Monday, April 03, 2017

Owner plans to rebuild plane hangar flattened by high winds




PANOLA COUNTY, TX (KSLA) -

Wounds from Sunday's storms still can be seen throughout the ArkLaTex; and there is a lot of cleanup that needs to be done.

An airplane hangar at the Panola County Airport in East Texas was destroyed by straight-line winds.

A survey team from the National Weather Service office in Shreveport estimated winds peaked at 120 mph to 130 mph. That is as strong as an EF-2 tornado.

The back wall of the hangar was uprooted and knocked down, while the roof was blown into the street and the property behind it.

"I got a call about 1:20 p.m. that the hangar had been blown over," said James Crooks, who owns the hangar.

He said he is just glad no one was hurt.

"This is just materialize possessions."

Crooks also was overwhelmed by the community support.

"My phone was just ringing off the hook. 'James, we'll come. We'll bring equipment.'

"It was really, really touching. The people of Panola County are just really nice."

And, believe it or not, none of the airplanes in the hangar was damaged.

"It's like floating down the river. We fly around in the evening. It's just kind of relaxing," Crooks said of flying.

"So the good Lord spared us the planes."

Crooks plans on rebuilding, just not right now.

He said it's going to cost him about $25,000.

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

Cessna U206D, N72094: Incident occurred April 01, 2017 in Wein Lake, Alaska

http://registry.faa.gov/N72094

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska 

Aircraft wingtip and prop struck ground after hitting a pothole in ice.  

Date: 01-APR-17
Time: 00:00:00Z
Regis#: N72094
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 206
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
City: WEIN LAKE
State: ALASKA

Aviation CEO claims Bendigo owners of crashed plane were still its licensed operators during fatal accident: Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, Corporate and Leisure Charters, VH-ZCR; accident occurred February 21, 2017 near Melbourne-Essendon Airport, Australia

An aviation company is distancing itself from last month's fatal plane crash in Essendon by claiming the aircraft's Bendigo owners were its registered operators at the time.  

Australian Corporate Jet Centre co-chief executive officer Vas Nikolovski told the Bendigo Advertiser on the afternoon of the crash they held the operating certificate for the aircraft.  

But he said yesterday his company was only told it was the registered operator three hours after the disaster. 

An bid by Bendigo-based MyJet to transfer the plane’s operating licence to ACJC was lodged on December 15 last year but stalled when it used an expired credit card to pay for the procedure. The application was cancelled on December 20 when they failed to amend the error. 

Only when Mr Nikolovski’s co-CEO Sam Iliades enquired in January about the progress of the transfer did he realise the original application expired and reapplied for the operation transfer. 

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal heard last month the Civil Aviation Safety Authority shifted the operating licence from MyJet to ACJC on February 16, five days before the plane crashed into the DFO shopping centre in Essendon.

CASA said it told both parties of the change, but Mr Nikolovski yesterday disputed its version of facts, saying it was only an email at 12.01pm on the day of the incident that notified ACJC of the change.  

His co-CEO, Sam Iliades, replied to CASA at 1.27pm, writing the plane was destroyed "and had nothing to do with our company".  

"Sad news all round but we won’t be requiring the certificate," Mr Iliades wrote. 

But Mr Nikolovski told the Bendigo Advertiser in the hour before that day the plane was registered to his Melbourne aviation company. 

"My Jet is the owner, although it's on our certificate to charter and use for commercial purpose," he said shortly after midday. 

“In order to be able to operate an aircraft for revenue, for it to be chartered, it needs to be on our operator certificate.

"It's only just come across on our certificate a week or so ago."

Mr Nikolovski also backed away from those comments yesterday, saying he must have been making reference to the CASA email from earlier in the afternoon, and indicated his belief Bendigo aircraft owners Dr Chris Richards and Andrew Hoare were also its plane's operators.  

A lawyer acting on behalf of Dr Richards and Mr Hoare cited yesterday the ongoing Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation as the reason the men would not respond to Mr Nikolovski's comments.  

CASA also declined to comment while the investigation continued. 

Pilot Max Quartermain and four American tourists were killed when the Beechcraft Super King Air  collided with the Essendon DFO shopping complex moments after takeoff. 

The plane was en route to King Island when it plummeted from the sky.   

It was later revealed Mr Quartermain was already the subject of an ATSB investigation at the time of his death for a near-collision in Mount Hotham two years ago. 

A preliminary report from the ATSB on its investigation revealed a black box flight recorder was recovered from the wreckage but contained no audio of the crash.  

Examination of the planes’ engines found no evidence of “pre-impact failure”. 

However, parts of both engines were kept for further analysis.

About 100 emergency service workers responded to the disaster, which premier Daniel Andrews later called Victoria’s worst civil aviation disaster in the past three decades. 

Original article can be found here:  http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au



UPDATE 9.40am: The head of an aviation company seeking to distance itself from last month's DFO plane crash said on the day of the tragedy the destroyed aircraft had been registered with the company for “a week or so”. 

Fairfax Media is reporting the Australian Corporate Jet Centre CEO sent an email to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority at 1.27pm on February 21 saying the crashed plane had “nothing to do with our company” and that it would not be requiring the certificate. 

The company received an email from CASA confirming its ownership of the plane at 12.01pm. The email said the decision was actioned on February 16.  

Australian Corporate Jet Centre CEO Vas Nikolovski told the Bendigo Advertiser at approximately 1.19pm his company registered the plane “a week or so” ago. 

“My Jet is the owner, although it's on our certificate to charter and use for commercial purpose,” Mr Nikolovski said. 

“In order to be able to operate an aircraft for venue, for it to be chartered, it needs to be on air operator certificate.

“It's only just come across on our certificate a week or so ago.” 

Civil Aviation Safety Authority records show Australian Corporate Jet Centres became the registered operator of VH-ZCR on February 16, just five days before it went down.

EARLIER: The aviation company potentially facing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over the Essendon DFO disaster was told three hours after the crash that the plane involved had been registered in its name.

As the wreckage smoldered at 12.01pm on February 21, and it was confirmed that five lives had been lost, Australian Corporate Jet Centres received an email from the aviation authority confirming it was the plane's registered operator.

The company's CEO replied at 1.27pm: "Unfortunately this aircraft was destroyed in an accident today which you may have seen in the media, the plane was flown by Max Quatermaine [sic] under his AOC – Corporate and Leisure Travel and had nothing to do with our company. Sad news all round but we won't be requiring the certificate."

With the threat of lawsuits and insurance payouts mounting over Victoria's worst aviation disaster in 30 years, the Essendon-based company has sought to have its registration overturned.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres claims it was not responsible for the plane due to an administrative bungle over a $65 application fee in December.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority records show Australian Corporate Jet Centres became the registered operator of VH-ZCR on February 16, just five days before it went down.

Emails published in a finding by the Commonwealth's Administrative Appeals Tribunal show the company did not find out its application to transfer registration had been approved until midday on February 21 – three hours after the crash at 8.58am.

"Your application was actioned ... it should be on its way in the mail," CASA wrote in the email sent at 12.01pm.

With the media spotlight intensifying and emergency services still on the scene, the company's CEO, Sam Iliades, replied to CASA telling it that the plane had gone down. The plane was being flown by pilot Max Quartermain under his air operator certificate, he wrote.

The company continues to maintain that position: "It was not our air operator's certificate, not our client, not our revenue, not our pilot," Australian Corporate Jet Centres said in a statement on Monday.

Fairfax Media understands just who was legally responsible for the flight is still being investigated.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been sifting through the wreckage of the plane, trying to piece together what caused it to go down shortly after take-off.

A recent preliminary report found that both engines and propellers appeared to be in working order at the time of the flight and that there was no evidence of mechanical failure.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres recently applied to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to have the CASA registration decision overturned but the matter was dismissed due to a lack of jurisdiction.

The matter was taken to the tribunal after the company originally had its application to become the plane's operator cancelled in late December because incorrect credit card details were used to pay the $65 application fee.

According to emails published in the tribunal finding, the company was not informed its application had been cancelled.

On January 30 the company emailed the regulator to find out what the delay was, only to be told the transfer had not gone through.

A new application was submitted and approved just over two weeks later.

CASA updated its register on February 16, sending out a letter to Australian Corporate Jet Centres and the previous registered operator, MyJet Aviation, informing them of the change.

The letter also contained a reminder of the operator's obligations.

These included the display of nationality and registration marks, as well as responsibility for airworthiness and maintenance. 

When the letter hadn't arrived by February 20, Mr Iliades sent another email asking CASA about the "status of the registered operator application".

The response came a day later, when the plane had already crashed.

Any lawsuit could run into tens of millions of dollars, with the family of the passengers plus the hundreds of people who witnessed the crash all having a potential claim. At least three law firms have been retained, Fairfax understands.

"[The case] could generate a very large lawsuit for the entity that is found to be responsible under the law of negligence for the air crash by a court," Shine Lawyers aviation department manager Thomas Janson said.

Negligence is yet to be proved in the case, as investigators continue to work through the plane's wreckage. But if it could be proved, hundreds of bystanders who saw the flight go down might be able to claim for nervous shock, Mr Janson said.

Read more here:  http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au



 Max Quartermain

John Washburn

Pilot Max Quartermain, Russell Munsch, Glenn Garland and Greg De Haven.



Glenn Garland, Russell Munsch, Greg DeHaven and a fourth golfing partner (left) at Cape Kidnappers golf course in New Zealand.


Collision with terrain involving B200 King Air VH-ZCR at Essendon Airport, Victoria on February 21, 2017: http://www.atsb.gov.au

NTSB Identification: CEN17RA106
Accident occurred Monday, February 20, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia
Aircraft: RAYTHEON B200, registration:
Injuries: 5 Fatal.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.


On February 20, 2017, at 2159 hours universal coordinated time (0859 hours Australian eastern daylight time on February 21, 2017), a Raytheon model B200 (King Air) airplane, Australian registration VH-ZCR, impacted a building and roadway shortly after takeoff from runway 17 (4,934 feet by 148 feet, asphalt) at Melbourne/Essendon Airport (YMEN), Victoria, Australia. A post-impact fire ensued. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. The intended destination was the King Island Airport (YKII), Currie, Tasmania, Australia.


The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. This report is for informational purposes only and contains information released by or obtained from the government Australia.


Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from:


Australian Transport Safety Bureau

PO Box 967
Civic Square ACT 2608
Tel: +61 2 6257 4150
Website: http://www.atsb.gov.au
Email: atsbinfo@atsb.gov.au

American Champion 7GCBC, TMF Development Inc., N59WD: Incident occurred March 31, 2017 at Stockton Metropolitan Airport (KSCK), San Joaquin County, California

TMF Development Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N59WD

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

Aircraft was blown over on left wing.

Date: 31-MAR-17
Time: 20:38:00Z
Regis#: N59WD
Aircraft Make: CHAMPION
Aircraft Model: 7A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
City: STOCKTON
State: CALIFORNIA

Incident occurred April 02, 2017 at Brackett Field Airport (KPOC), La Verne, California Los Angeles County, California

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

Aircraft veered off runway and struck a runway distance remaining sign.

Date: 02-APR-17
Time: 19:47:00Z
Regis#: N144WP
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: LA VERNE
State: CALIFORNIA

Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604, N2FD: Incident occurred April 02, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida

TVPX ARS INC  TRUSTEE
C/O TVPX
http://registry.faa.gov/N2FD

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

Aircraft wing struck an empty school bus while parking.

Date: 02-APR-17
Time: 18:30:00Z
Regis#: N2FD
Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER
Aircraft Model: CL60
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
City: WEST PALM BEACH
State: FLORIDA

Piper PA-32-300, Hammond Flying Club Inc., N694DB: Incident occurred March 31, 2017 at Hammond Northshore Regional Airport (KHDC), Louisiana Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Hammond Flying Club Inc:   http://registry.faa.gov/N694DB

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Aircraft slid off runway into mud. 

Date: 31-MAR-17
Time: 22:30:00Z
Regis#: N694DB
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: 32
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: HAMMOND
State: LOUISIANA

Controlled Flight Into Terrain: Cessna 182D Skylane, N8889X; accident occurred April 01, 2017 near Blue Earth Municipal Airport (KSBU), Faribault County, Minnesota







Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:



Location: Blue Earth, Minnesota 
Accident Number: GAA17CA215
Date & Time: April 1, 2017, 22:00 Local 
Registration: N8889X
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) 
Injuries: 2 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while approaching the destination airport in night, marginal visual meteorological conditions, he turned on the pilot-controlled runway lights. He added that he began a descent to the runway without observing the runway lights or airport and encountered "ground fog" about 200 to 300 ft above ground level (agl). He further added that he continued the descent to the
runway while referencing the navigational moving map and GPS altitude on his electronic flight bag (EFB) application ForeFlight. Subsequently, while in a left turn, the airplane impacted terrain about 1 nautical mile south of the runway.

The left wing, firewall, and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, while en route, he reset his airplaneinstalled barometric pressure altimeter to the GPS altitude indicated on his EFB, which resulted in a "300 ft. error."

An automated weather observing station, about 14 nautical miles west of the accident airport, recorded visibility at 2 1/2 statute miles, light rain, mist, and an overcast cloud ceiling at 300 ft agl.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's decision to continue the night, visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain while on final approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper use of an electronic flight bag.

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot
Aircraft Altitude - Not attained/maintained
Aircraft (general) - Incorrect use/operation
Environmental issues Fog - Decision related to condition
Environmental issues Below VFR minima - Decision related to condition

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final VFR encounter with IMC
Approach-VFR pattern final Loss of visual reference
Approach-VFR pattern final Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: December 22, 2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: September 9, 2016
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1069.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 32.8 hours (Total, this make and model), 1069.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12.1 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student pilot Information

Certificate: Student 
Age: 56, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: September 29, 2016
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 35 hours (Total, all aircraft), 35 hours (Total, this make and model)

Passenger Information

Certificate: Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): 
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N8889X
Model/Series: 182 D 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18253289
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2650 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3143.15 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470-L
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 230 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument (IMC)
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFRM, 1162 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 03:06 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility 2.5 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 300 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  / None
Wind Direction: 170° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.8 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - None - Mist
Departure Point: ST PAUL, MN (21D) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: BLUE EARTH, MN (SBU) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 20:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: BLUE EARTH MUNI SBU
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1107 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 34 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3400 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A Aircraft
Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor, 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 43.595275,-94.092781(est)

Preventing Similar Accidents

Reduced Visual References Require Vigilance

About two-thirds of general aviation accidents that occur in reduced visibility weather conditions are fatal. The accidents can involve pilot spatial disorientation or controlled flight into terrain. Even in visual weather conditions, flights at night over areas with limited ground lighting (which provides few visual ground references) can be challenging.

Preflight weather briefings are critical to safe flight. In-flight, weather information can also help pilots make decisions, as can in-cockpit weather equipment that can supplement official information. Incockpit equipment requires an understanding of the features and limitations.

We often see pilots who decide to turn back after they have already encountered weather; that is too late.

Pilot's shouldn't allow a situation to become dangerous before deciding to act. Additionally, air traffic controllers are there to help; be honest with them about your situation and ask for help.

Even when flying at night, visual weather conditions can also be challenging. Remote areas with limited ground lighting provide limited visual reference cues for pilots, which can be disorienting or render rising terrain visually imperceptible. Topographic references can help pilots become more familiar with the terrain. The use of instruments, if pilots are proficient, can also help pilots navigate these challenging areas.


The NTSB presents this information to prevent recurrence of similar accidents. Note that this should not be considered guidance from the regulator, nor does this supersede existing FAA Regulations (FARs).



NTSB Identification: GAA17CA215 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, April 02, 2017 in Blue Earth, MN
Aircraft: CESSNA 182, registration: N8889X
Injuries: 2 Minor, 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 reported that while approaching the destination airport, in night marginal visual meteorological conditions, he turned on the pilot controlled runway lights. He added that he began a descent to the runway, without observing the runway lights or airport, and encountered "ground fog" about 200 to 300 ft. above the ground. He further added that he continued the descent to the runway while referencing the navigational moving map and GPS altitude on his electronic flight bag (EFB) application ForeFlight. Subsequently, while in a left turn, the airplane impacted terrain about one nautical mile south of the runway.

The left wing, firewall, and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that while enroute, he reset his airplane installed barometric pressure altimeter to the GPS altitude indicated on his EFB, which resulted in a "300 ft. error." 

An automated weather observing station, about 14 nautical miles west of the accident airport, recorded visibility at 2 ½ statute miles, light rain, mist, and an overcast cloud ceiling at 300 ft. above ground.
------------

A Cessna 182D Skylane force landed near the city of Blue Earth.

According to the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, police responded just before 10:30 last night to a plane that had force landed in a field south of Blue Earth near the Blue Earth airport.

The pilot, 67-year-old Robin Hermanson of South Dakota, along with two passengers were treated and released at the scene.

The scene is being secured by the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office until the FAA completes its investigation. 

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

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash of a small plane about four miles south of Blue Earth.

According to the Fairbault County Sheriff’s Office, the plane crashed into a field near the Blue Earth airport around 10:20 Sunday night.

The pilot and two passengers were all treated at the scene by the responding ambulance crew.

They’ve been identified as 67-year-old Robin Hermanson of Garretson, South Dakota, along with 56-year-old Tim Lippert of Easton and his 13-year-old son.

The scene is being secured by the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office until the FAA completes its investigation of the crash.

Diamond DA42NG, Neiling Jem Enterprises LLC, N311LH: Incident occurred April 02, 2017 at Sullivan County International Airport (KMSV), Monticello, Sullivan County, New York

Neiling Jem Enterprises LLC:   http://registry.faa.gov/N311LH

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

Aircraft landed gear up. 

Date: 02-APR-17
Time: 16:25:00Z
Regis#: N311LH
Aircraft Make: DIAMOND
Aircraft Model: DA42
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: MONTICELLO
State: NEW YORK

Cessna 402B, N7947Q: Accident occurred July 22, 2019 at Boise Airport (KBOI), Ada County, Idaho -and- Incident occurred March 31, 2017 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N7947Q

Location: Boise, ID
Accident Number: ANC19LA039
Date & Time: 07/22/2019, 1147 MDT
Registration: N7947Q
Aircraft: Cessna 402
Injuries:3 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

On July 22, 2019, about 1147 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 402B airplane, N7947Q, sustained substantial damage during a right main landing gear collapse shortly after landing at the Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (KBOI), Boise, Idaho. The airplane was being operated as an instrument flight rules (IFR) local area, CFR 135.297 instrument proficiency check, as well as an CFR 135.339 check airman observation flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was owned and operated by Western Air Express, Boise. Of the three occupants on board, the first pilot, an airline transport certificated pilot, seated in the left seat, and the second pilot, a commercial certificated pilot, seated in the right seat, and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed for the flight. The flight originated at KBOI, about 1015.

During a telephone conversation with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on July 25, the first pilot, who is the operator's director of operations, reported that he was receiving an instrument proficiency check ride from the second pilot, the operator's chief pilot. The first pilot added that a FAA ASI was observing the check ride from the passenger cabin.

The first pilot said that after completing a series of flight maneuvers, which was part of the check ride, it was decided to return to KBOI to complete the check ride. He said that as the airplane neared the airport, the flight was eventually cleared to land on Runway 10L, a 10,000 ft. by 150 ft. paved runway. The first pilot said that during the landing approach, he selected the landing gear selector switch to the down position, which was followed by "three greens" indicating the landing gear was down, locked, and safe for landing. He noted that all three occupants verified and verbally confirmed that the landing gear was "down and locked." The first pilot said that after an uneventful landing touchdown, the airplane continued down the runway as the landing rollout slowed. He said that as the airplane continued its landing rollout, the air traffic control tower (ATCT) specialist on duty asked him to exit left at Echo Taxiway. The first pilot said that as he started his left turn onto Echo Taxiway, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground, sustaining substantial damage.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N7947Q
Model/Series: 402
Aircraft Category:Airplane 
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Western Airlines LC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BOI, 2871 ft msl
Observation Time: 1153 MDT
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , Variable
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Boise, ID (BOI)
Destination: Boise, ID (BOI)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.561111, -116.218333

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Oregon

March 31, 2017: Aircraft landed gear up.

Date: 31-MAR-17
Time: 11:50:00Z
Regis#: N7947Q
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 402
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: PORTLAND
State: OREGON

Zenith Zodiac 601XL-B, N610TT: Accident occurred March 31, 2017 at Columbia Gorge Regional/The Dalles Municipal Airport (KDLS), The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon

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

Analysis

The commercial pilot, who was also the owner/builder of the experimental amateur-built airplane, reported that, after departure and while climbing through 3,500 ft mean sea level, he heard the engine sound abruptly change and observed a loss of rpm and higher-than-normal exhaust gas temperature readings. The pilot turned back toward the airport and attempted to troubleshoot the problem; however, the airplane continued to produce less power than expected. The pilot established a normal traffic pattern for the runway. After turning to final, the airplane started descending and had insufficient power to reach the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain short of the runway.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that all six propeller bolts that held the propeller hub to the drive hub were fractured. Further examination of the bolts revealed that the fracture surfaces all exhibited similar features consistent with reverse bending fatigue, likely from not fitting tightly into the propeller hub holes. The pilot reported that he had converted the engine and that, given its unique conversion, the bolts that were typically used to connect the propeller hub to the drive hub were too short; therefore, he chose to use the bolts that were on the hub at the time of the accident. Given the condition of the bolts and the pilot's statement, it is likely the bolts did not fit tightly in the propeller hub holes, which led to their failure due to reverse bending fatigue.

Probable Cause and Findings

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

A partial loss of engine power due to the reverse bending fatigue failure of the propeller hub bolts, which resulted from the bolts not fitting tightly into the propeller hub holes. Also causal was the pilot's decision to use improper bolts for this type of installation/operation.

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Hillsboro, Oregon

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/N610TT

NTSB Identification: WPR17LA082
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, March 31, 2017 in The Dalles, OR
Aircraft: OTT 601XL-B, registration: N610TT
Injuries: 2 Minor.

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 31, 2017 about 1655 Pacific daylight time, an OTT 601XL-B airplane, N610TT, the pilot executed a precautionary landing about one mile southeast of the Columbia Gorge Regional/The Dalles Municipal Airport (DLS), The Dalles, Oregon after the engine experienced a partial loss of engine power. The commercial pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged throughout. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal, local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to verify the proper fuel mixture setting for the electronic mixture system. The airplane departed the airport to the northeast and while climbing through 3,500 feet, the pilot heard the engine sound abruptly change. Concurrent with the change, he observed a loss of RPM and high exhaust gas temperature readings. The pilot returned towards the airport and attempted to troubleshoot the problem, however, the airplane was producing less power than expected. The pilot established a normal traffic pattern for runway 31. After turning final the airplane was low, and despite the pilot adding power, the airplane impacted terrain short of the runway surface.

A postaccident examination revealed no indications of catastrophic malfunction. The engine was rotated and compression was established on all cylinders. The spark plugs were removed and the cylinders were boroscoped; all cylinders exhibited normal operating signatures. The external timing marks at the rear of the engine were not consistent with the markings on the multi-toothed plate on the propeller shaft. Further examination revealed the bolts holding the propeller hub to the drive hub were all fractured. The bolts were removed and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) materials laboratory for further examination.

The NTSB materials laboratory reported that the bolts were fractured in the 13th-15th thread root from the base of the bolt. The general features of the fracture surfaces were consistent with each other. The fracture surfaces exhibited opposite-facing flat thumbnail-shaped regions with a middle rougher region. The thumbnail regions exhibited crack arrest marks, which were orientated with propagation inward from the surface of the thread roots. The thumbnail regions also exhibited ratchet marks near the thread root surfaces, consistent with multiple crack initiation sites. These features were all consistent with fatigue in reverse bending.

The pilot reported that the engine was a Corvair conversion engine built by him and a friend. They built this engine to be slightly different than other conversions, which allows it to be more powerful. The bolts that are normally used to connect the propeller hub to the drive hub were too short; therefore, he elected to use the accident bolts. He further reported that he believes he torqued the bolts properly, however, he noted that the holes on the propeller hub were not very tight.
======

A small plane carrying a couple from The Dalles landed short of the runway at a local airfield Friday afternoon and was severely damaged after hitting rocks, but neither passenger sustained more than minor injuries.

“They were very lucky, this plane did extremely well protecting the occupants -- but it’s probably totaled,” said Rolf Anderson, manager of the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport.

He said the Zenith 601, an experimental aircraft built by the pilot, has been moved into a hangar to accommodate an investigation by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board).

Anderson said the agencies would finalize a report about the incident in about a month that determines the cause of the crash, and then the plane will be released to its owners.

The accident happened a few minutes before 5 p.m. on March 31. Anderson said the couple, who he declined to name, were attempting to make a landing but didn’t make it to the runway.

He estimates the speed of the plane was about 50 miles per hour when it came down on grass and rocks.

He said the FAA and NTSB investigation will determine if something went wrong with the aircraft, or if the wreck occurred because of pilot error.

One runway was shut down while the Dallesport Fire Department and Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue made sure no flames erupted and provided care to the pilot and his wife.

MCF&R transported the pair via ambulance to Mid-Columbia Medical Center for an examination and treatment of minor injuries, according to Anderson.

“He had some back pain and they both had some bruises but I think they were okay other than that,” he said.

The runway nearest the crash site was shut down while emergency responders worked, but the other runway remained open and air traffic was not impeded, said Anderson.

The damaged plane was moved into a hangar Saturday and the second runway reopened for use.

Source:  http://t.thedalleschronicle.com

Cessna P210N Pressurized Centurion, Air Tech Flight Services LLC, N4601W: Incident occurred April 02, 2017 at Grand Strand Airport (KCRE), North Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina

Air Tech Flight Services LLC:   http://registry.faa.gov/N4601W

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina 

Aircraft landed gear up. 

Date: 02-APR-17
Time: 18:33:00Z
Regis#: N4601W
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 210
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
State: SOUTH CAROLINA

Piper PA-23, N2172P: Incident occurred April 02, 2017 at Madison Municipal Airport (KMDS), Lake County, South Dakota

http://registry.faa.gov/N2172P

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota 

Aircraft experienced a gear malfunction during landing. 

Date: 02-APR-17
Time: 18:10:00Z
Regis#: N2172P
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: 23
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: MADISON
State: SOUTH DAKOTA

Buckeye Dream Machine, N4017L, registered to and operated by the pilot: Fatal accident occurred April 02, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee

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

Additional Participating Entity:  

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee


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



Location: Knoxville, TN
Accident Number: ERA17FA144
Date & Time: 04/02/2017, 1530 EDT
Registration: N4017L
Aircraft: BUCKEYE AVIATION DREAM MACHINE
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The sport pilot and the passenger were making a local flight in the powered parachute. The passenger, who survived the accident, reported that, about an hour into the flight, the pilot turned to the east toward the passenger's home. After overflying the passenger's home at low altitude, the pilot maneuvered the powered parachute to the east toward rising terrain and trees. The passenger's wife was outside her home at the time of the accident and noticed that the aircraft was flying low, and other witnesses also reported seeing the aircraft flying low before the accident. According to the passenger, the aircraft did not climb quickly enough to clear the trees; the landing gear struck about three trees; and the aircraft dropped into the woods striking tree limbs on the way down.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or anomaly, and the passenger reported that he did not notice any significant change in engine speed before the aircraft struck the trees. The engine ran satisfactorily when tested after the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's decision to maneuver the aircraft at low altitude, towards rising terrain, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees.

Findings

Aircraft
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Sloped/uneven terrain - Decision related to condition (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying
Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Uncontrolled descent
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

On April 2, 2017, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Buckeye Aviation Dream Machine powered parachute, N4017L, collided with trees and terrain at Knoxville, Tennessee. The sport pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger was seriously injured. The powered parachute was substantially damaged. The powered parachute was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated at a private, grass airstrip about 1415.

The passenger reported that the preflight portion of the flight was uneventful. The takeoff was accomplished on the grass airstrip, and the flight departed to the west. About 1an hour later, the pilot turned to the east toward the passenger's home. After overflying the passenger's home, the pilot maneuvered the powered parachute to the east over rising terrain and trees. The aircraft did not seem to be climbing quickly enough to clear the trees, and the landing gear struck about three trees before the aircraft dropped into the woods, striking tree limbs on the way down. The passenger did not notice any significant change in engine speed before the collision. The passenger egressed his seat; however, he was unable to walk and was met by first responders and transported to a local hospital.

The passenger's wife was outside her home at the time of the accident. She noticed that the aircraft was flying "pretty low," and she stated that "it looked like they were flying barely high enough to go over the woods behind my house." She heard the aircraft striking tree limbs, followed by the sound of a "horrific" crash. She called 911 after asking a neighbor, who was an emergency room physician, to find the crash site.

Several local residents observed the aircraft in flight and noted that it was flying at a low altitude. One of these witnesses reported that the aircraft was "barely over the tree tops" and another reported that it appeared to be about 20 ft above the trees.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 58, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: None None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/07/2017
Flight Time:  90 hours (Total, all aircraft), 90 hours (Total, this make and model)

The pilot, who was seated in the front cockpit seat, held a sport pilot certificate. He did not hold nor was he required to hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate. According to his pilot logbook, he had logged about 90 hours of total flight experience, all in Buckeye powered parachutes.

According to FAA records, on September 24, 2016, the pilot violated a temporary flight restriction (TFR) while flying the powered parachute near Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The TFR was established for a University of Tennessee football game. The aircraft was observed inside the TFR, at less than 1,000 ft above the ground, heading north to south. The pilot was not communicating with air traffic control and did not have an operating transponder.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BUCKEYE AVIATION
Registration: N4017L
Model/Series: DREAM MACHINE NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Powered Parachute
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Special Light-Sport
Serial Number: 16469
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/01/2016, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 700 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 139 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: ROTAX
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 582E
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 66 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  None

The single-engine, tandem-cockpit powered parachute incorporated a fixed, tricycle landing gear. It was equipped with a Rotax 582E, two-stroke, two-cylinder reciprocating engine rated at 66 horsepower. Examination of maintenance records revealed that it was manufactured in 2005 and had accumulated about 139 hours since new. A condition inspection was completed on November 1, 2016.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: TYS, 979 ft msl
Observation Time: 1553 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 115°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 6°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Powell, TN (None)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Powell, TN (None)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1415 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Knoxville, Tennessee, was located about 9 miles east-southeast of the accident site. The TYS weather at 1553 included wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 24°C, dew point 6°C, and altimeter setting 30.01 inches of mercury.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 35.871389, -84.156944 (est)

The wreckage of the powered parachute was found in a wooded area about 880 ft northeast of the passenger's residence. The elevation at the accident site was about 100 ft higher than the elevation at the passenger's residence. All structure and components of the powered parachute were accounted for at the accident site. The powered parachute was found in the upright position. There was no fire.

The tubular metal cart was buckled or bent in several places. The fixed landing gear remained attached to the cart. The parachute wing and lines were adjacent to the cart and were entangled with broken tree branches. Continuity from the parachute to the cockpit flight controls was established. Both occupants were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, and an intercom system was installed.

The engine mounts were broken. The three-blade composite propeller remained attached to the engine, and the outer section of each blade was broken and splintered. Continuity from the cockpit controls to the engine was established. The 8-gallon fuel tank contained about 4 gallons of fuel, and no leaks were observed.

The spark plugs were removed and examined. They appeared normal in color and wear when compared to a Champion spark plug inspection chart. The ignition leads were undamaged. The exhaust manifold did not appear to completely cover the cylinder exhaust ports; however, no evidence of exhaust leakage was found. The propeller was turned by hand, and no internal restrictions were noted. Compression and suction were observed on both cylinders.

The propeller blades were removed to prepare for a test run of the engine. The throttle was found in the full forward position. It was retarded to idle for the test run. The engine was equipped with a manual pull starter. The engine started on the second pull and ran smoothly and without hesitation. No leaks were observed at the exhaust manifold. The engine was run at no higher than idle power due to the impact damage to the cart and the lack of an intact propeller. The engine run was discontinued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge after about 2 minutes. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or anomaly.

Medical And Pathological Information

The Knox County Regional Forensic Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, performed an autopsy of the pilot. The cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was accident.


Toxicological testing of the pilot was performed by a private laboratory designated by the medical examiner. Testing was negative for ethanol and major drugs of abuse, and 2% carbon monoxide was detected in blood.

NTSB Identification: ERA17FA144
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, April 02, 2017 in Knoxville, TN
Aircraft: BUCKEYE AVIATION DREAM MACHINE, registration: N4017L
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 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 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 April 2, 2017, about 1532 eastern daylight time, a Buckeye Aviation Dream Machine, N4017L, collided with trees and terrain near Knoxville, Tennessee. The powered parachute was substantially damaged. The sport pilot was fatally injured, and one passenger was seriously injured. The powered parachute was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated at a private, grass airstrip about 1444.


The passenger reported that the preflight portion of the flight was uneventful. The takeoff was accomplished on a grass airstrip and the flight departed to the west. About 45 minutes later, the pilot overflew the passenger's residence. Subsequently, the pilot maneuvered the powered parachute to the east, over rising terrain and trees. The aircraft did not seem to be climbing quickly enough to clear the trees and the landing gear struck about three trees before the aircraft dropped into the woods, striking tree limbs on the way down. The passenger egressed his seat; however, he was unable to walk and was met by first responders and transported to a local hospital. The passenger further stated that he was not aware of any problems with the engine prior to the accident.


All structure and components of the powered parachute were accounted for at the accident site. The powered parachute was found in the upright position in a forested area. There was no fire. The landing gear remained attached to the frame. The tubular frame was buckled or bent in several places. The parachute and lines were adjacent to the airframe, and were entangled with broken tree branches. Continuity from the parachute to the cockpit flight controls was established. Both occupants were wearing helmets at the time of the accident and an intercom system was installed.


The engine mounts were broken. The three-bladed composite propeller remained attached to the engine, and the outer sections of each blade were broken and splintered. Continuity from the cockpit controls to the engine was established. The 8-gallon fuel tank contained about 4 gallons of fuel.


The pilot, who was seated in the front cockpit seat, held a sport pilot certificate. He did not hold a Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate. According to his pilot logbook, he had logged about 90 hours of total flight experience, all in Buckeye powered parachutes.


The single-engine, tandem-cockpit powered parachute incorporated a fixed, tricycle landing gear. It was equipped with a Rotax 582-series, two-stroke, twin-cylinder reciprocating engine rated at 66 horsepower. Examination of maintenance records revealed that it was built in 2005 and accumulated about 139 hours since new.







The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report into a fatal crash involving a powered parachute in Knox County.  

Pilot Stanley Decoursey, 58, died as a result of the April 2 crash into a wooded area near Barharbor Way in Farragut. His passenger, 54-year-old Kenneth Atkins, suffered serious injuries, according to our sister affiliate WBIR. 


The flight began around 2:44 p.m. from a private, grass airstrip. 


According to the NTSB report, about 45 minutes into the flight Decoursey overflew Atkins' home and then started maneuvering the aircraft to the east, over rising terrain and trees.


The powered parachute didn't seem to be climbing quickly enough to clear the trees and its landing gear hit about three trees before dropping into the woods, striking tree limbs on the way down, the NTSB report explained.  


Atkins was able to get out of his seat, but couldn't walk. First responders found him at the scene and transported him to the hospital. 


He told the NTSB that he wasn't aware of any problems with the engine before the accident.


Investigators said the aircraft was found in an upright position in a forested area and the landing gear remained attached to the frame. They noted there hadn't been any fire. The parachute and lines were adjacent to the frame and entangled with broken tree branches. 


The aircraft was a Buckeye Aviation Dream Machine, which is a single-engine, tandem-cockpit powered parachute with a fixed, tricycle landing gear. Maintenance records revealed it was built in 2004 and had about 139 hours of use since then. 


Decoursey held a sport pilot certificate, which is required to fly a powered parachute with a passenger. He did not have a Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate. 


He had logged about 90 hours of total flight experience in Buckeye powered parachutes, according to his pilot logbook.


Both men were wearing a helmet.


http://www.wcyb.com











Stanley Decoursey, 58, of Powell, was pronounced dead at the University of Tennessee Medical Center on Sunday, according to a Facebook post by the sheriff's office Monday morning.


Decoursey was the pilot of a paraglider that crashed in the woods north of 11322 Barharbor Way near Farragut at around 4 p.m. Sunday.


Both Decoursey and a passenger, 54-year-old Kenneth Atkins of Knoxville, were transported to the UT Medical Center following the crash. Decoursey was transported via Rural/Metro ambulance while Atkins was taken by Lifestar helicopter and remained at the hospital Monday, according to the sheriff's office.


Atkins was listed Monday in stable condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman.


The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.



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







KNOXVILLE - The Knoxville powered parachute community is mourning the loss of a friend.


Knox County Sheriff’s Office said Stanley Decoursey, 58, of Powell, died after his powered parachute crashed on Sunday. Decoursey was the pilot. His passenger Kenneth Atkins, 54, was hurt and remains at UT Medical Center.


Witnesses reported seeing a paraglider flying low before crashing into a wooded area around 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon near Barhabor Way, by Turkey Creek Road.


Eric Majni and Rocky Crawford flew with Decoursey about once a week. On Sunday, Decoursey sent out a text message to see if his friends were going flying on such a beautiful day.


"That was his last communication with the group," Crawford said.


"We're all just kind of in shock really," Majni said.


The group of guys have been flying powered parachutes for more than 20 years. About a year and half ago, Decoursey joined the group when he started flying.


"He was a new pilot that had a passion for the sport. We'd go up once a week or every other week, but he was flying every other day," Crawford said.


On Sunday afternoon, Manji and Decoursey were up in the air at the same time.


"He actually lifted off before we got to the field. He headed west and we went north," Manji said. "We saw Lifestar come downtown and a short time later had some texts that there was an accident so we had a pretty good idea it was Stan," he added.


The two men said Decoursey’s death will change the way they fly.


"It definitely makes you aware of the dangers involved and it makes you be more careful," Majni said.


But they know Decoursey would want them to keep taking off.


“He wouldn't want us to stop," Crawford said, "Even though it's tragic and it's absolutely tragic, he was doing what he loved."


Crawford and Majni said Decoursey was a qualified pilot. He had all the proper training and was certified to fly with a passenger.


To fly a single seat power parachute you don't have to have a license. To fly with a passenger, as Decoursey was, you must have a sport pilot's license. His friends said that is what he had.           


The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.


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