Thursday, February 22, 2018

Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 441 Conquest II, N771XW; fatal accident occurred February 22, 2018 in Rossville, Clinton County, Indiana

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Honeywell; Phoenix, Arizona

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/N771XW


Location: Rossville, IN
Accident Number: CEN18FA107
Date & Time: 02/22/2018, 1939 EST
Registration: N771XW
Aircraft: CESSNA 441
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

Analysis 

The airline transport pilot and two passengers departed in the twin-engine, pressurized airplane on a business flight in night instrument meteorological conditions. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane began to deviate from its assigned altitude and course. The controller queried the pilot, who responded that the airplane was "… a little out of control." After regaining control of the airplane, the pilot reported that he had experienced a "trim issue." The airplane continued on course and, about 13 minutes later, the pilot again reported a trim malfunction and said that he was having difficulty controlling the airplane. The flight's heading and altitude began to deviate from the course for the last 8 minutes of radar data and became more erratic for the last 2 minutes of radar data; radar and radio communication were subsequently lost at an altitude of about 18,300 ft in the vicinity of the accident site. Several witnesses reported hearing the airplane flying overhead. They all described the airplane as being very loud and that the engine sound was continuous up until they heard the impact.

The airplane impacted a field in a relatively level attitude at high speed. The wreckage was significantly fragmented and the wreckage path extended about 1/4 mile over several fields. Examination of the available airframe and engine components revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The accident airplane was equipped with elevator, rudder, and aileron trim systems; however, not all components of the trim system and avionics were located or in a condition allowing examination. Although the airplane was equipped with an electric elevator trim and autopilot that could both be turned off in an emergency, the investigation could not determine which trim system the pilot was reportedly experiencing difficulties with. It is likely that the pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane as he attempted to address the trim issues that he reported to air traffic control.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
An in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. 

Findings

Aircraft
Aircraft systems - Malfunction

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Not determined
Not determined - Unknown/Not determined (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute-climb to cruise
Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)

Uncontrolled descent

Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

On February 22, 2018, at 1939 eastern standard time, A Cessna 441 Conquest II airplane, N771XW, impacted terrain following a loss of control in Rossville, Indiana. The airline transport rated pilot and two passengers were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by Ponderosa Aviation LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operating on an instrument flight plan. The flight originated from the Eagle Creek Airpark (EYE), Indianapolis, Indiana, about 1920, with an intended destination of the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), Green Bay, Wisconsin.

After takeoff the pilot contacted Indianapolis departure control and was cleared direct to the Boiler (BVT) VHF Omni-directional Range & Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) system. About a minute after the pilot checked in on the frequency, the airplane deviated from its assigned altitude and course, and the controller received a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) for the airplane. The controller queried the pilot regarding his heading and altitude. The pilot stated the airplane was "… a little out of control." The controller asked the pilot if he needed assistance and there was no reply. The controller then asked the pilot what his altitude was, and the pilot replied that he was at 5,500 ft and he asked for a block altitude and a heading of 090°. The controller instructed the pilot to maintain at or above 5,000 ft, and to fly any heading that he needed. The pilot then requested a block altitude of 4,500 ft to 5,000 ft. The controller instructed the pilot to remain at or above 4,000 ft on a heading of 090°.

The pilot then turned the airplane to a heading of 090° and explained to the controller that he had a trim problem and difficulty controlling the airplane, but that he had the airplane back to straight and level. The pilot was issued a turn to a heading of 310° direct to BVT, followed by a clearance to climb and maintain 13,000 ft. The pilot was then instructed to contact the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZAU). The pilot checked in with ZAU57 sector stating that he was climbing from 10,600 ft to 13,000 ft. The pilot was cleared to climb to FL200 (20,000 ft) followed by a climb to FL230 (23,000 ft) direct to GRB. The pilot was instructed to change frequencies to ZAU46 sector. The pilot then transmitted that he needed to get control of the airplane and "… my trim kind of going out on me." Communications and radar contact were then lost. The last radar data was in the vicinity of the accident site and the last altitude data recorded was 18,300 ft.

Several witnesses reported hearing the airplane flying overhead. They all described the airplane as being very loud and that the engine sound was continuous up until they heard the impact.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 35, 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): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/30/2017
Occupational Pilot:Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 2248.3 hours (Total, all aircraft), 454.6 hours (Total, this make and model), 1732.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 22.4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with a multi-engine and Eclipse 500 ratings. The certificate listed commercial privileges for single-engine land airplanes. He also held a flight instructor certificate with airplane single-engine, airplane multi-engine, and instrument airplane ratings. The instructor certificate was issued May 23, 2017.

The pilot's logbook contained entries between September 13, 2004, and January 20, 2018. The pilot had logged a total flight time of 2,248.3 hours of which 454.6 hours were in Cessna 441 airplanes. The pilot held a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate issued March 30, 2017. The medical certificate contained the limitation, "Must wear corrective lenses." The pilot's last flight review was on February 2, 2017, in a Cessna 441 airplane.

The pilot was hired by Ponderosa Aviation LLC to fly the airplane for the company. The first flight logged in the accident airplane was on December 20, 2017, with 24.2 hours logged before the accident.

The pilot had received unusual attitude and upset training in February 2016.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N771XW
Model/Series: 441 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 441-0065
Landing Gear Type:
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/01/2017, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 65 Hours
Engines:  Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 6907.5 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Honeywell
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TPE331-10N-53
Registered Owner: PONDEROSA AVIATION LLC
Rated Power: 715 hp
Operator: PONDEROSA AVIATION LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The Cessna 441 Conquest II is an eight to ten-place, twin-engine airplane, with a pressurized cabin and retractable tricycle landing gear. The airplane is certificated as a normal category airplane, with a maximum operating altitude of 35,000 ft. The main cabin entry door is located on the left side of the airplane, aft of the wing and common to the aft portion of the cabin.

The airplane is equipped with an icing protection system including: pneumatic deice devices (boots) for the wings and stabilizers, and electrical deice elements for the propeller, windshield, pitot tubes, and stall warning sensor. Flight into known icing conditions is approved, except for severe icing conditions.

The airplane is powered by two Honeywell TPE331-10N turboprop engine that can produce 715 shaft horsepower at 2,000 rpm. The engine design featured an integral gearbox, two stage centrifugal compressor, reverse flow annular combustor, and a three-stage axial flow. The propellers were Hartzell propeller assemblies with four-blade, hydraulically actuated, constant speed design configuration, with feathering and reverse pitch capability.

Ponderosa Aviation LLC purchased the airplane on October 13, 2017. Phase 2, 3, & D inspections were accomplished on the airframe and engines on November 1, 2017, at a total aircraft time of 6,907.5 hours. At the time of this inspection, the time since overhaul of both engines was 2,095.6 hours.

The last entry in the airframe logbook was dated February 19, 2018, which documented the removal and replacement of the left horizontal situation indicator (HSI) at an aircraft total time of 6,972.7 hours. The maintenance records show that both elevator trim tab actuators were disassembled, cleaned, inspected, primed and reinstalled on October 23, 2017.

The person who coordinated the maintenance of the airplane stated the only open discrepancy he was aware of was an issue with a fluctuating oil pressure indication. He stated that the oil pressure had been checked and it was ok, but they were still trying to determine why there was a fluctuating indication.

The airplane was fueled with 230 gallons of Jet A fuel before the flight. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: LAF, 606 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1954 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 263°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 120°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.38 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C / 5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Indianapolis, IN (EYE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Green Bay, WI (GRB)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1920 EST
Type of Airspace: Class A 

Two Airmen's Meteorological Information notices (AIRMET) that covered the route of flight were in effect at the time of the accident. AIRMET SIERA called for instrument meteorological conditions with ceilings below 1,000 ft and 3 statute miles of visibility with precipitation, mist, and fog. AIRMET TANGO called for moderate turbulence between 18,000 ft and 35,000 ft.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.464722, -86.612778 

The accident site was located about 0.34 miles north of the town of Rossville, Indiana.

The airplane impacted terrain in a plowed field (upper field) which was soft and muddy. A shallow linear disruption of the dirt was present which was about 250 ft in length. The impact mark was present up to the crest of a slight incline where the main pieces of wreckage began. Trees bordered the east end of the field and just beyond the tree line was a tree-covered hill which descended about 50 ft at a slope of about 50°. The trees on the hillside were about 80 to 100 ft tall. At the bottom of the hill was an 8 - 10 ft wide creek. The east bank of the creek was treelined and beyond the trees were two open fields (lower fields) which were divided by a row of small trees and brush. The wreckage was scattered in the upper field, down the hillside, and into the lower fields. The entire wreckage path was about ¼ mile in length.

The wreckage path in the upper field was scattered after the initial terrain impact point and along a magnetic heading of about 110°. The first pieces of wreckage along the path were the nose baggage doors. The upper left engine cowling and the rudder were the next major pieces of wreckage along the path followed by the outboard section of the left wing, the elevators, and the outboard section of the right wing. Both outboard flaps and the right-wing inboard flap were found in the upper field along with pieces of the left inboard flap.

The vertical stabilizer, the cockpit wiring bundle, and the cockpit flight controls including the throttle quadrant were the major pieces of wreckage found on the hillside.

The wreckage located in the lower field consisted of the fragmented pressure vessel, the aft pressure bulkhead, the left and right engines, both propellers, avionics, pieces of the instrument panel, all three-landing gear, and a section of the left wing between the aileron and the engine. The left engine was the main piece of wreckage that was located furthest from the initial impact in the upper field.

A postaccident examination was conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, and FAA inspectors, with the assistance of a representative of the engine and airplane manufacturers. The examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. A detailed summary of the examination is included in the docket associated with the investigation. 

Medical And Pathological Information

An autopsy on the pilot was conducted on February 25, 2018, by the Indiana Forensic & Surgical Pathology at the request of the Carroll County, Indiana Coroner's Office. The pilot's cause of death was attributed to injuries sustained in the aircraft accident.

Toxicology testing performed by the FAA Bioaeronautical Research Sciences Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, and ethanol. The testing was negative for drugs in the testing profile. 

Tests And Research

The Honeywell enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) was examined and downloaded at the Honeywell facility in Redmond, Washington, on March 20, 2018. The EGPWS does not record continuous flight history; it is an event driven recording. The version of the terrain database on the unit was not the most current version. No terrain warnings were recorded at the end of the flight and some of the recorded data was invalid.


The radar data ground track showed the airplane made a turn to the west followed by a turn to the north shortly after takeoff. The airplane then made a 270 ° left turn before heading east. The airplane then turned to the northwest as it continued to climb. The airplane then entered a sweeping right turn before entering a 450° turn and rolling out on a northerly heading. The ground track then turned northeasterly before ending.

Location: Rossville, IN
Accident Number: CEN18FA107
Date & Time: 02/22/2018, 1939 EST
Registration: N771XW
Aircraft: CESSNA 441
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

On February 22, 2018, at 1939 eastern standard time, A Cessna 441 Conquest II airplane, N771XW, impacted terrain following a loss of control in Rossville, Indiana. The airline transport rated pilot and two passengers were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by Ponderosa Aviation LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operating on an instrument flight plan. The flight originated from the Eagle Creek Airpark (EYE), Indianapolis, Indiana, about 1920, with an intended destination of the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Shortly after takeoff the pilot deviated from the assigned heading and altitude. When questioned by the Indianapolis departure controller, the pilot replied that the airplane was out of control. The pilot then turned the airplane to a heading 90° and explained to the controller that he had a trim problem and difficulty controlling the airplane, but that he had the airplane back to straight and level. The pilot was issued a turn to a heading of 310°, followed by a clearance to climb and maintain 13,000 ft. The pilot was then instructed to contact the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZAU). The pilot checked in with ZAU57 sector stating that he was climbing from 10,600 ft to 13,000 ft. The pilot was cleared to climb to FL200 (20,000 ft) followed by a climb to FL230. The pilot was instructed to change frequencies to ZAU46 sector. The pilot then transmitted that he needed a minute to get control of the airplane and that he was having difficulty with the trim. Communication and radar contact was then lost.

Several witnesses reported hearing the airplane flying overhead. They all described the airplane as being very loud and that the engine sound was steady up until they heard the impact.

The airplane impacted the terrain in a plowed field (upper field) which was soft and muddy. A shallow disruption of the dirt was present which was about 250 ft in length. The impact mark was visible up to the crest of a slight incline where the main pieces of wreckage began. Trees bordered the east end of the field and just beyond the treeline was a tree-covered hill which descended about 50 ft at a slope of about 50°. The trees on the hillside were about 80 to 100 ft tall. At the bottom of the hill was an 8 - 10 ft wide creek. The east bank of the creek was treelined and beyond the trees were to more open fields (lower fields) which were divided by a row of small trees and brush. The wreckage was scattered in the upper field, down the hillside, and into the lower fields. The entire wreckage path was about ¼ mile in length.

Recorded weather conditions present 17 miles west of the accident site were overcast at 1,500 ft with 10 miles visibility. The witnesses reported similar conditions in at the accident site. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N771XW
Model/Series: 441 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: PONDEROSA AVIATION LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: LAF, 606 ft msl
Observation Time: 1954 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C / 5°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 120°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.38 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Indianapolis, IN (EYE)
Destination: Green Bay, WI (GRB)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.464722, -86.612778


Nathan Saari was the pilot in the deadly plane crash.


CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WSAW) -- We're learning new information in the Indiana plane crash that killed three people, including a prominent Wisconsin dairy farmer and business owner.

The crash happened Thursday night when a Cessna 441 Conquest crashed in a muddy field in Carroll County, Indiana. Indiana State Police say there were no survivors.

The victims were John Pagel, his son-in-law Steve Witcpalek, and the pilot of their plane, Nathan Saari. Pagel was president of Edge - a dairy farmer cooperative. Saari's family and Jamie Mara, the director of public relations for the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, says Saari was originally from Marquette, Michigan, and had been living in Bellevue, Wisconsin - near Green Bay - for the past two months.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, which is standard procedure for aircraft accidents and incidents.


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

Federal investigators continue to look into what lead to the crash that claimed the three men from Northeast Wisconsin last thursday night.

Killed in the crash was John Pagel, owner of Pagel's Ponderosa. His son-in-law Steve Witcpalek who worked with him at the farm and pilot Nathan Saari.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are looking for clues to what may have contributed to the crash.
    
As of right now - investigators are saying nothing other- than they are continuing to investigate. 
    
Local Five was contacted by an aviation expert out of Dallas - Robert Katz who has been a pilot for nearly 37 years..
    
Mr. Katz says he has studied what's publicly available on the the incident- including audio between the pilot and air traffic control and another website that tracks the movements of aircraft.
    
Mr. Katz believes the aircraft may have had a mechanical issue, "The last radar hit on Flight Aware indicates that the airplane was climbing at six thousand feet a minute that is not normal for that particular airplane to be climbing at that rate and that sounds to me like a stuck trim tab or a runaway autopilot or trim system that the pilot cannot disengage either by pulling circuit breakers or pushing buttons -  something is jammed at this point and now he has no control over the airplane," said Robert Katz, commercial pilot, small flight instructor.

FAA investigations like this generally take months or longer before a final report is released.

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

John Pagel 

Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy is seen in Kewaunee County, February 23, 2018. 


CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. -- There were no survivors from a plane crash Thursday night in Carroll County, according to Indiana State Police. 

The Cessna 441 went down around 7:30 p.m. in a field near Carroll County Roads 500 West and 600 South, just north of Rossville.

The plane took off from Eagle Creek Airport in Indianapolis at 7:21 p.m., according to flight records. It was headed to Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The plane flew from Green Bay to Indiana Thursday morning.

At 7:39 p.m., data shows that the plane was between 18,000 feet and 28,000 feet when it disappeared off radar, according to Call 6 sources. Shortly after, multiple people called 911 in Carroll County, reporting a plane down. People who live in the area who heard the crash say it sounded like thunder.

First responders had trouble finding the wreckage at first because it was so dark and far back in a field. They eventually used ATVs and other off-road vehicles to access the area. 

Two of the victims are John Pagel and Steve Witcpalek, Pagel's family told WGBA in Green Bay. Witcpalek is Pagel's son-in-law. The third victim is pilot Nathan Saari.

 The Pagel family released this statement Friday afternoon:

"Many of you heard our family and extended family is grieving the loss of owner, father, person and friend, John T. Pagel, as well as John’s son-in-law, Steven Witcpalek, and pilot Nathan Saari. We appreciate the outpouring of the communities thoughts and prayers and request your respect for the privacy of the family as we wait for additional information. As we know more details we will keep you informed."  There is no word on what caused the plane to go down.   Officials with the FAA and NTSB are expected to arrive on the scene Friday morning to begin their investigation.

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

John Pagel, left and Steve Witcpalek



ROSSVILLE, Ind. (AP/WLUK) -- The owner of a large Kewaunee County dairy farm, his son-in-law and the pilot were killed in a plane crash in Indiana.

Accoridng to a family statement, John Pagel, his son-in-law Steve Witcpalek and pilot Nathan Saari died in the crash.

State Police say the plane was a Cessna 441 Conquest Turboprop. It had taken off from the Eagle Creek Airport in Indianapolis and was headed to Green Bay. Carroll County, Indiana, Sheriff Tobe Leazenby says the plane crashed Thursday night just north of Rossville. The rural area is about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis.

The family's statement Friday afternoon read:

The Pagel and Witcpalek families are heartbroken over this tragic loss. John and Steve were wonderful family men and dedicated dairymen who brought joy to the lives of so many people. They valued their community, loved their neighbors and lived life to the fullest. Although it’s unimaginable to think of a future without them, we know that their loving spirit will guide us. We sincerely thank the countless people who have showered us with love and support. We also grieve for the loved ones of the pilot who was lost, Nathan Saari, as they try to bear the terrible pain of this tragedy. We appreciate your respect for our privacy as we wait for additional information.

Pagel and his family own Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy in Kewaunee County and The Cannery Public Market in downtown Green Bay.

The Edge Dairy Cooperative, of which Pagel was board president, released this statement:

This is a tremendous personal and professional loss for the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative family. John was a cherished friend and visionary leader who helped create the cooperative and its sister organization, the Dairy Business Association. John was a champion for the dairy community who worked tirelessly to put farmers in a position to succeed.

As president of Edge since its beginning in 2010, John led with enthusiasm and commitment. Under his guidance, the cooperative grew to the sixth-largest in the country, representing hundreds of farmers throughout the Midwest. In recent years, Edge has strengthened its advocacy in Washington, D.C., where John often traveled to talk to members of Congress about the impact of federal actions on farmers back home.

John was a pioneer and entrepreneur who built a thriving multifaceted business and inspired others in the industry to try new approaches. The Edge board and staff will deeply miss John’s friendship and energy, but his vision and spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.

Original article can be found here ➤  http://fox11online.com

John Pagel 




Prominent Kewaunee County businessman John Pagel and his son-in-law were among those killed Thursday night when a Green Bay-bound plane crashed in Indiana, the Journal Sentinel has confirmed.

The son-in-law was identified as Steve Witcpalek.

Pagel, the CEO of Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy, also represented the Town of Casco on the Kewaunee County Board.

Indiana State Police said there were at least three people on the plane and that all were killed.

WISH-TV in Indianapolis reported that a Cessna 441 Conquest II crashed in Carroll County, Ind., after having taken off from Indianapolis.

he plane crashed in a field near Rossville, about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis.

The plane had flown from Green Bay to Indianapolis Tuesday morning, WISH-TV reported.

The crash, which occurred about 7:30 p.m., killed all on board, according to the Lafayette (Ind.) Journal & Courier. Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby confirmed the casualties at 10 p.m. but said investigators had not yet determined how many people were on the plane, the Journal & Courier said.

The plane was bound for Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport, according to WISH-TV sister station WFRV in Green Bay. WISH-TV said federal aviation records showed the plane's owner is Ponderosa Aviation, which has the same address as Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Kewaunee.

According to the website Business Jet Traveler, the Cessna Conquest II is a twin turboprop business jet that was last built in 1986. It can seat up to nine passengers.

The Pagel family manages about 8,500 acres and milks 5,300 cows. They also have a farm in Kansas that milks about 4,500 cows.

The family operation began in Wisconsin 72 years ago with fewer than 10 cows, a handful of hogs and some chickens.

Now, it has a 72-stall rotary milking parlor that produces about 500,000 pounds of milk a day. The business also has a cheese plant and a restaurant called The Cannery Public Market in Green Bay.

Pagel’s four children all returned to the family business that now employs more than 100 people.

Pagel was president of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the nation’s sixth-largest dairy cooperative. 

In 2017, that group, then called Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative, helped dozens of dairy farmers find a home for their milk after their buyer, Grassland Dairy Products, dropped them in a trade dispute with Canada.

“The work is not done,” Pagel said at the time, “until each and every one of these farmers has a buyer for their milk and long-term solutions are in place.”

In 2003, Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy was named Innovative Dairy Farm of the Year by the International Dairy Foods Association and Dairy Herd Management.

Every year, the farm hosts middle-school students who spend a week learning about agriculture.

“John is revered in the industry,” Thomas Wilson, a vice president at Green Stone Farm Credit Services in Sturgeon Bay told the publication AgWeb last fall.

“He has the ears of many national dairy industry leaders and representatives and is influencing dairy policy,” Wilson said.

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

OWASCO, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana State Police say no one survived a small-plane crash in southern Carroll County on Thursday night.

The plane was on its way from Indianapolis to Green Bay, Wisconsin, according to its flight plan. It had flown from Green Bay to Indianapolis this morning, arriving at 9:30 a.m.

Police say the crash of the Cessna Conquest II twin-turboprop happened about 7:35 p.m. near the intersection of county roads 600 South and 450 West, about 3 miles north of the town of Rossville and less than a mile east of the unincorporated community of Owasco.

State police said they don’t know how many people were on board.

The plane was headed to Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport, according to Nexstar partner station WFRV. Federal aviation records show the plane is owned by Ponderosa Aviation, which shares an address with Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Kewaunee, Wisconsin.

State police said the plane left Indianapolis from Eagle Creek Airpark on the city’s northwest side.

Police said the crash is in a rural, remote area. Communications were being hampered by the remoteness. Mud was hampering the investigation.

Witnesses told police they heard a race car sound before the crash.

Emergency radio traffic indicated a large debris field.

Wayne Township Fire Department in Indianapolis tweeted it was providing assistance with an unmanned aerial system.


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

CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. – Authorities are investigating a small plane crash in Carroll County.

Indiana State Police say the scene of the crash is near the intersection of County Road 600 S and 500 W, north of the town of Rossville.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says authorities have located the wreckage of a Cessna 441 Conquest II in the area.

The FAA says the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be in charge of the investigation.

Indiana State Police believe there are no survivors. At this time, they do not know how many occupants were on board.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://fox59.com




CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI/WISH) — Indiana State Police say a small plane crashed in southern Carroll County on Thursday night.

According to Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby, around 8:00 p.m. a Cessna 441 Conquest II crashed about 3 miles north of Rossville near the intersection of county roads 600 South and 500 West. There are reports of one fatality. 

State police said the crash is in a rural, remote area, and communications were being hampered by the remoteness.

Emergency radio traffic indicated a large debris field.

Wayne Township Fire Department in Indianapolis tweeted it was providing assistance with an unmanned aerial system.

The Indiana State Police and the FAA will be taking over the investigation.

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




CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WTHR) - Indiana State Police confirms to Eyewitness News the investigation of a crash involving a Cessna 441 Conquest II in Carroll County.

A spokesperson for ISP's Lafayette Post said there's little information available about the incident but that officers were investigating a small plane down near the intersection of County Roads 600 South and 500 West. The location is north and west of Rossville.

Police couldn't provide any information about passengers, but said late Thursday that there were no survivors.

Carroll County E911 reports 600 South is closed to all traffic between Prince William Rd. and 500 West.

An FAA spokesperson told Eyewitness News that first responders had arrived at the wreckage of a Cessna 441 Conquest II.

FAA investigators are responding to the crash site. 

The NTSB has been notified and will be in charge of the investigation.

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

4 comments:

  1. I listened to the tape and the controller questioned heading and altitude several times because it was erratic. The pilot reported back that he had a trim issue but recovered. He received then vectors next a waypoint to proceed his flight.

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  2. Trim locked up or Autopilot not disengaging is certainly a scary situation. Sounds like they were climbing at a very fast rate (6,000 fpm), to get in those flight levels! Prayers to all of the family!

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  3. It damnear sounds like spatial disorientation.

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  4. Get on the ground , don't continue flight, just because things seem normal again.

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