Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Ted Smith Aerostar 601, registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a maintenance test flight, N327BK: Accident occurred July 20, 2018 near Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (KBTR), Louisiana

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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/N327BK


on: Baton Rouge, LA
Accident Number: CEN18LA285
Date & Time: 07/20/2018, 1430 CDT
Registration: N327BK
Aircraft: SMITH AEROSTAR601
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 20, 2018, about 1430 central daylight time, a Piper PA60 Aerostar airplane, N327BK, experienced a loss of engine power and landed in a field after takeoff from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a maintenance test flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight was departing at the time of the accident.

A review of the air traffic control recording revealed that the pilot requested to takeoff from runway 31 and fly one time around the traffic pattern for a maintenance check. The air traffic controller stated that the airplane dropped below the tree line after takeoff and was unable to reach the pilot on the radio.

After the accident the pilot stated that he completed a preflight inspection about 1400, then boarded the airplane and started both engines. While holding short of runway 31, he performed a pre-takeoff check of the airplane including a run-up for each engine with no anomalies noted. During the takeoff roll he advanced the throttles to takeoff power, then rotated. Shortly after rotation he noticed the right engine was not producing full power and the engine speed was decreasing. With no remaining runway available to land, he continued and looked for an off-field landing location. He retracted the landing gear and feathered the right propeller. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude so the pilot made a hard forced landing to a grass-covered field (figure 1) about 1 mile northwest of the departure end of runway 31.

Figure 1 – Accident airplane

In a postaccident statement, the mechanic who maintained the airplane stated that on the morning of the accident the right engine was unable to start. He examined the airplane and found the fuel system contaminated with water. The owner and mechanic then examined the left engine. They removed and cleaned the left engine fuel injector nozzles using an ultrasonic cleaner, purged the left fuel tank, removed the fuel line at the flow divider, and flushed the left fuel tank with the electric boost pump. The fuel line was reconnected then checked the fuel flow by measuring the fuel volume at each nozzle; about 3 ounces was recovered per nozzle. The nozzles were reinstalled and an engine ground run was completed with no anomalies noted. Next, they completed the same procedures to flush the fuel system and flow check the fuel nozzles for the right engine. The mechanic stated that the fuel nozzles were not removed on the right engine, but the fuel flow volume was the same as the left engine. No water or other contamination was found in the right engine or fuel lines. An engine ground run was completed with no anomalies noted. The mechanic reported that the pilot stated he was going to "take it around the patch." The pilot ordered fuel from the FBO and proceeded with his preflight.

The mechanic provided copies of the airplane's recent maintenance records. The most recent maintenance entry was completed by the mechanic on June 18, 2018, which involved reinstallation of an overhauled fuel injection servo and the fuel injector nozzles were cleaned; an engine ground run was completed with no discrepancies noted with the left engine. The records revealed that the airplane had accumulated 31.4 hours hours since July 2014, 3.6 hours since October 2017, and 10.8 hours since September 2016. During that time an annual inspection was completed each year by the same mechanic.

A postaccident examination of the engines and fuel system was completed by a third-party mechanic under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The examination revealed no apparent external damage to either engine case or accessories. The fuel supply lines to the fuel servos on both engines appeared clean and exhibited a blue tint consistent with 100 low lead aviation fuel. The amount of fuel retrieved from the fuel supply line and fuel servo corresponding to each engine was not measured but was estimated that less than 5 milliliters of fuel was drained from each fuel servo supply line. The fuel sump drains in the left and right fuel tanks were corroded and unable to move. The cockpit engine controls were stiff but moved through their full range of travel when actuated by hand.

A borescope examination revealed that the left engine piston faces were generally clean and free from deposits, erosion or signs of fouling. The fuel flow divider cover was not safety wired. The No. 6 cylinder lower spark plug wire connector was only hand tight. The No. 1 cylinder top spark plug was over torqued and the electrode was fouled. The spark plugs corresponding to cylinder Nos. 2, 4, and 6 were under torqued. The No. 3 cylinder top spark plug was fouled and the bottom spark plug was both fouled and improperly gapped. The No. 5 cylinder bottom plug was improperly gapped. Improper hardware was used to secure the fuel injector lines between the flow divider and the cylinders. The exhaust gasket on cylinder No. 6 showed signs of failure and leakage. A borescope examination showed that the No. 3 exhaust valve would not seat properly. The fuel servo screen appeared new with a new gasket and no contamination noted. Fuel from the servo supply line was clean; however, fuel coming out of the servo was orange in color. A cold engine compression test was performed for each cylinder with a max pressure of 80 psi; the left engine compression values were 58/13/20/12/60/66 psi.

The right engine piston faces exhibited signs of fouling, carbon deposits, and erosion on the edges of the valve recesses. All spark plugs were improperly torqued. No. 6 cylinder exhaust gasket was blown. Cylinder Nos. 2 and 3 were lead fouled with large chunks of debris lodged between the case and insulator. The fuel servo screen contained contamination and was corroded. The fuel flow divider contained 2 pieces of corroded debris in the plunger orifice; the pieces of debris were almost the size of a BB. Corrosion debris was found in the 45-degree inlet fitting on the fuel flow divider. Standing oil was found in the No. 2 cylinder with the bottom spark plug oil soaked. The throttle cable was improperly installed, exhibited excessive bends, and the swaged end guide was found separated from the throttle body. A cold engine compression test was performed for each cylinder with a max pressure of 80 psi; the right engine compression values were 60/72/25/45/22/60 psi.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 81, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/22/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/14/2017
Flight Time:  28829 hours (Total, all aircraft), 600 hours (Total, this make and model), 36 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SMITH
Registration: N327BK
Model/Series: AEROSTAR601
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 61-0145-076
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/01/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 5 Hours
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1912.2 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-S1A5
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 290
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: KBTR, 76 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 119°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 35°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Baton Rouge, LA (BTR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Baton Rouge, LA (BTR)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1429 CDT
Type of Airspace: Air Traffic Control; Class C

Airport Information

Airport: Baton Rouge Metropolitan, Ryan (BTR)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 69 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Vegetation
Runway Used: 31
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7005 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None

Latitude, Longitude: 30.545556, -91.164722 (est)
======

Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Accident Number: CEN18LA285
Date & Time: 07/20/2018, 1430 CDT
Registration: N327BK
Aircraft: Piper PA60
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 20, 2018, about 1430 central daylight time, a Piper PA60 Aerostar airplane, N327BK, experienced a loss of engine power and landed in a field after takeoff from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The commercial rated pilot and one passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a maintenance check flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight was departing at the time of the accident.

A review of the air traffic control recording revealed that the pilot requested to takeoff from runway 31 and fly one time around the traffic pattern for a maintenance check. The air traffic controller stated that the airplane dropped below the tree line after takeoff and was unable to reach the pilot on the radio.

The airplane made a hard landing into a grassy field (figure 1) about 1 mile northwest of the departure end of runway 31.


Figure 1 – Accident airplane 

The airplane has been retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N327BK
Model/Series: PA60 601
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: KBTR, 76 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 35°C / 23°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point:  Baton Rouge, LA (BTR)
Destination: Baton Rouge, LA (BTR) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  30.545556, -91.164722 (est)
 





No one was injured when a small airplane successfully made an emergency landing Friday afternoon shortly after takeoff from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (KBTR), said spokesman Jim Caldwell. 

Caldwell said a Ted Smith Aerostar 601 plane took off from the airport and experienced some engine problems, forcing a landing in a field nearby. 

Baton Rouge Emergency Medical Services spokesman Mike Chustz said emergency crews were called to the site in the 1900 block of Blount Road at about 2:30 p.m. 

Caldwell said the pilot and one passenger had been in the plane. 

"They had to do an emergency landing and they did a good job," Caldwell said. 

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










BATON ROUGE, La (LOCAL 33) (FOX 44) -  A small plane made an emergency landing due to engine failure near Scotlandville Friday, according to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (KBTR) officials. 

The Ted Smith Aerostar 601 was departing from KBTR when it experienced major engine failure upon takeoff.

Although the flight's final destination is unclear, authorities believe it may have been a local flight.

We're told the plane narrowly missed a tank farm while making the emergency landing.

Fortunately, both the pilot and passenger were not injured.

Story and video ➤ https://www.brproud.com







BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - A small plane made an emergency landing near the  Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (KBTR) Friday afternoon.

The call went out around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20. The plane made a crash landing near Blount Road and 19th Street near the Maryland Tank Farm. No injuries have been reported. 

A spokesman with the Baton Rouge Fire Department says the plane was taking off from the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport when the pilot heard a popping noise and lost both engines. The pilot says work was recently done on the plane and he was taking the plane out to test it. The pilot was then able to put the plane down at the tank farm, which is about 100 yards from an apartment complex. He was forced to land the plane with the landing gear up because he did not have time to get the gear down.

Curt Monte with BRFD calls it a "fortunate situation," since the pilot managed to land the plane near busy highways, train tracks, and an apartment complex without hitting anything. The plane reportedly has a large split down the middle from the emergency landing.

BRFD also says crews must offload 50 gallons of fuel from the plane before moving it. A hazmat team is on scene as precaution. One of the two westbound lanes of Blount Road will be closed until crews finish working.

Story and video ➤ http://www.wafb.com

4 comments:

  1. Well done getting the plane back down after a double engine failure! In at least one of the pictures one can see that the right propeller has been feathered. With one engine out, the Aerostar would have no trouble making it back to the field but with two engines compromised, it becomes a very slick and heavy glider!

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  2. lost both engines?? maybe jet fuel instead of 100LL.

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  3. Article is incorrect. Only lost the right engine.

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  4. Good job! Might or might not have made it back on one. Too many don't. This was better than a Vmc roll.

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