Tuesday, December 05, 2017

Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Montana: REACH Air Medical Services unveils new helicopter



REACH Air Medical services in Helena has unveiled their new helicopter.

REACH Air medical services is an air ambulance company that transfers critical patients over long distances to the necessary hospital.

"My favorite part of my job is when you are going out and about and you see someone that you actually took one of their family members, and helped transfer them to a medical facility, and they show their appreciation, it's very rewarding," said Tim Swingle, Lead Pilot for REACH Air medical.

The new bright red helicopter is labeled Airbus H1-25.

REACH Air said it's an incredibly reliable aircraft.

Swingle said this particular helicopter requires less maintenance downtime - meaning more ready time to respond to emergencies and help patients.

"My favorite feature is probably the performance it has a high-performance capability that we can go anywhere in the state and do a mission," said Swingle.

The H1-25 can remotely reach rural areas fast in an emergency.  The helicopter can fly around 140 miles per hour, and be in the air for three hours.

It can reach Montana's major cities in the eastern and western parts of the states.

Swingle said this new helicopter is about helping the community:  "Just to get the appreciation of the feedback we provide our services to and they have a good response to their family members and a successful operation."

REACH Air medical also operates a fixed-wing aircraft from its Helena base and has another helicopter at its Bozeman base.

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

Vance T-6s return to the air after 'operational pause'



VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Vance Air Force Base T-6 Texan II aircraft and their crews returned to the air Tuesday after an "operational pause" lasting more than two weeks.

Vance placed its more-than 100 T-6 aircraft on the "operational pause" Nov. 15 after five aircrew in four separate incidents reported symptoms similar to hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, according to press releases provided to the News & Eagle.

A two-week investigation into the aircraft's oxygen system ensued, drawing in resources from Air Education and Training Command, airframe and component manufacturers and other Air Force commands.

71st Flying Training Wing officials said Monday the cause of the hypoxia-like symptoms experienced in November was not identified during that investigation, but several possible causes were eliminated.

"No specific root cause for the physiological events was identified during two weeks of investigation by aviation, medical, functional and industry experts," said a wing press release. "However, specific concerns were eliminated as possible causes including maintenance and aircrew flight equipment procedures. 

"As technical and human performance data continues to be gathered, the Vance team will temporarily apply local procedures to mitigate risk to flight operations and aircrew," the press release stated. 

71st Flying Training Wing commander Col. Darrell Judy praised the investigation team for their efforts.

"The cross functional cooperation between agencies spanning the Department of Defense and industry has been outstanding," Judy said. "We are actively using lessons learned across the aeronautics enterprise to determine the cause of these events, and are confident implementing mitigation techniques will enable us to return to our primary mission of training the world's finest aviators."

Background to T-6 investigation

According to base officials, four instructor pilots and one student pilot reported physiological incidents while flying between Nov. 1-15.

Lt. Col. Eric Schmidt, Vance chief of safety, said the aircrew experienced "hypoxia-like symptoms in the airframe that caused the concern that what they felt was beyond the realm of normal operations."

Hypoxia is a condition in which the body is not receiving sufficient oxygen.

Schmidt said none of the aircrew lost consciousness, and in each case they were able to switch over to the aircraft's backup oxygen system, which operated as designed, and were able to safely land the aircraft.

According to Air Force safety protocol each aircrew member was met by medical personnel on the flight line, evaluated and released without any indications of long-term adverse effects, Schmidt said.

The T-6 flight stand-down was limited to Vance Air Force Base. Because the incidents were limited to the T-6 airframe, T-1 Jayhawk and T-38 Talon flight operations were not impacted.

The T-6 is the primary trainer used at Vance and other undergraduate pilot training bases for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard — Columbus AFB, Miss.; Laughlin, Randolph and Sheppard AFB and Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, all in Texas; and NAS Whiting Field in Florida.

The T-6 is a single-engine, two-seat turboprop aircraft manufactured by Raytheon Aircraft Co. The T-6 first was put into use as the Air Force’s primary trainer in 2000, at a cost of nearly $4.3 million per aircraft. The first T-6 arrived at Vance in March 2005.

Student pilots typically spend about 22 weeks going through 90 hours of flight training instruction in the T-6 before moving on to continue training in either the T-38 or T-1.

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

Helicopters to be used to capture Eastern Washington deer

State biologists will be surveying mule deer populations and using nets fired from a helicopter to capture some of them starting Saturday.

The work will be done in Walla Walla, Columbia and Garfield counties. It could continue for a few weeks, depending on the weather.

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists will be gathering data to learn more about mule deer populations, including the percentages of bucks, does and fawns.

Information could be used to inform future management of the deer population and hunting seasons.

As many as 50 does will be captured and fitted with GPS/satellite collars to allow biologists to monitor migration patterns and doe survival.

Nets will be fired from a helicopter to capture the does. They will be collared and released where they are captured.

They may be captured on public land or private land, with the permission of landowners.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.tri-cityherald.com

Transportation Security Administration worker packed a lunch ... and a gun

A gun was found in the “lunchpail” of a Transportation Security Administration worker passing through a security checkpoint en route to work last Friday morning at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, a spokesman for the federal agency confirmed Monday.

Londonderry police were called at 9:50 a.m. on Dec. 1 for a report of a weapons offense. Transportation Security Administration spokesman Mike McCarthy confirmed Monday the call involved a TSA employee.

“The individual reported for work, and as is standard procedure went through security screening, where a firearm was detected,” said McCarthy. “The firearm was located in a sort of ‘lunchpail,’ where the individual had packed a meal in a sort of backpack.”

McCarthy said the employee was interviewed by Londonderry police, just as anyone else caught with a firearm in their carry-on luggage would be.

“No charges were brought against the individual,” said McCarthy. “As far as we can determine, there was no harm intended.”

McCarthy said he could not comment on whether the individual faces any disciplinary actions or fines as a result of the incident.

“It’s a personnel matter,” said McCarthy.

A request sent to Londonderry police for the TSA worker’s name involved in the incident generated no response.

People traveling with firearms in their carry-on luggage typically face penalties after the weapons are detected at security checkpoints. Fines for firearms range from $500 to $2,000, according to TSA’s website.

According to McCarthy, firearms have been detected at security checkpoints at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport three times so far in 2017, matching the number of incidents for 2016.

Nationwide, TSA reported 3,391 guns, including 83 percent that were loaded, were discovered in carry-on bags in 2016.

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

Yeager Airport (KCRW) serves the region’s aviation needs

By Nick Keller 

As someone who is deeply engaged in the daily operation of Yeager Airport (CRW) as assistant airport director, I can assure you we are not operating in disarray. Rather, the dedicated employees at Yeager Airport can be found working, oftentimes behind the scenes, 24 hours a day to ensure each passenger’s safety and security.

Yeager Airport is proud to provide reliable air service. According to data available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, between January 2016 and September 2017 over 78% percent of airline flights operated on time out of CRW, compared to 81% in Columbus and 82% in Cincinnati. Slightly over 2% of flights were canceled. As this measurable data indicates, Yeager Airport is reliable.

Airport staff remain in constant communication with our airline partners to expand and retain air service. We also work to obtain grants and provide other incentives to encourage carriers to provide service to CRW. Airline mergers and consolidation have led to fewer airlines; however, Yeager Airport has service from all major legacy carriers: American, Delta, and United. These airlines operate 18 flights daily. American Airlines recently upgraded to all jet service, and United will be doing so in January.

A new “regional” airport is unnecessary and not economically feasible. Yeager Airport is the regional airport and is centrally located — serving the needs of this region from Bluefield to Parkersburg, from Lewisburg to Pikeville, Ky. After years of study and consideration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined over 10 years ago that a regional airport is unnecessary and not economically feasible in West Virginia. The entire state of West Virginia has a population of 1.8 million people, less than the metropolitan statistical area for Columbus, Ohio (2.5 million people). Even if a regional airport were approved and there was a viable location for it, construction would take 10-20 years, if not longer, to open. What would the state do for air service in the meantime?

Yeager Airport plays a vital role for the entire region providing access to the world economy through scheduled airline service, a general aviation facility with Customs that provides a world class terminal for business travelers, and the West Virginia Air National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing.

Yeager Airport’s partnership with the West Virginia Air National Guard is a great benefit for both organizations and the state. The Air Guard provides 24-hour fire protection for the entire airport in exchange for leasing the base for one dollar a year. This arrangement allows the Department of Defense to keep the 130th Airlift Wing at Yeager Airport without paying to maintain their own airfield. Without this arrangement, the Department of Defense would not fund an airlift wing here.

Always forward thinking, the airport recognizes the need to extend our runway to meet the air service and aircraft demands forecasted for the next 20 years and for the Air National Guard, and we have the capacity to do so. Yeager Airport is planning to use available acreage for new hangars, air cargo, aircraft repair facilities, warehouses, shipping, etc. These facilities bring with them high wage, long term jobs, which our state desperately needs.

The creation of new jobs in this region must be a high priority and the airport would also like to be a part of the education of skilled employees. We are working towards establishing a post-secondary aviation school at Yeager Airport — where the airport and Air Guard base could be used as hands-on learning laboratories where students can complete internships and have job opportunities upon graduation. The school would provide a pipeline of workers for jobs in aviation and help us better attract aviation businesses.

As a young person, I was fortunate to return home to West Virginia after graduating from college. Many of my peers and countless others who want to live in West Virginia cannot do so due to a lack of jobs. Too many of our young people who want good paying jobs are forced to leave their families and the state they love for work elsewhere. Plans the airport is developing to improve our existing infrastructure, create a school and jobs in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul will help move West Virginia forward.

I encourage the residents of our wild, wonderful state to use their local airports instead of driving and paying for hotel rooms in another city, as this would result in more flights and larger aircraft.

We welcome you to visit Yeager Airport Thursday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. for a celebration of both the anniversary of the first commercial flight out of Yeager Airport in 1947 and 15 years of our nonstop flight to Houston, Texas. Get to know us! #flyCRW

(Nick Keller is the assistant airport director at Yeager Airport.)

Original article  ➤ http://www.montgomery-herald.com

Fuel Starvation: Piper PA-28-180, N747KM; accident occurred December 05, 2017 near Brewton Municipal Airport (12J), Escambia County, Alabama





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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Birmingham, Alabama

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/N747KM


Location: Brewton, AL
Accident Number: ERA18LA041
Date & Time: 12/05/2017, 1400 CST
Registration: N747KM
Aircraft: PIPER PA28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel starvation
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 5, 2017, about 1400 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N747KM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Brewton, Alabama. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Atlanta, Georgia, and was destined for Pensacola International Airport (PNS), Pensacola, Florida. The airplane was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight, at 8,000 ft mean sea level, for "a couple hours" when the air traffic control (ATC) controller told him to descend to 4,000 ft and fly around some thunderstorms in that area. The pilot stated there were strong headwinds and he would have preferred to stay at the higher altitude, but complied with the direction from ATC. Subsequently, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and he notified ATC that he wanted to divert to Brewton Municipal Airport (12J), Brewton, Alabama. The pilot further stated that due to the strong headwind, he knew the airplane was not going to be able to glide to 12J, so he attempted to land in a field. During the approach to the field, the airplane collided with some tree tops and landed hard in the field. During the roll-out, the airplane contacted a fence post, which damaged the right wing.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane sustained damage to the landing gear fairings, right side of the fuselage, firewall, and right wing leading edge. There was additional damage to the horizontal stabilator, propeller and the right-wing fuel tank was breached and leaking fuel. The right-wing fuel tank was approximately ½ full. The left-wing fuel tank, which was undamaged, contained approximately 20 fluid ounces of fuel. One ounce of fuel was recovered from the firewall mounted fuel strainer bowl. The fuel selector valve was found in the left fuel tank position. The FAA inspector examined the engine and did not find any preimpact mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 32, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/24/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/26/2017
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 300 hours (Total, all aircraft), 83 hours (Total, this make and model), 197 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 75 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 51 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N747KM
Model/Series: PA28 180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-7305149
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/30/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2505 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4344 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: O-360 SER
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 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: KNDZ, 178 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1956 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 178°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2300 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3600 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 19 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: 
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: ATLANTA, GA (PDK)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Pensacola, FL (PNS)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1100 EST
Type of Airspace: Class E

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: 31.010833, -87.037222 (est)

Location: Brewton, AL
Accident Number: ERA18LA041
Date & Time: 12/05/2017, 1400 CST
Registration: N747KM
Aircraft: PIPER PA28
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On December 5, 2017, about 1400 central standard time, a Piper PA28-180, N747KM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Brewton, Alabama. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Atlanta, Georgia, and was destined for Pensacola International Airport (PNS), Pensacola, Florida. The airplane was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight, at 8,000 ft mean sea level for "a couple hours" when the air traffic control (ATC) controller told him to descend to 4,000 ft and fly around some thunderstorms in that area. The pilot stated there were strong headwinds and he would have preferred to stay at the higher altitude, but complied with the direction from ATC. Subsequently, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and he notified ATC that he wanted to divert to Brewton Municipal Airport (12J), Brewton, Alabama. The pilot further stated that due to the strong headwind, he knew the airplane was not going to be able to glide to 12J, so he attempted to land in a field. During the approach to the field, the airplane collided with some tree tops and landed hard in the field. During the roll-out, the airplane contacted a fence post, which damaged the right wing .

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane sustained damage to the landing gear fairings, right side of the fuselage, firewall, and right wing leading edge. There was additional damage to the horizontal stabilator, propeller and the right-wing fuel tank was breached and leaking fuel. The right-wing fuel tank was approximately 1/2 full. The left-wing fuel tank, which was undamaged, contained approximately 20 ounces of fuel. One ounce of fuel was recovered from the firewall mounted fuel strainer bowl. The fuel selector valve was found in the left fuel tank position.

The airplane was retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N747KM
Model/Series: PA28 180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
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: KNDZ, 178 ft msl
Observation Time: 1956 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2300 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots/ 19 knots, 190°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3600 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: ATLANTA, GA (PDK)
Destination: Pensacola, FL (PNS)

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: 31.010833, -87.037222 (est)




EAST BREWTON, Ala. —   A plane registered to a Cullowhee man went down in south Alabama on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities said the pilot and passenger were able to walk away.

The Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff's Office said the incident happened at the intersection of Travis and Woodchuck roads about four and a half miles southeast of Brewton Municipal Airport.

The PA-28 Cherokee, a single-engine plane registered to Van A. Stayton, lost its engine and sent a mayday to the Pensacola (Fla.) tower. The sheriff's office said the plane sustained minor damage because of a fence.

Authorities said the aircraft took off from DeKalb–Peachtree Airport in Atlanta with the pilot's destination being Pensacola. Authorities have not released the name of the pilot or passenger.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been assigned to the investigation.

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

EAST BREWTON, Ala. (WEAR) — Several people are on scene in Brewton after reports of a plane down.

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office in Alabama said that the incident happened at the intersection of Travis Road and Woodchuck Road about four and a half miles southeast of the Brewton Municipal Airport.


The Piper PA-28 Cherokee lost its engine and sent a mayday to the Pensacola tower. The sheriff's office said the plane sustained minor damage due to a fence.


The sheriff's office said the pilot and passenger are OK.


The Federal Aviation Administration has been assigned to the investigation.


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

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee contacted air traffic control at the Pensacola International Airport and advised that they lost their engine, according Mike Lambert, chief deputy of the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office.


The pilot then sat the plane down in a field about 4.5 miles southeast of the Brewton Airport, near the intersection of Travis and Woodchuck roads, just a few thousand feet from the Alabama-Florida state line.


Both the pilot and a passenger walked away from the crash with no injuries, Lambert said.


The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office secured the scene with the FAA responding to conduct an official investigation.


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

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (KRNO) reports 'at least a dozen' cases of pet adoption scam



Local residents are being warned about a fraudulent pet adoption scam claiming to work with the airport, a news release from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport said. According to spokesperson for the airport April Conway, there were "at least a dozen" reports of the scam happening this year.

"The airport has received several reports this year of companies contracting with individuals to adopt non-existent pets who are allegedly being sent via cargo or commercial air carrier to RNO," the release said.

Airport spokesman Brian Kulpin said the most recent case happened Sunday when a woman went to the airport to pick up two monkeys she purchased online. Kulpin said she wired $1,700 for the monkeys.

"It's been dogs and cats so far but this was the first time someone has tried to come and pick up monkeys," he said.

According to the release, the companies allegedly ask for money up front and tell the customer the pet will be shipped to the Reno area using the airport's address. Conway said people have "lost hundreds even thousands of dollars" on the non-existent pets. When the pets aren't at the airport, the customers realize they have been scammed, the release said.

"Customers attest that the companies communicate via text or email and if they do call on the phone, frequently have some sort of accent," the release said. "Complaints allege that the company websites look legitimate and some even post 'how to avoid pet scam' information. Some will also ask for extra monies if the animal 'is diabetic' or is 'in need of extra medical attention'."

According to a report from the Better Business Bureau, the pet scams appear to originate in Cameroon and "use workers in the U.S. to pick up wire payments sent through Western Union or MoneyGram."

“Our community is full of compassionate pet owners and it’s disheartening that some corrupt individuals are using our airport, and the good hearts of our local residents, in this way,” said President and CEO of Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Marily Mora.

As this type of fraud crosses state lines, the Federal Bureau of Investigations is involved and residents who may have been affected are encouraged to call 1-800-CallFBI (1-800-225-5324).

The Better Business Bureau offered the following tips for people looking to purchase pets:

Research any business and its owners carefully before paying any money. Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at bbb.org.

If possible, try to pick up the puppy in person. Puppy scams depend on buyers trusting that the animals will be delivered to them.

Be careful about buying a puppy from anyone you don’t know, and be especially skeptical if the price is much lower than normal.

Avoid wiring money or using prepaid cards or gift cards to pay for transporting animals. Instead pay by credit card in case you need to challenge the purchase later.

Research pet adoption requirements in your area. Get a good grasp on what fees, permits and licenses are required by your local government and know whether they should be collected by the seller or government.

Consider getting a rescue dog if having a purebred dog is not a priority. Generally, rescues are less expensive than purebred pets and often have fewer health problems.

Victims of this fraud can report it to BBB Scam Tracker

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

Committee seeks growth for Jefferson City Memorial Airport (KJEF), Callaway County, Missouri



The Jefferson City Airport Advisory Committee sought ways to promote future growth at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport during Monday's meeting.

Committee members will sit down with Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and Federal Aviation Administration officials in the coming months to discuss ways to market the airport's assets and bring in additional revenue.

Former committee member Chip Gentry described the airport as a "hidden gem" that is a "necessary asset to our community."

However, a major hurdle the airport faces is lack of marketing.

"Most citizens don't know the resources they are or could be getting from this airport," said Gentry, who is an attorney for Call & Gentry Law Group in Jefferson City.

Gentry said the committee needs to talk with the Chamber of Commerce to see what resources are marketed to potential business owners and if general aviation is one of them. Gentry has been flying since 2008 and used general aviation to help expand his business. He said if business owners know the airport can be a resource to them, it might create more economic opportunities for business owners and the city.




"Knowledge is power," Gentry said. "So if folks don't know of an asset that is available to them or don't know of an opportunity available to them, just having that information in front of them potentially gives them the opportunity to use an asset that they never knew about to consider when asking whether or not to bring a new business to Jefferson City or to grow and expand an existing business here in Jefferson City using general aviation as part of that puzzle."

Other committee members suggested community events to attract residents to the airport, like the Commemorative Air Force AirPower History Tour that stopped at Jefferson City Memorial Airport in September.

Gentry recommended the committee investigate becoming an FAA-designated reliever so the airport can receive federal grants. A reliever airport relieves commercial service airport congestion and provides "improved general aviation access to the overall community," according to the FAA's website.

Being a designated reliever airport could attract some commercial flights to Jefferson City and increase revenue, Gentry said.

Committee member Ron Craft said airport staff has looked into becoming a designated reliever airport in the past and the FAA was not supportive. To be a designated reliever airport, Jefferson City Memorial Airport would need some facility upgrades; and due to lack of funding, the FAA wouldn't be in a position to provide grants for those upgrades.

Ward 2 City Councilman and Airport Advisory Committee council liaison Rick Mihalevich said the city was not in a position at this point to fund the upgrades.

Craft noted the FAA does not think Jefferson City Memorial Airport needs those upgrades to be a reliever airport for Columbia Regional Airport because Columbia already is a designated reliever airport.

Committee members said they still want to discuss the possibility with FAA and investigate other designations so to become eligible for federal funds.

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

Beech A36 Bonanza 36, N251E, registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot: Accident occurred December 04, 2017 in Rio Oso, Sutter 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; Sacramento, California

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N251E

Location: Rio Oso, CA
Accident Number: WPR18LA043
Date & Time: 12/04/2017, 0720 PST
Registration: N251E
Aircraft: BEECH A36
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On December 4, 2017, about 0720 Pacific standard time, a Beech A36, N251E, made an emergency landing to an open field near Rio Oso, California, after the pilot noted an onboard fire. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage to its undercarriage. The flight departed Mc Clellan Air Field (MCC), Sacramento, California, at an undetermined time. The flight was scheduled to terminate at Yuba County Airport (MYV), Marysville, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and no flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot, he was at 1,500 ft and starting his descent to MYV, when he saw a flickering light underneath the instrument panel below him. He realized that it was a fire, decreased engine power, and made a forced landing to a field. The pilot reported that he intentionally left the landing gear in the retracted position. The airplane touched down in a plowed field, and came to rest about 250 ft from its initial touch down point, and had rotated 150o to the left. The pilot stated that after he exited the airplane, it burst into flames. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BEECH
Registration: N251E
Model/Series: A36 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: In-Flight
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:

Cessna T210M, N6DE: Incident occurred December 04, 2017 at Monterey Regional Airport (KMRY), California

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

Aircraft sustained birdstrike damage.

http://registry.faa.gov/N6DE

Date: 05-DEC-17
Time: 01:45:00Z
Regis#: N6DE
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: T210M
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
City: MONTEREY
State: CALIFORNIA

Delta Air Lines, Airbus A320-200, N360NW: Incident occurred December 04, 2017 at Sacramento International Airport (KSMF), California

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

Flight DAL1384: On departure sustained birdstrike. Engine and wing damage. Returned and landed without incident. 

Delta Air Lines Inc:  http://registry.faa.gov/N360NW

Date: 04-DEC-17
Time: 14:18:00Z
Regis#: N360NW
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A320 212
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
City: SACRAMENTO
State: CALIFORNIA

Enstrom F-28A, N90775, DuBois Aviation Inc: Incident occurred December 04, 2017 in Chino, San Bernardino County, California

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

Rotorcraft made emergency landing in pasture.

DuBois Aviation Inc:  http://registry.faa.gov/N90775

Date: 04-DEC-17
Time: 18:56:00Z
Regis#: N90775
Aircraft Make: ENSTROM
Aircraft Model: F 28A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
City: CHINO
State: CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-28-161, N81021, Paris Air Inc: Incident occurred December 04, 2017 at Vero Beach Regional Airport (KVRB), Indian River County, Florida

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

Aircraft landed without incident. Upon parking experienced engine fire.

Paris Air Inc:  http://registry.faa.gov/N81021

Date: 04-DEC-17
Time: 16:42:00Z
Regis#: N81021
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28 161
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
City: VERO BEACH
State: FLORIDA

Cessna R182 Skylane RG, N52GV, Compass Aviation Maintenance LLC: Incident occurred December 04, 2017 at Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport (KEHO), Shelby, North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

Aircraft landed gear up.

Compass Aviation Maintenance LLC:  http://registry.faa.gov/N52GV

Date: 04-DEC-17
Time: 21:25:00Z
Regis#: N52GV
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: R182
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: SHELBY
State: NORTH CAROLINA

Sonex Aircraft Onex, N104SY: Incident occurred December 04, 2017 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charleston, West Virginia

Experimental aircraft during takeoff veered off runway into grass.

http://registry.faa.gov/N104SY

Date: 04-DEC-17
Time: 19:15:00Z
Regis#: N104SY
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: SONEX ONEX
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
City: PARKERSBURG
State: WEST VIRGINIA

Beechcraft C90 King Air, N500KR: Accident occurred December 04, 2017 at Chicago Rockford International Airport (KRFD), Winnebago County, Illinois

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

Additional Participating Entities: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Plaines, Illinois
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Transportation Safety Board of Canada; Ottawa, Ontario, FN
Pratt & Whitney Canada; Longueuil, Québec, FN
Appareo Systems LLC; Fargo, North Dakota
Pratt & Whitney Canada; Bridgeport, West Virginia

Location: Rockford, IL
Accident Number: CEN18LA047
Date & Time: 12/04/2017, 1802 CST
Registration: N500KR
Aircraft: BEECH C90
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 2 Serious, 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 4, 2017, about 1805 central standard time, a Beech C90 airplane, N500KR, impacted terrain near the Chicago/Rockford International Airport (RFD), Rockford, Illinois. The private pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial fuselage damage during the impact. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area about the time of the accident, and the flight was issued a local instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance. The flight originated from the Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM), near Kissimmee, Florida, about 1343 and was destined for RFD.

According to information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight was given an IFR clearance as the airplane was nearing RFD. The pilot asked for priority handling. When asked for the reason for the priority handling, the pilot responded that he "lost a transfer pump and had a little less fuel than he thought." He also said that he did not want to "come in with a single engine." The pilot was queried if he needed assistance and he replied "negative."

The pilot was cleared to perform a visual approach to runway 19. As the airplane approached the airport, the pilot requested the runway lights for runway 25 be turned on and reported that the airplane lost engine power in one engine. The controller advised that the lights on runway 25 were being turned on and issued a landing clearance. That was the last transmission from the airplane. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain before the threshold for runway 25.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 46, 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
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/17/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2500 hours (Total, all aircraft)

The 46-year-old pilot held an FAA private pilot certificate with airplane single and multi-engine land and instrument ratings. He also held an FAA third class airman medical certificate, dated May 17, 2017. According to information from the FAA, the pilot reported that he had accumulated 2,500 hours of total flight time. The pilot's experience was requested from a point of contact for the pilot and a King Air C90 Recurrent Training Course certificate, dated October 25, 2017, was provided.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N500KR
Model/Series: C90
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: LJ-708
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/25/2017, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 9989 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 9856.7 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: PT6
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 550 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

N500KR, a 1977 model Beech C90A King Air, was an all-metal, pressurized, low-wing, retractable landing gear, twin-engine airplane with serial number LJ-708. According to the airplane flight manual (AFM), the airplane could operate at altitudes up to 30,000 ft. The airplane was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) turbo propeller PT6A-21 engines each rated at 550 horsepower, each driving their own McCauley 4-blade, constant speed, fully reversing, aluminum alloy propeller. The left-hand engine had serial number 24390 and the right-hand engine had serial number 24387. An airplane maintenance record endorsement dated August 25, 2017, showed that the airplane was inspected in accordance with a phase 3 and 4 inspection program and that the airplane had accumulated 9,856.7 hours of total time.

The PT6A-21 engines have three-stage axial and single stage centrifugal compressors, driven by single stage reaction turbines. The power turbine, another single stage reaction turbine, drives the propeller shaft. Both the compressor turbine and the power turbine are located in the approximate center of the engine with their shafts extending in opposite directions. The accessory drive at the aft end of the engine provides power to drive the fuel pump, fuel control unit, oil pump, starter-generator, and tachometer.

The engine fuel system consists of an engine-driven fuel pump, a fuel control unit, a flow divider, inlet manifold, thirteen manifolds nozzles, and two fuel drain valves. The fuel pump fuel control unit assembly is mounted on the engine accessory case and is shaft-driven at a speed proportional to that of the compressor turbine.

The fuel system consists of two separate systems connected by a crossfeed system. Fuel for each engine is supplied from a nacelle tank and four interconnected wing tanks for a total of 192 gallons of usable fuel for each side with all tanks full. The outboard wing tanks supply the center section wing tank by gravity flow. The nacelle tank draws its fuel supply from the center section tank. Since the center section tank is lower than the other wing tanks and the nacelle tank, the fuel is transferred to the nacelle tank by the fuel transfer pump in the low spot of the center section tank. Each system has two filler openings, one in the nacelle tank and one in the leading-edge tank. Servicing the nacelle tank first, then the wing tanks, assures that the system is properly filled.

A crossfeed valve in the left-hand fuel system connects the two systems when the crossfeed valve is OPEN.

Each system has a submerged boost pump in the nacelle tank that supplies the motive force to transfer fuel as well as fuel boost to one or both engines. With one engine inoperative, the crossfeed system allows fuel from the inoperative side to be supplied to the operating engine. The fuel system is vented through a recessed ram scoop vent that is coupled to an external vent, located on the underside of the wing, adjacent to the nacelle. The external vent is heated to prevent icing. One vent acts as a back-up for the other should one or the other become blocked.

The boost pumps are submerged, rotary, vane-type impeller pumps, electrically driven. One pump is located in each nacelle tank.

Fuel transfer is accomplished when the TRANSFER PUMP switches are turned ON, unless the nacelle tanks are full. A TRANSFER TEST switch (placarded L and R) is provided to verify the operation of each pump when its nacelle tank is full. The nacelle tanks will continue to fill until the fuel reaches the upper transfer limit and a float switch turns the pump off. As the engines burns fuel from the nacelle tanks (60-gallon capacity each tank), fuel from the wing tanks transfers into the nacelle tanks when their level drops approximately 10 gallons. When 131 gallons of fuel (each side) are used from the wing tanks (132 gallons usable each side), a pressure sensing switch reacts to a pressure drop in the fuel transfer line. After 30 seconds. the transfer pump shuts off and the annunciator panel illuminates, showing a NO FUEL TRANSFER light. The NO FUEL TRANSFER light also functions as an operation indicator for the transfer pump. Extinguishing the NO FUEL TRANSFER light is accomplished by turning the transfer switch OFF. If the transfer pump fails to operate during flight, gravity feed will perform the transfer. When the nacelle tank level drops to approximately 150 lbs, the gravity feed port in the nacelle tank opens and gravity flow from the wing tank starts. All wing fuel except 28 gallons from each wing will transfer during gravity feed.

Crossfeeding fuel is authorized only in the event of engine failure or electric boost pump failure. The crossfeed system is controlled by a three-position switch placarded OPEN, CLOSED, and AUTO. The valve can be manually opened or closed, but under normal flight conditions it is left in the AUTO position. In the AUTO position, the fuel pressure switches are connected into the crossfeed control circuit. In the event of a boost pump failure, which causes a drop in fuel pressure, these pressure switches open the crossfeed valve allowing the remaining boost pump to supply fuel to both engines.

The airplane is equipped with a capacitance fuel gaging system. The fuel panel utilizes a fuel quantity indicator for each side. A toggle switch, located between the two fuel quantity indicators, can be placed in the TOTAL position to provide an indication of all fuel in the system, or in the NACELLE position to indicate the quantity of fuel in the nacelle tanks only. Nacelle position is provided in order to verify nacelle fuel quantity during operations with NO FUEL TRANSFER illuminated where it is desirable to monitor gravity feed from wing tanks. Fuel quantity gages indicate pounds of fuel.

The first step of the "AFTER STARTING AND TAXI" checklist in the AFM stated, "Transfer Pumps - ON." The second step of the "SHUTDOWN AND SECURING" checklist stated, "Transfer Pumps - OFF."

The AFM limitation section, in part, stated, "Operation of either engine with its corresponding fuel pressure light (L FUEL PRESS or R FUEL PRESS annunciator) illuminated is limited to 10 hours before overhaul or replacement of the engine-driven fuel pump."

An automatic feathering system was an option for this airplane type. However, there was no autofeather switch in its placarded position, indicating no autofeather system was installed in this airplane.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRFD, 743 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1754 CST
Direction from Accident Site: 218°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 3800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 18 knots / 25 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.49 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: ORLANDO, FL (ISM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Rockford, IL (RFD)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1545 CST
Type of Airspace: 

A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) senior meteorologist collected weather data and produced a Weather Study. The study is appended to the docket material associated with this investigation.

Airport Information

Airport: CHICAGO/ROCKFORD INTL (RFD)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Concrete
Airport Elevation: 742 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: 19
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8200 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

RFD was a tower-controlled airport, owned and operated by the Greater Rockford Airport Authority. The airport had a surveyed elevation of 742 ft msl and was served by two intersecting paved runways 1-19 and 7-25. Runway 1-19 was an 8,200 ft by 150-ft grooved asphalt and concrete runway. Runway 7-25 was a 10,002 ft by 150-ft grooved asphalt and concrete runway with a 3% upslope. Runway 25 had runway end identifier lighting and high intensity runway lighting.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious, 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 42.203056, -89.082500 (est) 

An RFD deputy director, in part, reported that from first responders and his knowledge of the scene, there was never any visible fuel exiting the aircraft while it was sitting on the ground or while it was being lifted and moved. No pooled fuel was observed. However, there was a slight fuel smell around the airplane.

The wreckage was recovered to a hangar at RFD and the airframe and engine were subsequently examined by air safety investigators from the airplane and engine manufacturers, FAA inspectors, and the NTSB investigator in charge. The empennage was found separated from the fuselage aft of the rear pressure bulkhead. The ends of a rudder trim cable exhibited a separation consistent with overload and the rudder torque tube was found separated from its bellcrank. Flight control continuity was established.

Both the left and right transfer pump switches were found in the OFF position. The airplane's battery was reconnected. Both the left and right transfer pumps and the right boost pump were operational using the airplane's wiring. However, a wire going to the left boost pump was found separated in an area of structural damage. The left boost pump was operational when battery power was applied directly to that pump's wiring. No useable amount of fuel was found in any of the airplane fuel tanks. However, a liquid consistent with fuel was observed in fuel lines.

All engine cable control continuity was established to the left engine and right engine power and condition control cable continuity was established. The right engine's propeller control was bound when it was manipulated by hand. None of the propeller blades exhibited any leading-edge damage and both spinners did not exhibit any rotational witness marks.

The first stage blades in both engines' compressor section were manipulated by hand and continuity was established to their respective accessory gearboxes. Some of the left engine power turbine blades exhibited fracture witness marks. Observation of the right engines power turbine blades revealed that they were intact.

The engine driven fuel pumps on both engines were removed. Liquid consistent with fuel was found in both engines' fuel filter bowls. However, both their bowl fuel filters were discolored. Both pumps were able to rotate when their input shafts were manipulated by hand. Disassembly of both pumps revealed that their inlet filters were free of obstructions. Bearing surfaces in both pumps exhibited pitting consistent with pump operation with inadequate fuel lubrication.

No airframe or engine preimpact anomalies were found that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane.

The Stratus unit was recovered from the cockpit and was shipped to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory. 

Aids To Navigation

The published inbound course for RFD's area navigation runway 25 approach was 246° and the touchdown elevation for runway 25 was 736 ft msl. 

Flight Recorders

The airplane was equipped with an Appareo Stratus 2S unit. The Stratus is a battery-operated ADS-B receiver with Global Positioning System (GPS) capability designed to interface with an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch running the ForeFlight Mobile application via Wi-Fi. The Stratus uses ADS-B to provide access to NEXRAD radar, meteorological terminal air reports, terminal aerodrome forecasts, notices to airmen and other FAA products via the ForeFlight application installed on a mobile device. The Stratus supports limited reception and display of ADS-B traffic information. Certain models include a complete Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) that permits supplemental attitude information on the connected mobile device.

Tests And Research

An NTSB vehicle recorder specialist examined the Appareo Stratus 2S and found it was received in good condition. Power was applied to the unit using NTSB recorder laboratory equipment. Data was downloaded from the device to ForeFlight Mobile on an NTSB iPad using Wi-Fi. The data extracted included 4 hours and 15 minutes of the accident flight on December 4, 2017 and four hours of the prior flight on December 1, 2017. Data was recorded at a rate of five samples per second.

Graphical overlays of the Appareo data were generated using Google Earth. An overlay of the prior flight on December 1, 2017, revealed the flight departed from RFD about 17:59 and arrived at ISM about 22:17. The accident flight on December 4, 2017, was recorded in three portions: from 13:43 to 13:50, from 13:54 to 14:09, and from 14:10 to 18:05. The recorder specialist's report is appended to the docket material associated with this investigation.

An NTSB aircraft performance national resource specialist used collected data and produced a performance study for the accident flight and the flight before it. The fuel remaining at the time of the accident was computed in two ways: (1) Using the flight planning methods described in the AFM, using eight waypoints in between ISM and RFD; and (2) Using a fuel burn simulation developed from the fuel burn and other performance data published in the performance section of the AFM. The simulation models fuel burn as a function of engine shaft horsepower (SHP) and pressure altitude, and computes the SHP developed during the flights using AFM performance data, the ground speed and rate of climb recorded by the Stratus device, and winds aloft forecasts. Both methods required computing 8.5 hours of fuel burn over the two RFD-ISM and ISM-RFD flights. The calculations assume full fuel at departure for the 4.17-hour RFD-ISM flight on December 1, and refueling with 150 lbs of fuel at ISM prior to the 4.33-hour return flight to RFD on December 4.

The results of the flight planning method indicated that the airplane could have made the return flight to RFD with about 119 lbs (18 gal.) of fuel remaining. The results of the fuel burn simulation method indicated that the airplane would have run out of fuel on approach to RFD. The aircraft performance national resource specialist's report is appended to the docket material associated with this investigation.

Additional Information

A note in the AFM, in reference to the flight planning method, in part, stated, "The associated conditions define the specific conditions for which performance parameters have been determined. They are not intended to be used as instructions; however, performance values determined from charts can only be achieved if specified conditions exist."

Federal Aviation Regulations 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, in part, stated:

(a) No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless
(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to
fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed—
...
(2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.


The calculated 45-minute night reserves required about 366 lbs or 56 gallons of fuel using a maximum recommended cruise power setting or about 246 lbs or 37.8 gallons of fuel using a maximum range power setting.


Noakes Family

ROCKFORD — Rockford dentist Dr. Edward B. Noakes III and his two daughters remained hospitalized Tuesday after the plane he was piloting crashed at Chicago Rockford International Airport on Monday, Noake’s father-in-law, Floyd Ramer of Rockford, said.

One family member was in critical condition, though Ramer declined to say who.

Noakes is a dentist with Camelot Endodontics, which has offices in Rockford, Freeport, Wheaton and Janesville, Wisconsin. A woman who answered the phone at the Rockford location said no information would be released. Noakes is married, to Cindi, and they have two daughters and three sons, according to Camelot’s website.

Cindi Noakes declined comment and asked for privacy for the family.

Raymer said his son-in-law piloted the plane. Four family members, including Noakes’ son, were returning from Orlando.

The Beechcraft C90 King Air crashed about 200 yards to the east of a runway it intended to land upon near Falcon Road, an airport official said Monday.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was manufactured in 1977.

“Right now, RFD’s primary concern is for the four injured passengers and their families, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to those affected,” said Mike Dunn, executive director of the airport, in a news release.

Cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.


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


UPDATE: ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The plane that crashed at the Chicago Rockford International Airport Monday night may have been running out of fuel. 23 news found a transmission from the pilot to the Rockford tower on liveatc.net which says in part:

ATC- "You said you were requesting priorities or something wrong with the aircraft?"

PILOT: "Yeah, I just lost the transfer pump here, so I might have a little less fuel on one side than I thought. I don't want to come in with one single engine."

We have confirmed through the FAA that the six-seater King Air C-90 airplane is owned by Edward Noakes III who is an endodontist in Rockford. Sources tell us that Noakes was flying the plane.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A plane crash at the Chicago Rockford Airport leaves passengers injured.

Chicago Rockford International Airport officials and first responders say a King C90 plane went down just off a runway around 6 p.m.

Officials say all four passengers were taken to the hospital. Investigators tell us two people were extricated, one of those was unconscious. One is considered "walking wounded" and another was assisted off the plane.

There is no information on the level of experience the plane's pilot has, but emergency crews believe Rockford was the aircraft's intended destination.

At this time it is unknown if wind played a factor in the crash or if the issue was mechanical.

The FAA says they will be investigating along with the NTSB which will close Falcon Road at least overnight.

The airport does not expect flight delays.


Story and video ➤ http://www.wifr.com



ROCKFORD, Ill. (WLS) -- A small plane crashed upon landing at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport Monday evening.

Officials said at about 5:26 p.m. the Beechcraft C90 King Air was coming in for a landing when it crashed just short of airport property, but came to a stop on airport grounds.

"They struck the ground just east of Falcon Road. They bounced over the road through the fence, the perimeter fence of the airport, and that's where they landed," said Deputy Fire Chief Brian Kunce, Rockford Airport Fire Department.

It was unclear if the crash was mechanical or related to strong winds. The airport reported gusts of up to 35 miles per hour Monday night.

"Once our company arrived on scene they found that the plane ended up crash landing inside the airport grounds," Kunce said.

Airport officials said four people were onboard the plane, including the pilot. Emergency responders had to extricate the pilot and one of the passengers off the plane, and they remained hospitalized in serious to critical condition Monday night.

The other two passengers suffered minor injuries and were also taken to local hospitals for treatment.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.

Falcon Road is expected to remain closed overnight. The airport resumed normal operations Monday evening and experienced only minimal delays, officials said.

Story and video ➤ http://abc7chicago.com



ROCKFORD -- At least four people were injured, including two minors, after a two engine aircraft crashed at Chicago Rockford International Airport Monday evening.

According to airport officials, there were no signs of distress as the Beechcraft C90 King Air came in to land around 6 p.m. Monday, when it clipped the airport perimeter fence and landed short of the runway.

Officials said at least four people were onboard, including two adults and two minors that were hospitalized after the crash. At least two of them are believed to be in critical condition. There are unconfirmed report that A 17-year-old girl was ejected from the plane during the crash.

The plane remains on the runway as local investigators comb through the wreckage, trying to determine whether or not wind gusts had anything to do with the crash. The tail end of the plane has broken off and split into two, possibly indicating the force of the impact when it hit the ground. NTSB federal investigators will be on the scene Tuesday.

As of 9:45 p.m. Monday, there was no word on the state of the plane's pilot.

Story and video ➤ http://wgntv.com

ROCKFORD — Four people onboard a small airplane Monday were injured after the aircraft crashed at Chicago Rockford International Airport at about 6 p.m.

All four were taken to a hospital, though the extent of their injuries is not clear. Two people needed to be extricated from the Beechcraft C90 King Air, one of whom was unconscious. Those passengers remained in critical condition Monday night at a local hospital, said Deputy Chief Brian Kunce with the airport fire department. A third passenger was walking injured and the fourth passenger was assisted off the plane, Kunce said.

The names of the injured passengers were not released.

Kunce said the plane crashed about 200 yards to the east of a runway it intended to land upon near Falcon Road. He said the plane initially struck a ditch and bounced over a fence before coming to a stop on the airport grounds. He declined to describe the condition of the airplane, but said it did not catch fire.

It was not disclosed where the plane originated from but Michelle Cassaro, deputy director of finance and administration for the airport, said the Rockford airport was the plane’s intended destination.

Mark Ratzer, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said winds were gusting at 31 mph shortly before 6 p.m. Kunce said it’s too early in the investigation to determine any cause of the crash, including weather.

“There’s no indication that’s what caused it,” he said. “It’s very early on into this.”

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. FAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory said investigations can take several months to a year or more to complete.

Kunce said the crash triggered an automatic response from several area fire departments including Rockford, New Milford, Stillman Valley and nine ambulances.

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