Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, N4137F: Aircraft landed gear-up on a sand and gravel runway on the north end of Long Island, Bahamas
































AIRCRAFT:   1976 Piper PA-32R-300 N4137F, s/n: 32R-76 80430

Total time/Tach Time at last annual inspection 5335.67 conducted 20 June 2016

Current Tach is 5431.7. 
                                                              
ENGINE:  Lycoming IO 540-K1G5D, s/n:  L-2103-48A.

Last Annual inspection June 21, 2016 at TSMOH 1122.03

PROP:   Hartzell HC-C3YR-1RF/F7663R, s/n: PA1289B, installed new on 06/20/2016

EQUIPMENT:   *These three items were removed and are located with the logs at our Florida headquarters.

*Garmin 430 NAV COMM
*MX 170C NAV COMM
*Garmin 340 Audio panel

AT 50 transponder 
                        
 DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  Aircraft landed gear-up on a sand and gravel runway on the north end of Long Island, Bahamas.  Aircraft was lifted and is resting on its landing gear.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:   Damage includes but may not be limited to the following:     

Prop blades are damaged & engine experienced a prop strike

Nose gear doors are bent

Belly has damage to the longitudinal strakes and lower antenna are torn off

Both wings appear slightly out of rig/ deformed on the airframe

The left-wing fuel tank appears to have failed

The left flap is damaged and the left-wing tip and wing tip light are broken.

The right-wing tip received damage during the recovery efforts.

The right flap and flap hinge are damaged.

The entrance step is destroyed.

The exhaust stacks are bent/deformed.

The Rosen Sun Shields are broken.
  
LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:  Cape Santa Maria airstrip, Long Island, Bahamas. Closest public airport is Stella Maris MYLS. 

Two rear seats are hangared in Jacksonville, Florida

Garmin 430, MX170C, and Garmin 340 with logs in Florida

REMARKS:  The landing strip is accessible from the road.  SEACOR services Deadman’s Cay as the closest port for shipping. If the plane is disassembled, trucking to Deadman’s Cay may be a possibility.  The owner of the private strip requires the plane removed promptly.

Read more here:  http://www.avclaims.com/N4137F.html

Pilatus PC-12, N124UV, Med Flight Leasing LLC: Incident occurred May 29, 2017 at Shiprock Airstrip (5V5), San Juan County, New Mexico

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Med Flight Leasing LLC:   http://registry.faa.gov/N124UV

Aircraft force landed. Went off the runway. Stopped .5 mile off the end of the runway.

Date: 29-MAY-17
Time: 19:20:00Z
Regis#: N124UV
Aircraft Make: PILATUS
Aircraft Model: PC12
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: SHIPROCK
State: NEW MEXICO

Diamond DA42 Twin Star, N629SA, Twinstar Education Partners LLC: Incident occurred May 26, 2017 at Boca Raton Airport (KBCT), Palm Beach County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Twinstar Education Partners LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N629SA

Aircraft on landing, blew a tire.

Date: 26-MAY-17
Time: 21:27:00Z
Regis#: N629SA
Aircraft Make: DIAMOND
Aircraft Model: DA42
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: BOCA RATON
State: FLORIDA

Mooney M-20G Statesman, N78TB, Artics Air Academy LLC: Incident occurred May 26, 2017 at Palmer Municipal Airport (PAAQ), Alaska

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

Artics Air Academy LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N78TB

Aircraft landed gear up.

Date: 26-MAY-17
Time: 23:30:00Z
Regis#: N78TB
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: PALMER
State: ALASKA

Bombardier CRJ-701 (CL-600-2C10), N742SK, Skywest Airlines Inc, Flight SKW5725: Incident occurred May 29, 2017 at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Long Beach, California

Skywest Airlines Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N742SK

Aircraft on taxi. Wingtip struck a bus. No injuries. Damage minor.

Date: 30-MAY-17
Time: 02:08:00Z
Regis#: N742SK
Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER
Aircraft Model: CL600
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Aircraft Operator: SKYWEST AIRLINES
Flight Number: SKW5725
City: LOS ANGELES
State: CALIFORNIA

Zenith Zodiac 601XL, N167EZ: Accident occurred May 29, 2017 in Sanford, Lee County, North Carolina

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

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina


Aviation Accident Preliminary 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/N167EZ

Location: Sanford, NC
Accident Number: ERA17TA196
Date & Time: 05/29/2017, 1330 EDT
Registration: N167EZ
Aircraft: ERNEST T CHRISTLEY ZENITH ZODIAC 601XL
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel starvation
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 29, 2017, at 1330 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Zenith Zodiac 601XL, N167EZ, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Sanford, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated at Deck Airpark (NC11), Apex, North Carolina at 1145.

The pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport, at 6,000 feet mean sea level, when the engine lost all power. He noticed that the right fuel tank was empty; however, he thought that the engine was feeding from the left tank. He attempted a restart, and the engine momentarily started, then lost power again. Unable to restart the engine, he performed a forced landing in a plowed field.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The nose gear collapsed during the forced landing, resulting in structural damage to the lower fuselage and engine firewall. The engine and propeller were undamaged. The right fuel tank was empty and the left tank contained fuel. The fuel tank selector handle in the cockpit was found at the left tank position; however, the fuel tank valve remained in the right tank position and could not be moved to the left tank position.

The fuel tank selector valve hardware was examined. The connection between the tank selector handle and the fuel valve consisted of a threaded metal rod, about one foot in length. The pilot, who was the airplane builder, reported that the rod "twisted like bubble gum" when the handle was rotated without changing the position of the valve. He used a thinner rod due to an interference problem during construction. The rod was not part of the airplane kit and was improvised by the pilot. The pilot reported that the handle/valve assembly operated normally during initial testing.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 50, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/11/2016
Flight Time:  147 hours (Total, all aircraft), 60 hours (Total, this make and model), 101 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ERNEST T CHRISTLEY
Registration: N167EZ
Model/Series: ZENITH ZODIAC 601XL
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 4942
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/12/2016, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 60 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 60 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Chevrolet
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: Corvair
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 hp
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: TTA, 246 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1320 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 260°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 300°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Apex, NC (NC11)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Apex, NC (NC11)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1145 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class E 

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: 35.443611, -79.111111 (est)

NTSB Identification: ERA17LA196
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, May 29, 2017 in Sanford, NC
Aircraft: ERNEST T CHRISTLEY ZENITH ZODIAC 601XL, registration: N167EZ
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.

601XL, N167EZ, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Sanford, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated at Deck Airpark (NC11), Apex, North Carolina at 1145.

The pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport, and the airplane was at 6,000 feet mean sea level, when the engine lost all power. He noticed that the right fuel tank was empty; however, he thought that the engine was feeding from the left tank. He attempted a restart, and the engine momentarily started, then lost power again. Unable to restart the engine, he performed a forced landing in a plowed field.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The nose gear collapsed during the forced landing, resulting in structural damage to the lower fuselage and engine firewall. The engine and propeller were undamaged. The right fuel tank was empty and the left tank contained fuel. The fuel tank selector handle in the cockpit was found at the left tank position; however, the fuel tank valve remained in the right tank position and could not be moved to the left tank position.

Grumman-Schweizer G-164C, N6674K: Accidents occurred April 29, 2018 and May 26, 2017 in Maxwell, Colusa County, California

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

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N6674K

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Location: Maxwell, CA
Accident Number: WPR18LA128
Date & Time: 04/29/2018, 1530 PDT
Registration: N6674K
Aircraft: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164C
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On April 29, 2018, about 1530 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164C/C, tail-equipped, turbine-powered agricultural airplane, N6674K, was substantially damaged following a forced landing due to a loss of engine power near Maxwell, California. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was owned by Richter Aviation, and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a test flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The airplane departed Richter Airport (12CN), Maxwell, California, about 5 minutes prior to the accident.

In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that the intent of the flight was to determine if the left side entry door would stay shut after maintenance had been performed on the door; it had opened in the air on previous flights that day. The pilot stated that about 5 minutes into the flight at an altitude of about 200 ft above ground level and in close proximity to the airport, the engine surged three times, which was followed by what he believed was a total engine failure. Unable to return and land at the departure airport due to his low altitude, the pilot made a forced landing to a plowed field about 200 yards west of the south end of the airport. The airplane was substantially damaged when it nosed over during the landing roll. It was subsequently recovered to a secured salvage facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER
Registration: N6674K
Model/Series: G 164C C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: MYV, 64 ft msl
Observation Time: 1553 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 27 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots, 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Maxwell, CA (12CN)
Destination:  Maxwell, CA (12CN)

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:  39.264722, -122.119167

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

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 Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Location: Maxwell, CA
Accident Number: GAA17CA305
Date & Time: 05/26/2017, 1315 PDT
Registration: N6674K
Aircraft: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, a few minutes after takeoff for an agricultural application flight, while maneuvering to a field he intended to spray, the engine lost power and that he then attempted to land on a dirt road. He added that the airplane bounced on touchdown and "went off the road and struck a ditch." He further added that when the engine lost power, the fuel gauge indicated about half full. Postaccident, the pilot reported that the fuel gauge was "stuck in the middle," that he did not visually check the fuel quantity before flight, and that he had exhausted the fuel supply.

The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.

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

The Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge stated, in part:

Fuel Gauges

The fuel quantity gauges indicate the amount of fuel measured by a sensing unit in each fuel tank and is displayed in gallons or pounds. Aircraft certification rules require accuracy in fuel gauges only when they read "empty." Any reading other than "empty" should be verified. Do not depend solely on the accuracy of the fuel quantity gauges. Always visually check the fuel level in each tank during the preflight inspection, and then compare it with the corresponding fuel quantity indication. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to visually check the fuel quantity during the preflight inspection and ensure that sufficient fuel was onboard for the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Findings

Aircraft
Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)
Fuel - Inadequate inspection (Cause)
Fuel indication system - Malfunction

Personnel issues
Preflight inspection - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Terrain - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Prior to flight
Aircraft inspection event

Maneuvering-low-alt flying
Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)

Landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Waiver Time Limited Special
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/14/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/29/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 7170.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3485 hours (Total, this make and model), 7116.5 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 205 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 205 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER
Registration: N6674K
Model/Series: G-164 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 16C
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/07/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 9300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 10113.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Honeywell (Garrett)
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: TPE-331-6-5AM
Registered Owner: RICHTER AVIATION INC
Rated Power: 1000 hp
Operator: RICHTER AVIATION INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  Agricultural Aircraft (137) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: NONE
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Light and Variable, 170°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Develan, CA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Develan, CA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1310 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 39.286111, -122.185000 (est)

Beech BE24, N9270S: Incident occurred May 27, 2017 in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Cincinnati, Ohio

http://registry.faa.gov/N9270S

Aircraft landed off the runway in the grass and the nose gear collapsed.

Date: 27-MAY-17
Time: 13:53:00Z
Regis#: N9270S
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: BE24
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: CINCINNATI
State: OHIO

American General AG-5B Tiger, N191GC: Incident occurred May 28, 2017 in Hollywood, Broward County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

http://registry.faa.gov/N191GC

Aircraft on landing, went off the end of the runway and struck a light.

Date: 28-MAY-17
Time: 22:24:00Z
Regis#: N191GC
Aircraft Make: AMERICAN GENERAL
Aircraft Model: AG5B
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: HOLLYWOOD
State: FLORIDA

Cessna U206A Super Skywagon, N4804F, North Country Flying Club Inc: Accident occurred May 17, 2017 at Harris Airport (83K), Fort Ann, Washington County, New York

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

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

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA307 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in Diamond Point, NY
Probable Cause Approval Date: 08/03/2017
Aircraft: CESSNA U206, registration: N4804F
Injuries: 3 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, during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a wind gust and veered left off the runway centerline. He added that the airplane became airborne but that he did not have “enough time” to avoid a parked helicopter. Subsequently, the left wing impacted the helicopter. He then reduced the engine power, and the airplane landed without further incident. 

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system about 5 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 12 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 22.

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

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

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

North Country Flying Club Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N4804F


NTSB Identification: GAA17CA307
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in Diamond Point, NY
Aircraft: CESSNA U206, registration: N4804F
Injuries: 3 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, during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and veered left off the runway centerline. He added, that the airplane became airborne, but that he did not have "enough time" to avoid a parked helicopter. Subsequently, the left wing impacted the helicopter. He then reduced the engine power and the airplane landed without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

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

The automated weather observation system about 5 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported the wind was from 230° at 12 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 22.

Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N4335R: Accident occurred March 30, 2019 at Page Field Airport (KFMY), Fort Myers, Florida (and) Incident occurred May 29, 2017 at Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51), Homestead, Miami-Dade County, Florida













Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Pilot Training Center LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N4335R

Location: Fort Myers, FL
Accident Number: ERA19TA146
Date & Time: 03/30/2019, 2100 EDT
Registration: N4335R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

According to a lineperson at the airport, the airplane was taxiing toward four fuel trucks to park. The lineperson then exited one of the trucks with wands, got the pilot's attention, and walked north away from the trucks to direct the pilot to a safer parking area. He then signaled for the pilot to taxi toward him, but the airplane continued north-northwest toward the trucks, and the engine revved to a high rpm. The lineperson then motioned for the airplane to slow and move away from the trucks; however, the airplane continued to taxi toward the trucks. The lineperson signaled stop and yelled "stop" several times. The airplane did not stop, and its left wing struck a light pole near one of the trucks. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Although the pilot stated that while parking on the ramp parking area, a lineperson provided directions to taxi, which led the airplane's left wing to collide with a light pole, the airport director of operations reported that the pilot could not recall any of the wand signals that he was provided.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to remain clear of a light pole while taxiing.

Findings

Personnel issues Lack of action - Pilot
Environmental issues Pole - Awareness of condition
Environmental issues Pole - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

On March 30, 2019, about 2100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N4335R, was substantially damaged during taxi after landing at Page Field (FMY), Fort Myers, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Miami Executive Airport (TMB), Miami, Florida, about 1930.

The pilot stated that while parking on the ramp parking area, a lineperson provided directions to taxi, which led the airplane's left wing to collide with a light pole. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

The lineperson stated that he was in a parked Avgas truck, next to three Jet A trucks, preparing to drive to a hangar and complete a fueling when he heard the accident airplane taxiing toward him and it appeared that airplane was going to park in front of the three Jet A trucks. The lineperson then exited the truck with wands, was able to get the pilot's attention, and walked north away from the trucks to direct the pilot to a safer parking area. He then signaled for the pilot to taxi toward him, but the airplane moved north – northwest, still toward the trucks, and the engine revved to a high rpm. The lineperson then motioned for the airplane to slow and move away from the trucks; however, the airplane continued to taxi toward the trucks. The lineperson then signaled stop and yelled "stop" several times. The airplane did not stop and its left wing struck a light pole near the Avgas truck.

The airport director of operations reported that he interviewed the pilot after the accident and the pilot could not recall any of the wand signals that he was provided.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the left wing spar.

History of Flight

Taxi Miscellaneous/other
Taxi Ground collision (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 35, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/12/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/02/2019
Flight Time:  126 hours (Total, all aircraft), 109 hours (Total, this make and model), 70 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 103 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 53 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N4335R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17263088
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/29/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 8718 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 E2D
Registered Owner: Pilot Training Center Llc
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: Pilot Training Center Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: FMY, 17 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2053 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Miami, FL (TMB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fort Myers, FL (FMY)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1930 EDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: Page Field (FMY)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 17 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 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 26.586667, -81.863333 (est)

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

May 29, 2017:  Aircraft on landing, blew out a tire.

Date: 29-MAY-17

Time: 14:02:00Z
Regis#: N4335R
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: HOMESTEAD
State: FLORIDA