Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Air Tractor AT-802A, N802DL: Accident occurred July 25, 2017 in Trumann, Poinsett County, Arkansas

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas

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


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


Walton AgWings Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N802DL




Location: Trumann, AR
Accident Number: GAA17CA454
Date & Time: 07/25/2017, 0615 CDT
Registration: N802DL
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he departed his private field for an aerial application flight, and flew northwest about 5 miles. He added that, as he approached the field that he had intended to spray, the visibility rapidly decreased. He began a 180o turn but the visibility decreased to zero, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

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

An automated weather observation system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about 11 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 180° at 5 knots, the cloud ceiling was overcast at 300 ft.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper decision to continue flight in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in collision with the ground.

Findings

Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Low ceiling - Effect on personnel

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying
Other weather encounter

Maneuvering
Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event)


Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 48, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; 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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/20/2015
Flight Time: (Estimated) 4900 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1200 hours (Total, this make and model), 4900 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 238 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N802DL
Model/Series: AT 802 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 802A-0679
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/11/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 358 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-65AG
Registered Owner: WALTON AGWINGS INC
Rated Power: 1280 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KJBR, 262 ft msl
Observation Time: 1130 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 344°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 25°C
Lowest Ceiling:  Overcast / 300 ft agl
Visibility:  
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots, 180°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - Mist
Departure Point: Private Field, AR
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Private Field, AR
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0605 CST
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: 35.619167, -90.568889 (est)
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas

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


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


Walton AgWings Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N802DL


Location: Trumann, AR
Accident Number: GAA17CA454
Date & Time: 07/25/2017, 0615 CDT
Registration: N802DL
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he departed his private field for an aerial application flight, and flew northwest about 5 miles. He added that, as he approached the field that he had intended to spray, the visibility rapidly decreased. He began a 180o turn but the visibility decreased to zero, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

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

An automated weather observation system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about 11 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 180° at 5 knots, the cloud ceiling was overcast at 300 ft.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 48, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; 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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/20/2015
Flight Time: (Estimated) 4900 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1200 hours (Total, this make and model), 4900 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 238 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N802DL
Model/Series: AT 802 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 802A-0679
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/11/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 358 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-65AG
Registered Owner: WALTON AGWINGS INC
Rated Power: 1280 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KJBR, 262 ft msl
Observation Time: 1130 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 344°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 25°C
Lowest Ceiling:  Overcast / 300 ft agl
Visibility:  
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots, 180°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - Mist
Departure Point: Private Field, AR
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Private Field, AR
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0605 CST
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: 35.619167, -90.568889 (est)


A pilot was taken to a hospital after the crop duster he was flying went down in a northeast Arkansas field, authorities said.

Michael Darin Walton, 49, of Trumann was hurt Tuesday while flying southwest of Trumann near Maple Grove Lane in Poinsett County, according to the sheriff’s office.

Walton was taken taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The agency said it received a call around 6:35 a.m. of a crash involving crop duster.

An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration.

http://www.arkansasonline.com



TRUMANN, AR (KAIT) -

The Poinsett County Sheriff's Office responded to a crop duster crash in Trumann Tuesday morning. 

According to Chief Deputy Chris Cruise, the plane went down west of Maple Grove Lane in the middle of a bean field.

The pilot, Michael Darin Walton, was taken to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.  

Cruise said members of the Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the scene. They are investigating the crash and why the plane went down. 

http://www.kait8.com

C&S Aviation Flight Training, Jonesboro, Arkansas: Flight instructors call crop dusting "most dangerous" aviation job



JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) -

Local flight instructors encourage pilots to expand their training after several crop dusters have gone down in Region 8 lately.

Tuesday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration investigated the latest crop duster crash in Poinsett County.

Instructors at C&S Aviation, a flight school in Jonesboro, said crop dusting is the most dangerous aviation job, one that is popular in Northeast Arkansas.

Harrison Caubble, a C&S Aviation employee, said in Arkansas, crop dusting pilots must have a limited commercial license, that is 250 hours of Pilot in Command training time.

That is also the minimal requirements and instructors at the flight school recommend additional training.



“We recommend students to embrace all of their training, not try to skip any steps or fast track,” Caubble said. “We recommend them to get their private, then instrument, and then get your commercial license. As far as further training, pilots can do bi-annual flights, flight reviews and stuff like that to make sure they are current in training.”

The cause of the most recent crop duster crashes is still under investigation by the FAA.

Instructors tell us there are many variables that could have led to these crashes.

“They fly so low to the ground there's a lot of obstacles, such as trees, towers, any obstructions that could hit them,” Cauble said. “Also, if they load their aircraft too heavy, the aircraft performance might not be as good on a hot day like this.”

Instructors said crop duster pilots have little to no time to react to an emergency because they work so low to the ground.

Caubble said it is crucial that pilots trust their training and follow every proper procedure before getting in the aircraft. 

http://www.kait8.com

Flight training returns to Verde Valley, Arizona

Pam Spoo and certified flight instructor Ed Kalabus in a Light Sport Aircraft recently acquired by Kestrel Aviation Services. 



COTTONWOOD – Pam Spoo went over the checklist with certified flight instructor Ed Kalabus Friday morning before they took off in a Light Sport Aircraft recently acquired by Kestrel Aviation Services (KAS).

She is the first to take advantage of KAS’s flight training service at the Cottonwood Municipal Airport.

Sid Lloyd is the manager of Kestrel Aviation Services. The company now offers flight training at the Cottonwood Municipal Airport. (VVN/Jennifer Volpe)

The Verde Valley has been without a flight training facility for years.

“Not only is there now such a training facility, it is much more affordable than traditional flight training has become,” said Sid Lloyd, manager of KAS.

The Aircraft

The new aircraft, a Flight Design CTLS, allows KAS to offer flight training and Light Sport Aircraft rental.

It was flown from its previous home in California to Cottonwood by Kalabus.

“The CTLS is an amazing aircraft to fly,” said the flight instructor.

“It has a full glass cockpit and flying it is a pleasure. Not only is it easy to fly, it has great performance. On the way home, it flew at 115 knots (132 mph) while burning only 4.5 gallons an hour of premium auto fuel. That’s almost 29 mpg. Better than most cars.”

The CTLS is manufactured by Flight Design GMBH and imported from Germany by Flight Design USA – which KAS is already an authorized service center for.

“After analyzing the Light Sport Aircraft market where the CTLS has been the market leader for years, and looking for a great flight training platform, the CTLS was the obvious choice for an affordable but highly refined Light Sport Aircraft trainer,” said Lloyd.

All CTLS aircraft come standard with an instantly deployable ballistic parachute. In the unlikely event of an emergency, said KAS, the pilot can deploy the rocket-assisted parachute which then lowers the entire aircraft slowly to the ground.

It’s light at 800 pounds and much quieter than you would expect.

The aircraft uses a small, quiet, technically advanced Rotax 4-stroke engine with a computer designed three-bladed propeller that significantly reduces noise pollution relative to other traditional training aircraft such as the Cessna 172, said Lloyd.


Sid Lloyd is the manager of Kestrel Aviation Services.  The company now offers flight training at the Cottonwood Municipal Airport


The Training

The FAA created a new, simpler and more affordable aircraft category called Light Sport Aircraft, according to KAS. Along with the new category of aircraft comes a new type of pilot certificate: Sport Pilot.

A ‘certificate’ is what the FAA calls a ‘license.’

A Sport Pilot certificate requires the applicant to pass an FAA knowledge test, acquire a minimum of 15 hours of dual instruction, accomplish five hours of supervised solo flight, and pass a check ride test. This is half of what is currently required for a full Private Pilot certificate, said Lloyd.

Relative to Private Pilot certification, Sport Pilot certification is limited to:

• Day flight only

• Carrying only one passenger

• No flying in controlled airspace without an instructor’s endorsement

• A maximum flight altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level or 2,000 feet above terrain, whichever is greater

No FAA medical certification is needed to obtain a Sport Pilot certificate, but a valid driver’s license is required.

The total training cost for a typical Sport Pilot certificate varies depending on how much instruction time is needed to achieve proficiency, but the investment is typically half of what it would take to obtain Private Pilot certification, explained KAS. Those interested in obtaining a Sport Pilot certificate can expect to spend between $4,000 and $6,000.

Lloyd said potential pilots also have the opportunity to continue training and earn their Private Pilot certificate in the CTLS from KAS.

The company uses the award-winning Gleim Aviation Sport Pilot and Private Pilot curriculum, which provides online and self-paced options.

Existing Private Pilots

KAS said existing private pilots can also fly Light Sport Aircraft such as the CTLS as Sport Pilots without a medical certificate if they have not had their last medical revoked by the FAA.

“This opens up aviation to thousands of existing highly trained but ‘rusty’ pilots,” said Lloyd.

The company offers a 5-hour minimum transition flight program for such pilots, which then qualifies them to rent the Flight Design CTLS from KAS. Lloyd said they must also have a current flight review and renter’s insurance if they want to rent from KAS after their transition training.

Lloyd added that if there is sufficient interest they may acquire additional CTLS aircraft.

About KAS

Lloyd started KAS this year, and shares his love of aviation with his wife who is also a pilot. They have lived in the Verde Valley for more than 10 years.

He would like to see a Young Eagles program begin in Cottonwood to introduce and inspire kids in the world aviation.

KAS is a full-service Light Sport Aviation center focusing on Rotax equipped Light Sport Aircraft. The company is located 668 S. Airpark Road, Hangar No. 3 at the Cottonwood Municipal Airport (P52) and can be contacted by appointment at www.kestrelaviationservices.com

https://www.verdenews.com

Consultant Concerned About Foreign Airline Models




St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Foreign models of airlines do not work in the Caribbean, according to aviation consultant James Lynch.

He has been referring to the fact that airlines like Caribbean Star and RedJet which operated in the region failed to make a lasting impression.

“Caribbean Star was an American model of airline that was brought to the Caribbean and foreign models of airlines do not work in the Caribbean. RedJet was an Irish model that they brought to the Caribbean, Caribbean Air Express was a British model they brought to the Caribbean, Dutch Caribbean Express was an American model they brought to the Caribbean. They get investment, they come down they think it’s all sun and sand and sea and they bring down their own developed country business plan, they bring the developed country budget and they quickly run into trouble because the developed country business plans do not work in the Caribbean and the amount of money they need back in the United States, or back in Ireland or back in England, that is a drop in the bucket compared to what they need to start an airline in the Caribbean.”

Canada-based Lynch, a former LIAT pilot, made reference to the financial problems RedJet had to deal with.

He says too that foreign investors in the airline business in the Caribbean have policies which often discriminate.

“As you saw RedJet went back to the Barbados government looking for more money and the Barbados government turned them down. You come to the Caribbean with their business plan and they want to hire only expatriates, they want to hire their own people, they want to bring in their own pilots and you come to the Caribbean you can’t do that. If I was an investor from the Caribbean and I want to start an airline in the United States it’s not gonna happen from square one because they don’t allow majority shareholding from not  being a US citizen. Even if I could past that obstacle, I cannot then bring Jamaicans and Bajans and Antiguans and Kittitians and St Lucians to the United States to run the airlines, are you crazy?”

James Lynch’s comments came as he made a case for a drastic change in the manner in which cash-strapped regional airline LIAT is operated.

He makes reference to an alleged pattern of incompetence in political appointment, management abuse and wanton waste of company funds.

In an interview with WINN FM, former pilot Lynch sought to justify those claims.

Listen to audio:  https://www.winnfm.com

Coast Guard transports Caribbean Airlines equipment to Tobago



Caribbean Airlines thanked the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in helping to transport much-needed equipment to Tobago over the weekend. 

In a release, the company said the equipment was needed to complete important aircraft maintenance at ANR Robinson International Airport. 

The equipment was transported on the TTS Brighton on Sunday July 23, 2017 and the Captain in Command was Lieutenant Ray Frederick.  

Captain Wayne Armour led the initiative on behalf of the Coast Guard while Lieutenant Kevin Hinds coordinated the effort.  

"Caribbean Airlines is immensely grateful to the Coast Guard for facilitating this activity which enabled the maintenance team to successfully complete the task at hand," the company said. 

http://www.looptt.com

Ultra-low-cost airlines helping to boost traffic at John Glenn, Rickenbacker airports

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is on track for its second-busiest year ever, and Rickenbacker Airport topped its record passenger total, set just last year.

Taking a look at statistics for the first six months of the year, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority noted at its meeting Tuesday that these gains came almost entirely from airlines such as Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air. These carriers offer low-cost, often less-than-daily service and charge for bags, priority boarding and other extras.

Statistics released at the meeting of the airport authority, which oversees John Glenn, Rickenbacker and Bolton Field airports, show that passenger traffic at John Glenn Airport is expected to trail only 2007, when Columbus-based startup Skybus Airlines operated. The airport served nearly 3.69 million passengers, a 4.3 percent increase over the January-to-June period last year.

The increase was almost entirely thanks to Frontier Airlines, which launched service in Columbus in June 2016. Frontier served 143,294 passengers from January through June. If Frontier were taken out of the airport’s first-half numbers, John Glenn’s passenger traffic would have increased less than a quarter of a percent year-over-year.

The John Glenn figures don’t include data from Allegiant, which flies at cargo-focused Rickenbacker Airport.

Also an ultra-low-cost carrier, Allegiant increased its passenger totals by 34 percent for the first half of the year as it added flights. It served 133,554 passengers from January through June.

On the cargo side, Rickenbacker continues to boom. Cargo weight at the airport was up 21.4 percent for the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2016.

The growth of Frontier and Allegiant showcases those airlines’ growth nationally. In some cases, the carriers have been adding routes beyond their typical vacation-focused destinations. For example, Frontier recently announced it will start serving Austin, Texas, nonstop from Columbus in the spring.

Michael Boyd, a Colorado-based aviation consultant, said the consumer stands to benefit in the short term by booking seats on these discount carriers, but people should be aware of what they’re buying.

“The three-flights-a-week model has some real vulnerabilities,” he said. “If something happens and a flight gets cancelled, you may not be able to get another for at least two or three days.”

Boyd said the “mainline” carriers such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines should advertise to their strengths, rather than trying to compete on price with the upstarts by selling a “basic” fare that takes away perks.

“It’s not like these (ultra-low-cost) airlines are capitalizing on places where the major airlines are ignoring opportunities,” Boyd said. “If there is money to be made, they’re there. They’re just maximizing their revenue like every other business.”

Angie Tabor, spokeswoman for the airport authority, said officials continue to seek more service while being realistic about the state of the industry.

“We feel we’re doing well and that we compete very well for service,” Tabor said. “There are so many factors outside our control. It’s tricky to predict the future of air service. The airlines are becoming more nimble, which makes really good business sense for them.” 

http://www.dispatch.com

Dozens of pilots overcome alcoholism to return to work

About 50 pilots and other aviation professionals have been successfully steered away from alcohol addiction in the past seven years.

This message was given to a conference in Hamilton organized by Aviation New Zealand, a leading industry body.

Two senior pilots told the conference about a scheme in New Zealand designed to treat alcoholism as an easily treatable medical condition.

It is called the HIMS program, and has got 6000 pilots back into the cockpit in the US since it was set up there in the 1970s.

The scheme was described by Simon Nicholson, a pilot and former alcoholic who has been with Air New Zealand for 17 years and currently captains A320s.

Alcoholism used to be treated as a sackable offense, he said. As a result, people would hide their conditions to preserve their careers, and their friends would cover up for them, so as not to be seen as snitches.

But he said airlines were now getting a very different message.

"We are saying to the company 'please help this person, don't sack him, pay him please if you can while he is going through rehab, and hold his job for him'," Captain Nicholson said.

"Trust him with your aeroplane again when he comes out the other side."

Captain Nicholson said the main airlines as well as groups like Civil Aviation and the Airways Corporation supported the scheme.

Another pilot, Chris Melhopt, said he believed the effect of this would be to make flying safer, not more dangerous.

He had figured this out after spending five years as the medical welfare officer for the Air Line Pilots' Association.

"When I started in that job I became aware we had pilots who were suffering from addiction and I knew nothing about it," he said.

To help get the program started in this country, Captain Melhopt studied at the Betty Ford treatment clinic in the US. He helped develop a scheme that would put an alcoholic pilot into rehab, usually here but sometimes in the US.

Captain Nicholson told his audience dealing with his own addiction had been very hard.

"I thought that if I had a problem with drinking, it was the end of my career," he said.

"I had a lot of pride tied up in my role as a pilot, I had invested a lot of time and money and other resources in getting where I was and I would defend that at all costs."

Despite the success of the programme in the airline industry, Captain Nicholson said there had been little take-up in general aviation - such as helicopter and agricultural flying - and this needed to change.

Having an illness stay undiagnosed did not lessen its potential impact, he said.

The Ministry of Health has estimated that one in five New Zealanders has a potentially hazardous drinking problem and a smaller number are compulsively addicted to alcohol.

http://www.radionz.co.nz

Tampa International Airport (KTPA) control tower needs upgrades

Looking down at Tampa International Airport from the air traffic control tower, we see the exciting improvements coming to our airport. Unfortunately, working in the tower, we face a different reality.

Our tower is in poor condition. Parts of the tower exterior are being held together with repair-work sealant. The large glass windows, which are essential to monitor planes on the ground, are no longer up to safety standards. Our controllers, who work hard 24/7 to monitor one of the nation's most complex air systems, use antiquated technology like paper flight strips. We're unable to install a modern ground radar system in part because of wear and tear to the tower.

The airport is undergoing a $2 billion renovation project to improve the Tampa flight experience, yet our air traffic controllers, who are responsible for keeping travelers safe and flights on time, work in a deteriorating physical environment with largely outdated technologies.

Although we're making progress by implementing modernization projects nationwide, long-term advancements are hampered by an unstable, unpredictable funding stream. That is why we support current U.S. House legislation, HR 2997, the 21st Century Aviation, Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Act, which would create a federally chartered, not-for-profit air traffic control corporation to operate the system. The legislation would provide a stable, predictable funding stream that supports air traffic control services, staffing, hiring and training, long-term modernization, preventive maintenance and infrastructure modernization. It would also ensure the system keeps pace with current technology and would remove many of the government's slow, bureaucratic processes.

Tampa International is taking exciting and progressive steps toward the future of aviation, but modernization of our critical air traffic control function is falling behind. We can have a seamlessly run terminal, but without an updated air traffic control system, we are doing a great disservice to all Tampa travelers.

Jason Rebmann, facility representative, Tampa tower and terminal radar approach control, National Air Traffic Controllers Association 

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters

Incident occurred July 23, 2017 in Swanzey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire

Patrick Blair, right, of Swanzey, signs paperwork for DiLuzio AEMT John Warner at the site of an ultralight aircraft crash in which Blair was a passenger in West Swanzey on Sunday evening.








SWANZEY, N.H. — At just before 8 p.m. on Sunday, Fire Mutual Aid received a telephone report from a Swanzey resident, who reported the pilot of a small glider appeared to be having trouble before crashing in the vicinity of the Mold Pro corporation, located at 51 Denman Thompson Highway near the Ashuelot River.

A second caller reported the aircraft had in the area of 179 Holbrook Roads.

In response, members of the Swanzey Fire Department and the Swanzey Police Department and Diluzio Ambulance responded to the initial call and established a staging area at Mold Pro.

Approximately 20 people took part in a ground search from the Mold Pro parking lot, assisted by aerial drones and off-road vehicles. Aerial drones were supplied by fire departments in Keene, Winchester and Troy, as well as the Brattleboro Reformer.

At a few minutes past 8 p.m., a caller reported to 911 that she had located the aircraft on her property in a swamp approximately 500 feet from Holbrook Avenue near the Ashuelot River. The caller told 911 that there were two occupants standing in the swamp and both appeared uninjured.

Emergency personnel from Swanzey and Diluzio Ambulance arrived at the crash site and reported there was a two-person, ultralight-style, power Shute aircraft which had struck a tree approximately 50 above the ground which damaged the aircraft and caused it to turnover in flight, according to a press release from the Swanzey Fire Department. As the aircraft fell, it struck a branch causing it to right itself and land in the swamp on its wheels.

The pilot, Robert Hutchinson Van Valzah, of Richmond N.H., and a passenger Patrick Blair, of Swanzey, told emergency personnel that they were not injured as a result of the accident and declined any medical treatment or transportation.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics, was notified and the bureau subsequently notified the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, all three of which are now investigating the cause of the accident.

http://www.reformer.com


Members of the Swanzey, N.H., Fire Department fly a DJI Phantom 4 Drone while searching for a person that reportedly crashed while flying a powered parachute around 7:42 p.m. on Sunday.






SWANZEY — A two-person ultralight aircraft crashed Sunday night near Holbrook Avenue, Swanzey Fire Chief Norman W. Skantze said in a news release. No one was injured in the crash.

Two witnesses reported seeing an aircraft go down near the Ashuelot River at 7:43 p.m., according to the news release.

Operating from a commercial parking lot on Denman Thompson Highway, Swanzey police and fire departments initiated a foot search supported by drones, the release said.

Soon after, at 8:06 p.m., one of the callers, Cynthia Brown, reported she had found the aircraft in a swamp on her property on Holbrook Avenue.

The aircraft hit a tree and turned over, then struck a branch on the way down, righting itself to land wheels-first in the swamp, the release said.

The pilot, Robert Hutchinson Van Valzah of Richmond, and the passenger, Patrick Blair of Swanzey, reported having no injuries and declined medical transport.

The plane was a Six Chuter SR2-powered parachute, according to Jim Peters, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the crash. In an interview with The Sentinel, Skantze described the aircraft as an ultralight two-seater with a parachute and motor.


http://www.sentinelsource.com

Court Tosses Lawsuits Against Florida Pilot Over Plane Crash: Dana Air, McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83), 5N-RAM, fatal accident occurred June 03, 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria



The families of non-U.S. citizens killed in a 2012 plane crash in Nigeria will not be able to pursue their lawsuits against the estate of the pilot, who was from Florida, in American courts, a panel of federal judges ruled.

Instead, those families will have to seek justice from Nigerian courts, based on the ruling released Friday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The decision effectively scuttles 38 lawsuits combined on appeal.

Judge John Walker Jr. of the Second Circuit, sitting by designation, wrote for a panel that included Judge Stanley Marcus and Senior Judge Joel Dubina. The panel upheld Judge Robert Scola of the Southern District of Florida in dismissing the lawsuits based on forum non conveniens—a common law doctrine that provides district courts with "inherent power to decline to exercise jurisdiction" with the "central purpose" being "to ensure that the trial is convenient."

The doctrine allows judges to toss lawsuits, leaving the plaintiffs to resort to refiling in another place. "This power should not be exercised lightly, however, because it effectively deprives the plaintiff of his favored forum," Walker wrote.

The defense team, led by John Murray of Murray Morin & Herman in Tampa, successfully established the difficulty of calling witnesses from Nigeria to a trial in Florida.

The plaintiffs' team, including Curtis Miner of Colson Hicks Eidson and Michael Olin of Miami, argued that Nigeria is too dangerous and that its legal system is corrupt and plagued with delays. A former Nigerian Supreme Court justice testified that such a multiparty tort case could take 30 years to litigate there, Walker said.

But Walker gave credence to another witness, a Nigerian law professor, who said recent reforms to the Nigerian judiciary had improved the outlook, and that the claims could be resolved in possibly five years.

"The district court did not abuse its discretion in holding that Nigeria is an adequate forum," Walker said.

The attorneys could not be reached.

All 153 people aboard Dana Airlines Flight 992—passengers, crew and pilot Peter Waxtan of Fort Lauderdale—were killed in the crash on June 3, 2012, plus 10 more on the ground. The plane traveling from Abuja, Nigeria, lost power in both engines while on approach to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, according to Walker. The plane and much of the black box evidence was destroyed in the fire. The crash was blamed on a combination of equipment failure and flight crew error.

The cases are titled Babasola Kolawolfe, et al. v. Stacey Sellers, as personal representative of the estate of Peter Waxtan, Nos. 15-13720 & 15-15801.

http://www.dailyreportonline.com

NTSB Identification: DCA12RA084
Accident occurred Sunday, June 03, 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria
Aircraft: BOEING MD-83, registration:
Injuries: 153 Fatal.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.

On June 3, 2012 about 1545 hours local time, 5N-RAM, a Boeing MD-83, operated by Dana Airlines Limited as flight 992 (DAN 992), crashed into a densely populated area during a forced landing following a total loss of power in both engines while on approach to Muhammed Murtala Airport (LOS), Lagos, Nigeria. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and the airplane was on an instrument flight rules flight plan. All 153 persons aboard the airplane, including the 6 crew members, were fatally injured. There were 10 confirmed ground fatalities. The airplane was destroyed, and there was a post impact fire. The domestic scheduled commercial flight was operating from Abuja International Airport(ABV), Abuja, Nigeria to LOS. 

The Nigeria Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has instituted an investigation. As the State of manufacture of the airplane and engines, a U.S. Accredited Representative has been appointed with technical advisors from the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, The Boeing Company, and Pratt & Whitney Engines. Inquires about the investigation should be directed to the AIB at the following address:

Accident Investigation Bureau
P.M.B. 016
Murtala Muhammed Airport
Ikeja, Lagos

Nigeria

Clash between Delta Airlines pilot and flight attendant delays flight at LaGuardia Airport (KLGA), New York

A Delta Airlines pilot and a flight attendant flew off the handle Monday at LaGuardia Airport, causing a two-hour delay, sources said.

The 54-year-old pilot had a dispute with a 26-year-old flight attendant prior to takeoff aboard the plane bound for Portland, Maine, sources said.

He and the attendant exchanged words in the aisle and he called her “a piece of s---,” a source said.

“His conversation was racist, inconsiderate and unprofessional,” the source said.

Each alleged the other had aggressively grabbed the other’s arm.

As many as six Port Authority police officers, some carrying “huge” guns, interviewed flight attendants in the jet bridge, a source said.

Cops determined neither were injured and made no arrests.

But the crew ordered both to disembark, causing the plane to leave at 1:30 p.m. — two hours late.

A spokesman noted that the plane was operated by a subsidiary of Delta, Endeavor Air.

"Endeavor Air apologizes to the customers on board Endeavor Air flight 3925, operating as Delta Connection, from LaGuardia to Portland, Maine whose travel was inconvenienced as a result of a disagreement between two crew members. The actions of these crew members, as described, in no way reflects the respect, values and professionalism we expect from our employees," the spokesman said.

http://www.nydailynews.com

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Hawker FB60 Sea Fury, N254SF; accident occurred July 25, 2017 near Stephens County Airport (KBKD), Breckenridge, 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; Lubbock, 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/N254SF

Location: Breckenridge, TX
Accident Number: CEN17LA285
Date & Time: 07/25/2017, 0910 CDT
Registration: N254SF
Aircraft: HILLARD CHARLIE R HAWKER FB60
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Other Work Use 

Analysis 

A witness, who was a repair facility employee, stated that, on the morning of the accident, the airplane was fueled and then flown for about 15 to 20 minutes without incident. The accident flight was the second flight of the day and was also about 15 to 20 minutes long. The witness's cell phone video revealed that the airplane was on short final for the runway as it descended and turned left; it then disappeared into a wooded area. The airplane collided with a tree and then impacted the ground and came to rest upright. First responders to the accident site stated that the fuel lines had been severed, and fuel was covering the ground under the airplane.

The propeller blades did not exhibit signs of power during impact. Postaccident testing of the engine's distributors and fuel pump did not reveal any anomalies. However, postaccident testing of the injection carburetor revealed that the right float switch pin was dislodged from its cylinder, but it could not be determined when the pin became dislodged. The pin was reinstalled into its cylinder, and subsequent testing of the injection carburetor revealed that it was out of tolerance; however, the specialists at the repair station stated that, although several of the carburetor readings were out of tolerance, none of the indications would have caused a loss of engine power.

Postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The fuel selector was found positioned to the auxiliary fuel tank line, not the main fuel tank line. The valve was impact-separated from the airplane, and its preaccident position could not be confirmed. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examination and testing did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. 

Findings

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final
Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)
Off-field or emergency landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

On July 25, 2017, about 0910 central daylight time, an experimental Hawker FB60 airplane, N254SF, experienced a loss of engine power and impacted trees and terrain near Stephens County Airport (BKD), Breckenridge, Texas. The private rated pilot and one passenger were seriously injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a maintenance test flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was on final approach to BKD when the accident occurred.

A review of a witness cell phone video revealed that the airplane was near the approach end of runway 17 as it descended and made a left turn, then disappeared into a wooded area.

The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector stated that the engine reportedly experienced a loss of power and the airplane descended into the trees and terrain. The pilot and passenger and were flown to a hospital for treatment.

The witness stated that the airplane was fueled on the morning of the accident and was flown for about 15 to 20 minutes without incident. The accident flight was the second flight of the day and also lasted about 15 to 20 minutes. During the flight she observed the landing gear extend when the airplane turned on final approach but she was unable to hear the engine. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 74, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/22/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: HILLARD CHARLIE R
Registration: N254SF
Model/Series: HAWKER FB60 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 37514
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/11/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 1.8 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1294.3 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Curtiss Wright
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: R3350-36WD
Registered Owner: THIBODEAU JOE
Rated Power: 2800 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  None 

The airplane had been damaged in a previous ground event in 2016 and repairs were being completed by a repair facility at BKD. The facility had completed the repairs on July 11, 2017, and during a test flight the pilot noticed the flight controls were not rigged correctly for level flight. The flight control rigging was fixed and the pilot was completing another test flight when the accident occurred. The airplane had been flown for several hours during the week before the accident and no engine anomalies were reported.

An employee of the repair facility confirmed that the main fuel tanks were used for these types of short test flights as stated in their procedures. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBKD, 1283 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0855 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 184°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Breckenridge, TX (BKD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Breckenridge, TX (BKD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0850 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class E 

Airport Information

Airport: STEPHENS COUNTY (BKD)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1284 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4997 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

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: 32.727222, -98.891111 (est) 

The airplane collided with a 20 ft tall tree about 1,000 ft north of the approach end of the runway. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest upright about 150 ft from the initial tree strike. Figure 1 shows the empennage mostly separated from fuselage at the aft bulkhead. The left wing was separated and distorted aft. The right wing was crushed and distorted forward. The forward fuselage, engine cowling, and propeller shaft sustained impact damaged. The four propeller blades remained attached to the hub and did not exhibit leading edge damage or rotational scoring. First responders to the accident site stated that the fuel lines had been severed and fuel was covering the ground under the airplane.


Figure 1
Damaged Airplane

A postaccident examination of the engine was completed on October 16-17, 2017, under the auspices of an FAA inspector. Due to impact damage the engine could not be manually rotated through to confirm internal continuity. The engine was removed from the airframe and there were no obvious anomalies observed. The propeller, mixture, and throttle controls remained connected and moved normally when manually manipulated. Examination of the carburetor did not reveal any anomalies and the fuel screen was clean and free of contaminants. A few ounces of fuel remained in the fuel lines; the fuel appeared clean. The accessory drive shaft was removed and the blower was manually rotated; the accessory gears rotated with no anomalies noted. The two front distributors were removed and the gears remained connected to the front cam drive. The outlet oil screen was removed and disassembled and there was no metal or debris observed. The front and rear oil sump plugs and screens were also free of metal and debris. The engine examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The fuel valve was impact separated from the airplane and damaged. During the postaccident examination, air was blown through the fuel valve and determined it was positioned to an auxiliary fuel tank line. 

Tests And Research

On November 9, 2017, postaccident testing of the distributors, fuel pump, and injection carburetor was completed at an FAA authorized repair station under the auspices of an FAA inspector. The two distributors and the fuel pump were run on their respective test stands and all successfully passed the testing requirements. The injection carburetor was tested on a Stromberg Aircraft Carburetor Flow Bench. The initial flow test failed and bypassed significant amounts of fuel from the vapor vent port. To troubleshoot the issue, the carburetor's cover was removed which revealed the right float switch pin was dislodged from its cylinder. The right float pin was reinstalled into its cylinder and subsequent testing of the injection carburetor was out of tolerance, including flow tests, automatic mixture control, bleed checks, and air circuit tests.

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA285 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in Breckenridge, TX
Aircraft: HILLARD CHARLIE R HAWKER FB60, registration: N254SF
Injuries: 2 Serious.

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

On July 25, 2017, about 0900 central daylight time, an experimental Hawker FB60 airplane, N254SF, experienced a loss of engine power and impacted trees and terrain near Stephens County Airport (BKD), Breckenridge, Texas. The private pilot and one passenger were seriously injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane was on short final for runway 17 when the engine experienced a loss of power and the airplane descended into the trees and terrain. The pilot and passenger and were flown to a hospital for treatment. 

A cell phone video of the accident flight was obtained. A review of the video revealed the airplane was near the approach end of runway 17 as it descended and made a left turn, then disappeared into the tree line. 

The airplane has been retained for further examination.
Figure 1
Damaged Airplane

A postaccident examination of the engine was completed on October 16-17, 2017, under the auspices of an FAA inspector. Due to impact damage the engine could not be manually rotated through to confirm internal continuity. The engine was removed from the airframe and there were no obvious anomalies observed. The propeller, mixture, and throttle controls remained connected and moved normally when manually manipulated. Examination of the carburetor did not reveal any anomalies and the fuel screen was clean and free of contaminants. A few ounces of fuel remained in the fuel lines; the fuel appeared clean. The accessory drive shaft was removed and the blower was manually rotated; the accessory gears rotated with no anomalies noted. The two front distributors were removed and the gears remained connected to the front cam drive. The outlet oil screen was removed and disassembled and there was no metal or debris observed. The front and rear oil sump plugs and screens were also free of metal and debris. The engine examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The fuel valve was impact separated from the airplane and damaged. During the postaccident examination, air was blown through the fuel valve and determined it was positioned to an auxiliary fuel tank line. 

Tests And Research

On November 9, 2017, postaccident testing of the distributors, fuel pump, and injection carburetor was completed at an FAA authorized repair station under the auspices of an FAA inspector. The two distributors and the fuel pump were run on their respective test stands and all successfully passed the testing requirements. The injection carburetor was tested on a Stromberg Aircraft Carburetor Flow Bench. The initial flow test failed and bypassed significant amounts of fuel from the vapor vent port. To troubleshoot the issue, the carburetor's cover was removed which revealed the right float switch pin was dislodged from its cylinder. The right float pin was reinstalled into its cylinder and subsequent testing of the injection carburetor was out of tolerance, including flow tests, automatic mixture control, bleed checks, and air circuit tests.

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA285 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in Breckenridge, TX
Aircraft: HILLARD CHARLIE R HAWKER FB60, registration: N254SF
Injuries: 2 Serious.

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

On July 25, 2017, about 0900 central daylight time, an experimental Hawker FB60 airplane, N254SF, experienced a loss of engine power and impacted trees and terrain near Stephens County Airport (BKD), Breckenridge, Texas. The private pilot and one passenger were seriously injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane was on short final for runway 17 when the engine experienced a loss of power and the airplane descended into the trees and terrain. The pilot and passenger and were flown to a hospital for treatment. 

A cell phone video of the accident flight was obtained. A review of the video revealed the airplane was near the approach end of runway 17 as it descended and made a left turn, then disappeared into the tree line. 

The airplane has been retained for further examination.



Chad and Anna Ezell, son and daughter of Ezell Aviation Founder Nelson Ezell continue running their father’s business while he continues to recover from a plane crash in July.

Nelson Ezell’s prominence in Breckenridge had never been higher after re-launching the once famed Breckenridge Air Show, along with efforts from the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce, which added to the shock when his World War II-era CSEA Seafury British Hawker crashed on private property near Hwy. 183 before reaching the Ezell Aviation runway.

While speaking with the Breckenridge American, Chad Ezell thanked the staff of Ezell Aviation for stepping up in Nelson Ezell’s absence and doing whatever is asked of them.

“Their commitment to whatever was needed has been so appreciated by the Ezell family,” Chad Ezell said.

While piloting the experimental World War II-era airplane in July, an engine malfunction downed the Warbird and resulted in injuries to Ezell and his passenger Dustin Mayfield. Mayfield walked away with a broken arm, but Ezell’s injuries were significant. He remained in ICU Trauma Unit at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for 10 days, where the doctors operated on his severely injured arm, when he was stable enough to manage it. 

Ezell was later moved to another trauma recovery site, where he has remained the past nine weeks. At this point, the Ezell family anticipates Nelson being moved to another recovery hospital that is more equipped to handle the next stage of his recovery now that he is breathing on his own and his severely bruised lungs have had a chance to heal.

The Ezell family is so thankful and appreciative of all the prayers on their behalf and expressed the need for those thoughts and prayers to continue while Nelson continues his long recovery and meets each new challenge in that recovery. Chad and Anna expressed their deep appreciation for the community of Breckenridge and that they are part of such a caring community. 

Ezell is still not ready for visitors, but both Nelson and his wife Helen “Dude” Ezell appreciate the concern that has been conveyed to them through their children, other family members and close friends.

“They have all felt the concern and thoughtful prayers that have been lifted on behalf of their parents as Nelson continues to meet the new challenges in his recovery,” Chad Ezell said.


https://www.breckenridgeamerican.com





Two men were injured Tuesday morning when a Hawker FB60 Sea Fury plane crashed in a pasture near the Stephens County Airport.

The crash of a Hawker Sea Fury was reported around 9:15 a.m. It landed in a pasture north of the airport and south of FM 2231, land owned by Brad Whitaker.

The plane’s occupants, Nelson Ezell and Dustin Mayfield, were taken by helicopter ambulance to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. 

Ezell sustained serious but not critical injuries, while Mayfield’s injuries were less serious, according to the men’s wives.

The plane is badly damaged, according to those allowed near the remote crash site, which is being kept secure until the Federal Aviation Administration arrives to investigate.

https://www.breckenridgeamerican.com




BRECKENRIDGE, Texas - The pilot of a Hawker FB60 Sea Fury plane that crashed Monday at Stephens County Airport has “critical injuries” and has been flown to a hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The Federal Aviation Administration identified the pilot as being Nelson Ezell.

A passenger in the two-seat plane escaped unscathed, the Federal Aviation Administration said, but was taken by helicopter to the same hospital. He is listed in stable condition.

The accident, which occurred about 9:15 a.m.

The Hawker FB60 Sea Fury, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, lost engine power, landed short of the runway and its fuselage broke apart on impact.

It was doing what authorities said was "touch-and-go pattern work" before the accident.

http://www.ktxs.com




STEPHENS COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - Two people were injured when a small plane crash-landed in Breckenridge Tuesday morning. 

Stephens County Sheriff Will Holt told KTAB and KRBC a Hawker FB60 Sea Fury plane manned by Ezell Aviation was out for a test run when it experienced total engine failure around 9:15 a.m., causing it to crash land just north of BASA Resources off of FM 2231.

Medical helicopters rushed to the scene and transported two people from the crash site, according to Sheriff Holt, who says one person is in stable condition, and the other person's condition is not known. 

The identities of the people involved in the crash have not been released. No other injuries have been reported.

Sheriff Holt says Federal Aviation Administration officials are en route from Lubbock to evaluate the crash site in order to make an official report. 

http://www.bigcountryhomepage.com




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

Left main gear collapsed on landing.

Date: 30-DEC-16
Time: 22:55:00Z
Regis#: 254SF
Aircraft Make: HAWKER
Aircraft Model: FB111
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ENGLEWOOD
State: COLORADO

Aircraft experience left main gear collapsed during landing.

Date: 30-DEC-16
Time: 22:53:00Z
Regis#: N254SF
Aircraft Make: RAYTHEON
Aircraft Model: HAWKER
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: DENVER
State: COLORADO


CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The pilot of a World War II-era aircraft walked away unscathed after making an emergency landing at Centennial Airport Friday.

The single-engine aircraft’s main landing gear collapsed after landing. A picture of the Hawker FB10 Sea Fury shows the aircraft leaning on its wing. The landing also damaged to the plane’s propeller.

The pilot was the only person on board the plane. The plane’s flight path was not released.

The Hawker FB10 Sea Fury entered service two years after World War II.

Source:  http://www.thedenverchannel.com