D
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 35
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Sacramento FSDO-25
City: WILLOWS
State: California

AIRCRAFT LANDED GEAR UP, WILLOWS, CA

CARDINAL LANDMARK PROPERTIES LLC:   http://registry.faa.gov/N4562D