Friday, April 29, 2016

Heeding the call for flight

This 1968 Pitts Special Model S-1C at Wings of History Air Museum was known as an excellent aerobatic aircraft in its day.


The Wings of History Museum has a large collection of antique planes, including this vintage Stinson 10 from 1940.



Aviation enthusiasts looking to catch a glimpse of some vintage airplanes will be pleased to know they can find some right here in the South Valley at the Wings of History Air Museum.

Since its founding, the museum has focused on antique planes constructed prior to 1955, with most of their aircraft being built before WWII.

Museum treasurer Susan Talbot has been involved with Wings of History since the 1980s. Talbot, a retired math instructor and former dean of math and science at Evergreen Community College in San Jose, along with her husband, an aeronautical engineer, began their love affair with antique planes after attending the Watsonville Fly-In. A vintage air show that started in 1964, it was known then as Northern California Antique Airplane Association’s Annual West Coast Antique Fly-In.

The Talbots’ interest was piqued and they purchased a 1939 Funk, an American-built, two-seat cabin monoplane. Theirs was one of 380 Model B Funks built by brothers Howard and Joe Funk. Both licensed pilots, they began flying it all over the country and the next thing they knew, “we were hooked,” says Talbot.

Wings of History Air Museum began in 1975 after its founders had raised enough money to purchase a few acres of land west of Hwy. 101 in San Martin. “Everything we have is either given to us or is on loan,” says Talbot. The site has two hangars and a “prop” shop, where working propellers continue to be built today.

Whether an aviation enthusiast or not, visitors to this antique museum are in for a rare treat. Talbot says, “There are two replicas in this museum. All of the others are original airplanes and have flown.” These machines are a marvel to behold and each has an interesting tale. Talbot shares one story of a bomber replica, called the Marketello Stahltaube. Built in 1980 by Joel Marketello as a ¾-scale model of a 1913 Etrich Stahltaube, the first warbird.

“In 1913 by bomber that meant that you held the bomb in your lap and dropped it over the side,” Talbot says. Inspired by the wings of a Zanonia seed pod, the wings of a Stahltaube resemble a glider, which with the aid of “wing warping” allows the aircraft to be transported easily from one location to the next.

Wings of History is an “all volunteer-run nonprofit,” says Talbot, who adds that “we need more volunteers to keep going.” The museum is understaffed, and some, like Talbot, have taken on numerous responsibilities to maintain the operation.

“I’m the treasurer. I schedule docents on weekends. I’m the bookkeeper— I‘m whatever is needed. I keep the supplies stocked.”

Asked about the future of the organization, Talbot says, “we need lots of help.” Talbot and her fellow aviation enthusiasts are always looking to share the experience with new people who are passionate about vintage flying. Of their 150 dues-paying members, Talbot says there are only “10 to 20 active that are restoring [planes]. There aren’t too many pilots left because we’ve aged out too.”

People looking to volunteer at the Wings of History Museum will find many opportunities to help. One need not be a pilot or an airplane mechanic to get involved, the museum is always on the hunt for new talent to help as docents and modelers, as well as folks interested in aircraft restoration, software/computer techs, curator helpers and general museum assistants.

Wings of History will hold its 16th Annual Open House and Fly-in on Saturday, May 14. This fundraiser is an opportunity for aficionados and novice aviation fans alike to explore the museum and check out aircraft of all kinds, from antique flying machines and warbirds to modern planes. Kids eight years and older can pre-register for a free flight; hot air balloon rides will also be available. 

In addition to planes, there will also be antique cars, farm equipment, steam engines and yard sales. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

As for Wings of History’s future goals, “We have dreams of joining the two buildings,” Talbot says, pointing out two hangars built in the early 1990s. But in order to do that, they need more funding and more volunteers, which means a larger member base. For now, Talbot says, their aim is “getting more members, We’re getting antique, as they say.”

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

Phantom X-1, N28365: Fatal accident occurred April 29, 2016 -and- Accident occurred November 21, 2015 in Union County, North Carolina

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

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA045
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 21, 2015 in Monroe, NC
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/02/2017
Aircraft: PHANTOM AERONAUTICS PHANTOM X 1, registration: N28365
Injuries: 1 Serious.

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

According to the noncertificated pilot of the experimental, light-sport airplane, he was flying in formation behind another airplane. As he approached the destination airport and began a turn to set the airplane up for landing, he heard the engine "hiccup," and he increased the throttle; however, the engine then "choked." The pilot increased the pitch attitude of the airplane to climb, but the airplane impacted a tree and then descended to the ground nose first. 

During a postaccident examination of the airplane and engine, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found that would have precluded normal operation. When asked about the loss of engine power, the pilot stated that he thought the "old gas" he brought that day might have been contaminated with water and that this could have contributed to the accident. The fuel tank was ruptured, leaking, and an unmeasured amount of fuel was noted in the tank. No debris was noted in the remaining fuel. The investigation could not determine the effect the fuel had on the engine performance, and the reason for the loss of power could not be determined.

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

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N28365

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA045
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 21, 2015 in Monroe, NC
Aircraft: PHANTOM AERONAUTICS PHANTOM X 1, registration: N28365
Injuries: 1 Serious.

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 November 21, 2015, about 1530 eastern standard time, an experimental light sport Phantom Aeronautics Phantom X1, N28365, impacted trees during approach to Edwards Airport (9NC3), Monroe, North Carolina. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The non-certificated pilot incurred serious injuries. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.


According to the pilot, he had flow two times earlier in the day without any anomalies. For the accident flight, he and another pilot were flying in formation to 9NC3. As they approached the airport, the other pilot conveyed that he was going to land, and the accident pilot responded that he would "make a slow circle" and then land at the airport. He then began a turn to the right and was overflying trees when he heard the engine "hiccup." He adjusted the throttle and then stated that the engine was "choking." Next, the pilot increased back pressure on the flight control stick in order to gain altitude, "but was already too slow to maintain level flight." The airplane struck a tree, descended "straight down," and impacted the ground nose first.


The pilot reported that he did not hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman certificate or a medical certificate. However, he had approximately 32 hours of flight experience, of which, all the flight hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane, and 18 hours were in the previous 90 days.


According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 2002 and registered to the pilot/owner in 2015. The high wing, single seat, airplane was equipped with a Rotax 582 series, 65-hp engine, that was mounted above and forward of the cockpit. A review of the engine maintenance log indicated that the most recent engine inspection occurred on May 1, 2014, and at that time the engine had accumulated 165.4 total hours of time in service, and 20.8 hours since major overhaul.


When asked about the loss of engine power, the pilot stated that he thought the "'old' gas he brought" that day, which might have been contaminated with water. In addition, the pilot reported in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, Form 6120.1, under the Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation section of the form that "there had been rain during that week."


The airplane came to rest approximately a quarter mile to the northwest from the center of the airport. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane impacted in a right wing low, nose down attitude. The outboard section of the right wing exhibited crush damage and was bent aft. The forward section of the fuselage was impact damaged and bent to the left. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the flight controls to all flight control surfaces. In addition, the engine remained attached to the fuselage; however, all propeller blades were impact separated and located in the vicinity of the main wreckage. The fuel tank was ruptured, leaking, and an unmeasured amount of fuel was noted in the tank. No debris was noted in the remaining fuel. In addition, the fuel lines remained attached to the engine, and there was fuel noted in the lines. There were no other obvious mechanical anomalies observed with the engine.













NTSB Identification: ERA16LA045
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 21, 2015 in Monroe, NC
Aircraft: PHANTOM AERONAUTICS PHANTOM X 1, registration: N28365
Injuries: 1 Serious.

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 November 21, 2015, about 1530 eastern standard time, a Phantom Aeronautics Phantom X1, N28365, impacted trees near Edwards Airport (9NC3), Monroe, North Carolina. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The non-certificated pilot incurred serious injuries. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.


According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident, the accident pilot was flying in formation with a similar airplane to 9NC3. After the other airplane landed at 9NC3, the accident pilot began a left turning maneuver to be in position to land. As the airplane descended, the left wing struck trees, and subsequently impacted the ground.


Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane impacted in a wing low, nose down attitude. The outboard section of the right wing exhibited crush damage and was bent aft. The forward section of the fuselage was impact damaged and bent to the left. In addition, the engine remained attached to the fuselage; however, all propeller blades were impact separated and located in the vicinity of the main wreckage. An odor similar to fuel was noted at the accident site.




 Fatal accident occurred April 29, 2016

Authorities identified the pilot as Robert William Schroll, 59, of Pageland, South Carolina.   In November 2015, Schroll crashed near the same location but survived. He suffered a concussion and neck fractures.




http://registry.faa.gov/N28365



UNION COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - Investigators have identified a man who was killed Friday when a small aircraft he was piloting crashed in Union County. The crash happened around 4 p.m. on the 4000 block of Poplin Road.

Officials said 59-year-old Robert William Schroll, of Pageland, SC, was killed. Schroll was injured in a similar crash near the same location in November 2015.

From WBTV's Sky 3 the small craft could be seen just outside a wooded area near a mobile home. 

The aircraft appeared to have caught fire at some point, as the area directly around it was burned.

“I saw the smoke and I believed it was dust when I looked out the window and saw it,” said Aubrey Haigler.

The plane crashed near Haigler's property. He is the owner of Haigler Trucking Company in Monroe.

Crash witness Bill Laucht said the plane had descended to a lower altitude and almost looked like it was about to land right before it crashed.

"He got behind the trees. I heard the power of the motor race up high and about two seconds after that, I heard it crash into the trees,” said Laucht.

The witness said he saw the flames coming from the plane and knew the situation was not good.

Glen Moody, a radio control pilot who flies remote control planes nearby, said he had helped rescue Schroll the last time his plane had crashed.

“I had to get covered with gasoline in order to get him out. I couldn't even tell if he was alive, but I kept getting under there and checking him and there were some signs of life," said Moody about the first crash.

Hearing that the same pilot he had once helped was now dead because of a crash weighed heavily on Moody.

“It’s terrible. It’s tragic and I have trouble showing emotion but I’m torn up inside," said Moody.

The FAA is covering the investigation.

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




FAA  Flight Standards District Office:  FAA Charlotte FSDO-68

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA045
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 21, 2015 in Monroe, NC
Aircraft: PHANTOM AERONAUTICS PHANTOM X 1, registration: N28365
Injuries: 1 Serious.

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 November 21, 2015, about 1530 eastern standard time, a Phantom Aeronautics Phantom X1, N28365, impacted trees near Edwards Airport (9NC3), Monroe, North Carolina. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The non-certificated pilot incurred serious injuries. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident, the accident pilot was flying in formation with a similar airplane to 9NC3. After the other airplane landed at 9NC3, the accident pilot began a left turning maneuver to be in position to land. As the airplane descended, the left wing struck trees, and subsequently impacted the ground.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane impacted in a wing low, nose down attitude. The outboard section of the right wing exhibited crush damage and was bent aft. The forward section of the fuselage was impact damaged and bent to the left. In addition, the engine remained attached to the fuselage; however, all propeller blades were impact separated and located in the vicinity of the main wreckage. An odor similar to fuel was noted at the accident site.



Troopers say 58-year-old Richard Schroll from Mayodan, North Carolina, crashed his ultralight plane in the middle of a pasture off Poplin Road.

"Once I got here the actual pilot was laid out on the ground," Trooper Dustin Grieve said. 

Troopers said Schroll was alert but they said he didn't know his name right after he crashed into this field. He was flown to the hospital.

A woman who happened to be driving by and saw it happen spoke to Channel 9. "It was just this plane and it was spiraling down from the sky," she said. 

Richard Price owns the farm where the crash happened. "It's nothing on the weekends to have these little ultralights, little homemade rigs, flying through," Price said. 

Schroll received a severe concussion. 

According to a source in Union County the plane is leaking fuel, but not on fire.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

Story, video and photos: http://www.wsoctv.com





UNION COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - The Union County Sheriff's Office says the pilot of a ultralight aircraft was taken to the hospital after crashing in Union County.

The crash reportedly happened near Poplin Road around 3:30 Saturday afternoon.

Officials say the pilot was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. 

The pilot's condition has not been released.

Trooper Dustin Grieve with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the pilot was conscious and alert.  He said the man was airlifted to the hospital as more of a precaution than anything else.

"It definitely could have been a lot worse. There is always that possibility, but we were lucky today that it wasn't as bad as it could have been," said Grieve.

Robert Price, the man who owns the property where the plane crashed, said he got a call about the crash Saturday afternoon.

"This is our farm. This is our home. Toys are replaceable,lives aren't, and that's what we talked about the last 40 minutes on the road-hoping nobody got hurt," said Price.

No details have been released about why the ultralight crashed. An investigation is underway.

Grieves said troopers will do routine patrols in the area to make sure nobody is taking parts of the plane. He said representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration were being called in to help investigate the crash.

Story and photo: http://www.wbtv.com

Northwestern Michigan College: Take off and learn to fly with flight simulator



TRAVERSE CITY, (WPBN/WGTU) -- Aviation careers are on the rise and now students in northern Michigan have the opportunity to become a pilot.

Friday morning 7&4's Alyssa Hearin was live at the Northwestern Michigan College aviation hanger to show you what makes the program hands-on and how it involves the community.

Flight instructor, Abigail Smeltzer shares who can get involved and what it takes to become a pilot.

If you are interested in NMC's Aviation program CLICK HERE.

Story and video:  http://upnorthlive.com

Gettysburg Regional Airport (W05) to close for runway work: Harrisburg International Airport parent agency also OKs $844K in contracts

Gettysburg Regional Airport will close for just over two months to allow for runway rehabilitation, officials with the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority said today.

The news comes as SARAA officials also voted to approve more than $844,000 worth of contracts to purchase new equipment for Harrisburg International Airport and Capital City Airport.

Located in Cumberland Township, Adams County, Gettysburg Regional Airport is a general aviation facility that handles about 10,000 operations per year.

Its temporary closure, which will take effect May 31, is scheduled to last for about 68 days.

"Keeping the runways at our smaller airports in good condition is critical for the safety of those using the airport," said the authority's executive director, Timothy Edwards. "This is the third phase of the project which began in 2013."

Equipment contracts

The new purchases approved by the SARAA board include a new wheel loader with snow removal attachments for Capital City Airport, new pickup trucks for HIA, and the replacement of the cooling tower at HIA, said board Chairman Stephen Libhart.

"These purchases will replace older, outdated equipment which are no longer capable of performing to the standard required and will help our staff be more efficient," Libhart said.

The cooling tower, which is original to the terminal, has begun to corrode and malfunction, he said.

"A temporary tower will be in place while the new one is being installed, ensuring the terminal will have air conditioning during the project, which is expected to begin in June," Libhart added.

In other news:

•  BKD, LLP of Indianapolis presented the SARAA Board with an unmodified financial audit for fiscal year 2015 which "determined there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses related to SARAA’s internal controls for financial reporting and compliance with major federal awards programs," officials said.

• During the month of March, HIA served more than 100,000 passengers and had nearly 4,300 tons of cargo land at the airport. Cargo tonnage is up 17.3 percent compared with March 2015, and up four percent compared to the first quarter of last year, officials said.

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

Dg Flugzeugbau DG-800B, N928Q: Incident occurred April 14, 2016 at Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV), Minden, Douglas County, Nevada

AVIATION TRAINING CONSULTING AND DG GLIDERS CORP: http://registry.faa.gov/N928Q

Date: 14-APR-16
Time: 23:20:00Z
Regis#: N928Q
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Activity: Personal
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Reno FSDO-11
City: MINDEN-TAHOE
State: Nevada

EXPERIMENTAL GLIDER LOST CONTROL DURING TAKE-OFF DUE TO WIND, MINDEN-TAHOE, NV.

Cessna 172R Skyhawk, N35387: Incident occurred November 21, 2017 -and- accident occurred April 27, 2016 at Durant Regional Airport - Eaker Field (KDUA), Bryan County, Oklahoma

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Aircraft on takeoff, went off the runway into a ditch.  

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Aviation Sciences Institute 

http://registry.faa.gov/N35387

Date: 21-NOV-17
Time: 14:45:00Z
Regis#: N35387
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
City: DURANT
State: OKLAHOMA

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


NTSB Identification: GAA16CA208
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in Durant, OK
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/25/2016
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N35387
Injuries: 3 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.

During a private pilot practical examination, the private pilot candidate was seated in the left front seat of the airplane at the controls, with the designated pilot examiner candidate seated in the right front seat. The examiner candidate was being evaluated by a designated pilot examiner seated in the left, second row seat behind the pilot candidate. According to the examiner candidate, the flight segments were met satisfactorily and the pilot candidate was asked to complete a crosswind landing. The examiner candidate reported that the pilot candidate struggled during the first approach and initiated a go-around. During the second approach, about 15 feet above the runway, the pilot candidate pulled the throttle off. According to the pilot examiner seated in the back, the examiner candidate reached for the throttle as the airplane landed firm. The examiner candidate completed the landing and informed the pilot candidate that the examination was unsatisfactory and taxied the airplane to the maintenance hangar. An examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. 

The pilots reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane 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 candidate's incorrect action performance by pulling the throttle off early and the subsequent failure to maintain the descent rate, resulting in a hard landing.

Police: Dad busts peeper at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) bathroom • North Carolina man accused of taking photos of boy, 8, over bathroom stall

A traveler accused of snapping a picture of an 8-year-old boy using a Sea-Tac Airport bathroom has been charged with voyeurism.

King County prosecutors claim Joshua Gitlin was apprehended by the boy’s father on April 22 after the man saw Gitlin photograph his son using a cell phone. Gitlin, a 34-year-old from Ashville, North Carolina, was arrested at the scene.

According to charging papers, the boy was using the toilet when Gitlin stood on the neighboring commode and took a picture over the stall wall. The boy’s father spotted Gitlin do so and rushed to confront him, a Port of Seattle Police Department detective told the court.

“Are you taking pictures of my son?” the man demanded.

“No,” Gitlin replied, according to charging papers, though the other man told police he could see his son’s picture on Gitlin’s phone.

The other man slammed the stall closed after seizing Gitlin’s phone as others called for police, the detective continued. Officers arrived and arrested Gitlin, who declined to give a statement.

Police took custody of the phone as well as several electronic devices Gitlin was traveling with. An investigation appears to be ongoing.

Gitlin has been charged with voyeurism. He was initially jailed on $100,000 but was released Saturday after posting bond.

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

Cessna R182 Skylane RG, N9851C: Incident occurred April 28, 2016 in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

BODE AVIATION INC: http://registry.faa.gov/N9851C

Date: 28-APR-16
Time: 17:45:00Z
Regis#: N9851C
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 182
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Activity: Personal
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
FAA Flight Standards District Office:  FAA Albuquerque FSDO-01
City: ALBUQUERQUE
State: New Mexico

AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND STRUCK A TAXI LIGHT, ALBUQUERQUE, NM.

Aviat A-1C-180 Husky, N90ND: Incident occurred June 22, 2015 in Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon

http://registry.faa.gov/N90ND

Date: 22-JUN-15
Time: 20:15:00Z
Regis#: N90ND
Aircraft Make: AVIAT
Aircraft Model: A1
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Activity: Personal
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Portland FSDO-09
City: GRANTS PASS
State: Oregon

AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED ON LANDING, GRANTS PASS, OR.

Russellville Regional Airport (KRUE) fuel sales climb 27 percent

Russellville Regional Airport Manager Keith Frazier was happy to report to commissioners that February fuel sales were up 21.59 percent.

The Commission got even better news during its regular meeting Tuesday, when Frazier said aviation gas and jet fuel sales through March 2016 totaled 18,907 gallons, 26.95 percent better than the 14,893 sold in the first three months of 2015.

For the month, Jet fuel sales totaled 4,229 gallons in March, while aviation gas sales were 3,148 gallons for a total of 7,377.

That was better than the 5,410 sold in March 2015 and surpassed the 7,241 total gallons sold in February.

Frazier and Bob Chatman of Miller-Newell Engineers of Newport explained the grant for a taxiway extension project was still “in a holding pattern.” Chatman said the FAA had said there was a possibility they would want the airport bid the project in May, but the earliest he saw it taking place would be in early June.

Hard Rock Construction previously bid the project at a little over $250,000.

The funding priority for the airport at the present time is a new or renovated jet fuel truck. Commissioners discussed buying a brand new truck, estimated at $105,000, or buying a used truck and refurbishing the tank and fuel equipment.

Airport Liaison and Alderman Eric Westcott told the commission he was aware of a Texas truck dealer that bought several International diesel trucks, but now must sell them at a lower price since the business they were bought for went out of business. They then discussed a diesel truck versus a regular gas truck and some possible other options.

Commissioners were told that the Hangar Lease Committee will recommend to the Russellville City Council that 30-year hangar leases be extended to 40 years from the date of their inception. The rental price per square foot will go up from 10 cents to 20 cents per square foot.

The commission also discussed gearing up for a fly-in, food and contests on Saturday, June 4.

Frazier among the activities were a morning training session for pilots, break for lunch, a spot landing contest and flour bomb contest beginning at 1 p.m. He encouraged all community residents to come out and watch the contests that afternoon and hoped the weather would cooperate.

Paint has been ordered for the old fixed building of operations (FBO) and painting is expected to begin soon, Frazier said. Volunteers are being sought to build a gazebo in front of the new terminal.

Commissioners include Andy Berkemeyer, Bob Burris, Phil Carruth, Paul Horney, Tommy Littleton, Dwight Talburt and Les Teaff.

The Russellville Regional Airport Commission meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month inside the airport terminal.

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

Bellanca 17-30A Viking, N6700V: Accident occurred April 28, 2016 at Saline County Regional Airport (KSUZ), Benton, Arkansas

http://registry.faa.gov/N6700V

Date: 28-APR-16
Time: 13:18:00Z
Regis#: N6700V
Aircraft Make: BELLANCA
Aircraft Model: 1730
Event Type: Accident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Substantial
Activity: Personal
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
FAA  Flight Standards District Office: FAA Little Rock FSDO-11
City: BENTON
State: Arkansas

AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AFTER LANDING SHORT AND EXPERIENCING AN ENGINE FAILURE, SALINE CITY AIRPORT, BENTON, AR.

Mooney M20F Executive, N7110V: Incident occurred April 28, 2016 at South Valley Regional Airport (U42), Salt Lake City, Utah

B&C MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N7110V

Date: 28-APR-16
Time: 19:10:00Z
Regis#: N7110V
Aircraft Make: MAULE
Aircraft Model: M4
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Activity: Personal
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Salt Lake City FSDO-07
City: SALT LAKE CITY
State: Utah

AIRCRAFT LANDED GEAR UP, SOUTH VALLEY AIRPORT, SALT LAKE CITY, UT.

Cessna 182L Skylane, N42411, registered to and operated by the pilot: Fatal accident occurred April 24, 2016 in Carrollton, Carroll County, Ohio

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

Analysis 

The pilot was conducting a personal flight under day visual meteorological conditions. Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control (ATC) radar data depicted the airplane about 0.5 mile northwest of the departure airport. It proceeded on a northeasterly course toward the destination airport and subsequently turned to the southeast before becoming established on a southwesterly course. After proceeding about 3 miles, the airplane reversed to a northwesterly course, and ultimately turned to a southwesterly course. The airplane impacted a wooded ravine about 0.5 mile south of the final radar data point. Variations in the airplane's groundspeed and altitude during the maneuvers was consistent with controlled and powered flight. There were no witnesses to the accident. The site was ultimately located about 5 days after the accident following a ground search based, in part, on ATC radar data. An examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Toxicology testing found no drugs, and the presence of ethanol in urine but not blood suggests that the ethanol was from sources other than ingestion. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
An in-flight collision with trees and terrain for reasons that could not be determined because no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction were observed during the examination. 

Findings

Not determined
Not determined - Unknown/Not determined (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering
Unknown or undetermined (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

"Bill"
Willard C. Olds 
March 28, 1933 ~ April 24, 2016 (age 83)
Served in the U.S. Navy 
Bill had a love for flying and his passion was flying his Cessna 182L Skylane.


"Killer"
Pictured is Willard Olds' poodle Killer, age 10, which survived the plane crash that claimed Olds.  Killer lived for 5 days in the wreckage and he's going to be fine.  Killer was found under a seat in the plane wreckage. “They brought him out to me,” Sheriff Dale R. Williams of Carroll County said. “I called one of my employees who took the dog to a local veterinarian to have him checked out. He had some injuries, but is expected to be fine.”


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

Additional Participating Entities: 


Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio

Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas Aviation 

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


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


Bill C.  Olds:   http://registry.faa.gov/N42411

Location: Carrollton, OH
Accident Number: CEN16FA169
Date & Time: 04/24/2016, 1815 EDT
Registration: N42411
Aircraft: CESSNA 182L
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On April 24, 2016, about 1815 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182L airplane, N42411, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with trees and terrain near Carrollton, Ohio. The 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 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Carroll County – Tolson Airport (TSO), Carrollton, Ohio, about 1800. The intended destination was the Salem Airpark (38D), Salem, Ohio.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control radar data depicted an aircraft about 0.5 mile northwest of TSO at 1801:58. The aircraft proceeded on a northeasterly course in the general direction of 38D, climbing to approximately 3,250 ft mean sea level (msl) and reaching a ground speed of about 140 knots. The ground speed began to decrease and the aircraft turned to the southeast. During this time, the groundspeed and altitude gradually decreased to about 70 knots and 1,700 ft msl, respectively. The radar data then indicated a turn to the northwest, followed by a turn to the southwest. During this time, the groundspeed and altitude increased to about 95 knots and 2,000 ft msl, respectively. The aircraft subsequently turned to northeast, approximately reversing course. The groundspeed and altitude increased during this segment to about 108 knots and 2,500 ft msl, respectively. The radar data then indicated a gradual descent and decrease in groundspeed before the aircraft turned to the south-southeast. The final data point was recorded during that segment at 1815:44, with a corresponding groundspeed of 71 knots and an altitude of 1,525 ft msl. The final data point was located about 0.5 mile north of the accident site.

No witnesses to the accident were identified. An alert notice (ALNOT) was issued on April 28th when efforts to locate the pilot were not successful. Information obtained from the pilot's cellular phone service provider and FAA radar data assisted the ground search that located the accident airplane on April 29th. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 83, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  2800 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2000 hours (Total, this make and model) 

The pilot's logbook was recovered at the accident site. It listed eight individual flights ranging from 0.32 hour to 0.84 hour in duration. The final entry was dated April 24, 2016, the day of the accident. The departure and destination airports for the final entry were 38D and TSO, respectively. The logbook did not contain any flight time brought forward from a previous logbook, nor did it include a flight review endorsement.

The pilot's most recent FAA medical certificate was issued in June 2012 and was no longer valid. It included a limitation for corrective lenses. At that time, the pilot reported a total flight time of 2,800 hours. No subsequent medical certificate applications were on file with the FAA.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N42411
Model/Series: 182L
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1968
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18259007
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/01/2015, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2348 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2943 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470-R
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 230 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

According to FAA registration records, the pilot purchased the accident airplane in March 1976. Airplane maintenance records were not available to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The pilot's logbook included a notation, "ann[u]al due 6-15-16." A local mechanic reported performing an annual inspection on the airplane in June 2015. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PHD, 894 ft msl
Observation Time: 1753 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 247°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / -2°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots, 200°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:  30 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Carrollton, OH (TSO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Salem, OH (38D)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  1800 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Carroll Cty - Tolson Arpt (TSO)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 1164 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing:  Unknown

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  40.610833, -80.974444 

The accident site was located in a wooded ravine about 5.5 miles northeast of TSO. The airplane came to rest upright about 100 feet from the edge of the woods on a 200-degree magnetic heading. A clearing was located north of the accident site. The elevation of the clearing was about 24 ft above that of the accident site.

A postaccident examination was conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge and FAA inspectors, with the assistance of a representative of the airframe manufacturer. The examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. A detailed summary of the examination is included in the docket associated with the investigation. 

Medical And Pathological Information

An autopsy of the pilot was performed at the Stark County Coroner's Office. The pilot's death was attributed to blunt force injuries sustained in the accident. Toxicology testing performed by the FAA Bioaeronautical Research Sciences Laboratory was negative for all drugs in the testing profile. No carbon monoxide or ethanol was detected in blood specimens; 10 mg/dL ethanol was detected in urine specimens. 

Tests And Research

A Lowrance AirMap 600c handheld GPS units was recovered at the accident site. Position data (latitude and longitude) were downloaded from the unit. However, the GPS unit did not record any other parameters such as date, time, or altitude. The downloaded data appeared to be comprised of four distinct segments; two segments appeared to correspond to flights between TSO and 38D. A tabular listing of the GPS data is included in the docket associated with this investigation.

NTSB Identification: CEN16FA169
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, April 24, 2016 in Carrollton, OH
Aircraft: CESSNA 182L, registration: N42411
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 April 24, 2016, about 1815 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182L airplane, N42411, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with trees and terrain near Carrollton, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Carroll County – Tolson Airport (TSO), Carrollton, Ohio, about 1800. The intended destination was the Salem Airpark (38D), Salem, Ohio.

The accident airplane was unaccounted for several days after the accident. A review of air traffic control radar data and information obtained from the pilot's cellular phone service provider resulted in a ground search that ultimately located the accident airplane on April 29th.

The accident site was located in a wooded, ravine about 5.5 miles northeast of TSO. The airplane came to rest upright on an approximate 200 degree magnetic heading. The engine and engine cowling were partially separated from the airframe; the propeller remained securely attached to the engine. The cockpit and cabin areas were compromised; the aft fuselage was deformed. The outboard portion of the left wing was separated near mid-span and located adjacent to the wreckage. The right wing was dislocated, but remained attached to the airframe. Both wing exhibited leading edge crushing. The empennage remained attached to the aft fuselage. All flight control surfaces remained attached to the airframe. Separations in the aileron control cables appeared consistent with overstress separations; elevator and rudder control continuity was confirmed from the control surfaced to the cockpit controls.






CARROLLTON An 83-year-old pilot was dead, still strapped in his crashed plane days after it went down.

Beneath his seat was his small poodle, still alive.

Carroll County Sheriff's deputies found the body of Willard C. Olds, 83, of Canfield early Friday — five days after the pilot was last seen leaving an airport. His dog, named Killer, survived the crash, said Sheriff Dale Williams.

Olds was pronounced dead by the Carroll County coroner at the scene of the crash, a half mile south of state Route 39 in Fox Township, Williams said.

Investigators from the Ohio Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration were investigating the crash, the sheriff said.

Preliminarily, deputies believe that Olds flew the green Cessna 182 four-seater plane from Carroll County-Tolson Airport around 4 or 5 p.m. Sunday.

"We believe he went down shortly after that," Williams said.

But no one notified authorities.

Olds was reported missing on Wednesday and deputies in Carroll County were notified about 7:30 or 7:45 p.m. Thursday, the sheriff said. They searched for the missing plane until dark and then resumed their search about 8 a.m.

Williams said they found Olds and the poodle about 10 a.m. in a wooded area.

Olds' fixed wing single-engine plane was built in 1968, according his FAA registration.

Williams said the dog remained with the pilot in the days since. "We got the dog out. He hadn't had anything to eat or drink since Sunday afternoon," Williams said.

The crash remained under investigation later Friday.

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





MECHANICSTOWN, Ohio -   The wreckage of a private plane and the body of its pilot — missing from Salem since Sunday — have been found in a rural area south of the Columbiana County line.

Goshen Police say authorities found the body of Willard Olds and his single engine Cessna in Carroll County Friday morning.

The 83-year-old Green Township resident took off at around 3 p.m. Sunday from Salem Airpark without filing a flight plan.

Olds left his checkbook, personal photos, flight log, and his plane's maintenance log inside his car parked near the hangar.

Searchers began looking for the plane Thursday night along Route 39 just west of Mechanicstown after learning that the plane had disappeared from radar in that area.

The search was suspended due to darkness, but resumed after sunrise.

The plane was located at around 10 a.m. Friday.

FAA crash investigators were on the scene.

According to FAA records, Olds was issued a license in 2010 to pilot a single engine private plane.

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







MECHANICSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The plane that was piloted by a Salem man who was reported missing was found Friday in Carroll County.

The debris of a 1986 Skylane plane that is believed to have been flown by 83-year-old Willard Olds was found near Route 39 in Mechanicstown.

The Carroll County coroner has been called to the scene.

Olds took off from Salem Air Park on Sunday afternoon and hasn’t been seen since. He was reported missing Wednesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration was notified of the situation and said Olds did not file a flight plan nor was there a record of his landing at another airport, a Goshen Police report says.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.


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




CARROLL COUNTY, Ohio — One man is dead after a single-engine plane crash in Carroll County.

Officials believe the plane crashed in Fox Township on Sunday night, but was not found until around 10 a.m. Friday.

Carroll County deputies and members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were able to rescue a 10-year-old dog "Killer" that was inside the plane with the pilot - 83-year-old Willard Olds of Canfield, Ohio -- at the time of the crash.

"There was what they found when they were searching the plane, there was a dog found," Carroll County Sheriff Dale Williams said. "A little poodle dog and the dog was still alive underneath the seat of the aircraft and the dog was taken from the scene and taken to a veterinarian and checked. The dog is going to be fine. The dog lived for 5 days, and the dog's gonna be fine."

Earlier in the day Sunday, the man flew out of Salem Airport into Carroll County. He later took off from there and the plane, Cesna 182, was located not far from where it was last seen on the radar.

The FAA is investigating along with the OSHP.

Olds has a daughter who lives in Hawaii.

Original article can be found here:   http://wtov9.com


SALEM, OHIO - The search continues for a pilot who flew out of an area airport and did not return.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been alerted of the incident and its civil air patrol, ground crew and local law enforcement are conducting a search of the area in an approximate 50-100 mile radius, according to an FAA spokesperson. His destination is believed to have been Sandusky.

Willard Olds, 83, Western Reserve Road, Salem, was reported missing Tuesday afternoon after the owner of Salem Air Park said the pilot had flown out of the airport in a private plane Sunday afternoon and has not been seen since.

According to previous reports, the FAA said Olds did not file a flight plan nor is there a record of his landing at another airport. Olds' vehicle remained at the hangar with the plane's maintenance book, GPS and navigation instructions book and flight log, as well as his checkbook and personal photos.

The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office checked Olds' home, but no one was there.

According to a caller speaking on behalf of an acquaintance of Olds, the pilot was flying a 1968 green and white Cessna 182 Skylane single engine light plane.

The former owner of The Point dance hall just south of Canfield, Olds may be suffering from dementia and is known to carry his checkbook and photos in his vehicle, the caller said. He also had his teacup poodle "Killer" with him, the caller added.

Original article can be found here: http://salemnews.net

SALEM, Ohio -   The Ohio Highway Patrol has joined the effort to find a Green Township man who took off in a plane from Salem on Sunday and has not yet returned.

Troopers tell 21 News that they have been contacting airports in an attempt to find out if 83-year-old Willard Olds landed his green and white, single engine Cessna there.

There has been no sign of Olds since he took off at around 3 p.m. Sunday from Salem Airpark.

The Federal Aviation Administration has informed authorities that Olds did not file a flight plan, and so far there is no record of him landing at another airport.

Goshen police say Olds left his checkbook, personal photos, flight log, and his plane's maintenance log inside his car parked near the hangar.

Olds also has not been seen at his Green Township home.

It is not believed that Olds has any family in the area.

According to FAA records, Olds was issued a license in 2010 to pilot a single engine private plane.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol maintains an Aviation Section that provides technical service for aircraft crash investigations and enforcement of laws governing air traffic.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Willard Olds may contact the Goshen Police District by calling 330-332-1235.

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