Wednesday, April 04, 2018

Ground Collision: Cessna 150, N5614E and Cessna 525C Citation CJ4, N511AC; fatal accident occurred April 02, 2018 at Marion Municipal Airport (KMZZ), Grant County, Indiana



















Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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


Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana
Cessna; Wichita, Kansas 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:



Location: Marion, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN18FA132
Date & Time: April 2, 2018, 15:09 Local
Registration: N5614E
Aircraft: Cessna 150
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

A single-engine airplane was taking off from runway 15 about the same time that a multi-engine business jet landed on a nearly perpendicular runway (runway 22). The single-engine airplane, piloted by a private pilot, was departing on a local flight. The jet, piloted by an airline transport pilot, was rolling down the runway following a straight-in visual approach and landing. The single-engine airplane collided with the empennage of the jet at the intersection of the two runways. Witnesses in the airport lounge area heard the pilot of the single-engine airplane announce on the airport's universal communications (UNICOM) traffic advisory frequency a few minutes before the accident that the airplane was back-taxiing on the runway. The pilot of the jet did not recall making any radio transmissions on the UNICOM frequency and review of the jet's cockpit voice recorder did not reveal any incoming or outgoing calls on the frequency. The pilots of both airplanes were familiar with the airport, and the airport was not tower controlled.

The airport had signage posted on all runways indicating that traffic using the nearly perpendicular runway could not be seen and instructed pilots to monitor the UNICOM. A visibility assessment confirmed reduced visibility of traffic operating from the nearly perpendicular runways. The reported weather conditions about the time of the accident included clear skies with 4 miles visibility due to haze. Both airplanes were painted white.

It is likely that the pilot of the jet would have been aware of the departing traffic if he was monitoring the UNICOM frequency. Although the jet was equipped with a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), he reported that the system did not depict any conflicting traffic during the approach to the airport. Although the visibility assessment showed reduced visibility from the departing and arrival runways, it could not be determined if or at what point during their respective landing and takeoff the pilot of each airplane may have been able to see the other airplane. In addition to the known reduced visibility of the intersecting runways, both airplanes were painted white and there was reported haze in the area, which could have affected the pilots' ability to see each other. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane as they converged on intersecting runways. Contributing to the accident was the jet pilot's not monitoring the airport's traffic advisory frequency, known reduced visibility of the intersecting runways, and hazy weather condition.

Findings

Personnel issues Lack of action - Pilot
Personnel issues Lack of action - Pilot of other aircraft
Environmental issues (general) - Contributed to outcome
Environmental issues (general) - Contributed to outcome
Personnel issues Lack of communication - Pilot of other aircraft

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Ground collision (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 31, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: May 3, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 18, 2017
Flight Time: 71.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 10.6 hours (Total, this make and model), 23.7 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 10.6 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N5614E
Model/Series: 150 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1958 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17114
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 1, 2018 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1499 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4035 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-200 SERIES
Registered Owner: Rated Power: 100 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: MZZ,858 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:55 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 4 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 140° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 5°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Marion, IN (MZZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Marion, IN (MZZ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 15:08 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Marion Municipal Airport MZZ
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 858 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 15 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3456 ft / 100 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 40.490833,-85.679725

Location: Marion, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN18FA132
Date & Time: April 2, 2018, 15:09 Local 
Registration: N511AC
Aircraft: Cessna 525C
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 5 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation

Analysis

A single-engine airplane was taking off from runway 15 about the same time that a multi-engine business jet landed on a nearly perpendicular runway (runway 22). The single-engine airplane, piloted by a private pilot, was departing on a local flight. The jet, piloted by an airline transport pilot, was rolling down the runway following a straight-in visual approach and landing. The single-engine airplane collided with the empennage of the jet at the intersection of the two runways. Witnesses in the airport lounge area heard the pilot of the single-engine airplane announce on the airport's universal communications (UNICOM) traffic advisory frequency a few minutes before the accident that the airplane was back-taxiing on the runway. The pilot of the jet did not recall making any radio transmissions on the UNICOM frequency and review of the jet's cockpit voice recorder did not reveal any incoming or outgoing calls on the frequency. The pilots of both airplanes were familiar with the airport, and the airport was not tower controlled.

The airport had signage posted on all runways indicating that traffic using the nearly perpendicular runway could not be seen and instructed pilots to monitor the UNICOM. A visibility assessment confirmed reduced visibility of traffic operating from the nearly perpendicular runways. The reported weather conditions about the time of the accident included clear skies with 4 miles visibility due to haze. Both airplanes were painted white.

It is likely that the pilot of the jet would have been aware of the departing traffic if he was monitoring the UNICOM frequency. Although the jet was equipped with a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), he reported that the system did not depict any conflicting traffic during the approach to the airport. Although the visibility assessment showed reduced visibility from the departing and arrival runways, it could not be determined if or at what point during their respective landing and takeoff the pilot of each airplane may have been able to see the other airplane. In addition to the known reduced visibility of the intersecting runways, both airplanes were painted white and there was reported haze in the area, which could have affected the pilots' ability to see each other. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane as they converged on intersecting runways. Contributing to the accident was the jet pilot's not monitoring the airport's traffic advisory frequency, known reduced visibility of the intersecting runways, and hazy weather condition.

Findings

Personnel issues Lack of action - Pilot
Personnel issues Lack of action - Pilot of other aircraft
Environmental issues (general) - Contributed to outcome
Environmental issues (general) - Contributed to outcome
Personnel issues Lack of communication - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Collision during takeoff/land

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline transport Age: 70,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: May 1, 2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: June 24, 2017
Flight Time: 35437 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2537 hours (Total, this make and model), 35237 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 67 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N511AC
Model/Series: 525C C 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 525C0081
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 10
Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 9, 2018 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 17100 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 13 Hrs
Engines: Turbo jet
Airframe Total Time: 2537 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Williams
ELT: C126 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: FJ44-4A
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 3621 Lbs thrust
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: MZZ,858 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:55 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear Visibility 4 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 140°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 5°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Jackson, MI (JXN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Marion, IN (MZZ)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 16:30 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Marion Municipal Airport MZZ 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 858 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 15
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3456 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 4 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 5 None
Latitude, Longitude: 40.490833,-85.679725

===========
Location: Marion, IN
Accident Number: CEN18FA132A
Date & Time: 04/02/2018, 1509 EDT
Registration: N5614E
Aircraft: CESSNA 150
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On April 2, 2018, about 1709 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150 airplane, N5614E, registered to the pilot, was destroyed when it collided with a Cessna 525 business jet, N511AC, while taking off from runway 15 at the Marion Municipal Airport (MZZ), Marion, Indiana. The private pilot and passenger of the Cessna 150 sustained fatal injuries and the airline transport pilot and 4 passengers of the Cessna 525 were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area. Both flights were being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. The Cessna 150 was departing on runway 15 at MZZ a local VFR personal flight and the Cessna 525 was landing on runway 22 after an IFR flight that originated from Jackson, Michigan.

Examination of the accident site showed that the Cessna 150 had struck the empennage of the Cessna 525 at the intersection of runways 15 and 22. Evidence at the intersection showed that the airplanes came together perpendicular to each other. The Cessna 150 then impacted the ground and a post-crash fire ensued. The Cessna 525 continued to roll out on runway 22. There were three witnesses to the accident, located in the airport lounge, within hearing distance of the UNICOM radio. Each witness reported seeing the Cessna 150 just airborne when it struck the empennage of the Cessna 525. Two of the witnesses stated that they heard the Cessna 150 pilot on runway 15 UNICOM frequency. The surviving pilot of the Cessna 525 stated that he did not see the departing Cessna 150 while he was on a straight-in approach to runway 22, nor did he see the 150 during the landing roll. He stated that he did not recall making a radio call on UNICOM, but did utilize his on board Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) system while on approach. He stated that the TCAS did not show any traffic on the airport. Passengers aboard the Cessna 525 were interviewed and all reported that they did not see the Cessna 150 on the approach or during the landing roll.

The reported weather at MZZ at the time of the accident was VFR with 4 miles of visibility due to haze. Also, at the departure and arrival ends of runway 15/33, there was a sign stating, "Traffic Using Runway 4/22 Cannot Be Seen, Monitor Unicom 122.7." At the departure and arrival ends of runway 4/22, there was a sign stating, "Traffic Using 15/33 cannot Be Seen, Monitor Unicom 122.7." The MKK airport does not have a control tower.

The Cessna 525 was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The CVR was removed and transported to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Lab, Washington, DC. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N5614E
Model/Series: 150 UNDESIGNATED
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: MZZ, 858 ft msl
Observation Time: 1655 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 5°C / -1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots, 140°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  4 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Marion, IN (MZZ)
Destination: Marion, IN (MZZ) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.490833, 85.679722

Avis Industrial Corporation

Location: Marion, IN
Accident Number: CEN18FA132B
Date & Time: 04/02/2018, 1509 EDT
Registration: N511AC
Aircraft: CESSNA 525C
Injuries: 5 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

On April 2, 2018, about 1709 eastern standard time, a Cessna 525 business jet, N511AC, registered to Avis Industrial Corporation, of Upland, Indiana, sustained substantial damage when it was struck by a Cessna 150 airplane, N5614E, while rolling out after landing at the Marion Municipal Airport (MZZ), Marion, Indiana. The airline transport pilot and 4 passengers of the Cessna 525 were not injured and the private pilot and passenger of the Cessna 150 sustained fatal injuries . Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area. Both flights were being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. The Cessna 525 was landing on runway 22 after an IFR flight that originated from Jackson, Michigan, and the Cessna 150 was departing on runway 15 at MZZ a local VFR personal flight.

Examination of the accident site showed that the Cessna 150 had struck the empennage of the Cessna 525 at the intersection of runways 15 and 22. Evidence at the intersection showed that the airplanes came together perpendicular to each other. The Cessna 150 then impacted the ground and a post-crash fire ensued. The Cessna 525 continued to roll out on runway 22. There were three witnesses to the accident, located in the airport lounge, within hearing distance of the UNICOM radio. Each witness reported seeing the Cessna 150 just airborne when it struck the empennage of the Cessna 525. Two of the witnesses stated that they heard the Cessna 150 pilot on runway 15 UNICOM frequency. The surviving pilot of the Cessna 525 stated that he did not see the departing Cessna 150 while he was on a straight-in approach to runway 22, nor did he see the 150 during the landing roll. He stated that he did not recall making a radio call on UNICOM, but did utilize his on board Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) system while on approach. He stated that the TCAS did not show any traffic on the airport. Passengers aboard the Cessna 525 were interviewed and all reported that they did not see the Cessna 150 on the approach or during the landing roll.

The reported weather at MZZ at the time of the accident was VFR with 4 miles of visibility due to haze. Also, at the departure and arrival ends of runway 15/33, there was a sign stating, "Traffic Using Runway 4/22 Cannot Be Seen, Monitor Unicom 122.7." At the departure and arrival ends of runway 4/22, there was a sign stating, "Traffic Using 15/33 cannot Be Seen, Monitor Unicom 122.7." The MKK airport does not have a control tower.

The Cessna 525 was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The CVR was removed and transported to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Lab, Washington, DC. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N511AC
Model/Series: 525C C
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: MZZ, 858 ft msl
Observation Time: 1655 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 5°C / -1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots, 140°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  4 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Jackson, MI (JXN)
Destination: Marion, IN (MZZ) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 4 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 5 None
Latitude, Longitude:  40.490833, 85.679722

Kyle M. Hibst 
~
Kyle M. Hibst, age 31 of Elwood, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018 in Marion following a tragic airplane accident at the Marion Municipal Airport. Kyle was the owner of Anytime Fitness in Elwood for the past 11 years and also an Area Field Manager for U-Haul. He was a volunteer fireman for Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 7 years, and was also honored to serve as an E.M.S. Chief and Treasurer of the department. He loved flying his airplane; fishing and being out on the lake; and snow skiing with family – especially his son. Kyle was an avid coin collector and was a devoted fan of Notre Dame Football. Quietly and without attention, Kyle was very charitable and always willing to help others in need. He will be remembered as an amazing husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend. 


David K. Wittkamper
~


David K. Wittkamper, age 31 of Elwood, went to his Heavenly home on Monday, April 2, 2018 in Marion following a tragic airplane accident.  David worked as a forklift operator at Red Gold, Inc. for the past 13 years and was a 17-year fireman at the Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Department.  David was a 2004 graduate of Indiana Christian Academy in Anderson, and was currently in E.M.T. training.  He was an avid car enthusiast, and active member of the SRT-4 Car Club.  He always drove the nicest cars, and cared about his fashion.  David enjoyed remote control trucks and drones, and was an avid gun collector who enjoyed target practicing.  He was also a longtime collector of toy John Deere tractors, Hot Wheels, and every kind of shoe imaginable.  David cared about fitness, and was a member of Anytime Fitness in Elwood where he enjoyed working out.  More than anything, David loved his family; and he will be forever in their hearts. 



AUBURN, Ind. (WPTA21) -  A crash between two airplanes, killing two Elwood Indiana firefighters Monday, happened at the Marion Municipal Airport.

The airport has no control tower, something that's quite common for several thousand small to medium sized airfields in the U.S. 

There are, however, systems and procedures in place that help minimize dangers at smaller airports.

At the DeKalb County Regional Airport around noon on Tuesday, rain and clouds cut visibility and cut off virtually all flying activity.

Like the vast majority of airports nationwide, there's no air traffic control tower operating at DeKalb Regional.

But that doesn't mean such facilities are unsafe.

Pilots at the controls of all planes using the airport keep their eyes peeled for any sign of another plane arriving or departing, in the air and on the ground.

And those pilots use prescribed radio channels to announce their positions in preparation for taking off or landing, allowing the parties to make sure they don't get in each other's way.

"And you'll decide, well, I'm going to sit here and you'll tell them, I'm going to stay here for a minute, they'll land and then you'll taxi out behind them. So, the communication is two ways, the visual cues are two ways," said Russell Couchman, the airport's manager.

Like all facets of life where technology is advancing, more and more pilots these days have either laptops or iPads in the cockpit with them, that provide on a screen additional information to keep them safe.

A larger monitor in the airport's lobby gives you a better view of the GPS tracking feature, where pilots can see the movements of planes, as well as their positions, altitudes and air speeds, so they know where they stand in relation to other planes in the vicinity.

"It's still not a substitution for looking out the window, that's your first course of seeing someone, but yeah, there's a lot more information available to the general aviation pilot than there ever has been before," said Lara Gaerte, the owner of Century Aviation, which serves the small airport.

Computer applications of present day also provide detailed weather radar info, charting storm locations and their intensity, so pilots can stay on the straight and narrow, and not stray onto a path of disaster. 


Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.wpta21.com


A fiery plane crash along a runway at Marion Municipal Airport took the lives of two Elwood men late Monday afternoon.

A small plane taking off and heading southeast on a runway collided with a larger private jet landing from the north at a point where the two runways cross at about 5 p.m.

On scene, Marion Fire Department extinguished the flames from the crash while Grant County Coroner Stephen Dorsey investigated the scene.

Kyle M. Hibst, 31, was piloting a Cessna 150 with his friend, David K. Wittkamper, 31, as his passenger, according to evidence gathered by Grant County Deputy Coroner Chris Butche.

Around 5 p.m., the Cessna 150 collided with a Cessna 525C Citation CJ4, a private jet owned by Avis Industrial Corporation in Upland. The small plane clipped the tail of the jet and crashed and burst into flames with debris coming to rest near the jet.

Piloting the jet was Richard Darlington, brother of Airport Manager Andy Darlington. Inside the plane was Richard Darlington’s wife and three passengers returning from a business trip in Michigan.

According to Butche, Wittkamper was ejected from the plane on impact and Hibst suffered burns in crash. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to texts gathered during Butche’s investigation, Hibst and Wittkamper had planned on taking a leisurely flight in his plane that evening. Using pictures Hibst had sent of the plane in the hangar and phone conversations, police were able to determine who was piloting at the time of the accident.

Airport Mechanic Jeff McLaughlin said that while the Marion Airport is busy for its size, sometimes seeing between 20 and 30 planes a day, the two planes involved in the crash were the only two on the runway at the time.

The airport is a “non-tower” airport, meaning there is no one operating air traffic control for the landing and departing planes. Instead, McLaughlin said they use a radio frequency that all pilots in the region can hear.

“We use it to announce who is leaving, who is coming in, coordinates and things like that,” he said.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board plan to investigate the crash today and will be working to determine a cause.


Original article can be found here ➤  https://chronicle-tribune.com








(CNN) Two firefighters died when their light aircraft crashed into another plane at an Indiana airport, authorities say.

Pilot Kyle Hibst and his passenger David Wittkamper were firefighters with the Pipe Creek Township Fire Department in Madison County, the Madison County Emergency Management Agency said.

"A single-engine Cessna 150 collided on the ground this afternoon with a Cessna 525 CitationJet at Marion Municipal Airport in Marion, Indiana," the FAA said in a statement about Monday afternoon's incident.

"Preliminary information indicates that the Cessna 150 was attempting to take off about 5:09 ET when it struck the tail of the Citation, which had just landed. The Cessna 150 was carrying two people and the Citation had five aboard."

Marion Municipal Airport does not have a control tower, meaning pilots must communicate via radio, a pilot who keeps his plane at the airport told CNN affiliate WRTV.

Both Wittkamper and Hibst were married and had strong connections to the Pipe Creek firefighting community, the Pipe Creek Township Fire Department said in a statement.
Hibst had been a firefighter since 2011 and also served as EMS chief for the department, of which his wife was also a member. He leaves behind a young son.

Wittkamper's father and grandfather were past members and he had been a firefighter wince 2007. "David (Wittenkamper) grew up with the firefighters as his family," the department said.

WRTV said both men were aged 31 and from Elwood.

"Chief Richard Shepherd is saddened by the loss of these two great individuals who have given so much back to their family, community and this fire department. The members of the Pipe Creek Fire Department are all at a loss as they come together to help each other thru this difficult time.

"Chief Shepherd is grateful for the outpouring of support from the emergency services in Madison County. Please respect the privacy of our firefighters, and the families who have lost loved ones tonight," the statement concluded.

The department posted a tribute on Facebook early Tuesday, with a black band across its logo.

"It is with great sadness and sorrow we announce the passing of two of our own," it said. "Fire Fighters Kyle Hibst and David Wittkamper were taken from us due to a aviation accident yesterday afternoon. Words cannot express the pain and loss each of us feel. Our hearts go out to both families involved. Rest Easy Brothers we will take it from here.."

The FAA said its investigators were traveling to the scene and that the National Transportation Safety Board would be in charge of the investigation.