Sunday, February 12, 2017

2 beam laser light at sheriff’s helicopter, both arrested

Two men suspected of lighting up a Riverside County sheriff’s helicopter with a laser device were arrested, deputies said Sunday.

At about 7:10 p.m. Friday, the pilot of the helicopter reported that the cockpit was “illuminated several times by a high-powered laser device from a distance of one mile away,” according to Sgt. Mike Koehler.

Deputies later located the suspects near the intersection of Heacock Street and John F. Kennedy Drive, and identified them as Fernando Flores, 30, and Jesus Ceniceros-Acosta, 33, both residents of  Perris, Koehler said.

A laser pointing device capable of casting a beam of light approximately 1.5 miles was allegedly found in their possession, deputies said.

Both men were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and were being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Source:  http://mynewsla.com

Incident occurred February 12, 2017 at Bishop International Airport (KFNT), Flint, Genesee County, Michigan

FLINT, MI -- A Delta Airlines flight landed safely after an alert went out Sunday afternoon for a plane with an issue coming into Bishop Airport.

Flint Township police responded and firefighters were placed on alert around 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12 for the incident. A Flint Township fire official said the call was for an alert 2.

Alert 2 signifies an aircraft "known or is suspected to have an operational defect that affects normal flight operations to the extent that there is danger of an accident," according to an emergency guidebook for general aviation airports.

Pat Corfman, spokeswoman for Bishop, said Delta flight 4642 was on its way to Flint from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota with 28 people on board. No one was injured during the incident.

A message left with Delta Airlines by MLive-Flint seeking comment on the issue was not immediately returned Sunday afternoon. 

Source: http://www.mlive.com

Cessna 172S Skyhawk, registered to American Aviation Academy Inc and operated by the company, N2179L: Fatal accident occurred February 12, 2017 in Ramona, San Diego County, California

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: San Diego, California
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Lycoming Engines; Phoenix, 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/N2179L


Location: Ramona, CA
Accident Number: WPR17FA063
Date & Time: 02/12/2017, 1410 PST
Registration: N2179L
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On February 12, 2017, about 1410 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172S airplane, N2179L, impacted terrain while maneuvering near the Pamo Valley about 5 miles north of Ramona, California. The flight instructor and the student pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to American Aviation Academy, Inc, Gillespie, California, and operated by the company under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight, which originated from Gillespie Field Airport (SEE), Gillespie, California about 1325.

A witness saw the airplane flying northbound from his home located in the Pamo Valley, about 1 mile southwest of the accident site. The witness watched as the airplane turned and flew straight towards his location. The airplane passed over the witness about 100-150 ft above ground level (agl) when he made "eye contact" with the pilot. After the airplane passed by, the witness heard the "full acceleration of the engine" as it flew towards the mountain to the east of the witness's location. He watched as the airplane turned towards the northeast; he then lost sight of it over a ridge.

The flight instructor reported that this was his third instructional flight of the day. The passenger was a student pilot who joined the flight when her own instructional flight was cancelled. During the preflight of the airplane, the passenger was added to the company's manifest, and she sat in the rear right seat. The student pilot and the flight instructor were seated in the forward left and right seats respectively. The flight instructor reported they performed the usual protocols before the engine start up until prior to takeoff. They departed a practice area about 8 miles north of Ramona and performed flight training maneuvers.

After departing the practice area, they performed a simulated engine failure maneuver over Pamo Valley about 1.5 miles west of the accident site. According to the flight instructor, the maneuver was completed at least 700 ft agl, and the student pilot advanced the throttle to full power and turned left about 90° to an east heading, toward rising terrain. The flight instructor stated that the gauges all read normal, but the airplane could not outclimb the rising terrain ahead. He verified that all settings were normal and took over the controls from the student pilot. The flight instructor stated that he could not turn left or right due to the rising terrain on both sides and decided to stay centered over the narrow and wooded ravine that ascended the mountain. He stated that he had no choice but to crash the airplane. He further stated that before impacting terrain, he brought back the throttle halfway then advanced it to full power to cushion the impact with the trees. The airplane came to rest upright. The flight instructor was able to unbuckle his seatbelt but had to cut the student pilot's seatbelt to free him. After examining the passenger, he realized that her seatbelt was not latched and that she was fatally injured. First responders arrived on scene about an hour after the accident.

According to the student pilot, while flying south over Pamo Valley, the flight instructor told him to turn left toward the east. He looked up and said "mountain, mountain." The flight instructor then took control of the airplane saying, "I have control, I have the plane." The student stated that the airplane was running fine and that there were no power output problems. According to the student, the flight instructor said, "I will show you performance like Big Bear," added full power, leaned the mixture, flew straight for 5 seconds, and then said an expletive shortly before the airplane crashed into the mountain.

A personal electronic device was recovered from the airplane and revealed the accident flight track data was obtained from the ForeFlight application on the device. The track data depicted the airplane departing SEE and performing maneuvers between 2,000 and 5,100 ft agl in a practice area about 5 miles west of the accident site. The airplane departed the practice area to the east and made multiple turns over Pamo Valley, descending to about 285 ft agl. The airplane then climbed and turned east entering an area of terrain that rose in front and on both sides of the airplane. The track continued to climb for about 1 minute 5 seconds, about 584 ft, before reaching the accident site. Refer to Figure 1.


Figure 1-Aerial View of Accident Flight Track



PERSONNEL INFORMATION


The flight instructor held commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates with airplane single- and multi-engine land and instrument ratings. He was issued an FAA second-class airman medical certificate on March 30, 2016, with no limitations. According to the operator, the flight instructor had accumulated 954 total hours of flight experience, of which 649 hours were as a flight instructor. He had accumulated 195 hours as an instructor in the accident make and model airplane and had flown 190 hours in the last 90 days.

The student pilot had accumulated 71 total hours of flight experience , all in the accident airplane make and model. He was issued an FAA first-class airmen medical certificate on August 24, 2016.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION


The four-seat, high-wing airplane, serial number 17259633, was manufactured in 2004. It was powered by a Continental Motors IO-360-L2A engine. According to the operator, the last 100-hour inspection was completed on February 1, 2017, at which time the engine had accumulated about 1,000 hours since major overhaul and the airframe had accumulated 8,564 hours of total time.

The operator reported that the airplane was topped off with fuel before departing on the accident flight and calculated the airplane's weight at 2,363 pounds at the time of the accident.

According to the airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), when flying at the airplane's maximum certificated gross weight of 2,550 pounds, under standard conditions, with no flaps and full throttle, at 2,000 ft mean seal level (msl) and, 73 knots indicated airspeed, the airplane's maximum rate of climb is 625 ft per minute.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

At 1353, Ramona Airport (RNM), Ramona, California, elevation 1,395ft, located 5 miles south of the accident site, reported wind 300° at 10 knots, visibility 10 miles or greater, scattered clouds at 3,000 ft agl, temperature 21°C, dew point 8°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.99 inches of mercury.

Based on the RNM wind, the climb to the east from Pamo Valley would have had an approximate 10 knot left-quartering tailwind. Local temperature, humidity, and elevation conditions at the time of the accident resulted in a density altitude of about 2,300 ft.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The accident site, at an elevation of 1,869 ft, was located on the southeast side of Black Mountain, which has an elevation of 4,051 ft at the summit. The elevations of the surrounding peaks are near 4,000 ft.

Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane impacted a large tree in steep terrain. The tree penetrated up through the center of the main cabin floor just behind the front seats and out the roof. The main wreckage remained intact with the exception of the propeller assembly, which separated and was located near the main wreckage. The wreckage was relocated to a secure facility for further examination.

The follow-up wreckage examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. For further information see the Wreckage Examination Summary in the docket for this accident.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


The County of San Diego, Office of the Medical Examiner, San Diego, California, performed an autopsy of the passenger. The cause of death was blunt force injuries of the head and neck. 

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 25, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/30/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  954 hours (Total, all aircraft), 363 hours (Total, this make and model), 843 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 190 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 60 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 27, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
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 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/24/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:  
Flight Time:  71 hours (Total, all aircraft), 71 hours (Total, this make and model), 4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 35 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 24 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N2179L
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 172S9633
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/01/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 23 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 8564 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 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: KRNM, 1393 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2153 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 212°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 300°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SAN DIEGO/EL CAJON, CA (SEE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: SAN DIEGO/EL CAJON, CA (SEE)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1325 PST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 33.151111, -116.830833 (est)


Shaira Noor, 21, of Dhaka, Bangladesh


NTSB Identification: WPR17FA063 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, February 12, 2017 in Ramona, CA
Aircraft: CESSNA 172S, registration: N2179L
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 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 February 12, 2017 about 1430 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172S, N2179L, impacted terrain while maneuvering five miles north of Ramona, California. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot had minor injuries and the rear seated passenger was fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was registered to and operated by American Aviation Academy, Inc, Gillespie, California, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight. The flight originated from Gillespie Field Airport (SEE), Gillespie, California at about 1400.

The student pilot stated that he completed a weight and balance calculation, which was signed off by the CFI. After the preflight was accomplished and fuel was added to the airplane, an additional passenger boarded. After approaching the practice area and conducting training near a dirt strip, two consecutive simulated engine failure procedures were accomplished. While climbing out on the last simulated engine failure, the CFI instructed the student pilot to turn left in the direction of east. While in the turn with full power, the student pilot recognized rising terrain and the CFI took over control of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a wooded valley about 5 miles north of Ramona, California. 


Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, revealed that the airplane impacted a large tree and steep terrain. The tree penetrated through the main cabin floor and roof. The main wreckage remained intact with the exception of the propeller assembly which was located near the main wreckage. The wreckage was relocated to a secure facility for further examination.




February 14, 2017 (Ramona) – A Cessna 172S Skyhawk registered to the American Aviation Academy and flying out of Gillespie Field as an instructor/student flight on Sunday crashed onto a mountainside in Ramona, killing Shaira Noor, 21, of Bangladesh. She had been training at the academy for nine months. Noor was in the backseat of the Cessna and was impaled by a tree on impact, which killed her instantly.

Two other occupants survived, climbing to an elevated area and using cell phones to call for help, the Sheriff’s department reports.

The Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter and deputies from the Ramona substation found the crash and helped rescue the two survivors, who were transported to a local hospital. They had minor injuries and are expected to survive, according to Sergeant Andrew Mowins.  The deceased woman’s remains were recovered the next day.

Cause of the crash will be determined by an investigation conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This is not the first time a flight from a Gillespie flight school has crashed.  At least two have fallen into nearby neighborhoods in the past couple of years.

“We are only one and a half months into 2017 and Gillespie already has a fatality by a flight school,” says Robert Germann with Citizens Against Gillespie Expansion (CAGE), a vocal critic of flight schools at Gillespie. “Gillespie wants to increase the schools” and train air traffic controllers, he noted, adding, “Gillespie wants to be an instrumented rated airport which means aircraft/pilot training will be taking off/landing at all times of the day/night in bad weather. Is this smart for an airport surrounded by mountains/hills? These mountains are heavily populated.”

Germann also raised concerns over the flight school owner telling a group of citizens worried about low flying aircraft that “Flying is dangerous so live with us flying over your house; if you don’t like it, move.”  He fires back, “I then have a problem with his judgment on how he operates his flight school. Does he put his students in unsafe situations in unsafe aircraft?

Germann said he wants to know how many hours of instruction time the instructor had and whether maneuvers were appropriate in the situation given the altitude, terrain, age and power of the aircraft, and weight of the aircraft with three people aboard.






10News confirmed the flight student killed in the small plane crash near Ramona is Shaira Noor, 21, of Dhaka, Bangladesh.


Desai Shubham told 10News he was close friends with Noor and they flight trained together at American Aviation Academy.


Shubham said Noor wanted to be a professional pilot like her father in Bangladesh. She had been training at the San Diego school for about nine months. Shubham described Noor as reserved.


One of the last things Noor said to him was that she missed her family and her home. 


Noor was in the back seat of the Cessna Saturday afternoon during a flight training exercise when the plane crashed into the mountain near Ramona.


The instructor and another student were in the front.

As the Cessna came down, a tree speared through the plane, killing Noor instantly.


Story and video:  http://www.10news.com




RAMONA, Calif. - One woman was killed and two men were injured but survived a small plane crash in rough terrain north of Ramona Airport Sunday afternoon, authorities said. 

The plane took off from Gillespie Field Airport about 2:30 p.m as an instructor/student flight, according to sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Mowins.

On board were a male instructor and another man and the woman who was killed, Cal Fire spokesman Isaac Sanchez told City News Service.

The deceased 20-year-old woman -- whose name was being withheld pending notification of kin -- died at the scene, Sanchez said.

The two men who survived were 28 and 25 years old, he said.

They climbed to high ground and called for help after the aircraft crashed into the mountainside in Ramona, Sanchez said.

A witness called 911 at 2:30 p.m. to report the plane down, but it took sheriff's deputies and Cal Fire personnel about an hour to find the wreckage, Sanchez said.

Sheriff's deputies in the ASTREA helicopter found the crash site in an inaccessible area, near Pamo Valley in the Cleveland National Forest. ASTREA was working with a joint use Sheriff/Cal Fire helicopter to access the scene, Sanchez said.

The surviving instructor and flight student suffered minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment after their rescue, Mowins said.

The woman's body remained at the scene and the medical examiner will be flown up Monday, according to Mowins.

Recovery efforts for the plane were suspended at nightfall and will resume Monday, Mowins said.

Source:  http://www.10news.com






SAN DIEGO- A 20-year-old woman is dead after a small plane crashed in an inaccessible area north of Romona, Cal Fire officials confirmed.

A 28-year-old male and a 25-year-old male survived the crash, however the extent of their injuries is unknown. The three individuals were flying out of the American Aviation Academy out of Gillespie Field, Cal Fire explained. It is unclear who was piloting the plane at the time of the crash.

A witness called 911 to report the plane down and Sheriff’s deputies were first dispatched on the ground and in the ASTREA helicopter to the area of 19100 Horizon View Dr. at 2:30 p.m., according to Lt. Andrea Arreola. After an initial search of the aircraft was unsuccessful authorities were forced to broaden their search.

It took deputies and Cal Fire personnel about an hour to find the wreckage according to Cal Fire PIO Isaac Sanchez.

Sheriff’s deputies in the ASTREA helicopter found the crash site in an inaccessible area, near Pamo Valley in the Cleveland National Forest. Astrea was working with a joint use Sheriff/Cal Fire helicopter to access the scene, Sanches said.

Rescue personnel set up a command post on Pamo Road. SDSO and FAA will take over investigation of crash.

Source:  http://www.cw6sandiego.com





RAMONA, Calif. – A small plane with three people on board crashed in rough terrain north of the Ramona Airport Sunday afternoon, according to authorities. 

A 20-year-old woman died in the crash while two men, ages 25 and 28, survived, authorities told FOX 5.

A witness called 911 at 2:30 p.m. to report the plane down, but it took sheriff’s deputies and Cal Fire personnel about an hour to find the wreckage, according to Cal Fire PIO Isaac Sanchez.

Sheriff’s deputies in the ASTREA helicopter found the crash site in an inaccessible area, near Pamo Valley in the Cleveland National Forest. ASTREA was working with a joint use Sheriff/Cal Fire helicopter to access the scene, Sanchez said.

Rescue personnel set up a command post on Pamo Road.

The identities of the people aboard the plane were not released.

Source:   http://fox5sandiego.com

A 20-year-old woman is dead after a small plane carrying her and two other people crashed in an inaccessible, remote area north of Ramona, Cal Fire officials confirmed. 

A 28-year-old man and a 25-year-old man survived the crash. The extent of their injuries is unclear. They were flying from the American Aviation Academy out of Gillespie Field, Cal Fire says. 

The Cessna 172 crashed Sunday afternoon north of the 19100 block of Horizon View Drive, according to San Diego County Sheriff's officials and Cal Fire officials. The area is north-northeast of Ramona on the side of a mountain, says Allen Kenitzer, media relations with the FAA. 

The crash is in a remote area, making it difficult for crews to access the plane.

The FAA and the NTSB will investigate. The cause of the crash is not known. 

No other information is available.

Source: http://www.nbcsandiego.com

 small plane crashed just north of Ramona on Sunday, killing a 20-year-old woman and injuring two others, a fire official said. 

The two men, ages 25 and 28, were taken to a hospital with moderate injuries.

The flight had originated at Gillespie Field in El Cajon. The plane was affiliated with the American Aviation Academy.

The report of the crash came in around 2:30 p.m., Cal Fire Capt. Issac Sanchez said. 

After an hour of searching, sheriff’s and fire officials found the crash site in Pamo Valley, near Ramona, Sanchez said. 

The site is inaccessible by ground, and first responders were flown to it.

Source:  http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com

IAI Gulfstream G280, N228BA: Incident occurred February 12, 2017 at Hanscom Field Airport (KBED), Bedford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

http://registry.faa.gov/N228BA 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Boston, Massachusetts


Aircraft on takeoff went off the end of the runway into the grass. 

Date: 12-FEB-17
Time: 19:19:00Z
Regis#: N228BA
Aircraft Make: GULFSTREAM
Aircraft Model: G280
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
City: BEDFORD
State: MASSACHUSETTS



A corporate jet with five people on board slid off Runway 29 at Hanscom Field in Bedford yesterday afternoon when the pilot aborted takeoff, according to authorities.

“Everyone’s fine. There were no injuries,” said Matthew Brelis, spokesman for the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Brelis said there were two passengers and a crew of three on the IAI Gulfstream G280. Their identities were not immediately released. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the incident, which occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. The  Federal Aviation Administration reported the IAI Gulfstream G280 was headed to Teterboro, New Jersey. It was not immediately clear why takeoff was aborted or if deteriorating weather was a factor.

The plane is registered to a Bank of Utah aircraft owner trust, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.


Source: http://www.bostonherald.com




It was a close call in Bedford, Massachusetts after an airplane slid off the runway at the Hanscom Field Airport on Sunday.

The IAI Gulfstream G280 was about to taking off just before 2:30 p.m. when the pilot put the departure on hold. The plane then skid off the runway and into the grass at Hanscom Field, according to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The flight was on its way to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. Five people were on board at the time, two passengers and three crew members, but officials from Bedford Fire Department say they all evacuated safely.

Massport along with the Bedford Fire Department are now working hard to clear the scene.

The FAA is investigating.

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

BEDFORD, Mass. - A small plane slid off the runway Sunday at Hanscom Field during the snow storm. 

The FAA said the IAI Gulfstream G280 was about to take off around 2:30 p.m.. but the pilot aborted and then the plane slid off the runway. 

The Gulfstream went into the grass off of runway 29. Injuries are unknown at this time. 

The plane is registered to Bank of Utah Trustee. 

The flight was headed to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

Source:  http://www.fox25boston.com

BEDFORD, Mass.  — A small plane with five people aboard aborted takeoff and slid off a runway at a Massachusetts airport in a flight that was headed to New Jersey. No injuries were reported.

Authorities say the accident happened at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Hanscom Field in Bedford, about 20 miles northwest of Boston. Officials say the flight was headed to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

Officials say the IAI Gulfstream G280 slid into a grassy area off the runway.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the snowstorm on Sunday played a role.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

Source:  http://whdh.com

BEDFORD, Mass. —   A plane slid off the runway at Hanscom Field during Sunday's winter storm.

The Federal Aviation Administration said a IAI Gulfstream G280 aircraft slid off the end of runway 29 at 2:30 p.m.

The plane ended up in the grass and had just aborted takeoff right before the incident.

The flight was heading for Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

Massport said 5 people were on board. No one was injured.

The FAA is investigating. 

Source:  http://www.wcvb.com

It was a close call in Bedford, Massachusetts after an airplane slid off the runway at the Hanscom Field Airport on Sunday.


Source:  http://www.necn.com


BEDFORD (CBS) — A private plane skidded off a runway at Hanscom Field Sunday afternoon.

Massport said the incident happened shortly before 2:30 p.m. The IAI Gulfstream G280 had two passengers and three crew members on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the pilot aborted takeoff right before the incident occurred. The FAA said the plane was scheduled to fly to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

No injuries were reported from the incident. The FAA is investigating.

Source:  http://boston.cbslocal.com

Captain Doron: Let's fly west today in Cessna 150


  Video published on February 12, 2017 
By Captain Doron

Stolp SA-300 Starduster Too, N411TM: Fatal accident occurred August 16, 2014 near Swansboro Country Airport (01CL), Placerville, El Dorado County, California

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

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

Additional Participating Entities: Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California 

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N411TM

NTSB Identification: WPR14FA348
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, August 16, 2014 in Placerville, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 01/26/2017
Aircraft: CLIFF STARDUSTER II SA300, registration: N411TM
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious.

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.

While on approach for landing, the private pilot initiated a go-around on short final due to gusty crosswind conditions. During the climbout, the pilot reported that the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain, seriously injuring the pilot and fatally injuring the passenger. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. 

Blood samples from the pilot tested positive for methamphetamine and its active metabolite, amphetamine. The methamphetamine was found at high levels, indicative of abuse. It is likely that the pilot was impaired by the psychoactive effects of illicit methamphetamine use at the time of the accident, which impaired his ability to maintain control of the airplane during the go-around attempt. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to his recent use of methamphetamine. 






HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On August 16, 2014, about 1840 Pacific daylight time, a Starduster Too SA300, N411TM, an experimental biplane, collided with terrain while maneuvering near the Swansboro Country Airport (01CL), Placerville, California. The private pilot was seriously injured and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered and operated by the pilot under provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The cross-country flight originated from Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (RHV), San Jose, California at an unknown time.

According to the pilot, he was inbound for landing at the 01CL, where he was planning to be involved in a fly-in. He reported that he initiated a go-around on short final for runway 9 due to gusty crosswind conditions. On climbout, about a 1/4 mile from the departure end of runway 9, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power. He further reported that he verified all engine control positions and the fuel selector was on the main tank. Despite his actions to regain engine power, he was unable to maintain airspeed and collided with wooded terrain about a mile from 01CL.

A witness that has flown out of 01CL for the last 22 years reported that she had invited the pilot of the accident airplane to a fly-in that weekend at the private airport. She spoke with the pilot the day prior to the accident and reviewed airport information with him. She said this was his first time visiting 01CL, and that runway 9 is the normal landing runway, and usually has a right quartering tailwind near the ponds adjacent to the runway. She explained that the wind socks at either end of the runway will often show opposite wind directions. She further reported that the winds on the day of the accident were inconsistent in direction, intermittent and gusty; several arriving aircraft had to do go-arounds. She stated that she observed the accident airplane shortly after the go-around, depart at a normal climb rate and experience gusty winds as the airplane passed over midfield.

Another witness located near midfield, on the north side of the runway, saw the accident airplane on final. He stated that the wind was erratic and coming from the southwest. As the accident airplane came in on final the winds increased to about 10 knots and subsequently the airplane initiated the go-around. The airplane continued above the runway at about 60 feet agl before he lost sight of it behind trees.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records revealed that the 55-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in October, 23, 2013, with limitations that he must have available glasses for near vision. His most recent flight review was conducted on August 7, 2013.

The pilot reported that he had accumulated 342 flight hours in the accident airplane model, and 62 of those hours in the previous 90 days. He reported a total flight experience of 432 flight hours.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The accident airplane, a 1974 Starduster Too SA300, serial number 1, was a bi-wing, conventional fixed gear, tandem seat, experimental amateur-built airplane, made primarily of wood construction. The airplane was powered by a 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360-A1B engine, serial number L-12357-51A, and equipped with a Hartzell, 2-bladed propeller.

According to the pilot, the date of the last annual inspection was completed on July 15, 2014, with an airframe total time of 726 hours.

The airplane logbooks were not available during the investigation.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

A review of recorded data from the Placerville Airport (PVF), Placerville, California, automated weather observation station, located 6 miles southwest of the accident site, revealed at 1835, wind was from 280 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 30 degrees Celsius, dew point 2 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.07 inches of mercury.

Using the reported weather conditions at PVF and the elevation of the accident site, which is 2,870 feet mean sea level (msl), the calculated density altitude was about 5,149 feet.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

The Swansboro Country Airport (01CL), Placerville, California, is a privately owned, non-towered airport and it has one runway; designated 9/27, with a left traffic pattern. The runway is measured about 3,100 feet by 50 feet and the airport is at an elevation of 2,594 feet msl.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest upright on a road in hilly wooded terrain. The main wreckage was positioned near a small embankment adjacent to the road. Surrounding the site are 20-foot tall trees of which none made contact with the airplane. The first responders removed the upper wing for the extraction of the forward seated passenger. The first responders cut fuel lines and control cables while removing the upper wing. The smell of fuel was evident during the first responder's actions.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

According to the FAA files, the pilot received his first aviation medical certificate in 1989 (records from this exam are not available) and then applied for a medical certificate again in 2009. At that time, he reported an appendectomy and a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in 1988; he continued to report these events and surgery for a thumb injury thereafter but never reported any chronic medical conditions or medication use to the FAA.
The pilot was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Records from the pilot's hospitalization following the accident were reviewed. The pilot reported hypertension and regular use of a beta blocker to treat it to his treating physicians. He denied using illicit drugs. Although urine testing for drugs of abuse was ordered, no specimen was received in the hospital laboratory and the order was therefore canceled. A blood sample from the pilot while undergoing treatment was obtained by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) and subsequently sent to the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

CAMI performed toxicology tests on the sample provided. According to CAMI's report, carbon monoxide and cyanide were not tested due to insufficient sample for analysis. Volatiles and drugs were tested, and had positive results for 0.027 (ug/ml, ug/g) amphetamine, 0.233 (ug/ml, ug/g) methamphetamine, and unspecified level of Atenolol was also detected.

The NTSB Chief Medical Officer reported that Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance and is available in low doses by prescription to treat ADHD, ADD, obesity, and narcolepsy. Oral doses typically produce blood levels in the range of 0.02-0.05 ug/ml. Levels above 0.20 ug/ml indicate abuse. Users seeking the intense euphoria produced by higher levels typically snort, smoke, or inject the drug and may reach levels above 2.00 ug/ml.

Methamphetamine levels reach peak blood concentration differently depending on mode of administration. Peak blood methamphetamine concentrations occur shortly after injection, a few minutes after smoking, and around 3 hours after oral dosing. Peak plasma amphetamine concentrations occur around 10 hours after methamphetamine use. The half-life of methamphetamine is about 10 and 12 hours and the half-life of amphetamine is between about 8 and 14 hours.

Symptoms of recreational methamphetamine use follow a typical pattern. In the early phase users experience euphoria, excitation, exhilaration, rapid flight of ideas, increased libido, rapid speech, motor restlessness, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, insomnia, reduced fatigue or drowsiness, increased alertness, a heightened sense of well-being, stereotypes behavior, feelings of increased physical strength, and poor impulse control. In addition, the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate increase and they may have palpitations, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, twitching, dilated pupils, faster reaction times, and increased strength. As the initial effects wear off users commonly experience dysphoria, restlessness, agitation, and nervousness; they may experience paranoia, violence, aggression, a lack of coordination, delusions, psychosis, and drug craving. Blood levels cannot be used to distinguish among phases of methamphetamine use.

Methamphetamine and amphetamine are central nervous system stimulants and schedule II controlled substances used in prescription medications that treat narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and for weight control. Methamphetamine has high abuse potential due to its early euphoric effects; amphetamine is one of its metabolites. Following methamphetamine use, a greater proportion of the drug is excreted unchanged in urine than is excreted as amphetamine.

Symptoms following use occur in phases:

"Early phase –

Psychological: Euphoria, excitation, exhilaration, rapid flight of ideas, increased libido, rapid speech, motor restlessness, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, insomnia, reduced fatigue or drowsiness, increased alertness, heightened sense of well-being, stereotypes behavior, feelings of increased physical strength, and poor impulse control.

Physiological: Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased respiration rate, elevated temperature, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, appetite suppressed, twitching, pallor, dilated pupils, horizontal gaze nystagmus at high doses, faster reaction time, increased strength, and more efficient glucose utilization.

Late phase –

Psychological: Dysphoria, residual stimulation, restlessness, agitation, nervousness, paranoia, violence, aggression, lack of coordination, pseudo-hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, and drug craving.

Physiological: Fatigue, sleepiness with sudden starts, itching/picking/scratching, normal heart rate, and normal to small pupils which are reactive to light."

The time to onset of symptoms and to their end depends on the method of use; oral ingestion is slower and has lower peak blood levels but longer period of action than snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug. Withdrawal in chronic users or after a binge is associated with depression, fatigue, and strong cravings. Long term use can result in insomnia that may persist through at least month(s) long periods without the drug.

TESTS AND RESEARCH

The postaccident examination of the recovered wreckage was conducted on September 3, 2014, at the facilities of Plain Parts Enterprises, Pleasant Grove, California, by the NTSB IIC, and the FAA. The postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Airframe Examination

Examination of the recovered airframe revealed that the forward fuselage was crushed and buckled. The engine and propeller assembly remained intact and was removed from the airframe prior to the examination by the recovery crew. The firewall was crushed rearward into the forward seat area. The engine support structure was bent and buckled. Numerous cuts were noted to the wing interplane struts and tension members. Both sides of the upper wing from outboard of the inboard interplane struts to the tip were bent downward. The lower wings were bent downward from the wing root to the tip. The main landing gear assembly was bent rearward along the fuselage.

The main fuel tank located forward of the passenger seat separated from the main wreckage. The main tank was deformed with separations at the welds. Internal surface areas were visible. The main tank fuel cap was removed and the seal was undamaged. The auxiliary tank remained attached to the upper wing. The fuel cap was removed and the cap seal was undamaged. The auxiliary tank vent line was unobstructed. The lower side of the wing structure below the auxiliary tank was broken and detached on the right side. The tank was removed and crush damage was noted to the forward corners. Fuel staining was visible near the sending unit area. The fuel selector valve remained attached to the firewall and the control rod separated from the valve. The position of the valve was obtained by applying compressed air and was found in the "Main" position. The gasculator remained attached to the firewall and was undamaged. The gasculator bowl was found safety wired backwards. The gasculator bowl was removed and a small amount of fuel was noted. Water detection paste revealed no water. The gasculator screen was clear of debris.

The rear seat instrument panel was crushed forward and all instruments remained intact. The tachometer displayed 0 rpm and 790.32 hours. The manifold pressure read at 30 in-hg and fuel flow at 0. The altimeter read 680 feet and the Colesman window was set to 30.12.

Control cable continuity was established from the cabin area to the engine control levers through several cuts by first responders and by recovery efforts. All cables had impact damage between the firewall and engine. The throttle, mixture and propeller control levers were found in the full forward position.

The tail section was removed from the fuselage during the recovery efforts at the accident site. The tail section was undamaged.

Engine Examination

The engine was fracture-separated from the engine mount assembly. During recovery efforts the engine was separated from the main wreckage by cutting various tubes, lines and cables.

The propeller governor separated from the accessory section and remained attached to the engine by oil lines. The propeller governor mounting flange and a portion of the drive coupling remained attached to the engine. The magnetos were undamaged and remained attached to the engine. The ignition leads had impact damage and several separations. The upper spark plug attachments at both number three and four cylinders separated from the sparkplugs. The shell section of the number three and four spark plugs was missing. The engine driven fuel pump had impact damage and remained attached to fuel lines. The fuel pump lever arm and mounting flange remained attached to the engine. The fuel pump was disassembled and no anomalies were noted. The alternator and mounting assembly had impact damage. The oil cooler and starter had impact damage and was removed from the engine to facilitate the rotation of the crankshaft. The upper sparkplugs were removed and had (Worn Out-Normal) wear conditions when compared to the Champion AV-27 chart. The upper sparkplug electrode areas had light grey deposits.

The crankshaft was rotated by hand and all cylinder compression and valve continuity was obtained. The number four cylinder exhaust and the number one inlet pushrods and housings had impact damage and the associated rocker arms did not move during the crankshaft rotation. Gear continuity was established from the crankshaft to the accessory section. The magneto impulse coupling engaged during crankshaft rotation but no spark from the leads was noted. The magnetos were removed and the drive shafts were rotated with the use of an electric drill and spark was obtained from the damaged ignition leads. The fuel injection servo inlet screen was removed and fuel was present during its removal. The injector brass plug was tight and safetied and the diaphragm stem was intact. The flow divider was undamaged and disassembled. The diaphragm, spring and valve were undamaged and showed normal operating signatures. No fuel was noted in the fuel inlet line to the flow divider or in the valve assembly.

The propeller assembly remained attached to the engine and had impact damage to both blades. The blade marked "A" had a slight aft bend from near the hub to the tip. The blade had leading edge gouging near the tip and the cambered side had cord-wise scratches. The blade marked "B" had aft bending and a decreased pitch twist at its mid-section to the tip and chord-wise scratches near the tip. The spinner dome was crushed and was torn near both blade hubs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The pilot reported that 7 flight hours prior to the accident, during climbout at full throttle, he experienced a sudden loss of power for about two seconds. After he had the airplane examined, there was no cause found that would have resulted in the power loss.

Following the accident, the FAA asked the pilot to report on his injuries and then initiated an enforcement action against him. The pilot surrendered his medical certificate and his airman certificate to the FAA in December, 2014, announcing his intention never to fly again.