Loss of Control in Flight: Piper PA-30-160 Twin Comanche, N7751Y; fatal accident occurred November 29, 2018 near Marion Municipal Airport (KMZZ), Grant County, Indiana

Accident Site 

View of Left Side of Main Wreckage

View of Fuselage

View of Right Side of Main Wreckage

Main Wreckage Cabin Area

Left Engine and Propeller Assembly 

Federal Aviation Administration

Right Propeller Assembly

Propeller Assembly Fracture

Witness Photo 

 

Jeffrey "Jeff" Curtis Barrett

 1958 - 2018

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana
Piper Aircraft; Phoenix, Arizona
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 
 
Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N7751Y 

Location: Marion, IN
Accident Number: CEN19FA035
Date & Time: 11/29/2018, 1421 EST
Registration: N7751Y
Aircraft: Piper PA 30
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 29, 2018, about 1421 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-30 (Twin Comanche) airplane, N7751Y, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Marion Municipal Airport, Marion, Indiana. The airline transport pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed for the local flight.

According to information from a sheriff's deputy, on the day before the accident, fixed-based operator employees observed the pilot performing ground engine runs outside of his hangar. According to family members, the pilot, who was also an airframe and powerplant mechanic, had been troubleshooting an unspecified fuel system problem with the left engine.

A family member described the accident flight as a "test flight."

Witnesses reported that, after departure, the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 500 ft above ground level and began a left turn. During the left turn, the airplane "nose-dived" in a downward spiral. The airplane then impacted terrain, and a post-impact fire ensued. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/17/2018
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/01/2016
Flight Time: 2306 hours (Total, all aircraft)

The pilot's logbook was not located during the investigation. An estimate of the pilot's flight time was determined based on his most recent airman medical application.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7751Y
Model/Series: PA 30 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 30-839
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2381 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-320-B1A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

The airframe, engine, and propeller logbooks were not located during the investigation. The airplane was registered to the pilot on December 17, 2008.

During an examination of the pilot's hangar after the accident, an invoice, dated November 16, 2018, was located for the purchase of left and right fuel selector valves and miscellaneous installation hardware. A search of the hangar revealed an empty shipping box for the valves. In addition, a fuel selector access plate, a fuel valve protector cover, and fuel valve control handles for the airplane were found in the hangar. To complete the installation, these components would have been removed during the replacement of the fuel selector valves, and then reinstalled at the completion of the valve installation.

The Piper Twin Comanche Service Manual, section IX, Fuel System, provided the following system description:

The fuel system is contained in two independent units that allow each engine to have its own fuel supply. The systems are connected only by a crossfeed that will allow fuel to be drawn from one set of fuel cells to the engine of the opposite side, in the event of an emergency. For each engine, fuel is taken from each cell through a screen located in the cell outlet fitting and then on to a shut-off selector valve. From the selector valve, fuel is drawn through an electrically operated auxiliary fuel pump and on to an engine driven pump where it is pumped to the injector unit. The fuel valves are operated through controls located in a panel, just ahead of the main spar, between the pilot seats.

The Piper Twin Comanche Owner's Handbook, section II, Design Information, stated the following about the fuel system:

For emergency single engine operation, a crossfeed is provided to increase the range. When using fuel from cells on the opposite side of the operating engine, move the fuel selector for the inoperative engine to the main or auxiliary position; then move the fuel selector for the operating engine to the crossfeed position. For single engine landing, fuel must be pumped from the main cell on the same side as the operating engine.

Section II of the owner's handbook, stated the following about the propellers:

The propellers are...constant-speed, controllable, full-feathering units. These are controlled entirely by use of the propeller control levers located in the center of the power control quadrant. Feathering of the propellers is accomplished by moving the controls fully aft through the low RPM detent into the feathering position. Feathering takes place in approximately three seconds.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: MZZ, 858 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1435 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Marion, IN (MZZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Marion, IN (MZZ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1420 EST
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Marion Municipal Airport (MZZ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 858 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 22
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6011 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.480556, -85.682500 

The airplane came to rest upright in a soft, wet field about 1/4 mile south of the departure runway. The accident site and the airplane wreckage are shown in the figure. Postaccident examination of the airplane showed that the fuselage, empennage, and inboard sections of both wings were consumed by post-impact fire. The instrument panel, instruments, and engine controls were destroyed by fire and impact. The front left seat remained attached to the cabin floor. (The right front seat was not installed and was found in the pilot's hangar.) The main cabin door was separated and came to rest about 15 ft forward of the main wreckage. The upper latch and side pin were found engaged, consistent with a closed or locked door position.

The left and right wings remained partially attached to the fuselage and displayed thermal, buckling, and leading edge damage. The left and right ailerons remained attached to the wing attach brackets and control pushrod. The left and right flaps remained attached to the wing structure and displayed thermal damage. The right outboard wing and wing tip were deformed aft. A ground scar, consistent with the right wing, was noted about 3 ft in front of the damaged right wing. The right flap control mechanism displayed thermal damaged and the control arm was found between the flaps 0° and slightly extended position. The landing gear retraction push-pull rod was found in the landing gear extended position.

The empennage was consumed by fire. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers and rudder were attached and displayed thermal damage. The rudder trim mechanism shaft position correlated to a neutral rudder trim setting.

Flight control continuity for the flight control surfaces could not be determined due to impact and thermal damage; but no mechanical anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal flight control operations.

The left engine and propeller assembly remained partially attached to the airframe. One propeller blade showed no damage, and one propeller blade was not twisted and bent aft. The right engine remained partially attached to the airframe, and the right propeller assembly was separated from the engine, aft of the crankshaft flange. The crankshaft fracture surface exhibited 45° shear lips. One propeller blade was twisted and bent forward, and one propeller blade was twisted and bent aft. Both the left and right propeller blades appeared to be in a low-pitch position.

After the on-scene examination, the airframe, engines, and systems were further examined at the recovery facility. The left fuel selector arm was found in the cross-feed position, and the right fuel selector arm was found in the right main fuel cell position. Thermal damage precluded movement of the left and right fuel selector arms to the different selector positions. The left and right main fuel cells, fuel outlet lines, and cross-feed fuel lines and fittings remained attached or partially attached to the fuel selectors and the "B" nuts were secure. The fuel lines displayed material loss and thermal damage. The left auxiliary fuel line and fitting were not located at the time of the examination, but a review of on-scene photographs showed the line and fitting partially in place on the fuel selector valve with only partial thread engagement. Magnified examination of the selector valve threads revealed the threads were undamaged.

Mechanical rotation determined left and right engine continuity to all pistons and the accessory gearboxes. Thumb compression was noted on all cylinders. The engines magnetos and accessories were thermally damaged and precluded functional testing of the components. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Northeast Indiana Forensic Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana, performed an autopsy of the pilot. The pilot's cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing performed at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified doxylamine (0.153 ug/mL, ug/g) in the pilot's liver specimens, but in the pilot's aortic blood specimens. The tests were negative for carbon monoxide and ethanol.


Doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine available over the counter to treat allergy symptoms or use as a sleep aid. Doxylamine undergoes postmortem distribution and central blood levels may be two to three times higher than peripheral blood levels.

Location: Marion, IN
Accident Number: CEN19FA035
Date & Time: 11/29/2018, 1421 EST
Registration: N7751Y
Aircraft: Piper PA 30
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 29, 2018, about 1421 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-30 airplane, N7751Y, impacted terrain following a loss of control shortly after takeoff from the Marion Municipal Airport (MZZ), Marion, Indiana. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan had not been filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to witness information, the airplane departed runway 22, climbed to about 500 ft above ground level, and began a left turn. During the left turn, the airplane "nose dived" in a downward spiral toward the terrain. The airplane impacted terrain, and a post-impact fire ensued.

According to local authorities and witness information, the pilot, who was also an airframe and powerplant mechanic, had been troubleshooting an unspecified problem with the left engine. One witness described the accident flight as "test flight".

The airplane wreckage was located in a soft and wet harvested soybean field about 1/4 mile south of MZZ. Postaccident examination of the airplane showed the fuselage, empennage, and inboard sections of both wings were consumed by post-impact fire. The left engine and propeller assembly remained partially attached to the airframe. One propeller blade showed no damage, and one propeller blade was straight and bent aft. The right engine remained partially attached to the airframe, and the right propeller assembly was separated from the engine, aft of the crankshaft flange. One blade was twisted and bent forward, and one blade was twisted and bent aft. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7751Y
Model/Series: PA 30 No Series
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: 1435 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / 0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2800 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 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: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.480556, -85.682500

Jeffrey Curtis Barrett, 60, Chesterfield, passed away at 2:23 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2018, due to injuries sustained in an airplane crash.  He was born in Campton, KY, on May 16, 1958, to the late Herschel and Eva Lee (Caudill) Barrett.

After high school, Jeff enlisted in the Marines.  Following his military service, he attended ITT Technical Institution, where he received his technical certification for HVAC.  He then started working at the Marion VA Hospital.  He continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve with the 434th refueling wing.  Jeff then retired from the VA prior to retiring from the Air Force Reserve.

Jeff was a member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion Post 408, Mississinewa Valley Corvette Club, Grant County Beef Association, and Marion AMVETS (life member).  He enjoyed aviation, traveling, scuba diving, adventuring, playing guitar, golfing, horseback riding, working on cars, and was a motorcycle enthusiast. 

He will be known for how much he loved to tease others, for his spirit of determination, intelligence, self-discipline, and the fact that he could fix just about anything.  Jeff also loved his grandchildren, who will miss him dearly.

His memory will be forever cherished by his children, Curtis Barrett, Chesterfield, Michelle (Allen Wagner) Barrett, Chesterfield, and Nick Barrett, Marion; 5 grandchildren, Gage Barrett, Austin Barrett, Tarrence Barrett, Diamond Barrett, and Breyanna Barrett-Wagner; siblings, Herschel Barrett, Telisa Barrett, and Norman Barrett; best friend, Lee Fridley; and wife of 35 years, Patty Midler Barrett.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-son, Matt Stone, and grandson, Skyler Barrett.

The family will receive visitors from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Jeff’s funeral service beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.  Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Autism Speaks, 1 E. 33rd St., 4th Flr., New York, NY 10016 or St. Jude’s Children Research, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-1942

Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.

MARION, Ind. (WISH) -- A 60-year-old man died Thursday afternoon when his twin-engined plane crashed south of the city's airport. 

Jeffrey Barrett lived in Marion, according to a grandson, Gage Barrett. He said his grandfather had been fixing the aircraft and took it up for a test flight because he had been having issues with the engine and possibly the fuel gauge. Jeffrey Barrett was the only person on the plane, his grandson said.

The crash occurred about 2:20 p.m. between state roads 9 and 37 on State Road 22/U.S. 35, on the south side of the highway and south of one of the airport's runway, said a news release from Grant County Sheriff Ed Beaty. The release said Jeffrey Barrett lived in Chesterfield. 

Gage Barrett says he was one of the first people to the scene. 

"It kind of hit me. My heart kind of knew what was going on. My brain didn't want to accept what was reality," said Barrett. "Right now I still kind of feel like he's with me." 

Former volunteer firefighter Richard Kain said he was driving to work and witnessed the aftermath of the crash. 

"There were several people that ran up to the plane. There was nothing you could do, it was too far gone to be able to do anything," said Kain. "It's just a tragedy that something happened and there was a loss of life. And you just feel for the people that are involved."

Gage Barrett described his grandfather as one of the "smartest, coolest people ever." He said Jeffrey Barrett had retired from the United States Air Force and leaves behind a wife, four children, and five grandchildren. 

After the crash Barrett said he searched his grandfather's hangar and found several receipts for airplane parts. Those documents are now part of the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into exactly what caused the Piper PA-30-160 to crash. 

"He always worked on his own planes. He always told me you know if he died in his aircraft he wanted to be the reason to die so he never let anyone work on his aircraft," said Barrett. 

Sheriff Beaty said State Road 22/U.S. 35 will be closed again Friday as the investigation continues. 

Marion Fire Chief Geoff Williams confirmed the fatality to News 8 just before 3 p.m. The crash happened when the plane nosed-dived in a field. 

Grant County Sheriff Ed Beaty said by email that officials with the Federal Aviation Administration also were heading to the crash. 

The crash was the second in Grant County this year. On April 2, two Madison County firefighters were killed when their plane hit another at the Marion Municipal Airport. 

In that case, an early report from the Federal Aviation Authorities indicated one was landing while another was taking off, and the pilots did not see each other. 

The Marion airport does not have a control tower, and its traffic is controlled from Chicago. 

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

MARION, Indiana (WISH) -  A 60-year-old Marion man died Thursday afternoon when his twin-engined plane crashed south of the city's airport. 

Jeffrey Barrett lived in Marion. According to Gage Barrett, his grandfather had been fixing the aircraft and took it up for a test flight because he had been having issues with the engine and possibly the fuel gauge. Jeffrey Barrett was the only person on the plane, his grandson said.

The crash was along State Road 22, on the south side of the road and south of one of the airport's runway, between state roads 9 and 37. 

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating the crash of the Piper PA-30, a twin-engined cabin monoplane. 

Marion Fire Chief Geoff Williams confirmed the fatality to News 8 just before 3 p.m. The crash happened when the plane nosed-dived. 

Grant County Sheriff Ed Beaty said by email that officials with the Federal Aviation Administration also were heading to the crash. 

The crash was the second in Grant County this year. On April 2, two Madison County firefighters were killed when their plane hit another at the Marion Municipal Airport. 

An early report from the Federal Aviation Authorities indicated one was landing while another was taking off, and the pilots did not see each other. 

The Marion airport does not have a control tower, and its traffic is controlled from Chicago. 

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

MARION, Indiana -- A 60-year-old man is believed to have died when his small plane went down near the airport in Marion Thursday afternoon. 

Multiple emergency crews were called to the scene in the area of 050 West and SR 22/US35 around 2:20 p.m. for a report of a plane crash. 

When emergency crews arrived the plane was already down in a field and was fully engulfed in flames. 

Grant County Sheriff's Department Captain Ed Beaty said their initial investigation shows that only one person was in the time of the crash. That pilot has been preliminarily identified as 60-year-old Jeffrey C. Barrett from Chesterfield, Indiana. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were both contacted to investigate the cause of the crash. Indiana State Police will keep the area secured until their investigation is complete. 

Original article ➤ https://www.theindychannel.com