Sunday, September 24, 2017

Jennifer Lockwood: St. Pete pilot headed to islands devastated by Irma, Maria; with her truck loads of supplies, $70,000 donation



ST. PETERSBURG, FL. - Hurricanes Maria and Irma have turned islands, across the Caribbean, upside down. Islanders are in the middle of chaos and unheard of damage, but one St. Pete pilot is refusing to let them deal with it alone.

Jennifer Lockwood is returning to her adopted home of nearly 10 years.

“It’s devastation is what it is, you’ve lost your home," said Lockwood.

St. Croix of the U.S Virgin Islands is one of several islands in a humanitarian crisis.

“Looking at images of somebody’s living room completely soaking wet and with debris and then there’s no roof," described Lockwood.

That’s why this pilot asked the community for help and it responded in kind. Her employer, St. Pete Air, a flight school donated a plane. Strangers and friends showed up to the hangar with supplies filling up 10 box-trucks; even $70,000 in monetary donations. All of it heading to Virgin Islands.

“To me it’s just human kind to be compassionate for one another and to help each other out if you are able," she said.

With every item she loads up she thinks of her friends and neighbors dealing with unprecedented devastation.

“There’s a lot of fear from people that I’ve known for years that are very strong individuals," said Lockwood.

She remembers each terrifying image she saw on social media in real time. Right now there are families with no food, no water and no home.

“Hearing that," she said, "It just makes everything real like this is really happening. People are running out of supplies they need for basic survival.”

For all of them she has one assurance.

“Just let them know that we are coming and we are going to keep coming until the island is rebuilt and everyone is taken care of," she said.

Lockwood pleading with those who own their own planes. She tells ABC Action News they've got plenty of supplies but need planes to carry them there. She's asking anyone who can, to consider donating a flight.

Lockwood takes off Monday morning.

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

Airlines still struggling to reach devastated Puerto Rico: Flights are extremely limited

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) - Major commercial airlines are still struggling to fly to Puerto Rico after last week's hurricane.

Hurricane Maria's destructive path through the U.S. territory left at least 10 people dead. The storm also razed buildings, flooded streets and cut off power and communications for millions of people.

Residents who are looking to escape the devastation, meanwhile, don't have many options. At San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the island's main air travel hub, flights in and out were extremely limited.

The devastation at Puerto Rico's biggest airport is another in a series of operational blows to U.S. airlines. Houston, Miami, Orlando and other airports across the southeastern U.S. have been shuttered as a result of extreme weather causing thousands of flight cancellations and forcing airlines to adapt amidst the cascading disruption.

Some airlines this weekend described a bleak scene in Puerto Rico.

"Due to connectivity challenges, including air traffic control constraints and lack of power at the airport, operations are limited for all airlines," said American Airlines in a statement.

The company said it has been able to send in resources on relief flights.

Its first trip of that kind was Friday, when a plane took relief workers and family members from Miami to the island, along with food, water, lanterns, cots, tarps, fans, batteries, boots and generators. The airline sent just one more plane to the island over the weekend.

United Airlines said it sent a relief flight to the island Saturday with "15,000 pounds of food, water and amenity kits for our employees." Another plane on Sunday took blankets and other supplies. United said an additional cargo trip is planned for Monday.

Late Saturday, JetBlue Airways said that it planned to send three planes to Puerto Rico and fly three planes from the island to certain cities in Florida and New York on Sunday.

"These flights are carrying much needed supplies and personnel," JetBlue said at the time, adding that it expects to have a more robust flight schedule in and out of San Juan by Tuesday. The company did not respond to a request for comment Sunday.

Southwest Airlines was slated to resume flights on Saturday, but the company said it was met with some unexpected issues. It was only able to send an "assessment flight" into San Juan over the weekend.

The company was still "struggling with the lack of infrastructure and coordination" at the San Juan airport, Southwest spokesperson Thais Hanson said Sunday. She added that regular service likely won't resume until Wednesday.

Delta, which was also expected to restart some of its San Juan operations Saturday, reported an "unfavorable assessments of airport and area infrastructure."

Delta said it operated just one relief flight Sunday. It plans to send two more Monday.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.localnews8.com

Sarah Jayne Frank: 4th-grader gets ride to school in Dad’s helicopter

Sarah Jayne Frank, a fourth-grader at The Oakridge School in Arlington, gets set to ride to school in her dad’s helicopter. She says it beats sitting in traffic on the way to school.



FORT WORTH  --  Around 7:30 a.m. on school days, most kids in the Fort Worth area head to a bus stop or climb into the back seat of their parents’ car and sit in traffic on their way to school. But sometimes 10-year-old Sarah Jayne Frank climbs into a helicopter.

“I just like looking down and seeing them in the air and the cars look like ants,” Sarah says.

Sarah’s dad, Jim Frank, is a licensed commercial aviation pilot who operates a business called Helicopter Up out of Spinks Airport in Burleson. On days when he’s headed to work in Dallas and gets clearance from The Oakridge School in Arlington, he’ll hover anywhere from 500 to 1,000 feet above traffic along Interstate 35W and take Sarah to school. 

He says that would typically be about a 30-minute drive. But from Spinks Airport by air, “it’s about 5 minutes,” Frank said. “No traffic, no carpool, just a quick in, quick out.”

The Star-Telegram learned about Sarah flying to school from a reader after a Star-Telegram photographer got photos of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ helicopter landing at Mansfield’s Vernon Newsom Stadium last week. Jones and a few relatives were there to watch his grandson, Highland Park quarterback John Stephens Jones, take on Mansfield Timberview in a football game.



In an email the reader said: “A 4th grader at Oakridge School in Arlington flies in her dad’s helicopter to school on a regular basis. Jerry arriving at a football game in a helicopter is really no big deal.”

For Sarah, arriving at school via helicopter, although not a daily occurrence, is “not uncommon,” she said. She’s been flying with her dad since she was about 2.

“We can do it really whenever,” Sarah said. “It’s fun.”

Frank operates a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter. After launching his company in August, he says, he’s only done charity work so far.

“I primarily look for an excuse to go fly,” he said. “The Chris Kyle Foundation is having a charity golf event November 6th and I’ve volunteered for that.”

But taking a helicopter into the sky for pleasure or school isn’t as simple as having your parent jump in a car, turn the key and pull out of the driveway. There’s a fairly long preflight process that involves making sure weather conditions are favorable and checking instruments and equipment.

“It’s about a 10-minute process without any interruptions on a good day,” Frank says.

Once they board the helicopter and buckle themselves in, Sarah says aside from making sure the doors are locked properly and getting her headphones on to be able to chat with dad, there’s one rule you have to remember when you exit the helicopter once it lands.

“Never go back to the tail rotor,” said Sarah. “There’s really bad heat and the rotor is spinning so fast you can’t see it and the rotor will chop you up into tiny pieces. And that will not be pretty.”

Frank has to land the helicopter at a safe distance from the school, which means Sarah normally has to walk across football and soccer fields to get on campus.

“I actually like walking,” Sarah said. “I go into the same entrance as everybody else.”

Most days, Sarah has to sit in a car with her mom or dad, weaving through rush-hour traffic and waiting her turn in the carpool line. But that’s OK with her. She’d rather not show up to school in a helicopter every day.

“Because then it wouldn’t be anything exciting,” she said.

Story and video ➤ http://www.star-telegram.com

Fuel Contamination: Rutan VariEze, N830S; accident occurred September 24, 2017 near Wings Field Airport (KLOM), Blue Bell, Whitpain Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania


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/N830S

Location: Ambler, PA
Accident Number: ERA17LA333
Date & Time: 09/24/2017, 1715 EDT
Registration: N830S
Aircraft: BUSCHMANN/VANZEE VARI EZ
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel contamination
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On September 24, 2017, about 1715 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vari EZ, N830S, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain near Ambler, Pennsylvania. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. 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 at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Wings Field Airport (LOM), Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, just prior to the accident.

According to a witness, during takeoff, the engine sounded like it did "not reach full rpm" and it took the entire 3,700-ft-long runway for the airplane to lift off the ground. Then, about 200 ft above ground level the engine "stopped." Another witness reported hearing the engine "sputter." The airplane was "wobbling," descended, and impacted trees prior to coming to rest near a house.

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that both fuel tanks were ruptured, and fuel was leaking from the wings. The canopy was separated from the fuselage and the forward section of the fuselage exhibited crush damage. The engine remained attached to the airframe and the propeller remained attached to the engine.

According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1984 and registered the pilot in May 2017. It was equipped with a Lycoming O-235-C series, 100-horsepower engine that drove a Sensenich propeller. According to airplane maintenance logbooks, the most recent condition inspection was completed on April 1, 2017, at 691.0 total aircraft hours.

The engine was removed from the airframe to facilitate further examination. The rocker box covers were removed, and rocker arm movement was noted on all cylinders when the propeller was rotated by hand. Compression and suction were noted on all cylinders. All spark plugs were removed and exhibited normal wear when compared to the Champion Check-A-Plug chart. The magneto was removed, operated, and spark was noted on all towers. Corrosion was noted throughout the engine. It was noted at the crankshaft end of the No. 2 connecting rod and all gears in the accessory section of the engine.

The gascolator was removed and water was noted in the fuel. Also, debris was noted in the fuel that restricted the flow of fluid from the gascolator. The carburetor was removed and disassembled. Water was noted in the carburetor when tested with water finding paste. The left fuel tank fuel cap was impact separated and the tank was breached. The debris noted in the fuel was consistent with a substance that was dried on the interior of the left fuel tank.

The right fuel tank contained fuel and tested negative for water. When water was poured over the right fuel tank cap while it was seated, then the cap was removed, the fuel in the right tank tested positive for water with water finding paste.

According to the pilot, as a result of his injuries from the accident, he was unable to recall any of the events leading up to the accident. However, he stated that it was routine practice for him to complete a thorough preflight inspection and does not believe there would be a reason that a thorough preflight was not completed on the day of the accident. He also stated that the airplane was kept outside.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 29, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:No 
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/01/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BUSCHMANN/VANZEE
Registration: N830S
Model/Series: VARI EZ
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 2069
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/01/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 691 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: O-235-C
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 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: LOM, 302 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1715 EDT
Direction from Accident Site:202° 
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 50°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Blue Bell, PA (LOM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1715
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Wings Field Airport (LOM)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 302 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 06
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3700 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 40.143333, -75.244444 (est)

NTSB Identification: ERA17LA333
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, September 24, 2017 in Ambler, PA
Aircraft: BUSCHMANN/VANZEE VARI EZ, registration: N830S
Injuries: 1 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 September 24, 2017, about 1715 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vari EZ, N830S, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain near Ambler, Pennsylvania. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Wings Field Airport (LOM), Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, just prior to the accident.

According to a witness, during takeoff, the engine sounded like it did "not reach full rpm" and it took the entire 3,700-ft-long runway for the airplane to lift off the ground. Then, about 200 ft above ground level the engine "stopped." Another witness reported hearing the engine "sputter." The airplane was "wobbling," descended, and impacted trees prior to coming to rest near a house.

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that both fuel tanks were ruptured and fuel was leaking from the wings. The canopy was separated from the fuselage and the forward section of the fuselage exhibited crush damage. The engine remained attached to the airframe and the propeller remained attached to the engine.

The airplane was retained for further examination.



WHITPAIN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) --  A pilot was seriously injured after his plane crashed near a house in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County over the weekend.

Phillip Beckner, 29, of Crofton, Maryland, remained hospitalized in critical condition at Penn-Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia as of Monday evening.

The crash happened on Meade Road just after 5 p.m. Sunday. Authorities say the pilot had just taken off from nearby Wings Field Airport.

After the crash, Beckner got some help from quick-thinking neighbors who rushed to cut him from the plane.

"I open up the door, I see people running down the street and someone said, 'Oh my God there's a plane crash!'" said David Buck of Whitpain Township.

Douglas DiSandro, who lives across the street, was in his backyard when he said he heard the small plane overhead, sputtering, and flying low.

"Too close to the house," said DiSandro. "I knew the trees in the front and I said there's no way he's clearing those. And then I heard the crash and I ran out front."

DiSandro said he and another neighbor frantically searched for the pilot, and found him when they heard a gurgling sound coming from the bushes.

"Brian noticed there was a strap around his neck. One of his straps holding him into the seat, and so Brian called for scissors," said DiSandro. "We elevated him to get the pressure off his neck because he clearly wasn't breathing, until we could get the strap cut off."

DiSandro said then the pilot started gasping.

Neighbors said having planes in the area is not unusual, but the crash is alarming.

"We see planes - 4, 5, 6 a day -- and it's a nice view to watch the planes go across the field right there but this is like a reality, wake-up check," said Buck. "It's kind of scary."

Police were at the scene overnight to make sure nothing was disturbed.

Story and video ➤  http://6abc.com









A pilot had to be cut from the wreckage of a home-built aircraft after the plane crashed into the front yard of a Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania home Sunday afternoon, officials and witnesses said.

The single engine VariEze style plane went down just after 5 p.m. along Meade Road, police said.

Witnesses and police said the plane lost altitude shortly after takeoff and hit several trees before breaking apart on the front lawn of a home.

A pair of neighbors — Douglas DiSandro and Brian McShain — rushed to the wreckage and started searching for the pilot.

"I heard gurgling in a bush and we found where the pilot was," neighbor DiSandro said.

When they got into the bush, they found the pilot being choked by the plane's seat belt. The men lifted his body to relive the pressure on his neck until another person brought scissors to cut him free.

"He relieved the pressure on his neck and he started gasping again," DiSando said.

Paramedics took the pilot, who has not yet been identified, to Penn Presbyterian Trauma Center in Philadelphia. Police said his injuries didn't appear to be life-threatening, but a condition was not available.

The development where the crash happened is 1½ miles from Wings Field — a small airport where the plane took off from this afternoon.

Wreckage is strewn across the lawn and garden of 25 Meade Road. It appears the house was spared from being hit. There was a person inside the home when the crash happened.

"We're very fortunate that nobody got hurt on this scene. It's amazing," Whitpain Twp. Police Chief Kenneth Lawson said.

VariEze aircraft debuted in the 1970s and are a cheaper alternative to other popular small aircraft like Cessna or Piper, according to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The planes are typically made of composite foam and fiberglass, the museum said.

The National Transportation Safety Board will visit the crash site Monday to launch an investigation.

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






WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, PA (CBS) — Whitpain Township police say one person was injured after a small plane crashed at a residence in Montgomery County Sunday evening.

Officials say the crash took place shortly after 5 p.m. at a home at 25 Meade road after the plane took off from the Wings Field Airport.

Chief Kenneth Lawson of the Whitpain Township police department says fire and rescue crews discovered a small single-engine plane that had crashed on the Montco property containing only the pilot.

“I heard a plane that clearly sounded like it was in distress, and I looked up it was flying way too close to our house,” said neighbor Douglas Disandro. “Next thing I know I hear the crash, ran out front and saw a bunch of debris at the house across the street.”

Disandro says that he and another neighbor Brian McShane found the plane with the pilot in a “bush” on the property.

“Brian McShane, who’s my neighbor, he was here first. He saved the day. He saved the guys life.” said neighbor David Buck. “We were next to the [pilot] and we were holding him and there was no pulse. [McShane] reaches to find a pulse, and then he realized their was a seat belt around the guy’s neck, and that was the problem right there. So we were able to cut that off.”

Authorities say the pilot, whose has not be identified, was transported to Penn Presbyterian hospital with no word on his condition.

Officials say there was one person inside of the home at the time of the crash, but thankfully that person was not injured.

“It’s scary,” said Buck. “Wings field is right there. We see planes, you know four, five, six, ten a day, and it’s a nice view to watch the planes go right down. You know kinda across the field right there, but this is kind of a reality wake up check, it’s kind of scary.”

Chief Lawson says the Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and that National Transportation Safety Board will be on scene Monday to investigate.

Story and video ➤  http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com






MONTGOMERY COUNTY (WTXF) - Emergency crews were on the scene of a small plane crash in Whitpain Township in Montgomery County Sunday evening.

The incident took place around 5 p.m.

The extent of injuries are unknown at this time.

The Federal Aviation Administration released the following statement:

A Buschmann Vanzetti VariEze experimental aircraft crashed approximately one mile from the end of Runway 24 at the Wings Field Airport, Blue Bell, PA today at 5:11 pm. Contact local authorities for information on the pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.fox29.com

Robinson R22 Beta, N177SR, Nanco Helicopters: Accident occurred September 24, 2017 at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (KSBA), California

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Van Nuys, 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/N177SR



Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Accident Number: GAA17CA551
Date & Time: 09/24/2017, 0925 PDT
Registration: N177SR
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Dynamic rollover
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was providing hover instruction to his airplane rated student, about three feet above the ground.

The instructor reported that he allowed the student to make the necessary flight control inputs, as he guarded the controls. The area was level, with 1ft tall weeds. The helicopter began to drift laterally and descend. The right skid contacted the weeds and the helicopter rolled onto its right-side. The instructor reported that, "I was not quick enough in lowering the collective to prevent full rollover."

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and engine mounts.

Per the National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the instructor reported that the accident could have been prevented by instructing hover practice at a, "higher altitude and away from obstacles that may serve as a pivot point leading to dynamic rollover."

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter 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 student pilot's unstabilized hover, which resulted in ground contact and a dynamic rollover. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Findings

Aircraft
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot (Factor)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Uncontrolled descent
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Landing

Dynamic rollover (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: None
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s):  Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Helicopter; Instrument Airplane; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/13/2017
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 12650 hours (Total, all aircraft), 450 hours (Total, this make and model), 12470 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 225 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 125 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 78, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/19/2017
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/29/1993
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 522 hours (Total, all aircraft), 77 hours (Total, this make and model), 323 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 77 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 34 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N177SR
Model/Series: R22 Beta
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 3275
Landing Gear Type: Skid;
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/22/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1370 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2626.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: O-360 SERIES
Registered Owner:  TUMBLEWEED LEASING CO INC
Rated Power: 124 hp
Operator: TUMBLEWEED LEASING CO INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter Air Carrier (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSBA, 20 ft msl
Observation Time: 1553 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site:  265°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 8°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0830 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: SANTA BARBARA MUNI (SBA)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 13 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Soft; Wet
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  34.426111, -119.841389 (est) Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Van Nuys, 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/N177SR

Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Accident Number: GAA17CA551
Date & Time: 09/24/2017, 0925 PDT
Registration: N177SR
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Dynamic rollover
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was providing hover instruction to his airplane rated student, about three feet above the ground.

The instructor reported that he allowed the student to make the necessary flight control inputs, as he guarded the controls. The area was level, with 1ft tall weeds. The helicopter began to drift laterally and descend. The right skid contacted the weeds and the helicopter rolled onto its right-side. The instructor reported that, "I was not quick enough in lowering the collective to prevent full rollover."

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and engine mounts.

Per the National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the instructor reported that the accident could have been prevented by instructing hover practice at a, "higher altitude and away from obstacles that may serve as a pivot point leading to dynamic rollover."

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: None
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s):  Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Helicopter; Instrument Airplane; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/13/2017
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 12650 hours (Total, all aircraft), 450 hours (Total, this make and model), 12470 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 225 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 125 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 78, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/19/2017
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/29/1993
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 522 hours (Total, all aircraft), 77 hours (Total, this make and model), 323 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 77 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 34 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N177SR
Model/Series: R22 Beta
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 3275
Landing Gear Type: Skid;
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/22/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1370 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2626.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: O-360 SERIES
Registered Owner:  TUMBLEWEED LEASING CO INC
Rated Power: 124 hp
Operator: TUMBLEWEED LEASING CO INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter Air Carrier (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSBA, 20 ft msl
Observation Time: 1553 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site:  265°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 8°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0830 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: SANTA BARBARA MUNI (SBA)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 13 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Soft; Wet
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  34.426111, -119.841389 (est)



MEDIA RELEASE
Helicopter crash at Santa Barbara Airport
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 
September 24, 2017

A small helicopter crashed on Sunday morning at the Santa Barbara Airport. 

Airport rescue firefighters were notified of the incident at approximately 9:30 am and responded to a helicopter down in the slough just west of runway 15 Right. 

Additional emergency crews from Santa Barbara City and Santa Barbara County Fire Departments responded to assist. 

Minor to moderate injuries were reported to the two occupants.

The incident is under investigation. 

There is no further information at this time.

Updated information will be provided when available.

Kevin Corbett
Engineer / Public Information Officer
Santa Barbara City Fire Department




Two people were injured in a small helicopter crash at the Santa Barbara Airport Sunday morning. 

According to the Santa Barbara City Fire Department Facebook page, the incident happened at 9:30 a.m., down in the slough just west of runway 15 right. 

Minor to moderate injuries were reported. Additional information and identities on the two hurt were not made immediately available. 

Santa Barbara City and Santa Barbara County Fire responded to the incident. 

Events leading up to the crash are unknown at this time.  

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