Sunday, October 01, 2017

Brantly B-2B, registered to Attitude Toys Inc and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, N2284U: Fatal accident occurred October 01, 2017 in Midland, Michigan

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

http://registry.faa.gov/N2284U

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

Location: Midland, MI
Accident Number: CEN18FA001
Date & Time: 10/01/2017, 1447 EDT
Registration: N2284U
Aircraft: BRANTLY B 2B
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On October 1, 2017, at 1447 eastern daylight time, a Brantly B-2B helicopter, N2284U, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain in an open field near Midland, Michigan. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was registered to Attitude Toys, Inc., and was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from the open field shortly before the accident.

Earlier in the day, the pilot flew the helicopter with a passenger from the Jack Barstow Airport (IKW), about 10 miles east-northeast of the accident site, to the open field to attend a family gathering that was taking place at a home adjacent to the field. The passenger on this flight stated that some minor turbulence was encountered, but the flight was otherwise uneventful.

Ground-based video footage depicted the helicopter as it arrived at the family gathering. As the helicopter initially approached from the east, it began a gradual descent after it cleared the tree line east of the field. As the pilot brought the helicopter to a hover near the southwest corner of the field, it yawed to the right about 45°. The helicopter then hovered momentarily before yawing to the left about 90° to a southwesterly heading. It entered a gradual descent and began to move to the left, touched down momentarily, bounced, moved aft, and touched down again. After several seconds, the pilot lifted off again and relocated the helicopter closer to the southwest corner of the field before shutting down the helicopter.

The passenger on the accident flight stated that during the family gathering, he decided to take a flight around the field with the pilot. He recalled that the helicopter "shook" a little on takeoff. He noted that the tail of the helicopter started to "sway" as they flew over the house located along the east edge of the field, but the pilot steadied the helicopter. Near the northeast corner of the field, the helicopter began descending, slowly at first and then more rapidly. The rotor speed increased, but the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled onto its left side before coming to rest. He added that the engine did not quit and that he turned if off with the ignition/magneto key after the accident.

Ground-based video footage of the accident flight showed the helicopter parked on a west heading at the southwest corner of the grass field. Immediately after lifting off, the helicopter turned to the left toward the southwest and translated aft in a 4-ft hover. The helicopter became stationary in the hover for a few seconds. It then turned to a southeast heading and began to climb toward the east-northeast. As it reached the east edge of the field, the helicopter turned north to fly parallel to the perimeter road and adjacent tree line. About mid-field, the helicopter yawed to the right momentarily while the ground track appeared to continue north paralleling the road. As the helicopter reached the northeast corner of the field, it was moving forward slowly when it yawed about 270° to the right to a westerly heading. The helicopter then began a gradual descent. As it neared the ground, the helicopter yawed to the right, completing nearly a 360° turn either immediately before or just after it contacted the ground. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/09/2015
Flight Time:  469.4 hours (Total, all aircraft), 16.8 hours (Total, this make and model), 335.9 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 10.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3.9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had logged a total of 99.6 hours of flight experience in helicopters, 9.8 hours in gyrocopters, and 360.0 hours in single-engine airplanes. Of that flight time, 16.8 hours were in a Brantley B-2B helicopter with 11.5 hours as pilot-in-command. Additionally, he had logged 3.7 hours and 2.9 hours flight time in the accident helicopter within the 90-day and 30-day periods preceding the accident, respectively.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BRANTLY
Registration: N2284U
Model/Series: B 2B B
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 454
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1670 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 16 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2074.4 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IVO-360-A1A
Registered Owner: Attitude Toys Inc.
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an airworthiness certificate for the helicopter in October 1965. It was purchased by the current owner in September 2015. Helicopter maintenance records revealed that the most recent annual inspection was completed on October 1, 2016, at an airframe total time of 2,058.7 hours. At the time of the accident, the helicopter had accumulated 15.7 hours since the annual inspection.

A receipt for 15.0 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel was found in the helicopter. The receipt indicated that the pilot purchased the fuel at IKW at 1218 on the day of the accident.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: IKW, 635 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 75°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR): 
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.27 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Midland, MI (N/A)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Midland, MI (N/A)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1446 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

The surface wind at IKW was from 160° at 5 knots at 1432 and from 170° at 3 knots at 1453. The surface wind at the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport (MOP), Mount Pleasant, Michigan, located 11.5 miles west of the accident site, was from 160° at 5 knots at 1433 and from 100° at 5 knots at 1454. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 43.623889, -84.470556 

The field was about 900 ft (north to south) by 800 ft (east to west). The accident site was located at the north boundary of the field adjacent to a shallow ravine. The helicopter came to rest on its left side and was oriented on a northwesterly heading.

Airframe and engine examinations did not reveal evidence of any anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure or malfunction. A detailed summary of the examinations is included in the docket associated with the investigation.

Medical And Pathological Information

The Midland County Medical Examiner's Office, Midland, Michigan, conducted an autopsy of the pilot and determined that the pilot's death was due to blunt force trauma sustained in the accident. The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology testing that identified atorvastatin at levels too low to quantify in blood and urine specimens. Atorvastatin is prescription medication used to reduce high cholesterol and is not considered to be impairing.

Additional Information

FAA Advisory Circular 90-95, Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters, states that loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE) is a critical, low-speed aerodynamic flight characteristic that can result in an uncommanded rapid yaw rate and, if not corrected, can result in a loss of control. In order to reduce the onset of LTE, a pilot should avoid out-of-ground effect (OGE) hover and high-power demand situations. In the event of a sudden, unanticipated right yaw, a pilot should apply full left pedal, simultaneously move the cyclic control forward to increase airspeed, and if altitude permits, reduce engine power. A reduction in collective pitch will aid in arresting the yaw rate, but it may cause an increase in the descent rate.


The FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21A) states that factors that contribute to LTE are a high-power setting, which induces considerable main rotor downwash and more turbulence relative to a low power setting, and a slow forward speed, which may create variations in airflow around the tail rotor. Early detection of LTE followed by immediate corrective action is key to a safe recovery. Pilots should always set themselves up when conducting any maneuver to have enough height and space available to recover in the event that LTE is encountered.

NTSB Identification: CEN18FA001
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, October 01, 2017 in Midland, MI
Aircraft: BRANTLY B 2B, registration: N2284U
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 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 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 October 1, 2017, at 1447 eastern daylight time, a Brantly B-2B helicopter, N2284U, was substantially damaged during landing in an open field near Midland, Michigan. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was registered to Attitude Toys, Inc. and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from the same open field shortly before the accident.

A witness reported flying with the accident pilot from the Jack Barstow Airport (KIKW), about 10 miles east-northeast from the accident site, earlier in the day. The pilot landed near the southwest corner of the field in order to attend a family gathering at a home adjoining the field. This witness stated that some minor turbulence was encountered, but that the flight was otherwise uneventful.

The passenger stated that during the gathering, he decided to take a flight around the field with the pilot. He recalled that the helicopter "shook" a little on takeoff, which he thought was related to local winds. He noted that the tail of the helicopter started to "sway" as they flew over the house located along the east edge of the field, but that the pilot subsequently steadied the helicopter. Near the northeast corner of the field, the helicopter began descending, slowly at first and then more rapidly. He again attributed this to local wind conditions. The rotor speed increased, but the helicopter impacted the ground and subsequently rolled onto its left side before coming to rest. He added that the engine did not quit and that he turned it off with the ignition/magneto key after the accident.

The field was about 900 feet (north to south) by 800 feet (east to west). The accident flight departed from near the southwest corner of the field. The home the helicopter flew over was located along the eastern edge of the field, about 300 feet from the northern boundary. The accident site was located at the north boundary of the field, which was about 0.16 mile north-northeast from the departure point. The helicopter came to rest on its left side oriented on a northwesterly bearing.

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov

Paul W. Pangborn, 76, of Midland, passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The son of the late Weyant and Helen (Johnson) Pangborn was born May 29, 1941 in Belding, later moving to Midland where he was raised and educated. He was the first graduating class of the current Midland High School. Paul served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was an owner and operator of Pangborn Marine where he made many close friends. Paul was a member of the Total Freedom Flyers. He was an amazing man and a family hero. He will be greatly missed. 

Paul is survived by his fiancée, Joanne Jolliffe; son, Jon (Amy) Pangborn of Midland; daughter, Janis (Michael) Schweinsberg of Midland; step-daughter, Jacqueline (Jeff) Haller; step-son, Chris Jolliffe; grandchildren, Ashley Bair, Andrew (Corina) Bair, Lexi (Justin) Burkett, Kacelyn Pangborn, Bryanna Mogg, Devon Schweinsberg, Nicole, Jessica and Whitney; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Ken (Pat) Pangborn; nieces, Jennifer (Dave) St. Sauver, Tammy, Terri, Tiffany, Mary; nephews, Mick, Marc, Mark, Cory; sister-in-law, Ruth Pangborn; brother-in-law, Ron Rumple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dan.


Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with Fr. Kevin Maksym of Blessed Sacrament Church officiating. Military and committal services will follow in Midland City Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials in Paul's name may be offered to the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter No. 1093 for the purpose of educating the Young Eagles. Personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com




A 76-year-old Midland man died after the helicopter he was piloting crashed Sunday.

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office reported this morning the crash occurred at 2:48 p.m. in Lee Township. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

Paul Weyant Pangborn was piloting the aircraft, which took off from a North 11 Mile Road address with a passenger, Pangborn’s 16-year-old grandson, Devon Schweinsberg, of Lee Township.

The helicopter flew east toward North 11 Mile Road, then headed north to West Olson Road. Pangborn started to head west, but the helicopter rotated and for unknown reasons started to slowly descend. It crash landed in a field near the corner of North 11 Mile and West Olson roads, tilting onto its right side.

Pangborn and Schweinsberg were taken to MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland. Pangborn later was pronounced dead. Schweinsberg was treated for minor injuries and was released.

Pangborn owned the 1965 Brantly Hynes model B-2B helicopter, Federal Aviation Administration registration number N2284U, that he was piloting.

Deputies were assisted by Lee Township firefighters, MidMichigan Medical Center EMS and Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Dennis Wagner.

“The family has asked to have time to grieve without interruption,” Midland County Sheriff Scott Stephenson stated in a media release. “The property owners of where the crash occurred have asked for people to respect their privacy and not trespass on their property.”

Original article ➤ http://www.ourmidland.com



MIDLAND COUNTY (WJRT) - (10/01/17) - A 76-year-old grandfather died when his helicopter crashed in Midland County Sunday.

Sheriff Scott Stephenson said his 16-year-old grandson, the only other person on board, survived and only had minor injuries.

The man was identified as Paul Pangborn of Midland.

The crash happened on 11 Mile Road north of M-20 and south of Olson Road just after 2:45 p.m.

The teen told investigators the helicopter had lifted off, and he felt there may have been a change in the wind. It knocked the helicopter on it's side, broke the rotors and smashed the windshield. The helicopter then went into a tailspin and crashed.

Pangborn later died at the hospital.

The sheriff said Pangborn had flown to his grandson's birthday party and had just picked him up when the crash happened.

The helicopter was a Brantly-Hynes 1965 Model B-2 Single Engine, according to Stephenson.

The Federal Aviation Administration will be taking over the investigation.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.abc12.com





MIDLAND, MI (WNEM) -  A helicopter crashed down in Midland on 11 Mile Rd, north of M20 and south of Olson.

The chopper had two passengers, a 76-year-old grandfather, Paul Pangborn, and his grandson.

The grandfather picked up his grandson in Lee Township for a helicopter ride for his 16th birthday. 

The helicopter was a vintage Brantly Hynes Model 2B, which was made in 1965.

Responders got the call around 3 p.m. on Oct. 1.


Pangborn died in the crash and the grandson was treated at Mid-Michigan Medical Center.

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




MIDLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN -- A helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon in Midland County, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The crash took place around 1:45 p.m. Sunday, October 1st in Midland County. 

Michigan State Police Lt. David Kaiser said the crash occurred north of the city of Midland, north of M-20, and there were two people inside the rotorcraft. 

Officials with the Midland County Sheriff's Office could not be immediately reached for comment on injuries or conditions of those in the helicopter. 

Federal Aviation Administration officials did not provide any further information regarding the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating the incident along with the National Transportation Safety Board and Midland County Sheriff's Office.


Original article and comments ➤ http://www.mlive.com

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