Thursday, May 25, 2017

Stinson 108-2, N9366K: Accident occurred May 16, 2017 near Eagles Nest Airport (31E), West Creek, Eagleswood Township, Ocean County, New Jersey


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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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/N9366K




Location: West Creek, NJ
Accident Number: ERA17LA182
Date & Time: 05/16/2017, 2030 EDT
Registration: N9366K
Aircraft: STINSON 108
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 16, 2017, about 2030 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108-2, N9366K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near West Creek, New Jersey. The private pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was privately owned and operated. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight. The flight originated from Eagles Nest Airport (31E), West Creek, New Jersey, around 2020, and was destined for Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), Frederick, Maryland.

According to the pilot, he departed earlier that morning from FDK, flew to Sanford, Maine, and was returning to FDK, with several scheduled fuel stops. Throughout the day, he landed at seven airports, and reported no anomalies with the airplane. Before he departed 31E for the final leg of the flight back to FDK, he topped the airplane off with 26 gallons of fuel. After departure, the pilot flew toward the coast of New Jersey, and about 2,000 ft mean sea level, the engine began to "shake." He immediately turned the airplane back toward 31E, and soon after the engine lost all power. Smoke filled the cockpit and the pilot noticed an "orange glow" under the floor boards near the firewall. The pilot initiated an emergency descent, turned the fuel selector to the off position, and noted that the "orange glow" stopped. The pilot attempted to return to 31E, however, the airplane struck trees and terrain about 1 mile from to the approach end of the runway.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that it came to rest in a near vertical attitude. Both wings exhibited leading edge crush damage and the empennage was bent toward the right. The engine remained attached to the airframe. Examination of the engine revealed a breach in the top section of the crankcase.

According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in April 1947. It was equipped with a Franklin 6A4-165-B3, a 165-hp, engine. The most recent 100-hr inspection was performed on September 16, 2016, at a Tachometer time of 1039.6. According to the engine maintenance logs, the valve clearances were checked on the engine when the Nos. 3 and 6 cylinders were replaced for low compression on June 19, 2015, at a tachometer time of 945.3 hours. In addition, the Nos. 2 and 5 cylinders were replaced for low compression on September 16, 2016, at a tachometer time of 1039.6 hours. The maintenance records did not note another valve clearance check or have a recorded overhaul since the engine was rebuilt in 1970 and no information about engine operation from June 24, 1971 through June 19, 2015. Furthermore, the manufacturer recommended valve clearance check was every 200 hours at a minimum and overhaul was at 600 to 700 hours. At the time of the accident the airplane had accumulated 1125.2 hours on the tachometer.

An examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 cylinder was fracture separated from the crankcase. The piston, sections of the cylinder, and sections of the crankcase were missing. The crankshaft and remaining cylinders were intact, and the engine rotated smoothly when the propeller was turned by hand. The exhaust pushrod shroud and exhaust pushrod of the No. 4 cylinder were both bent. The No. 4 exhaust valve stem was fractured about halfway along its length. The lower half of the stem and face were missing. The No. 4 exhaust valve guide clearance was excessive, the guide and tip area of the valve contained carbon deposits. The cylinder walls contained circular gouges consistent with the exhaust valve face diameter.

The remaining section of the No. 4 exhaust valve stem was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for examination. The examination revealed that the valve stem exhibited reverse bending fatigue crack propagation. In addition, high levels of lead (Pb) and bromine (Br) were present on the exhaust valve. These elements were consistent with constituents in combustion compounds derived from the tetraethyl lead additives added to avgas aviation fuel. More information can be found in the Materials Laboratory report in the docket for this case.

According to the Sky Ranch Engineering Manual, "high temperatures in the exhaust valve guide oxidizes oil and forms carbon deposits on the valve guide and these deposits" can result in a stuck valve condition. Furthermore, the "most frequent reason for elevated valve temperatures is valve leakage. All of the combustion gas must pass around the valve face as it goes out the exhaust port. A valve that is not contacting the seat properly cannot conduct as much heat into the cylinder head as a valve with good seating. Elevated valve stem temperatures may then" result in a stuck valve. Then, because of "high temperatures and combustion deposits on the exhaust valve stem, this area of the guide gets bigger. This increases the clearance between the guide and the stem and allows combustion products and heat to travel up the valve stem. These combustion products create lead deposits and acids which increase the corrosive environment."



Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 51, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
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: 05/01/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/27/2017
Flight Time:  797.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 724.9 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 26.9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 25.8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 8.9 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: STINSON
Registration: N9366K
Model/Series: 108 2
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 108-2366
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/16/2016, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2231 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 86 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1125.2 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: FRANKLIN
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 6A4-165-B3
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 165 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: MJX, 82 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2056 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 1°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 210°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: West Creek, NJ (31E)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: FREDERICK, MD (FDK)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 2020 EDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: EAGLES NEST (31E)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 38 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: Unknown
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 39.658889, -74.299722 (est)

NTSB Identification: ERA17LA182 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, May 16, 2017 in West Creek, NJ
Aircraft: STINSON 108, registration: N9366K
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 May 16, 2017, about 2030 eastern standard time, a Stinson 108-2, N9366K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near West Creek, New Jersey. The private pilot received minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was privately registered to and operated. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight. The flight originated from Eagles Nest Airport (31E), West Creek, New Jersey, around 2020, and was destined for Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), Frederick, Maryland.

According to the pilot, he departed earlier that morning from FDK, flew to Sanford, Maine, and was returning to FDK, with several scheduled fuel stops. Throughout the day, he landed at seven airports, and reported no anomalies with the airplane. Before he departed 31E for the final leg of the flight back to FDK, he topped the airplane off with 26 gallons of fuel. After departure, the pilot flew toward the coast of New Jersey, and about 2,000 ft mean sea level, the engine began to "shake." He immediately turned the airplane back toward 31E, and soon after the engine lost all power. Smoke filled the cockpit and the pilot noticed an "orange glow" under the floor boards near the firewall. The pilot initiated an emergency descent, turned the fuel selector to the off position, and noted that the "orange glow" stopped. The pilot attempted to return to 31E, however, the airplane struck trees and terrain about 1 mile from to the approach end of the runway.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that it came to rest in a near vertical attitude. Both wings exhibited leading edge crush damage and the empennage was bent toward the right. The engine remained attached to the airframe. Examination of the engine revealed a breach in the top section of the crankcase.

The engine was retained for further examination.

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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


http://registry.faa.gov/N9366K


NTSB Identification: ERA17LA182 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, May 16, 2017 in West Creek, NJ
Aircraft: STINSON 108, registration: N9366K
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 May 16, 2017, about 2030 eastern standard time, a Stinson 108-2, N9366K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near West Creek, New Jersey. The private pilot received minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was privately registered to and operated. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight. The flight originated from Eagles Nest Airport (31E), West Creek, New Jersey, around 2020, and was destined for Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), Frederick, Maryland.


According to the pilot, he departed earlier that morning from FDK, flew to Sanford, Maine, and was returning to FDK, with several scheduled fuel stops. Throughout the day, he landed at seven airports, and reported no anomalies with the airplane. Before he departed 31E for the final leg of the flight back to FDK, he topped the airplane off with 26 gallons of fuel. After departure, the pilot flew toward the coast of New Jersey, and about 2,000 ft mean sea level, the engine began to "shake." He immediately turned the airplane back toward 31E, and soon after the engine lost all power. Smoke filled the cockpit and the pilot noticed an "orange glow" under the floor boards near the firewall. The pilot initiated an emergency descent, turned the fuel selector to the off position, and noted that the "orange glow" stopped. The pilot attempted to return to 31E, however, the airplane struck trees and terrain about 1 mile from to the approach end of the runway.


Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that it came to rest in a near vertical attitude. Both wings exhibited leading edge crush damage and the empennage was bent toward the right. The engine remained attached to the airframe. Examination of the engine revealed a breach in the top section of the crankcase.


The engine was retained for further examination.











“Does one of your kids have to die? Do someone else’s kids have to die before you take it seriously?” Eagleswood resident Michelle Paccione challenged Mayor Michael Pasternak and Committeewoman Debra Rivas. By “it” she meant risks posed by activity at Eagles Nest Airport.


“It is taken seriously,” the mayor said.


Still shaken after last week’s plane crash near the airport, residents filled town hall Monday night for the township committee meeting to bring their questions and concerns.


Tuesday evening, May 16, pilot Kenneth Miess Schertz of Texas stopped his Stinson 108 single-engine propeller plane, built in 1947, at Eagles Nest to refuel. Shortly after taking off again, he ran into some trouble and came back. He cut the engine and attempted to land, but as he was gliding he missed the runway and ended up in some trees located between 106 and 108 Laurel Lane. The crash is under investigation.


Paccione, who resides at 106 Laurel Hill Lane, said she knew a plane was falling when she heard the tree branches breaking outside her window, mere feet from where she was sitting.


“I want to know what it’s going to take for the mayor and the land use board in this town to wake up,” she said. She accused officials of rubber-stamping approvals for all of airport owner Peter Weidhorn’s applications. In the 10 years since he purchased the previously defunct airstrip, he has made numerous improvements including runway expansion, lights for night departures and landings, fuel tanks, hangars, a drop zone and more.


The pilot from Texas would have had no reason to be in Eagleswood, Paccione said, if the township hadn’t approved fuel and lights that enabled him to land and take off after dark.


Weidhorn’s always making “improvements,” Paccione said. But, in her view, “there’s nothing he could do to that airport that would make it safer, except for two things: shrink it, or close it.” Anything done to expand it further just attracts more pilots, she said.


Weidhorn was not in attendance at the meeting, but attracting pilots has been a goal since he took over the airport and began to transform it into a state-of-the-art general aviation airport for the flying community.


North Street resident Susan Horner took issue with Paccione’s remarks. First of all, she said, plane crashes are not limited to the vicinities of airports. Accidents can happen anywhere. Second, “What I can’t understand is why Michelle (Paccione) would say ‘unfortunately, the pilot survived.’ That makes me sick, and I’m totally disgusted. Who the hell says something like that?” Paccione said that was part of a private conversation. Horner told Paccione she should be thankful and tend to the injured pilot rather than wish him dead. Paccione said she was the one who called 911 that night.


“I’m very thankful that nobody was killed, nobody was injured,” Horner said. “No problem, just the plane was injured, and the willow tree, so the willow tree is the only one weeping here.”


Laurel Lane resident Ray Mishler, a former aircraft mechanic, wanted to know what kind of fuel was used. He was fairly sure it would be leaded Avgas (which works better in older planes, he said) and suggested only unleaded be used from now on.


He asked what will be done to clean up the ground where the plane crashed and what about soil testing, on account of wells in the ground and children who play outside.


Pasternak said an environmental company would clean it up.


Lori Strobel asked if the airport could be manned, for the sake of enforcement and safety. In her opinion, the trouble started when the airport was opened to commercial operations (banner planes and skydiving).


On a related but separate topic, Sam and Gail Zalfa of Cox’s Crossing Road voiced concern about property values. “We have an ‘air show’ from spring until the end of summer that is absolutely relentless,” Sam said, and “eventually somebody is going to take legal action.”


He and his wife were there to speak out about an old log cabin in a residential part of town that was recently purchased but appears to be a site of illegal activity.


The Zalfas intend no malice against the buyer, they said, but the house has no certificate of occupancy and no septic system. It’s a used car parking lot, where kids have big parties on Sunday nights with liquor store runs and raging bonfires, they said. If the place burns down and someone gets hurt, the whole town could get sued, Sam said, because no one should be there.


Maybe the new owners are going to fix it up and live in it, he said. “But right now, it does not appear that way at all.”


Gail noted they would not have chosen to air the problem in an open forum, but they never got a call back from the township.


The mayor explained Eagleswood has a shared services agreement with Stafford for construction services.


“I pay my taxes to Eagleswood,” Zalf said. “I’m not calling Stafford. I’m not running around with them.”


The mayor said he understood where the Zalfas were coming from. “It should be our responsibility to follow up. I get your point.”


“All I can ask is that you just give us time,” Rivas said. “Our zoning officer works Mondays and Thursday nights. Your letter is dated Tuesday. He was off on Thursday. So tonight’s actually the first opportunity Mike and I have to discuss this with him. So just give us a couple days?”


Turning the discussion back to the airport, Gail Zalfa said neighbors fear not just for their safety but for their quality of life. For one thing, banner planes come and go all day long, creating noise and vibration, she said. Weidhorn has a small sign up asking pilots to “please observe our neighbors,” she continued, but instead of abiding by the agreed-upon flight patterns (pilots are supposed to bank left and head out over the Parkway), they cut corners to save gas on a regular basis.


“The airport’s not going to go away. We know that. It’s not just about the crashing, it’s about following the rules. That’s all we’re asking.”


After closing public comment, the mayor commended the volunteer fire company for its quick response and thanked firefighters for everything they do.


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1 comment:

  1. I was there. Some folks were mimicking M. Paccione, others were mocking her. LOL!! It was freaking hilarious........

    ReplyDelete