Monday, November 06, 2017

Aerodynamic Stall / Spin: Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N251CH, fatal accident occurred November 04, 2017 near Hatch Municipal Airport (E05), Dona Ana County, New Mexico























Anthony DeRamus, pilot

Christopher Howell

Malcolm Watkins and Kanequa Chancellor

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Lycoming; Chandler, Arizona

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/N251CH



Location: Hatch, NM
Accident Number: CEN18FA024
Date & Time: 11/04/2017, 1630 MDT
Registration: N251CH
Aircraft: CESSNA 172N
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 4 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The private pilot and 3 passengers departed the airport on a return cross-country flight; the wreckage was located the following evening in rugged, desert terrain about 0.56 nautical mile west of the departure end of the runway. About the estimated time of the accident, the reported wind was from 220° at 15 kts gusting to 18 kts, the calculated density altitude was 6,371 ft, and the airplane would have been taking off toward the setting sun. The airplane's estimated takeoff weight was about 25 lbs below its maximum gross weight. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The impact damage to the airplane was consistent with an aerodynamic stall/spin which, given the location of the wreckage relative to the runway, likely occurred during the initial climb after takeoff. It is likely that the airplane's high gross weight, the high density altitude and gusting wind conditions were factors which contributed to the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff. The low airspeed resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.

Toxicology testing of the pilot detected venlafaxine, an antidepressant medication, in liver and blood specimens. There were no documented adverse side effects to the pilot, so it is unlikely that this medication resulted in impairment or incapacitation. An autopsy identified moderate coronary artery disease without angina with 3 stent placements. Whether the pilot experienced impairing symptoms from his cardiovascular condition or if it contributed to the accident could not be determined.

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 airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.

Findings

Aircraft
Aircraft oper/perf/capability - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Airspeed - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Initial climb
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)

Uncontrolled descent

Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

On November 4, 2017, about 1630 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N251CH, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near Hatch Municipal Airport (E05), Hatch, New Mexico. The pilot and three passengers received fatal injuries. The airplane was owned by Caribbean Paradise LLC and was being 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 for the flight, which departed from E05 between 1630 and 1730 and was destined for El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso, Texas. 

The flight departed ELP earlier in the day and landed at E05 about 1300. The pilot and passengers went to a local restaurant in Hatch and had lunch; they were driven back to the airport around 1600. The exact departure time is unknown and there were no witnesses to the accident. The airplane impacted rugged desert terrain about 0.56 nautical mile west of the departure end of runway 29 (4,110 ft by 60 ft, asphalt) at E05. The flight did not return to ELP as expected, and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Alert Notice was issued. The wreckage was not located until about 1700 on November 5, 2017. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 57, 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: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/25/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/23/2016
Flight Time:  140 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

The 57-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate issued on September 23, 2016, with a single-engine land rating. On the application for that certificate, he reported 139.6 total hours of flight experience. The pilot's logbook was not obtained during the course of the investigation. He held a third-class FAA airman medical certificate that was issued on August 25, 2016.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N251CH
Model/Series: 172N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17271075
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5538 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A4M
Registered Owner: CARIBBEAN PARADISE LLC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The four-seat, single-engine airplane, serial number 1727105, was manufactured in 1978. It was equipped with a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360-A4M engine, serial number L-31715-36A, per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA4428SW. The STC engine installation increased the engine horsepower from 160 to 180 horsepower. STC SA2196CE increased the gross weight of the airplane from 2,300 lbs to 2,550 lbs. The engine powered a two-bladed, metal Sensenich propeller.

The estimated weight of the airplane at takeoff was 2,526 lbs, given the following estimated weights:

Aircraft Empty Weight: 1,513 lbs

Pilot/Front Pax: 450 lbs

Rear Pax: 385 lbs

Baggage: 5 lbs

Fuel: 180 lbs (30 gallons x 6 lbs; Total fuel capacity is 40 gallons)

Minus Start/Taxi/Runup Fuel: -7 lbs 



Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLRU, 4456 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 27 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1635 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 148°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 15 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Hatch, NM (E05)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: El Paso, TX (ELP)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1630 MDT
Type of Airspace:

At 1635, the surface weather observation at Las Cruces International Airport (LRU), Las Cruces, New Mexico, located 27 nm south of the accident site, included wind from 220° at 15 kts, gusting to 18 kts; 10 miles visibility; clear skies; temperature 23°C; dew point 6°C; altimeter 30.05 inches of mercury.

On November 4, 2017, sunrise at Hatch, New Mexico, was at 0729 and sunset was at 1815. At 1730, the solar azimuth was 245.54° and the solar elevation was 8.1°.

The elevation at E05 was 4,456 ft. The calculated density altitude at 1635 was 6,371 ft. 



Airport Information

Airport: Hatch Municipal Airport (E05)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4129 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 29
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4110 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.666389, -107.214444 

The on-site examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane impacted terrain in a steep, left-wing-low, nose-down attitude on a 110° heading. A piece of the left wingtip and red navigation lens was found near the initial impact point. The step from the left strut was found 17 ft to the right of the left wingtip's initial impact point. A depression in the sand stretched from the initial impact point to a 5-ft-by-4-ft depression in the sand that was located near the left step. Pieces from the nose of the airplane and engine cowling were found in the depression. A 25-ft skid mark stretched across the sand from the depression to where the engine and propeller were located in front of the main wreckage. The nose of the airplane was aligned on a 020° heading. First responders reported that the tail of the airplane was initially found in a near-vertical position, but it had fallen back down and was resting on the ground.

The left wing exhibited aft crushing of the outboard section of its leading edge. The left wing was buckled and broken about mid-span and the left wing strut was buckled. The left wheel was separated from the left landing gear. The aileron and flap remained attached to the wing. No fuel was found in the left fuel tank and the fuel lines were broken at the wing root. The 25-gallon fuel tank exhibited hydraulic deformation, with the forward section of the fuel tank bulging out and the rear of the tanks sucked in. There were no apparent fuel stains on the sandy soil. 

The right wing exhibited aft crushing of the wingtip. The rest of the wing, including the strut, remained largely intact. The right wheel remained attached to the right landing gear and did not exhibit any impact damage. The aileron and flap remained attached to the wing. No fuel was found in the right fuel tank and the fuel lines were broken at the wing root. The 25-gallon fuel tank exhibited hydraulic deformation, with the forward section of the fuel tank bulging out and the rear of the tanks sucked in. There were no apparent fuel stains on the sandy soil. 

The empennage remained attached to the fuselage and no impact damage was evident to the vertical and horizontal stabilizers or their control surfaces. The airplane's tail was found buckled aft of the rear passengers' seats and offset to the left of the cabin and fuselage. 

The examination of the cabin and engine compartment revealed extensive downward and aft buckling and crushing of the airframe structure. The engine remained attached to the firewall and engine mount. Numerous fractures were observed that were consistent with overload fractures. The engine firewall was bent aft and down. The cockpit exhibited damage consistent with downward and aft crushing and buckling. The fuel strainer was intact. The fuel strainer bowl and screen were clean; however, a light blue rubbery material (similar to RTV blue silicone gasket sealant) was observed around the top of the fuel strainer screen.

The examination of the cockpit revealed that the ignition switch was in the BOTH position, and the master battery and alternator switches were on. The fuel selector handle was found in the BOTH position. The fuel selector valve was found in the off position; however, the shaft for the fuel selector valve exhibited impact damage and was bent. The throttle was found in the full-power position and the throttle cable was still connected to the carburetor. The mixture was in the full-rich position, but the mixture cable was separated at the carburetor. The carburetor heat was in the cold position, but the carburetor air/heat box was crushed from impact forces. Most of the instruments were destroyed; the airspeed indicator needle indicated 46 kts, the altimeter indicated 5,800 ft, the vertical speed indicator indicated a 300 ft-per-minute descent, and the altimeter Kollsman window displayed 29.95. The engine tachometer indicated 300 rpm and displayed 1,232.5 hours of operation.

The elevators, rudder, and flaps exhibited control continuity from the cockpit controls to the control surfaces. Aileron control continuity was established to the left aileron. The right aileron push/pull rod from the wing bellcrank to the aileron was separated, and the rod end was bent and displayed a fracture surface consistent with overload. The flap indicator in the cockpit was in the extended position, but the flap actuator was found in the retracted position.

The engine was separated from the airframe and the propeller was removed from the engine. The crankshaft was rotated by hand utilizing the vacuum pump drive, and thumb compression was obtained in proper firing order. Mechanical continuity of the drivetrain was established during the rotation of the crankshaft. Each of the valve rockers moved in normal order. Cylinder borescope examination revealed no evidence of foreign object ingestion or detonation to any of the cylinders. The left and right magnetos remained secure at their respective mounting pads. The magnetos were removed and produced spark at each lead during hand rotation of the drive. The Champion REM-40E spark plugs remained secure at each cylinder with their respective lead attached. The top spark plugs were removed and exhibited no mechanical damage at each electrode. The coloration was consistent with normal operation. The carburetor was separated from the engine at the mounting flange. The fuel filter inlet screen was free of visible contaminants. The carburetor was opened for examination. The plastic floats remained undamaged and securely mounted. There was no fuel observed, and there were no visible contaminants observed in the bowl. The air filter was crushed. There were no foreign objects observed in the carburetor air passage.

The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange. The flange exhibited impact damage and was bent, and the metal spinner was crushed. The blades remained intact. One propeller blade exhibited significant leading-edge damage, chordwise striations, trailing edge "S" bending and torsional twisting. The opposing blade exhibited leading edge damage and moderate chordwise striations. The signatures were consistent with rotational energy at the time of impact. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Office of the Medical Investigator, Albuquerque, New Mexico, performed an autopsy of the pilot. The cause of death was from multiple blunt force injuries. The autopsy identified moderate coronary artery disease without angina with 3 stent placements.

Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory detected no carbon monoxide in blood and no ethanol in vitreous. The testing indicated 2.206 (µg/mL, µg/g) desmethylvenlafaxine (O-) in the liver; 0.856 (µg/mL, µg/g) desmethylvenlafaxine (O-) in the blood; 0.575 (µg/mL, ug/g) venlafaxine in liver; and 0.252 (µg/mL, µg/g) venlafaxine in blood. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication. Desmethylvenlafaxine is a metabolite of venlafaxine. 

Additional Information

According to the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B) Chapter 10, Weight and Balance, excessive weight reduces flight performance in almost every respect. Some of the most important performance deficiencies of an overloaded aircraft include higher takeoff speed, longer takeoff run, reduced rate and angle of climb, and higher stalling speed.

FAA Pamphlet 8740-2, Density Altitude, states that an increase in density altitude results in increased takeoff distance and reduced rate of climb. Additionally, at density altitude above 5,000 ft, it is necessary to lean normally aspirated engines for maximum takeoff power; otherwise, the excessively rich fuel/air mixture is another detriment to overall performance.


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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Lycoming; Chandler, 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/N251CH

Location: Hatch, NM
Accident Number: CEN18FA024
Date & Time: 11/04/2017, 1630 MDT
Registration: N251CH
Aircraft: CESSNA 172N
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 4 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 4, 2017, about 1630 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N251CH, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near Hatch Municipal Airport (E05), Hatch, New Mexico. The pilot and three passengers received fatal injuries. The airplane was owned by Caribbean Paradise LLC and was being 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 for the flight, which departed from E05 between 1630 and 1730 and was destined for El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso, Texas. 

The flight departed ELP earlier in the day and landed at E05 about 1300. The pilot and passengers went to a local restaurant in Hatch and had lunch; they were driven back to the airport around 1600. The exact departure time is unknown and there were no witnesses to the accident. The airplane impacted rugged desert terrain about 0.56 nautical mile west of the departure end of runway 29 (4,110 ft by 60 ft, asphalt) at E05. The flight did not return to ELP as expected, and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Alert Notice was issued. The wreckage was not located until about 1700 on November 5, 2017. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 57, 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: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/25/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/23/2016
Flight Time:  140 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

The 57-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate issued on September 23, 2016, with a single-engine land rating. On the application for that certificate, he reported 139.6 total hours of flight experience. The pilot's logbook was not obtained during the course of the investigation. He held a third-class FAA airman medical certificate that was issued on August 25, 2016.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N251CH
Model/Series: 172N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17271075
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5538 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A4M
Registered Owner: CARIBBEAN PARADISE LLC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The four-seat, single-engine airplane, serial number 1727105, was manufactured in 1978. It was equipped with a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360-A4M engine, serial number L-31715-36A, per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA4428SW. The STC engine installation increased the engine horsepower from 160 to 180 horsepower. STC SA2196CE increased the gross weight of the airplane from 2,300 lbs to 2,550 lbs. The engine powered a two-bladed, metal Sensenich propeller.

The estimated weight of the airplane at takeoff was 2,526 lbs, given the following estimated weights:

Aircraft Empty Weight: 1,513 lbs

Pilot/Front Pax: 450 lbs

Rear Pax: 385 lbs

Baggage: 5 lbs

Fuel: 180 lbs (30 gallons x 6 lbs; Total fuel capacity is 40 gallons)

Minus Start/Taxi/Runup Fuel: -7 lbs 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLRU, 4456 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 27 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1635 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 148°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 15 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Hatch, NM (E05)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: El Paso, TX (ELP)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1630 MDT
Type of Airspace:

At 1635, the surface weather observation at Las Cruces International Airport (LRU), Las Cruces, New Mexico, located 27 nm south of the accident site, included wind from 220° at 15 kts, gusting to 18 kts; 10 miles visibility; clear skies; temperature 23°C; dew point 6°C; altimeter 30.05 inches of mercury.

On November 4, 2017, sunrise at Hatch, New Mexico, was at 0729 and sunset was at 1815. At 1730, the solar azimuth was 245.54° and the solar elevation was 8.1°.

The elevation at E05 was 4,456 ft. The calculated density altitude at 1635 was 6,371 ft. 

Airport Information

Airport: Hatch Municipal Airport (E05)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4129 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 29
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4110 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.666389, -107.214444 

The on-site examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane impacted terrain in a steep, left-wing-low, nose-down attitude on a 110° heading. A piece of the left wingtip and red navigation lens was found near the initial impact point. The step from the left strut was found 17 ft to the right of the left wingtip's initial impact point. A depression in the sand stretched from the initial impact point to a 5-ft-by-4-ft depression in the sand that was located near the left step. Pieces from the nose of the airplane and engine cowling were found in the depression. A 25-ft skid mark stretched across the sand from the depression to where the engine and propeller were located in front of the main wreckage. The nose of the airplane was aligned on a 020° heading. First responders reported that the tail of the airplane was initially found in a near-vertical position, but it had fallen back down and was resting on the ground.

The left wing exhibited aft crushing of the outboard section of its leading edge. The left wing was buckled and broken about mid-span and the left wing strut was buckled. The left wheel was separated from the left landing gear. The aileron and flap remained attached to the wing. No fuel was found in the left fuel tank and the fuel lines were broken at the wing root. The 25-gallon fuel tank exhibited hydraulic deformation, with the forward section of the fuel tank bulging out and the rear of the tanks sucked in. There were no apparent fuel stains on the sandy soil. 

The right wing exhibited aft crushing of the wingtip. The rest of the wing, including the strut, remained largely intact. The right wheel remained attached to the right landing gear and did not exhibit any impact damage. The aileron and flap remained attached to the wing. No fuel was found in the right fuel tank and the fuel lines were broken at the wing root. The 25-gallon fuel tank exhibited hydraulic deformation, with the forward section of the fuel tank bulging out and the rear of the tanks sucked in. There were no apparent fuel stains on the sandy soil. 

The empennage remained attached to the fuselage and no impact damage was evident to the vertical and horizontal stabilizers or their control surfaces. The airplane's tail was found buckled aft of the rear passengers' seats and offset to the left of the cabin and fuselage. 

The examination of the cabin and engine compartment revealed extensive downward and aft buckling and crushing of the airframe structure. The engine remained attached to the firewall and engine mount. Numerous fractures were observed that were consistent with overload fractures. The engine firewall was bent aft and down. The cockpit exhibited damage consistent with downward and aft crushing and buckling. The fuel strainer was intact. The fuel strainer bowl and screen were clean; however, a light blue rubbery material (similar to RTV blue silicone gasket sealant) was observed around the top of the fuel strainer screen.

The examination of the cockpit revealed that the ignition switch was in the BOTH position, and the master battery and alternator switches were on. The fuel selector handle was found in the BOTH position. The fuel selector valve was found in the off position; however, the shaft for the fuel selector valve exhibited impact damage and was bent. The throttle was found in the full-power position and the throttle cable was still connected to the carburetor. The mixture was in the full-rich position, but the mixture cable was separated at the carburetor. The carburetor heat was in the cold position, but the carburetor air/heat box was crushed from impact forces. Most of the instruments were destroyed; the airspeed indicator needle indicated 46 kts, the altimeter indicated 5,800 ft, the vertical speed indicator indicated a 300 ft-per-minute descent, and the altimeter Kollsman window displayed 29.95. The engine tachometer indicated 300 rpm and displayed 1,232.5 hours of operation.

The elevators, rudder, and flaps exhibited control continuity from the cockpit controls to the control surfaces. Aileron control continuity was established to the left aileron. The right aileron push/pull rod from the wing bellcrank to the aileron was separated, and the rod end was bent and displayed a fracture surface consistent with overload. The flap indicator in the cockpit was in the extended position, but the flap actuator was found in the retracted position.

The engine was separated from the airframe and the propeller was removed from the engine. The crankshaft was rotated by hand utilizing the vacuum pump drive, and thumb compression was obtained in proper firing order. Mechanical continuity of the drivetrain was established during the rotation of the crankshaft. Each of the valve rockers moved in normal order. Cylinder borescope examination revealed no evidence of foreign object ingestion or detonation to any of the cylinders. The left and right magnetos remained secure at their respective mounting pads. The magnetos were removed and produced spark at each lead during hand rotation of the drive. The Champion REM-40E spark plugs remained secure at each cylinder with their respective lead attached. The top spark plugs were removed and exhibited no mechanical damage at each electrode. The coloration was consistent with normal operation. The carburetor was separated from the engine at the mounting flange. The fuel filter inlet screen was free of visible contaminants. The carburetor was opened for examination. The plastic floats remained undamaged and securely mounted. There was no fuel observed, and there were no visible contaminants observed in the bowl. The air filter was crushed. There were no foreign objects observed in the carburetor air passage.

The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange. The flange exhibited impact damage and was bent, and the metal spinner was crushed. The blades remained intact. One propeller blade exhibited significant leading-edge damage, chordwise striations, trailing edge "S" bending and torsional twisting. The opposing blade exhibited leading edge damage and moderate chordwise striations. The signatures were consistent with rotational energy at the time of impact. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Office of the Medical Investigator, Albuquerque, New Mexico, performed an autopsy of the pilot. The cause of death was from multiple blunt force injuries. The autopsy identified moderate coronary artery disease without angina with 3 stent placements.

Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory detected no carbon monoxide in blood and no ethanol in vitreous. The testing indicated 2.206 (µg/mL, µg/g) desmethylvenlafaxine (O-) in the liver; 0.856 (µg/mL, µg/g) desmethylvenlafaxine (O-) in the blood; 0.575 (µg/mL, ug/g) venlafaxine in liver; and 0.252 (µg/mL, µg/g) venlafaxine in blood. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication. Desmethylvenlafaxine is a metabolite of venlafaxine. 

Additional Information

According to the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B) Chapter 10, Weight and Balance, excessive weight reduces flight performance in almost every respect. Some of the most important performance deficiencies of an overloaded aircraft include higher takeoff speed, longer takeoff run, reduced rate and angle of climb, and higher stalling speed.


FAA Pamphlet 8740-2, Density Altitude, states that an increase in density altitude results in increased takeoff distance and reduced rate of climb. Additionally, at density altitude above 5,000 ft, it is necessary to lean normally aspirated engines for maximum takeoff power; otherwise, the excessively rich fuel/air mixture is another detriment to overall performance.

NTSB Identification: CEN18FA024
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 04, 2017 in Hatch, NM
Aircraft: CESSNA 172N, registration: N251CH
Injuries: 4 Fatal.

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 November 4, 2017, about 1630 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N251CH, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near the Hatch Municipal Airport (E05), Hatch, NM. The pilot and three passengers received fatal injuries. The airplane was owned by Caribbean Paradise LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The estimated departure time from E05 was between 1630 to 1730, and the destination was the El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso, Texas. 

The flight departed ELP earlier in the day and landed at E05 about 1300. The pilot and passengers went to a local restaurant in Hatch and had lunch, and they were driven back to the airport around 1600. The exact departure time is unknown and there were no witnesses to the accident. The airplane impacted rugged desert terrain located about 0.56 nautical miles (nm) west of the departure end of runway 29 (4,110 ft by 60 ft, asphalt) at E05. The flight did not return to ELP as expected, and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Alert Notice (ALNOT) was issued. The airplane wreckage was not located until 1700 on November 5, 2017.

At 1635, the surface weather observation at the Las Cruces International Airport (LRU), Las Cruces, New Mexico, located 27 nm south of the accident site, was wind 220 degrees at 15 kts, gusting to 18 kts; 10 miles visibility; skies clear; temperature 23 degrees C; dew point 6 degrees C; altimeter 30.05 inches of mercury.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N251CH
Model/Series: 172N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
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: KLRU, 4456 ft msl
Observation Time: 1635 MDT
Distance from Accident Site: 27 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 15 knots/ 18 knots, 220°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:  None
Departure Point: Hatch, NM (E05)
Destination: El Paso, TX (ELP)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:   32.666389, -107.214444



Anthony DeRamus 

The four occupants have been identified as
Anthony Deramus, 57, of El Paso, Texas
Christopher Howell, 33, of  El Paso, Texas
Kanequa Chancellor, 41, of El Paso, Texas
Malcolm Watkins,  25, of Waxahachie, Texas

Christopher Howell

EL PASO, Texas - ​​​​​Members of Destiny Family Christian Center in El Paso are devastated after a plane crash near Hatch, New Mexico claimed the lives of four beloved members, including three pastors.

Anthony Deramus, Christopher Howell, Kanequa Chancellor and Malcolm Watkins were killed after the aircraft they were in went down, approximately 300 meters northwest of the Hatch airport. 

New Mexico State Police told ABC-7 investigators responded to the downed aircraft at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday. All four people inside were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. 

According to Adele Johnson, co-pastor at Destiny Family Christian Center, all four people inside were active and long-time members of the church. 

Johnson said Chancellor was a young adult pastor and a member of the church for decades. She said she came to El Paso on a scholarship for UTEP basketball's team. 

"A pillar in our community, and we are really devastated," Johnson said. 

Johnson said Howell was also a minister at the church, and Deramus, the pilot, was a deacon. She said Watkins was Chancellor's cousin and lived with her. 

"She was giving him a new lease on life," Johnson said. "All of them were very generous very active members, not just in our church but in the community."

Johnson said the four were taking a plane ride to Hatch to celebrate Chancellor's 41's birthday. 

"Their plan was to have dinner in Hatch and come right back and be in service Sunday morning," Johnson said. "She'd asked me to make her a cake for her birthday. Her favorite red velvet.  I brought it to church and texted her, 'the cake is in my office' and never got a response. I texted her 'are you here?', and never got a response. Then learned subsequently that they were missing." 

Johnson said the crash happened between 5 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, around the time they were set to be leaving Hatch and going back to El Paso. She said they were told a distress signal was sent out at around that same time Saturday. She is still unsure why it took so long to find them. 


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




HATCH - Federal authorities on Monday visited the scene of a plane crash that killed four people just outside of Hatch over the weekend.

The incident is the second fatal plane crash in Doña Ana County in a month's span.

The plane crashed Saturday, but it wasn't found until Sunday after a search had been initiated because the group had gone missing, according to village of Hatch officials.

New Mexico State Police identified the crash victims four Texas residents who'd been traveling to Hatch to celebrate a birthday of a member of their group: Anthony Deramus, 57, of El Paso; Christopher Howell, 33, of El Paso; Kanequa Chancellor, 41, of El Paso; and Malcolm Watkins, 25, of Waxahachie, Texas. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The fixed-wing, single engine Cessna aircraft crashed in the desert near the Hatch Municipal Airport. The crash site is north of N.M. Hwy. 26, about three miles west of downtown Hatch.

Village of Hatch Clerk Pat Banegas said authorities discovered the downed plane Sunday.

"State police were searching with their helicopter and their vehicles, and the helicopter located them (the victims)," he said.

Under investigation

State police said the cause of the crash is under investigation by federal aviation authorities. Banegas said he wasn't aware of any other fatal crashes that had happened near the Hatch airport in recent history.

Banegas said the community of Hatch is extending its sympathies to relatives of the people who died.

"We certainly feel for the family," he said.

The Hatch airport features a paved runway, rebuilt in the year 2000, that totals 4,110 feet in length, according to the village's website. The airport is adjacent to the Hatch fairgrounds, the site of the renowned yearly chile festival that draws thousands of visitors to the small community each Labor Day weekend.

Monday, the crumpled plane was seen a few thousand feet from one end of the Hatch airport runway.

Officials didn't immediately have information about the number of take-offs and landings that happen at the airport. Banegas said traffic is fairly light on the weekends.

"We'll have two to three planes a day on Saturday or Sunday," he said.

The bodies of the victims were removed from the plane Monday morning.

Federal authorities arrive

Federal authorities, assisted by village of Hatch officials, were seen arriving at the crash site Monday afternoon. A state police officer was stationed near the site to keep it secure.

Alma Arguelles, a waitress at Valley Café in Hatch, said she was in disbelief that four people had died in the incident.

"That's crazy — you never think that would happen here," she said. "That's so sad."

Arguelles said she once worked at at different restaurant in the village and served some patrons there who'd regularly fly in to Hatch from El Paso to eat chile-infused food.

"We have a lot of travelers that come through here," she said.

The victims were part of the same El Paso congregation. And one of the victims, Kanequa Chancellor — a former member of the University of Texas at El Paso women's basketball team in the 1990s — had said she was traveling to Hatch to celebrate her 41st birthday.

Hatch resident Bertha Torres said she doesn't recall any other fatal plane crashes in Hatch in recent history.

"Any time you lose somebody in a tragedy like that — it's just so sad," she said. "I just feel so bad for that poor family."

Other crashes

This weekend's incident marks the second fatal plane crash in Doña Ana County in the last month. On Oct. 12, Morris Doug Newton, 77, of Las Cruces and David Glenn Hancock, 67, of El Paso died in a plane crash roughly four miles northeast of the Las Cruces International Airport.

In addition, three other fatal crashes have occurred in Doña Ana County in recent years:

In August 2014, a Cessna 421C crashed just after takeoff. Killed were the pilot, 29-year-old Freddy Martinez of El Paso, Fredrick Green, 59, a Las Cruces man being transported for cancer treatment; flight paramedic Tauren Summers, 27, of El Paso; and flight nurse Monica Chavez, 35, of Las Cruces. The crash was later attributed to a fueling error.

In November 2014, Tyler Francis, 29, the pilot and only occupant of a home-built Ross Vans Aircraft RV-3, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash near the airport. Francis owned Francis Aviation.

In August 2015, David Tokoph, 64, died from injuries sustained in a plane crash at the Las Cruces airport. Tokoph lived in El Paso and held an international flight speed record.

Original article can be found here ➤  http://www.lcsun-news.com


Hatch,NM/Dona Ana County (KTSM) - New Mexico State Police report four people, including three from El Paso, were killed in a plane crash just outside of Hatch, NM.


Around 5:30 p.m. on November 5, 2017, New Mexico State Police responded to a downed aircraft call in Dona Ana County, approximately 300 meters northwest of the Hatch airport.  


Officers located the sight of the crash and reported a Cessna 172N had crashed.


All four passengers were pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator and have been identified as:


Anthony Deramus (57) of El Paso, TX.

Christopher Howell (33) of  El Paso, TX.
Kanequa Chancellor (41) of El Paso, TX.
Malcolm Watkins ( 25) of Waxahachie, TX.

The cause of the crash is still unknown at this time. The Federal Aviation Administration was contacted and will be arriving today to conduct an investigation into the cause and nature of the crash. 


KTSM has confirmed the three El Pasoans killed in the crash were all members of Destiny Christian Church in Northeast El Paso. Chancellor served as College Youth Pastor and Deramus was a Deacon at the church. Chancellor was also a former UTEP women's basketball player in the late 90's. 


Social media posts by Chancellor and Howell indicate that the group had borrowed a plane to fly Chancellor around the city and to Sparky's in Hatch for lunch as part of a birthday celebration for her. 


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

The group of people killed in a plane crash near Hatch, N.M., this weekend, including a former UTEP student-athlete, were members of the same El Paso church.


New Mexico State Police responded to reports of a downed aircraft near the Hatch airport at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Officers located the site of the crash and reported a fixed-wing, single engine Cessna aircraft had crashed with four people inside. It was unclear Monday exactly when the plane crashed.


Among the dead was Kanequa Chancellor, 41, of El Paso, who played on the University of Texas at El Paso women's basketball team in the 1990s and worked as a career coordinator for the Clint Independent School District. She also had a motivational blog on YouTube where she sweetly touts her love of El Paso, UTEP, her faith and animals.


“She was such a joy to be around, she really cared about people," former UTEP women's basketball coach Sandra Rushing said about Chancellor. "She was a tremendous athlete, she’d do anything you ask her to do. She was special. You see these freshmen come in, they are young girls, they leave women. I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to coach her, so very fortunate.”


On Saturday, Chancellor posted a five-minute video on her Facebook page where she’s seen flying through the city celebrating her birthday.


“I know it's loud, but it’s my birthday flight,” she said in the video posted shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday, adding the group was near Vado and headed toward Hatch.


The others who died in the crash have been identified as Anthony Deramus, 57, of El Paso; Christopher Howell, 33, of El Paso; and Malcolm Watkins, 25, of Waxahachie, Texas.


The cause of the crash is still unknown at this time. The Federal Aviation Administration was contacted and was expected to arrive Monday to conduct an investigation into the cause and nature of the crash.


Chancellor and the other occupants of the plane were members of Destiny Family Christian Center in Northeast El Paso, where she served as a young adult pastor.


"We are all heartbroken," church co-pastor Adele Johnson told the El Paso Times.


She described Chancellor, Deramus, Howell and Watkins as people who lived to give and serve others.


“We are all heartbroken ... She became family to us. Her church was her family.”

pastor Adele Johnson

Johnson said Chancellor had been a member of the church for more than 20 years — since she came to El Paso on a scholarship to play for UTEP. 

"She became family to us. Her church was her family," Johnson said.


Johnson said she last saw Chancellor at church on Wednesday, and said she was excited about her trip to Hatch to celebrate her 41st birthday.


"She told me she was going to a restaurant in Hatch, N.M., where she was going to get some chile. She loved chile," Johnson said.


Malcolm Watkins was Chancellor’s cousin. He had moved to El Paso from Dallas and was living with Chancellor, Johnson said.


Chancellor had asked Johnson to make her a cake for her birthday. When Johnson arrived to church on Sunday morning, she texted Chancellor to let her know that her cake was in her office. However, she never got a response, Johnson said. She later learned the group had gone missing.


Deramus was a longtime deacon at the church.


"He was like family as well," Johnson said. "He loved to serve with his hands. He used to do electrical work at the church. He installed the cameras at the sanctuary."


Christopher Howell was also a minister at the church. He worked with children and young adults.


"The kids really loved him," Johnson said. 


A service in memory of the plane crash victims will take place at 7 p.m. Monday at Destiny Family Christian Center, 9615 Dyer Street.


With her church, Chancellor participated with a nonprofit organization that repaired homes of the impoverished across the city in 2011.


“We serve because I believe we’re blessed to be a blessing,” she told the El Paso Times at the time. “Christ always cared for those in need, so we’re really just following his example.”



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

HATCH, N.M. -- New Mexico State Police say a small plane crashed about 300 meters northwest of the airport in Hatch, killing four people on board.


NMSP officer Carl Christiansen said they found the wreckage of a fixed-wing, single-engine Cessna after receiving the call around 5:30 p.m. Sunday. All four people were pronounced dead at the scene.


The victims are identified as 57-year-old Anthony Deramus, 33-year-old Christopher Howell, 41-year-old Kanequa Chancellor and 25-year-old Malcolm Watkins. They are all from Texas.


Authorities do not yet know what caused the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate.


Story and video 
 http://www.kob.com

LAS CRUCES  - State officials are reporting four people were killed Sunday in a plane crash near Hatch. 


According to a release from New Mexico State Police, officers responded around 5:30 p.m. to reports of a downed aircraft roughly 300 meters northwest of the Hatch airport. Officers reported a fixed-wing, single engine Cessna aircraft crashed with four people inside. All were pronounced dead at the scene.  


The four occupants have been identified as Anthony Deramus, 57, of El Paso; Christopher Howell, 33, of  El Paso; Kanequa Chancellor, 41, of El Paso; and Malcolm Watkins,  25, of Waxahachie, Texas.


The cause of the crash is unknown, police report.


The Federal Aviation Administration was to arrive Monday to conduct an investigation, police said.


Sunday's incident marks the second fatal plane crash in Doña Ana County in the last month. On Oct. 12, Morris Doug Newton, 77, of Las Cruces and David Glenn Hancock, 67, of El Paso died in a plane crash roughly four miles northeast of the Las Cruces International Airport.


Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.lcsun-news.com


HATCH, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico State Police are investigating the scene of a plane crash that happened near the Hatch airport Sunday evening.


According to NMSP, officers located the sight of the crash and reported that a fixed-wing, single-engine Cessna aircraft had crashed around 5:30 p.m.


Four occupants were found at the scene but were pronounced deceased.


The Office of the Medical Investigator identified the victims as 57-year-old Anthony Deramus, 33-year-old Christopher Howell and 41-year-old Kanequa Chancellor who were all from El Paso, Texas. Malcolm Watkins, 25, from Waxahachie, Texas also died in the crash.


At this time the cause of the crash is still unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently conducting an investigation into the cause and nature of the crash.


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

16 comments:

  1. Aircraft weight and balance?

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  2. Four adults on a Cessna 172? Let me guess, over max gross takeoff weight and CG way aft. Lucky they were able to fly 1000 ft.

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  3. BINGO! These guys (above commenters) get it!

    Fly safe, train often.

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  4. What they should have been flying in is the Piper Malibu Mirage that was parked next to their 172 at KELP on Saturday's departure.

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  5. No skid marks, straight in, nose down and tail crumpled axially.

    Almost always fatal to everyone.

    Even if this aircraft was (possibly) overloaded it flew before crashing and control should have been maintained.

    This is why I prefer fixed wing aircraft. You can still glide to the ground under control if the engine quits or other issue. Airplanes have numbers and we must not fail to fly them. An airplane in a turn has higher minimum controllable air-speeds. It is flying 101 stuff.

    Sad to see.

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  6. Above poster = spot–on. Thanks :)

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  7. Wonder if the pilot has ever flown with just two full grown adults. The dramatic decrease in performance with only those two pax should have been enough to warn against carrying any more than that in the future.

    Sad stuff.

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  8. FlightAware lists as a 172N (160 horse if I remember right); Hatch field elevation about 4100. Four adults and maybe some day bags, not what that airplane was meant to do. Just my opinion (5500 hr ATP, mostly 135)

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  9. Same people— to local restaurant for dinner in neighboring state— -incident was upon return flight. Bags inconvievable, what? Extra weight from bellies being too full?

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  10. ^ That is the problem with people like you. You break the rules and get away with it once, so you think you can do it again. I hope I don't read about your fatal accident in a overloaded 172 one of these days.

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  11. In the video from facebook those people are HUGE! Four of them in a 172? Weight/Balance/CG? Wow. Pilot barely has any room to move.

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  12. Aviation is unforgiving when bad decisions are made:
    1. Fairly low time pilot
    2. Overloaded aircraft with CG towards the aft end of the envelope
    3. Density altitude factors
    4. Gusty winds

    Result is yet again another needless tragedy. Condolences and prayers to the families.

    'nuf said.

    40+ year GA pilot.

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  13. They took off to the NW. El Paso is SE. The pilot may have started banking to turn towards El Paso and gotten below stall speed for the bank angle.

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  14. I'll bet she flew at or near ground effect the entire (short) flight. After she realized the plane wasn't going to climb, she may have tried to turn back.

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  15. carrying people and not filing flight plan - yes i know VFR right ? - just for SAR's sake is very sad. who knows, maybe somebody could have survived if found earlier.

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  16. 4 adults at 200 lb+ each on average so 800 lb. Now add whatever else they dragged from the town to bring back.
    Later in the day too when density altitude peaks around 3-5 PM with heated ground and convective current aplenty.
    Afternoons in the high desert also has its share of extra windy on the side.

    It all goes to prove that the conditions one experience upon landing on a field can change significantly by the time to leave... alas ignored due to complacency and get there-ithis.

    I expect the probable cause to be a mixture of CG non compliance and a combo of weather related factors. Unless an engine failure happened right on takeoff to exacerbate the already precarious conditions.

    Had they waited until the evening when winds die down and temps drop a lot to lower the DA things might have turned ordinary and unstatistical.

    ReplyDelete