Monday, July 11, 2016

Cessna 206, Silverado Air Taxi LLC, N1222V: Accident occurred July 20, 2016 in Cordova, Alaska

SILVERADO AIR TAXI LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N1222V

NTSB Identification: ANC16CA049
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, July 20, 2016 in Cordova, AK
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/12/2016
Aircraft: CESSNA U206, registration: N1222V
Injuries: 5 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 landing the tricycle-geared airplane on a remote beach, he "landed a little hard, but not too hard." Following touchdown, the right main landing separated at the axle, the right wing impacted the ground, and the left main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the left wing and the left horizontal stabilizer impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage.

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

The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3A (2004). This handbook discusses soft-field landings and states in part:

Landing on fields that are rough or have soft surfaces, such as snow, sand, mud, or tall grass requires unique procedures. When landing on such surfaces, the objective is to touch down as smoothly as possible, and at the slowest possible landing speed. The pilot must control the airplane in a manner that the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as practical, to minimize drag and stresses imposed on the landing gear by the rough or soft surface.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent landing gear separation and collapse.

Aeropro CZ A220, N151J, registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot: Accident occurred July 19, 2016 in McCarthy, Alaska

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska
Rotax Aircraft Engines; Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

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/N151J

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Location: McCarthy, AK
Accident Number: ANC16LA047
Date & Time: 07/19/2016, 1000 AKD
Registration: N151J
Aircraft: AEROPRO CZ A220
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 19, 2016, about 1000 Alaska daylight time, a tail-wheel equipped, Aeropro CZ A220 airplane, N151J, sustained substantial damage following a loss of directional control during takeoff from an unimproved airstrip about 5 miles south of McCarthy, Alaska. The certificated private pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight was planned from the airstrip to the Wasilla Airport (IYS), Wasilla, Alaska.

The pilot stated that while attempting to takeoff, shortly after raising the tail of the airplane, a partial power loss occurred. While attempting to maintain directional control, the power loss ceased, and full power returned. The pilot was unable to input the correct amount of rudder pressure quickly enough to compensate for the increase in left turning tendencies resulting in the airplane impacting surrounding terrain and sustaining substantial damage to the wings, tail and fuselage.

A video of the attempted takeoff shows that during the takeoff sequence, as the tail lifts, sound changes consistent with engine surging can be heard. This occurs three times during the takeoff roll before directional control is lost. The video is located in the public docket for this accident.

The aircraft was equipped with a Rotax 912 ULS engine with a dual carburetor system. The 1/3 carburetor was associated with cylinders 1 and 3, while the 2/4 carburetor was associated with cylinders 2 and 4.

A postaccident examination revealed that the throttle valve lever on the 1/3 carburetor was bent inwards and made contact with the carburetor chamber top. The throttle control was actuated inside the cockpit several times, and would eventually push the throttle valve lever past the point of contact on the carburetor chamber top. The throttle valve lever would travel just off the idle stop prior to contacting carburetor chamber top, resulting in the 1/3 carburetor near the idle position during the point of contact, as shown in this photo.


Figure 1: 1/3 carburetor contacting the chamber top 


The throttle valve lever on the 2/4 carburetor was in good condition and did not make contact with the carburetor chamber top. The throttle control was actuated inside the cockpit several times and it would reach its full travel from idle stop to the full throttle stop position. No anomalies were found with the 2/4 Carburetor.

A postaccident engine test run was performed with the engine still mounted on the accident airplane's airframe. The engine was not run at full power due to impact damage sustained to the propeller, but it was operated at various idle power settings. The effects of the throttle valve lever on the 1/3 carburetor making contact with the carburetor chamber top was inconclusive during this test run. However, the run verified the engines ignition, fuel, oil and coolant systems were operating normally. The engine run revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. 

A second engine test took place in Vernon B.C, Canada on February 2nd under the direction of the NTSB. A different Rotax 912ULS engine was mounted on an engine test stand with a calibrated propeller. The 1/3 carburetor throttle valve lever was modified to duplicate the 1/3 carburetor throttle valve lever that was found on the accident engine. The 1/3 carburetor throttle valve lever was bent inward to make contact with the carburetor chamber top. The engine was run at various power settings prior to applying full power. The 1/3 carburetor throttle valve lever stuck against the chamber top, the engine ran rough and would not accelerate to maximum RPM.

The 1/3 carburetor throttle valve lever was then manually pushed forward past the point of contact on the carburetor chamber top resulting in a burst of engine power, immediately followed by a smooth running engine at maximum RPM. This scenario was consistent with video evidence obtained by the NTSB during the investigation.

The closest weather reporting facility is Valdez Airport, Valdez, Alaska, about 98 miles southwest of the accident sire. At 0956, a METAR was reporting in part: wind from 080° at 16 knots, gusting to 21 knots; sky condition, clear; visibility, 10 statute miles; temperature 77° F; dewpoint 48° F; barometric pressure 29.88 inches of mercury.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 67, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/22/2010
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/23/2015
Flight Time:  558 hours (Total, all aircraft), 110 hours (Total, this make and model), 433 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: AEROPRO CZ
Registration: N151J
Model/Series: A220
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2013
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental Light Sport
Serial Number: 37513
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/22/2016, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1235 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 13 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 179.1 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT:  C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
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: PAVD, 60 ft msl
Observation Time: 1756 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 98 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 261°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 9°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 16 knots/ 21 knots, 80°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: McCarthy, AK (15Z)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: WASILLA, AK (IYS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1000 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: MCCARTHY (15Z)
Runway Surface Type: Dirt; Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1532 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

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: 61.428611, -142.925000 (est)

NTSB Identification: ANC16LA047
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, July 19, 2016 in McCarthy, AK
Aircraft: AEROPRO CZ A220, registration: N151J
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 July 19, 2016, about 1000 Alaska daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped, light sport, experimental, Aeropro CZ A220 airplane, N151J, sustained substantial damage following a loss of directional control after a partial loss of engine power during takeoff from an unimproved airstrip about 5 miles south of McCarthy, Alaska. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight was planned from the airstrip to the Wasilla Airport (IYS), Wasilla, Alaska.

During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on July 20, 2016, the pilot stated that while attempting to takeoff, shortly after raising the tail of the airplane, a partial power loss occurred. While attempting to maintain directional control, full engine power abruptly returned. The pilot was unable to input the correct amount of rudder pressure quickly enough to compensate for the increase in left turning tendencies, resulting in the airplane impacting surrounding terrain and sustaining substantial damage to the wings, empennage and fuselage.

The closest weather reporting facility is the Valdez Airport, Valdez, Alaska, about 98 miles southwest of the accident site. At 0956, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) was reporting, in part: wind from 080 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 21 knots; sky condition, clear; visibility, 10 statute miles; temperature 77 degrees F; dew point 48 degrees F; altimeter, 29.88 inHG.

The airplane was equipped with a Rotax 912ULS engine. A detailed wreckage examination is pending recovery of the airplane.

BAC 167 Strikemaster, Blue Air Training LLC, N72445; incident occurred July 11, 2016 in Missoula, Montana -Kathryn's Report

BLUE AIR TRAINING LLC:   http://registry.faa.gov/N72445

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Helena FSDO-05

Date: 11-JUL-16
Time: 20:01:00Z
Regis#: N72445
Aircraft Make: BAC
Aircraft Model: 167
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: None
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
City: MISSOULA
State: Montana

AIRCRAFT DURING FLIGHT, CANOPY SEPARATED FROM FUSELAGE, HAD RAPID DECOMPRESSION, LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT, MISSOULA, MONTANA.

Zenair STOL CH-701, N701ZG: Accident occurred July 10, 2016 in Dexter, Washtenaw County, Michigan

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

NTSB Identification: CEN16LA264
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 10, 2016 in Dexter, MI
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/06/2017
Aircraft: ALONSO CH 701, registration: N701ZG
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

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

The sport pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane. He reported that, during cruise flight, the engine began running roughly and that he then landed at a nearby airport to examine the engine. The pilot was not able to determine what caused the roughness. He started the engine and performed a run-up, which was normal, so he departed to continue the flight. While en route, the engine again started running roughly and subsequently experienced a total loss of power. The pilot chose to conduct a forced landing in a soybean field, during which he had to lower the pitch altitude to fly under power lines, which resulted in an increase in airspeed and subsequent hard impact in the field. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive for the accumulation of carburetor ice at cruise power.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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; Belleville, Michigan 

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N701ZG

NTSB Identification: CEN16LA264
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 10, 2016 in Dexter, MI
Aircraft: ALONSO CH 701, registration: N701ZG
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

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

On July 10, 2016, at 1205 eastern daylight time, an Alonso CH 701 airplane, N701ZG, collided with the terrain during an off-airport landing in Dexter, Michigan, following a loss of engine power. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from Livingston County Spencer J Hardy Airport (OZW), Howell, Michigan about 1150.

The pilot reported he departed from Howard Nixon Memorial Airport (50G), Chesaning, Michigan, and was flying to Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) when the engine began running rough. He landed at OZW to examine the engine with another pilot who was flying in an accompanying airplane. He stated they were not able to find anything wrong with the engine. The pilot started the engine and performed a run-up which he stated were normal, so he departed OZW to continue the flight to ARB. While en route, the engine once again started running rough and subsequently experienced a total loss of power.

The pilot chose to land in a soybean field. During the forced landing approach, he saw power lines and had to lower the pitch altitude to fly under them. The airplane impacted hard in the soybean field.

A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector along with an airframe and powerplant mechanic. The examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have resulted in the loss of engine power.


The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-09-35 "Carburetor Icing Prevention" chart indicated that the temperature and dewpoint, 79° F and 61° F respectively, were conducive for serious icing at glide power, not cruise power.
========

A plane landed into a field, in an apparent crash, at the corner of Vaughn and Daly Roads, Sunday, July 10.

The single engine airplane was sticking nose first into the ground two thirds of the way between Vaughn Road and the farm that We Love Dexter has made the decision not to name. It came to an abrupt halt about one third of the way between the farm buildings and Vaughn Road, towards the direction of Daley Pond.

“We are not exactly sure how this happened, but the FAA is investigating,” Washtenaw County Sheriff Director of Communications Derrick Jackson said. “A call came in just after noon on Sunday from a woman saying that she saw a small plane flying very low and heard the engine sputtering. Soon after she heard a loud boom and thought the plane might have crashed. The plane did indeed crash but the pilot was not injured. The plane was removed a short time ago. It was called into us so we are the responding agency.”

Steven Hanes is a supervisory inspector for the Eastern Michigan office of the Flight District Safety Offices component of the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Our office is aware of the aircraft and the incident / accident is being investigated by one of our inspectors. Information received so far indicates that there were no injuries,” Hanes said by email. “If it is determined the there is enough damage to the aircraft to qualify the event as an accident the NTSB will also be involved in the investigation.”

The owners of the property were on scene, but declined to comment.

This apparent crash comes in the middle of a protracted disagreement between local homeowners and a property owner on Gregory Road, who wants to use his land to make a 2,000 foot long sod landing strip on his property for his aircraft.

There have been no reports of injuries. Webster Township Supervisor John Kingsley said by email said he was not initially aware of the incident, Tuesday.


“It was not a true ‘airplane.’ It appears to be a ‘sports plane,'” Kingsley wrote.


http://welovedexter.com

NTSB Identification: CEN16LA264
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 10, 2016 in Dexter, MI
Aircraft: ALONSO CH 701, registration: N701ZG
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 July 10, 2016, at 1223 eastern daylight time, an Alonso CH 701, N701ZG, collided with the terrain during an off airport landing in Dexter, Michigan, following a loss of engine power. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to a private individual and was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from Livingston County Spencer J Hardy Airport (OZW), Howell, Michigan about 1155.

The pilot reported he originally took off from the Howard Nixon Memorial Airport (50G), Chesaning, Michigan, and was flying to the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) when the engine began running rough. He landed at OZW to examine the engine with another pilot who was flying in an accompanying airplane. He stated they were not able to find anything wrong with the engine. The started the engine and performed a run-up which he stated were normal so he took off to continue the flight to ARB. While en route, the engine started running rough once again and subsequently lost all power. 

The pilot chose to land in a soybean field. During the landing approach, he saw powerlines and had to lower the pitch altitude to fly under them. The airplane impacted hard in the field.

McDonnell-Douglas DC-10-30, N522AX; incident occurred July 10, 2016 at at Pueblo Memorial Airport (KPUB), Pueblo, Colorado -Kathryn's Report

BC AIRCRAFT LEASING LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N522AX

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Denver FSDO-03

Date: 10-JUL-16
Time: 02:45:00Z
Regis#: N522AX
Aircraft Make: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
Aircraft Model: DC10
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Activity: Other
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Flight Number: TANKER912
City: PUEBLO
State: Colorado

AIRCRAFT, N522AX TANKER 912, MCDONNELL DOUGLAS DC10, ON TAXI STRUCK A HANGAR, PUEBLO, COLORADO.

Schweizer 269C-1, RDJ Brothers Trucking Inc., N1624B: Incident occurred July 09, 2016 in Polson, Lake County, Montana











AIRCRAFT:   Schweizer 269C-1 SN# 0204  N1624B

ENGINE – Lycoming HIO-360-G1A   SN# L-32791-51A           

PROPELLER – N/A

APPROXIMATE TOTAL HOURS (estimated TT & TSMO from logbooks or other information):

ENGINE:  2,261.7 TTSN  

PROPELLER:      N/A             

AIRFRAME:  4,537.1 TTSN                    

OTHER EQUIPMENT:  Garmin GNS-430, King KT-76A            

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  On 7/9 helicopter clipped an electrical line followed by a hard landing with main rotors striking a tall fence post. 

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES: A main rotor blades have damage from wire and pole strikes, helicopter landing skids stressed, fuselage deformed.   Inspection recommended              

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:  Beegles Aircraft in Greeley, CO           

REMARKS:  Main rotor blades removed for transport  


Read more here:      http://www.avclaims.com/N1624B.htm 

RDJ BROTHERS TRUCKING INC: http://registry.faa.gov/N1624B

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Helena FSDO-05

Date: 09-JUL-16
Time: 20:30:00Z
Regis#: N1624B
Aircraft Make: SCHWEIZER
Aircraft Model: 269C
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Minor
Activity: Aerial Application
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
City: POLSON
State: Montana

N1624B SCHWEIZER H269 HELICOPTER STRUCK A POWERLINE DURING AERIAL OPERATION, NEAR POLSON, MONTANA.

Pilots Test New Flight Path To Teterboro Airport (KTEB) -Kathryn's Report



HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Pilots are flying a new approach route to a New Jersey airport following a two-month delay caused by technical difficulties and bad weather.

The flight path to Teterboro Airport was officially introduced in April and sparked protests from communities that it could affect.

More than 200 planes have used the path since mid-June and those living under it have registered only a small number of complaints.

The Port Authority, which owns the airport, has received 13 complaints from nine people.

But officials in Mahwah, more than 15 miles north of the airport, say 50 residents have complained about increased noise.

“They’re sitting on their back decks enjoying their time outside with their families, and here comes a jet at about 2,000, 3,000 feet. So it’s unusual for us, we have never been subjected to this,” Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet said.

The path is intended to divert some arriving jets from a path that’s close to Hackensack University Medical Center. The route was shifted west and pilots rely on landmarks and track Route 17 to stay away from homes, schools and hospitals.

Federal Aviation Administration officials said other aircraft regularly use that airspace.

The FAA intends to run the test until Oct. 4.

Story and video:  http://newyork.cbslocal.com

Beech 58P, N7SS LLC, N7SS; incident occurred July 10, 2016 at Eagle Creek Airpark (KEYE), Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana -Kathryn's Report

http://registry.faa.gov/N7SS

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Indianapolis FSDO-11

Date: 10-JUL-16
Time: 22:30:00Z
Regis#: N7SS
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 58
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: INDIANAPOLIS
State: Indiana

AIRCRAFT LANDED GEAR UP, EAGLE CREEK AIRPARK, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

Robinson R44 II, Spitzer Helicopter LLC, N444SK; accident occurred July 09, 2016 in Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida -Kathryn's Report

SPITZER HELICOPTER LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N444SK

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Orlando FSDO-15

Date: 09-JUL-16
Time: 23:20:00Z
Regis#: N444SK
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON
Aircraft Model: R44
Event Type: Accident
Highest Injury: Minor
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
City: KISSIMMEE
State: Florida

N444SK ROBINSON R44 ROTORCRAFT SUSTAINED A BIRDSTRIKE THAT WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT, KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA.

Aventura II, N932MC: Accident occurred July 09, 2016 near Grignons Private Landing Area (ME62), West Pittsfield, Somerset County, Maine

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine

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/N932MC

Location: West Pittsfield, ME
Accident Number: ERA16LA247
Date & Time: 07/09/2016, 1453 EDT
Registration: N932MC
Aircraft: MORMILE FRANCIS W AVENTURA II
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 9, 2016, about 1453 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Aventura II airplane, N932MC, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach to Grignons Private Landing Area (ME62) in West Pittsfield, Maine. The airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed for the flight that departed ME62 about 1450.

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to perform a functional test of the retractable landing gear. He said he started the engine and taxied for about 10 minutes before he departed. The takeoff was normal and the pilot made a left turn to stay in the airport traffic pattern and climbed to an altitude of about 200 ft. The pilot said that when he was making the turn toward the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, he noticed the controls were very stiff when he tried to roll level. He needed two hands to move the control wheel. The pilot also noticed that he was descending and was unable to avoid trees off the side of the runway. The airplane struck the trees and impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude. Two witnesses told the pilot that the engine stopped producing power prior to the airplane impacting the trees. The pilot said he was wearing a full-size helmet and was unaware that the engine had lost power and was focused on trying to level the airplane. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Private
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/20/2015
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/05/2015
Flight Time:  6763 hours (Total, all aircraft), 44 hours (Total, this make and model), 2836 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 105 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single and multiengine land and single-engine sea. In addition, he held ratings for balloon and rotorcraft-helicopter and an instrument rating for airplane and rotorcraft-helicopter. The pilot also held a flight instructor certificate with ratings for airplane single and multiengine. He reported a total of 6,763 total flight hours, of which, 44 hours were in the accident airplane. His last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first class medical was issued on November 20, 2015.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MORMILE FRANCIS W
Registration: N932MC
Model/Series: AVENTURA II NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: AA2AO138
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2015, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1420 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 44 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 912 ULS
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The airplane was originally built in 2008 and then sold to the pilot in January 2015, when it was still in Phase I testing for an FAA special, experimental airworthiness certificate. The pilot made an entry in the aircraft maintenance logbook on June 24, 2016, that Phase I testing was completed and had moved into Phase II testing. A review of the engine maintenance logbook revealed the Rotax 912ULS engine was installed new on the airplane on April 8, 2008. The pilot reported the engine had accrued a total of about 35 hours at the time of the accident. The airframe had accrued about 44 hours total time.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BGR, 192 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 23 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1443 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 130°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: West Pittsfield, ME (ME62)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: West Pittsfield, ME (ME62)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1450 EDT
Type of Airspace: Unknown

Weather reported at Bangor International Airport (BGR), Bangor, Maine, about 23 miles west of the accident site, at 1453, was wind 130 at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, overcast clouds at 1800 ft, temperature 18° C, dewpoint 12° C, and a barometric pressure setting 29.96 inches Hg.

Airport Information

Airport: Grignons Field (ME62)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 390 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2500 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 44.782500, -69.383333 (est) 

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that it sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the control surfaces to the cockpit controls. The engine remained attached to the airframe and all three propeller blades remained attached to the propeller hub. The engine and blades sustained minimal impact damage. The airplane was not equipped electronic device to record engine performance.

A postaccident examination of the engine revealed the fuel system consisted of a fuel pump that was equipped with two carburetors, both of which were removed and disassembled. Each float bowl was empty of fuel and a small amount of corrosion was noted underneath the floats in each bowl. Both carburetors were then reinstalled back on the engine. Examination of the fuel lines revealed that a fuel pressure indicator was installed but it was not connected electrically. The gascolator bowl was removed and examined. The bowl was about half full of fuel that was absent of debris and water.

The oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler and the oil tank appeared undamaged. That oil tank was filled with the proper amount of oil needed to safely operate the engine.

The exhaust system was an after-market installation (non-Rotax). The exhaust, which included four exhaust pipes and a muffler, were mounted above the engine near temperature sensitive components and fuel lines. No heat shielding was installed to protect these components from radiant heat. According to Rotax's Engine Installation manual (EIM), "To avoid vapor lock keep the temperature of the fuel lines, float chamber and related devices below 113F (45C)." The electronic ignition modules were also found near the exhaust and have a maximum temperature of 176° F.

The induction system, which consisted of an optional AirBox, air filter, and carburetor heat, revealed the linkage that allowed the pilot to switch from filtered air to carburetor heat was not connected. The lever was positioned so induction air was being pulled from the carburetor heat side of the AirBox (non-filtered air). The carburetor heat was not operational. The air filter was grey in color and was not coated with the protective "red" oil that kept dirt particles from entering the engine.

The spark plugs were removed and no anomalies were noted. The engine's crankshaft was rotated and continuity and compression were established on each cylinder via manual rotation of the propeller. The engine was prepped to be test run, which involved using a car battery with battery cables to boost the airplane's battery. After several attempts, the engine started and ran at idle for several minutes before the throttle was advanced to a higher power setting. The engine ran continuously at this higher setting for several minutes without hesitation. No mechanical deficiencies were noted that would have precluded normal operation of the engine.

Additional Information

A review of the engine maintenance logbooks revealed the fuel pump was installed new in 2015 per Rotax Service Bulletin SB-912-063: Replacement of fuel pumps for ROTAX Engine type 912 (series). The SB was issued in March 2013 and the replacement of the pump was only "Recommended". According to a representative of Rotax, when the new fuel pump was installed, a mandatory fuel return line should have been installed to prevent vapor lock. The fuel return line was made mandatory via an amendment to the Rotax 912 Series Engine Installation Manual (EIM) on August 1, 2012. No other notifications were issued. However, further review of SB 912-063 revealed there was no guidance or reference that the return fuel line was mandatory. It only stated that the person installing the new fuel pump should use the Illustrated Parts Catalog and Heavy Maintenance Manual (HMM) for guidance. Neither of those manuals stated the fuel return line was mandatory.

A review of the FAA's Carburetor Icing Probability Chart revealed that atmospheric conditions were conducive to serious icing at glide power.

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA247
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, July 09, 2016 in Pittsfield, ME
Aircraft: MORMILE FRANCIS W AVENTURA II, registration: N932MC
Injuries: 1 Minor.

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 July 9, 2016, about 1542 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Aventura II, N932MC, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach to a private airfield in Pittsfield, Maine. The pilot/owner sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed for the flight that departed the private airfield about 1535.

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to perform a functional test of the retractable landing gear. He said he started the engine and taxied for about 10 minutes before he departed. The takeoff was normal and the pilot made a left turn to stay in the traffic pattern and climbed to an altitude of about 200 feet. The pilot said that when he was making the turn toward the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, he noticed the controls were very stiff when he tried to roll level. He needed two hands to move the control wheel. The pilot also noticed that he was descending and was unable to avoid trees off the side of the runway. The airplane struck the trees and impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude.

A review of photographs taken by law enforcement revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

Two witnesses reported that the engine stopped producing power prior to the airplane impacting the trees. The pilot said he was wearing a full size helmet and was unaware that the engine had failed and was focused on trying to level the airplane.

The airplane and engine were recovered for further examination.

Stinson 108-3 Voyager, N955C: Accident occurred July 08, 2016 at Red Lodge Airport (KRED), Carbon County, Montana















AIRCRAFT: 1948 Cessna 108, N955C, Serial No. 108-3955

ENGINE:     Franklin 6A-350-C1R Serial No. L-2611100019

PROPELLER:  Destroyed

APPROXIMATE TOTAL HOURS (estimated TT & TSMO from logbooks or other information):

ENGINE:     107.9  TSMOH, Last overhaul was on 08/01/09.

PROPELLER:   Damaged

AIRFRAME:  2922           

OTHER EQUIPMENT:   Basic Instruments, AT50

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:   During takeoff, a deer ran in front of the aircraft. The pilot swerved which caused the aircraft to ground loop and flip upside down.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:    Damages are to the propeller, spinner, fuselage, wings and tail section.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:     Red Lodge Airport, Red Lodge, MT.

REMARKS:     Logbooks only go back to 2004. Inspection of aircraft is highly recommended. 

Read more here:   http://www.avclaims.com/N955C.htm

http://registry.faa.gov/N955C

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Helena FSDO-05


NTSB Identification: GAA16CA369
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, July 08, 2016 in Red Lodge, MT
Probable Cause Approval Date: 08/31/2016
Aircraft: STINSON 108, registration: N955C
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 of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff he noticed movement from the left as a deer ran onto the runway. He further reported that he applied right rudder to avoid hitting the deer, but the deer impacted the airplane between the left pilot's door and the horizontal stabilizer causing the airplane to veer to the left. The pilot stated that he attempted to recover by applying maximum right brake and right rudder, however it was ineffective and the airplane exited the runway to the left, ground looped, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, empennage and fuselage. 

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

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
A deer running across the runway and impacting the left side of the airplane, resulting in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and a ground loop.