Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Aerodynamic Stall/Spin: Beechcraft 58P Pressurized Baron, N6745V; Fatal accident occurred December 25, 2018 near Sioux Falls Regional Airport (KFSD), South Dakota





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama
  
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota 
Accident Number: CEN19LA049
Date & Time: December 25, 2018, 17:03 Local
Registration: N6745V
Aircraft: Beech 58 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin 
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot and passenger were on a cross-country flight and an instrument flight rules approach in instrument meteorological conditions. According to air traffic control transcripts, an air traffic controller at the destination airport cleared the flight for the RNAV approach for runway 33. According to ADS-B flight track data, the airplane then turned toward the final approach path just inside the initial approach fix at 3,100 ft mean sea level (msl) and 156 knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS). Subsequently, the airplane proceeded west of the final approach centerline, turned back through the centerline to the east, and then back to the west, resembling s-turns through the extended centerline. During the s-turns across the extended centerline, the controller cleared the airplane to land. Two minutes later, the airplane was about 3,000 ft msl and 78 KCAS, and then began to rapidly descend.

According to a witness and video footage of the accident, the airplane descended in a steep, nose-down attitude. The witness added that it appeared that he then “saw airplane try to pull out of a dive” just before it impacted the ground.

The airplane impacted trees and a building and then came to rest in a residential neighborhood about 200 ft south of the last radar location. The airplane was massively fragmented and a postimpact fire ensued. Impact and fire damage precluded a thorough examination and functional testing of the related airplane systems. Examination of both engines and propeller assemblies revealed signatures consistent with symmetric power development at the time of the accident.

According to a family member of the pilot, 3 months before the accident, the pilot was en route at altitude when the airplane suddenly nosed over. According to a work order, 3 weeks before the accident, the autopilot was removed and repaired. The repair station owner reported that, after a flight 3 days before the accident, the pilot told him that he had no issues with the airplane and that the flight was uneventful.

A review of the airplane’s flight track showed the pilot making S-turns across the approach course, which is consistent with the pilot hand-flying the approach, not a coupled autopilot approach. Therefore, it is unlikely that the pilot was flying the instrument approach using the autopilot system. Further, although the autopilot system could not be functionally tested due to impact and fire damage, it is unlikely that the autopilot system played a role in the accident if it was not in use.

Therefore, based on the radar data, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Given the witness account and surveillance video, it is likely the pilot was attempting to recover from the stall but did not have adequate altitude to do so.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the instrument approach which led to an aerodynamic stall.

Findings

Aircraft Airspeed - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-IFR final approach Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)

On December 25, 2018, about 1703 central standard time, a Beech 58P airplane, N6745V, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A post impact fire ensued. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to air traffic control (ATC) and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) information, the flight departed Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), Grand Rapids, Michigan, about 1407 and was en route to Marv Skie-Lincoln County Airport (Y14), Tea, South Dakota. The pilot had filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan, and instrument meteorological conditions prevailed during the last portion of the flight. Y14 did not have instrument approach capability. According to ATC transcripts, about 1647:41, the pilot confirmed that he had the most recent weather information and stated that he would "need to make an approach [into Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Sioux Falls, South Dakota] and break off"; the pilot initially intended to fly to Y14. The
controller asked the pilot if he wanted the RNAV approach for runway 33 or the ILS approach for runway 3, and the pilot replied that he wanted the RNAV 33 approach. The controller cleared the flight to GIWFI initial approach fix (IAF) and told the pilot to expect the RNAV 33 approach. At 1651:50 the controller reported that the cloud ceiling was 800 ft above ground level (agl) and overcast and told the pilot he was just going to have to fly the approach into FSD. The pilot acknowledged the transmission. According to ADS-B flight track data, the airplane continued to descend and leveled off at 3,100 ft msl about 1656:46 at 169 knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS). At 1657:10, the controller told the pilot to cross the GIWFI IAF at 3,100 ft mean sea level (msl) and cleared the flight for the RNAV 33 approach.

At 1659:41, the airplane was at 3,100 ft msl and 156 KCAS as it turned toward the final approach path just inside the GIWFI IAF. The airplane then began to slow in airspeed and proceeded west of the final approach centerline, turned back through the extended centerline to the east, and then made a left turn back through the centerline to the west. (See figure 1 for plotted radar data showing the airplane’s flightpath in relation to the IAF and final approach path.) At 1701:26, as the airplane crossed the approach path back to the east, the controller cleared the airplane to land on runway 33; the airplane began to descend at 1703:10. At 1703:16, the airplane was at 3,000 ft msl about 78 KCAS. Shortly thereafter, the airplane began to rapidly descend, turning sharply left until the data ended at 1703:31. At 1703:33, the controller issued a low-altitude alert and advised the pilot to check the airplane’s altitude immediately. No other recorded communications were received from the pilot. 

Due to the government furlough, neither the National Transportation Safety Board, nor the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site. The on-scene documentation for this accident was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department.

A witness located about a block from the accident site heard the airplane and then observed the airplane "pop out of the clouds about 1,000 ft agl [above ground level]." He added that the airplane was heading straight down and that “he then saw the airplane try to pull out of the dive" before it impacted the ground and that the engines sounded "okay."

Video footage taken from a security camera located about 1/2 mile northeast of the accident location showed an airplane descend at a steep angle. The airplane remained in the camera’s view for about 2 seconds before it disappeared behind the trees. About 2 seconds later, a smoke plume and fireball were visible.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 68,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: May 17, 2018
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 21, 2016
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2448.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 588.2 hours (Total, this make and model), 6.4 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Burnt remains of the pilot's flight logbook, dated between February 19, 2012, and December 22, 2018, were located in the wreckage of the airplane. The last completed logged entry in the logbook that was visible was dated December 22, 2018, in the accident airplane, for a 2.3-hour flight from Y14 to GRR. The last logged instrument proficiency check was completed on December 11, 2017. The last logged flight review was completed on November 21, 2016.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N6745V
Model/Series: 58 P 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1980 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: TJ-272
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: February 15, 2018 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5585.7 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Teledyne Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-520-WB
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 325 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

According to a family member of the pilot, about 3 months before the accident, the pilot was en route at altitude when the airplane experienced a sudden nose-over event. A work order dated December 4, 2018, showed that several avionics components had been removed and repaired. The repair station owner who performed the repair work reported that the pilot flew the airplane following the repair work and the pilot reported to him that everything was working perfectly. He spoke with the pilot following the flight on December 22, 2018, and the pilot reported that “there were no issues with the airplane and that the flight was uneventful.”

The maintenance records were not located during the investigation. Copies of the last annual inspection were provided by the insurance company. The last annual inspection was completed on February 15, 2018. The airframe total time was recorded as 5,585.7.

According to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook for the Beechcraft Baron 58P, the airspeed markings for the full flap operating range were between 78 and 143 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) and the normal operating range was between 84 and 196 KIAS. Investigators were not able to establish the airplane's weight at the time of the accident and therefore, it was not possible to determine the airplane's actual stall speed at the time of the accident.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument (IMC)
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: FSD,1427 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:56 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 800 ft AGL Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / Turbulence Type
Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 40° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.23 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Tea, SD (Y14)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 15:07 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class D

The closest official weather observation station was Joe Foss Field Airport (FSD), Sioux Falls, South Dakota, located 8 miles north of Y14 and 5 miles north of the accident site. The following conditions were reported at the time of the accident: FSD weather observation at 1656, wind from 040° at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles or more, ceiling overcast at 800 ft agl, temperature -1° Celsius (C), dew point temperature -3° C, altimeter 30.24 inches of mercury (Hg).

The terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) available before the accident flight was issued at 0755, and it was updated at 1127. The 0755 TAF showed that IFR conditions were expected to improve to visual flight rules conditions by the time of the accident, wind from 070° at 5 knots, visibility greater than 6 miles, and ceiling broken at 6,000 ft agl. An updated forecast issued at 1127 reported that conditions were expected to improve to minimum visual flight rules (MVFR) conditions, wind from 060° at 5 knots, visibility greater than 6 miles, and a broken ceiling at 1,000 ft agl. However, the forecasts did not correspond to the weather conditions FSD reported at 1656 (7 minutes before the accident), at which time IFR not MVFR conditions prevailed.

The United States Naval Observatory reported that the sun set in Sioux Falls at 1656 and that the end of evening civil twilight was 1728. At the time of the accident, the sun was 2° below the horizon at an azimuth of 239°.

Airport Information

Airport: Joe Foss Field Airport KFSD 
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 1429 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: RNAV Runway
Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 43.501945,-96.700836(est)

The initial impact point was located in trees and along the back of a structure in a residential area. All major components of the airplane were located at the accident scene. Both engines, the wings, and the empennage separated during the impact sequence and were located within the debris field.

The fuselage was fragmented and exhibited postimpact fire damaged. Both wings were fragmented and exhibited postimpact fire damage. Both flap actuators were extended 5 inches consistent with 20° of flaps. The aileron flight control cables were impact damaged and separated. Damage to the flight control cables was consistent overload separation due to impact forces.

The empennage was fragmented due to impact forces and exhibited postimpact fire damage. The vertical stabilizer and exhibited impact damage at the root. The rudder had separated from the vertical stabilizer and exhibited impact damage. The horizontal stabilizer exhibited impact and fire damage. The left elevator remained partially attached, and the right elevator had separated; both elevators exhibited impact and fire damage. The rudder and elevator control cables exhibited impact damage and had separated due to impact forces.

Both engines exhibited impact damage and had separated from the airframe. Examination of both engines revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Both propeller assemblies remained attached to their respective engines. The propeller blades for the right engine exhibited chordwise scratching, bending, and leading edge damage. The propeller blades for the left engine exhibited chordwise scratches across the cambered surface and leading edge damage.

Medical and Pathological Information

An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Sanford Health Pathology Clinic on December 26, 2018, as authorized by the Minnehaha County Coroner's office. The autopsy concluded that the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing of the pilot's tissue and fluid samples performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, were negative for all tests conducted. 

Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Accident Number: CEN19LA049
Date & Time: 12/25/2018, 1703 CST
Registration: N6745V
Aircraft: Beech 58
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 25, 2018, about 1703 central standard time, a Beech 58P, N6745V, was destroyed when it impacted structures and terrain 3 miles south of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A post impact fire ensued. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight originated from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), Grand Rapids, Michigan, about 1407 and was en route to Marv Skie-Lincoln County Airport (Y14), Tea, South Dakota.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot was cleared for the area navigation approach (RNAV) to runway 33. The pilot stated that he wanted to "break off the approach" and land at Y14. The pilot was advised that FSD was IFR and he acknowledged. According to a preliminary review of radar data provided by the FAA, the airplane continued the approach; however, the airplane did not stop descending and the controller advised the pilot that the airplane's altitude was low. There were no further communications received from the pilot and radar contact was lost.

Due to the government furlough, neither the National Transportation Safety Board, nor the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site. The on-scene documentation for this accident was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department.

The initial impact point was located in trees and along the back of a structure in a residential area. All major components of the airplane were located at the accident scene. Both engines, the left side of the wing, the right side of the wing, and the empennage separated during the impact sequence and were located within the debris field. One landing gear assembly was located across the street from the main wreckage.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N6745V
Model/Series: 58 P
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: FSD, 1427 ft msl
Observation Time: 1753 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 50°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 700 ft agl
Visibility:  9 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.27 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
Destination: Tea, SD (Y14) 

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:  43.501944, -96.700833 (est)

JoAnn (left) and Vaughn Meyer were killed in a plane crash in Sioux Falls on Christmas Day 2018. The Meyers were known as philanthropists who donated frequently to causes around Sioux Falls.


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) - The wreckage from the Christmas Day plane crash in Sioux Falls is now in the hands of federal investigators as they search for the cause of the deadly crash.

Since the tragedy, many people have been sharing their memories of the victims, Vaughn and Joann Meyer.

As debris from Tuesday night's crash gets picked up today, some people in the community are still thinking about the incident.

"It's just tragic when you hear about an aviation-related accident, specifically because I'm a pilot, I care about other pilots, their families, my family," private pilot, Peter Sanchez said.

Sanchez has been a private pilot for 20 years. As part of the aviation community in Sioux Falls, he says something like this leaves many people looking for answers.

"If it was a mechanical problem or weather-related, or something, everybody wants answers and that's kind of how the aviation community is feeling right now. We're hopeful that something can be found out during the investigation. What happened? What went wrong? What could be done in the future to prevent something like this?" Sanchez said.

Sanchez says Meyer made an impact in other pilots lives as well.

"Undoubtedly he has passed on information and knowledge and experience to the younger generation pilots," Sanchez said.

And now a tragedy is impacting many in the community.

"Touched many people's lives, through many different avenues, through their church, through him being a physician, so it makes a big impact, a loss like that," Sanchez said."

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



A Minnesota company under contract from the National Transportation Safety Board was able to complete their job despite poor weather conditions. Also, additional information that clarifies what kind of plane crashed in Sioux Falls was revealed.

Sioux Falls Police Captain Loren McManus explained at the Thursday briefing that the plane that crashed on Christmas Day was different than first thought.

“Based on the aircraft tail number, we believe that this was likely a twin-engine airplane. Initially we thought it was a single engine, but in fact, this particular model manufactured by the Beechcraft Corporation was a twin-engine and we wanted to clarify that.”

McManus also had been in contact with Wentworth Aircraft Incorporated which is out of Crystal, Minnesota which the NTSB trusted with the recovery effort. After arriving in Sioux Falls Wednesday evening, they had hoped to finish their work within a day, weather permitting. By the middle of Thursday afternoon, the job was completed and Sgt. Kevin Henkel with Sioux Falls Police confirmed in an email that Birchwood Avenue and 51st Street was open to traffic.

Visitation for Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer will be held on Sunday, December 30 from 4:00-7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at George Boom Funeral Home. The funeral will be at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 31.

http://ksoo.com



Dr. Vaughn and JoAnn's Obituary

Sioux Falls, SD ~ Dr. Vaughn and JoAnn (Kruse) Meyer were called together to Heaven on Christmas afternoon.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 31, 2018 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.  Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM on Sunday at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to Sioux Falls Lutheran Schools. 

Vaughn Henry Meyer was born on January 2, 1950, in Tulare, SD, the first born of six children, to Eugene Henry and Ruby (Binger) Meyer. JoAnn Kruse was born on March 20, 1950 in Hartley, IA, the youngest of two children, to Vernon and Evelyn (Steinbeck) Kruse. She was raised in Sutherland, IA.

Vaughn and JoAnn met while attending college at the University of South Dakota.  They were married on August 28, 1971. They are survived by their three children - Jason (wife Bobbi and children: Sophia and Henry) of Harrisburg, SD, Dr. Jill Onesti (husband, Anthony and children: Avery, Leo and Rocco) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Dr. Meredith Meyer of San Francisco, CA; of equal blessing to them was their dear friend and honorary daughter, Tamara Nash of Sioux Falls, SD; Vaughn’s siblings: Keith (Joyce) Meyer, Rossville, KS, Deborah (Terry) Pentecost, Lawrence, KS, Joyce (Daryl) Buchholz, Manhattan, KS, Janice (Dave) Sharp, Rossville, KS and Faye (Brad) Miller, Rossville, KS; JoAnn’s brother, Ronald (JoAnn) Kruse, Omaha, NE; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Raised as a hardworking farmer, Vaughn became a pilot while in medical school and fell in love with the thrill of flight.  He was passionate about his plastic surgery practice and making a difference in each patient's life. He loved hockey and cheering on the Minnesota Wild or Sioux Falls Stampede.  During his retirement, he enjoyed devoting more time to their church (Our Redeemer Lutheran) and developing the growth of the Sioux Falls Lutheran school. He was diligent about learning to play the piano.  He served as an inspiration to all his children who pursued careers in the medical field.

JoAnn worked as a speech language pathologist and supported Vaughn and the family through residency in Missouri with her job and endless willingness to be a study partner.   After moving to South Dakota, she was able to focus on raising their three children. As the kids grew older, she continued to find avenues to share her blessings. She dedicated many years to bringing God’s ministry to people who were homebound and providing comfort foods to those going through challenging times.  Despite her grace and gentleness, she was intensely competitive and an avid tennis player and golfer. She loved playing games with every member of the family including cards, basketball and ping pong. She “never” lost a game of ‘horse,’ and was the unofficial ping pong champion of Christmas, 2017. JoAnn lived her life with such positivity that she elevated everyone around her.

Despite being retired for the past four years, Vaughn and JoAnn managed to become busier than ever.  They loved traveling to visit their grandchildren and other relatives. They also found time to cruise along the Seine, drive through back roads in Ireland, visit the Holy Lands, tour Russia, learn local customs in Croatia and hike Machu Pichu.  They thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with their friends (and any of their kids’ friends). Pickleball, book club, bridge club and entertaining during sunsets at the lake cabin kept them beyond busy. This Christmas they continued their tradition of seeing the Rockettes in NYC.  Their lives were incredibly full of joy, peace and blessings. A special treat included trips to Hawaii with various friends and family to soak up the sun, watch the whales, and celebrate the awe of God’s creation.

Despite the tragic end, the family continues to rejoice in the comfort that God was guiding them on their final journey home.  They fondly remember the years of family trips and memories associated with flights by Pilot Vaughn and Flight Attendant JoAnn on N6745V.  Flying will always be an enjoyable memory.

Their family is forever touched by the heroic action taken by those who were personally and immediately affected by this tragedy - you will forever remain in our prayers.  

While they are missed dearly, their compassionate spirit continues to inspire.  The best way to celebrate their memory is to quote their Christmas card, "God is so good!"

https://www.georgeboom.com


A prominent Sioux Falls couple known for their philanthropy were identified as the victims in a Christmas night plane crash, according to their son.

Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer, both 68, were heading toward the Sioux Falls airport when their twin engine Beechcraft plummeted out of the sky. The plane burst into flames after hitting the ground near homes in a southeastern Sioux Falls neighborhood.

The Meyers' son, Jason Meyer, confirmed his parents' deaths on Wednesday. At 4 p.m., Sioux Falls police additionally confirmed the Meyers' identities in an emailed press release.

The couple were known for their generosity, particularly to Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Earlier this year, the school announced that it was naming its new 400-seat chapel and performing arts center in their recognition after they donated more than $1 million to the project. In a release announcing the gift, the Meyers lauded the school for teaching their children.

The couple were known for their generosity, particularly to Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Earlier this year, the school announced that it was naming its new 400-seat chapel and performing arts center in their recognition after they donated more than $1 million to the project. In a release announcing the gift, the Meyers lauded the school for teaching their children.

Vaughn Meyer, a retired plastic surgeon, received his pilot’s license in 2010, according to FAA records. According to his certification information, he was certified to be flying the plane in the conditions in which the crash occurred.

A Sioux Falls Business Journal profile of Meyers from 2008 stated that he worked for Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota and enjoyed flying his Beechcraft Baron. He also spoke of his love for his work as a plastic surgeon.

“In my field, what’s really nice is when you see people have something that you can do something for … where you see people really feel better about where they just come from,” Vaughn Meyer said at the time. “That’s what I think is one of the more rewarding things we do in plastic surgery – partly because just about everything we do is quite visible to everybody.”

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



A plane that crashed in Sioux Falls Christmas night was registered to a retired Sioux Falls plastic surgeon, according to federal records.

Vaughn Meyer is listed as the owner of the Beechcraft 58P Pressurized Baron. Meyer is also a licensed pilot, according to public records.

The plane’s identification number was cited in radio communications between air traffic controllers, the plane’s pilot and other pilots in the area multiple times Tuesday evening, including in the minutes before it plummeted into a residential neighborhood shortly after 5 p.m.

“Four Five Victor – altitude alert. Check your altitude immediately,” an air traffic controller radioed to the plane just before it crashed.

Authorities Wednesday confirmed that two people on the plane were killed. Their identities have not been released. The plane was on its way to Sioux Falls from Grand Rapids, Michigan, according to publicly available flight tracking services.

A cause of the crash has not been released and the incident is under federal investigation. Calls to the media contact for the National Transportation Safety Board were not returned due to the government shutdown.

Les Mittleider, a pilot, mechanic and president of L&D Aero Service in Rapid City, said that type of Beechcraft is a twin-engine plane that is also pressurized, meaning it can fly at higher altitudes without the need for occupants to use oxygen.

“They’re a fairly common airplane,” Mittleider said. “Of course, any of the twins are a little different to fly.”

The plane was more advanced and likely had de-icing equipment, Mittleider said.

Pilots of twin-engine planes are required to undergo at least 10 hours of additional flight training, Mittleider said. Part of that training is to learn how to deal with the plane if one engine quits.

“It gets to be a tricky thing,” he said. “The biggest thing is to maintain altitude and control of the aircraft, of course.”

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



Recorded audio of the radio conversations between Sioux Falls air traffic controllers and the pilot who later crashed in a city neighborhood on Tuesday show controllers warned the pilot of his low altitude, then tried in vain to get him back in touch.

Below is a partial transcript of a recording of Sioux Falls air traffic controller radio audio from about 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The plane crashed just after 5 p.m.

The recording was obtained from LiveATC.net, a site that livestreams and archives air traffic audio from airports all over the world. The transcript includes those portions relevant to N6745V, a Beechcraft 58P Pressurized Baron registered to Sioux Falls plastic surgeon Vaughn Meyer.

(Time listed below denotes audio time. Audio recording starts at about 5 p.m.)

00:45 – A Sioux Falls Approach air traffic controller directs N6745V to contact Sioux falls Tower controller, which will give final clearance to land at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport). The pilot affirms, and signs with last part of call sign – “Four-Five Victor.”

00:55 – Indistinct audio, but it sounds like the pilot of N6745V is contacting Sioux Falls Tower, which responds.

1:00 - SF Tower clears pilot to land runway 33 (at Sioux Falls Regional Airport, a main runway running approximately south-southeast to north-northwest). Pilots responds but the recorded audio level is so low it’s not clear what he says.

3:03 - SF Tower calls pilot, warns of low altitude alert – “Four Five Victor. Low altitude alert. Check your altitude immediately.”

3:10 - SF Tower tells pilot to climb to and maintain 3,000 feet altitude and asks for the pilot to respond: “Say altitude?” There is no response.

3:30 - SF Tower controller sounds frantic, calls to pilot: “November Four-Five Victor!”

3:40 – SF Tower controller, asking for response: “Four-Five Victor, Sioux Falls Tower. How do you hear?”

4:09 – SF Tower repeats request: “How do you hear?”

4:11 – SF Approach tells Skies 5378, a United Airlines flight from Denver, lining up for landing but still some distance out: “Standby.”

4:19 – SF Tower repeats request – “How do you hear?”

6:57 – SF Tower: “How do you hear?”

7:35 – SF Approach directs a United aircraft, Skies 5878, en route from Denver, preparing to land on Runway 3. Informs that pilot: “Just so you know, I think we just lost an aircraft on final to runway 33. If you hear chatter on 21.5 (emergency frequency) please let us know, please. We’re trying to find this aircraft.”

8:17 – SF Approach: “We got ahold of 911 on the regular telephone here so we’re working through the issue, that angle.”

8:45 – SF Approach: “It was actually three or four miles south of the airport, and we have made contact with 911 on that number, so we’re working through from that angle as well.”

9:44 – SF Approach to the two commercial aircraft he’s lining up for landing (Wisconsin 4800 – United flight from Chicago, and Skies 5878): “We have a lot of stuff going on in the tower. Please no special requests unless it’s an emergency.”

9:54 – SF Approach to Wisconsin 4800: “I think we lost an aircraft on about a 3-mile final, a Baron. If you hear anything, let me know.”

19:49 – SF Approach to another inbound commercial jet – Delta 2700, en route from Minneapolis: “Not sure if I briefed you on it. We’ve got a bit of an emergency at the control tower. If somebody doesn’t respond, would you just please give us a little breathing room on it. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.”

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




Update, 10:50 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26: Capt. Loren McManus with the Sioux Falls police department has confirmed a second fatality in the plane crash.

Earlier story: At least one person is dead after an airplane crashed into a residential neighborhood in Sioux Falls early Tuesday evening.

Reports came into Metro Communications shortly after 5 p.m. that a plane had crashed into a residential neighborhood in the 4200 block of south Birchwood Avenue, causing multiple homes to catch fire.

'I think we just lost an aircraft': Audio of air traffic controllers on night of Sioux Falls plane crash

Regan Smith, Sioux Falls Emergency Manager, confirmed at least one person succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident, believed to be the pilot of the small frame, small engine aircraft, and there could be more fatalities.

"We're still investigating, and there may be more fatalities," he said during a 7 p.m. briefing with media on scene.

Two homes sustained exterior damage from the crash, Smith said, and four homes were evacuated while fire and emergency crews work to stabilize the scene.

“We’re working this through the evening as far as continuing the search and seeing what’s going on in the neighborhood and making sure that everything is OK," Smith said.

Smith said the plane was southbound when it crashed into the residential neighborhood, leaving a "large debris field associated with the scene" in its wake. 

It's unclear the number of occupants in the plane or in the homes. The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation. 

'There was just fire everywhere'

Grace Chinn lives in the house at the corner of Woodwind Lane and 51st Street, just west of one hit by the plane. It crashed in her backyard, and she said she's not sure, but at one point her deck might have been on fire. She and her family were going about their Christmas night when they heard the crash. 

"We felt it more than heard it," Chinn said. "It shook our whole house."

The family was evacuated not long after the crash.

Across the street on 51st Street, neighbor Brian Monahan was wrapping up desserts and a gift exchange with his family when he saw the plane out his front window. As it nosedived into the space between the two homes, he rushed to help.

"I sprinted over there and there was just fire everywhere," Monahan said. "It was hard to tell what was plane."

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





SIOUX FALLS – One person in confirmed dead after a small plane crashed in a southeast Sioux Falls neighborhood on Christmas. The call came in shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday in the area of E. 49th St. and Birchwood Ave.

Authorities confirm one person aboard the plane died in the crash, they say there could be additional fatalities.

Sioux Falls Police have secured the scene as they continue to investigate.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been contacted, and a crew is expected on scene Wednesday.

Four houses were damaged when the plane crashed, two of them sustained significant exterior damage.

At least four homes have been evacuated.

“There’s a large debris field associated with the scene, so that’s why we’re securing it for the evening. For the two houses that were struck, I don’t anticipate that the residents will be able to remain in those homes overnight. Red Cross is responding and will assist those families if needed.”

Authorities have not confirmed how many people were aboard the plane.

We expect another update 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Sioux Falls police department media briefing.

Sioux Falls Police, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Minnehaha County Sheriff, Paramedics Plus, Xcel Energy, MidAmerican Energy, Airport Authority, Red Cross, Air Guard Fire responded to the scene, they expect to have presence in the area throughout the evening.

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










Sioux Falls, South Dakota  - Sioux Falls first responders are on the scene of a fiery plane crash in a southeast side neighborhood.

Sioux Falls Emergency Manager Regan Smith confirms one person, who was on the aircraft, has died and it's unclear if there are any additional fatalities.

Crews were called to the 4600 block of South Birchwood Avenue just after 5:00 p.m. Tuesday after a small engine aircraft crashed in between two homes in the area. A total of four homes have been evacuated and officers have blocked off a large area, Tuesday night.

The Red Cross is assisting families who have been displaced.

This is a joint effort between Sioux Falls Police, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Paramedics Plus, the Airport Authority and National Guard Firefighters. Xcel Energy and MidAmerican Energy are also on scene.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been called to assist in the investigation. 

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







SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - UPDATED 7:07 p.m. 

The scene of a small plane crash in eastern Sioux Falls will remain secure by authorities Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. 

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue said the National Transportation Safety Board has been contacted to conduct an investigation of the plane crash. Sioux Falls Emergency Manager Regan Smith said the plane was heading south when it crashed. 

Smith added more information will be released at police briefing at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. 

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

40 comments:

  1. Last picture looks to be a flap track :(

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  2. Yet another mishandled engine out on a twin?
    We need to mandate mu-2b type recurring training for all larger twins which can now be flown by any smuck with a multi rating and a private license.

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  3. "Yet another mishandled engine out on a twin?
    We need to mandate mu-2b type recurring training for all larger twins which can now be flown by any smuck with a multi rating and a private license."

    In addition to this comment being ridiculous and crass, it fails to take into consideration the requirements for pressurized twins. I have no idea what you consider to be a "larger" twin, but I'm sure the pilot was required to do initial training upon purchase, and was likely doing some form of insurance company mandated yearly recurrent. Let's wait until we have some facts, shall we? RIP to those souls lost.

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  4. This is not ridiculous just a statistical fact. Twins need a lot of TLC if an engine fails. And 2x the risks of engine failure too. Inhole's own son was an experienced pilot who died after his mu-2b had an engine out in similar conditions.

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  5. What is ridiculous is your assertion that we "need to mandate" additional training as a result of a single accident, the cause of which we have no incontrovertible facts. At this point, you do not know the pilot's level of experience, prior training, or if any of that is even related to the loss. I am well aware of the risks involved in flying twins.

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  6. Just basing it on stats. Some dude in Florida was even flying a twin with no pilot's license since 1998 and crashed it killing him and his sugar baby 25 years younger than him. Not judging here but emergency management is a thing and most crashes are due to pilot error. Mostly carelessness. Most people who stick by rules live a long and safe flying career.

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  7. Agreed. Didn't want to spread a false narrative but reading countless such crashes I have a bad feeling of what may be the cause of this one. Low speed close to the red line on IFR approach... If an engine out happens then... One needs to be on top of their game or else...

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  8. Haven't seen the weather at the time but slowing down with the gear and flaps coming out is where any air frame icing can become a big problem quickly.

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  9. Maybe, Maybe, Maybe, now we are at maybe icing yet and Davey didn't even say that....wow!

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  10. Agreed ... As long as he doesn't equip the plane with equipment not found on P Barons .... Inertial separators come to mind.

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  11. METAR KFSD 252356Z 05009KT 9SM OVC007 M01/M03 A3027 RMK AO2
    SLP270 T10111033 10006 21011 53022=

    METAR KFSD 252256Z 04008KT 10SM OVC008 M01/M03 A3024 RMK
    AO2 SLP260 T10111033=

    METAR KFSD 252156Z 03008KT 10SM OVC010 00/M03 A3022 RMK AO2
    SLP253 T00001028=

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  12. Weather wasn't that bad except for the icing potential in the clouds. Accident was on the localizer about 5 miles out so he would have still been in cloud until the loss of control.

    P-baron is approved for FIKI provided all of the equipment is installed, working, and being used properly. Even with the approval, the equipment is not there for continued operation in icing conditions, but to give you time to get out of icing conditions.

    Again ... Bad news. RIP

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  13. This looks a lot like another case of "gethomeitis" in weather conditions (icing) for which the aircraft was not certified. Why do folks not just stay on the ground instead of risking their lives flying a light aircraft in marginal conditions in the middle of winter?

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  14. Very few P-barons were not certified FIKI.

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  15. 01-once again I must have missed something as I don't recall reading anything (other than in the armchair qtr backs comments) about loss of control or icing.

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  16. Records show this Baron had 2 Continental TSIO-520 fuel-injected 325 HP engines so I would say that rules out "carb ice".

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  17. I wonder if he had ice build up couldn't see it when he dropped the gear or flaps the wing stalled. He had some altitude although should have been able to recover. What I don't get is guy like this retired plastic surgeon probably packed away several million in retirement he's flying a 1980's Barron. If you going to fly around and live good life of retirement buy something new with better technology. The area he flies in known ice why not just buy an aircraft that is certified to fly into ice or a small Jet go up over weather. Most people who aren't millionaires have to settle for older aircraft all they can afford.

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  18. Almost all of the P-barons were certified FIKI ... That is flight into known icing.

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  19. The FAA tells CFI’s that you will want to utilize scenario-based training because it results in a pilot who is better prepared to be truly pilot-in-command. The Feds say you want to do this because it helps provide the risk management skills needed for safe outcomes in flying, including Risk, Critical thinking, Flight management skills, Judgment, Aeronautical decision-making, and Single-pilot resource management. I say using all of these big words confuses the real issue. IF THE WEATHER IS BAD STAY ON THE GROUND. There, any questions?

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  20. ^^^ Could you provide us with your definition of "Bad Weather"? Please be specific.

    Also curious as to your qualifications as a pilot.

    Thanks.

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  21. Certainly, MVFR.

    ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, Air Carrier
    30K + hours

    Thank you for asking.

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  22. Typical air carrier pilot attitude. You guys have your hands held from start to finish and wouldn’t know the details of a single pilot ifr flight if it hit you in the head.

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  23. ^^^ Agree ... Sounds like a real Richard ... As we say. Flying a turn with him probably feels like a bad 4 day.

    Probably has little GA time.

    And to Richard ... Just fly your jet. Keep the autopilot engaged and follow the magenta line.

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  24. Guys, guys ... Richard ah Dick here. 17K GA. 4K 525B single pilot. 295K per year was the attraction. Still an FO though. Jump on board. Thanks again gents! Stay safe please!

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  25. Hey Dick, don't waste your valuable time. Air Carriers now days hire for ATTITUDE and train to proficiency. BTW, jealousy is the worst human emotion. Fly safe Sir!

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  26. I'm the guy that first referred to him as a Richard ... I match his credential and I'm air carrier also .... He is one of those in the 15% that give the rest of us a bad name. The REAL fun is GA ... Was flying gliders last weekend.

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  27. ... and bragging about the money ... Sad but I guess it makes him feel better.

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  28. Hire for attitude and train to proficiency. Well, well, guy one must be an "old timer". Four days with this -Richard- would make one want to take a tech job; or pop coke cans in the back!

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  29. Hey everyone - watch this please. This CFI/DPE has nailed it!

    "The Drill"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_KGu2CFUU4

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  30. Very sexist remarks here. Who says this person the other two are bashing is a man?

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  31. ........ shakin' my head ........

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  32. "I match his credential and I'm air carrier also" - Really, how so?

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  33. ^^^ I have the same laundry list he has listed ... Plus a few other things I could list ... He/you probably have a few additional things that could be listed. None of it really matters.

    I also work for an air carrier ... For another year or so anyway then I'm done.

    He has me beat on total time but most guys I work with do ... I'm not one of the prostitutes ... I prefer to bid low time and drop from there. I don't put much weight on a guys total time anyway ... It's not like you get a 'Free get out of jail' card at any point ... The only hour that matters is the one you are getting ready to fly. If any of us do something stupid on our next flight we can be dead ... Just as dead as a low hour pilot that does something stupid.

    It's been a good career but in the grand scheme of things, all of the credentials, all of the hours, and a few dollars will get you a cup of coffee.

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  34. Very true Sir! Take care, have fun and fly safe!

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  35. "The Drill videos are excellent. Thank You for bringing them to my attention!

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