Sunday, May 27, 2018

Loss of Control on Ground: Beechcraft P35 Bonanza, N263CE, fatal accident occurred May 27, 2018 at Millard Airport (KMLE), Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska

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

Additional Participating Entities: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lincoln, Nebraska
Continental Motors, Inc.; Mobile, Alabama 

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/N263CE 


Location: Omaha, NE
Accident Number: CEN18FA193
Date & Time: 05/27/2018, 0840 CDT
Registration: N263CE
Aircraft: BEECH P35
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 27, 2018, at 0840 central daylight time, a Beech P35 airplane, N263CE, impacted terrain during takeoff from Millard Airport (MLE), Omaha, Nebraska. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The airplane was owned by the pilot who was operating it as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating from MLE at the time of the accident, and the destination was unknown.

According to witnesses, the pilot attempted to takeoff from runway 30. During the takeoff roll about 1,300 ft from the departure end of the runway, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and traveled across a grass median between the runway and taxiway surfaces. The airplane was briefly airborne during portions of the runway excursion. The airplane then crossed the end of the runway, became airborne, and appeared to stall. The airplane's left wing impacted terrain, the airplane cartwheeled, and a post-impact fire ensued. Witnesses added that the airplane looked like it was out of control during the takeoff sequence, and that the engine sounded like it was at full power.

Surveillance video provided by a MLE fixed-based operator showed the airplane during portions of the attempted takeoff. The video images were consistent with the witness statements. The video did not capture the airplane near end of the runway or its subsequent impact with terrain.

During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted several runway and taxiway light structures. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, 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: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time: (Estimated) 550 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 61, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:  \ 
Flight Time: (Estimated) 750 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

The pilot and pilot-rated passenger logbooks were not located during the investigation. Pilot and pilot-rated passenger flight time estimates were obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) most recent medical applications. The pilot was seated in the left seat for the accident flight.

The pilot's brother, who spoke with local law enforcement after the accident, stated that he did not think his brother flew regularly enough to stay proficient in the operation of the airplane. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N263CE
Model/Series:P35 P35 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: D-6908
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/04/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3125 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4429 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors, Inc
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-470-N
Registered Owner: STEIER MAURICE DAVID
Rated Power: 260 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

A review of the FAA aircraft registration records revealed that the accident airplane was registered to the pilot on July 8, 2006.

The airplane was equipped with dual control columns for elevator and aileron control. According to the pilot's operating handbook, airplane steering is accomplished by use of the rudder pedals through a linkage arrangement that connects the nose strut to the rudder pedal shaft. The brakes on the main landing gear wheels are operated by applying toe pressure to the rudder pedals. Brakes were only installed on the left seat rudder pedals. The engine throttle, propeller, and mixture controls were located in the center of the control console below the instrument panel.

A review of the airplane maintenance records revealed that the airplane had flown a total of 122 hours from 2011 to the last logbook entry on May 4, 2018. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: MLE, 1050 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0835 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 240°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.85 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Omaha, NE (MLE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0840 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Millard Airport (MLE)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1050 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 30
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3801 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Millard Airport, located 7 miles southwest of Omaha, Nebraska, is a public, non-towered controlled airport at a surveyed elevation of 1,050 ft mean sea level. The airport has one asphalt runway, runway 12/30, which is 3,801 ft long by 75 ft wide.

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: 41.195278, -96.113611 

Postaccident examination of the runway, grass medians, and taxiways showed markings consistent with the airplane's landing gear tires. The markings were consistent with the airplane departing the runway surface, traveling through the grass, and impacting runway and taxiway light structures. Portions of the grass and tire marks on the asphalt surfaces showed sections of three-, two-, and one-tire track marks at various points during the takeoff roll.

The main wreckage came to rest inverted about 200 ft from the end of runway 30. The main wreckage comprised the fuselage, left and right wings, and empennage, and was destroyed by fire. The cabin door, propeller, engine cowling, and glare shield were located between the runway and main wreckage and displayed minor thermal damage. The cockpit and instrument panel were consumed by fire. The right seat was separated from the airframe and came to rest about 30 ft west of the main wreckage. The engine was separated from the airframe and came to rest adjacent to the left wing.

Flight control continuity could not be established due to fire and thermal damage; however, the cables were found attached to their respective cockpit flight controls and flight control surfaces. In addition, several control cables were cut by rescue personnel during recovery operations. The nose-wheel landing gear assembly was separated from the airframe structure. The assembly was damaged by impact and fire.

Examination of the engine showed impact damage and minor thermal damage to the accessory section. The crankshaft propeller flange was found separated from the crankshaft, and the propeller flange remained attached to the propeller hub. The crankshaft fracture surfaces exhibited radial cracks and 45° shear lips consistent with overload failure. Both propeller blades exhibited forward twisting, s-type bending, leading edge gouges, and chordwise scratches.

Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Douglas County Coroner's Office, Omaha, Nebraska, performed autopsies on the pilot and pilot-rated passenger. The pilot's cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma to the head, and the pilot-rated passenger's cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma to the head and chest.

The FAA's Forensic Sciences Laboratory performed toxicological testing of the pilot and pilot-rated passenger. The pilot's toxicological testing identified Cetirizine in blood and urine, and Minoxidil in urine. The tests were negative for carboxyhemoglobin and ethanol.

Cetirizine is an antihistamine available over-the-counter and commonly used to treat allergies, which may cause drowsiness. Minoxidil is a medication available in oral and topical formulations. Orally, it is prescribed and used with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Topically, it is used to stimulate hair growth and to slow balding. This medication is generally not considered to be impairing.

The passenger's toxicological testing identifed 0.015 (ug/mL, ug/g) Lorazepam in blood, 0.024 (ug/mL, ug/g) Lorazepam in liver, 7 (ng/mL, ng/g) Fentanyl in blood, and 7 (ng/mL, ng/g) Fentanyl in liver. The tests were negative for carboxyhemoglobin and ethanol.

The passenger was briefly treated at the hospital after the accident. Fentanyl is a prescription medication used to relieve severe pain, and Lorazepam is a prescription medication used to relieve anxiety. The presence of these medications was consistent with postaccident medical treatment.

Additional Information

The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 5, Takeoffs and Departure Climbs, Normal Takeoff, states, in part:

After releasing the brakes, advance the throttle smoothly and continuously to takeoff power. An abrupt application of power may cause the airplane to yaw sharply to the left because of the torque effects of the engine and propeller. This is most apparent in high horsepower engines. As the airplane gains speed, the elevator control tends to assume a neutral position if the airplane is correctly trimmed. At the same time, the rudder pedals are used to keep the nose of the airplane pointed down the runway and parallel to the centerline. The effects of engine torque and P-factor at the initial speeds tend to pull the nose to the left. The pilot must use whatever rudder pressure is needed to correct for these effects or winds.

In addition, the "Rejected Takeoff" section of the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook states:

Emergency or abnormal situations can occur during takeoff that require a pilot to reject the takeoff while still on the runway. Circumstances such as a malfunctioning powerplant, inadequate acceleration, runway incursion, or air traffic conflict may be reasons for a rejected takeoff.

Prior to takeoff, the pilot should have in mind a point along the runway at which the airplane should be airborne. If that point is reached and the airplane is not airborne, immediate action should be taken to discontinue the takeoff. Properly planned and executed, chances are excellent the airplane can be stopped on the remaining runway without using extraordinary measures, such as excessive braking that may result in loss of directional control, airplane damage, and/or personal injury. In the event a takeoff is rejected, the power should be reduced to idle and maximum braking applied while maintaining directional control.


Location: Omaha, NE
Accident Number: CEN18FA193
Date & Time: 05/27/2018, 0840 CDT
Registration: N263CE
Aircraft: BEECH P35
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 27, 2018, at 0840 central daylight time, a Beech P35 airplane, N263CE, impacted terrain following a loss of control during takeoff from Millard Airport (MLE), Omaha, Nebraska. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident, and the destination was unknown.

According to witnesses, the airplane was attempting to takeoff from runway 30 (3,801 ft long by 75 ft wide). During the takeoff roll about 1,300 ft from the departure end of the runway, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, traveled through several grass medians between the runway and taxiways, onto several taxiway surfaces, and was briefly airborne during portions of the runway excursion. The airplane crossed the end of the runway, became airborne, and then appeared to stall. The airplane's right wing struck the terrain, the airplane cartwheeled, and a post-impact fire ensued. The witnesses stated the airplane looked like it was out of control during the takeoff sequence. During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted several runway and taxiway light structures.

Surveillance video showed the airplane during portions of the attempted takeoff. The video images were consistent with the airplane exiting the runway and traveling through the grass medians and taxiway surfaces.

Postaccident examination of the runway, grass medians, and taxiways showed markings consistent with the airplane's landing gear tires. The markings were consistent with the airplane departing the runway surface, traveling through the grass, and impacting runway and taxiway light structures. Portions of the grass and tire marks on the asphalt surfaces showed at various points during the takeoff roll; three tire tracks, two tire tracks, and one tire track.

The main wreckage came to rest inverted about 200 feet from the end of runway 30. The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, left and right wings, and empennage. The main wreckage was consumed and destroyed by fire. The cabin door, propeller, engine cowling, and glare shield were located between the runway and main wreckage and displayed minor thermal damage. The engine was separated from the airframe and came to rest adjacent to the right wing.

At 0835, the MLE automated weather observing system reported the wind from 240 degrees at 7 knots, clear sky, and a temperature of 29 degrees C. The calculated density altitude was 3,150 ft. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BEECH
Registration: N263CE
Model/Series: P35 P35
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: MLE, 1050 ft msl
Observation Time: 0835 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 18°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots, 240°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.85 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Omaha, NE (MLE)
Destination: 

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: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  41.195278, -96.113611





OMAHA, Neb. —  Dave Steier, 63, and his wife, Arlene Steier, 61, were both private pilots. The couple was killed in a plane crash Sunday at the Millard Airport. Their loss is felt by their family and also the Omaha community who the Steiers touched through planes and politics.

"Their family and friends and the whole political community is really, really feeling the hurt on this one," said Douglas County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson.

Borgeson said Arlene was very involved in local politics. The two met when Arlene worked at the election commissioner's office.

"She really just was one of those mentors for me in the political arena," Borgeson said. "Sweetest lady, best demeanor, very welcoming."

Arlene was also involved with the Douglas County Republican Party. Her interests ranged from politics to planes.

She and Dave were both private pilots. Arlene was involved with the University of Nebraska-Omaha's Aviation Explorer's program. We spoke to her back in 2013 about sharing her passion with kids.

"I think it's very cool and I'm absolutely delighted that we can offer this opportunity, because as I've said before, there's fences around airports now and it's difficult for kids to find out what this is about," Arlene Steier said.

KETV also spoke with her at an aeronautics camp for kids in 2011.

"I really enjoy it," Arlene said. "There's nothing like lighting up a kid's eyes with possibilities."

Arlene and Dave Steier leave behind four children. Dave Steier comes from a large family. He was one of eight siblings.

The family is asking for privacy, but released the following statement to KETV Newswatch 7:

"On behalf of the entire Steier and Kemp families, we thank everyone for their personal outreach and support during this difficult time. They were beloved parents, grandparents, son and daughter, neighbors and friends. We love them very much and honor their beautiful memory. We are blessed to have had them, though for too short a time. They made an impact on so many and on the Omaha community."

Authorities still do not know who was piloting the plane at the time of Sunday's crash or what caused it to go down.

NTSB officials were expected to arrive in Omaha Monday night. They'll hold a news conference at the Millard Airport Tuesday at 10 a.m. to discuss the investigation.

Story and video ➤ http://www.ketv.com




OMAHA, Neb. —  Dave Steier, 63, and his wife, Arlene Steier, 61, were both private pilots. The couple was killed in a plane crash Sunday at the Millard Airport. Their loss is felt by their family and also the Omaha community who the Steiers touched through planes and politics.

"Their family and friends and the whole political community is really, really feeling the hurt on this one," said Douglas County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson.

Borgeson said Arlene was very involved in local politics. The two met when Arlene worked at the election commissioner's office.

"She really just was one of those mentors for me in the political arena," Borgeson said. "Sweetest lady, best demeanor, very welcoming."

Arlene was also involved with the Douglas County Republican Party. Her interests ranged from politics to planes.

She and Dave were both private pilots. Arlene was involved with the University of Nebraska-Omaha's Aviation Explorer's program. We spoke to her back in 2013 about sharing her passion with kids.

"I think it's very cool and I'm absolutely delighted that we can offer this opportunity, because as I've said before, there's fences around airports now and it's difficult for kids to find out what this is about," Arlene Steier said.

KETV also spoke with her at an aeronautics camp for kids in 2011.

"I really enjoy it," Arlene said. "There's nothing like lighting up a kid's eyes with possibilities."

Arlene and Dave Steier leave behind four children. Dave Steier comes from a large family. He was one of eight siblings.

The family is asking for privacy, but released the following statement to KETV Newswatch 7:

"On behalf of the entire Steier and Kemp families, we thank everyone for their personal outreach and support during this difficult time. They were beloved parents, grandparents, son and daughter, neighbors and friends. We love them very much and honor their beautiful memory. We are blessed to have had them, though for too short a time. They made an impact on so many and on the Omaha community."

Authorities still do not know who was piloting the plane at the time of Sunday's crash or what caused it to go down.

National Transportation Safety Board officials were expected to arrive in Omaha Monday night. They'll hold a news conference at the Millard Airport Tuesday at 10 a.m. to discuss the investigation.

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



OMAHA, Neb. — A man and a woman were killed in a plane crash Sunday at the Millard Airport, investigators confirmed to KETV NewsWatch 7.

The victims have been identified as M. David Steier, 63, and Arlene Steier, 61.

Rescue crews arrived around 8:50 a.m. and found a small plane on fire at the end of the runway.

"You could hear the boom outside," said Chad Langford, who was at the baseball fields near 138th Street and Millard Avenue.

Authorities said Arlene Steier was thrown from the plane during the crash. Crews transported her to a nearby hospital with CPR in progress. She later died at the hospital, according to an Omaha police official.

"We just seen all the smoke and all the fire trucks headed that way," added Craig Cox, who was also headed to the baseball fields.

Rescuers called for multiple fire engines and rescue squads initially, then scaled back the response after initial crews arrived. A medical helicopter was dispatched and then sent back.

"Our crews did a great job of locating the victims and then putting the fire out after we got the victim," said Joe Salcedo, assistant fire chief with the Omaha Fire Department.

Omaha police, Omaha Airport Authority staff and Federal Aviation Administration investigators were at the crash site for hours Sunday. They began cleaning up the wreckage around 4 p.m., towing the engine and the remaining parts of the plane to sheds at the airport. The Millard Airport was closed Sunday morning and reopened just before 6 p.m.

"Hate to see that happen," said Phil Frye, who lives near the airport. "Hate to see anybody lose their life over it."

Frye's concerns began far before Sunday's deadly scene.

"(The airport was) here first, as far as the argument goes, but things have changed out here," Frye said. "There's a lot of population around here."

He worries for the homes, businesses and kids playing in the area, including those baseball fields near 138th and Millard Avenue, where a student pilot made an emergency landing in January.

"After that plane landed on our field, yeah, you start to think twice about it and, you know, the thought of having some sort of procedure in place definitely has crossed our mind," said Langford, president of baseball for Millard United Sports.

Kids were playing on the fields when the plane went down Sunday morning.

It's a worry for parents and Frye, who hopes Sunday's tragedy will turn ignite a conversation.

"I think it's time to maybe look into additional restrictions or moving the facility," Frye said.

The last time the FAA inspected the Millard Airport was in 2015, recording an average of 198 planes landing and taking off each day.

The Omaha Airport Authority declined to comment on the airport's logistics until the investigation is complete.

National Transportation Safety Board officials are expected to arrive in Omaha Monday evening. Investigators said it could take five days to release a preliminary report, but plan to hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday to discuss the investigation.


Story and video ➤ http://www.ketv.com





OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -- Authorities now say two people have died in the crash of a small plane at the Millard Airport Sunday morning. The second victim that was critically injured in the accident has since died from her injuries. The victims have been identified as 63-year-old M. David Steier and 61-year-old Arlene Steier.

Previously:

The crash was reported at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Sunday. First responders arrived to smoke and flames rising for an airport runway.

Assistant Omaha Fire Chief Joe Salcedo said, "The plane was fully involved, on fire."

Video shot moments after the crash shows a large plume of black smoke as emergency crews were arriving on scene where the small plane had hit the ground and burned.

Three medical units were dispatched and a medical helicopter was called.

The fire was quickly contained and authorities then confirmed that a man had died in the crash. Omaha Airport Authority Fire Chief Bernie Kanger said, "There is one fatality."

A woman was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Dispatch told 6 News that her condition deteriorated while en route to the hospital.

Wreckage was strewn across the area as officials began their preliminary investigation.

Traffic restrictions were in place as authorities began to piece together what happened. 132nd Street had been shut down between Q and Z but was reopened in both directions later in the morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified. They will send teams to take over the investigation.

The airport was shut down after the crash. Authorities on scene did not specify when operations would resume.

Story and video ➤ http://www.wowt.com

5 comments:

  1. airports are usually built away from populations,then the area builds up and people complain. you know there is an airport there. no one has the right to whine. a family has lost loved ones. show some respect.

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  2. Forgot to remove control lock?

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  3. As usual, the same old "an airplane crashed so let's close down the airport" or "let's move it". Do people actually think before they insert foot in mouth? People die on freeways every day, let's close 'em down. An airplane can crash near an airport or many miles away from one. There is always an inherent risk anywhere you live. I observe flight training over my neighborhood on a daily basis. I've watched them practice stall recovery. What are you going do? That's life and they are within FAA guidelines. And there is no "procedure" for those on the ground when an aircraft suffers catastrophic engine failure. As a pilot you try to get your aircraft down safely but the ending is not always the one we want.

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  4. Control lock? That would also imply he hadn't completed the check list. Go figure. But who knows.

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  5. I wonder if something jammed the rudder peddles according to the guys who saw it happen the engine never seemed to reduce power. One would think if you veered off runway onto grass would cut the power. It's also possible the PIC had a medical problem on take off jammed the controls. Still you would think the other person would just cut the engine.

    ReplyDelete