Monday, July 17, 2017

Amid Spate of Crashes, Investigators, Pilots Weigh in on South Florida Air Safety



Southwest Florida has seen two well-publicized small plane crashes into buildings or onto city streets in recent weeks. With another fatal crash in the Everglades last month, attention has been focused on South Florida air traffic and what could be behind the deadly incidents.

Leah Read, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, joins the show to discuss the latest incidents in South Florida airspace, how the organization determines the cause of such accidents, and what pilots are trained to do during such emergencies.

Also joining the program is local flight instructor Ed Fink, who’s been teaching in Southwest Florida since the 1990s, about the flying scene in the area. We’ll learn who’s earning their wings to fly down here, what kinds of planes are being flown, and how many hours of practice they need before take-off.

Listen - Audio:  http://news.wgcu.org

Counties sue state to overturn Legislature’s ‘unfair’ tax breaks for airlines



Utah homeowners and businesses are paying higher property taxes to make up for unfair discounts that the state is giving to the airline industry, five counties contend in a new lawsuit.

Salt Lake, Weber, Washington, Duchesne and Uintah counties filed the lawsuit Monday in 3rd District Court seeking to overturn two recent laws enacted by the Legislature that they say gave an unfair 39 percent discount to airlines.

It says the Legislature forced changes that "cause property tax assessments in the airline industry to fall well below fair market value" in violation of the state Constitution, and shift "tax burdens from airlines to other individual or small business taxpayers."

Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, who sponsored the legislation that the counties seek to overturn — SB157 this year and SB165 in 2015 — says the counties' claims are false.

He said the legislation "was not to give any one group an advantage. It was to clarify under the Constitution what fair market value is for aircraft," he said.

He said it uses the "airliner price guide" to figure the retail value of aircraft. "It's sort of like the Kelley Blue Book for airplanes," Bramble said.

But the laws offer discounts from that for fleet pricing. "For example, if you buy a fleet of cars, you get a better price than if you buy one car," Bramble said. "The law uses the retail price minus the fleet discount" to assess value.

But counties argue in their lawsuit that the fleet discounts allowed are too generous, and methodology is flawed.

Their lawsuit said methodology used by SB157 this year reduced "the 2017 assessed system value of one airline from $26.2 billion to less than $14.7 billion," a 44 percent decrease compared to the previous system. "The 2017 Utah taxable values for seven major passenger airlines decreased by roughly 39 percent overall."

The fiscal analyst for the Legislature predicted that SB157 this year "may shift some portion of the $12 million in property tax burden of airlines to other individuals and businesses."

The lawsuit said that when the Legislature passed an earlier pilot project bill, also sponsored by Bramble, to test the system used by his later bills, it said the Utah Tax Commission said the sort of price guidelines used should not be the preferred method used to value airline property — but the Legislature adopted the later bills anyway.

Recent legislation also limited counties' ability to appeal property — such as aircraft — assessed by the state. Counties said the lawsuit is the only way remaining to challenge what they say are unfair assessments.

"Citizens should be able not only to question this unfair and unjust shifting of tax burdens onto them, but also to demand the rules be applied equally," said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. "If the counties do not defend the average taxpayer, it seems no one else will."

"Citizens expect principles such as tax fairness and transparency to be followed, which isn't the case here," said Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams. "That is why Salt Lake County is joining in this lawsuit on behalf of homeowners and small business owners, to ensure that their voices are represented as well as those of large industries."

Bramble complained that Salt Lake County, which leads the lawsuit, refused to testify on his bill this year — and took no position on it.

http://www.sltrib.com

Miami County moves to get Grissom airstrip into national airport system: County could have unique access to grants as the only military joint-use airport in Indiana



BUNKER HILL – Miami County officials are working to get the airstrip at Grissom Air Reserve Base included into the national airport system in the hopes of gaining access to federal dollars to upgrade civilian facilities there.

Jim Tidd, executive director of the Miami County Economic Development Authority, which oversees the civilian use of the airstrip, said the county is in the process of applying with the Federal Aviation Administration to include Grissom in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

The plan identifies nearly 3,400 existing and proposed airports that are significant to national air transportation that are eligible to receive federal grants under the Airport Improvement Program.

Tidd said a feasibility study looking at the long-term needs and future growth of civilian uses at the airstrip has been conducted in preparation to apply to the national airport system.

He said the sales pitch to the FAA to gain inclusion in the system is the unique capacity the airstrip has to accommodate large, industrial airplanes such as the Boeing 747. Tidd said no other airport in north central Indiana can accommodate the size of aircraft that can use Grissom’s facilities.

That capacity led to Dean Baldwin Painting to open inside a renovated airplane hangar near the base in 2013 to service and paint large airplanes from clients such as American Airlines, Southwest and Air Canada.

“We’re trying to develop Grissom to have more economic impact and job creation to handle these large aircrafts that no other airport in our region can do,” Tidd said. “We’re not trying to compete in the recreation market. We’re just trying to use this airport for economic impact in our region.”

But the main reason for getting into the national airport system is gaining access to federal dollars that could fund major upgrades to the civilian facilities at the base, which has a joint-use agreement with the Miami County Economic Development Authority to allow civilian planes to land on the airstrip.

That funding could come from the FAA’s Military Airport Program, which provides money exclusively to joint-use airports, such as Grissom, or to convert former military airports to civilian use.

Tidd said Grissom is the only joint-use airport in the state, and one of only around 14 in the entire country, which could apply to receive money from the military program. That money could finance projects such as building or rehabilitating hangars, utility systems, access roads, cargo buildings and other airfield projects.

“It would be a shot in the arm for us to repair and resurface ramps or build and remodel new facilities around the airport,” he said. “It would be very, very beneficial – not just to Miami County, but to north central Indiana as a whole.”

Since 1990, the FAA has provided airport sponsors in the military program with approximately $722 million for a variety of airfield-related projects, according to FAA’s website.

Miami County commissioners Monday approved a letter supporting the initiative to get Grissom into the national airport system. Tidd said the project has also received written support from Indiana’s U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young, and U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski and Todd Rokita.

Tidd said getting accepted into the national system can be a difficult process, but the payout could be well worth the effort.

“You’ve got to have a ticket to play, and getting into the National Plan Integrated Airport System is one of our goals,” he said. “It could be tough, but at least we’d be there to be competitive and submit an application for this grant money.”

http://www.kokomotribune.com

Florida's airport traffic rises above Texas'

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott spent the past week touting the state’s move ahead of Texas in the overall number of passengers boarding airplanes.

While many large commercial airports in Florida have been steadily climbing, the vault to second in the nation in 2016 came with growth predominantly at facilities in Central and South Florida.

“You’d expect to see continued growth in Orlando because it is a major tourist destination for people all over the world, and continues to be the number one destination for people booking vacations through AAA — based on hotel bookings,” said Mark Jenkins, a AAA spokesman. “St. Pete-Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale airports are popular alternatives to the bigger international airports in Tampa and Miami. People might choose these smaller airports because they are less crowded, so it is easier to get in and out, but also because they can often find cheaper airfares.”

Florida recorded a nearly 4 percent growth in its overall outbound passenger count, from 78.07 million in 2015 to 81.17 million last year, according to annual Federal Aviation Administration data.

The Federal Aviation Administration figures counted 59 active airfields in Florida last year, from the 20.8 million airline passengers departing from Miami International to the single passenger recorded as flying out of Zephyrhills Municipal in Pasco County.

With Florida trailing only California for air passengers, the largest year-to-year increases in such traffic were found at Orlando International, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International, Orlando Sanford International and St. Pete-Clearwater International, along with a number of smaller regional facilities, according to the Federal Aviation Administration figures.

Other airports were more in a year-to-year holding pattern.

Scott, in part, credited the recent uptick in passengers to state infrastructure spending.

“Florida’s airports help welcome millions of visitors, business leaders and families to our state each year, and have a significant impact on supporting job creation and growing our economy,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “That is why I am proud that we have invested more than $1 billion in state funding in our airports over the past six years.”

The state spending includes $263 million for aviation improvements in the budget that started July 1.

The next hurdle for Florida remains California, which experienced 7.2 percent growth in traffic that put its outbound passenger count in 2016 at 105.7 million.

California, topped by 39.6 million passengers last year at Los Angeles International and 25.7 million at San Francisco International, had people flying out of 74 different locations.

Among Florida’s top 10 busiest airports, Orlando International grew 8.12 percent year to year, bumping its terminal count to 20.3 million in 2016.

Orlando Sanford International, an alternative to the massive Orlando International, went up 9.18 percent, to 1.3 million passengers last year.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood grew by 9.2 percent, to 14.26 million.

The largest percentage year-to-year increase among the 10 busiest was St. Pete-Clearwater International, going from 819,974 passengers in 2015 to 915,668 in 2016, an 11.67 percent jump, primarily due an expansion of routes by Allegiant Air, the airport’s dominant carrier.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com

Lake Charles Regional Airport (KLCH) $1 million project improves sewer and reduces wildlife



LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) -

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded the Lake Charles Regional Airport $1.04 million in an effort to help reduce wildlife hazards at the airport by improving sewer infrastructure. Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the news on Friday, July 14.

"Wastewater treatment is not the sexiest project," said Heath Allen, executive director of the Lake Charles Regional Airport. "It's obviously something that is very important."

The two-fold fix is aimed at improving safety. 

"These funds will help ensure that the runways and surrounding airfield remain safe for all parties as the airport continues to expand," said Higgins in a news release. 

The project will finance 1,500 feet of sanitary sewer connector improvements which will eliminate ponding on the airfield that creates potential wildlife hazards.

"The goal is to try and keep birds and other animals off of the air operations area in close proximity to the aircraft," Allen said. 

Wildlife and airplanes don't mix. On Jan. 15, 2009, an aircraft struck a flock of geese in New York City and ended up landing on the Hudson River. Luckily, all of the 155 passengers survived. 

"A bird, if it's big enough, can come through the windshield or it can dent and damage the wing or the engine," said pilot Rylan Campbell. 

Campbell flies into the Lake Charles Regional Airport twice a week and although he's never encountered an animal on the runway that doesn't mean he's going to let his guard down. 

"There's really not much you can do," he said. "They're going to fly out in front of you. It'd be almost like a dog running out in front of your car, you're not going to crash your car to not hit the dog, but on the other hand, you don't want to hit the dog, there's not much you can do."

The current wastewater treatment system is more than 50 years old and needs to be replaced, according to Allen.

This project will be a two-phase effort. Construction for the first phase is expected to begin this fall. 

Currently, there's also a fencing project underway to fence off the wooded area that surrounds the airport to help with bigger wildlife entering the airfield.

 "This Federal grant, as part of the aviation user-funded Airport Improvement Program, will enhance safety at LCH by eliminating the Airport's fifty-plus-year-old mechanical wastewater treatment facility and the associated wastewater effluent which serves as an attractant for birds and other wildlife," said Heath Allen, executive director of the Lake Charles Regional Airport. "By utilizing this funding to connect the Airport's facilities to the Parish and City's sanitary sewer lines, we will greatly increase safety and position the Airport for future economic growth. This represents a great partnership between the Airport, Calcasieu Parish, City of Lake Charles, and the federal government.  We appreciate the support of our federal delegation in gaining this critical funding."  

http://www.kplctv.com

Cessna A185F Skywagon 185, N401WC: Accident occurred July 16, 2017 near Wasilla Airport (IYS), Wasilla, Alaska

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wasilla, Alaska

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N401WC

NTSB Identification: ANC17LA037
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, July 15, 2017 in Wasilla, AK
Aircraft: CESSNA A185F, registration: N401WC
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

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

On July 15, 2017, about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Cessna A185F airplane, N401WC, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power about 5 miles southwest of the Wasilla Airport (IYS), Wasilla, Alaska. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained no injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 visual flight rules flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed the Lake Louise Seaplane Base, Lake Louise, Alaska, about 1600, destined for Campbell Lake Seaplane Base, Anchorage, Alaska.

During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to reposition the airplane from a cabin on Lake Louise to his home on Campbell Lake. On the day of the accident, about 1 hour into the 1.3-hour flight, he noticed that the digital fuel flow indicator was showing a fuel flow of 11 gallons per hour (gph) before it rapidly decreased to 4 gph. When the decrease occurred, the left fuel tank quantity gauge indicated zero and the right fuel tank quantity gauge indicated about ½ full. He said he verified that the fuel selector valve was in the "both" position and he advanced the throttle to full open. The fuel flow increased to 15.6 gph and then the engine sputtered and lost all power. The pilot maneuvered to perform a forced landing on the mudflats north of the Knik Arm inlet. During the forced landing touchdown in an area of tall grass, the left float contacted a log, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted and the pilot safely egressed.

The pilot stated that he last fueled the airplane on July 11, prior to flying north to Lake Louise, and at that time, the airplane had about 62 gallons of fuel on board. During his preflight inspection, he sumped all the fuel tanks and visually checked the fuel levels in both wing tanks. The flight to Lake Louise was uneventful. 

On the day of the accident, just before departure, the fuel quantity indicators each read 3/4 full and he verified that by visual inspection of the fuel tank quantities. He then sumped the fuel tanks and gascolator, he noted no water or particle contamination was present. 

The pilot reported that the airplane flew about 2.3 hours since the fueling on July 11. 

On the day of the accident, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector witnessed the airplane flying low over the Wasilla mudflats just prior to the accident. He stated that as he watched the airplane descend towards the mud-covered beach, he heard the engine sputtering for about 45 seconds. He said that just before the airplane's floats touched down, he momentarily heard the engine power increase, which was followed by silence. The FAA inspector then responded to the scene of the accident and noted that the airplane was inverted and that there was no fuel leaking from the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, left lift strut and vertical stabilizer. 

Following recovery of the airplane to a secure storage facility, the NTSB IIC and FAA inspector conducted an examination and documentation. The left fuel quantity gauge indicated empty and the right tank indicated about ½ full. The four fuel tank caps were in place and secure and the tanks were visually inspected. The tanks were drained and fuel from the left tank measured about 1 3/4 gallons and the right tank measured about 8 gallons. The fuel quantity indicators both read empty after draining the tanks. 

The airplane was outfitted with extended range fuel tanks. The Cessna A185F owner's manual lists the maximum fuel capacity as 84 gallons, with 6 gallons unusable. The fuel tank caps were a vented design. An Electronics International FP-5L digital fuel flow monitor was installed and operable. 


The airplane was equipped with a Continental Motors IO-520 series engine. A detailed engine examination is pending.

Cessna P210N Pressurized Centurion, N210SL: Incident occurred July 16, 2017 at Napa County Airport (KAPC), California

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

Pine Lake Leasing Group LLC:   http://registry.faa.gov/N210SL

Aircraft landed with nose gear retracted.

Date: 16-JUL-17
Time: 18:55:00Z
Regis#: N210SL
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C210
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: NAPA
State: CALIFORNIA

Mooney M20C, N6712U: Incident occurred July 14, 2017 at Columbia Airport (O22), Tuolumne County, California

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N6712U

Aircraft landed gear up.

Date: 14-JUL-17
Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N6712U
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: COLUMBIA
State: CALIFORNIA

Epic LT, N44GB, AAV Evolution LLC: Incident occurred July 16, 2017 at Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles, California

AAV Evolution LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N44GB

Aircraft on taxi, struck a sign.

Date: 17-JUL-17
Time: 01:35:00Z
Regis#: N44GB
Aircraft Make: BURK AIRCRAFT
Aircraft Model: EPIC LT
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
City: SANTA MONICA
State: CALIFORNIA

Stolp Starduster Too SA300, N506WS, N506WS Partners LLC and Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N5396E, Sorbi Aviation Inc: Accident occurred July 16, 2017 at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF), San Diego, California

N5396E Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Location: San Diego, CA
Accident Number: GAA17CA411B
Date & Time: 07/16/2017, 1526 PDT
Registration: N5396E
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot of the tandem-seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while taxiing to the runway and seated in the rear seat, he had "poor [forward] visibility" and that the airplane's propeller collided with the left wing of a stationary airplane on the taxiway. The pilot reported that he "broke and turned" as soon as he saw the stationary airplane, but "it was too late."

The pilot of the stationary airplane reported that he had stopped on the taxiway due to the run-up area ahead being fully occupied with multiple airplanes waiting to depart. He added that his "first awareness" of the tailwheel airplane was the sound of a "loud bang."

The stationary airplane's left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The tailwheel airplane sustained minor damage to the propeller.

The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with their respective airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The other pilot's failure to maintain separation from a stationary airplane during the taxi to the runway. 

Findings

Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Pilot of other aircraft (Cause)

Environmental issues
Aircraft - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi-to runway
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 60, 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 3 Waiver Time Limited Special
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/16/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/21/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 350 hours (Total, all aircraft), 350 hours (Total, this make and model), 250 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N5396E
Model/Series: 172 N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17271842
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/25/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 12710.6 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-H2AD
Registered Owner: SORBI AVIATION INC
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: Plus One Flyers Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMYF, 427 ft msl
Observation Time: 2253 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 17°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots, 210°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: San Diego, CA (MYF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: SAN DIEGO, CA (SDM)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1500 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class D 

Airport Information

Airport: MONTGOMERY-GIBBS EXECUTIVE (MYF)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 427 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
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: 32.816944, -117.136667 (est)

N506WS Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Location: San Diego, CA
Accident Number: GAA17CA411A
Date & Time: 07/16/2017, 1526 PDT
Registration: N506WS
Aircraft: SPANI WAYNE M STARDUSTER TOO SA300
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot of the tandem-seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while taxiing to the runway and seated in the rear seat, he had "poor [forward] visibility" and that the airplane's propeller collided with the left wing of a stationary airplane on the taxiway. The pilot reported that he "broke and turned" as soon as he saw the stationary airplane, but "it was too late."

The pilot of the stationary airplane reported that he had stopped on the taxiway due to the run-up area ahead being fully occupied with multiple airplanes waiting to depart. He added that his "first awareness" of the tailwheel airplane was the sound of a "loud bang."

The stationary airplane's left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The tailwheel airplane sustained minor damage to the propeller.

The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with their respective airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: 
The pilot's failure to maintain separation from a stationary airplane during the taxi to the runway. 

Findings

Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi-to runway
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 48, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
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 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/15/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/17/2015
Flight Time: (Estimated) 384.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 299.3 hours (Total, this make and model), 330.5 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: SPANI WAYNE M
Registration: N506WS
Model/Series: STARDUSTER TOO SA300 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental; Aerobatic
Serial Number: 1407
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/17/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2023 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 443.1 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-435-1
Registered Owner: N506WS Partners LLC.
Rated Power: 190 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: KMYF, 427 ft msl
Observation Time: 2253 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 17°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots, 210°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SAN DIEGO, CA (MYF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: SAN DIEGO, CA (MYF)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1518 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: MONTGOMERY-GIBBS EXECUTIVE (MYF)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 427 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  32.816944, -117.136667 (est)

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

N506WS Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

N506WS  Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


N5396E  Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

N5396E  Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

N506WS Partners LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N506WS

Sorbi Aviation Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N5396E

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA411A

14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 16, 2017 in San Diego, CA
Aircraft: SPANI WAYNE M STARDUSTER TOO SA300, registration: N506WS
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA411B
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 16, 2017 in San Diego, CA
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N5396E
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 of the tandem seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while taxiing to the runway, and seated in the rear seat, he had "poor [forward] visibility" and the airplane's propeller collided with the left wing of a stationary airplane on the taxiway. The pilot reported that he had "broke and turned" as soon as he saw the stationary airplane, but "it was too late."

The pilot of the stationary airplane reported that he had stopped on the taxiway due to the run-up area ahead being fully occupied with multiple airplane's awaiting to depart. He added that, his "first awareness" of the tailwheel airplane was the sound of a "loud bang." 

The stationary airplane's left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The tailwheel airplane sustained minor damage to the propeller. 

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

Loss of Control on Ground: Glasair II, N181AL; accident occurred July 15, 2017 at Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY), Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

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/N181AL

Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Accident Number: CEN17LA274
Date & Time: 07/15/2017, 1300 MDT
Registration: N181AL
Aircraft: Endler Glasair/Glasair 1-TD SH2
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 15, 2017, about 1300 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Endler Glasair SH2 (Glasair 1-TD), N181AL, ground looped and veered off runway 15 (6,000 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) during takeoff from Meadow Lake Airport (FLY), Colorado Springs, Colorado. The airplane impacted a taxiway light and was destroyed by fire. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was registered to and operated by an individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight that was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that the airport automated weather observing system reported winds from 050 degrees at 7 knots, which was a "direct crosswind" to runways 15 and 33. The pilot decided to use runway 15 because an American Champion Decathlon or Citabria airplane "just landed" on runway 15, and runway 15 was the "favored runway" for the airport. The pilot said that there was a 1-2 knot tailwind for the accident takeoff. During the takeoff roll on runway 15, the airplane "continued to creep" to the left side of the runway even with application of [right] brake and rudder. The pilot made "one last big effort" to return the airplane to runway centerline, by "swerving." The airplane veered toward the left and off the runway surface. The airplane ground looped and a fire ensued from the right main landing gear well.

Post-accident examination of witness marks along runway 15 revealed a mark consistent with continued application of right main landing gear wheel brake. The airplane veered off the runway about 2,400 down the runway and struck a taxiway light. The grass area located about 10-20 feet preceding the taxiway light exhibited burning. The right main landing gear was collapsed under the fuselage. The airplane was equipped with a castering tailwheel with a locking pin. The tailwheel was not a steerable assembly.

The pilot said that the normal takeoff distance for the airplane was about 1,000 feet and when asked why the airplane impacted about 2,400 feet down the runway, he said "I don't know." He said that he discussed this in his analysis of the statement he provided. He said maybe it was an engine issue and did not know what the engine rpm was at the time of takeoff.

The airplane owner's manual states that the tailwheel locks in the straight position for takeoff and landing. In the unlocked position, the tailwheel full swivels 360 degrees. The airplane checklist states that the tailwheel is to be in the locked position for takeoff.

The National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-Charge asked the pilot what the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity was for the airplane and the airplane's center of gravity (CG) location for the flight; the pilot said that he did not know the velocity and would check with the airplane owner and try to obtain the weight and balance form. The pilot said that based on the owner's information, the maximum demonstrated cross wind for the airplane was 15 knots. The pilot said his personal maximum crosswind velocity limit was 10 knots.

The airplane owner's manual does not cite a maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity but a recommended velocity of 20 mph.

The pilot said that the airplane weight and balance form was in the airplane and destroyed by the fire. The CG location for the flight could not be determined. The pilot said that the accident takeoff weight was about 470 lbs. He said that the fuel and passenger locations are roughly the moment arm from the airplane CG, so all weight has the same CG effect. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 43, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/13/2017
Flight Time:  3400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 20 hours (Total, this make and model), 3000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Endler Glasair/Glasair 1-TD
Registration: N181AL
Model/Series: SH2
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 181
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/06/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1151.6 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2A
Registered Owner: Individual
Rated Power:
Operator: Pilot
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FLY, 6874 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1315 MDT
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 16 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.43 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Colorado Springs, CO (FLY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Colorado Springs, CO (FLY)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1300 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Meadow Lake Airport (FLY)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 6873 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 15
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6000 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None

Latitude, Longitude: 38.945833, -104.570000 (est)

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA274
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, July 15, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO
Aircraft: Endler Glasair SH2, registration: N181AL
Injuries: 2 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 July 15, 2017, about 1300 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Endler Glasair SH2, N181AL, impacted terrain during takeoff from Meadow Lake Airport (FLY), Colorado Springs, Colorado. A post-impact fire ensued destroying the airplane. The pilot and passenger on board were uninjured. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight that was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

While taking off on runway 15 at FLY (6,000 feet by 60 feet, asphalt), the airplane ground looped and veered off the runway striking a taxiway light. The airplane then caught on fire.

=======

PEYTON, Colo. — Officials say a sudden severe wind gust from an approaching storm may have caused a plane to veer off the runway and hit a culvert before catching fire Saturday afternoon.

It happened around 1 p.m. at Meadow Lake Airport located at 12850 E. Highway 24.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the plane veered off the runway and hit a culvert. The plane then spun around and caught fire, according to authorities.

The pilot and passenger were able to exit the plane and were not injured. 

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire.

Authorities say the pilot was authorized to remove the wreckage.

Representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board and the Denver Flight Standards District Office were notified but determined they would not respond to conduct a further investigation.

http://fox21news.com

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N1416W, Gulf Atlantic Airways Inc: Incident occurred July 14, 2017 at Gainesville Regional Airport (KGNV), Alachua County, Florida

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

Gulf Atlantic Airways Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N1416W

Aircraft on taxi, struck a taxiway light.

Date: 14-JUL-17
Time: 14:15:00Z
Regis#: N1416W
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
City: GAINESVILLE
State: FLORIDA

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Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

Printpack Equipment LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N956PP

Aircraft on landing rollout, struck deer.

Date: 16-JUL-17
Time: 10:40:00Z
Regis#: N956PP
Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER
Aircraft Model: CL600
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: OTHER
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: ATLANTA
State: GEORGIA