Sunday, August 27, 2017

Bellanca 14-19-3 Cruisair Senior, N36KC: Accident occurred August 26, 2017 at Redding Municipal Airport (KRDD), Shasta County, California

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

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


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


http://registry.faa.gov/N36KC



Analysis 

According to the pilot, the airplane's airspeed was fast during the landing, and the airplane veered to the left during the landing roll. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage.

The METAR at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm, and the sky was clear.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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 directional control during the landing roll.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Abnormal runway contact
Loss of control on ground
Runway excursion (Defining event)
Landing gear collapse



National Transportation Safety Board - Aviation Accident Factual Report 

Location: Redding, CA
Accident Number: GAA17CA558
Date & Time: 08/26/2017, 2015 PDT
Registration: N36KC
Aircraft: BELLANCA 14 19
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

According to the pilot, the airplane's airspeed was fast during the landing, and the airplane veered to the left during the landing roll. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage.

The METAR at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, reported that the wind was calm, and skies were clear.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 38, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/09/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/01/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 157 hours (Total, all aircraft), 36 hours (Total, this make and model), 157 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BELLANCA
Registration: N36KC
Model/Series: 14 19 3A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4304
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/01/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  2343.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:  Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-470-F
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 260 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRDD, 497 ft msl
Observation Time: 0253 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 335°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 36°C / 3°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:  Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:  29.86 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Redding, CA (KRDD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Redding, CA (KRDD)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1915 PST
Type of Airspace: Class D 

Airport Information

Airport: REDDING MUNI (RDD)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 504 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7003 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  40.508889, -122.293333 (est)


REDDING, Calif. - No one was injured when a personal aircraft had a suspected technical issue which caused it to go off the runway at the Redding Airport Saturday night. 

According to Redding Fire Chief Gerry Gray, it is believed that the nose gear collapsed, causing the crash. 

Two occupants were in the plane at the time of the incident, but both were reported as being uninjured. 

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.krcrtv.com

Southwest launches airlift to rescue stranded Houston customers

(CNN)    Southwest Airlines has launched a humanitarian rescue mission to airlift more than 500 of its customers out of closed Houston Hobby Airport Sunday, according to airline and US government sources with knowledge of the operation.

The Southwest customers were stranded inside the airport when the FAA closed it earlier Sunday morning. All roads to and from the airport were also closed. It was unclear how many others were stuck at the airport.

The rescue mission underscores the severity of Hurricane Harvey's impact on the Houston area.

Five of the airline's stranded Boeing 737s are scheduled to fly out of the flooded airport Sunday evening back to Love Field in Dallas, according to one of the sources.

Southwest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The airline received clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate out of the closed airport, according to the two sources. Hobby Airport is expected to remain closed to all non-emergency air traffic until August 30 at the earliest, according to the FAA.

Without working airport lights at Hobby Airport, the Southwest aircraft are going to have to move quickly.

Separately, if all flights are able to depart Sunday, the airline still has 10 remaining aircraft on the ground at Hobby, according to the sources.

Hobby is the smaller of two main Houston-area commercial airports.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.cnn.com

Loss of Engine Power (Total): North American Navion A, N8695H; accident occurred August 27, 2017 near Rohnerville Airport (KFOT), Fortuna, Humboldt County, California











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

Additional Participating Entity:

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

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/N8695H

Location: Fortuna, CA
Accident Number: WPR17LA191
Date & Time: 08/27/2017, 1620 PDT
Registration: N8695H
Aircraft: NORTH AMERICAN NAVION A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On August 27, 2017, about 1620 Pacific daylight time, a North American Navion A airplane, N8695H, experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb from Rohnerville Airport, Fortuna, California. The private pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall during the forced landing. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight which departed from Fortuna about 1615.

The pilot stated that he departed with about 10-12 gallons of fuel on board. After the airplane reached about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl), the engine experienced a total loss of power. He attempted to return back to the airport, but was unable to maintain altitude and he made an off-airport landing in a pasture about .5 miles from the runway at Fortuna.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic completed a post accident examination under the auspice of an FAA inspector. The inspector noted that the original engine for this airplane was replaced by a Teledyne Continental Motors IO-470H which was installed in June 2003. The spark plugs were removed from all cylinders revealing no signs of deterioration, wear or oil/carbon fouling. Continuity was established for each magneto, which produced spark at each cylinder. A borescope inspection of each cylinder revealed no evidence of excessive wear, deterioration, broken rings, or broken valves.

The FAA inspector further stated that he observed fuel in the left, right, and main tanks. He sumped samples from each tank disclosing that there was no debris or water visible. Disassembly of the fuel manifold revealed a clean screen; there was no fuel visible. The mechanic removed the fuel inlet supply line to the fuel manifold and activated the electric fuel boost pump. Fuel flowed normally out of the inlet supply line from the tank that was selected, all of which were selected. The reason for the loss of power was not determined.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 91, 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): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/01/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 3000 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: NORTH AMERICAN
Registration: N8695H
Model/Series: NAVION A UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: NAV-4-695
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/18/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2860 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 4 Hours
Engines:  Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3739 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Teledyne Continental
ELT: Installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-470H6B
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 260 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: KFOT, 391 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2315 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 111°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 12 knots / 17 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 290°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Fortuna, CA (FOT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fortuna, CA (FOT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1615 PDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: ROHNERVILLE (FOT)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 392 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

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: 40.558611, -124.148889

NTSB Identification: WPR17LA191
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, August 27, 2017 in Fortuna, CA
Aircraft: NORTH AMERICAN NAVION A, registration: N8695H
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 August 27, 2017, about 1620 Pacific daylight time, a North American Navion A, N8695H, experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb from Rohnerville Airport, Fortuna, California. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local personal flight departed from Fortuna about 1615. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot stated that he departed with about 10-12 gallons of fuel on board. After the airplane reached about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), the engine experienced a total loss power. He attempted to return back to the airport, but was unable to maintain altitude and made an off-airport landing in a pasture about .5 miles from the runway. During the landing, the airplane incurred damage to the firewall.




Just before 4 p.m., a 1947 North American Navion plane had an accident near the intersection of Drake Hill Road and Hillcrest Drive in South Fortuna which is near the Rohnerville Airport.

The details are unclear but according to Shellie Mendes, a witness, “There was no engine sound at all while [the] plane was coming down.”

The pilot received no injuries in the incident. And, according to Mendes, the horses in the field were all okay.

At this time we don’t know if the owner of the plane who is listed as a John Norberg of Eureka was the pilot.

Bureau of Land Management, Fortuna Police, and Fortuna Fire on the scene, Mendes said.

Story, photos and comments  ➤ http://kymkemp.com





Word came across the police scanner roughly an hour ago, that a small aircraft went down in the Fortuna area.

Kym Kemp reports that no injuries were suffered during the crash, which happened down the road from the Rohnerville Airport, near the intersection of Drake Hill Road and Hillcrest Drive in Fortuna.

According to FAA records, the aircraft tail number given by an on-scene officer over the scanner, belongs to a 1947  North American Navion A, fixed-wing single-engine aircraft owned by John Norberg of Eureka.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://lostcoastoutpost.com

Unregistered Tukan Trike: Fatal accident occurred August 27, 2017 in Nicholasville, Jessamine County, Kentucky

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Louisville, Kentucky

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

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

Location: Nicholasville, KY
Accident Number: ERA17LA297
Date & Time: 08/27/2017, 1330 EDT
Registration: Unreg
Aircraft: Tukan Trike
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On August 27, 2017, about 1330 eastern daylight time, an unregistered amateur-built experimental light-sport Tukan Trike aircraft was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during takeoff in Nicholasville, Kentucky. The noncertificated pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight.

According to a witness, the pilot purchased the weight-shift-control aircraft several months earlier, and the accident flight was the pilot's first flight in the aircraft. After the pilot completed a few taxi tests down the grass field, the aircraft took off but failed to gain airspeed or altitude. According to the witness, the aircraft climbed to about 20 ft above the ground, veered left, and impacted a dumpster. He reported that the engine ran "fine" during the takeoff.

A search of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records revealed that the pilot did not hold a pilot certificate, nor did he possess a sport pilot certificate with a weight-shift-control trike rating. (Pilots of the accident aircraft make and model must possess a sport pilot certificate with a weight-shift control trike rating.) His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in conjunction with a student pilot certificate on February 23, 1989. He reported 40 total hours of flight experience at that time. No pilot logbooks were recovered. It could not be determined whether the pilot obtained any instruction in the operation of the aircraft before the accident flight.

The aircraft was configured with a second seat and a NorthWing M-Pulse 2 wing. A 12-gallon fuel tank on a plywood board was underneath the passenger seat, and the aircraft was powered by a two-stroke, 40-horsepower Rotax 447 engine. A Rotax placard on the engine stated, "This engine is for use in experimental and ultralight uncertified aircraft only." No maintenance records were found. According to an FAA inspector, the accident aircraft exceeded the limitations contained in 14 CFR Part 103 for an ultralight vehicle and was required to be registered as a light-sport aircraft.

Examination of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed that it came to rest nose-low on its left side. Except for structural tube bending, it remained largely intact. The wing remained attached to the main structure and was heavily damaged.

Weather reported at Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Lexington, Kentucky, about 9 nautical miles north of the accident site, included variable winds at 3 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 26°C, dew point 15°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of mercury.

The Jessamine County Office of the Coroner, Nicholasville, Kentucky, performed an examination on the pilot; an autopsy was not performed. Toxicology testing was performed by Axis Forensic Toxicology. Tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) was detected at 5 ng/ml. THC-COOH is one of the nonpsychoactive, nonimpairing compounds produced by the body following use of marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary impairing psychoactive compound in marijuana, was not detected above the reporting level of 1 ng/ml.

Pilot Information

Certificate: None
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/23/1989
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 40 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: Tukan
Registration: Unreg
Model/Series: Trike
Aircraft Category: Weight-Shift
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: 
Serial Number: unknown
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 447
Registered Owner: Unregistered 
Rated Power: 40 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: KLEX, 989 ft msl
Observation Time: 1254 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 1°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 15°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Light and Variable, Variable
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Nicholasville, KY
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Nicholasville, KY
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1330 EDT
Type of Airspace: Unknown 

Wreckage and Impact Information

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

Latitude, Longitude: 37.884167, -84.608056

NTSB Identification: ERA17LA297
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, August 27, 2017 in Nicholasville, KY
Aircraft: Tukan Trike, registration: Unreg
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

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 August 27, 2017, about 1330 eastern daylight time, an unregistered, amateur-built, Tukan Trike, collided with terrain during takeoff in Nicholasville, Kentucky. The two-place, weight shift-control special light-sport aircraft was substantially damaged. The non-certificated pilot was fatally injured. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91.

According to a witness, the pilot purchased the aircraft last fall, and the accident flight was the pilot's first flight. He observed the aircraft take off from a grass field and it did not appear the pilot gained enough airspeed or altitude. The aircraft climbed to about 25 ft above the ground, then veered left and impacted a dumpster. He reported the engine ran "fine" during the takeoff.

Examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed it was equipped with a second seat and a NorthWing M-Pulse 2 wing. The aircraft was also equipped with a 12-gallon fuel tank on a plywood board that was underneath the passenger seat.

The fuselage came to rest nose low on its left side. Except for some structural tube bending, it remained largely intact. The wing remained attached to the main structure and was heavily damaged.

The aircraft was equipped with a Rotax 447, two-stroke, 40-horsepower engine. A Rotax placard on the engine stated, "This engine is for use in experimental and ultralight uncertified aircraft only." According to an FAA inspector, the accident aircraft, as equipped did not meet the requirements contained in 14 CFR Part 103 to be considered an Ultralight Vehicle.

No maintenance records or pilot logbooks were located. A search of FAA airman records revealed that the pilot did not hold a pilot's license. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in conjunction with a student pilot certificate on February 23, 1989. He reported 40 total hours of flight experience at that time.

Weather reported at the Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Lexington, Kentucky, about 9 miles north of the accident site, included variable winds at 3 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 26° C, dew point 15° C, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of mercury.



NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Jessamine County man is dead after a hang gliding accident this afternoon.

The man crashed at Rosenwald Dunbar Elementary, right off Wilmore Road.

According to the Jessamine County Coroner, 56-year-old John Collins was piloting his hang glider when he had to make an emergency landing.

The coroner says he does not believe the crash was caused by mechanical issues. He says Collins did not have enough altitude to keep the glider in the air.

“There was a wind shift possible, according to a witness,” said Jessamine County Coroner Michael Hughes. “One wing dipped low and he more or less lost control and was trying to put it on the ground when he struck the dumpster.”

Hughes says he spoke with family members who say Collins was an avid pilot.

“Flying was apparently his passion and he was trying to spend the afternoon doing what he loved and it just turned into a horrible tragedy,” said Hughes.

Hughes says Collins died of blunt force trauma from hitting the dumpster. However, he says he does not know that the outcome would have been any different had the dumpster not been there.

Hughes says Collins was a father to three Jessamine County teens.

The coroner says Collin’s family has requested that an autopsy not be performed since the cause of death is already known.

https://www.wtvq.com


JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - 56-year-old John Collins died on Sunday when his the ultralight plane went down near Rosenwald Dunbar Elementary School in Jessamine County. The coroner says the crash happened when one of Collins' wings dipped low and that he possibly didn't have enough altitude to correct it.

Friends say Collins loved flying for sport, but his passions also included working with young people. Collins was very active at West Jessamine HIgh School with the soccer team.

"He told me, that there is no other feeling; that being up in the air, soaring through the air.”

Leo Labrillazo is the principal of Hogsett Elementary School in Danville. He says Collins was not only a good friend to him but many others as well.

"For me, and I think our community, I think the legacy that John is going to leave is going to be one of just self-less giving. When I say that he wouldn't think twice of serving or doing, that is not an understatement," Labrillazo said.

“I have seen him sponsor kids so that they could take part in an activity when they would not normally have that.”

Collins's friends are planning a moment of silence at the next West Jessamine soccer game in his memory.

A public visitation service is scheduled for Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clark Legacy Center in Brannon Crossing. His funeral service will follow.

Nicholasville Police are still investigating the crash; The FAA does not regulate ultralight aircraft.


Story and video:  http://www.wkyt.com



NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WKYT) - One man is dead after the ultralight glider he was flying crashed.

It happened around noon Sunday near Rosenwald Dunbar Elementary School, off Wilmore Road in Jessamine County.

Police say the man was dead when they got to the scene.

Jessamine County Coroner Michael Hughes identified the victim as John Collins, 55, of Jessamine County.

The coroner says one of Collins' wings dipped low and when he tried to land he crashed into a dumpster.


"The gentleman was just out trying to enjoy the day with his recently purchased ultralight and things just went wrong for him," Hughes said. "It went tragically wrong."


Story and video ➤ http://www.wkyt.com 




A man died in Jessamine County Sunday when the glider that he was flying crashed, said Jessamine County Deputy Coroner Len Kirschbaum.

The accident that killed John Collins, of Nicholasville, 55, happened at 12:15 p.m. Sunday near Rosenwald Dunbar Elementary School, off Wilmore Road in Jessamine County.

Michael Hughes, Jessamine County coroner, said Collins crashed into a dumpster behind the school and was probably killed instantly.

Hughes said Collins was flying a ultralight trike, which is a type of motorized hang glider steered by shifting weight.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.kentucky.com

Niagara Falls International Airport (KIAG), New York: Additional airlines not in foreseeable future




It is an emerging part of the tourism transportation system in the Falls, but the continuing growth of operations at the Niagara Falls International Airport will depend largely on the business plans of the airlines that currently service the facility. 

That's the opinion of the folks who are charged with overseeing the airport and growing and marketing the services there.

"The most logical growth is in the carriers that are there now," said Pascal Cohen, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s manager of aviation business development. "They understand the market best."

And that market, according to Cohen, is tourism. 

"Business travelers are going to use the Buffalo airport," he said. "Niagara Falls is a tourist market, not a business market."

That sentiment is shared by the folks who are charged with bringing tourists to town. Destination Niagara USA president and CEO John Percy believes the local airport is well suited for tourists.

"I think it's a perfect match," he said. "The airlines providing service there are leisure-based and we are a leisure destination."

Percy also noted that the two airlines flying out of the airport, Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Airlines, carry loads of passengers to primarily Florida destinations. That has led Destination Niagara to step up marketing in the Sunshine State. 

"We launched a Florida marketing initiative," Percy said, "and (Florida) has now become one of our top five states for in-bound passengers."

Cohen said there are no other airlines immediately on the horizon that seem likely to locate to the Falls airport. He noted that Spirit and Allegiant are two of the best tourist-focused carriers in the airline industry.

"No one wants to compete with Spirit and Allegiant," he said 

Though Cohen did note that both airlines are expanding their fleets and that could bring additional flights here. 

"As the tourism market improves (in the Falls) and as the attractions improve, we'll see in-bound (passenger levels) improve," Cohen said. 

Percy said his agency will do it's best to bring people here.

"There's been a steady increase (in passenger use of the new terminal that opened in 2009)," Percy said. "It's been a collaborative effort, working with the airport and the airlines, to help them be as successful as they can be."

While the Falls airport was once a popular place for charter flights, Cohen said the segment of the airline business is in decline.

"Charter worked really well years ago," he said. "But now, charters just aren't that popular."

William Vanecek, aviation director of the NFTA, said the Falls airport continues to enjoy steady growth in both both in-bound and out-bound passengers,

"We've had 1.5 million passengers through the doors (since the new terminal opened)," Vanecek said.

Original article ➤ http://www.niagara-gazette.com

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (KPHF), Virginia: People Express aftermath drains cash reserve


Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport burned through much of its reserves of cash and easy-to-cash-in investments last year, as it struggled with the aftermath of its bailout of People Express Airlines.

The airport’s cash holdings declined by $2.2 million during the year ended June 30, according to financial records it provided in response to a request from the Daily Press.

It used up all the $1 million of investments it held as current assets — that is, as securities that can be converted into cash within 12 months.

And a cut-off of state funds, after Daily Press reports that the Peninsula Airport Commission used $4.5 million of public funds to pay off People Express’ debt to TowneBank, slashed income from that source by $667,000, to $1.3 million, interim executive director Sandy Wanner said.

“We continue to meet our operating obligations,” he said. “In addition we have an outstanding FAA receivable of $815,000 for money spent on the Consolidated Security Checkpoint project.” That’s the new $14.6 million consolidation of the checkpoints that used to be located at the entrances to each of the airport terminal’s two concourses into a single facility in the center of the terminal.

Wanner said the airport’s budget for this year should deal with the cash drain. He declined to comment when asked if the airport would need to borrow money, cut back operations or shed assets.

Airport commission Chairman George Wallace said he was concerned about last year’s cash drain, but believes this year’s budget will bring stability.

“I’m confident this will restore us to financial and operational integrity,” he said.

One key to the commission’s financial plan is a projected 52 percent increase in revenue from its terminal operations, reflecting a 20 percent increase in the per-passenger rental rate for airlines’ office space in the terminal. Rent payments are based on the number of passengers boarding at the airport.

The increase in terminal revenue also reflects a 33 percent increase in counter and office rental rates for rental car companies. Fees for rental car lots and buildings will also rise.

Another key to the budget is a planned 20 percent — or $560,000 — cut in administrative expenses.

These ballooned last year because of big bills for consultants working on efforts to woo airlines, advertising and marketing expenses incurred with the since-postponed launch of Elite Airways, and legal bills.




Spending on professional services — mostly for the consultants — jumped by 69 percent, or $107,000 last year.

Advertising and marketing expenses rose by 18 percent, or $56,000, to $371,106. The airport’s plan for this year calls for a 47 percent drop in this spending.

The airport saw a 580 percent, or $290,000, increase in legal fees, to nearly $340,000, related to the People Express deal and efforts to recover those funds, the firing of former Executive Director Ken Spirito and a lawsuit challenging the commission’s decision to terminate the lease of its longtime restaurant and bar concessionaire.

The commission decided to go into the restaurant business itself, and expects to make about $32,000 from that operation this year, after covering expenses. Last year, its revenue from food concessions totaled just over $70,000.

The budget also projects operating costs of just under $135,000 for its new airline services operation — the new ground handling business it set up as part of the incentives offered to Elite, and that Spirito had said he hoped would eventually generate income from other airlines, too.

One financial strain that should ease soon involves the state funds.

Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne has said the state would resume paying half the funds the airport’s traffic entitles it to receive, putting the rest in escrow until the commission recovers the $3.5 million in previous state payments it used to pay off the bulk of the People Express IOU.

The airport has hired former U.S. District Court Judge Walter D. Kelley Jr., whose firm specializes in working for companies seeking recovery of funds, to help get the money back.

He is not related to former airport counsel and TowneBank Peninsula board member Herbert V. Kelly Jr., who had advised the commission that using public funds to guarantee a TowneBank loan to People Express was legal. It was because of that guarantee and that opinion that the commission paid off People Express’ debt to the bank. Attorney General Mark Herring has since held that the state constitution bans such guarantees.

Original article ➤ http://www.dailypress.com

Atlantic City International Airport (KACY), Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey: Miss Vermont Erin Connor pilots plane to arrive in Atlantic City for Miss America



With less than two weeks until the Miss America competition gets underway, contestants will soon be making their way from all areas of the United States to Atlantic City.

Miss Vermont Erin Connor arrived at Atlantic City International Airport on Sunday morning in a single-engine 200 horsepower Arrow airplane. Connor wasn’t just arriving in unique style, but she was actually behind the controls, piloting the plane.




“It’s was a great day to fly,” said Connor. "What a great way to start off my 2018 Miss America journey". 

After a more than 350-mile flight, with one stop in upstate New York, Connor was all smiles walking on the Tarmac. Wearing blue aviator sunglasses and her grandfather's World War II uniform shirt, Connors not only looked like a seasoned pilot, but has the credentials to back it up.

At 16, Connors got her pilot's license, graduating from the Vermont Flight Academy at Vermont Technical College and receiving credits toward her high school diploma. Connor’s love of aviation is the inspiration for her platform, “Tailwinds: training a new generation of women scientists.”



“I thought, what’s a better way to highlight my platform of encouraging women to enter into STEM fields and aviation than to fly down myself?” Connor said.

Co-piloting with Connor was Vermont Flight Academy board member Doug White, who said it was a great experience to fly with Connor.

“Erin has been a good driving force with the Vermont Flight Academy to get more girls interested in flying. You can see her excitement for flying and it’s great for the programs.”




Meeting her at the airport was her father, Paul, who drove from Bridport, Vermont, and friend Caroline Bright, Miss Vermont 2010.

Bright not only shares the pageant bond with Connor but also an interest in flying and travel, working on the commercial side as a flight attendant for American Airlines.

“It’s so cool that she could do this,” Bright said. “She’s not the first Miss Vermont with a pilot’s license, but we believe she’s the first ever contestant to fly herself to Miss America.”

Connor now has a few days of rest and relaxation with family before the competition week duties begin. The contestants will officially check in Wednesday and the Miss America Arrival Ceremony will begin 5 p.m. at Kennedy Plaza on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Story and photo gallery ➤ http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com