Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota
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/N9746C
Location: Pine Ridge, SD
Accident Number: CEN18LA146
Date & Time: 04/24/2018, 1000 MDT
Registration: N9746C
Aircraft: CESSNA T303
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Structural icing
Injuries: 3 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled
On April 24, 2018, about 1000 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T303 airplane, N9746C, impacted terrain during an emergency off-airport landing after encountering severe icing conditions near Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The commercial pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, and one passenger was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Aberdeen Flying Service, Aberdeen, South Dakota, as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand air taxi flight. Day instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight departed Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR), Aberdeen, about 0930 central daylight time, and was destined for the Pine Ridge Airport (IEN), Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained a weather briefing via the company computer system and reviewed the weather information with the company chief pilot. The pilot stated that based on the computer briefing, which did not include icing conditions, he was aware of the forecasted weather conditions along the route of flight and at the intended destination.
After takeoff and during the climb to 12,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the airplane encountered light rime ice, and the pilot activated the de-ice equipment with no issues noted with the equipment. After crossing over the Pierre Regional Airport (PIR), Pierre, South Dakota, the pilot heard via the radio reports of better weather at a lower altitude, and the pilot requested a descent to between 5,000 and 6,000 ft. During a descent to 6,000 ft msl, the airplane encountered light to moderate icing conditions. Prior to the descent, the airplane was clear of ice accumulation. The pilot thought about turning back to PIR but could not get clearance until the airplane was closer to IEN due to poor radio coverage. Shortly thereafter, the pilot stated it felt "like a sheet of ice fell on us" as the airplane encountered severe icing conditions. The pilot applied full engine power in an attempt to maintain altitude. The airplane exited the overcast cloud layer about 500 ft above ground level (agl). The pilot decided to execute an off-airport emergency landing because the airplane could not maintain altitude. The airplane touched down in a field about 25 miles from IEN. During the emergency landing, the landing gear separated, and the airplane came to rest upright.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and the airplane was below its maximum gross weight.
A review of photograph images obtained by the operator confirmed the airplane retained structural icing after the landing.
At 0852, the IEN Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS), located 19 miles west-southwest of the accident site, reported wind from 350° at 15 knots gusting to 22 knots, 5 miles visibility in unknown precipitation and mist, ceiling overcast at 1,200 ft agl, temperature 2° C, dew point 1° C, altimeter 30.43 inches of mercury (Hg).
At 0952, IEN ASOS reported wind from 360° at 11 knots gusting to 20 knots, 6 miles visibility in unknown precipitation and mist, ceiling overcast at 1,300 ft agl, temperature 2° C, dew point 1° C, altimeter 30.45 inches of Hg.
The National Weather Service Aviation Weather Center Current Icing Products, which were available online for the preflight briefing, reported the probability of icing at 5,000 ft, 7,000 ft, and 9,000 ft, as follows: the probability indicated a greater than 75% probability of icing over South Dakota from below 5,000 ft through 9,000 ft. In addition, the icing intensity was depicted as light to moderate intensity, with a high threat of Supercooled Large Droplets at 5,000 ft and 7,000 ft over the region.
The preflight weather briefing did not include any inflight weather advisories, which would have alerted the pilot of moderate icing conditions expected over the flight route in the form of airmen's meteorological information (AIRMET) Zulu that was issued at 0700 and valid for 0900. AIRMET Zulu included moderate ice between 5,000 ft and flight level 180 with conditions continuing beyond 0900.
The preflight weather briefing did include a pilot report which indicated light rime icing conditions encountered by a commercial airplane climbing through IMC conditions between 3,500 ft and 10,000 ft. There was no current significant meteorological information (SIGMET) to prohibit the flight from operating at the time of the accident.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration's Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15B; Chapter 10 on page 10-24: "The very nature of flight in IMC means operating in visible moisture such as clouds. At the right temperatures, this moisture can freeze on the aircraft, causing increased weight, degraded performance, and unpredictable aerodynamic characteristics. Understanding avoidance and early recognition followed by prompt action are the keys to avoiding this potentially hazardous situation . . . Structural icing is a condition that can only get worse."
Pilot Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 28, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/30/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/19/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 4602 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5655 hours (Total, this make and model), 4403 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 45 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N9746C
Model/Series: T303 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: T30300210
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/30/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 6 Hours
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 8929 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-520-AE
Registered Owner: ABERDEEN FLYING SERVICE
Rated Power: 250 hp
Operator: ABERDEEN FLYING SERVICE
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Operator Does Business As:
Operator Designator Code: BGJA
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: IEN, 3332 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 25 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0952 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 210°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 6 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1300 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.45 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - Freezing - Drizzle
Departure Point: Aberdeen, SD (ABR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Pine Ridge, SD
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 0930 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Minor, 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.183056, -102.560000 (est)
Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board
Location: Pine Ridge, SD
Accident Number: CEN18LA146
Date & Time: 04/24/2018, 0945 MDT
Registration: N9746C
Aircraft: CESSNA T303
Injuries: 3 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled
On April 24, 2018, about 0945 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T303 airplane, N9746C, impacted terrain during an emergency landing near Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, and one passenger was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Aberdeen Flying Service, Aberdeen, South Dakota, as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand air taxi flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight departed Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR), Aberdeen, about 0938 central daylight time, and was destined for the Pine Ridge Airport (IEN), Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
According to the pilot, prior to the flight, he obtained a weather briefing via the company computer system and reviewed the weather information with the company chief pilot. The pilot was aware of the forecasted weather conditions along the route of flight and at the intended destination. During the climb to 10,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the airplane encountered light rime ice, and he activated the de-ice equipment. During the descent, the airplane encountered light to moderate icing conditions. Shortly thereafter, the pilot stated it felt "like a sheet of ice fell on us" as the airplane encountered severe icing conditions. The pilot applied full engine power in an attempt to maintain altitude. The airplane exited the overcast cloud layer about 500 ft above ground level. The pilot decided to execute an off-airport emergency landing because the airplane could not maintain altitude. The airplane touched down in a field about 25 miles from IEN. During the emergency landing, the landing gear separated, and the airplane came to rest upright.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N9746C
Model/Series: T303 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: ABERDEEN FLYING SERVICE
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: IEN, 3332 ft msl
Observation Time: 0952 MDT
Distance from Accident Site: 25 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / 1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots/ 20 knots, 360°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1300 ft agl
Visibility: 6 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.45 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Aberdeen, SD (ABR)
Destination: Pine Ridge, SD
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Minor, 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.183056, -102.560000 (est)
At least three people were injured when a plane carrying HKG Architects employees from Aberdeen made a rough landing Tuesday morning near Pine Ridge.
Dean Marske, HKG Architects president, and project managers Mary Jo “Buffy” King and Ron Keller were passengers on the twin-engine prop plane registered to Aberdeen Flying Service, Marske said.
He said the chartered plane left Aberdeen around 9:15 a.m. By 10 a.m., he was calling 911 from a field north of Batesland, which is east-northeast of Pine Ridge in the southwest corner of the state.
“We broke through the clouds and saw the ground coming,” Marske said. “I looked at Buffy and was scared for a split second and then we hit the ground.”
The plane hit a cold pocket and iced up, Marske said.
The left side of the plane hit the ground first, he said.
After they landed, the three passengers and the pilot found themselves in an empty field, searching for cell service and 30 miles away from their destination.
“It was snowing and raining and it was cold and windy. Do you stay in the plane or do you leave?” Marske said.
It took 45 minutes for emergency responders to reach them because of the remote location, he said. Dispatch had to locate the spot from Marske’s cellphone call, and only one ambulance was able to get down the road to meet to them. The vehicle had to shift into four-wheel drive, Marske said.
He said he had a dislocated shoulder and Keller was bleeding heavily from his face, with a broken nose and cheekbone.
Later, both of Keller’s eyes were swollen shut and black and blue, Marske said.
When the plane crashed, Marske’s head hit one of the plane’s windows and broke it, he said. At 5 p.m., he was being taken by ambulance to a Rapid City hospital.
King’s injuries were primarily bumps and bruises, Marske said.
Plans call for King and Keller to be picked up and returned to Aberdeen by an Aberdeen Flying Service jet yet tonight, Marske said.
Despite the chaos, Marske said everyone on the plane was calm.
“It happened pretty quick,” he said. “(The pilot) did a great job. And Pine Ridge did a good job, they were on the spot.”
The pilot’s name and condition are unknown. A worker at Aberdeen Flying Service said he could not comment on the incident.
The HKG workers were going to Pine Ridge to check a project site related to an emergency room and outpatient hospital, Marske said.
Original article ➤ http://www.thepublicopinion.com
Company President Dean Marske tells the American News that the twin-engine propeller plane registered to Aberdeen Flying Service hit a cold pocket and iced up, forcing it to the ground Tuesday morning in a field near Batesland.
Marske and project managers Mary Jo King and Ron Keller were aboard, along with the pilot. Marske says it took 45 minutes for emergency responders to reach them because of the remote location.
Marske says he suffered a dislocated shoulder, and Keller suffered broken facial bones. King suffered bumps and bruises.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://rapidcityjournal.com
Near Batesland, SD - Four people were injured in plane crash near Batesland, SD on Tuesday.
A twin engine prop plane landed in a field.
Fire officials reported only minor injuries with cuts and bruises to everyone on board.
First responders also reported a small fuel leak on the wing.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.keloland.com
Sounds like the pilot did one heck of a job flying that ice laden bird. He made the right call doing the forced landing in the field rather than trying to continue and possibly stall & spin into the ground. They'll all live to fly another day and you can always purchase another airplane. This Spring has been especially bad flying weather and there's been quite a few fatalities due to icing. Be safe up there.
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