Friday, July 01, 2016

Man Calls 911 Thinking He Was in Plane Crash, But ‘It Was All Just a Dream’

Kathryn's Report: http://www.kathrynsreport.com




(ABC News) — A 75-year-old man from Renton, Washington, recently called 911 claiming he was in a small plane crash, only to discover it was all a dream that he says may have been brought on by a prescription sleeping aid he’d taken before bed.

In audio of the emergency call, the man can be heard telling the operator that he’s “pinned in” a plane that was in a “field with trees.” He can be heard adding that there were three other people on board who were unconscious.

Renton firefighters and police were dispatched to the man’s home, where they found the caller not in a plane, but in his bed at home, according to NORCOM, a dispatch agency that services King County, Washington.

The man was embarrassed and told emergency personnel that “it was all just a dream,” a NORCOM spokesman told ABC News today, adding that emergency personnel determined he was OK and left.

The caller, who wished not to be identified by name, told ABC News today that the incident happened in May after a recent surgery. He said he had been having trouble sleeping, so his daughter gave him half a pill of the sedative.

“It was a bad, terrible experience,” he said.

The 75-year-old added that he will “never again” take the drug and that he now just wants to put the scary episode behind him.

The drug’s developer says it has a 20-year track record and is perfectly safe when as directed.

Story and video:   http://wtnh.com

Incident occurred July 01, 2016 at Jamestown Regional Airport (KJMS), Stutsman County, North Dakota

Kathryn's Report: http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2016/07/incident-occurred-july-01-2016-at.html

A Piper Malibu aircraft traveling from Dickinson to Fargo Friday declared an emergency and made a precautionary landing at Jamestown Regional Airport, according to Sam Seafeldt, airport manager.

“About 1:45 p.m. Minneapolis Center informed Jamestown airport that the pilots had reported a possible fire,” he said. “Members of Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting, the Jamestown Fire Department and Jamestown Rural Fire Department responded.”

Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting is a unit of volunteers and paid firefighters stationed at the Jamestown Regional Airport.

Seafeldt said the plane landed safely at about 1:50 p.m.

“The airplane was inspected,” he said. “There was a failure of equipment but there was no evidence of a fire.”

Seefeldt said the equipment that failed was related to the operation of the plane’s instruments.

Most fire and rescue personnel were released from the scene by 2:30 p.m.

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


JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Emergency Officials were called to the Jamestown Regional Airport to a plane needing emergency landing Friday afternoon.


The pilot of a six passenger private airplane called down reporting that the plane was malfunctioning and requested emergency clearance to land in Jamestown.


The pilot reported that the engine gave out a puff of smoke indicating a problem.


Airport Manager Samuel Seafeldt says the flight was making a return trip to Fargo.


Seafeldt stated that some instruments were malfunctioning, which caused the pilot to believe there was a fire. Crews stayed on scene to make sure no flames erupted. 


Both of the planes lone occupants were not injured. The plane continued its trip after being cleared at 2:50 PM Friday afternoon. 

Story and audio:   http://www.newsdakota.com

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, Bountiful Flight, N52071: Accident occurred July 01, 2016 in Bountiful, Utah

http://registry.faa.gov/N52071 


NTSB Identification: GAA16CA358
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, July 01, 2016 in Bountiful, UT
Probable Cause Approval Date: 08/31/2016
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N52071
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.

The pilot reported that during an "introductory flight" for two passengers, he departed the airport and flew into a canyon where the airplane encountered an "unforeseen immense downdraft". He further reported that he immediately initiated a right turn to exit the canyon but it became clear that a turn was not possible due to the mountainous terrain. Subsequently, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing on a mountain road. After touchdown the airplane skidded off the dirt road and down an embankment. A post-crash fire resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

As a safety recommendation the pilot reported that he should have given himself more altitude before entering the canyon.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's decision to fly into a canyon without sufficient room to reverse course if necessary, which resulted in an emergency landing, loss of directional control, collision with terrain, and a post-crash fire.







FARMINGTON — Police say it was fortunate nobody was killed when a plane made an emergency crash landing Friday in Farmington Canyon.

Around 2 p.m., a passerby reported a small plane had crash-landed on a roadway near Sunset Campground, said Davis County Sheriff's Sgt. DeeAnn Servey. Two females and a male were "almost unscathed" in the crash, she said.

The two passengers were transported to a local hospital for precautionary reasons. The pilot stayed on scene. Servey didn't immediately know the identity of the pilot or where the plane took off from Friday.

Farmington Canyon was expected to remain closed through the evening.

"We’re holding it as a crime scene to make sure that we can see exactly what happened. … We treat all of these incidents initially as something we can investigate further and see if there was any wrongdoing that took place," she said.

Putting the plane down on the road instead of the rugged mountain terrain "probably saved their lives," Servey said of the plane's occupants.

"When we get the initial report that there’s been a plane crash up Farmington Canyon, no one expects that there’s going to be three survivors," she said. "So it’s just a relief for all of us that … these three individuals are doing well and able to talk and communicate and help us with the investigation."

The Federal Aviation Administration, Davis County sheriff's crime lab and U.S. Forest Service were all investigating. Servey didn't immediately know what caused the crash.

The crashed plane's fuselage was smouldering and caused a small fire, which crews from the Farmington Fire Department quickly extinguished, Servey said.


Source:   http://www.deseretnews.com









FARMINGTON CANYON, Utah (ABC4 Utah) Three people walked away from a small plane crash in Farmington Canyon Friday afternoon. 

Davis County Sheriff's Office, Farmington Fire Department and Forest Service officials responded to the crash five to seven miles up Farmington Canyon. 

The plane reportedly went down one mile east of the Sunset Campground. The crash started a small fire, but it was quickly extinguished. 

All injuries were reported to be minor.  The FAA is investigating the crash. Farmington Canyon is closed to traffic due to the investigation. 

Officials say the canyon should reopen Saturday. 


Story and video: http://www.good4utah.com






FARMINGTON, Utah — Davis County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene of a plane crash in Farmington Canyon Friday, and all three occupants walked away with only minor injuries.

A light aircraft lost power during flight, and the pilot was able to land the plane on Farmington Canyon Road. The plane slid off the road and into the brush, where a small fire broke out.

"The plane was still, it had some fire, and it was causing a little bit of fire damage, so the fire department quickly responded and put that out... and now we're holding it as a crime scene in order to make sure that we can see exactly what happened," said Sgt. DeAnn Servey of the Davis County Sheriff's Office.

Servey said there were three occupants in the plane who suffered minor injuries, and two of them were taken to a hospital to be checked out.

Firefighters said the pilot did an excellent job landing the aircraft in a way that minimized the risk of injury.

Farmington Canyon Road was closed to traffic as the investigation continued, but it reopened later Friday night.

Van's RV-10, N104ME: Incident occurred June 29, 2016 in Fulshear, Fort Bend County, Texas

Kathryn's Report: http://www.kathrynsreport.com

http://registry.faa.gov/N104ME

Date: 29-JUN-16
Time: 14:18:00Z
Regis#: N104ME
Aircraft Make: VANS
Aircraft Model: RV9
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
City: FULSHEAR
State: Texas

AIRCRAFT DOOR FELL OFF DURING FLIGHT. FLUSHER, TEXAS.

Cessna U206F, N9575G, Golden Eagle Outfitters: Accident occurred May 22, 2017 in Noatak; Incident occurred June 30, 2016 in Point Lay; Accident occurred October 09, 2012 in Buckland, Alaska

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska

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

Golden Eagle Outfitters: http://registry.faa.gov/N9575G

NTSB Identification: ANC17LA024
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Monday, May 22, 2017 in Noatak, AK
Aircraft: CESSNA U206F, registration: N9575G
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 May 22, 2017 about 1823 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna U206F airplane, N9575G, was destroyed following a fire while taxiing after landing, at a remote unimproved off airport landing site near Noatak, Alaska. The airplane was registered to and operated by Golden Eagle Outfitters, as a visual flight rules (VFR) flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 when the accident occurred. The certificated commercial pilot and sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight departed Ralph Wein Memorial Airport, Kotzebue, Alaska about 1800.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on May 23, the pilot reported that after landing, he taxied to the end of the remote landing site and turned around while raising the airplane's flaps. Immediately thereafter, he began to feel heat on the left side of his face. After glancing out the left side pilot window, then turning to the right, he noticed flames in the aft cabin near the right-side cargo door. Both the pilot and passenger immediately exited the airplane. The pilot stated that he attempted to regain access to the burning airplane through the right-side cargo door, but was unable due to the heat and flames. The majority of the fuselage and right wing were consumed by fire. A detailed wreckage examination is pending following recovery of the airplane.

The closest communicated and archived weather reporting facility was the Ralph Wein Memorial Airport, Kotzebue, Alaska, about 38 miles south of the accident site. At 1758, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) from Ralph Wein Memorial Airport was reporting, in part: wind from 280 degrees at 9 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 55 degrees F; dew point 27 degrees F; altimeter, 29.71 inHG.

Aircraft struck the prop during taxi

Date: 01-JUL-16

Time: 00:30:00Z
Regis#: N9575G
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 206
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
City: POINT LAY
State: Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska

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: ANC13CA002
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, October 09, 2012 in Buckland, AK
Probable Cause Approval Date: 12/19/2012
Aircraft: CESSNA U206F, registration: N9575G
Injuries: 1 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.


The pilot reported that while on final approach to a remote gravel bar adjacent to a river, in gusty and variable wind conditions, the 10-knot headwind subsided just before touchdown, and the airplane descend below the anticipated approach path. He initiated a go-around, but the right wing abruptly dropped, and the right main wheel struck the water, which pivoted the airplane 90 degrees to the right. The airplane’s right wing subsequently struck the surface of the water, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.


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

The pilot's loss of airplane control during final approach in gusty wind conditions.

Aero Commander SR2 Thrush, N8870Q, registered to Air Care Leasing LLC and operated by Rocky Mountain Ag Inc: Fatal accident occurred August 19, 2016 in Center, Colorado

Dusty Claunch, 27

Dusty James Claunch of Monte Vista was born December 13, 1988 to Billy & Elizabeth Claunch. Dusty went to heaven on August 19, 2016 doing on of the many things he loved (crop dusting). Dusty attended and graduated from Monte Vista High School in 2008. He later went on to become an EMT Basic, Deputy Coroner, Deputy Sheriff, farmer and Private and Commercial Pilot. Dusty enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting and anything that kept him around people. His smile, passion for life and high spirits will be remembered by everyone that knew him.

“The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.” I believe Dusty Claunch is the true definition of this quote. Dusty accomplished anything and everything he set his mind to; and he set his mind to a lot. Just to name a few he was a combine driver, EMT, Deputy Coroner, Deputy Sheriff, Crop Duster, a Friend, Brother, Son and Grandson. He played each role to the best of his ability. He had a smile that was contagious and a laugh that brightened any room. He was so lovable he could make you smile.

August 19, 2016 will forever be a hard day to handle, but knowing Dusty he would want us to smile and think of him flying in the sky. Dusty was taken from us far too soon, but there wasn’t much that he hadn’t done. He was doing what he loved when God called him home.

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado 
General Electric Aviation; Cincinnati, Ohio

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N8870Q

Location: Center, CO
Accident Number: CEN16FA328
Date & Time: 08/19/2016, 1053 MDT
Registration: N8870Q
Aircraft: AERO COMMANDER S2R
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On August 19, 2016, about 1053 mountain daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R airplane, N8870Q, impacted terrain near Center, Colorado, during a low-level agricultural spray flight. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to Air Care Leasing LLC and operated by Rocky Mountain Ag under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural application flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Monte Vista Municipal Airport (MVI), Monte Vista, Colorado.

A review of the operator's agricultural application records showed that the pilot departed for his first application flight of the day at 0645. The pilot returned to base, waited while the airplane was reloaded with chemical, and departed five additional times, with the last departure about 1025. According to the pilot's cell phone records, the pilot was texting during periods of time coinciding with flight times. During the accident flight, the pilot sent text messages at 1038 and 1039 and sent a picture text message at 1053. Police dispatch records indicated that the initial call to 911 to report the accident was received at 1053.

According to witness statements, the airplane was making spray passes over a field, and the flight appeared to be "normal." One witness reported that the airplane made a turn, "pulled up to the sky," and appeared to "stall at the top of the turn." The airplane "got quiet" and then spiraled toward the ground hitting nose first.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 27, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/19/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/15/2014
Flight Time: 2000 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

The pilot, age 27, held a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. According to the pilot's logbook, he had flown about 450 hours between December 4, 2013, and July 26, 2015. Of the 450 hours, 81 hours were in an Aero Commander airplane and 53 of those hours were in the accident airplane. His most recent second-class medical certificate was issued May 19, 2016, with no limitations. On the application for this medical certificate, the pilot reported about 2,000 total hours of flight experience and 600 hours in the prior 6 months. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: AERO COMMANDER
Registration: N8870Q
Model/Series: S2R UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 1470R
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/21/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Walters Engine
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: M601E-11
Registered Owner: AIR CARE LEASING LLC
Rated Power: 740 hp
Operator: ROCKY MOUNTAIN AG INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held:
Agricultural Aircraft (137) Operator Does Business As:
Operator Designator Code: NBTG 

The 1969- model-year, single-seat, low-wing, fixed-gear airplane was designed for aerial agricultural application flights. It was powered by a Walter Engines model M601E-11 turboprop engine, serial number 894047, and equipped with an Avia V 508E-AG/106/A three-bladed propeller.

The most recent annual inspection was completed on May 21, 2016, at 11,388 hours total airframe time. The most recent 100-hour engine inspection was completed on July 16, 2016, at an hour meter reading of 4,601 hours. Maintenance records indicated that the engine was overhauled at Walter Engines on March 14, 2006. The engine was installed in the airplane on April 6, 2012, at an hour meter reading of 3,685 hours. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KALS, 7541 ft msl
Observation Time: 1052 MDT
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 157°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 7°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.26 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: MONTE VISTA, CO (MVI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: MONTE VISTA, CO (MVI)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 37.745000, -106.025833 

The airplane impacted the ground in a wheat field. Examination at the wreckage at accident site exhibited the nose section, fuselage, empennage, and landing gear were consumed by postcrash fire. About 75% of the outboard sections of both wings remained and exhibited impact damage with severe leading edge crushing along their wingspans. Following the on-scene examination, the wreckage was recovered to a secure storage facility.

On September 15, 2016, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge and personnel from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and GE Aviation (the current owner of the Walter M601 type certificate) conducted a layout of the wreckage. Flight control continuity was established from all flight control surfaces to the cockpit area. The flight controls to the control stick could not be verified due to the extensive thermal damage to the cockpit.

The engine sustained significant impact damage and was separated from the airplane. The engine mounts and mounting ring were separated. The exhaust case and exhaust nozzles were deformed and pressed inward towards the aft end of the engine. The fuel pump, fuel control unit, and starter generator were found separated from the accessory gearbox. The accessory gearbox, fuel pump, and fuel control unit showed signs of postimpact fire.

The fuel filter was removed from the fuel pump. A trace amount of fuel was found inside the fuel pump. Two nonmagnetic, metal, deformed balls were found in the fuel filter cavity. No internal, metallic engine components showed signs of wear, spalling, or deformation that would indicate the metallic balls were from a source internal to the engine. The source of these metallic balls could not be determined.

The engine generator would not rotate. The air breather valve was found in the open condition. The power turbine (PT) blades were separated at the airfoil area, consistent with the engine producing power at impact. The first stage axial compressor blade showed signs of rubbing against the stator, consistent with the engine producing power at impact. The reduction gearbox chip detector was clear of metal chips.

The oil filter was discolored; it appeared dark with small metal debris. According to GE Aviation, the condition of the filter was consistent with normal operation of the engine.

The propeller was impact-separated from the engine propeller shaft; two of the eight propeller attachment bolts were separated with the head portions still in the engine propeller shaft. The other six bolts were found on the engine propeller flange, but the threads were sheared from the bolt shanks. The propeller shaft did not rotate. Two of the three propeller blades were separated at the hub area and bent opposite to the direction of propeller rotation, consistent with the engine producing power at the time of impact.

Medical And Pathological Information

The El Paso County Coroner, Colorado Springs, Colorado, performed an autopsy of the pilot. The cause of death for the pilot was multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was accident. In addition, the pathologist noted early coronary artery disease with 10% to 25% stenosis in the right coronary artery. No other significant natural disease was identified.

The FAA Bioaeronautical Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology testing on samples taken from the pilot during the autopsy. The pilot's toxicology results were negative for carbon monoxide and alcohol; 0.013 ug/ml of diphenhydramine was detected in iliac blood. Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine available over the counter in a number of cold and allergy products. It carries a warning about causing drowsiness, and it is commonly the active ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids. Its therapeutic range is between 0.0250 and 0.1120 ug/ml, significantly above the amount found in this pilot.

According to the operator's agricultural application records, in the week prior to the accident, the pilot was applying a combination of agricultural spray products that included:

Warrior II - a lambda-cyhalothrin insecticide. (Side effects: minor skin irritation, facial paresthesias.)

Bravo Ultrex - a chlorothalonil fungicide. (Side effects: contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis.)

Bravo Weather Stik - a chlorothalonil fungicide. (Side effects: same as Bravo Ultrex.)

Reglone - diquat herbicide that produces pre-harvest desiccation and defoliation. (Side effects: upper respiratory irritation, fingernail changes, skin irritation, delayed wound healing, nosebleeds. May also cause parkinsonism days after exposure.)

Compradre - contains deposition aid product, drift control agent, antifoaming agent, and a defoaming agent (Side effects: skin irritation.)

Perm-Up - permethrin insecticide (Side effects: stinging, burning, paresthesias, skin irritation.)

Fertilizer finisher ("hot mix")

Hot Mix ingredients from Stone Chemical:

1 Gallon/Acre of 7-25-5

1 Gallon/Acre of Convert 0-0-3

10.66 liquid ounces of Defender 15-0-0

The pilot's family reported that the pilot, on occasions, managed the filling of the airplane's spray tank with chemicals. It is unknown what, if any, personal protective equipment he used on these occasions. According to the operator, on the day of the accident, the pilot did not mix or fill the airplane's spray tank with chemicals. The airplane was not equipped with a ventilation system. There were no reports that the pilot complained of anything or displayed any unusual behavior on the day of the accident.

Tests And Research

The airplane was equipped with a SATLOC M3 system that included a differential GPS receiver and had the capability to record historical information to an internal, compact flash card. The SATLOC M3 was sent to the NTSB's Vehicle Recorder Laboratory, in Washington, DC, for readout. However, examination of the device revealed that the unit had sustained severe heat damage that precluded recovery of any data.

NTSB Identification: CEN16FA328
14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural
Accident occurred Friday, August 19, 2016 in Center, CO
Aircraft: AERO COMMANDER S2R, registration: N8870Q
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On August 19, 2016, about 1155 mountain daylight time (MDT), an Aero Commander S2R, N8870Q, impacted terrain near Center, Colorado during an aerial application operation under unknown circumstances. The airplane was destroyed by post-impact fire. The commercial-rated pilot, and sole occupant onboard, was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to Air Care Leasing LLC and operated by Rocky Mountain Ag under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Monte Vista Municipal Airport (KMVI), Monte Vista, Colorado.
CENTER — A Monte Vista man flying a crop duster was killed when the plane went down in a barley field east of town Friday morning.

Dusty Claunch, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene, just south of Colorado 112, said Deputy Alamosa County Coroner Harry Alejo.

Alejo said witnesses reported that the plane stalled briefly upon making a turn and then crashed in the midst of its next pass over the field it was spraying.

The plane broke into flames upon crashing and ignited the barley field.

Alejo said two people pulled Claunch from the wreckage.

The fire was extinguished by fire departments from Center, Mosca and Hooper.

Claunch had spent the summer working as a pilot for a local agricultural company but was scheduled to return to his job as a deputy for the Alamosa County sheriff in the fall, according to a Colorado State Patrol news release.

He had previously worked for the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s office and was also the deputy coroner in that county, Alejo said.

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been dispatched to investigate the accident.

Source:   http://www.chieftain.com 



ALAMOSA — A Monte Vista High School graduate died in a crop dusting accident Friday morning after his plane crash landed in a barley field just inside the Alamosa County line off Road 6 East and Highway 112.

The pilot, Dusty Claunch, 27, of Monte Vista, was deceased at the scene. Dusty had worked for Rio Grande Sheriff’s Office for several years and recently started working for Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office. He had taken the summer off to work for a local agricultural company as a pilot but was scheduled to go back with the sheriff’s office this fall.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, the call on the crash came into their dispatch center at 10:53 a.m. The crash landing also sparked a fire in the immediate area. The plane was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on scene. The flames from the crash also ignited the barley field that the plane had crashed into. 

Volunteer fire units from Center, Mosca-Hooper responded to the call. A CSP trooper reported the blaze was extinguished within about 15 minutes of arrival.

The Colorado State Patrol was assisted by units from the Alamosa Sheriff's Department, Rio Grande County Sheriff's Department, Saguache Sheriff's Department and the Center Police Department. The FAA and NTSB are enroute to the crash scene to conduct an investigation.

Source:  http://www.montevistajournal.com

Incident occurred June 30, 2016 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Kathryn's Report: http://www.kathrynsreport.com

Date: 30-JUN-16
Time: 17:24:00Z
Regis#: RPA4346
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: ERJ170
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: SIOUX FALLS
State: South Dakota

AIRCRAFT TIRE BLEW ON LANDING. SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA.

Fred Kessler: Pilot earned his wings for safety, longevity

Kathryn's Report: http://www.kathrynsreport.com



Fred Kessler recently received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot award for 50 years of active, incident-free flying.



Frederick Kessler has joined the ranks of only a few thousand U.S. pilots who have received the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot award.

The Lewisburg resident and president of Nottingham Village was 18 when he took his first solo flight in 1958 in a Piper Cub in Ithaca, N.Y., and continues to fly regularly today.

To earn the Wright Brothers award, a pilot must have 50 years of active flying, exhibit professionalism, skill and expertise.

Only 3,630 pilots have earned the award, said John Sibole Jr., program manager at the FAA’s Harrisburg Flight Standards District Office.

“It’s impressive,” said Sibole, who presented the prestigious award to Kessler last month at Penn Valley Airport in Selinsgrove.

Flying has been a family passion for decades, starting with Kessler’s father who piloted his own private planes in the 1930s and 40’s.

Kessler has been flying for business and pleasure for nearly 60 years, often with his wife of 52 years, Virginia, as a co-pilot on trips across the country, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.

Kessler’s favorite trip? “The next one,” he said.

The 76-year-old was encouraged to apply for the Wright Brothers Award by his son-in-law, Andrew Misener, also a pilot and private airplane owner.

“Flying is an adventure that seems to just continue,” said Kessler, who hopes his 5-year-old grandson will keep up the family’s aviation tradition.

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

Cessna 150L, N1567Q: Accident occurred June 29, 2016 near Atlanta Regional Airport / Falcon Field (KFFC), Atlanta, Georgia

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N1567Q



Location: Peachtree City, GA
Accident Number: ERA16LA235
Date & Time: 06/29/2016, 1930 EDT
Registration: N1567Q
Aircraft: CESSNA 150
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

Analysis 

The student pilot took off for the solo flight. At 400 ft above ground level, the engine sputtered and experienced a total loss of power. The student pilot conducted a forced landing to a golf course. During the rollout, the airplane clipped trees and struck a small berm, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and substantial damage to the engine firewall.

Examination of the airplane revealed severe impact damage on the dome of the engine's No. 3 piston and the cylinder head. The exhaust valve was separated at the stem, and the intake valve was fractured. Fracture analysis of both valves and their associated fragments revealed a fatigue failure of the exhaust valve stem transition area at the valve head. The other fracture surfaces were consistent with overstress. The fatigue failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve led to the total loss of engine power. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The fatigue failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at low altitude after takeoff. 

Findings

Aircraft
Recip engine power section - Damaged/degraded (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome


Factual Information

On June 29, 2016, at 1930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N1567Q, experienced a total loss of engine power and was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Atlanta Regional Airport (FFC), Peachtree City, Georgia. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight, which was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that she performed the preflight inspection, engine start, run-up, and takeoff from runway 31 with no anomalies noted. At 400 ft above ground level, the engine "sputtered, and then stopped." The pilot selected a golf course for the forced landing, and touched down on a slightly rolling fairway lined with trees. During the rollout, the airplane clipped trees and struck a small berm, which collapsed the nose landing gear.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall. The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller. The magnetos produced spark at all eight spark plugs. A compression check was performed, and thumb compression was confirmed on all but the No. 3 cylinder.

The No. 3 cylinder was removed, and severe impact damage was noted on the dome of the piston and the cylinder head. The exhaust valve was separated at the stem, and the intake valve was fractured, with about 50 percent of the valve head separated. Pieces of the valve were recovered in the exhaust manifold. Both valves and their associated fragments were forwarded to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington, DC for examination.

Fracture analysis of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve revealed fatigue failure of the valve stem transition area at the valve head. The remaining fracture surfaces observed on the valves were due to overstress.

The pilot held an FAA student pilot and third-class medical certificate, issued on December 22, 2015. She reported 41 total hours of flight experience, of which 38 were in the accident airplane.

The two-seat, single-engine, high-wing airplane was manufactured in 1971 and was equipped with a Continental O-200 series engine. The airplane had been operated for about 410 hours since its most recent annual inspection was completed on July 5, 2015, at 3,488 total airframe hours. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 17, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/22/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  41 hours (Total, all aircraft), 38 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N1567Q
Model/Series: 150 L
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 15072867
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/05/2015, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1601 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 408 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3488 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-200 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FFC, 807 ft msl
Observation Time: 1953 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 310°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 22°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Peachtree City, GA (FFC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Peachtree City, GA (FFC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1930 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: ATLANTA RGNL FALCON FIELD (FFC)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 807 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Soft
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.373611, -84.584722 (est)

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA235
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, June 29, 2016 in Peachtree City, GA
Aircraft: CESSNA 150, registration: N1567Q
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 June 29, 2016, at 1930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N1567Q, experienced a total loss of engine power and was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Atlanta Regional Airport (FFC), Peachtree City, Georgia. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight, which was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that she performed the preflight inspection, engine start, run-up, and takeoff from runway 31 with no anomalies noted. At 400 feet above ground level, the engine "sputtered, and then stopped." The pilot selected a golf course for the forced landing, and touched down on a slightly rolling fairway lined with trees. During the rollout, the airplane clipped trees and struck a small berm, which collapsed the nose landing gear.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall. The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller. The magnetos produced spark at all eight spark plugs. A compression check was performed, and thumb compression was confirmed on all but the No. 3 cylinder.

The No. 3 cylinder was removed and severe impact damage was noted on the dome of the piston and the cylinder head. The exhaust valve was separated at the stem, and the intake valve was fractured, with about 50 percent of the valve head separated. Pieces of the valve were recovered in the exhaust manifold. The airplane and its engine were secured for a detailed examination at a later date.

The pilot held an FAA student pilot and third-class medical certificate, issued on December 22, 2015. She reported 41 total hours of flight experience, of which 38 were in the accident airplane.

The two-seat, single-engine, high-wing airplane was manufactured in 1971 and was equipped with a Lycoming O-200 series engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on July 5, 2015, at 3,488 total airframe hours. The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N1567Q

Location: Peachtree City, GA
Accident Number: ERA16LA235
Date & Time: 06/29/2016, 1930 EDT
Registration: N1567Q
Aircraft: CESSNA 150
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On June 29, 2016, at 1930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N1567Q, experienced a total loss of engine power and was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Atlanta Regional Airport (FFC), Peachtree City, Georgia. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight, which was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that she performed the preflight inspection, engine start, run-up, and takeoff from runway 31 with no anomalies noted. At 400 ft above ground level, the engine "sputtered, and then stopped." The pilot selected a golf course for the forced landing, and touched down on a slightly rolling fairway lined with trees. During the rollout, the airplane clipped trees and struck a small berm, which collapsed the nose landing gear.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall. The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller. The magnetos produced spark at all eight spark plugs. A compression check was performed, and thumb compression was confirmed on all but the No. 3 cylinder.

The No. 3 cylinder was removed, and severe impact damage was noted on the dome of the piston and the cylinder head. The exhaust valve was separated at the stem, and the intake valve was fractured, with about 50 percent of the valve head separated. Pieces of the valve were recovered in the exhaust manifold. Both valves and their associated fragments were forwarded to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington, DC for examination.

Fracture analysis of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve revealed fatigue failure of the valve stem transition area at the valve head. The remaining fracture surfaces observed on the valves were due to overstress.

The pilot held an FAA student pilot and third-class medical certificate, issued on December 22, 2015. She reported 41 total hours of flight experience, of which 38 were in the accident airplane.

The two-seat, single-engine, high-wing airplane was manufactured in 1971 and was equipped with a Continental O-200 series engine. The airplane had been operated for about 410 hours since its most recent annual inspection was completed on July 5, 2015, at 3,488 total airframe hours. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 17, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/22/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  41 hours (Total, all aircraft), 38 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N1567Q
Model/Series: 150 L
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 15072867
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/05/2015, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1601 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 408 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3488 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-200 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FFC, 807 ft msl
Observation Time: 1953 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 310°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 22°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Peachtree City, GA (FFC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Peachtree City, GA (FFC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1930 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: ATLANTA RGNL FALCON FIELD (FFC)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 807 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Soft
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.373611, -84.584722 (est)

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA235
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, June 29, 2016 in Peachtree City, GA
Aircraft: CESSNA 150, registration: N1567Q
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 June 29, 2016, at 1930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N1567Q, experienced a total loss of engine power and was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Atlanta Regional Airport (FFC), Peachtree City, Georgia. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight, which was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that she performed the preflight inspection, engine start, run-up, and takeoff from runway 31 with no anomalies noted. At 400 feet above ground level, the engine "sputtered, and then stopped." The pilot selected a golf course for the forced landing, and touched down on a slightly rolling fairway lined with trees. During the rollout, the airplane clipped trees and struck a small berm, which collapsed the nose landing gear.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall. The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller. The magnetos produced spark at all eight spark plugs. A compression check was performed, and thumb compression was confirmed on all but the No. 3 cylinder.

The No. 3 cylinder was removed and severe impact damage was noted on the dome of the piston and the cylinder head. The exhaust valve was separated at the stem, and the intake valve was fractured, with about 50 percent of the valve head separated. Pieces of the valve were recovered in the exhaust manifold. The airplane and its engine were secured for a detailed examination at a later date.

The pilot held an FAA student pilot and third-class medical certificate, issued on December 22, 2015. She reported 41 total hours of flight experience, of which 38 were in the accident airplane.

The two-seat, single-engine, high-wing airplane was manufactured in 1971 and was equipped with a Lycoming O-200 series engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on July 5, 2015, at 3,488 total airframe hours.




PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - Golfers on the Planterra Golf Course in Peachtree City had quite the spectacle Wednesday. No, it wasn’t a hole-in-one and it definitely wasn’t par for the course.

Facebook post Wednesday evening told the tale of the very unusual day on the links.
  
Moments later, the Cessna 150L was on the grass having just made an emergency landing right in front of those same golfers.

The Peachtree City Police Department and Peachtree City Fire Rescue’s Facebook page posted a picture of the aftermath. The front landing gear can be seen in the photo bent completely back.

The caption of the stated the 17-year old pilot managed to walk away without any injuries and no one on the ground was hurt.

"She walked away. That's a good landing to flying folks. Perfectly executed emergency landing it seems. Good job, Sierra!" Matt Waddell replied in the post.

"I was on hole 9 and her plane was sputtering badly. Glad you are OK young lady," Pb Ford posted in reply.

One commenter also jested if she yelled "fore" before the hard landing.

Loretta McGibney offered the advice to “Be sure to hang that prop someplace special. Good work!”

The police and fire rescue page ended the post with a simple “Way to go!!!”

Officials have not said what caused the incident.


Original article can be found here: http://www.fox5atlanta.com

Planterra Golf Club was the June 29 site of the crash landing of a single-engine plane where the 17-year-old Peachtree City pilot walked away unharmed .

The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the #11 tee box at the Planterra Golf Club situated near Falcon Field after pilot Sierra Lund experienced mechanical trouble.

Peachtree City Police Department spokesman Odelia Bergh said the 17-year-old pilot experienced mechanical problems and landed the plane. Berg noted that witnesses reported the plane’s engine sputtering prior to the landing.

Brown said the pilot who was flying solo was unharmed in the incident.

Peachtree City Fire Rescue in a statement said, “At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening our units responded to a report of a plane crash near the 11th tee at the Planterra Golf Course. Upon our arrival we found that a small single-engine plane had crashlanded on the fairway with one person on board. The scene was secured and left for investigators.”

Bergh said a posting on the police department’s Facebook page by mom Steph Lund recalled the crash and the response of others at the scene.

“Sierra was in the process of completing one of her solo (flights) which is a requirement for student pilots. After take-off she had to make an emergency landing,” Lund said. “As a parent of a student pilot you often wonder if your child will stay calm and recall what she has been trained to do. (I’m) happy to report that Sierra did just that.”

Lund expressed her gratitude to first responders and to those who made kind comments in support of her daughter’s efforts.

“Never underestimate this rising generation. So many of them are doing amazing things,” said Lund.

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