Thursday, November 30, 2017

Piper PA-18-125, N1386A, State of Alaska - Department of Public Safety Alaska Wildlife Troopers: Accident occurred November 29, 2017 near Tatitna, Alaska

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

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


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


http://registry.faa.gov/N1386A  


Analysis 

The pilot reported that he had completed one high- and two low-reconnaissance flights over the snow-covered runway in his tundra-tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane. Before landing, he intended to fly a low pass and drag the main landing gear along the surface of the runway to determine the depth of the snow. He said that, as the main landing gear wheels touched down atop the frozen layer of crusty snow, the wheels broke through, and the airplane's tail began to rise. In an effort to prevent a nose-over, he applied full power, but the airplane subsequently nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and both left and right lift struts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper decision to contact an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a nose-over. 

Findings

Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Snow/slush/ice covered surface - Decision related to condition (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Miscellaneous/other
Nose over/nose down

Location: Nikolai, AK
Accident Number: ANC18CA017
Date & Time: 11/29/2017, 1202 AKS
Registration: N1386A
Aircraft: PIPER PA 18-125
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Public Aircraft 

The pilot said that he had completed one high and two low reconnaissance flights over the snow-covered runway in his tundra tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane. Prior to landing, he intended to fly a low pass and drag the main landing gear along the surface of the runway to determine the depth of the snow, a maneuver commonly known as dragging the landing site. He said that as the main landing gear wheels touched down atop the frozen layer of crusty snow, the wheels broke through, and the airplane's tail began to rise. In an effort to prevent a nose over, he applied full power, but the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the rudder and both left and right lift struts.

The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he would have utilized a flatter approach with increased airspeed similar to a glassy water approach while dragging the airstrip. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 43, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/14/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/14/2017
Flight Time:  8200 hours (Total, all aircraft), 7600 hours (Total, this make and model), 7900 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 80 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N1386A
Model/Series: PA 18-125 125
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18-1219
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/06/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1499 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4321 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: STATE OF ALASKA
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator:  STATE OF ALASKA
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAMC
Observation Time: 2053 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 54 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 330°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: -16°C / -19°C
Lowest Ceiling:  Broken / 10000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 28.98 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: McGrath, AK (PAMC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Anchorage, AK (PALH)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0938 AST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: TATITNA (8KA)
Runway Surface Type: Snow
Airport Elevation: 1490 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Snow
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go

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:  62.293333, -153.361944 (est)

McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, N986AR, Centurion Cargo: Incident occurred November 29, 2017 at Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Sacramento, California

Aircraft on landing, struck the wingtip on the runway.  

http://registry.faa.gov/N986AR

Date: 29-NOV-17
Time: 13:30:00Z
Regis#: N986AR
Aircraft Make: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
Aircraft Model: MD11
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: OTHER
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Aircraft Operator: CENTURION CARGO
Flight Number: KYE948
City: MATHER
State: CALIFORNIA

Southwest Airlines, Boeing 737: Incident occurred November 29, 2017 at Sacramento International Airport (KSMF), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Sacramento, California

Flight SWA158:  Aircraft on departure, sustained birdstrike damage. Returned and landed without incident.

Date: 30-NOV-17
Time: 01:45:00Z
Regis#: SWA158
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: B737
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Flight Number: SWA158
City: SACRAMENTO
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 172N, N172SX: Incident occurred March 02, 2021 and Accident occurred November 20, 2017 at Montgomery Field Airport (KMYF), San Diego, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California

March 02, 2021:  Aircraft veered off the runway and incurred a propeller strike. 

Personal Aviation Inc


Date: 02-MAR-21
Time: 21:30:00Z
Regis#: N172SX
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SAN DIEGO
State: CALIFORNIA
 




Aviation Accident Final Report
- National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Location: San Diego, California
Accident Number: GAA18CA063
Date & Time: November 20, 2017, 11:30 Local
Registration: N172SX
Aircraft: Cessna 172N 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
  
Analysis
  
The pilot reported that, about 2 miles from his destination, he made a left turn to enter the downwind leg for landing when a bird came "out of the sun." The pilot made a hard right turn to avoid the bird and prevent it from coming through the windscreen. The bird subsequently collided with the leading edge of the left wing. The pilot continued to his intended destination without further incident.
  
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing.
  
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
  
Probable Cause and Findings
  
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
An in-flight collision with a bird. 

Findings
  
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on operation
Environmental issues Glare - Effect on personnel

Factual Information
  
History of Flight
  
Approach Birdstrike (Defining event)
  
Pilot Information
  
Certificate: Private 
Age: 21, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 13, 2015
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 17, 2016 Flight Time: (Estimated) 174.1 hours (Total, all aircraft), 44.2 hours (Total, this make and model), 131.3
hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
  
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
  
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N172SX
Model/Series: 172N N 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1979 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17273641
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: Engine
Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 160 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
  
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMYF, 417 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 19:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 114°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: CORONA, CA (AJO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: SAN DIEGO, CA (MYF) 
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 10:45 Local
Type of Airspace: Class C
  
Airport Information
  
Airport: MONTGOMERY-GIBBS EXECUTIVE  MYF
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 427 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28R IFR
Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4577 ft / 150 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Traffic pattern
  
Wreckage and Impact Information
  
Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.817222,-117.142219(est)

Cessna 177RG, N81RP, Dart Sim Inc: Incident occurred November 29, 2017 at Gillespie Field (KSEE), El Cajon, San Diego County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California

Aircraft on landing, struck a bird.

Dart Sim Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N81RP

Date: 29-NOV-17
Time: 19:40:00Z
Regis#: N81RP
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C177
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: EL CAJON
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N474SP, registered to and operated by Goddard Aircraft Club Inc: Accident occurred November 30, 2017 near Freeway Airport (W00), Bowie, Prince George's County, Maryland

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

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

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

Goddard Aircraft Club Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N474SP



Location: Bowie, MD
Accident Number: GAA18CA074
Date & Time: 11/30/2017, 1745 EST
Registration: N474SP
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, during approach to land in night conditions, he noticed that the airspeed displayed on a newly installed electronic flight instrument was reading slightly different than the airspeed indicator. He added that his altitude judgement was affected "by the scarcity of observable objects in the landing area, the "black hole" effect, which was likely worsened by the brightness of the [electronic instrument]". When the pilot looked up from the instrument panel, he saw tree branches approaching. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness during the approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction by the instrument panel during the approach.

Findings

Personnel issues
Situational awareness - Pilot (Cause)
Attention - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/27/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 345 hours (Total, all aircraft), 300 hours (Total, this make and model), 300 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N474SP
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 172S8020
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/08/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5890.1 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: CGS, 48 ft msl
Observation Time: 2246 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 6°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 130°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:

No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Ocean City, MD (OXB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Bowie, MD (W00)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1610 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: FREEWAY (W00)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 168 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2420 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing:  Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

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:  38.945556, -76.773333 (est) Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

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

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

Goddard Aircraft Club Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N474SP

Location: Bowie, MD
Accident Number: GAA18CA074
Date & Time: 11/30/2017, 1745 EST
Registration: N474SP
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, during approach to land in night conditions, he noticed that the airspeed displayed on a newly installed electronic flight instrument was reading slightly different than the airspeed indicator. He added that his altitude judgement was affected "by the scarcity of observable objects in the landing area, the "black hole" effect, which was likely worsened by the brightness of the [electronic instrument]". When the pilot looked up from the instrument panel, he saw tree branches approaching. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/27/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 345 hours (Total, all aircraft), 300 hours (Total, this make and model), 300 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N474SP
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 172S8020
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/08/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5890.1 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: CGS, 48 ft msl
Observation Time: 2246 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 6°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 130°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:

No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Ocean City, MD (OXB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Bowie, MD (W00)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1610 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: FREEWAY (W00)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 168 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2420 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing:  Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

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:  38.945556, -76.773333 (est)



A single-engine plane crashed in a field in Bowie Thursday evening, Maryland State Police said, leaving the pilot injured but alert and able walk out of the woods.

At around 6:20 p.m., police found the Cessna 172 upside down in the trees in the field off Church Road at Fairview Vista Road.

The pilot, Michael Paul Pillsbury, 72, of Washington, D.C., was returning from Ocean City and trying to make the final approach to Freeway Airport, police said. Pillsbury told troopers there was no lighting and he could not see the tree line. The plane hit the tree line, overturned and crashed.

Pillsbury was taken to University of Maryland Prince George’s Hospital Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. No signs of impairment were observed, police said.

There were no other injuries and no signs of fuel leakage or hazardous materials, police said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The plane will remain in the field overnight until arrangements can be made for a salvage company to remove it, police said.


Earlier this month a Marine Corps pilot made an emergency crash landing on the ramp off Interstate 97 near Annapolis. The pilot and two children aboard were not injured. They were returning to Tipton Airport.

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




BOWIE, Md. - A small plane crashed nearby an airport in Prince George’s County Thursday evening, the Federal Aviation Administration says.

According to officials, a Cessna C172 aircraft crashed in a field about a half-mile north of Freeway Airport in Bowie at around 6:20 p.m. The male pilot was the only person onboard the plane.

Maryland State Police say the pilot was returning from Ocean City and was attempting his final approach to the airport when his plane made contact with a tree line causing the aircraft to overturn and crash.

The pilot was alert, responsive and able to walk out of the woods, police say. He was transported to Prince George’s Hospital Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Story, video and photo gallery ➤ http://www.fox5dc.com

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N75919, Treasure Coast Flight Training: Accident occurred November 16, 2017 at Pompano Beach Airpark (KPMP), Broward County, Florida

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Miami, Florida

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

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

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Eagle 64 LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N75919

Location: Pompano, FL
Accident Number: GAA18CA064
Date & Time: 11/16/2017, 1526 EST
Registration: N75919
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing, as the main landing gear touched down, he "felt like [the airplane] hit a[n] uneven section of the runway" and began to porpoise. The pilot was able to remedy the porpoise by using back pressure and he taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident. Subsequently, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Loss of control on ground

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 44, 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 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/29/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/07/2016
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 64 hours (Total, all aircraft), 62 hours (Total, this make and model), 18 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N75919
Model/Series: 172 N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 17268042
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:  
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: Treasure Coast Flight Training
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPMP, 21 ft msl
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 47°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 3900 ft agl
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 21°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 8000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:  8 knots, 360°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:  29.93 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: KEY WEST, FL (EYW)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:  Pompano, FL (PMP)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1400 EST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: POMPANO BEACH AIRPARK (PMP)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 19 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 10
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3502 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  26.248333, -80.110000 (est)

Drone prompts diversion of wildfire surveillance plane

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Forestry officials diverted a surveillance plane from its assigned path because a drone hovered above a northern Arkansas wildfire, prompting them to caution people that airborne efforts to take unique photographs endanger pilots and those working below.

State Forester Joe Fox said Wednesday that he doesn't believe a drone operator deliberately interfered with firefighting efforts in Tuesday's incident, but he is worried that the danger will increase as more hobbyists obtain aircraft.

"When there's a fire, people drive out and want to watch it. It's just a natural curiosity," Fox said. "Drones are new and people are trying to figure out what they'll do."

A months-long drought in Arkansas and Oklahoma has made the landscape ripe for wildfires. More than 270 wildfires have occurred in Arkansas since the start of November, and for the year the state has had nearly 40 square miles burn. In Oklahoma, a single fire in March burned 51 square miles.

Firefighters are known to use drones, too, so they can determine where to move resources while coordinating with pilots to ensure the portable aircraft are out of the sky before larger aircraft arrive.

Mark Goeller, Oklahoma's state fire management chief, said the agency has often found out afterward that a drone was above a wildfire. He said agency officials "maybe see it posted on Facebook or someone tells us."

After a fire chief in Sharp County said Tuesday that a privately owned drone was above a wildfire, the state Forestry Commission diverted a surveillance flight elsewhere to ensure its safety, commission spokeswoman Adriane Barnes said. The state has 13 single-engine planes based at Malvern that are used to detect wildfires in a system that formerly used foresters perched atop fire towers.

"A plane will leave at 10 a.m. and start a pre-routed flight through an area, radioing back to the ground where they see signs of smoke," Barnes said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it works with forestry agencies to warn people about the danger.

"Drones and emergency operations don't mix," FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford of Fort Worth, Texas, wrote in an email.

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

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N5495K, Aerosim Academy Inc: Incident occurred November 29, 2017 at Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB), Orange County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Aircraft on landing, went off the runway into the grass.

Aerosim Academy Inc:  http://registry.faa.gov/N5495K

Date: 29-NOV-17
Time: 14:10:00Z
Regis#: N5495K
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Aircraft Operator: AEROSIM ACADEMY
Flight Number: CONN229
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Take Me Home Huey: Special Vietnam War helicopter in Palm Desert helping veterans heal




PALM DESERT, Calif. - A U.S. Army Huey helicopter that served to transport wounded servicemen during the Vietnam War and was later remade into a sculpture dedicated to those killed in the war will be on display in Palm Desert through the weekend, starting Thursday.

"Take Me Home Huey" will be on display through Monday at Freedom Park, 77400 Country Club Drive.

The sculpture is made from a retired UH-1 Huey helicopter that was shot down during a medical rescue in 1969, killing crew chief Gary Lynn Dubach and medic Stephen Lawrence Schumacher.

Artist Steve Maloney transformed the 47-foot-long helicopter into its current form, serving as a work of art, memorial to fallen soldiers, and vehicle for PTSD awareness.

The sculpture will be installed at Freedom Park this morning and its five-day exhibit will include an opening ceremony Saturday, to be attended by Maloney and Mayor Jan Harnik. The ceremony will also include a screening of the "Take Me Home Huey" documentary, a companion piece to the installation, and an event with veterans and military organizations, food, kids' activities and more.

For Vietnam veteran Gene Hobdy, the helicopter brings back vivid memories.

“When I stand here and look at this, I can smell the flight line and the jet fuel. 2 o' clock a.m. when the flight line lit up like downtown New York," he said.

Its appearance in Palm Desert is not the sculpture's first in the Coachella Valley. It has made previous appearances in Palm Springs, including its debut at the Palm Springs Air Museum in 2015.

More details on the documentary and art piece can be found here.

Story, video and photo ➤ http://www.kesq.com

Robinson R44 II, N744WT, New Orleans Helicopters LLC: Accident occurred November 29, 2017 at Lakefront Airport (KNEW), New Orleans, Louisiana

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; New Orleans, Louisiana

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N744WT

Location: New Orleans, LA

Accident Number: GAA18CA066
Date & Time: 11/29/2017, 1630 CST
Registration: N744WT
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Positioning 

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, while positioning the helicopter on a trailer for maintenance, the helicopter landed on the trailer with the left skid off the platform and the tail rotor struck the ground. The pilot added that the helicopter climbed about 50 ft. and he reduced power. During the descent, the main rotor blade struck the tail boom and the helicopter impacted the pavement.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor blades.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to land the helicopter with both skids on the trailer platform, which resulted in a loss of control. 

Findings

Aircraft
Performance/control parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues 

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Miscellaneous/other (Defining event)

Maneuvering-hover
Loss of control in flight
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Attempted remediation/recovery

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 43, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/01/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/04/2015
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 4670 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3200 hours (Total, this make and model), 4445 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 120 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 43 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N744WT
Model/Series: R44 II
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 11489
Landing Gear Type: Skid;
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer:  LYCOMING
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-AE1A5
Registered Owner: Kevin Contraery
Rated Power: 245 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KNEW, 9 ft msl
Observation Time: 2153 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 328°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 18°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  7 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots, 100°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: New Orleans, LA (NEW)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: New Orleans, LA (NEW)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  CST
Type of Airspace: Class D 

Airport Information

Airport: LAKEFRONT (NEW)
Runway Surface Type: Metal/Wood
Airport Elevation: 7 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  30.040000, -90.022500 (est)