Thursday, April 05, 2018

Criquet Storch FI-156, N429BB: Fatal accident occurred May 30, 2016 in Fordsville, Kentucky

Dr. Robert "Bob" C. Dalzell, Jr. 
October 11, 1945 - May 30, 2016

Dr. Robert “Bob” C. Dalzell Jr., 70, gained his eternal wings Monday, May 30, 2016, doing what he enjoyed most..flying his plane. He was a member of numerous flying clubs and associations. Robert began flying as a student at Kentucky Wesleyan College and his love of feeling one with the sky never stopped growing throughout the years. If he was not at work, you could find him hanging out in the airport hangars, at The Ayer Flying Club or out to eat with his fellow flying brothers. 


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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Louisville, Kentucky
Austrian Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority; Vienna, Austria
Rotech Motor Ltd; Vernon, BC, Canada

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N429BB



Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Location: Fordsville, KY
Accident Number: ERA16LA201
Date & Time: 05/30/2016, CDT
Registration: N429BB
Aircraft: CRIQUET AVIATION BOGOTA COLUMB STORCH FI-156
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The private pilot, who was exercising sport pilot privileges, departed on a personal flight in his recently purchased experimental, amateur-built airplane, and, when he did not arrive at his intended destination, a search was initiated. The wreckage was spotted 2 days later in a heavily wooded area about 6.7 nautical miles from the departure airport. Examination of the accident site revealed damage to trees consistent with a steep descent to ground impact, with no evidence of any bird remains in the vicinity wreckage area. The airplane sustained extensive thermal damage from a postcrash fire; however, examination of the remaining portions of the airframe, flight controls, engine, and engine accessories revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction.

The pilot had undergone 4-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting and had a history of hypertension and high cholesterol, which placed him at increased risk for an acute cardiac event such as another heart attack, angina, or an arrhythmia that could have cause symptoms ranging from chest pain and shortness of breath to palpitations and loss of consciousness. However, it could not be determined from the limited information available from the autopsy whether he was impaired or incapacitated at the time of the accident. Therefore, the reason for the steep descent could not be determined based on available evidence.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The steep descent to ground impact for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. 

Findings

Personnel issues
Predisposing condition - Pilot
Cardiovascular - Pilot

Not determined
Not determined - Unknown/Not determined (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Unknown
Unknown or undetermined (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Post-impact
Fire/smoke (post-impact)

On May 30, 2016, at an unknown time, an experimental amateur-built Storch FI-156 airplane, N429BB, crashed in a wooded area near Fordsville, Kentucky. The private pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed by impact and a postcrash fire. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated about 1133 central daylight time from Rough River State Park Airport (2I3), Falls of Rough, Kentucky.

According to another pilot, who was a friend of the accident pilot, earlier on the day of the accident, the accident pilot flew his airplane from Owensboro-Daviess County Airport (OWB), Owensboro, Kentucky, to 2I3 and landed about 0945. The friend flew his airplane to 2I3 and met the accident pilot there. The two pilots ate at a local restaurant, and then they prepared to depart from 2I3 in their airplanes. The friend reported hearing the accident pilot perform an engine run-up before takeoff, and he noted that the magneto drops were normal and that the engine was "running strong." After takeoff, the accident pilot turned to a heading of 315°, and the friend lost sight of the airplane when it was about 1.5 miles away. The friend departed in his airplane and attempted to contact the accident pilot via radio, but he did not receive a reply to any of his transmissions. The friend then proceeded to the Ohio County Airport, Hartford, Kentucky, and landed uneventfully.

The pilot's friend indicated that the accident pilot might have intended to fly to a nearby ultralight airstrip before returning to OWB. When the airplane did not arrive at OWB by sunset, the friend contacted law enforcement. A search for the missing airplane was initiated, and the wreckage was located on the afternoon of June 1, 2016, about 6.7 nautical miles west-northwest from 2I3.

Review of all recorded radar targets below 10,000 ft mean sea level (msl) in the vicinity of the departure airport and the accident location between 1030 and 1230 revealed no targets that could be associated with the accident flight. 


 Dr. Robert "Bob" C. Dalzell, Jr. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private; Sport Pilot
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/22/1998
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 3500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 6 hours (Total, this make and model) 

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot, age 70, held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single- and multi-engine land, instrument airplane, and glider and a sport endorsement for airplane single-engine sea. His most recent medical certificate was a special issuance third-class medical certificate dated December 22, 1998. This medical certificate required that the pilot use corrective lenses and was valid only for 15 months from the date it was issued. At the time of the accident, the pilot was exercising sport pilot privileges and was not required to hold a medical certificate. During a telephone interview, a friend of the pilot estimated that the pilot's total flight time was about 3,500 hours, and he had flown about 6 hours in the accident airplane.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CRIQUET AVIATION BOGOTA COLUMB
Registration: N429BB
Model/Series: STORCH FI-156 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: CS 09008
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/15/2016, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 5 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 105.8 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

The two-place experimental amateur-built airplane was manufactured in 2012. It was powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine driving a Tennessee Propellers, Inc., 72-48 fixed-pitch propeller. It was equipped with fixed leading-edge slats that spanned nearly the entire length of each wing and manually-operated fowler flaps. The previous owner reported that the airplane's stall speed was 20 mph.

Review of the maintenance records indicated a condition inspection was completed on February 15, 2016, at an airplane total time since manufacture of 105.8 hours.

The pilot purchased the airplane on May 28, 2016. The mechanic who performed an inspection of the airplane before purchase indicated that there were no unairworthy items found. At the time of the pre-purchase inspection, the airframe and engine total times were 110 and 220 hours, respectively. 



Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FTK, 755 ft msl
Observation Time: 1158 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 35 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 66°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 16°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:  6 knots, 350°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Falls of Rough, KY (2I3)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1133 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

The 1158 automated surface observation taken at Godman Army Airfield (FTK), Fort Knox, KY, located about 35 nautical miles from the accident site, reported wind from 350° at 6 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, and clear skies. The temperature and dew point were 28°C and 16°C, respectively, and the altimeter setting was 30.04 inches of mercury. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 37.672222, -86.636389 

The airplane crashed in a heavily wooded area. A postcrash fire consumed most of the airplane and damaged the immediate surrounding area. Treetop damage was not detected outside of the immediate impact area, and evidence of bird remains was not noted during examination of the accident site and the surrounding area.

Examination of the airplane revealed that it was resting in an upright position, with the engine detached and laying about 3 to 4 ft to the left of the firewall. All components necessary to sustain flight remained attached or were found near the main wreckage.

Extensive thermal damage precluded determination of switch positions and instrument readings. Determination of pre-impact engine control positions was not possible due to the separation of the engine during the impact sequence. The flaps were found retracted.

Examination of the flight controls for roll, pitch, and yaw revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction; the pitch trim was set to mid-travel.

The engine was recovered for further examination by a representative of the engine manufacturer with Federal Aviation Administration oversight. Due to the extensive heat damage to the engine, rotation of the crankshaft could not be performed, and the flywheel could not be removed. A limited examination of the power section was performed, and no anomalies were noted. The fuel, ignition, and lubrication system components sustained heat damage. There was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of these systems.

The majority of the wood propeller was consumed by fire, leaving about 10% of the hub area. The propeller mounting hardware was in-place and secured. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Louisville, Kentucky, performed an autopsy of the pilot. According to the autopsy report, the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. The report also noted a large transmural scar of the anterolateral left ventricle wall, and that ischemic/atherosclerotic coronary artery disease was a significant factor contributing to the pilot's death. The report referenced medical records that indicated the pilot had undergone 4-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting and had a history of hypertension and high cholesterol. The examination of the body for natural disease was limited by the extent of injury.


The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing of specimens from the pilot. The toxicology report indicated that no ethanol was detected in the submitted muscle and brain specimens, and no tested drugs were detected in the submitted muscle specimen.

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA201
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, May 30, 2016 in Fordsville, KY
Aircraft: CRIQUET AVIATION BOGOTA COLUMB STORCH FI-156, registration: N429BB
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On May 30, 2016, at an unknown time, an experimental amateur-built Storch FI-156 airplane, N429BB, crashed in a wooded area near Fordsville, Kentucky. The private pilot, the sole occupant was fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed by impact and a postcrash fire. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as a Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed on that day, and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight originated about 1130 central daylight time, from Rough River State Park Airport (2I3), Falls of Rough, Kentucky.

According to a friend of the accident pilot, since purchasing the airplane 2 days prior, the pilot flew it on several flights, including a flight earlier in the day from Owensboro-Daviess County Airport (OWB), Owensboro, Kentucky to 2I3, landing there about 0945. After landing, he and the pilot ate at a local restaurant and then prepared to depart from 2I3. The friend reported hearing an engine run-up before takeoff, and noted that the magneto drops were normal and the engine was "running strong." After takeoff he watched as the pilot turned to a heading of 315 degrees (normal) and lost sight of the airplane when it was about 1.5 miles away.

The pilot's friend indicated that the pilot might have intended to fly to a nearby ultralight airstrip, or return to OWB. The pilot's friend then departed 2I3 in his airplane, and attempted to contact the pilot via radio, but the pilot did not reply to any of his transmissions. He proceeded to the Ohio County Airport (JQD), Hartford, Kentucky and landed uneventfully. He later contacted law enforcement because the pilot had not returned to OWB, and met with law enforcement later that evening. The following day he performed an air search himself but did not locate the wreckage. Personnel of the Civil Air Patrol were also involved in a search for the missing airplane; the wreckage was located on the afternoon of June 1st.

Stolp Acroduster II, N380JA: Fatal accident occurred April 24, 2016 near Oakhill Airpark (SC82), Greenville County, South Carolina

Bruce Alden Ryskamp Jr. 
 1953 - 2016
Passionate about aviation, Bruce was a private pilot and built experimental aircraft. He also enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.



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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina
Continental Motors Inc.; Mobile, Alabama

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 Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Location: Belton, SC
Accident Number: ERA16FA168
Date & Time: 04/24/2016, 1745 EDT
Registration: N380JA
Aircraft: RYSKAMP BRUCE A ACRODUSTER
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot was returning to the airport from a local personal flight. The airplane completed two low approaches and then made a left turn to reenter the traffic pattern. Two witnesses reported that, when the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine sound changed; one reported that the engine sputtered and "cut out." The airplane then banked left and pitched nose down before impacting the ground, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. The propeller governor was examined, and no pre-impact anomalies were noted. The examination noted scrape marks on the propeller governor. According to the manufacturer, the scrape marks were made when the gears were turning opposite the direction of normal rotation, indicating that the propeller was not rotating to propel the airplane forward when the marks were made. An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures; however, extensive thermal damage precluded a detailed examination. Additionally, the airplane's fuel state prior to the accident could not be accurately determined.

Toxicological testing identified 0.024 ug/ml of diphenhydramine in heart blood and detected diphenhydramine in urine. The postmortem blood diphenhydramine level was below the therapeutic range, which suggests that the pilot's level was likely below therapeutic and impairing levels at the time of the crash. Therefore, it is unlikely that the pilot's use of diphenhydramine at some time before the accident flight contributed to the accident. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive postcrash fire damage. Also causal was the pilot's loss of airplane control, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. 

Findings

Aircraft
Engine out control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Not determined
Not determined - Unknown/Not determined (Cause)


Factual Information

On April 24, 2016, about 1745 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Acroduster, N380JA, impacted terrain while maneuvering in the traffic pattern at the Oakhill Airpark (SC82), Belton, South Carolina. The private pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The pilot was the registered owner of the airplane and was operating it under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight, which originated from SC82 about 1645.

According to a pilot witness at SC82, the accident pilot taxied the airplane to the approach end of runway 28, performed an engine run up, which included "cycling the prop[eller]," and then departed without incident. About 30 minutes later, the witness heard the airplane return to the airport. The accident pilot completed two low approaches to runway 28; following the second approach, he made a left turn to reenter the traffic pattern. The witness stated that the pilot "usually" performed several low approaches before landing "in order to make sure he had the landing made." When the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the witness heard the it's propeller pitch change to a "low pitch, high rpm sound." This witness did not see the accident.

Another witness reported that the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern when the engine "sputtered" and "cut out" several times. The airplane then banked to the left, descended, and impacted the ground nose down.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. The pilot was issued a third-class medical certificate on March 3, 2016. At that time, he reported 420 hours of total flight time of which 28 hours were in the six months before the medical examination. In addition, the pilot held a repairman experimental aircraft builder certificate for the airplane that was issued on May 13, 2013.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

According to FAA records, the two-seat, tailwheel biplane was built by the pilot, and an airworthiness certificate was issued for the airplane on April 21, 2013. It was powered by a Continental Motors IO-360-series, 210-horsepower engine that was equipped with a two-blade McCauley constant-speed propeller. According to the airplane's maintenance logs, when the accident occurred, the airplane had a total flight time of about 24.7 hours. An entry dated December 20, 2014, at a total time of 22.9 hours, stated that there was a "landing incident," and the wings, engine, and propeller were removed for repairs. An entry dated January 2, 2016, detailed the repairs made to the airframe, engine, and propeller. An entry dated April 10, 2016, stated that the pilot performed a condition inspection of the airplane at a total time of 22.9 hours. An additional entry dated April 10, 2016, stated, "first flight ok after rebuild."
No fueling information was located during the investigation. The airplane had a total fuel capacity of 36 gallons.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The 1747 recorded weather observation at Donaldson Airport (GYH), Greenville, South Carolina, located about 10 nautical miles north of the accident location, included calm wind, visibility 10 miles, clear skies below 12,000 ft above ground level, temperature 25°C, dew point 8°C, and barometric altimeter setting of 30.03 inches of mercury.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

SC82 was a private-use airport that did not have an operating control tower. The airport was equipped with one runway designated as 10/28, which was 2,400 ft-long by 100 ft-wide. The runway was reported as a turf runway "in good condition" at the time of the accident. The airport was 837 ft mean sea level (msl).

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The main wreckage was located in a hay field about 1,225 ft south of the centerpoint of the runway, at an elevation of 796 ft msl. The airplane came to rest on a 158° heading. All components of the airplane were located in the vicinity of the main wreckage. A burn pattern that measured about 12 ft by 18 ft was noted on the ground co-located with the main wreckage.

The left wings were bent aft and consumed by postimpact fire. The right wings were bent forward, and the inboard sections of the wings were consumed by postimpact fire. The fuselage and cockpit were consumed by postimpact fire. The fuel tank located above the forward cockpit position was partially consumed by postimpact fire. The fuel cap remained seated in the filler neck but was thermally damaged, and the tank was separated from the top wing. The empennage remained intact and attached to the fuselage. The inboard skins of the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were consumed by postimpact fire. The vertical stabilizer and rudder skins were consumed by postimpact fire. The right horizontal stabilizer and elevator exhibited heat damage to their inboard sections. Control continuity was confirmed from the flight controls in the cockpit to all flight control surfaces.

The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft; one blade was bent aft about 45°; and the other blade was undamaged. The spinner exhibited crush damage on the upward facing side, and the other side was undamaged. One propeller blade pitch change link was fractured. The other blade pitch change link remained secure. The propeller control cable remained attached to the propeller control in the cockpit.

The engine was removed from the airframe for further examination. Crankshaft and valve train continuity and piston movement were confirmed by rotating the crankshaft. The top spark plugs were removed. Their electrodes were intact, dark gray in color, and displayed normal wear. An internal boroscope examination of all cylinders noted no anomalies. Both magnetos were impact-separated and exhibited thermal damage when disassembled. The propeller governor remained attached to the engine. The fuel pump was removed and disassembled, and thermal damage was noted to the components. The fuel lines forward of the firewall remained intact and attached. All fuel injector lines remained attached to the nozzles, and the nozzles were free of debris.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Office of the Medical Examiner of the County of Greenville performed the autopsy on the pilot in Greenville, South Carolina. The autopsy report indicated that the pilot died as a result of thermal injuries.

The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing of the pilot. Fluid and tissue specimens from the pilot tested negative for carbon monoxide and ethanol. Diphenhydramine was detected in the urine and 0.024 (ug/ml, ug/g) of diphenhydramine was detected in the heart blood.

Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms and as a sleep aid. It is available over the counter under various names including Benadryl and Unisom. The therapeutic range of diphenhydramine in blood is 0.0250 to 0.1120 ug/ml.

TESTS AND RESEARCH

The propeller governor was removed and retained for further examination. An examination at the manufacturer's facility revealed that the pump cavity exhibited a scrape mark; there were corresponding scrape marks on both the idler gear and the drive gear of the pump. According to the manufacturer, the scrape marks were made when the gears were turning opposite the direction of normal rotation, indicating that the propeller was not rotating with speed in the forward direction when the marks were made. There were no anomalies found that would have precluded normal operation of the propeller governor before the impact. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/03/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  420 hours (Total, all aircraft), 28 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: RYSKAMP BRUCE A
Registration: N380JA
Model/Series: ACRODUSTER NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2013
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 3838
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/10/2016, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 24.7 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors Inc.
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360 Series
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 210 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: GYH, 955 ft msl
Observation Time: 1747 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 354°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 8°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR): 
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Belton, SC (SC82)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Belton, SC (SC82)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1645 EDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: OAKHILL AIRPARK (SC82)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 837 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2400 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.582778, -82.352500

NTSB Identification: ERA16FA168 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, April 24, 2016 in Belton, SC
Aircraft: RYSKAMP BRUCE A ACRODUSTER, registration: N380JA
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On April 24, 2016, about 1745 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Acroduster, N380JA, operated by a private individual, was destroyed after impacting terrain while maneuvering near Belton, South Carolina. The private pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated from Oakhill Airpark (SC82), Belton, South Carolina, around 1645. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the two seat, tail-wheel, bi-plane was owned by the pilot, and issued an airworthiness certificate on April 21, 2013. It was equipped with a Continental Motors Inc. IO-360 series, 210-horsepower engine, and driven by a two-blade McCauley constant-speed propeller.

According to a witness at SC82, the pilot taxied the airplane to the approach end of runway 28, performed an engine run up, which included "cycling the [propeller]" and then departed without incident. Approximately 30 minutes later, the witness heard the airplane return to the airport. The airplane completed two aborted landings to runway 28, and then made a left turn to reenter the traffic pattern. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, he heard the airplane propeller pitch change to a "low pitch, high rpm sound."

Another witness reported that the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, when the engine "sputtered," and "cut out" several times. The airplane then banked to the left, and impacted "the ground nose first."

The main wreckage was located in a hay field about 1,225 feet abeam the centerpoint of the runway, at an elevation of 796 feet above mean sea level. The airplane impacted the field and came to rest on a 158 degree heading. All components of the airplane were located in the vicinity of the main wreckage. The left wings and fuselage were consumed by fire. The right wing and empennage were partially consumed by fire. Control continuity was confirmed from the flight controls in the cockpit to all flight control surfaces.

The engine was removed from the airframe for further examination. Crankshaft and valve train continuity, and piston movement were confirmed by rotating the crankshaft. The top spark plugs were removed. Their electrodes were intact and dark gray in color. Internal examination of all cylinders with a boroscope was performed with no anomalies noted. Both magnetos were impact separated and exhibited thermal damage when disassembled. The propeller governor remained attached to the engine. The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft, one blade was bent aft approximately 45 degrees, and the other blade remained straight.

The propeller and propeller governor were removed and retained for further examination.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single engine land. The pilot was issued a third-class medical certificate on March 3, 2016. At that time he reported 420 hours of total flight time, of which, 28 hours were in the previous 90 days. In addition, the pilot held a repairman experimental aircraft builder certificate that was issued on May 13, 2013.

According to airplane maintenance logs, the airplane had a total time of about 24.7 hours of flight time. In addition, a condition inspection was performed on the airplane by the pilot/owner on April 10, 2016, at a total time of 22.9 hours.

Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N1438U; accident occurred April 05, 2018 at Livermore Municipal Airport (KLVK), Alameda County, California

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Oakland, California

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


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


http://registry.faa.gov/N1438U


Location: Livermore, CA
Accident Number: GAA18CA201
Date & Time: 04/05/2018, 1200 PDT
Registration: N1438U
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

Analysis 

The flight instructor reported that, while the student pilot was landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway about 10 ft off the ground. The flight instructor took the flight controls and added full power to go around. Subsequently, the airplane bounced, the left main landing gear "caught onto something" on the ground, and the airplane spun around. The left wing struck the ground and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 290° at 6 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 25L. 

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 runway centerline and flight instructor's delayed remedial action during landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Heading/course - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Crosswind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)

Landing-flare/touchdown
Abnormal runway contact
Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing gear collapse

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 23, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/16/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/02/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 987 hours (Total, all aircraft), 891 hours (Total, this make and model), 914 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 190 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 95 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/23/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 38 hours (Total, all aircraft), 38 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N1438U
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17267105
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/27/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4533.2 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91  installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D
Registered Owner: HALEY, ROBERT JAY
Rated Power: 150 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: KLVK, 393 ft msl
Observation Time: 1853 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 76°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 2°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 12000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:  6 knots, 290°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: LIVERMORE, CA (LVK)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: LIVERMORE, CA (LVK)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1145 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: LIVERMORE MUNI (LVK)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 399 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 25L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2699 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around; Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 37.691944, -121.819444 (est)








LIVERMORE — No injuries were reported after a single-engine plane crash landed at the Livermore Municipal Airport Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

A plane crashed on a runway at Livermore Municipal Airport on Thursday. No one was injured, fire officials said. Courtesy of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department

The crash was reported about 12:10 p.m. Thursday.

Livermore-Pleasant Fire Department Battalion Chief Aaron Lacey said the single-engine Cessna bounced while attempting to land on a runway and ended up on its nose partially off the runway.

The pilot and passenger were not injured and there was no fire, he said.

The crash shutdown the runway and taxiway, officials said.

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

Quicksilver GT400, N2433Z: Accident occurred April 05, 2018 near Maxwell Airport (3NC7), Story County, Iowa

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa 

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N2433Z

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Location: Maxwell, IA
Accident Number: CEN18LA137
Date & Time: 04/05/2018, 1600 CDT
Registration: N2433Z
Aircraft: QUICKSILVER GT 400
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On April 5, 2018, about 1600 central daylight time, a Quicksilver GT400, N2433Z, experienced a loss of control on takeoff at Maxwell Airport (3NC7), Maxwell, Iowa. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the non-certificated pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was privately owned and operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: QUICKSILVER
Registration: N2433Z
Model/Series: GT 400 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude:



NEAR MAXWELL, Iowa (KCCI) —  A man was taken to a Des Moines-area hospital Thursday afternoon after authorities said he crashed his newly purchased ultralight aircraft in rural north Polk County.

The accident happened around 4:15 p.m. near Northeast 104th Street near the town of Maxwell, about 1 mile south of the Story County border.

Capt. Jana Abens, with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, said the sole occupant of the plane, 43-year-old Jason Beckman, of Lake View, suffered leg injuries and what appeared to be minor lacerations to his harms. He was flown to the hospital for treatment. He is expected to survive.

Ruth Williams, who lives across the street, said she saw the events unfold.

"I saw the plane go down and then hit that tree down there and bang!" Williams said.

The plane took off from a grass airstrip and got a few hundred feet before going into the trees and crashing into the rural farmstead.

"I was hoping he wasn't hurt," Williams said.

Crews remained on scene Friday afternoon, combing through the mangled wreckage of the Quicksilver GT-400.

The owner of the private airstrip told KCCI that Beckman had just bought the aircraft Thursday and was flying it for the first time.

A classified ad shows what the plane looked like before the crash. The asking price is $6,500.

It is unclear what caused the plane to crash, but Williams said she has an idea: "I think the wind took it."

An investigator with the Federal Aviation Administration said crews will be investigating the crash site Friday, and it could take up to six months for a full report to be released.

FAA records show the plane was still registered to the airstrip owner.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.kcci.com



A small airplane crashed Thursday afternoon in northeastern Polk County, sending its pilot to a hospital by helicopter, authorities said. 

Deputies responded about 4 p.m. to NE 150th Ave and NE 104 St., about five miles south of Maxwell, Sgt. Nathan Ludwig of State Patrol said. The person injured, the pilot, was the only occupant in the aircraft; he was expected to live.

The adult pilot, whose age was not known, crashed in a corn field after he took off about 150 yards south, Capt. Jana Abens with the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

The pilot suffered a visible leg injury, which Abens said may have been broken, and lacerations to his arms. He was conscious and speaking with first responders, she said.

No one else was injured. The pilot was airlifted to a Des Moines hospital. 

It was not clear what kind of plane the man crashed. Ludwig called it a homemade aircraft and Abens described it as similar to an Ultralight. The single-seat aircraft was "mangled," Abens said. 

The scene was cleared by 5:30 p.m. 

Authorities in Story County and Polk County responded to the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash. 

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