Friday, September 14, 2018

Midair Collision: Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros, N139UK and Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros, N139PJ; accident occurred September 14, 2018 near Reno Stead Airport (KRTS), Washoe County, Nevada

   


Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude.

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

N139UK Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


N139UK Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N139UK

Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: WPR18LA267A
Date & Time: 09/14/2018, 1004 PDT
Registration: N139UK
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L39
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, a Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane, which originated from RTS at 0950.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 13 reported that he was observing the pilot of race 37 flying a tight line on the course and he was observing his line throughout the race, and announced on the race frequency that he was passing race 37 on the right. The pilot said that he had sight of race 37 at all times and that during the 5th lap, in an area of pylon 4, he thought the pilot of race 37 may have rolled right prior to the collision. Following the collision, the pilot of race 13 declared an emergency and landed uneventfully.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 37 reported that during the 4th lap, while passing pylon 7, he recalled hearing the pilot of race 13 state that he was on his right. The pilot said that during the 5th lap, as he was passing pylon 4, it felt like a car crash and that he never saw race 13. Shortly after, he heard the pilot of race 13 declare a mayday and he decided to declare mayday as well, while noting sluggish control responsiveness. The pilot of race 37 was able to land uneventfully.

Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude.

Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Balloon; Glider; Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Glider; Helicopter; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/20/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  4137 hours (Total, all aircraft), 50 hours (Total, this make and model), 3835 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 51 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Vodochody
Registration: N139UK
Model/Series: L39 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 031822
Landing Gear Type: Retractable -
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10028 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Turbo Fan
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Ivencheko
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AI-25-TL
Registered Owner: Black Rock Aero LLC
Rated Power: 3792 lbs
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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 189°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / -6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0950 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: RENO/STEAD (RTS)
Runway Surface Type:N/A 
Airport Elevation: 5050 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

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

Latitude, Longitude: 39.713889, -119.866389 (est)

N139PJ Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

N139PJ Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N139PJ

Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: WPR18LA267B
Date & Time: 09/14/2018, 1004 PDT
Registration: N139PJ
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L 39
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, a Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane, which originated from RTS at 0950.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 13 reported that he was observing the pilot of race 37 flying a tight line on the course and he was observing his line throughout the race, and announced on the race frequency that he was passing race 37 on the right. The pilot said that he had sight of race 37 at all times and that during the 5th lap, in an area of pylon 4, he thought the pilot of race 37 may have rolled right prior to the collision. Following the collision, the pilot of race 13 declared an emergency and landed uneventfully.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 37 reported that during the 4th lap, while passing pylon 7, he recalled hearing the pilot of race 13 state that he was on his right. The pilot said that during the 5th lap, as he was passing pylon 4, it felt like a car crash and that he never saw race 13. Shortly after, he heard the pilot of race 13 declare a mayday and he decided to declare mayday as well, while noting sluggish control responsiveness. The pilot of race 37 was able to land uneventfully.

Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude.

Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 44, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/27/2018
Occupational Pilot:Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/18/2018
Flight Time:  6100 hours (Total, all aircraft), 70 hours (Total, this make and model), 4000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 55 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 24 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Vodochody
Registration: N139PJ
Model/Series: L 39
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 232226
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/02/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  Turbo Fan
Airframe Total Time: 2296.3 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Ivchenko
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AL25TL
Registered Owner: MPE ENTERPRISES CORP
Rated Power: 3800 lbs
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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 189°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / -6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:None 
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0950 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: RENO/STEAD (RTS)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 5050 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries:1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 39.713889, -119.866389 (est)

Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: WPR18LA267A
Date & Time: 09/14/2018, 1004 PDT
Registration: N139UK
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L39
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; Race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and Race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane. Both airplanes originated from RTS at 0950.

Information provided by representatives from the Jet Class Air Racing group revealed that during the fifth lap of the closed course air race, Race 13 and Race 37 collided while maneuvering near pylon 4 of the jet race course. Following the collision, both pilots declared a mayday and landed uneventfully.

Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and the wing root fairing on the forward left side of the fuselage.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Vodochody
Registration: N139UK
Model/Series: L39 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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / -6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 100°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  39.713889, -119.866389 (est)

Location: Reno, NV

Accident Number: WPR18LA267B
Date & Time: 09/14/2018, 1004 PDT
Registration: N139PJ
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L 39
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, a Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; Race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and Race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane, which originated from RTS at 0950.

Information provided by representatives from the Jet Class Air Racing group revealed that during the fifth lap of the closed course air race, Race 13 and Race 37 collided while maneuvering near pylon 4 of the jet race course. Following the collision, both pilots declared a mayday and landed uneventfully.

Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and the wing root fairing on the forward left side of the fuselage.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Vodochody
Registration: N139PJ
Model/Series: L 39
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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / -6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:  6 knots / , 100°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  39.713889, -119.866389 (est)



A photo of Reality Czech, piloted by Nathan Harnagel of Friendswood, Texas, taken on September 14th, 2018.



A photo of Race 37, piloted by Alexandre Eckmann of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, taken on September 14th, 2018.



There was a “mayday” situation Friday when two jets bumped in mid-air during competition at the Reno air races.

The planes were damaged but there was no crash, according to an event spokeswoman.

The two pilots involved in the mid-air collision were Alexandre Eckmann of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, piloting Race 37, pictured above, and Nathan Harnagel of Friendswood, Texas, piloting Reality Czech, event spokeswoman Valerie Glenn confirmed on Friday.

“All the pilots landed safely and all the planes came down safely,” Glenn said Friday afternoon.

“That’s our greatest concern, everybody is just fine," she said.

The incident took place about 10 a.m. during the Jet Heat 2B near Pylon 4, where race judges may have been standing. It was not visible from the stands, Glenn said.

Investigators were at the pylon area soon afterward.

No injuries have been reported, and the rest of the day's racing was not affected.

Few attendees witnessed the incident from the stands. Marc and Cathi Cross, both from Texas, said they were sitting at the top of one of the bleachers when they saw the two jets pull up into the air as the announcer explained what happened. 

"Then they chased one of the pilots with a safety plane so they could see what was wrong with the plane," Cathi Cross, 54, said. "I think they wanted to make sure there was nothing flammable leaking out before landing.

"They did a good job with keeping safety first."   

Cross' husband, Marc, 53, said he also witnessed the jets fly up in the air after the two aircrafts touched midair. But he said he didn't see the moment the two jets touched. 

Cathi Cross said she and her husband witnessed the moment when one of the aircrafts crashed into spectators in September 2011. 

Cross said it took her and her husband time before they decided to revisit the air races. 

"We came back because we like the air races," Cross said. "Life is a risk, right?" 

Melissa Cable, 33, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., also witnessed the incident on Friday. 

"They came around the pylon and all of a sudden pulled straight up," she said as she pointed to the vast field in front of her. "One of the jets circled around and cooled off and landed. The other had a wing pilot check the plane out and then they landed." 

Glenn said the National Transportation Safety Board took over the investigation. 

The NTSB had an investigator out on the field, and both pilots have been interviewed, according to spokesman Terry Williams. 

Little other information was immediately available from the scene of the Stihl National Championship Air Races at Reno-Stead Airport.

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

No comments:

Post a Comment