The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside, 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
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
http://registry.faa.gov/N5562Q
Location: Skyforest, CA
Accident Number: WPR18LA069
Date & Time: 01/17/2018, 1130 PST
Registration: N5562Q
Aircraft: MOONEY M20E
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
Analysis
The private pilot reported that, a few minutes after departure for a cross-country flight and as the airplane neared the top of a ridgeline, it encountered a downdraft, aerodynamically stalled, and then impacted terrain. One of the passengers reported hearing an aural tone, which was consistent with the stall warning horn, for several seconds before impact.
Weight and balance calculations determined that the airplane was loaded near its maximum gross weight and had exceeded the forward center of gravity limit, which would have increased the airplane's stall speed during the accident flight. The calculated density altitude was about 6,550 ft, which likely reduced the available power and affected the climb rate.
A video of the final moments of the accident flight showed the airplane about 25 ft above ground level when the airplane entered a high pitch attitude, followed immediately by a rapid descent, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. According to the pilot, the airplane was about 1,000 ft above terrain when it stalled; however, given the location of the camera and the pitch attitude that was observed, it is likely that the airplane was within about 50 ft of terrain as the airplane crested the ridgeline. The pilot should not have attempted to cross the ridgeline at such a low altitude; a higher altitude would have provided a clearance zone to avoid turbulence and downdrafts. The pilot's failure to cross at a higher altitude resulted in the airplane's encounter with a downdraft with insufficient altitude to recover from the stall.
The pilot reported that there was no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to establish the proper airspeed after departure and to maintain adequate clearance from a ridgeline in high-density and downdraft conditions and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall with insufficient altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight weight and balance calculations, which failed to take into account the gross weight, high-altitude conditions, and center of gravity limit.
Findings
Aircraft
Angle of attack - Capability exceeded (Cause)
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
CG/weight distribution - Capability exceeded (Factor)
Maximum weight - Not specified (Factor)
Personnel issues
Flight planning/navigation - Pilot (Cause)
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Weight/balance calculations - Pilot (Factor)
Environmental issues
Downdraft - Effect on operation
High density altitude - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Enroute-climb to cruise
Other weather encounter
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
On January 17, 2018, about 1130 Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20E airplane, N5562Q, was substantially damaged when it crashed in a parking lot near Skyforest, California. The private pilot received serious injuries, and one passenger received minor injuries; the other two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to Tangobravo Consulting LLC., Redlands, California, and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), San Bernardino, California, about 1100 and was destined for Black Bear, California.
The pilot reported that he departed SBD with 20 gallons of fuel onboard. About 5 minutes into the flight and approximately 3 miles northwest of SBD, the airplane approached rising terrain that ascended from about 1,800 ft to 5,700 ft over approximately 5.5 miles. The airplane was about 1,000 ft above ground level (AGL) as it neared the top of the ridgeline. According to the pilot's recount, about that time the airplane encountered a down draft and then aerodynamically stalled, which was immediately followed by an impact with terrain.
According to one of the passengers, he heard three lengthened aural warnings prior to impact that were later determined to be the airplane's stall warning horn. The first lasted about 4 to 5 seconds, the second lasted about 3 to 4 seconds, and the third started as they crested the ridge and continued until impact.
A surveillance video from Santa's Village captured the airplane's final movements and showed it in straight and level flight from the southwest about 25 ft AGL. As the airplane moved into the center of the video frame, its pitch attitude increased, followed by a quick descent. The airplane impacted the ground right wing first, then spun around to the right and came to rest in the parking lot. (see figure 1)
Figure 1- Accident Diagram.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/06/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Registration: N5562Q
Model/Series: M20E NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 634
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2575 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: IO360 SER
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 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: KSBD, 1159 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1848 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 201°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 15000 ft agl
Visibility: 7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SAN BERNARDINO, CA (SBD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: BIG BEAR CITY, CA (L35)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 PST
Type of Airspace: Class G
The 1149 recorded weather observation at SBD, located about 9 nm southwest of the accident site, included wind calm, visibility 7 statute miles, scattered ceiling 15,000 ft, temperature 23° C, dew point 1° C, and an altimeter setting of 30.19 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude at the accident site was about 6,550 ft.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor, 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor, 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.233333, -117.170556 (est)
Additional Information
Airplane Weight & Balance
According to the airplane's most recent weight and balance calculation sheet, the airplane had an empty weight of 1,629.1 lbs., and a maximum gross weight of 2,575 lbs. The airplane's weight & balance was calculated with a pilot and front seat passenger's weight of 380 lbs., a rear seat passenger's weight of 390 lbs., and 120 lbs. of fuel. The weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was about 2,519.1 lbs., and the center of gravity (CG) was about 42.66 inches.
Calculations using the occupants' weight resulted in a gross weight below the maximum allowable, but with CG values about 4 inches forward of the allowable envelope. (See weight and balance calculation sheet in docket for more information)
Forward CG
The FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge states,
"The aircraft stalls at a higher speed with a forward CG location. This is because the stalling AOA [angle of attack] is reached at a higher speed due to increased wing loading."
Mountain Flying
Excerpts from FAA-P-8740-60, Tips on Mountain Flying stated the following:
Effects on Performance
At higher density altitudes, takeoff and landing distances are increased, rate of climb and actual service ceiling are decreased, true airspeed is higher for a given indicated airspeed, and turning radius is larger at high altitude at a given indicated airspeed. To help regain some of the lost takeoff and landing performance at high density altitudes, you should reduce the weight at which you fly the airplane to no more than 90% of maximum gross weight.
Ridge and Pass Crossing
On most mountain flights, you will need to cross at least one ridge or pass. Experienced pilots recommend crossing a ridge or pass at the ridge elevation plus at least 1,000 feet. If the winds at mountain top level are above 20 knots, increase that to 2,000 feet. Plan to be at that altitude at least three miles before reaching the ridge and stay at that altitude until at least three miles past it. This clearance zone will give you a reasonable safety zone to avoid the most severe turbulence and down drafts in windy conditions. The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside, 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/N5562Q
Accident Number: WPR18LA069
Date & Time: 01/17/2018, 1130 PST
Registration: N5562Q
Aircraft: MOONEY M20E
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On January 17, 2018, about 1130 Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20E airplane, N5562Q, was substantially damaged when it crashed in a parking lot near Skyforest, California. The private pilot received serious injuries, and one passenger received minor injuries; the other two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to Tangobravo Consulting LLC., Redlands, California, and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), San Bernardino, California, about 1100 and was destined for Black Bear, California.
The pilot reported that he departed SBD with 20 gallons of fuel onboard. About 5 minutes into the flight and approximately 3 miles northwest of SBD, the airplane approached rising terrain that ascended from about 1,800 ft to 5,700 ft over approximately 5.5 miles. The airplane was about 1,000 ft above ground level (AGL) as it neared the top of the ridgeline. According to the pilot's recount, about that time the airplane encountered a down draft and then aerodynamically stalled, which was immediately followed by an impact with terrain.
According to one of the passengers, he heard three lengthened aural warnings prior to impact that were later determined to be the airplane's stall warning horn. The first lasted about 4 to 5 seconds, the second lasted about 3 to 4 seconds, and the third started as they crested the ridge and continued until impact.
A surveillance video from Santa's Village captured the airplane's final movements and showed it in straight and level flight from the southwest about 25 ft AGL. As the airplane moved into the center of the video frame, its pitch attitude increased, followed by a quick descent. The airplane impacted the ground right wing first, then spun around to the right and came to rest in the parking lot. (see figure 1)
Figure 1- Accident Diagram.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/06/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Registration: N5562Q
Model/Series: M20E NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 634
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2575 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: IO360 SER
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 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: KSBD, 1159 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1848 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 201°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 15000 ft agl
Visibility: 7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SAN BERNARDINO, CA (SBD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: BIG BEAR CITY, CA (L35)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 PST
Type of Airspace: Class G
The 1149 recorded weather observation at SBD, located about 9 nm southwest of the accident site, included wind calm, visibility 7 statute miles, scattered ceiling 15,000 ft, temperature 23° C, dew point 1° C, and an altimeter setting of 30.19 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude at the accident site was about 6,550 ft.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor, 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor, 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.233333, -117.170556 (est)
Additional Information
Airplane Weight & Balance
According to the airplane's most recent weight and balance calculation sheet, the airplane had an empty weight of 1,629.1 lbs., and a maximum gross weight of 2,575 lbs. The airplane's weight & balance was calculated with a pilot and front seat passenger's weight of 380 lbs., a rear seat passenger's weight of 390 lbs., and 120 lbs. of fuel. The weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was about 2,519.1 lbs., and the center of gravity (CG) was about 42.66 inches.
Calculations using the occupants' weight resulted in a gross weight below the maximum allowable, but with CG values about 4 inches forward of the allowable envelope. (See weight and balance calculation sheet in docket for more information)
Forward CG
The FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge states,
"The aircraft stalls at a higher speed with a forward CG location. This is because the stalling AOA [angle of attack] is reached at a higher speed due to increased wing loading."
Mountain Flying
Excerpts from FAA-P-8740-60, Tips on Mountain Flying stated the following:
Effects on Performance
At higher density altitudes, takeoff and landing distances are increased, rate of climb and actual service ceiling are decreased, true airspeed is higher for a given indicated airspeed, and turning radius is larger at high altitude at a given indicated airspeed. To help regain some of the lost takeoff and landing performance at high density altitudes, you should reduce the weight at which you fly the airplane to no more than 90% of maximum gross weight.
Ridge and Pass Crossing
On most mountain flights, you will need to cross at least one ridge or pass. Experienced pilots recommend crossing a ridge or pass at the ridge elevation plus at least 1,000 feet. If the winds at mountain top level are above 20 knots, increase that to 2,000 feet. Plan to be at that altitude at least three miles before reaching the ridge and stay at that altitude until at least three miles past it. This clearance zone will give you a reasonable safety zone to avoid the most severe turbulence and down drafts in windy conditions.
DATE/TIME: January 17, 2018 11:30am
INCIDENT: Plane Down
LOCATION: Sky Park at Santa’s Village 28950 State Hwy 18, Sky Forest, California
SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at approximately 11:30 am, the Twin Peaks Station and fire personnel were dispatched to Sky Park at Santa’s Village in reference to a plane crash landing in the parking lot. The small, single-engine aircraft left the San Bernardino Airport heading to Big Bear, California with four passengers on board. According to the pilot and occupants of the aircraft, the plane experienced some severe downward drafts shortly after take-off. Unable to gain the proper altitude to return to the airport safely, the pilot made the decision to perform an emergency landing on a dirt berm located in the North/West corner of the Santa’s Village parking lot.
After landing, all four occupants were able to exit the plane. The pilot and front passenger sustained minor injuries in the crash, while the two rear passengers were unharmed. EMT trained staff from Sky Park quickly rendered medical aid to the injured parties and stabilized them until the fire department arrived on scene. The Running Springs Fire Department transported the two injured parties to a local area hospital.
Deputy Olivas from the Twin Peaks Station assumed the investigation on behalf of the sheriff’s department. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Division also responded to the scene and assisted Deputy Olivas with the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration were notified of the incident and will be conducting an investigation.
If you have additional information about the crash, please contact Deputy Olivas at the Twin Peaks Station 909-336-0600.
Refer: Public Information Officer Gil Flores or Deputy Olivas
Station: Twin Peaks Station
Case #: 051800094
Phone No. 909-336-0600
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
A single-engine aircraft crashed in the parking lot of Sky Park at Santa’s Village Wednesday morning.
All four people aboard were able to exit the plane, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported. The rear passengers were unharmed.
The plane left San Bernardino Airport heading to Big Bear Valley.
According to the pilot and occupants of the aircraft, the plane experienced some severe downward drafts shortly after take-off. Unable to gain the proper altitude to return to the airport safely, the pilot made the decision to perform an emergency landing on a dirt berm located in the northwest corner of the Santa’s Village parking lot in Sky Forest off Highway 18.
EMT trained staff from Sky Park quickly rendered medical aid to the injured people and stabilized them until the Running Springs Fire Department arrived and took them to a local area hospital.
Deputy Olivas from the Twin Peaks Station assumed the investigation on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Division also responded to the scene and assisted Deputy Olivas with the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were notified of the incident and will be conducting an investigation.
If you have additional information about the crash, please contact Deputy Olivas at the Twin Peaks Station (909) 336-0600.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.highlandnews.net
A small plane carrying four people crashed Wednesday morning in the parking lot of Santa’s Village in Skyforest, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said.
The plane, which the Federal Aviation Association registry identifies as a Mooney M20E, crashed about 11:30 a.m., fire department spokesman Eric Sherwin said. All four people — a pilot and three passengers — walked away with minor to moderate injuries.
The plane made a “hard emergency landing for unknown reasons,” said Ian Gregor, FAA Public Affairs manager.
The FAA registry lists the plane’s owner as Tangobravo Consulting LLC, of Redlands.
Santa’s Village employee Auguste Seja said he saw glimpses of the plane before the crash.
Then “I heard a really loud terrible noise in the parking lot and I ran out here and saw a plane on its belly,” he said.
Story, video and photos ➤ https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com
ReplyDeleteTranslation; Overweight and aft of CG, the airplane was unable to gain altitude or return to the airport so the pilot made a forced landing in a parking lot.
The accident aircraft had a forward CG (not aft as you mentioned). Also, it was NOT overweight. You need to read the article again, but this time, read it more carefully....
DeleteIf that's what happened, still better to crash land in a controlled manner than to try to turn back to the airport only to stall & spin in. How he managed to get it down in one piece with all those obstacles around is a miracle.
ReplyDeleteI have flown around that area for more than 30 years. He was next to sheer mountains. All he had to do was point the nose south and he'd have 3k feet of air underneath himself. Something is fishy about the story..
ReplyDeleteIt takes instinct and training to navigate that landing.
ReplyDeleteKudos to the captain.
I fly these mountains with helicopter and fixed wing every week. I actually flew these mountains on the same day of the accident. And along the same route. The wind is always tricky. You need to gain a lot of altitude AGL before trying to cross over the berms. This weekend I flew the same routes again. It had even trickier winds this weekend. Doing a 180 back to KSBD would have had much better consequences. It is apparent that this pilot does not have mountain flying skills and has very poor judgement.
ReplyDeleteThey are lucky to be alive!
ReplyDeleteI'll add my own translation: 70 year old pilot... not paying attention to details. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteThe CG was forward of the limit and plane was NEAR gross weight. Read the article before you toss in your 2 cents.
ReplyDeleteMaintain control even if you're going to crash. If control is lost the odds of surviving an accident drop to almost zero.
It was not just forward CG, it was 4 INCHES FORWARD of the forward limit!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis guy likely would have killed all those passengers on departure from Big Bear, they are lucky he crashed there!