Saturday, October 22, 2016

Mooney 20C, N191AB: Gear up landing



















AIRCRAFT:   1963 Mooney 20C, N191AB, Serial No. 2471

ENGINE:  Lycoming O-360-A1A, Serial No. L-26003-36A

PROPELLER:    Destroyed

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

ENGINE:      618.7 TSMOH, Overhaul was completed in 1990

PROPELLER:    N/A

AIRFRAME:     3614              

OTHER EQUIPMENT:     KMA24, MAC1700, KX170B, Narco AT165, ADF

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  Gear up landing.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:    As a result of the gear up landing, damages consist of scraped belly skins, scraped gear doors and antennas have also been damaged.  The is flap hinge damage noted and propeller strike occurred.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:   Lone Star Aviation, 3300 Rickabaugh Dr, Big Springs, TX 79720

REMARKS:   The aircraft has been in storage for about 1 year since this loss. Inspection of aircraft is highly recommended. 

Read more here:   http://www.avclaims.com/N191AB.htm

Mooney M20-F, N7786M: Accident occurred August 13, 2014 at Rimrock Airport (48AZ), Yavapai County, Arizona

Airplane wreckage and damage to the left wing. 
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

Airplane location relative to the runway’s departure end. 
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

Propeller showing torsional twisting and S-bending.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office



Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

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/N7786M


Location: Rimrock, AZ
Accident Number: WPR14LA343
Date & Time: 08/13/2014, 0730 MST
Registration: N7786M
Aircraft: MOONEY M20F
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries:1 Serious, 1 Minor 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On August 13, 2014, about 0730 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20F airplane, N7786M, collided with terrain during a go-around at the Rimrock Airport (48AZ), Rimrock, Arizona. The private pilot received minor injuries and the passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight. The flight departed Show Low Regional Airport (KSOW), Show Low, Arizona, about 0630 and was destined for Apple Valley, California.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that he received several weather briefings, but the weather was not improving as anticipated. The visibility was above visual flight rule (VFR) minimums, and the ceiling was greater than 2,000 ft above ground level, but he wanted to land, and get an updated weather briefing.

He decided to land at the nearest airport, which was the Rimrock Airport. He said he had not landed there previously, and did not know the runway was sloped downhill. It had rained earlier, the runway was wet, and when he applied the brakes the airplane started to skid. He decided to go-around but did not get the flaps up before the airplane travelled off the end of the runway and impacted terrain.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/01/2013
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/17/2013
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Registration: N7786M
Model/Series: M20F NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 22-0034
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/01/2014, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2740 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: I0360 SER
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 
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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts:
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Show Low, AZ (KSOW)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Apple Valley, CA (KAPV)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0630 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: RIMROCK (48AZ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3575 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Wet
Runway Used: 23
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2300 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor

Latitude, Longitude: 34.650556, -111.786111

NTSB Identification: WPR14LA343
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, August 13, 2014 in Lake Montezuma, AZ
Aircraft: MOONEY M20F, registration: N7786M
Injuries: 1 Serious, 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 August 13, 2014, about 0749 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20F airplane, N7786M, was substantially damaged during a collision with terrain, following an aborted landing at the Rimrock Airport (48AZ), Lake Montezuma, Arizona. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; the pilot received minor injuries and the sole passenger received serious injuries. The airplane departed Show Low Regional Airport (KSOW), Show Low, Arizona, bound for Apple Valley, California, about 0630.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on August 20, the pilot said he had received several weather briefings for the cross-country flight, but the weather was not improving as anticipated. The visibility was above VFR minimums, and the ceiling was greater than 2,000 feet above ground level, but he wanted to land, and get an updated weather briefing. He elected to land at the nearest airport, which was Rimrock Airport. He said he had not landed there previously, and did not know the runway was downhill. It had rained earlier, the runway was wet, and when he applied the brakes the airplane started to skid. He decided to abort the landing, but did not get the flaps up before the airplane sank off the elevated end of the runway and impacted terrain. 

The pilot said there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings and fuselage.























AIRCRAFT:   1974 Mooney M20-F, N7786M, Serial No. 22-0034

ENGINE – Lycoming IO-360A1A, Serial No. L-12382-51A

PROPELLER – Destroyed

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

ENGINE:   531.9 TSMOH, Overhaul was completed in 2007

PROPELLER:    N/A

AIRFRAME:        4632.7               

OTHER EQUIPMENT:      FMS 5000, KT76A, (2) KX170B See photos.

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  During a go-around procedure the aircraft crashed off the end of the runway.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:    Severe damages to wings, engine and fuselage. See Photos.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:      Air Transport: 3011 W Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85009

REMARKS:   The aircraft has been in storage for over 2 years since this loss. Inspection of aircraft is highly recommended. 

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

Goodyear christens new blimp, Wingfoot Two

  Senior Pilot for Goodyear Airships, James Kosmos, sits in the cockpit of Wingfoot Two at the company's blimp base in Mogadore on Thursday. 
 
 
 

AKRON - The newest blimp of Goodyear’s fleet was christened by NBA superstar LeBron James’ wife, Savanah, at the company’s air dock near Akron on Friday.

She broke a bottle of champagne over the bow of the 12-person gondola. Wingfoot Two, a 246-foot-long airship, was constructed in Ohio with technicians from Goodyear and Germany’s ZLT Zeppelin.

However, bad weather grounded the blimp from flying on its christening day.

James Kosmos, senior pilot for the company, said he was excited to be flying the new blimp that was unofficially unveiled in April. During a press event on Thursday, Kosmos gave News Journal Media a tour of the high-tech cockpit.

It’s a lot more maneuverable, quieter and faster than the old one, he said, remarking that he’ll be able to hover and even go backward thanks to two rotating side engines. The new engines also help increase the top speed of the airship from 50 mph to 73 mph.

There are more digital components and controls in the cockpit, which allows pilots to fly with electronic controls, instead of relying on levers and wheels linked mechanically to different apparatuses.

“The old airship was more physically challenging to fly,” Kosmos said. “While the new airship is more mentally challenging to fly.”

Flying the blimp is different from an airplane, Kosmos said. While an airplane will turn left if you move the control wheel left, it’s a bit different for the lumbering blimp.

“It’s more of a dance, based on winds and the angle that the sun is hitting you. It’s actually closer to flying a big sailboat.”

As large as Wingfoot Two is, he said, the airship goes too slow for turbulence, creating a nice smooth ride.

The new Wingfoot Two will be based in Carson, Calif.

The components for another new airship have arrived at the Akron Goodyear Airdock, and are ready for assembly. The next new blimp is expected to be completed in Spring 2017.

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

Is Hollister’s hovering aircraft Google co-founder’s flying car?



Even from a few hundred yards away, the aircraft made a noise strikingly different from the roar of a typical plane.

“It sounded like an electric motor running, just a high-pitched whine,” said Steve Eggleston, assistant manager at an airplane-parts company with offices bordering the Hollister Municipal Airport tarmac.

But it wasn’t only the sound that caught the attention of Eggleston and his co-workers at DK Turbines. It was what the aircraft was doing.

“What the heck’s that?” saleswoman Brittany Rodriguez thought to herself. “It’s just hovering.”

That, apparently, was a flying car, or perhaps a prototype of another sort of aircraft under development by a mysterious startup called Zee.Aero. The company, one of two reportedly funded by Google co-founder Larry Page to develop revolutionary forms of transportation, has set up shop in rural Hollister, far from its Mountain View headquarters and the prying eyes of tech-obsessed Silicon Valley.

The secretive company, in its quest for privacy, has found allies in the small San Benito County town.

“Can I help you?” a woman from the airport’s administration office said, after popping out to investigate when a reporter and photographer came looking for staff at the Zee.Aero building next door. “They’re not here,” she said curtly. Asked when they were typically around, she snapped, “That’s private.”

In Hollister, population 40,000, the first rule about Zee.Aero is you don’t talk about Zee.Aero.

“It was known they wanted their privacy,” said Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez, who declined to provide much information about Zee.Aero and its plans. “I just believe in people’s privacy.”

For a while, staff at one airport business said, a guard was posted outside the Zee.Aero building, telling people who approached too closely to back off. When Eggleston first attempted to take photos of the aircraft being towed, its handlers took action, he said.

“They pulled a truck right in front of me,” Eggleston said.

The company has issued no public statements about its work. Bloomberg in June reported that Page had invested more than $100 million in the startup but had tried to keep his involvement secret. Zee.Aero’s sparse website refers to “a revolutionary new form of transportation.” In a May letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the firm said it was building “an entirely new aircraft that will change personal aviation.”

A Zee.Aero spokeswoman said the firm is “currently not discussing (its) plans publicly.”

However, a Zee.Aero patent issued in 2013 describes in some detail an aircraft capable of the hovering seen by people working at the airport. And the drawings showcase a vision of the future in which flying cars park in lots just like their terrestrial, less-evolved cousins.

With traffic congestion costing the U.S. economy more than $120 billion annually and Americans collectively spending 8 billion hours a year stuck in traffic, according to transportation research firm Inrix, lifting off and cruising above snarled roadways has considerable appeal.

Zee.Aero envisions our means of escape from the bounds of gravity as “safe, quiet, and efficient, as well as easy to control, (and) highly compact,” according to the patent submission from Ilan Kroo, a Stanford University professor of aeronautics and Zee.Aero’s founding CEO and principal scientist. Kroo brought in more than 100 aerospace engineers to work on the flying cars, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The patent depicts a car-sized aircraft, wings at the nose and tail, and along the top eight propellers, driven by eight motors, for vertical lift. Two other propellers on the rear wing would provide forward thrust. The aircraft seen at the Hollister airport appears to showcase a change in design but retains some features described and shown in the patent.

Last week, an aircraft was spotted being towed down the runway on two consecutive days, although no hovering or flying was observed by witnesses. Dual propellers in the rear fit with the description and drawings from the patent, but the aircraft appeared to have a single main wing, with pod-like structures beneath it, rather than the smaller wings at the front and rear shown in the drawings. The means for vertical takeoff were not visible from a distance, but Eggleston and his colleagues said this was the same craft they’d seen hovering.

In May, the city of Hollister approved a 34-year lease with Zee.Aero for just under an acre of land near the intersection of the municipal airport’s two landing strips. According to city documents, the company plans to build a 14,000-square-foot hangar and office building, plus nearly 10,000 square feet of employee parking and 16,000 square feet of paved area for aircraft parking and movement.

During both Zee.Aero flights witnessed by DK Turbines staff from several hundred yards away in September and October, the aircraft hovered about 25 feet off the ground, and landed rapidly, straight down, according to the witnesses.  “My initial thought was it was some kind of experiment,” said Saul Gomez, who works in inventory and sales, and described the hovering craft as white, slightly smaller than a Cessna and “like something out of a movie.”

Zee.Aero has built nine aircraft and registered them with the Federal Aviation Administration, according to FAA records. Two are electric-powered gliders. Two are piston-powered, fixed-wing, kit-built planes. The five remaining most closely match Zee.Aero’s patent for a “personal aircraft” with multiple motors — two of them are eight-motor “rotorcraft” and three are dual-motor, fixed-wing aircraft. But these aircraft are in fact electric-powered drones weighing 55 pounds or less and may be the company’s reported prototypes.

Hollister Councilman Victor Gomez, who commutes to work in the Bay Area, would like to see Zee.Aero succeed.

“Oh, man, how much I would love to find another route other than Highway 101 to get to work,” Gomez said. “It’s exciting to see something that’s so innovative. I’m thrilled about the concept. It is something to be expected from Larry Page and people in that area.”

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

Pioneer 200 Sparrow; N68AA: While taxiing, the throttle was advised in error causing the aircraft to strike a trailer and a hangar




















AIRCRAFT:   2003 Pioneer 200 Sparrow; N68AA S/N: NC27

ENGINE: Jabiru 2200; S/N 22A1241

Propeller Type: GT-2/157/VZZ-10: Hub Model: 101

APPROXIMATE TOTAL HOURS (estimated Times from logbooks or other information):

ENGINE:       TT: 420

Propeller:       TT:   420

AIRFRAME:  TT: 420 

OTHER EQUIPMENT: Basic.

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  While taxiing, the throttle was advised in error causing the aircraft to strike a trailer and a hangar. 

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:    Prop, wings, engine.        

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:   Lake Chelan Airport, WA (S10).

REMARKS:  Wings have been removed for storage and shipment.

Read more here:   http://www.avclaims.com/N68AA.htm