Thursday, March 09, 2017

Over $100,000 in hash oil equipment found in Chico after Florida search warrant




CHICO, Calif. - The Butte County Sheriff's Office arrested a Chico man Wednesday after figuring out his involvement in a drug trafficking incident that was discovered by Homeland Security and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office in Florida. 

According to the Butte County Sheriff's Office, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office in Florida, along with the United States Homeland Security Investigations Unit, served a search warrant at a hangar and twin-engine airplane at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport on February 27 and 28. 

Officials said located inside the twin-engine airplane was approximately 200 pounds of processed marijuana. Their investigation revealed that Aaron Andrus of Chico and Joshua Overton of Florida flew the plane and marijuana from a hangar at the Chico Municipal Airport to Florida. 



On March 2, members of the Butte County Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) served a search warrant at a Chico Municipal Airport hangar, where the twin prop airplane originated, at the request of Florida authorities. Officials said items were found inside the hangar that were consistent with drug trafficking. 

Soon after the search of the Chico airport hangar, Joshua Overton turned himself into Florida authorities and promptly bailed out. His bail was set at $41,000. On March 7, Aaron Andrus turned himself into Florida authorities and promptly bailed out. His bail was also set at $41,000. Andrus returned to his Chico home on March 7. 




On March 8, members of the Butte County Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of Butte Interagency Narcotic Taskforce members, a Federal Aviation Administration Special Agent, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigation members, served a search warrant at Andrus' home on the 2800 block of Alamo Avenue in Chico. 

Officials said during the search of the property, a commercial CO2 lab, used in the manufacturing of marijuana hash oil, was discovered along with a 7-foot tall rotary evaporator used to assist in the further refining of hash oil. SEU members estimated the lab components cost in excess of $100,000 and were capable of producing multiple pounds of hash oil in a single run. 




Officials added that several quarts of hash oil/glycerin mix were found on the property which is used to fill marijuana vape pen cartridges. A total of 88 marijuana plants were also removed from the property and destroyed. 

Based on the evidence located at his home, Andrus was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance and maintaining a place for manufacturing. Andrus was transported to the Butte County Jail where his bail has been set at $115,000. 

Source:  http://www.krcrtv.com

Wag-Aero/Sport Trainer, N24188: Accident occurred March 09, 2017 in Henderson County, North Carolina

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

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

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

http://registry.faa.gov/N24188

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA183
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, March 09, 2017 in Hendersonville, NC
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/07/2017
Aircraft: JOHNSON JERRY WAG AERO/SPT TRAINER, registration: N24188
Injuries: 1 Minor.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot reported that he attempted to land on his private airstrip but that he “landed long” due to “gusty crosswind conditions.” Upon touchdown, a wind gust lifted the right wing, which resulted in the right wheel lifting off the ground. He added that he then performed a go-around, and that, due to the “high angle of attack” while attempting to clear trees and power lines, he did not have visibility out of his front windscreen. Subsequently, the airplane struck a tree and two power lines. The airplane descended, impacted the ground, and was consumed by a fire started by the severed power lines. 

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage.

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

The automated weather observation system located about 7 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported wind from 190° at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed to the southwest.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

The pilot’s unstabilized approach and failure to attain the proper touchdown point while attempting to land in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an attempted go-around and collision with trees and power lines. 

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot reported that he attempted to land on his private airstrip, but "landed long" due to "gusty crosswind conditions". Upon touchdown, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, which resulted in the right wheel lifting off the ground. He then performed a go-around, and reported that due to the "high angle of attack" while attempting to clear trees and power lines, he did not have visibility out of his front windscreen. Subsequently, the airplane struck a tree and two power lines. The airplane descended impacting the ground, and was consumed by a fire started by the severed powerlines. 

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage and empennage.

The FAA inspector reported that the pilot stated there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system about 7 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 190° at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed to the southwest.




EDNEYVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A plane caught fire after crashing upon landing in Henderson County.

It happened off of Lanning Road in Edneyville. The Edneyville fire chief said it started when the pilot tried to land but clipped a tree and power lines.

The fire chief said the 84-year-old pilot was not injured, but the aircraft was destroyed. The fire has been extinguished.

The fire chief said the pilot has many small airplanes and has been flying for years at his small airport.

News 13 crews report power lines are still energized and can heard buzzing

Story and video:   http://wlos.com

Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, N223AB: Incidents occurred August 05, 2020 and March 09, 2017

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

August 05, 2020: Aircraft departed and experienced engine failure, the banner was released and landed on a road.
Aerial Banners Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N223AB

Date: 05-AUG-20
Time: 17:33:00Z
Regis#: N223AB
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA25
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: BANNER TOW
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: VIRGINIA KEY
State: FLORIDA



VIRGINIA KEY, Florida (WSVN) - A pilot seems to be OK after crashing a banner plane in Virginia Key.

Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene at the Central District Treatment Plant, at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, just after 1:30 p.m., Wednesday.

7SkyForce HD hovered over the scene as the pilot seemed to be OK, as he talked to officials.

The yellow plane stopped on a road and had sustained damage to the tail and wings.

There were no other vehicles on the road at the time the pilot landed the plane.

Witnesses who were kayaking nearby said they saw the large advertisement banner fall off before the crash.

“We turned, and we saw the advertisement,” witness Gabriella Obregon said. “It was a banner, and it was a GEICO banner, and we saw it go down. Then, the plane kind of, like, spun.”

“The guy actually spun around,” witness Jessica Botero said. “I guess he lost control, and he came very low into the trees. He passed the trees, and like she said, we waited a couple of seconds, and we heard the impact. I am pretty concerned because, obviously, there is a person in there and hearing that and crashing into the ground and since it was an advertisement plane, he could have been alone, so I could just imagine what was going through his head at the time. It’s just sad.”

Investigators said the plane originated out of North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

https://wsvn.com


MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Florida – A small plane landed off the Rickenbacker Causeway Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.

According to FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee that was towing a banner made the landing at 1:30 p.m.

Bergen said the plane had departed from North Perry Airport in Hollywood and the pilot was the only person onboard the plane. According to Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez, the plane was on land at the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant in Virginia Key.

“We saw the advertisement plane drop its flag, and we saw it and were like, ‘Oh, should we go get it?’” Jessica Botero said. “And the plane was spinning, so I guess the guy saw that it fell and then suddenly it kind of lost control and went over the trees. And it was super low so we didn’t know if it was going to crash.”

Botero, who was on the water with another woman on rented kayaks, said the plane crashed seconds later.

Miami-Dade police spokesman Angel Rodriguez said the pilot was able to get out of the plane and appeared to be OK.

According to Miami Fire Rescue officials, the pilot reported engine trouble and clipped a fence while trying to land.

Bergen said the FAA will investigate the incident and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.

The pilot’s identity has not yet been released.

https://www.local10.com



Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Tampa, Florida 

March 09, 2017:  Aircraft during banner tow operations, banner became tangled in gear. On landing gear collapsed at Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG), St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida


Date: 09-MAR-17
Time: 17:24:00Z
Regis#: N223AB
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA25
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: BANNER TOW
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: SAINT PETERSBURG
State: FLORIDA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

August 05, 2020: Aircraft departed and experienced engine failure, the banner was released and landed on a road.

Aerial Banners Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N223AB

Date: 05-AUG-20
Time: 17:33:00Z
Regis#: N223AB
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA25
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: BANNER TOW
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: VIRGINIA KEY
State: FLORIDA

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Florida – A small plane landed off the Rickenbacker Causeway Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.

According to FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee that was towing a banner made the landing at 1:30 p.m.

Bergen said the plane had departed from North Perry Airport in Hollywood and the pilot was the only person onboard the plane. According to Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez, the plane was on land at the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant in Virginia Key.

“We saw the advertisement plane drop its flag, and we saw it and were like, ‘Oh, should we go get it?’” Jessica Botero said. “And the plane was spinning, so I guess the guy saw that it fell and then suddenly it kind of lost control and went over the trees. And it was super low so we didn’t know if it was going to crash.”

Botero, who was on the water with another woman on rented kayaks, said the plane crashed seconds later.

Miami-Dade police spokesman Angel Rodriguez said the pilot was able to get out of the plane and appeared to be OK.

According to Miami Fire Rescue officials, the pilot reported engine trouble and clipped a fence while trying to land.

Bergen said the FAA will investigate the incident and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.

The pilot’s identity has not yet been released.

https://www.local10.com

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Tampa, Florida 

March 09, 2017:  Aircraft during banner tow operations, banner became tangled in gear. On landing gear collapsed at Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG), St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida


Date: 09-MAR-17
Time: 17:24:00Z
Regis#: N223AB
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA25
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: BANNER TOW
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: SAINT PETERSBURG
State: FLORIDA



ST. PETERSBURG — A 27-year-old pilot escaped injury on Thursday afternoon when authorities said her single-engine aircraft skidded off the runway at Albert Whitted Airport.

The pilot was identified by police as Erica Crawford. St. Petersburg Fire Rescue said the plane — which was used to pull banners — skidded off the runway just before 12:30 p.m., collapsing its landing gear.

The pilot was the only person on the plane. No other details were released.

Source: http://preps.tampabay.com

Glasair Sportsman GS-2, N237PM: Accident occurred March 09, 2017 at Trenton-Robbinsville Airport (N87), Mercer County, New Jersey

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

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA182
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, March 09, 2017 in Robbinsville, NJ
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/22/2017
Aircraft: PEDERSEN BJARNE MARTIN SPORTSMAN GS-2, registration: N237PM
Injuries: 1 Serious.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane veered off the runway to the left. He added that he applied rudder inputs and full power to arrest the veer but was unsuccessful. The airplane continued to veer off the runway and impacted a tree. 

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. 

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

An automated weather observation located about 10 miles northwest of the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 280° at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 29. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions. 

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N237PM

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA182
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, March 09, 2017 in Robbinsville, NJ
Aircraft: PEDERSEN BJARNE MARTIN SPORTSMAN GS-2, registration: N237PM
Injuries: 1 Serious.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane veered off the runway to the left. He added that he applied rudder inputs and full power to arrest the veer, but was unsuccessful. The airplane continued to veer off the runway and impacted a tree.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. 

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


A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation located about 10 miles north west of the accident airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 280° at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The airplane was landing runway 29.



ROBBINSVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) --  Authorities are investigating a small plane crash in Mercer County that left a pilot injured.

It happened before 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Trenton Robbinsville Airport on Sharon Road.

Police say the pilot of a single engine plane was trying to land and lost control.

The plane ended up in a wooded area adjacent to the runway.

Video from Chopper 6 HD showed one wing partially separated from the plane's fuselage.

The pilot, who was alone in the plane, was taken to the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton with injuries described as minor.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the crash.


Story and video:  http://6abc.com

ROBBINSVILLE -- A small plane crashed into a wooded area near a runway while trying to land at Robbinsville Airport Thursday afternoon, police said.

The pilot, identified only as a 79-year-old man, was the only person on board and had injuries to his face in the 1:10 p.m. crash, police spokesman Lt. Michael Polaski said.

He was out of the plane when first responders arrived at the scene and was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton for treatment.

Polaski said the pilot was approaching the airport from the west in a home-built plane when he suddenly lost control and crashed south of the landing strip. The runway runs parallel to Sharon Road.

The plane is a Sportsman GS-2 registered to Bjarne Martin Pedersen, of New York, N.Y., Federal Aviation Administration records show.

Police said they could not confirm if Pedersen was the pilot.

The plane is manufactured in kit form by Glasair Aviation, and then assembled by the owner, the company says.

The crash also caused a fuel spill at the scene, police said. The Robbinsville Fire Department also responded.

Federal aviation authorities were notified of the crash and are investigating, police said.

Story and photo gallery: http://www.nj.com

Grob G120TP, CAE USA, N196TP: Accident occurred March 07, 2017 at Abbeville Municipal Airport (0J0), Henry County, Alabama

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Birmingham, Alabama 
CAE USA; Dothan, Alabama
Rolls-Royce; Indianapolis, Indiana 
German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation

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

CAE USA:  http://registry.faa.gov/N196TP

NTSB Identification: ERA17LA125
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 08, 2017 in Abbeville, AL
Aircraft: GROB AIRCRAFT AG G120TP-A, registration: N196TP
Injuries: 2 Serious.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On March 8, 2017, about 1340 central standard time, a Grob Aircraft AG G120TP-A, N196TP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing while maneuvering at Abbeville Municipal Airport (0J0), Abbeville, Alabama. The flight instructor and a pilot receiving instruction sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by CAE USA, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a company visual flight rules flight plan was filed and activated. The local flight originated about 1304 from Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama.

The flight instructor stated that a preflight inspection was performed and no discrepancies were reported. The flight departed with about 1/2 capacity fuel load and flew near Lake Eufaula where in accordance with the operator's upset recovery training checklist, the crew awareness system circuit breaker was pulled. The pilot receiving instruction performed the maneuvers, and at the conclusion, the flight instructor took the controls and flew to 0J0, where he intended to demonstrate a practice power off procedure terminating with a low pass. The flight instructor entered the maneuver (high key) at 2,400 feet, with the power lever at flight idle and the condition (propeller) control at low, and maintained 100 knots while turning crosswind and downwind. He lowered the landing gear and at the low key position (abeam the landing threshold), the airplane was 1,200 feet above ground level. 

The pilot receiving instruction stated that he smelled fuel, and the flight instructor turned onto the base leg of the traffic pattern, though he did not smell fuel at that time. They both then noted a vapor from the right side of the engine, followed by a puff of white smoke. The flight instructor noted a total loss of engine power, with a resulting 10 knots decrease in airspeed and corresponding increase in descent rate, though there was no audible annunciation. The pilot receiving instruction attempted to restart the engine and he advanced the power and condition levers full forward, but the engine did not respond. While over trees unable to reach the runway, the flight instructor maintained controlled flight until the airplane collided with trees, then the ground. Both pilots exited the airplane, and after notifying the operator of the accident, they walked to the airport and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The wreckage was secured for further examination. In addition, onboard devices that recorded flight and engine related data were retained and forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for read-out.




A Grob G120TP airplane used to train Army fixed-wing flight students crashed Wednesday afternoon near the Abbeville airport.

Two people were on board – an instructor pilot and an Army flight student -- and were transported to Flowers Hospital via Medevac with injuries not believed to be life threatening, according to a spokesperson for the plane owner, Army contractor CAE.

According to CAE spokesperson Chris Stellwag, the plane experienced "an engine issue" that led to the incident. The crash is being investigated by Army Safety Center personnel from Fort Rucker. 

The plane is believed to be one of six used by Army contractor CAE to train fixed-wing students at its new facility at the Dothan Regional Airport. The company held a formal grand opening ceremony for its 79,000-square-foot facility Monday, but has been training Army and Air Force student pilots there for some time.

The Grob is one of two airplane types used for training at CAE and is used to train students in “upset” recovery.

Story and photo gallery: http://www.dothaneagle.com




ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WTVY) — A plane crashed in a wooded area near the Abbeville Airport.

A plane used for training military pilots crashed in a wooded area near the Abbeville Airport March 7, 2017.

The plane is a Grob 120TP used by CAE USA, a military training company that just held it's grand opening at the Dothan Airport Monday.

Two people, an instructor and student, were on board. CAE spokesperson described injuries as "minor".

CAE USA issued the following statement:

At approximately 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, a CAE-owned Grob G120TP aircraft used for United States Army Fixed-Wing Flight Training experienced an engine issue causing a hard landing near Abbeville, Alabama.

The Fort Rucker Emergency Operations Center has been notified and a full safety investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident.

Story and video:  http://www.wtvy.com

Cessna 180J Skywagon, N52108: Incident occurred March 08, 2017 in Chandler, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Scottsdale, Arizona 

http://registry.faa.gov/N52108

Aircraft on taxi, gear collapsed.  

Date: 08-MAR-17
Time: 19:18:00Z
Regis#: N52108
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C180
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
City: CHANDLER
State: ARIZONA

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N6027Z: Incident occurred March 08, 2017 at Page Field Airport (KFMY), Fort Myers, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: South Florida 

http://registry.faa.gov/N6027Z

Aircraft went off the runway into the grass onto a closed taxiway. 

Date: 08-MAR-17
Time: 14:12:00Z
Regis#: N6027Z
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
City: FORT MYERS
State: FLORIDA

JetBlue, Embraer E190: Incident occurred March 08, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: South Florida

JetBlue Airways Corporation, flight JBU2014,  on final, engine nacelle sustained birdstrike damage.  No injuries.

Date: 08-MAR-17
Time: 20:37:00Z
Regis#: JBU2014
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: E190
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: JETBLUE
Flight Number: JBU2014
City: FORT LAUDERDALE
State: FLORIDA

Pitts S-2A, Tail Wheel Flyers of South Florida LLC, N1230S: Accident occurred March 08, 2017 at North Palm Beach County Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, Florida

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

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


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


Tail Wheel Flyers of South Florida LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N1230S

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

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA181
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 08, 2017 in West Palm Beach, FL
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/07/2017
Aircraft: AEROTEK PITTS S-2A, registration: N1230S
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after completing 12 to 13 touch-and-go landings on a grass runway in crosswind conditions, he planned to complete a full-stop landing. He added that, during the landing roll, the airplane “departed the runway to the right” into marshy terrain and nosed over.

The vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained substantial damage.

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

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, a few hours after the accident, he examined the grass runway and found no abnormalities with the surface.

The nearest automated weather observation station, located 12 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded wind from 190° at 7 knots. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 26 left. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.




The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after 12 to 13 touch-and-go landings on a grass runway in crosswind conditions, he planned to complete a full stop landing. He added that during the landing roll, the airplane "departed the runway to the right" into marshy terrain and nosed over. 

The vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained substantial damage.

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

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, a few hours after the accident he inspected the grass runway and found no abnormalities with the surface.

The nearest automated weather observation station 12 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded wind 190° at 7 knots. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 26 left.

United Airlines, Boeing 737-900, N34455: Incident occurred March 08, 2017 at Tampa International Airport (KTPA), Florida

United Airlines Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N34455

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Tampa, Florida 

Flight UAL164,  aircraft on departure struck birds at the nose gear. No injuries. 

Date: 08-MAR-17
Time: 13:30:00Z
Regis#: N34455
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: B737
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: UNITED AIRLINES
Flight Number: UAL164
City: TAMPA
State: FLORIDA

Eurocopter EC.130-B4, Air Methods Corp, N134LN: Incident occurred March 08, 2017 at Glasgow Municipal Airport (KGLW), Kentucky

Air Methods Corp: http://registry.faa.gov/N134LN

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Louisville, Kentucky

Rotorcraft, during shutdown struck the door with the rotor blade.  

Date: 08-MAR-17
Time: 17:20:00Z
Regis#: N134LN
Aircraft Make: EUROCOPTER
Aircraft Model: EC130
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
City: GLASGOW
State: KENTUCKY

Flight Control System Malfunction/Failure: McDonnell Douglas MD-83, Ameristar Jet Charter, N786TW; accident occurred March 08, 2017 at Willow Run Airport (KYIP), Ypsilanti, Michigan

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration
Boeing
Ameristar

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/N786TW


Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Accident Number: DCA17FA076
Date & Time: 03/08/2017, 1455 EST
Registration: N786TW
Aircraft: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD80
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Flight control sys malf/fail
Injuries: 1 Minor, 115 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 121: Air Carrier - Non-scheduled

Analysis

The Safety Board's full report is available at http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/aviation.aspx. The Aircraft Accident Report number is NTSB/AAR-19/01.

On March 8, 2017, about 1452 eastern standard time, Ameristar Air Cargo, Inc., dba Ameristar Charters, flight 9363, a Boeing MD-83 airplane, N786TW, overran the departure end of runway 23L at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, after the captain executed a rejected takeoff. The 110 passengers and 6 flight crewmembers (two airline transport pilots and four flight attendants) evacuated the airplane via emergency escape slides. One passenger received a minor injury, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as an on-demand charter flight and was destined for Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia. Visual flight rules conditions prevailed at YIP at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
the jammed condition of the airplane's right elevator, which resulted from exposure to localized, dynamic wind while the airplane was parked and rendered the airplane unable to rotate during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were (1) the effect of a large structure on the gusting surface wind at the airplane's parked location, which led to turbulent gust loads on the right elevator sufficient to jam it, even though the horizontal surface wind speed was below the certification design limit and maintenance inspection criteria for the airplane, and (2) the lack of a means to enable the flight crew to detect a jammed elevator during preflight checks for the Boeing MD-83 airplane. Contributing to the survivability of the accident was the captain's timely and appropriate decision to reject the takeoff, the check airman's disciplined adherence to standard operating procedures after the captain called for the rejected takeoff, and the dimensionally compliant runway safety area where the overrun occurred.

Findings

Aircraft
Elevator control system - Damaged/degraded (Cause)

Environmental issues
High wind - Effect on equipment (Factor)
Residence/building - Effect on equipment (Factor)

Factual Information 

The Safety Board's full report is available at http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/aviation.aspx. The Aircraft Accident Report number is NTSB/AAR-19/01.

On March 8, 2017, about 1452 eastern standard time, Ameristar Air Cargo, Inc., dba Ameristar Charters, flight 9363, a Boeing MD-83 airplane, N786TW, overran the departure end of runway 23L at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, after the captain executed a rejected takeoff. The 110 passengers and 6 flight crewmembers (two airline transport pilots and four flight attendants) evacuated the airplane via emergency escape slides. One passenger received a minor injury, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as an on-demand charter flight and was destined for Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia. Visual flight rules conditions prevailed at YIP at the time of the accident.

History of Flight

Takeoff-rejected takeoff
Flight control sys malf/fail (Defining event)

Check Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 41, 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: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/08/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/31/2017
Flight Time:  8660 hours (Total, all aircraft), 683 hours (Total, this make and model), 7240 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 50.4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 19.1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Co-Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 54, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/27/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/04/2016
Flight Time:  15518 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4596 hours (Total, this make and model), 4752 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 68 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
Registration: N786TW
Model/Series: MD80 80
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1992
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Transport
Serial Number: 53123
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 155
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/30/2016,
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 161000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Turbo Jet
Airframe Total Time: 41008.6 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: PRATT AND WHITNEY
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: JT8D-219
Registered Owner: Sierra American Corporation
Rated Power: lbs
Operator: Ameristar Air Cargo, Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Flag carrier (121)
Operator Does Business As: Ameristar and Ameristar Charters
Operator Designator Code: MJYA

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KYIP
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1653 EST
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 35 knots / 50 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 260°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / -11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: YPSILANTI, MI (KYIP)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: CHANTILLY, VA (KIAD)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1435 EST
Type of Airspace: Class D 

Airport Information

Airport: Willow Run International Airport (KYIP)
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 716 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 23L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7543 ft / 161 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 7 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor, 108 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 115 None

Latitude, Longitude: 42.243889, -83.542500 (est)

NTSB Identification: DCA17FA076
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 121: Air Carrier operation of Ameristar Air Cargo, Inc.
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 08, 2017 in Ypsilanti, MI
Aircraft: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD80, registration: N786TW
Injuries: 1 Minor, 115 Uninjured.

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 March 8, 2017, about 2:52p.m. eastern standard time (EST), Ameristar Air Cargo Inc. flight 9363, a Boeing MD-83, N786TW, ran off the end of runway 23L after executing a rejected takeoff at Willow Run Airport (YIP), Ypsilanti, Michigan. All 109 passengers and 7 crewmembers evacuated the airplane via emergency escape slides. One passenger was reported to have received a minor injury. The airplane sustained substantial damage (no postcrash fire occurred). The airplane, which had been flown into YIP 2 days before the accident, was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as an on-demand charter flight and was destined for Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Virginia. Daytime visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.


















AIRCRAFT:   1993 McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 / MD-83  SN# 53123   N786TW 

ENGINE(S):   Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 Engine #1 SN# 717829  ESN 717829 Records
Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 Engine #2 SN# 725926  ESN 725926 Records
APU  SN# 381276
  
APPROXIMATE TOTAL HOURS (estimated TT & TSMO from logbooks or other information):

Hard Time Status Report                                                       
ESN 717829 Engine Disks Current Time
ESN 725926 Engine Disks Current Time
                                                            
ENGINE(S): Engine #1 SN# 717829   63,384.9 TTSN / 32,999 cycles since new (see current time sheet)
Engine #2 SN# 725926  34,202.2 TTSN / 37,176 Cycles since new (see current time sheet)

AIRFRAME:  41,008.6 TTSN / 39,472 Cycles since new                      

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  On 3/8 the aircraft experienced a rejected takeoff and ran off the end of the runway, through a perimeter fence, across a perimeter road and came to rest across a drainage ditch.  

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:  All gear sheared off with nose gear damaging the fuselage, flaps, leading edge slats, fuselage structure, undetermined FOD to both engines, thrust reverser damage, numerous dings, dents, scrapes.
                   
LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:   Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan           

REMARKS:  Aircraft placed on jacks and shoring. 

Jacks are not included in sale. 

Aircraft must be removed from the airport by end of June unless other arrangements are made with the airport. 

Logs and records have been palletized for collection. 

Emergency slides and elevators removed and retained by NTSB, future status unknown.   

Sold as is – where is, no warranty or guarantee of any kind.     


Read more here:  http://www.avclaims.com/N786TW.htm



VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, MI - The charter plane that went off the runway on March 8 while carrying the University of Michigan basketball team has been removed from its landing place in a nearby field.

Crews could be seen working to move the plane with cranes on Saturday, March 11, and the plane was gone - except for a few large pieces and track marks in the ground - on Sunday, March 12.

The MD83 operated by Ameristar Jet Charter Inc. went off the runway, crashed through a security fence, went over a service road and into the field about 3 p.m. March 8 at the Willow Run Airport in Van Buren Township as a windstorm hit the state.

None of the 109 passengers and seven crew members aboard the aircraft suffered serious injuries, but a few people suffered bumps and bruises. One Michigan player, Derrick Walton Jr., required stitches, but the incident didn't slow him or the rest of the team down - they won the Big Ten Tournament on Sunday.

The Wolverines won their fourth game in four days in Washington D.C.

The tournament may now be over, but the moving of the plane does not signal an end to the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the incident, said NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss.

"It just means that they have documented the accident scene and are now able to continue their work," Weiss said in an email Sunday.

It could take investigators as long as a year, or more, to develop a complete report on the incident, Weiss previously said.

Weiss was unable to provide further details on the cause or circumstances of the crash.

High winds and a possible power outage were reported at the airport that day.

Stacy Muth, vice president of operations for Ameristar, said the plane's flight was delayed by about 13 minutes because a power outage in part of the airport delayed the process for getting necessary paperwork to the crew.

In addition, high winds with peak wind gusts up to 63 mph, were recorded at Willow Run Airport the day of the crash, before a power outage turned off the recording system, according to a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

The high winds caused the air traffic control tower at the airport to evacuate and send control to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, said Elizabeth Isham Cory, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Cory said the Detroit airport frequently takes over air traffic control for the space. 

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


NTSB Issues Investigative Update on Rejected Takeoff, Runway Excursion

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2017) — The National Transportation Safety Board issued an investigative update for the March 8, 2017, rejected takeoff and runway excursion at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan.

All 109 passengers and seven crewmembers evacuated Ameristar Air Cargo Inc., flight 9363 via escape slides after the Boeing MD-83 came to rest about 1,000 feet past the end of runway 23L. One passenger sustained a minor injury during the evacuation.

This update does not provide probable cause for the accident and does not contain analysis of information collected thus far in the NTSB’s ongoing investigation. As such, no conclusions regarding the cause of the incident should be made from this preliminary information.

The following facts are provided as an investigative update:

• Parties to the investigation include the Federal Aviation Administration, The Boeing Company and Ameristar Air Cargo, Inc.

• Both pilots held airline transport pilot certificates with DC-9-series type ratings (this rating includes the MD-83).

• The pilot-in-command, who was the Ameristar chief pilot, was in the right seat and was providing differences training to the captain, who was in the left seat and was the pilot flying the aircraft.

• The Ameristar chief pilot had 9,660 total flight hours, with 2,462 hours in DC 9 series airplanes. The captain (flying pilot) had 15,518 total flight hours, with 8,495 hours in DC-9-series airplanes.

(In this NTSB graphic, one of two elevators of the MD-83 involved in the March 8, 2017, rejected takeoff and runway excursion at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, is diagrammed. The elevators are the primary means of controlling the airplane’s pitch.)

• Post-accident examination revealed movement of the control column in the cockpit appeared normal; the control columns were free to move, and the elevator control tabs moved as commanded. However, when investigators tried to move the elevator surfaces by hand, the left elevator moved normally, but the right elevator was jammed in a trailing edge-down position (airplane nose down). Upon further inspection, the right elevator geared tab inboard pushrod linkage was found damaged which restricted movement of the right elevator surface but allowed movement of the control tab. After the damaged components were removed, the elevator could be moved by hand.

• Examination of the flight data recorder data indicates that during the taxi and take-off roll, the left elevator moved normally, but the right elevator did not move. During takeoff roll, the left elevator began a large airplane nose-up movement (consistent with rotation) at an airspeed of about 152 knots and continued for five seconds to about 166 knots. There was no change in the airplane pitch attitude during this time. The airplane data then are consistent with the takeoff being rejected.
 The maximum recorded airspeed was about 173 knots.

• Review of previous flight data showed normal movement of both the left and right elevator surfaces. The airplane flew to Ypsilanti two days before the accident.

• The flight and cabin crewmembers indicated in post-accident statements that all slides except for the forward right door deployed correctly. The slide was removed from the airplane and will be examined by investigators at a future date.

No further updates are planned for this investigation. The docket for the investigation will be opened to the public prior to release of the final report. NTSB investigations generally take 12 to 18 months to complete.

The preliminary report for the investigation is available online at https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf









































VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, MI - The air traffic control tower at Willow Run Airport was evacuated due to high winds when a plane carrying the University of Michigan basketball team, staff and band members aborted its takeoff.

The charter jet went off a runway, through an airport security fence, across a service road and crashed into a field. Some of the 109 people aboard the aircraft sustained minor injuries.

Elizabeth Isham Cory, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration, said the Willow Run control tower was evacuated due to high winds and air traffic control at the airport was transferred to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

She said that flights take-off and land at airports without control towers all the time and there are no regulations that link takeoff and landing with a tower.

"The pilot was in contact with Detroit approach control, which handles the airspace above that airport all the time," Cory said in an email.

Cory said sending air traffic control - which reports wind conditions to the planes - to Detroit Metropolitan Airport is standard procedure in these situations.

"This also happens when the tower is closed at night or for other staffing, which is normal procedure," Cory said. "Detroit approach handles that airspace 24/7, and today, pilots are talking to Detroit within seconds of take-off because that facility handles the airspace above Willow Run."

The pilot and the airline use whatever information is given as they see fit, with the pilot as the ultimate authority on the decision to fly, she said.

The incident, which occurred shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at the airport in Van Buren Township, remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Michigan basketball team released a statement that, "After attempting to take off in high winds, takeoff was aborted and, after strong braking, the plane slide [sic] off runway."

"The plane sustained extensive damage but everyone on board was safely evacuated and is safe," the statement said.

NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss was unable to provide further details.

Much of southeast Michigan suffered power outages Wednesday as high winds knocked down trees and power lines. The Willow Run Airport may have suffered one as well.

Stacy Muth, vice president of operations for Ameristar Jet Charter Inc., which operates the MD83 involved in the incident, said the plane's flight was delayed by about 13 minutes because a power outage in part of the airport delayed the process for getting necessary paperwork to the crew.

Muth said the cause of the slide-off is unknown.

"The pilot and crew have said they did exactly what they were trained to do," Muth said.

She said the company was grateful no one was seriously injured and Michigan was still able to win its basketball game Thursday.

Alex Manion, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said records show the service's Automated Weather Observing System at Willow Run Airport stopped receiving data due to a power outage about noon Wednesday and did not receive it again until after 8 p.m. that evening.

It was not immediately clear if another weather observation system exists at the airport, but Cory said there are many redundancies to assure backups their system.

Cory referred further specifics on the matter to the NTSB.

Detroit Metro Airport saw peak wind gusts at 68 mph. Ypsilanti, specifically the Willow Run Airport, saw peak wind gust at 63 mph, and Ann Arbor saw peak wind gusts at 62 mph, all between 10 a.m. and noon Wednesday, Manion said.

At 2:53 p.m. Wednesday, Ann Arbor recorded gusts of 53 mph and Detroit Metro Airport recorded gusts up to 51 mph, he said. That is about the time when the aircraft carrying the team attempted takeoff.

The plane on Thursday remained in the field where it came to rest. Officials were at the scene working to assess exactly what happened.

Source:  https://www.mlive.com