Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Cessna 550 Bravo, Farrell 5 LLC, N584PS: Incident occurred March 21, 2017 at Indianapolis Executive Airport (KTYQ), Zionsville, Boone County, Indiana

Farrell 5 LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N584PS

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana 

Aircraft right brakes locked up and the airplane went off the edge of Runway 36.

Date: 21-MAR-17
Time: 23:40:00Z
Regis#: N584PS
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 550
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: CORPORATE
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: INDIANAPOLIS
State: INDIANA

Indianapolis Executive Airport, 11329 E. state Route 32, is operating normally after a scare Tuesday night, March 21, when a plane slid off the runway, according to an IEA press release. The seven passengers and two crew members were not injured.

The plane belonged to Defiance, Ohio-based Farrell 5, LLC. It took off from Groton-New London, Conn., at 5:07 p.m., and was scheduled to land at 7:38 p.m.

The Boone County Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:42 p.m. of a possible plane crash but first responders verified there was no crash. The pilot said the aircraft’s right brake locked up during landing, which forced the plane to the side of the runway.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Zionsville Police and Fire departments, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Hamilton County Airport Authority responded to the scene.

Montgomery Aviation moved the plane and reopened the runway at 3:42 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22.

Luscombe 8F, N2007B: Fatal accident occurred March 19, 2017 at Thrall Lake Airport (7MI3), Vicksburg, Kalamazoo County, Michigan

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

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


Location: Vicksburg, MI
Accident Number: CEN17LA135
Date & Time: 03/20/2017, 1644 CDT
Registration: N2007B
Aircraft: LUSCOMBE 8F
Aircraft Damage: None
Defining Event: Aircraft propeller contact with person
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 20, 2017, about 1644 central daylight time, the pilot of a Luscombe 8F, N2007B, was struck by the airplane's propeller as he attempted an engine start at Thrall Lake Airport (7MI3), Vicksburg, Michigan. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane did not sustain damage. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that was originating when the accident occurred, and no flight plan was filed.

According to the local police report, on the afternoon of the day of the accident, the pilot's wife called a friend of the pilot to inquire about the whereabouts of her husband. After attempting to contact the missing pilot, the friend drove to the airport where he observed the pilot lying on the grass under the nose of the airplane with a fatal head injury. The friend reported the accident to the police about 1844.

The airport owner responded to the airport at the request of the police; he thought the pilot was attempting to start the airplane by hand propping it when he was injured. The magneto switch was in the "Both" position; the throttle was at idle; the primer was in the unlocked position; and the fuel tank selector "was in the 'ON' position." Additionally, the owner stated that it appeared that the pilot was intending to fly the airplane given that the airplane was refueled, and the left tire was chocked as the pilot always did when preparing for a flight. According to the airport owner, the accident occurred after his employees left the airport about 1600.

The owner of the airplane stated that the pilot had been flying the airplane for about 15 years. He believed that the pilot "had extensive knowledge of the use and precautionary measures needed" to hand prop the engine, which was the normal starting procedure for the airplane. According to the owner, there were no known malfunctions or failures with the propeller, airframe, or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airplane Flying Handbook states that hand propping an airplane "is a critical procedure never [to] be attempted alone. And propping should only be attempted when two properly trained people, both familiar and experienced with the airplane and hand propping techniques, are available to perform the procedure." The handbook describes the recommended procedure and communication/commands to be used when hand propping.

The Department of Pathology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, performed an autopsy of the pilot and determined that the cause of death was craniocerebral injuries. The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology testing on specimens from the pilot. The toxicology results were negative for ethanol and drugs.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 52
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: None
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Balloon
Restraint Used: 
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/20/2009
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 1180 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: LUSCOMBE
Registration: N2007B
Model/Series: 8F E
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 6434
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3086 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: C-90-18F
Registered Owner: VAN LINDER RICHARD A
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAZO, 868 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 348°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2600 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 140°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.3 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Vicksburg, MI (7MI3)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  EDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: THRALL LAKE (7MI3)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 850 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal

Latitude, Longitude: 42.116667, -85.516667 (est)

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA135
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, March 19, 2017 in Vicksburg, MI
Aircraft: LUSCOMBE 8F, registration: N2007B
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

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

On March 20, 2017, about 1844 central daylight time (CDT), a Luscombe 8F, N2007B, experienced a propeller blade strike during an attempted hand prop of the engine at Thrall Lake Airport (7MI3), Vicksburg, Michigan. The airplane did not sustain substantial damage. The commercial-rated pilot, and intended sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was privately registered, and was being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no instrument flight rules flight plan was filed.




Michael A. "Mike, Gilligan" Westveer 

Westveer, Michael A. "Mike" "Gilligan" Passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, unexpectedly at the age of 52. Mike was born May 26, 1964 in Kalamazoo to Gerald and Darlene (Hoskins) Westveer. On March 1, 2008 Mike was united in marriage to Denise Richmond, who survives. Mike was a graduate of Portage Central High School and served his country in the United States Navy. He was an avid aviator who loved vintage aircraft and everything aviation related. He proudly earned his pilot's license before his driver's license. He spent many years flying hot air balloons for the Michigan Balloon Corporation. He was a licensed aircraft mechanic and owner of MW Aviation Inc. who specialized in vintage aircraft restoration. He enjoyed ANY time spent in the air. He also loved the Caribbean and he and Denise enjoyed their annual trips there each year. Mike is survived by his wife, Denise Westveer; mother, Darlene Westveer: siblings, Steve (Pam) Westveer and Sally (Gary) Browne; In-laws, Phil and Sherry Richmond and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as his longtime friend and mentor, Ron Centers. Mike was preceded in death by his father; Gerald. A celebration of life gathering for family and friends will take place Tuesday, March 28 from 4-7pm at Barn Brewers Brewery, 114 N. Main Street, Lawton MI 49065. Arrangements by Langeland Family Homes: Westside Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike's name may be directed to a charity of your choice . For obituary and condolences, please see Mike's personalized page at www.langelands.com


- See more at: http://obits.mlive.com

Michael Westveer


VICKSBURG, MI -- The pilot who was tragically killed Monday while trying to start the engine of a small aircraft was known in the local flying community for the work he did on aircraft and as a balloon pilot.

Michael Westveer, 52, of Vicksburg, was killed on March 20, apparently as he tried to hand crank an airplane propeller and was struck on the head by it, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's deputies say.

"He was a hell of a pilot," said Ron Centers, owner of Michigan Balloon Corp., a commercial hot air balloon service. "No matter what he flew, it was like he was born in that aircraft."

Westveer had a commercial balloon pilot's license and had been flying hot air balloons with Centers since Westveer was about 18 years old.

"He was a great guy with a great sense of humor," Centers said. "He would do anything for you and if you needed him, he would be there for you. I can't say enough about him."

Westveer piloted lots of hot air balloon trips as a full-time and then part-time pilot for Michigan Balloon Corp.

More than 10 years ago, he represented the company by flying a balloon for several years in the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival.

"He was a happy-go-lucky, jovial, joking, laugh-a-lot guy," said Maurice Hovious, owner of Hov-Aire Inc., an aircraft repair and restoration specialist.

For the past 20 years, Westveer worked as a supervisor at Vicksburg-based Hov-Aire, which specializes in the repair of the Piper Malibu, a small airplane that is still in production, and the Ford Tri-motor, the venerable aircraft that are considered the first to be widely used to fly passengers. Henry Ford built only 199 between 1926 and 1933.

Hovious said Westveer was presently the lead on the restoration of a Ford Tri-motor owned by a Florida man. It is a project that Hov-Aire began in 1992 after the plane was damaged by Hurricane Andrew in south Florida. The project is now about 90 percent complete after requiring about 35,000 man hours of labor, he said.

Westveer was a veteran of the U.S. Navy but did not learn how to fly an airplane until after he was discharged, Hovious said. He was also known to have or be working to attain a license to pilot helicopters.

Hovious said Westveer was apparently preparing to fly a small, single-engine Luscombe plane owned by another Hov-Aire worker on Monday when he was killed. Hovious said Westveer had free use of the plane and had flown it for more than 15 years.

Westveer was apparently preparing to take off from a small grass air strip owned by Hovious and two other individuals when the mishap occurred. The air strip is in the 6000 block of East W Avenue in Brady Township, about a mile from Vicksburg.

Hovious said hand-cranking the propeller of the aircraft was the only way to start it.

Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Pali Matyas said investigators believe Westveer's mishap occurred not long after 11 a.m. Monday. That is when he was last in contact via telephone with friends. He was found near the plane at about 6:45 p.m. that day after he failed to meet with a friend earlier in the afternoon. A concerned friend traveled to the air strip and found him.

Westveer was married and had a brother and a sister, all of whom survive him. There was no word on funeral arrangements or memorials.

Hovious and Centers said Westveer will be missed.

Centers said he will miss him "like I would miss my left arm. And I'm left handed. He was a very good friend."

Air Tractor AT-602, owned and operated by Sturdivant Brothers Flying Service Inc as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 aerial application flight, N2049D: Fatal accident occurred March 19, 2017 in Minter City, Mississippi

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office; Jackson, Mississippi
Air Tractor Inc; Olney, Texas
Transportation Safety Board of Canada-Accredited Representative; Ontario
Woodward Inc; Rockford, Illinois
Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office; DuPage, Illinois
Hartzell Propeller Inc; Piqua, Ohio

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/N2049D


Location: Minter City, MS
Accident Number: ERA17FA131
Date & Time: 03/19/2017, 1600 CDT
Registration: N2049D
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 602
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Medical event
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On March 19, 2017, about 1600 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602, N2049D,collided with trees and terrain near Minter City, Mississippi. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed by impact and postcrash fire. The airplane was owned and was being operated by Sturdivant Brothers Flying Service, Inc., as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which originated about 30 minutes earlier from the company airstrip in Glendora, Mississippi.

The pilot departed the airstrip with each wing fuel tank filled to about 3/4 capacity and the hopper containing 375 gallons of mixed water and chemicals. After takeoff, the pilot proceeded toward the intended spray field. Although there were no eyewitnesses to the accident, an individual familiar with aerial application operations who lived adjacent to the intended application field reported hearing an airplane fly over his house. He noted that the airplane sounded fine at that time, but about 10 to 15 seconds later, he heard a "pop" sound followed by an explosion. He went outside, noted the fire, and a friend called 911. He then drove to the site and noted damage to trees and parts of the airplane were found away from the main wreckage. The fire department arrived about 20 minutes later and extinguished the fire, which at that time was mostly confined to the cockpit area. Inspection of the intended spray field revealed evidence of "burning" of weeds consistent with some application of the contents of the hopper; however, the extent of the application could not be determined. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Center
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/16/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/30/2017
Flight Time:  29943 hours (Total, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft) 

The pilot, age 68, held a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He held a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate with a limitation to have available glasses for near vision, issued January 16, 2017. He reported 29,943 total hours of flight experience on the application for his last medical certificate. His last flight review in accordance with 14 CFR Part 61.56 occurred on January 30, 2017.

The pilot was hired by the operator in March 2011. A review of his logbook revealed that about the time he was hired, he had accrued a total time of about 24,613 hours. His title at the time of the accident was Chief Supervisor/Pilot.

The pilot's sister reported that she spoke with her brother the day before the accident, and during that call, he reported having a cold.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N2049D
Model/Series: AT 602 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 602-1219
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/08/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 12500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 2752 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Canada
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-60AG
Registered Owner: STURDIVANT BROTHERS FLYING SERVICE INC
Rated Power: 1050 hp
Operator: STURDIVANT BROTHERS FLYING SERVICE INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Operator Does Business As:
Operator Designator Code: ZNYG

The accident airplane was manufactured in 2012 by Air Tractor, Inc., and was designated serial number 602-1219. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60AG engine rated at 1,050 shaft horsepower for takeoff, and equipped with a Hartzell HC-B5MP-3C/M10876ANS propeller.

Review of the maintenance records revealed that the airplane's last annual inspection was performed on November 8, 2016, at an airplane total time of 2,752 hours.

The airplane was equipped with an AgJunction Satloc G4 GPS receiver capable of recording and retaining data; however, due to heat damage to the two internal memory cards, no data could be extracted from the device.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: GLH, 131 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1553 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 188°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Glendora, MS
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Glendora, MS
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1530 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

At 1553, a surface observation at Greenville Mid-Delta Airport (GLH), Greenville, Mississippi, located about 18 nautical miles south-southwest of the accident site, reported calm wind, 10 miles visibility with clear skies, temperature and dew point 26°C and 8°C, respectively, and an altimeter setting of 30.21 inches of mercury.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  33.771944, -90.380556 

The accident site was located among trees at the southern portion of an open field, about 760 ft east of the eastern edge of the 75-acre field the pilot intended to spray. Further examination of the accident site revealed damage to trees between 15 and 20 ft above ground level (agl) on a magnetic heading about 280°. Airplane debris was located on the ground among the trees and in the open field north of the energy path between the first tree contact and the main wreckage, which was located about 282 ft and 280° from the first tree contact location. Damage to trees at decreasing heights was noted along the energy path. The main wreckage had an odor of Jet A fuel.

Components that were located farthest east from the fuselage included portions of the left wingtip, outboard end of the left main spar, leading edge of the left wing with semi-circular leading edge damage, outboard portion of the left aileron with outboard boom hanger bracket, section of left wing leading edge with pitot tube, and a section of the leading edge with semi-circular wrapping. The semi-circular impression on the leading edge of the left wing was correlated with a standing tree that exhibited impact damage. The wing damage and the lack of damage to the ground at the corresponding area of the right wingtip was consistent with a wings-level attitude at the time of tree impact.

Examination of the airplane revealed extensive heat damage to the fuselage, cockpit, and sections of both wings that were not separated during the accident sequence. Both wings remained secured at the center splice, and all main spar attach bolts were sheared at the fuselage attach point but remained trapped. The inboard attach angle of the left wing was deformed, and both attach angles of the right wing were deformed. The left wing main spar was "S" shaped and the spar was fractured about 5 ft 10 inches outboard of the outboard wing splice. The aft spar of the left wing remained connected at the fuselage, but the spar was separated from the attach plate. The aft spar was fractured 6 ft 3 inches from the inboard section. The full span of the left wing leading edge was separated and/or consumed by fire. The left aileron trim tab was pulled from the aileron, but the pushrod remained connected. The pushrod was separated from the aileron trim tab actuator; therefore, the aileron trim position could not be determined. Examination of the right wing revealed that the aft spar remained attached, but the spar was heat damaged. The aft spar was identified to the outboard portion of the fuel tank, and then the outer portion at the wingtip. The aluminum portions of the main spar was heat damaged 5 ft 7 inches outboard of the spar splice.

The cockpit sustained extensive fire damage; however, the occupiable space of the cockpit was not compromised. The right lower longeron was fractured, and the left side top door frame and left forward door post were cut during recovery. The pilot's seat remained fully attached and was equipped with shoulder harness airbags, which exhibited extensive heat damage. The control stick was not fractured, and the emergency dump handle was in the locked (non-dumping) position. The power, condition, and propeller controls were full aft, consistent with being pulled during separation of the engine. The flap actuator was separated and located on the ground near the cockpit area and was extended 4 threads, which equated to about 5° of flap deflection/extension.

All primary and secondary flight control surfaces and their respective counterweights were accounted for. Flight control system continuity was confirmed for roll, pitch, yaw, and right aileron droop system though heat damage to pushrods and overload failure of cables and pushrods was noted. Examination of the left aileron droop system revealed separation of both pushrods at the aileron droop idler. The attaching hardware was not located. The rod end bearing cage of both rod ends was deformed in the aft direction consistent with the bolt diameter, and the idler bellcrank was deformed. The drooping arm on the aileron bellcrank was deformed, but both rods remained attached. The rest of the drooping system remained connected.

Examination of the gatebox shutoff system revealed that the shutoff valve was in the open (normal) position. The spray valve was destroyed; therefore, its position could not be determined.

The engine remained attached at all 4 engine mount points, but was separated from the airframe and found near the engine firewall. The engine was not equipped with a manual fuel control unit (FCU) override system. The gearbox with attached propeller and power section were separated from the engine and were located along the energy path. The start control and power control cables remained attached and the propeller control remained attached to the governor, but the propeller governor cable was fractured. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The FCU and propeller governor were retained and examined at the manufacturer's facility with FAA oversight. Damage to both components precluded operational testing. Disassembly examination of the FCU and propeller governor revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Tree limbs and/or trunks that exhibited smooth angular cuts on one or both ends were retained and examined. Several limbs of various diameters, up-to and including 7-inches exhibited smooth cuts on one or both ends and gray color transfer on the cut surface consistent with propeller contact.

One propeller blade was rotated in its clamp toward the low pitch position; the blade counterweight made a corresponding impact signature in the spinner at a counterweight angle of about 23°, which corresponded to blade angle of about 11°. The feather stop screws were not damaged and the internal adjacent marks on the piston from the feather stops screws exhibited normal operating signatures, indicating that the propeller was not feathered at impact. There was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the propeller. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Mississippi State Medical Examiner, Pearl, Mississippi, performed a postmortem examination of the pilot. No soot aspiration was noted in multiple sections of lung and bronchus. The cause of death was reported as "asphyxia of undetermined etiology."

The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicological testing on specimens from the pilot. According to the toxicology report, no carbon monoxide was detected in the cardiac blood and no volatiles were detected in vitreous. Unquantified amounts of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan (metabolite of dextromethorphan), and pseudoephedrine were detected in cardiac blood and urine. An unquantified amount of doxylamine was detected in the urine specimen, and 0.145 ug/ml of the same drug was detected in cardiac blood. Acetaminophen (12.07 ug/ml) was detected in urine.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant available in many over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant commonly marketed with the name Sudafed. Products containing this drug are only available "behind the counter" but do not require a prescription. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and fever reducer available over-the-counter and commonly marketed with the name Tylenol. These drugs are not considered impairing in usual doses.

Doxylamine is a first-generation sedating antihistamine available over-the-counter in a number of products intended to treat colds, allergies, and insomnia. Doxylamine causes central nervous system depression and carries the warning, "May cause central nervous system depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving)." The usual blood levels thought to be associated with effects from this drug are between 0.050 and 0.150 ug/ml. Doxylamine undergoes post mortem redistribution; central levels may be elevated above peripheral or antemortem levels by an average of about 2.5 times.

Tests And Research

Agricultural Turn Distance

According to a representative of the airplane manufacturer, agricultural turn distances from the spray field for turbine-powered airplanes vary significantly depending on airplane type, spraying speed, pilot technique, wind speed, wind direction, aircraft weight, and local obstacles. However, they have found that with their turbine-powered airplanes, pilots will typically make their turns within 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the edge of the field.


 NTSB Identification: ERA17FA131
14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural
Accident occurred Sunday, March 19, 2017 in Minter City, MS
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 602, registration: N2049D
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to chang
e, 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 19, 2017, about 1600 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602, N2049D, registered to and operated by Sturdivant Brothers Flying Service, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight, collided with trees and terrain near Minter City, Mississippi. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed by impact and a postcrash fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that originated about 30 minutes earlier from the company airstrip.


The pilot departed the airstrip with 3/4 fuel capacity in each wing fuel tank and the hopper containing 375 gallons of mixed water and chemicals. After takeoff the pilot proceeded towards the intended spray field, and although there were no eyewitnesses to the accident, an individual familiar with aerial application who lived adjacent to the intended field reported hearing an airplane fly over his house. He noted the airplane sounded fine at that time, but about 10 to 15 seconds later, he heard a pop sound followed by an explosion. He went outside, noted the fire, and a friend called 911. He then drove to the site, and after arrival, he noted damage to trees, and parts of the airplane away from the main wreckage. The fire department arrived about 20 minutes later and extinguished the fire, which at that time was mostly confined to the cockpit area.


The accident site was located about 1,000 feet east of the eastern edge of the intended spray field. There was airplane debris on the ground and damage to trees that bordered the southwestern edge of the field. An energy path was oriented on a magnetic heading of 280 degrees, and the distance between the first tree contact and the resting position of the fuselage was about 282 feet. The first identified components among the trees were components of the left wing.


Inspection of the intended spray field several days after the accident revealed damage to weeds consistent with spray application in areas of the field.


A heat-damaged Satloc G4 GPS was retained for attempted read-out by the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory.




Owen Dale Holland 
July 20, 1948 - March 19, 2017


Owen Dale Holland was born July 20, 1948 in Jonesville, Louisiana to the union of Hilton Shaw and Verba Lee Charrier Holland. He passed away March 19, 2017 while flying in Minter, Mississippi.

He grew up farming with his father and two brothers in Parhams, Louisiana. He loved to play football and was an outstanding quarterback at Block High School during his high school years.

His love of flying began in 1974. He flew in the family operation for several years in Jonesville, Louisiana, 9 years for UTAVA, a French company in Cameroon, Africa where he was chief pilot spraying bananas. In 2011 he came back to the United States to work for Sturdivant Brothers Flying Service in Marks, Mississippi. He had flown a total of 29,943 plus hours.

He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1968 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was a third generation witness with his grandfather learning the truth in the early 1930's. He served as an elder in the Jonesville, Louisiana Congregation for about 12 years. He loved and mentioned often the beauty of Jehovah's creation from his view from the sky.

Survivors include his loving wife of 10 years, Terry Efosi Holland. 4 daughters: Tonya La Jean Holland Johnson and husband Jeff Johnson of Collinsville, Texas, Geena Nichole Holland and Myriah La Donna Holland of Grenada, Mississippi, Marisa Nabholtz and husband Jake of Conway, Arkansas. 2 sons, William Donovan Holland of Grenada, Mississippi, Jared Holland and wife Brooke of Natchez, Mississippi. 2 grandsons: Evan Shaw Salter and wife Kelsey and Matthew Tanner Salter of West Monroe, Louisiana 1 granddaughter Trisha Megan Johnson of Whitesboro, Texas Mother Verba Lee Holland, 2 brothers Lloyd Holland and wife Sue, Wayne Holland and wife Delores of Jonesville, Louisiana. 1 sister Jan Forman and husband Mike of Jonesville, Louisiana. Nieces: Charla Mophett and Sonja Spann Nephews: Wayne Holland Jr, Jason Holland, Chris Forman, Bryan Forman and Jon Brandon Holland.

Memorial services for Mr. Owen Dale Holland, 68, of Grenada, MS. be 2 PM Saturday at Young's Funeral Home -Ferriday, LA with Bro. Victor Cheeks officiating. Visitation will be from 11 AM until 2 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Under the direction of Young's Funeral Home-Ferriday, LA

Read more here:  http://www.youngsfh.com

Fairchild SA-227AC Metro III, Gas/Wilson Inc., N26959: Incident occurred March 20, 2017 - San Clemente Island, California

GAS/WILSON INC: http://registry.faa.gov/N26959

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

After engine shutdown,  excessive smoke was coming from #1 engine nacelle.  Engine was removed for testing due to an inflight fire.

Date: 20-MAR-17
Time: 10:04:00Z
Regis#: N26959
Aircraft Make: SWEARINGEN
Aircraft Model: SA227-AC
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: STANDING (STD)
Operation: 135
City: SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND
State: CALIFORNIA

Aeronca 7AC Champion, First Flight Corp, N2778E: Incident occurred March 20, 2017 in San Diego, California

First Flight Corp: http://registry.faa.gov/N2778E

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

Aircraft departed the left side of the runway 1000' from the threshold and struck a runway light.

Date: 20-MAR-17
Time: 19:10:00Z
Regis#: N2778E
Aircraft Make: AERONCA
Aircraft Model: 7AC
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: SAN DIEGO
State: CALIFORNIA

Swearingen SA226TC, registered to and operated by Western Airlines, N158WA: Accident occurred March 20, 2017 at Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (KBOI), Ada County, Idaho

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

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/N158WA  


Location: Boise, ID
Accident Number: WPR17LA078
Date & Time: 03/20/2017, 0405 MDT
Registration: N158WA
Aircraft: SWEARINGEN SA226
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Part(s) separation from AC
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Positioning 

On March 20, 2017, about 0405 mountain daylight time, a Swearingen SA226TC, N158WA, was substantially damaged due to foreign object damage to the airplane's fuselage during initial takeoff/climb from Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI), Boise, Idaho. The airline transport pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Western Airlines LC of Boise as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed and active. The flight was originating at the time and destined for Salt Lake International Airport (SLC), Salt Lake City, Utah.

In a written statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that prior to departing on the repositioning flight, he reviewed the maintenance data for the airplane (the Can) and found everything to be up to date. The subsequent preflight inspections, inclusive of the interior and exterior of the airplane revealed no anomalies. The pilot stated that at 0400 he called BOI ground control, obtained taxi clearance, and taxied to runway 10L where he began the takeoff roll. The pilot reported that everything was normal, rotated at 105 knots; shortly thereafter he heard a "pop", followed by a vibration. Thinking that he had a blown tire, he waited a few seconds to see if the frequency of the vibration would change as the tire rotation slowed. However, the vibration remained the same, which led him to think that there might be an issue with the propeller. The pilot radioed the BOI tower controller, advised him of his intension to return to the airport, and was instructed to turn right for Runway 10L. The pilot stated that on the downwind leg he thought there might be a problem with a propeller. However, after he inspected both propeller spinners to determine which propeller might be damaged, he determined that both were running smooth. The pilot further stated that as he had no indication as to which propeller was damaged and the vibration was light and not changing, he elected not to shut the engine down. The pilot then landed uneventfully, taxied to parking, and shut the right engine down first. The pilot then shut the left engine down. During the last few rotations of the propeller he observed the spinner wobble slightly; he then noticed that the tip of one of the blades was missing. The pilot stated that after having exited the airplane he observed that about four inches of one of the propeller blade tips was missing, as well as having observed two holes in the fuselage, [both caused by pieces of the propeller blade tip]. About 10 minutes later airport operations personnel delivered another piece of the propeller [blade], and what appeared to be the blade of a screwdriver and two pieces of a screwdriver handle. A further examination of the airplane revealed a third hole in the fuselage further back [of the left] wing root just below the window.

During a postaccident inspection of the airplane, a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector reported that maintenance had been performed on the airplane prior to the flight, and that the mechanic was called away from the task he was performing prior to it being completed. The inspector stated that a screwdriver was left on the nose of the airplane under the windshield wiper and out of sight of the pilot. Subsequently, on takeoff roll the screwdriver became dislodged and impacted the left propeller; remnants of two pieces of a propeller blade were found to have penetrated the left side fuselage and came to rest inside the cabin of the airplane. The screwdriver was subsequently located lying on the surface of the departure runway.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Unknown
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/31/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/31/2017
Flight Time: 10700 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3161 hours (Total, this make and model), 7919 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 37 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 31 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SWEARINGEN
Registration: N158WA
Model/Series: SA226 TC
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: TC411
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/04/2017, AAIP
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 13230 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 182 Hours
Engines: 2 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 28602.9 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Honeywell
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TPE-331-10UA
Registered Owner: Western Airlines LC
Rated Power: 940 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter Air Carrier (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: BOI, 2871 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 0353 MDT
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 6500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 12000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Boise, ID (BOI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Denver, CO (KAPA)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 0405 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class C 

Airport Information

Airport: Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2871 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Wet
Runway Used: 10L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 10000 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None

Latitude, Longitude:  43.614444, -116.222778

NTSB Identification: WPR17LA078
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Monday, March 20, 2017 in Boise, ID
Aircraft: SWEARINGEN SA226, registration: N158WA
Injuries: 1 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 may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On March 20, 2017, about 0400 mountain daylight time, a Swearingen SA226TC, N158WA, was substantially damaged due to foreign object damage to the airplane's propeller and fuselage during initial takeoff/climb from Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI), Boise, Idaho. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Western Airlines LC of Boise. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed, but not activated. The charter cargo flight was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, with a destination of Centinnial Airport (APA), Denver, Colorado.

According to Federal Aviation Administration personnel, about the time the airplane was rotating from Runway 10L, the pilot experienced a light vibration; he subsequently returned to BOI and landed uneventfully. During a post-landing examination of the airplane, it was revealed that a portion of the outboard section of a left propeller blade, which had fragmented into 2 pieces, was missing. Additionally, about a 4 inch by 4 inch puncture hole was observed to have gone through the left forward side of the fuselage just aft of the main air stair door; a piece of the propeller blade was found in the cabin. It was further noted during a runway sweep for foreign objects shortly after the occurrence, that a screw driver which had been used during maintenance on the airplane earlier, and the second piece of the propeller blade tip, were both recovered from the departure runway in the same approximate location from where the airplane would have rotated.

Cessna 340A, N114BH: Incidents occurred August 19, 2020 and March 20, 2017

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

August 19, 2020: Aircraft landed gear up.

SP Aircraft LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N114BH

Date: 19-AUG-20
Time: 21:05:00Z
Regis#: N114BH
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 340
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WINNEMUCCA
State: NEVADA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

March 20, 2017: Aircraft reported a lost propeller while climbing through 14,800'.

Date: 20-MAR-17
Time: 13:23:00Z
Regis#: N114BH
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 340
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: INITIAL CLIMB (ICL)
City: PRAIRIE
State: IDAHO

Bombardier CRJ200, Endeavor Air: Incident occurred March 20, 2017 at Westchester County Airport (KHPN), White Plains, New York

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;Farmingdale, New York 

Aircraft got stuck in a snowbank exiting Runway 34.

Date: 20-MAR-17
Time: 03:38:00Z
Regis#:
Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER
Aircraft Model: CRJ2
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: ENDEAVOR
Flight Number: 3703
City: WESTCHESTER
State: NEW YORK