Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lincoln, Nebraska
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Flying Wrenches LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N45609
Location: Grand Island, NE
Accident Number: GAA17CA403
Date & Time: 07/06/2017, 0615 CDT
Registration: N45609
Aircraft: LUSCOMBE 8
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional
Analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during an instructional flight, when the tailwheel-equipped airplane was at rotation for takeoff, it sharply veered to the left. When safe flight was not assured, the flight instructor took over control from the student pilot, and subsequently the airplane exited the runway into the adjacent grassy area.
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage.
The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
Findings
Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
History of Flight
Takeoff
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Takeoff-rejected takeoff
Runway excursion
The flight instructor reported that during an instructional flight, when the tailwheel-equipped airplane was at rotation for takeoff, it sharply veered to the left. When safe flight was not assured, the flight instructor took over control from the student pilot, and subsequently landed the airplane in the grass area adjacent to the runway.
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage.
The flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Student Pilot Information
Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/17/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/16/2016
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2062 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 1812 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 41.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4.3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Flight Instructor Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/05/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/20/2015
Flight Time: 1893 hours (Total, all aircraft), 64 hours (Total, this make and model), 1701 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: LUSCOMBE
Registration: N45609
Model/Series: 8 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2136
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/08/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1260 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3187.47 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: A65-8
Registered Owner: FLYING WRENCHES LLC.
Rated Power: 65 hp
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: KGRI, 1856 ft msl
Observation Time: 1053 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 206°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 18°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots, 230°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Grand Island, NE (GRI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Grand Island, NE (GRI)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D
Airport Information
Airport: Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI)
Runway Surface Type: Concrete; Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1847 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7002 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 40.967500, -98.309722 (est)
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Southwest Airlines, Boeing 737-800: Incident occurred February 07, 2018 at Baltimore–Washington International Airport (KBWI), Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore
Flight 906: While taxiing for departure slid off the runway.
Date: 07-FEB-18
Time: 11:25:00Z
Regis#: UNK
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 738
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Flight Number: 906
City: BALTIMORE
State: MARYLAND
The FAA released the following statement:
Southwest Airlines 906, a Boeing 737, slid sideways on Taxiway PAPA while preparing for departure at Baltimore-Washington International Airport today at 10 a.m. The aircraft remained on the taxiway and will be towed to the gate. The passengers are being deplaned and bussed to the terminal. Contact the airline for passenger information. The FAA will investigate.
A Southwest Airlines plane carrying 143 passengers slid off a taxiway at an airport near Baltimore on Wednesday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
The Southwest flight was preparing to take off for Montego Bay in Jamaica when the incident occurred, according to Southwest. The Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland has said passengers were transported from the outbound aircraft shortly afterward, but only wrote that the plane had "stopped on the taxiway pavement." BWI further stated that there were no reported injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the incident occurred at around 10 a.m. EST, and added that the agency intends to investigate what caused the plane to slide "sideways" while preparing to depart.
According to social media posts from passengers, the Jamaica-bound flight was taxiing to the runway when it skidded off into the grass. A passenger on the plane also claimed that the pilot attributed the incident to an “icy spot” on the taxiway, though she wasn't convinced that was accurate.
“What was pilot thinking? Hitting the throttle before making the turn with only grass in front of him?!” wrote Instagram user Donna Edmonds.
Footage taken by Twitter user Lilith Christiansen further shows passengers disembarking the plane via a ladder, while emergency crews and airport personnel stand nearby.
Emergency crews were also said to be “everywhere” by observer Todd Miller, who posted a photo of the aircraft on Facebook shortly before 11 a.m. In it, the Southwest aircraft appeared to be slumped forward toward its nose.
Both the FAA and BWI say the airplane will be towed off the taxiway and back to a gate, although WBAL reported that the plane was still sitting on the runway as of 11:30 a.m. Other flights out of BWI are continuing to operate, the airport said via Twitter.
A representative for Southwest Airlines echoed BWI's statement that there were no injuries to report, adding that customers will be continuing on to their intended destination of Montego Bay on a different plane.
"At approximately 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, February 7, the front of the aircraft operating Southwest flight 906 from Baltimore Washington to Montego Bay International Airport traveled to the edge, but did not exit, the taxiway prior to departure," a spokesperson for Southwest said in a statement obtained by Fox News. "The 143 passengers and six crew members safely deplaned via airstairs and were bussed to the airport terminal. There are no injuries to report.
"The Customers onboard the flight will be accommodated on a different aircraft and are scheduled to arrive in Montego Bay approximately three hours behind schedule. As always, the safety and support of our customers and employees remains our primary focus and we are working to get them on their way as quickly as possible," the statement read.
This is the second time a commercial plane skidded off a runway or taxiway in recent months. In January, a Pegasus Airlines flight skidded down a small cliff after landing at a Turkish airport.
Story, video and photos: http://www.foxnews.com
Flight 906: While taxiing for departure slid off the runway.
Date: 07-FEB-18
Time: 11:25:00Z
Regis#: UNK
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 738
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Flight Number: 906
City: BALTIMORE
State: MARYLAND
Southwest Airlines 906, a Boeing 737, slid sideways on Taxiway PAPA while preparing for departure at Baltimore-Washington International Airport today at 10 a.m. The aircraft remained on the taxiway and will be towed to the gate. The passengers are being deplaned and bussed to the terminal. Contact the airline for passenger information. The FAA will investigate.
A Southwest Airlines plane carrying 143 passengers slid off a taxiway at an airport near Baltimore on Wednesday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
The Southwest flight was preparing to take off for Montego Bay in Jamaica when the incident occurred, according to Southwest. The Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland has said passengers were transported from the outbound aircraft shortly afterward, but only wrote that the plane had "stopped on the taxiway pavement." BWI further stated that there were no reported injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the incident occurred at around 10 a.m. EST, and added that the agency intends to investigate what caused the plane to slide "sideways" while preparing to depart.
According to social media posts from passengers, the Jamaica-bound flight was taxiing to the runway when it skidded off into the grass. A passenger on the plane also claimed that the pilot attributed the incident to an “icy spot” on the taxiway, though she wasn't convinced that was accurate.
“What was pilot thinking? Hitting the throttle before making the turn with only grass in front of him?!” wrote Instagram user Donna Edmonds.
Footage taken by Twitter user Lilith Christiansen further shows passengers disembarking the plane via a ladder, while emergency crews and airport personnel stand nearby.
Emergency crews were also said to be “everywhere” by observer Todd Miller, who posted a photo of the aircraft on Facebook shortly before 11 a.m. In it, the Southwest aircraft appeared to be slumped forward toward its nose.
Both the FAA and BWI say the airplane will be towed off the taxiway and back to a gate, although WBAL reported that the plane was still sitting on the runway as of 11:30 a.m. Other flights out of BWI are continuing to operate, the airport said via Twitter.
A representative for Southwest Airlines echoed BWI's statement that there were no injuries to report, adding that customers will be continuing on to their intended destination of Montego Bay on a different plane.
"At approximately 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, February 7, the front of the aircraft operating Southwest flight 906 from Baltimore Washington to Montego Bay International Airport traveled to the edge, but did not exit, the taxiway prior to departure," a spokesperson for Southwest said in a statement obtained by Fox News. "The 143 passengers and six crew members safely deplaned via airstairs and were bussed to the airport terminal. There are no injuries to report.
"The Customers onboard the flight will be accommodated on a different aircraft and are scheduled to arrive in Montego Bay approximately three hours behind schedule. As always, the safety and support of our customers and employees remains our primary focus and we are working to get them on their way as quickly as possible," the statement read.
This is the second time a commercial plane skidded off a runway or taxiway in recent months. In January, a Pegasus Airlines flight skidded down a small cliff after landing at a Turkish airport.
Story, video and photos: http://www.foxnews.com
American Eagle / PSA Airlines, Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-700: Incident occurred February 07, 2018 at T. F. Green Airport (KPVD), Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island
WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — A plane that struck a small flock of birds made an emergency landing at T.F. Green in Warwick Wednesday afternoon.
American Eagle flight 5396, which was being operated by PSA Airlines, collided with several horned larks on during takeoff around 12:45 p.m., a spokesman for the airport told NBC 10 News.
The flight was headed for Reagan National Airport in Virginia, but returned to Warwick as a precaution.
The spokesman said the plane landed safely, adding that a maintenance team is inspecting the aircraft.
It is unclear how many passengers were on board.
Planes at T.F. Green have struck animals at least 51 times since 2015, according to Federal Aviation Administartion data.
Most of the animals listed were birds.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://turnto10.com
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — An American Airlines flight was forced to return to T. F. Green Airport Wednesday afternoon after a reported bird strike during flight.
American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said American Eagle Flight 5396 – which is operated by PSA Airlines – landed safely.
Feinstein said the plane was in the air for less than 30 minutes when the bird strike happened.
According to T.F. Green’s website, the flight was scheduled to depart at 11:51 a.m. for Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC.
Feinstein said maintenance crews at the airport were inspecting the plane for possible damage.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://wpri.com
Cessna 340, N5870M, registered to and operated by Holubar Properties Inc: Accident occurred September 09, 2017 at McKinney National Airport (KTKI), Collin County, Texas
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Dallas, Texas
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Holubar Properties Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N5870M
Location: McKinney, TX
Accident Number: CEN17LA351
Date & Time: 09/09/2017, 1500 CDT
Registration: N5870M
Aircraft: CESSNA 340
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear collapse
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business
On September 9, 2017, about 1500 central daylight time, a twin-engine Cessna 340 airplane, N5870M, experienced a gear collapse after landing at the McKinney National Airport (KTKI), McKinney, Texas. The commercial rated pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by Holubar Properties, Inc., McKinney, Texas, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane landed on runway 36, and during the rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed. An examination of the airplane noted revealed substantial damage to the airplane's aileron, and the left gear down-lock and bell crank pivot bolt were broken.
A review of the Cessna 340 maintenance manual revealed that the landing gear system is to be disassembled/inspected after 20 years (or 10,000 landings) and every 10 years/5,000 landings after the initial inspection. Additionally, the maintenance manual indicates that the main landing gear bell crank pivot bolt to be inspected for wear, every 3 years (or 500 landings) after an initial inspection at 3 years or 1,000 landings.
A review of the airplane maintenance records did not reveal an entry were the landing gear inspections had been accomplished. The records revealed the airframe had accumulated 5,799.3 hours at the time of the last annual inspection, that was dated September 1, 2016.
The pilot did not return a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident form (NTSB 6120.1).
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 37
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/27/2016
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N5870M
Model/Series: 340 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 3400058
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5975 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5799.3 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TSIO 520SER
Registered Owner: HOLUBAR PROPERTIES INC
Rated Power: 285 hp
Operator: HOLUBAR PROPERTIES INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTKI
Observation Time: 1453 CDT
Distance from Accident Site:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 13°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots, 130°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Palestine, TX (KPSN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: McKinney, TX (KTKI)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: McKinney National (KTKI)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 588 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7002 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.176389, -96.589167
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Dallas, Texas
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Holubar Properties Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N5870M
Location: McKinney, TX
Accident Number: CEN17LA351
Date & Time: 09/09/2017, 1500 CDT
Registration: N5870M
Aircraft: CESSNA 340
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear collapse
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business
On September 9, 2017, about 1500 central daylight time, a twin-engine Cessna 340 airplane, N5870M, experienced a gear collapse after landing at the McKinney National Airport (KTKI), McKinney, Texas. The commercial rated pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by Holubar Properties, Inc., McKinney, Texas, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane landed on runway 36, and during the rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed. An examination of the airplane noted revealed substantial damage to the airplane's aileron, and the left gear down-lock and bell crank pivot bolt were broken.
A review of the Cessna 340 maintenance manual revealed that the landing gear system is to be disassembled/inspected after 20 years (or 10,000 landings) and every 10 years/5,000 landings after the initial inspection. Additionally, the maintenance manual indicates that the main landing gear bell crank pivot bolt to be inspected for wear, every 3 years (or 500 landings) after an initial inspection at 3 years or 1,000 landings.
A review of the airplane maintenance records did not reveal an entry were the landing gear inspections had been accomplished. The records revealed the airframe had accumulated 5,799.3 hours at the time of the last annual inspection, that was dated September 1, 2016.
The pilot did not return a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident form (NTSB 6120.1).
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 37
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/27/2016
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N5870M
Model/Series: 340 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 3400058
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5975 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5799.3 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TSIO 520SER
Registered Owner: HOLUBAR PROPERTIES INC
Rated Power: 285 hp
Operator: HOLUBAR PROPERTIES INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTKI
Observation Time: 1453 CDT
Distance from Accident Site:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 13°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots, 130°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Palestine, TX (KPSN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: McKinney, TX (KTKI)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: McKinney National (KTKI)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 588 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7002 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.176389, -96.589167
Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N474SP: Accident occurred November 30, 2017 near Freeway Airport (W00), Bowie, Prince George's County, Maryland
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Goddard Aircraft Club Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N474SP
Location: Bowie, MD
Accident Number: GAA18CA074
Date & Time: 11/30/2017, 1745 EST
Registration: N474SP
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
The pilot reported that, during approach to land in night conditions, he noticed that the airspeed displayed on a newly installed electronic flight instrument was reading slightly different than the airspeed indicator. He added that his altitude judgement was affected "by the scarcity of observable objects in the landing area, the "black hole" effect, which was likely worsened by the brightness of the [electronic instrument]". When the pilot looked up from the instrument panel, he saw tree branches approaching. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
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 situational awareness during the approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction by the instrument panel during the approach.
Findings
Personnel issues
Situational awareness - Pilot (Cause)
Attention - Pilot (Factor)
Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/27/2017
Flight Time: (Estimated) 345 hours (Total, all aircraft), 300 hours (Total, this make and model), 300 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N474SP
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 172S8020
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/08/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5890.1 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: CGS, 48 ft msl
Observation Time: 2246 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 6°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 130°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ocean City, MD (OXB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Bowie, MD (W00)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1610 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: FREEWAY (W00)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 168 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2420 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern
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: 38.945556, -76.773333 (est)
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Goddard Aircraft Club Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N474SP
Accident Number: GAA18CA074
Date & Time: 11/30/2017, 1745 EST
Registration: N474SP
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
The pilot reported that, during approach to land in night conditions, he noticed that the airspeed displayed on a newly installed electronic flight instrument was reading slightly different than the airspeed indicator. He added that his altitude judgement was affected "by the scarcity of observable objects in the landing area, the "black hole" effect, which was likely worsened by the brightness of the [electronic instrument]". When the pilot looked up from the instrument panel, he saw tree branches approaching. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
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 situational awareness during the approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction by the instrument panel during the approach.
Findings
Personnel issues
Situational awareness - Pilot (Cause)
Attention - Pilot (Factor)
Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/27/2017
Flight Time: (Estimated) 345 hours (Total, all aircraft), 300 hours (Total, this make and model), 300 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N474SP
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 172S8020
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/08/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5890.1 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: GODDARD AIRCRAFT CLUB INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: CGS, 48 ft msl
Observation Time: 2246 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 6°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 130°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ocean City, MD (OXB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Bowie, MD (W00)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1610 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: FREEWAY (W00)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 168 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2420 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern
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: 38.945556, -76.773333 (est)
Piper PA-34-200T Seneca III, registered to and operated by Air Reldan Inc as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation (photography) flight, N9148B: Accident occurred February 06, 2018 in Patterson, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
http://registry.faa.gov/N9148B
Location: Patterson, LA
Accident Number: CEN18LA093
Date & Time: 02/06/2018, 1715 CST
Registration: N9148B
Aircraft: PIPER PA 34-220T
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation
Analysis
The commercial pilot was conducting an aerial observation flight to photograph an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that was located about 185 miles southwest of the departure airport. According to the pilot, before departing the operator's base to pick up passengers, fuel was visible "in each tank at the bottom of the sidewall," and the fuel gauges indicated about 45 gallons "a side." The pilot completed the 30-minute flight to pick up the passengers without incident. The rear cabin door was then removed to facilitate the photography. About 40 gallons of fuel remained in each tank at the time of the takeoff after picking up the passengers. The airplane arrived at the oil rig about 1.5 hours after departure; the flight was uneventful. The airplane circled the oil rig for about 1 hour to complete the photography. Afterward, the pilot established a return course. About that time, he noted that the fuel quantity gauges showed less fuel remaining than expected. He leaned the engine mixtures as much as possible and visually examined the airplane for a fuel leak but did not observe any such indication. The pilot elected to deviate to a closer airport due to low fuel. Both engines lost power about 1 hour into the return flight, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a canal, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. One of the passengers stated that the pilot had informed him that the airplane had not been "topped off" but that sufficient fuel was on board for the flight.
A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to a dual loss of engine power. During the recovery process, no fuel sheen was observed on the water, and no fuel was observed in the fuel tanks. The total elapsed flight time from the operator's base to the accident site was 3.8 hours. The airplane's owner indicated that the airplane's hour meter ran only when the landing gear was retracted, so the engine run time when the landing gear was extended could not be determined.
The pilot's operating handbook for the airplane make and model noted a fuel flow of about 10 gallons per hour for each engine at economy cruise power. The handbook also stated that airplane cruise performance would be reduced by about 5 percent when the airplane was operated with the aft doors removed.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a dual loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Findings
Aircraft
Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)
Personnel issues
Fuel planning - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
On February 6, 2018, about 1715 central standard time, a Piper PA-34-220T twin-engine airplane, N9148B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a dual loss of engine power near Patterson, Louisiana. The pilot, pilot-rated passenger, and one passenger were not injured. The second passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Air Reldan Inc. as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation (photography) flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the South Lafourche Leonard Miller Jr. Airport (GAO), Galliano, Louisiana, about 1347 and was destined for the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport (PTN), Patterson, Louisiana.
The pilot reported that a preflight inspection was completed before departing from the operator's base at St. Tammany Regional Airport (L31). According to the pilot, fuel was visible "in each tank at the bottom of the sidewall" and the fuel gauges indicated about 45 gallons "a side." He completed the 30-minute flight to GAO to pick up the passengers without incident. The purpose of the accident flight was to photograph an oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico about 185 miles southwest of GAO. At the request of the passengers, the aft cabin door was removed from the airplane to facilitate the photography mission, which limited the airspeed to 130 knots. The fuel gauges indicated about 40 gallons per tank at that time.
The flight arrived at the oil rig about 1 hour 20 minutes after takeoff and the pilot proceeded to circle for about 30 minutes. When the photography was complete, the pilot established a return course with an estimated time enroute of 1 hour 2 minutes. The fuel gauges indicated about 10 gallons in each tank at that time. With concern about the amount of fuel remaining, he leaned the engine mixtures as much as possible. He visually examined the airplane and did not observe any indication of a fuel leak. He elected to deviate to PTN as the "best bet" in light of the low fuel situation. The right engine subsequently lost power about 24 miles from PTN; the left engine lost power several minutes later. The pilot executed a forced landing to a canal adjacent to the Atchafalaya River.
One of the passengers stated that the pilot informed him the airplane had not been "topped off" but that sufficient fuel was onboard for the flight. The passenger utilized a GPS tracking application that "geotagged" the photos taken during the flight. He reported that the accident flight departed GAO at 1347 and arrived at the oil rig at 1514. The photography work was completed at 1607. During the return trip, the pilot became concerned about the remaining fuel quantity. He decided to divert to PTN about 1628. The first engine lost power about 1708, followed by the second engine about 1715.
The Federal Aviation Administration inspector assigned to the accident reported that the airplane came to rest in shallow water. A post-recovery examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of engine power. Recovery personnel informed the inspector that no fuel sheen was observed on the water, no fuel was observed in the fuel tanks, nor was any fuel observed during the recovery process. The inspector reported that based on the hour meter readings, the total flight time from dispatch at L31 until the accident was 3.8 hours. The airplane owner informed the inspector that the hour meter ran only when the landing gear was retracted. It did not record the engine run time when the landing gear was extended.
The Pilot's Operating Handbook noted a fuel flow of about 10 gallons per hour for each engine at economy cruise power. The maximum permitted airspeed with the aft doors removed was 129 knots. The handbook also stated that the airplane cruise performance will be reduced by approximately 5-percent when operated with the rear cabin and cargo doors removed.
History of Flight
Enroute-cruise
Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)
Emergency descent
Off-field or emergency landing
Pilot Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 26, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/22/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/09/2017
Flight Time: 1400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 460 hours (Total, this make and model), 1020 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 110 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 51 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N9148B
Model/Series: PA 34-220T 220T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 3433128
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/12/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4751 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 38 Hours
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4854.6 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-360-KB
Registered Owner: Air Reldan Inc.
Rated Power: 220 hp
Operator: Air Reldan Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PTN, 9 ft msl
Observation Time: 1656 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 235°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 21°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1400 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots, 150°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Galliano, LA (GAO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Patterson, LA (PTN)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1347 CST
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: Harry P Williams Memorial (PTN)
Runway Surface Type: Water
Airport Elevation: 9 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Water--calm
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 29.502222, -91.260556 (est)
St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in a standby capacity during a US Coast Guard rescue operation Tuesday evening.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call at 5:35 pm that a small plane with 4 occupants went down approximately 20 miles south of Patterson.
It was later determined that the plane made an emergency landing in Bayou Chene in Terrebonne Parish.
US Coast Guard conducted the rescue out of the Perry Flying Center (the Patterson airport).
Acadian Ambulance and the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department joined deputies to assist as needed.
All 4 occupants survived the emergency landing.
The Coast Guard reports that they rescued four people from the Atchafalaya River approximately 17 nautical miles south of Patterson, Tuesday afternoon.
Watchstanders at the Eighth Coast Guard District command center say they received notification from the Federal Aviation Administration at 4:59 p.m. that a Piper PA-34 twin-engine airplane traveling from Slidell, Louisiana, to Patterson with four people on board was low on fuel.
According to a release, the airplane pilot shut down the engines to conserve fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing. A rescue group from New Orleans was dispatched shortly after. It was later determined that the plane made an emergency landing in Bayou Chene in Terrebonne Parish.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office assisted with the rescue in a standby capacity during the rescue Tuesday evening.
The aircrew hoisted the occupants and transported them to Perry's Flying Center in Patterson, Louisiana.
One person suffered a minor injury to the arm.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.katc.com
U.S. Coast Guard officers rescued four people from the Atchafalaya River about 17 miles south of Patterson after they performed an emergency landing in their Piper PA-34-200T Seneca III Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
The Coast Guard's Eighth District command center received notification around 5 p.m. that a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca III traveling from Slidell to Patterson was getting low on fuel, according to a news release Tuesday evening from the Coast Guard.
The pilot shut down the plane's engines to conserve fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing.
The four passengers were rescued by helicopter, according to the release. Only one suffered a minor injury to the arm.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.theadvocate.com
The Coast Guard rescued four people from a downed plane in the Atchafalaya River south of Patterson on Tuesday (Feb. 6).
A Piper PA-34-200T Seneca III traveling from Slidell to Patterson in St. Mary Parish ran low on fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing around 5 p.m., the Coast Guard reported.
A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans hoisted the survivors and transported them to Perry's Flying Center in Patterson.
One person suffered a minor injury to the arm, the Coast Guard said.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.nola.com
Location: Patterson, LA
Accident Number: CEN18LA093
Date & Time: 02/06/2018, 1715 CST
Registration: N9148B
Aircraft: PIPER PA 34-220T
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation
On February 6, 2018, about 1715 central standard time, a Piper PA-34-220T airplane, N9148B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Patterson, Louisiana. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Air Reldan Inc. as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation (photography) flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the South Lafourche Leonard Miller Jr. Airport (GAO), Galliano, Louisiana, about 1430 and was destined for the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport (PTN), Patterson, Louisiana.
The pilot stated that the flight was conducted for the purpose of photographing an oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico about 185 miles southwest of GAO. They arrived at the oil rig about 1 hour 20 minutes after taking off and circled for approximately 30 minutes. After the photography was complete, the pilot established a course to the intended destination with an estimated time en route of 1 hour 2 minutes. About that time, he noted that the fuel quantity gauges were indicating less than expected. He visually examined the airplane and did not observe any indication of a fuel leak. He elected to deviate to PTN as the "best bet" in light of the low fuel situation. The right engine subsequently lost power about 24 miles from PTN; the left engine lost power several minutes later. The pilot executed a forced landing to a canal adjacent to the Atchafalaya River.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N9148B
Model/Series: PA 34-220T 220T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Air Reldan Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PTN, 9 ft msl
Observation Time: 1656 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots, 150°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1400 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: Galliano, LA (GAO)
Destination: Patterson, LA (PTN)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 29.709444, -91.338889 (est)
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
http://registry.faa.gov/N9148B
Location: Patterson, LA
Accident Number: CEN18LA093
Date & Time: 02/06/2018, 1715 CST
Registration: N9148B
Aircraft: PIPER PA 34-220T
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation
Analysis
The commercial pilot was conducting an aerial observation flight to photograph an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that was located about 185 miles southwest of the departure airport. According to the pilot, before departing the operator's base to pick up passengers, fuel was visible "in each tank at the bottom of the sidewall," and the fuel gauges indicated about 45 gallons "a side." The pilot completed the 30-minute flight to pick up the passengers without incident. The rear cabin door was then removed to facilitate the photography. About 40 gallons of fuel remained in each tank at the time of the takeoff after picking up the passengers. The airplane arrived at the oil rig about 1.5 hours after departure; the flight was uneventful. The airplane circled the oil rig for about 1 hour to complete the photography. Afterward, the pilot established a return course. About that time, he noted that the fuel quantity gauges showed less fuel remaining than expected. He leaned the engine mixtures as much as possible and visually examined the airplane for a fuel leak but did not observe any such indication. The pilot elected to deviate to a closer airport due to low fuel. Both engines lost power about 1 hour into the return flight, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a canal, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. One of the passengers stated that the pilot had informed him that the airplane had not been "topped off" but that sufficient fuel was on board for the flight.
A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to a dual loss of engine power. During the recovery process, no fuel sheen was observed on the water, and no fuel was observed in the fuel tanks. The total elapsed flight time from the operator's base to the accident site was 3.8 hours. The airplane's owner indicated that the airplane's hour meter ran only when the landing gear was retracted, so the engine run time when the landing gear was extended could not be determined.
The pilot's operating handbook for the airplane make and model noted a fuel flow of about 10 gallons per hour for each engine at economy cruise power. The handbook also stated that airplane cruise performance would be reduced by about 5 percent when the airplane was operated with the aft doors removed.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a dual loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Findings
Aircraft
Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)
Personnel issues
Fuel planning - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
On February 6, 2018, about 1715 central standard time, a Piper PA-34-220T twin-engine airplane, N9148B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a dual loss of engine power near Patterson, Louisiana. The pilot, pilot-rated passenger, and one passenger were not injured. The second passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Air Reldan Inc. as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation (photography) flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the South Lafourche Leonard Miller Jr. Airport (GAO), Galliano, Louisiana, about 1347 and was destined for the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport (PTN), Patterson, Louisiana.
The pilot reported that a preflight inspection was completed before departing from the operator's base at St. Tammany Regional Airport (L31). According to the pilot, fuel was visible "in each tank at the bottom of the sidewall" and the fuel gauges indicated about 45 gallons "a side." He completed the 30-minute flight to GAO to pick up the passengers without incident. The purpose of the accident flight was to photograph an oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico about 185 miles southwest of GAO. At the request of the passengers, the aft cabin door was removed from the airplane to facilitate the photography mission, which limited the airspeed to 130 knots. The fuel gauges indicated about 40 gallons per tank at that time.
The flight arrived at the oil rig about 1 hour 20 minutes after takeoff and the pilot proceeded to circle for about 30 minutes. When the photography was complete, the pilot established a return course with an estimated time enroute of 1 hour 2 minutes. The fuel gauges indicated about 10 gallons in each tank at that time. With concern about the amount of fuel remaining, he leaned the engine mixtures as much as possible. He visually examined the airplane and did not observe any indication of a fuel leak. He elected to deviate to PTN as the "best bet" in light of the low fuel situation. The right engine subsequently lost power about 24 miles from PTN; the left engine lost power several minutes later. The pilot executed a forced landing to a canal adjacent to the Atchafalaya River.
One of the passengers stated that the pilot informed him the airplane had not been "topped off" but that sufficient fuel was onboard for the flight. The passenger utilized a GPS tracking application that "geotagged" the photos taken during the flight. He reported that the accident flight departed GAO at 1347 and arrived at the oil rig at 1514. The photography work was completed at 1607. During the return trip, the pilot became concerned about the remaining fuel quantity. He decided to divert to PTN about 1628. The first engine lost power about 1708, followed by the second engine about 1715.
The Federal Aviation Administration inspector assigned to the accident reported that the airplane came to rest in shallow water. A post-recovery examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of engine power. Recovery personnel informed the inspector that no fuel sheen was observed on the water, no fuel was observed in the fuel tanks, nor was any fuel observed during the recovery process. The inspector reported that based on the hour meter readings, the total flight time from dispatch at L31 until the accident was 3.8 hours. The airplane owner informed the inspector that the hour meter ran only when the landing gear was retracted. It did not record the engine run time when the landing gear was extended.
The Pilot's Operating Handbook noted a fuel flow of about 10 gallons per hour for each engine at economy cruise power. The maximum permitted airspeed with the aft doors removed was 129 knots. The handbook also stated that the airplane cruise performance will be reduced by approximately 5-percent when operated with the rear cabin and cargo doors removed.
History of Flight
Enroute-cruise
Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)
Emergency descent
Off-field or emergency landing
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 26, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/22/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/09/2017
Flight Time: 1400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 460 hours (Total, this make and model), 1020 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 110 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 51 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N9148B
Model/Series: PA 34-220T 220T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 3433128
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/12/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4751 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 38 Hours
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4854.6 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-360-KB
Registered Owner: Air Reldan Inc.
Rated Power: 220 hp
Operator: Air Reldan Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PTN, 9 ft msl
Observation Time: 1656 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 235°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 21°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1400 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots, 150°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Galliano, LA (GAO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Patterson, LA (PTN)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1347 CST
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: Harry P Williams Memorial (PTN)
Runway Surface Type: Water
Airport Elevation: 9 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Water--calm
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 29.502222, -91.260556 (est)
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four people Tuesday evening from a downed airplane that made an emergency landing in a marshy area near Patterson, authorities said.
Four people were traveling in a Piper PA-34 twin-engine plane from Slidell to Patterson about 5 p.m. Tuesday when the aircraft began to run out of fuel, authorities said.
The pilot turned off the plane’s engines to conserve fuel and made a watery landing in the Atchafalaya River, about 17 miles south of Patterson, Coast Guard officials said.
Terrebonne Sheriff’s Office’s Water Patrol deputies were initially dispatched to the scene but were called off because there were no major injuries, sheriff’s Maj. Malcolm Wolfe said.
The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from New Orleans to rescue the downed passengers. The chopper hoisted the four survivors and transported them to Perry’s Flying Center in Patterson, authorities said.
Authorities said one person suffered a minor arm injury.
The downed plane was owned by Air Reldan Inc., authorities said. The St. Tammany Parish-based company operates five aircraft serving both passengers and cargo. According to the company’s website, it offers flight training for single engine and multi-engine aircraft.
Company representatives could not be reached for comment today.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in a standby capacity during a US Coast Guard rescue operation Tuesday evening.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call at 5:35 pm that a small plane with 4 occupants went down approximately 20 miles south of Patterson.
It was later determined that the plane made an emergency landing in Bayou Chene in Terrebonne Parish.
US Coast Guard conducted the rescue out of the Perry Flying Center (the Patterson airport).
Acadian Ambulance and the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department joined deputies to assist as needed.
All 4 occupants survived the emergency landing.
The Coast Guard reports that they rescued four people from the Atchafalaya River approximately 17 nautical miles south of Patterson, Tuesday afternoon.
Watchstanders at the Eighth Coast Guard District command center say they received notification from the Federal Aviation Administration at 4:59 p.m. that a Piper PA-34 twin-engine airplane traveling from Slidell, Louisiana, to Patterson with four people on board was low on fuel.
According to a release, the airplane pilot shut down the engines to conserve fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing. A rescue group from New Orleans was dispatched shortly after. It was later determined that the plane made an emergency landing in Bayou Chene in Terrebonne Parish.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office assisted with the rescue in a standby capacity during the rescue Tuesday evening.
The aircrew hoisted the occupants and transported them to Perry's Flying Center in Patterson, Louisiana.
One person suffered a minor injury to the arm.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.katc.com
U.S. Coast Guard officers rescued four people from the Atchafalaya River about 17 miles south of Patterson after they performed an emergency landing in their Piper PA-34-200T Seneca III Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
The Coast Guard's Eighth District command center received notification around 5 p.m. that a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca III traveling from Slidell to Patterson was getting low on fuel, according to a news release Tuesday evening from the Coast Guard.
The pilot shut down the plane's engines to conserve fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing.
The four passengers were rescued by helicopter, according to the release. Only one suffered a minor injury to the arm.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.theadvocate.com
The Coast Guard rescued four people from a downed plane in the Atchafalaya River south of Patterson on Tuesday (Feb. 6).
A Piper PA-34-200T Seneca III traveling from Slidell to Patterson in St. Mary Parish ran low on fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing around 5 p.m., the Coast Guard reported.
A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans hoisted the survivors and transported them to Perry's Flying Center in Patterson.
One person suffered a minor injury to the arm, the Coast Guard said.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.nola.com
Location: Patterson, LA
Accident Number: CEN18LA093
Date & Time: 02/06/2018, 1715 CST
Registration: N9148B
Aircraft: PIPER PA 34-220T
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation
On February 6, 2018, about 1715 central standard time, a Piper PA-34-220T airplane, N9148B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Patterson, Louisiana. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Air Reldan Inc. as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation (photography) flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the South Lafourche Leonard Miller Jr. Airport (GAO), Galliano, Louisiana, about 1430 and was destined for the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport (PTN), Patterson, Louisiana.
The pilot stated that the flight was conducted for the purpose of photographing an oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico about 185 miles southwest of GAO. They arrived at the oil rig about 1 hour 20 minutes after taking off and circled for approximately 30 minutes. After the photography was complete, the pilot established a course to the intended destination with an estimated time en route of 1 hour 2 minutes. About that time, he noted that the fuel quantity gauges were indicating less than expected. He visually examined the airplane and did not observe any indication of a fuel leak. He elected to deviate to PTN as the "best bet" in light of the low fuel situation. The right engine subsequently lost power about 24 miles from PTN; the left engine lost power several minutes later. The pilot executed a forced landing to a canal adjacent to the Atchafalaya River.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N9148B
Model/Series: PA 34-220T 220T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Air Reldan Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PTN, 9 ft msl
Observation Time: 1656 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots, 150°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1400 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: Galliano, LA (GAO)
Destination: Patterson, LA (PTN)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 29.709444, -91.338889 (est)
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