Saturday, June 24, 2017

Aero Commander 200D, registered to a private company and operated by the pilot, N929DM: Accident occurred June 24, 2017 near Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (KECP), Panama City, Bay County, Florida

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Continental Motors Inc; Mobile, Alabama

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/N929DM

Location: Panama City, FL
Accident Number: ERA17LA212
Date & Time: 06/24/2017, 1300 CDT
Registration: N929DM
Aircraft: AERO COMMANDER 200D
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel starvation
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On June 24, 2017, about 1300 central daylight time, an Aero Commander 200D, N929DM, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing while approaching Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Panama City, Florida. The pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to a private company and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the Malden Regional Airport (MAW), Malden, Missouri, about 1030.

The pilot stated that he topped off the airplane's four fuel tanks (20 gallons each, 18.5 gallons usable) prior to the estimated 2 hour and 20-minute flight. He started the engine, taxied, and took off on the left main fuel tank and climbed to 7,000 ft mean sea level (msl), burning about 18 gph. When he leveled off at 7,000 ft msl, he set engine power to a 15.5 gph fuel burn rate. The pilot said he had to deviate around weather but used a stop watch to remind him to switch tanks every 30 minutes, which he said he did during the entire flight. He cycled from the left main tank over to the left auxiliary tank after he leveled off at 7,000 ft msl. He then switched to the right auxiliary tank, then the right main tank, before switching back to the left main fuel tank for the remainder of the flight. About 20 minutes after switching to the left main tank, the engine lost power when he was five miles from the airport at an altitude of about 2,000 ft mean sea level (msl) (about 1,930 above ground level).

The pilot said the "engine was still running but not producing hardly any power, if any" and he was unable to maintain altitude, so he prepared to make a forced landing on a highway. During this time, he adjusted the mixture control and brought the throttle full forward, but to no avail. The pilot said he did not turn on the auxiliary fuel boost pump or switch fuel tanks as per the emergency checklist, and instead focused on trying to make a safe landing in a clearing between a set of power lines and a forest. He also thought he had about 20 minutes of fuel remaining in the left tank and did not consider the loss of power to be fuel related.

The airplane stalled right before touchdown and landed hard on the right main landing gear. The pilot said the engine lost complete power before touchdown. The airplane skidded, turned around and came to rest upright on a southwesterly heading resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left main fuel tank was intact and absent of fuel. The outboard section of the left wing, that housed the left auxiliary fuel tank, was bent up and partially separated. A small amount of fuel was observed in the left auxiliary tank and a sheen of fuel was observed under this portion of wing when it was recovered. The right wing also sustained impact damage, but the fuel tanks were not compromised. About 13 gallons of fuel were drained from the right wing auxiliary tank and about 11.5 gallons were drained from the right main tank.

Postaccident examination of the engine revealed it had sufficient oil and the spark plugs exhibited normal wear as per the Champion Check-A-Plug chart. An internal inspection of each cylinder via a lighted borescope revealed each of the cylinder's valves were intact and exhibited normal combustion deposits. The engine was rotated via manual rotation of the propeller and valve train continuity and thumb-compression were established on each cylinder. The spark plugs were re-installed, and the engine was prepped to be test-run on the airframe utilizing the airplane's own fuel system.

About 5-gallons of fuel were placed in the left main fuel tank and no leaks from the tank or its associated plumbing were observed. However, in preparation to start the engine, when the electrical fuel boost-pump was turned on to pressurize the fuel system, fuel sprayed from the b-nut that connected the main fuel supply line to the fuel manifold fitting. The b-nut was cross-threaded on the fitting and connected by about three threads. The fuel supply line was loose and not properly seated to the fitting. About six threads on the fitting were exposed, of which, two of the threads were shiny (clean) in appearance and the other four were dark from exposure to dirt and oil. There was no anti-tamper putty observed on the b-nut and fitting. No fuel stains were observed on the b-nut, fire sleeve, or surrounding area. The b-nut was tight on the fitting and had to be removed using a wrench. The b-nut was re-installed, and the engine started immediately and ran through its entire power-band without hesitation.

A review of the maintenance logbooks revealed the last annual inspection on the engine was performed on September 13, 2016, at a total time of 774.78 hours. At the time of the accident, the engine had accrued about 25.22 hours since the annual inspection. The airplane's last annual inspection was completed on February 2, 2017, at a total time of 2,850.68 flight hours.

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, and instrument airplane. His last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical was issued on September 11, 2015. The pilot reported a total of 252.2 flight hours, of which, 20.2 hours, were in the accident airplane.

The weather conditions reported at ECP at 1328 included wind from 220 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 18 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds 2,900 ft, broken clouds 3,800 ft, temperature 30° degrees C, dewpoint 23° C, and a barometric altimeter setting of 30.04 inches of mercury. The field elevation at ECP is 64 feet msl.

Per the airplane's Owner's Manual, page 4-2, ENGINE FAILURE, it states, "Should engine failure occur, the first step in any procedure is to lower the nose, set up and maintain a safe flying airspeed. Some of the most probable causes of engine failure are: fuel starvation, ignition malfunction, loss of oil and engine seizure. Some of the symptoms usually appear prior to complete engine failure. 

If the engine shows a decrease in power, starts running rough, or completely loses power, perform the following check:

1) Check that the fuel selector is on a usable tank. If necessary to switch tanks, retard the throttle, switch to desired tank.

2). Turn fuel boost pump "ON", advance throttle slowly until power is regained, and then turn OFF fuel boost pump.

3). Place mixture full rich and then lean to altitude if necessary.

4) Check ignition switch to "BOTH" position

5) Check all engine instruments. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 32, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/11/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  252.2 hours (Total, all aircraft), 20.2 hours (Total, this make and model), 161.7 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 75.4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 16.8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AERO COMMANDER
Registration: N929DM
Model/Series: 200D D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 304
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/02/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 29 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2879.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors Inc
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-520A (32B)
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 285 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: ECP, 68 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1328 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 340°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2900 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.34 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Malden, MO (MAW)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Panama City, FL (ECP)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1030 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES INTL (ECP)
Runway Surface Type: Dirt
Airport Elevation: 68 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Vegetation
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 
VFR Approach/Landing:  Forced Landing; Full Stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  30.000000, -85.000000 (est)

NTSB Identification: ERA17LA212
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Panama City, FL
Aircraft: AERO COMMANDER 200D, registration: N929DM
Injuries: 2 Minor.

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

On June 24, 2017, about 1300 central daylight time, an Aero Commander 200D, N929DM, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing while approaching Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP, Panama City, Florida. The pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to a private company and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and the flight was operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the Malden Regional Airport (MAW), Malden, Missouri, about 1030.

The pilot stated that he was on a 5-mile final for runway 16 at an altitude of about 2,000 ft mean sea level (msl), when he heard a "muffled bang" come from the engine. The engine then lost partial power. The pilot said he turned off the autopilot, trimmed for best glide, and prepared to make a forced landing on a highway since he knew he would be unable to make the runway. During this time, the pilot adjusted the mixture control to troubleshoot the problem and brought the throttle full forward, but to no avail. The pilot said he did no turn on the auxiliary fuel boost pump or switch fuel tanks, and instead focused on trying to make a safe landing.

The pilot stated that the airplane descended quickly and he ended up landing in a clearing between a set of power lines and a forest. The airplane stalled right before touchdown and landed hard on the right main landing gear. The airplane skidded, turned around and came to rest upright on a southwesterly heading. The pilot said that he recalled hearing "silence" just prior to touchdown and believes that the engine had stopped producing power before impact.

A review of on-scene photographs revealed that both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The wreckage was retained for further examination.


The weather conditions reported at ECP at 1328 included wind from 220 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 18 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds 2,900 ft, broken clouds 3,800 ft, temperature 30° degrees C, dewpoint 23° C, and a barometric altimeter setting of 30.04 inches of mercury.





Panama City Beach, Fla. — A pair of Jonesboro residents are in stable condition after the plane they were in made an emergency landing Saturday in Bay County, Fla.

James McLeod of Jonesboro, who was the pilot, made the emergency landing around 1 p.m. Saturday in an Aero Commander m200 aircraft.

According to The Florida Highway Patrol, McLeod was trying to make the landing when the plane lost power for an unknown reason and crashed onto the south shoulder of State Road 20 near State Road 77.

McLeod and a passenger, Erin McLeod, of Jonesboro were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.


http://katv.com







BAY COUNTY (WKRG) — A pilot had to make an emergency landing Saturday afternoon.

According to an emailed press release, James McLeod, 32, attempted to make an emergency landing.

The aircraft lost power and crash landed on the south shoulder of State Road 20.

The pilot, James McLeod, and the passenger, Erin McLeod, were transported to Gulf Coast Hospital with serious injuries.

They are in stable condition.

It is unknown why the aircraft lost power.  

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the accident with some assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol.

http://wkrg.com

Butler County Regional Airport (KHAO) administrator to be terminated




HAMILTON, Ohio

Citing continued financial difficulties with the Butler County Regional Airport, the commissioners are set to fire the administrator Ron Davis on Monday.

At every budget hearing with Davis for the past several years the commissioners have shown frustration that Davis hasn’t been able to make the airport financially viable. County Administrator Charlie Young told the Journal-News when the tax budgets came in recently they knew they can no longer sustain Davis’ $93,710 annual salary.

With benefits the total general fund outlay is $110,310.

“There has been a continuing effort to meet our budget goals and we have come to the conclusion we cannot meet our budget goals with the expense we’ve had of the administrator’s position,” Young said. “We just don’t have the funding for that position at the level we’ve been paying.”

Young said general fund monies have bailed the airport out to the tune of $40,000 to $50,000 annually, up to as much as $100,000. That doesn’t even include the $155,000 in debt payments every year.

 



Commissioner Don Dixon said they could not allow the airport to continue to be a drain on county coffers.

“If we are not able to change the operations or change the revenue stream, we have to make the books balance,” he said. “The way to make the books balance is to cut what you can cut and the first thing you can cut is personnel.”

In the short term the county is asking the fixed base operator Cincinnati Jet, Development Director David Fehr and other staff to fill the void.

Dixon said for the long term they plan to go out to bid for a part-time, contracted administrator for Hogan Field.

“We’re looking at part-time contractor with no benefits at all,” Dixon said.

Davis, who has been at the airport almost 18 years, said he has no comment at this time. His termination is effective June 30.


http://www.journal-news.com

Wanted: New flight school at Tri-Cities Regional Airport (KTRI)



BLOUNTVILLE — Help is wanted at Tri-Cities Airport in the pilot training department.

The former flight training instructor has retired, and Airport Authority commissioners listened to a pitch from Airport Executive Director Patrick Wilson on Thursday to restore that service.

“It relates back to growing general aviation, but there is a significant pilot shortage in the airline industry,” Wilson advised. “Flight training at airports like this is where a lot of those pilot careers start.”

Wilson said airport staff is working to lease the existing flight training office to Morristown Flying Service.

“They’ve been operating a flight school at the Morristown Airport since 1984, and since 1996 it has been owned and operated by J.B. Marshall,” Wilson told commissioners. “We continue to hear positive things about J.B. He’s a pretty well-known name in the aviation community in Tennessee. They would like to operate a flight school here. … They want to rebuild the student base that was here. … It’s going to take a little bit of time to rebuild the demand.”

The new operation, said Wilson, would be called Flying Service at Tri-Cities.

Pilot training would be offered using Cessna 182s, according to Wilson.

For more about the airport, go to www.triflight.com.


http://www.timesnews.net

Cessna 172 Skyhawk, N6474B: Accident occurred June 24, 2017 near Elton Hensley Memorial (KFTT), Fulton, Callaway County, Missouri

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

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA241 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Fulton, MO
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/02/2017
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N6474B
Injuries: 2 Minor, 3 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The private pilot and two passengers were conducting a local sightseeing flight when the engine “sputtered ever so slightly” and then regained power. Three to 5 seconds later, engine power dropped to about 700 rpm. The pilot checked the engine controls in an attempt to regain engine power; when power was not restored, he initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane landed about 3/4 down the length of a field and impacted adjacent trees.

During an initial examination, about 1 ounce of water was found in the gascolator. Continuity was established from the cockpit engine controls to the respective engine components. Fuel was found in the carburetor bowl and in the wing fuel tanks. A follow-up engine examination and functional test run did not produce any anomalies that would have prevented normal operation and production of rated horsepower. It is likely the water contamination found in the gascolator resulted in the partial loss of engine power. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The partial loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system.

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

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

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA241
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Fulton, MO
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N6474B
Injuries: 2 Minor, 3 Uninjured.

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 June 24, 2017, about 0930 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N6474B, impacted trees during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Fulton, Missouri. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured, and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed the Elton Hensley Memorial Airport, Fulton, Missouri, about 0915.

According to the pilot, prior to the local sightseeing flight, he completed a preflight inspection of the airplane. He noted "little to no water" when he sumped the left wing fuel tank, and stated he sumped the right wing fuel tank. The left wing fuel tank contained about 9 gallons of fuel, and the right wing fuel tank contained about 7 to 8 gallons of fuel. 

While maneuvering during a local sightseeing flight, the engine "sputtered ever so slightly" and then regained power. About 3 to 5 seconds later, the engine dropped to about 700 RPM. The pilot checked the engine controls in an attempt to regain power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane landed about 3/4 down the available length of a field and impacted adjacent trees.

During an initial examination at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the inspector found about 1 ounce of water in the gascolator. Continuity was established from the cockpit engine controls to the respective engine components. Fuel was found in the carburetor bowl and in the wing fuel tanks.

On July 26, 2017, at the recovery facility, the engine was examined by FAA inspectors and a representative of Continental Motors. The engine was visually examined and no anomalies were noted. An external supply of aviation fuel was plumbed into the gascolator on the firewall of the airframe. Due to two broken rear engine mounts, a ratchet strap was used to secure the engine to the airframe engine mount. The engine started normally on the second attempt and allowed to warm up. The throttle was advanced to 1,000 RPMs and a magneto check was performed. Each magneto produced a drop of 50-75 engine RPMs. The engine was advanced to 2,300 RPM, and then back to 1,000 RPM for a second magneto check. The magneto check results were the same as the first magneto check. The throttle was reduced to idle, and the engine was shutdown using the mixture control. According to Continental Motors, the engine examination and functional test run did not produce any anomalies that would have prevented normal operation and production of horsepower. 

The airplane was configured to seat and restrain a total of 4 occupants.

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Kansas City, Missouri

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N6474B

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA241
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Fulton, MO
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N6474B
Injuries: 2 Minor, 3 Uninjured.

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

On June 24, 2017, at 0933 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N6474B, impacted trees during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Fulton, Missouri. The private pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries, and 3 passengers were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed the Elton Hensley Memorial Airport, Fulton, Missouri, about 0915.

According to the pilot, while maneuvering during a local sightseeing flight, the engine "sputtered and coughed" and then regained normal power. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power and he attempted to restart the engine. The restart attempts were unsuccessful and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane landed in a field and impacted adjacent trees. The airplane was recovered for further examination.



CALLAWAY COUNTY, Mo. - UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: The Callaway County Sheriff's Office received reports of an airplane that crashed in a field around 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Sheriff Clay Chism said when deputies arrived to the 6700 block of Route O, they found that all five passengers made it off the plane safely.

Chism said only two of the passengers suffered minor injuries. No one was transported to the hospital by emergency vehicles.

Chism said the plane was head toward Elton Hensley Memorial Airport in Fulton when the pilot noticed the plane was malfunctioning.

The Federal Aviation Administration was called to investigate the crash.

http://www.abc17news.com

Aeronca 7AC Champion, N83643: Accident occurred March 09, 2015 in Garrison, Benton County, Iowa

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa

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



NTSB Identification: GAA15LA019
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, March 09, 2015 in Garrison, IA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/19/2015
Aircraft: AERONCA 7AC, registration: N83643
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane in variable wind conditions. During the landing roll, he applied both heel brakes. When the pilot released the brakes, the right brake did not release. The airplane veered right of the landing path on the dirt airstrip, and the left wing struck a power line pole. During postaccident examination, the brakes operated normally with no anomalies noted. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The malfunction of the right brake for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

On March 9, 2015, about 1800 Central date time, an Aeronca 7AC airplane, N83643, had a main landing gear right brake malfunction during the landing at a private dirt airstrip in Garrison Iowa. The airplane was operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the pilot and sole passenger were not injured. The airplane was stopped after the left wing contacted a power line pole. The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane in variable wind conditions. During the landing roll he applied both heel brakes. When the pilot released the brakes he reported that the right brake did not release. The airplane veered to the right of the landing path and the left wing contacted a power line pole. The airplane sustained substantial to its left wing.

An FAA Certificated Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic identified normal operation of the brake during the airplane's recovery. 

At the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-In-Charge, on April 13, 2015 the brake assembly was disassembled and re-inspected by an FAA A&P Mechanic. No mechanical anomalies were found, and the brake operated normally before and after the inspection.

Letter: In Response to “Life Under the Flight Path” by Marvin Smith, Dana Point

Art Burnevik, Dana Point

Thank you to Marvin Smith to express my thinking about “the noise.” I live on board [a vessel] in the Dana Point Harbor and I would like the EPA and the Coastal Commission to convene a multi-million dollar “conversation” about sea lions barking at night and doing something about the fog horn and the sound of the waves on days with particularly heavy surf.

Not!

Smith touched on what I see as a burgeoning social malady that appears to be limitless PLS (Perfect Life Syndrome). From the perfect razor, the perfect underwear, the perfect smile, the perfect shirt length, the perfect car; it just follows that everything and everybody around the core of the unadaptable must comply with a flawed premise. This premise is that airplanes are causing excessive noise and disturbing the “balance of nature” for Dana Point residents. If it is natural silence that appeals, then move to the jungle or the country.

In the Dana Point Harbor, my peaceful, natural environment is stifled on weekend nights by Cattle Boat Charters with live bands playing so loud it drowns out my sound system and nearly rattles the Ibuprofen tablets in my medicine chest. I find boats with high cubic inch, straight pipe exhausts extremely annoying.  The primary aircraft traveling my flight path are mostly military. I salute them as a sign of strength and security. I’m sure there are those people with PLS that would prefer that we close Pendleton to make theirs a more “perfect” environment.

Between the Harley mid-life cruisers and the audio sound systems with mind-thumping base output heard from a block away, I think Smith has the right idea. Focus on the obvious sound pollution. If you buy a house next to the railroad tracks, don’t ask the railroad to move. The idea of a perfect world may apply to underwear and razors, but let’s face it, no matter where you live, people must adapt. If you live next to John Wayne or in Newport Beach and you don’t like jets, why move there in the first place?

Complaining about the limited daytime jet noise in Dana Point is nonsense. Sorry, it’s not a perfect world.

http://www.danapointtimes.com/letter

Rans S-12 Airaile, N154BH, registered to a private individual: Accident occurred March 07, 2015 near Cherokee County Airport (KJSO), Jacksonville, Texas



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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Irving, Texas

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


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


http://registry.faa.gov/N154BH



Analysis 

The passenger had purchased the experimental amateur-built airplane about 2 weeks before the accident flight and was conducting a familiarization flight with a private pilot. The pilot had about 11,000 hours of total flight time, with about 2 hours in the accident make and model. Witnesses reported that the airplane was conducting touch and go takeoffs and landings but that the engine did not sound normal. They subsequently saw the airplane maneuver toward a field before it stalled, collided with trees, and impacted the ground. There was evidence of fuel at the accident site, and inspection of the airframe and engine did not reveal any abnormalities. According to the carburetor icing probability chart, the airplane was operating in an environment conducive to light carburetor icing at cruise or descent power; it is unlikely that the loss of engine power was the result of carburetor ice accumulation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on available information. 

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 for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. 

Findings

Aircraft
Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained (Factor)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Factor)

Not determined
Not determined - Unknown/Not determined (Cause)


Factual Information

Location: Rusk, TX
Accident Number: CEN15LA169
Date & Time: 03/07/2015, 1230 CST
Registration: N154BH
Aircraft: HOKE BOBBY F RANS S 12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 7, 2015 about 1230 central standard time, a Rans S-12 homebuilt experimental airplane, N154BH, registered to a private individual, collided with trees and the ground while maneuvering to land after reported engine problems while in the landing pattern at the Cherokee County Airport (JSO), near Rusk, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries and the aircraft was substantially damaged. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and a flight plan was not filed.

According to the FAA, about 2 weeks prior to the accident, the passenger had purchased the ultralight aircraft. The purpose of the flight was to become familiar with the newly acquired aircraft. The PIC had about 11,000 hours of total flight time, with about 2 hours in the accident make and model. The PIC's most recent BFR was conducted on December 9. 2014. According to a written bill of sale, the passenger purchased the airplane on February 19, 2015. The aircraft's most recent conditional inspection was conducted on March 3, 2015.

Witnesses reported that the ultralight aircraft was doing touch and go landings at JSO. They reported that the engine did not sound normal and observed the aircraft maneuver toward a field before it stalled, collided with trees and impacted the ground. The pilot and passenger were transported to the hospital after the accident. The FAA traveled to the accident scene and inspected the accident area and wreckage. There was evidence of fuel smell at the accident site. Inspection of the airframe and engine at the accident site did not reveal any abnormalities.

The reported weather observation METAR at JSO about the time of the accident was:

KJSO 071735Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM BKN100 12/M05 A3048 RMK AO2 T01211051

According to the Icing Probability Chart, with a temperature of 12 degrees and dew point of 5 degrees, the aircraft engine was operating in an area conducive to light icing at cruise of descent power.

The NTSB did not receive a NTSB form 6120, Pilot/Operator Report or statements from the pilot and passenger. It is unknown if the passenger/owner had flight experience. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
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: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/27/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/09/2014
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 11445 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: HOKE BOBBY F
Registration: N154BH
Model/Series: RANS S 12
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1995
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 0195553
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/03/2015, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1406 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: BOMBARDIER
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: ROTAX (ALL)
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 80 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: JSO, 677 ft msl
Observation Time: 1135 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 180°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / -5°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 10000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.51 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Rusk, TX (JSO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:  None
Destination: Rusk, TX (JSO)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  CST
Type of Airspace: Class E 

Airport Information

Airport: Cherokee County Airport (JSO)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 667 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:  1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude:  31.869167, -95.217222 (est)


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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Irving, Texas

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/N154BH

Location: Rusk, TX
Accident Number: CEN15LA169
Date & Time: 03/07/2015, 1230 CST
Registration: N154BH
Aircraft: HOKE BOBBY F RANS S 12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 7, 2015 about 1230 central standard time, a Rans S-12 homebuilt experimental airplane, N154BH, registered to a private individual, collided with trees and the ground while maneuvering to land after reported engine problems while in the landing pattern at the Cherokee County Airport (JSO), near Rusk, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries and the aircraft was substantially damaged. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and a flight plan was not filed.

According to the FAA, about 2 weeks prior to the accident, the passenger had purchased the ultralight aircraft. The purpose of the flight was to become familiar with the newly acquired aircraft. The PIC had about 11,000 hours of total flight time, with about 2 hours in the accident make and model. The PIC's most recent BFR was conducted on December 9. 2014. According to a written bill of sale, the passenger purchased the airplane on February 19, 2015. The aircraft's most recent conditional inspection was conducted on March 3, 2015.

Witnesses reported that the ultralight aircraft was doing touch and go landings at JSO. They reported that the engine did not sound normal and observed the aircraft maneuver toward a field before it stalled, collided with trees and impacted the ground. The pilot and passenger were transported to the hospital after the accident. The FAA traveled to the accident scene and inspected the accident area and wreckage. There was evidence of fuel smell at the accident site. Inspection of the airframe and engine at the accident site did not reveal any abnormalities.

The reported weather observation METAR at JSO about the time of the accident was:

KJSO 071735Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM BKN100 12/M05 A3048 RMK AO2 T01211051

According to the Icing Probability Chart, with a temperature of 12 degrees and dew point of 5 degrees, the aircraft engine was operating in an area conducive to light icing at cruise of descent power.

The NTSB did not receive a NTSB form 6120, Pilot/Operator Report or statements from the pilot and passenger. It is unknown if the passenger/owner had flight experience. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
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: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/27/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/09/2014
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 11445 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: HOKE BOBBY F
Registration: N154BH
Model/Series: RANS S 12
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1995
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 0195553
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/03/2015, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1406 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: BOMBARDIER
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: ROTAX (ALL)
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 80 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: JSO, 677 ft msl
Observation Time: 1135 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 180°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / -5°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 10000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.51 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Rusk, TX (JSO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:  None
Destination: Rusk, TX (JSO)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  CST
Type of Airspace: Class E 

Airport Information

Airport: Cherokee County Airport (JSO)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 667 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:  1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious

Latitude, Longitude:  31.869167, -95.217222 (est)




CHEROKEE COUNTY, TX  -  Two East Texas men are recovering after their plane crashed Saturday afternoon near Cherokee County Airport.

The fixed wing single engine plane went down around 12:30 p.m. in a wooded area northwest of the airport runway near CR 1614 and CR 1621. Officers say that Robert Gatewood and Jake Wise were airlifted to ETMC Tyler for their injuries, one of which is in serious condition. 

A friend who was watching the men fly this afternoon says they just recently bought the lightweight plane.

"When I saw the plane go down, his son and I hopped in his truck and drove to the north end of the airport. We had to climb the fence because we couldn't get out. We knew the plane had gone down in the woods on the north end here. We both climbed the fence and started searching," Joe Parrish said.

It is not clear what caused the crash. Witnesses say the men were practicing touch-and-go landings when the crash happened.

http://www.ktre.com