Monday, September 11, 2017

Sugden to be inducted into Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame

Sugden introduces two Young Eagles to the Bell 47 helicopter. Sugden helped establish a scholarship program to train young pilots through the private pilot’s license.



Richard G. Sugden, M.D., of Jackson, who played a pivotal role in establishing aviation assisted emergency medical services in the Jackson Hole area, is the 2017 inductee into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame. 

An induction ceremony in his honor will be held 6 p.m., Sept. 19 at the Teton Aviation/Warbirds Restaurant at the Driggs, Idaho, airport.  

After starting Jackson Hole Air Ambulance in 1980, Sugden served as medical director, trained more than 20 flight nurses and EMTs, and he and other pilots flew more than 1,000 flights without incident. Sugden also served as medical director for Grand Teton National Park for 25 years.

In addition to improving emergency air service in the region, Sugden was heavily involved in a program to encourage youth to enter the aviation industry. As part of the Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles program, more than 2,000 people between 8-17 years of age took their first flying lesson. Sugden also established a scholarship to help high-school students earn their private pilot license. Many of those young pilots went on to careers in aviation and the military.

Sugden, who served in the Navy as a flight surgeon, also volunteers for wounded veteran programs, including the Veterans Airlift Command, which provides free air transportation for post-9/11 combat-wounded veterans and their families, and the Honoring Our Veterans program, which offers transportation to Jackson for veterans to enjoy outdoor recreation.

But Sugden has served his community in many other ways as well. In addition to his contributions to aviation, he has practiced family medicine in the region for more than 40 years, delivering more than 1,000 babies.

Despite these efforts, Sugden remains humble about being honored and, saying that what has meant most to him was his wife’s recognition of his efforts, saying only, “It’s personally rewarding to be able to help others.”

Sue Sugden was involved in nominating her husband for the award. The high-school sweethearts were married in 1966 and have two children.

Billy Walker, a retired pilot for Frontier Airlines, put the nomination together with the help of Sue and others, including a little star power. Actor Harrison Ford, who is involved in promoting aviation in young people’s lives through the Young Eagles program, wrote a letter supporting Sugden’s nomination.

Sugden encourages others to get involved as he has.

“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space,” he said. “Chip in. Win! Win!”

As a pilot, Sugden has logged nearly 11,000 hours of flight time in numerous categories, such as backcountry flying, aerial dog-fighting, formation flying and air racing. He also has restored many vintage military aircraft that he shows at airshows across the nation. 

He took his backcountry pilot experience with the Wyoming-built Aviat Husky to Kenya and trained wildlife service pilots. He also donated a new Husky to the service to assist in efforts to reduce elephant and rhinoceros poaching. 

Sugden is a licensed FAA Class I, II and III medical examiner. He is the author of aviation safety articles and has presented to the Flying Physicians Association. He has served on many boards, including the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Board of Directors, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, EAA Warbirds and the Bird Aviation and Invention Museum Board of Advisors. He also has served on numerous local boards, including the Jackson Hole Search and Rescue, Quiet Birdmen Jackson Hangar and the Teton County Experimental Aircraft Association. 

Sugden was born in Orinda, California, in 1942, but moved to Jackson Hole in 1947 where the family owned a dude ranch for several years. In high school he began flying and earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 16. After graduating from Baylor College of Medicine, he joined the United States Navy as a flight surgeon in 1970, and was the flight surgeon for the Navy’s test center and Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland. He retired from the military in 1975, and he and his family relocated to Jackson where he established his medical practice. 

The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization operating under the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission. It honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the establishment, development and/or advancement of aviation in Wyoming. 

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

Incident occurred September 11, 2017 in Cathcart, Snohomish County, Washington

SNOHOMISH, WA - Firefighters in Snohomish County were responding Monday afternoon to a report of a plane crash, although the aircraft might have been a paraglider. The plane was down near the city of Snohomish along the 14900 block of Connelly Road. That location is near a bend in the Snohomish River just a short distance east of SR 9.

The pilot of the craft had reportedly made it out the crash uninjured, and fire crews were leaving the scene around 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Firefighters were accessing the scene via the Heirman Wildlife Prserve, which is at 14913 Connelly Road, and from the other side of the river along Short School Road.

A fisherman at the scene told firefighters that he "watched it go down," and another fisherman had responded to the scene with a boat. Firefighters did not report any sign of a pilot. 

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

Emergency crews are at the scene of the possible crash of a small aircraft in Cathcart near the Snohomish River.

The small ultralight craft appears to have crashed, or made a hard landing along the river just south of the town of Snohomish, near the 14900 block of Connelly Road. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

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

Gunman Opens Fire on Kentucky Utilities helicopter

A gunman opened fire on a utility helicopter in Harrison County and later exchanging gunfire with sheriff's officers.

There were no reports of injuries. The shooter initially fired at the Kentucky Utilities helicopter as it was checking on power lines near Cynthiana, and the pilot was able to land the helicopter, Kentucky State Police Trooper Charles Loudermilk and Harrison County Judge-Executive Alex Barnett said.

The suspect, who fled, later exchanged gunfire with police, Barnett said. Several police agencies pursued the gunman who was on foot.

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

Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N9924Q: Aircraft broke loose from the tiedowns during Hurricane Irma - blown across ramp upside down








































AIRCRAFT: 1975 CESSNA C172M N9924Q, s/n: 17265868 
TTAF 7007.6 at the last annual inspection on 05/24/17
Current Tach 7017.2; Hobbs 1752.0

ENGINE: Lycoming O-320-D2J, s/n: RL-15878-39A
TSMOH 110.7 at the last annual inspection on 05/24/17
Overhauled 03/08/16 by JB Aircraft Engines.  TTSN 2150.  Tach 6896.4

EQUIPMENT: Removed and stored separately.  Condition not known or warranted.

(1) GPS - Apollo 2001 NMS
(2) NAV/COM TKM MX17DC
(1) Transponder Narco AT 165 TSO
(1) Audio Selector Panel PMA 6000
(1) DME King KN 62
(1) ADF 300 ADF R-546E

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  N9924Q broke loose from the tiedowns during Hurricane Irma, and was blown across the ramp upside down at Homestead, Florida

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:    Damage includes but may not be limited to the following:       
- Tail was broken in half and is separated from the fuselage
- Tail, horizontal stabilizer and elevators damaged
- Wings and fuselage are also damaged      

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:  Florida Air Recovery, Fort Pierce, Florida

REMARKS: INSPECTION OF SALVAGE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Salvage is sold AS IS/WHERE IS. 

Logbooks are NOT complete - no airframe logs prior to 2003. 
                     
03/08/16 - Ram STC SA2375SW-D dated November 1, 1976, amended August 28, 1987, reissuance Aug 25, 2008 and Ram Drawing No R17201-H dated December 10, 1986

Wings were removed for retrieval.

Read more here:  http://www.avclaims.com/N9924Q.html


Airlines made plans to resume some flights in Florida and the Caribbean as Hurricane Irma headed inland on Monday, threatening to scrub flights at the nation’s busiest airport in Atlanta.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines Inc.canceled about 430 flights scheduled to depart Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday. Southwest Airlines Co. and Spirit Airlines Inc. also scrapped some Atlanta departures.

Delta said it was concerned that the airport’s runways may experience strong crosswinds from the storm that will exceed operating limits for some of its planes. The carrier said the cancellations could extend into Tuesday and urged passengers to seek routes that don’t connect through Atlanta. It is offering waivers from fare increases and change fees for passengers who alter their plans.

A series of thunderstorms over three days in April caught Delta by surprise and led to 4,000 cancellations. The airline’s telephone circuits overloaded and the carrier couldn’t communicate with its flight crews. Irma, on the other hand, has been on Delta’s radar for two weeks, allowing for proactive adjustments to its schedule.

The company said it planned to cancel 1,000 flights Monday, many of which were to Florida and Caribbean airports that haven’t yet reopened. Delta is retaining its caps on ticket prices, limiting fares to $99 in coach and up to $399 in first class for single nonstop flight between Caribbean, Florida and Southeast coastal cities to other Delta destinations. This offer is in place until Sept. 17.

Other carriers, including JetBlue Airways Corp., United Continental Holdings Inc., and American Airlines Group Inc., also capped their fares to help consumers trying to evacuate from the hurricane’s path. Before doing so, some customers were enraged to find prices of $1,000 or more for the few remaining seats.

American, which operates a hub at Miami International Airport, said it canceled 1,500 flights on Monday. Flight tracking service FlightAware.com estimated that more than 4,000 U.S. flights were canceled Monday, on top of 3,200 on Sunday and 2,300 on Saturday.

Now downgraded to a tropical storm, Irma is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, the National Weather Service said.

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

Cessna 172P, N54463: Accident occurred September 11, 2017 near Robertson Field Airport (4B8), Plainville, Hartford County, Connecticut

  

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Enfield, Connecticut

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/N54463



Location: Plainville, CT
Accident Number: GAA17CA530
Date & Time: 09/11/2017, 1125 EDT
Registration: N54463
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during touchdown, the airplane bounced, and he chose to go around. He applied full power, set the carburetor heat to cold, and began incrementally retracting the flaps. The airplane drifted left of the runway centerline toward a parking lot but was not gaining sufficient altitude. The pilot started looking for a spot to execute a forced landing when the airplane impacted a tree.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

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 properly execute the go-around, which resulted in the airplane failing to maintain a climb, which resulted in collision with a tree. 

Findings

Aircraft
Performance/control parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR go-around
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

The pilot reported that during touchdown the airplane bounced, and he chose to go-around. He applied full power, set the carburetor heat to cold, and began incrementally retracting the flaps. The airplane drifted left of the runway centerline, towards a parking lot, but was not gaining altitude. The pilot started looking for a spot to execute a forced landing when the airplane impacted a tree and collided with the ground.

A postaccident exam of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

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



Pilot Information


Certificate: Private
Age: 79, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/17/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/19/2016
Flight Time:  670 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N54463
Model/Series: 172 P
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17274979
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner: INTERSTATE AVIATION INC.
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: INTERSTATE AVIATION INC.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 



Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHFD, 19 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 74°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 11°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots, 10°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.28 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: WESTFIELD/SPRINGFIELD, MA (BAF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Plainville, CT (4B8)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class G 



Airport Information

Airport: ROBERTSON FIELD (4B8)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 201 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 02
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3665 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  41.688889, -72.867222 (est) Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Enfield, Connecticut

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/N54463

Location: Plainville, CT
Accident Number: GAA17CA530
Date & Time: 09/11/2017, 1125 EDT
Registration: N54463
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that during touchdown the airplane bounced, and he chose to go-around. He applied full power, set the carburetor heat to cold, and began incrementally retracting the flaps. The airplane drifted left of the runway centerline, towards a parking lot, but was not gaining altitude. The pilot started looking for a spot to execute a forced landing when the airplane impacted a tree and collided with the ground.

A postaccident exam of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

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

Pilot Information


Certificate: Private
Age: 79, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/17/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/19/2016
Flight Time:  670 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N54463
Model/Series: 172 P
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17274979
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner: INTERSTATE AVIATION INC.
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: INTERSTATE AVIATION INC.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHFD, 19 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 74°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 11°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots, 10°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.28 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: WESTFIELD/SPRINGFIELD, MA (BAF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Plainville, CT (4B8)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: ROBERTSON FIELD (4B8)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 201 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 02
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3665 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  41.688889, -72.867222 (est)






 PLAINVILLE — Police released 911 calls made by witnesses after a plane crash Monday morning near Robertson Airport.

Police received two calls at 11:23 a.m. and 11:24 a.m. of reports of a plane crashing into the parking lot of Carling Switch on Johnson Avenue, near the airport.

The first call, made by a man, reports the plane flying into a tree in the parking lot. The second caller, a man at Carling Switch, told the dispatcher he was speaking to the pilot.

“I’m talking to the guy right now, everything seems to be OK right now,” he said.

Plainville police reported Manfred Forst, the pilot, was taken to the Hospital of Central Connecticut with minor injuries.

The crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration with further investigation possible by the National Transportation Safety Board.

In an accident notification released by the FAA Tuesday, the 1981 Cessna 172 was reported to have gone off the runway during a touch-and-go and crashed into a parking lot behind the airport.

The FAA reported no injuries and substantial crash damage. The agency classified the crash as an accident.

A NTSB representative said Tuesday they would determine whether to investigate within the next few days.

The crash was the ninth in the state involving a small plane in the past year, with six resulting in death. The number of fatal airplane crashes in the state this year has prompted U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal to ask the FAA to investigate pilot training, maintenance and other measures.

“They have the power,” Blumenthal previously said about the FAA. “We’re demanding action under existing authority, and responsibility to set higher standards and improve enforcement.”

A flight instructor was killed and two other people were injured this month when a single-engine Cessna crashed at an airport in New Milford. On July 30, Mark Stern, 63, of Redding, died after a crash at Danbury Municipal Airport. The plane was also a Cessna 172.

On April 24, Joseph Tomanelli, a Cheshire physician, was killed in a crash near Meriden-Markham Airport. His son, 21-year-old Daniel Tomanelli, was seriously injured.

Student pilot Pablo Campos Isona, 31, was killed in a plane crash in East Haven on Feb. 22.

Authorities say one person suffered serious injuries in an ultralight aircraft crash in Eastford in July, in August, a single-engine plane crashed in Salisbury, resulting in one person having minor injuries.

All the crashes are under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA. 


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

PLAINVILLE – A plane crashed into a parking lot near Robertson Airport Monday morning. 

The crash was reported at about 11:30 a.m. According to emergency responders, one person was in the single engine aircraft and he was not hurt. He has not been identified.


The aircraft belongs to Interstate Aviation, Inc. - an airplane rental and instructional business at the airport. A representative at the business confirmed that the plane belongs to them and that the pilot was renting it. They did not wish to comment further. 


In addition to police, firefighters also responded to the scene, as a small fuel leak was caused by the impact.


Town Manager Robert E. Lee said the pilot was 80 years old and declined medical treatment at the scene. He later went to the hospital to be evaluated.


“He was very fortunate to walk away from the crash,” Lee said.


Dave Thayer, a Bristol resident, was an eyewitness to the crash. He often parks nearby Robertson to watch planes as they land. On Monday, he said he was sipping his coffee as he saw the small plane approaching.


“He was very low,” Thayer said, adding that the plane came close to some utility wires after turning away from the direction of the airport.


Just as the plane craft looked like it was going to land, according to Thayer, it made a sharp “90 degree” turn, hit a tree and spun around before it settled in the Carling Technologies Inc. parking lot, which is adjacent to the airport.


“He looked like he was going to land and all of a sudden made a really sharp turn,” Thayer said. “Luckily the guy is OK.”


The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash. 


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





PLAINVILLVE, CT (WFSB) -  No injuries were reported after a small plane crashed in Plainville on Monday morning.

Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said a fixed wing single engine Cessna "veered off of Runway 2 at the Robertson Field Airport" around 11:30 a.m. The plane veered into the Carling Technologies parking lot.  


"I was sitting down at the end of the parking lot here, looked up because I heard the plane. Saw it going directly across probably 200 yards from where I was sitting, knew it was going the wrong way obviously," said David Thayer, of Southington. He watched the plane crash right in front of his eyes.


On Monday afternoon, police identified the pilot as Manfred Frost, who was taken to the hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries.


Crews were looking into a small fuel leak after the plane went down.


Cessna belongs to Interstate Aviation Inc., which is based out of Robertson Airport.


The incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. 


This is the state's eighth small plane crash this year. A total of six people have died as a result of those crashes.


Story and video ➤ http://www.wfsb.com






PLAINVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) — Emergency crews responded to a plane crash in Plainville Monday morning.


Plainville Town Manager, Robert Lee, tells News 8 that the pilot tried to land the small plane at Robertson Airport when the crash occurred.


The plane had touched down on the runway but the pilot did not like the landing so it took off again. 


The pilot then made a right turn, clipping a tree before crashing into the rear parking lot of Carling Technologies, which is adjacent to the airport.


Lee said the pilot walked away without injuries.


There was a fuel leak from the plane so the fire department responded to the scene.


The incident remains under investigation.


Plainville Police have released a video capturing the crash.


Story and video ➤ http://wtnh.com



A surveillance camera captured footage of a small plane crashing into a tree near a Connecticut business Monday morning.

The video shows a 1981 Cessna 172 flying low to the ground before hitting the tree and landing upright in a Plainville parking lot around 11:25 a.m., according to authorities.

Police said the pilot, later identified as Manfred Forst, was taken to The Hospital of Central Connecticut and treated for “what appeared to be minor injuries.” No one else was hurt.

The Plainville Town Manager told WTNH News that the pilot “ran into trouble and wound up crashing” at Carling Technologies, a manufacturer on Johnson Avenue located near Robertson Field Airport.

Authorities said the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene and is investigating the crash.

Story and video ➤  http://turnto10.com

A small plane crashed late Monday morning at Robertson Airport, but authorities reported only very minor injuries.

The police identified the pilot as Manfred Forst and said he was flying alone. He is 80 years old, town manager Robert Lee said Monday afternoon.

The blue-and-white single-engine Cessna was very close to landing when it veered to one side and wobbled, according to a witness. The plane ended up in a parking lot several hundred feet west of the runway; it was right side up, but the right wing appeared to be snapped.

A video released by the town Monday afternoon shows the plane flying low, hitting a tree and then landing in the parking lot.

The accident happened at about 11:30 a.m.

Police taped off part of the parking lot of Carling Technologies, where the damaged plane was alongside a large tree. An investigator from the Federal Aviation Administration was expected later in the afternoon, police said, but an FAA spokesman could not be reached.

Interstate Aviation, which runs day-to-day operations at the town-owned airport, would not discuss what happened.

Pilots in the terminal were talking about what can go wrong in a failed go-around — essentially an aborted landing — but an Interstate Aviation staffer said nobody would comment about the crash.

Interstate Aviation was renting the plane to Forst at the time, police said,

Dave Thayer, of Bristol, who frequently visits Robertson to watch landings and takeoffs, was near the northern end of the airport’s parking lot when he saw a plane landing from the south. Thayer said it was very low and approaching from the south, but suddenly turned west — away from the runway.

“I knew he had a problem. It was wavering, it was going very slow,” Thayer said. “I heard the bang and knew that he went down.”

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