Monday, May 14, 2018

Controlled Flight Into Terrain: Cessna 182G Skylane, N2377R; fatal accident occurred May 13, 2018 in Cascade, Valley County, Idaho

Initial Impact Point 

Debris Path and Main Wreckage

Main Wreckage from Right side of Debris Path

Wreckage Layout

Empennage at Wreckage Layout

Propeller Blades at Wreckage Layout

Engine at Wreckage Layout













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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Continental Motors Group; Mobile, Alabama

Aviation Accident Factual 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/N377R


Location: Cascade, ID
Accident Number: WPR18FA141
Date & Time: 05/13/2018, 1230 MDT
Registration: N2377R
Aircraft: CESSNA 182G
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 13, 2018, about 1230 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182G, N2377R, was destroyed after it collided with mountainous terrain near Cascade, Idaho. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was owned and was being operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which departed Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI), Boise, Idaho, about 1208 and was destined for McCall Municipal Airport (MYL), McCall, Idaho.

According to a recording of air traffic control (ATC) services provided to the flight, the pilot contacted the BOI clearance delivery controller about 1202 to request a visual flight rules departure to MYL. The controller issued a departure frequency and transponder code, which the pilot acknowledged, but he informed the controller that the airplane's transponder was "not coming up, [and] may be a little cold. I'll punch it in when it does." After the airplane's departure, the local controller advised the pilot, "left turn on course McCall approved," and the pilot repeated the instruction. About 1 minute later, the pilot contacted the BOI departure controller and reported "transponder still not up but I am with ya." Shortly afterward, the local controller contacted the departure controller and informed him of the accident airplane's location.

About 1210, the departure controller informed the accident pilot that radar contact was established. The pilot acknowledged this communication, which was his final transmission to ATC. The departure controller was going off duty, so about 1211 he provided the departure controller coming on duty with a position relief briefing, which included traffic, weather, and additional controller position information but did not include any information about the accident airplane.

ATC radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) included the airplane's location. According to the data, the airplane departed uneventfully and tracked in a northerly direction. BOI radar contact ceased about 20 nautical miles (nm) north of BOI. About 1229:00, a return was detected about 1 nm southwest of the accident site. The return then turned to the east almost immediately after its track was detected, and the final radar return was recorded at 1229:47, about 0.5 nm northwest of the accident site. About 6 hours later, after the BOI ATC tower received telephone calls from concerned parties about the status of the accident flight, the clearance delivery controller contacted the Salt Lake Air Route Traffic Control Center to advise that the accident airplane had not arrived at its destination. Afterward, an alert notice was issued at 1912 for the flight. The airplane wreckage was found the next day.

The pilot's route of flight was to the north along a highway with an elevation between 4,500 and 5,000 ft mean sea level (msl); 5,500-ft msl mountains were to the west and 6,500 ft mountains were to the east of the highway. The highway was located in a valley and surrounded by ridgelines, just south of the accident site. A global positioning system device recovered from the accident site yielded no useful information.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 34, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/26/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/03/2017
Flight Time:  328.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 231 hours (Total, this make and model) 

The pilot, age 34, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent second-class airman medical certificate was issued on January 26, 2015, with no limitations.

The pilot's logbook records, which were current as of March 11, 2018, showed that he had 276 hours of total flight experience, all of which were accumulated in the accident airplane make and model, including about 4 hours that were accumulated in the 90 days that preceded the accident flight. The pilot's most recent flight review was completed on September 3, 2017. He did not hold an instrument rating and had amassed about 7 total flight hours in simulated instrument conditions at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot's friends, the pilot lived in Boise, but he had recently purchased a large airplane hangar at MYL and was planning to move to McCall and renovate the hangar. One of the pilot's friends stated that he was in the process of moving some final items, including his airplane, to the hangar when the accident occurred. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N2377R
Model/Series: 182G G
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18255477
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/11/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2348 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 16 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4878 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT: C91 installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-470
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 230 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1964 and was registered to the pilot on September 17, 2013. The airplane was powered by a Continental O-470-R direct-drive, air-cooled, 230-horsepower engine. An excerpt from the airplane's maintenance logbook revealed that the most recent annual inspection of both the airframe and engine was completed on November 17, 2017, at a tachometer time of 4,878 flight hours, which was 16 flight hours before the accident. At the time of the inspection, the engine had accumulated 6,335 total flight hours and 1,423 flight hours since major overhaul. Additional airplane records were not available.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: , 2871 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 40 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1153 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 320°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: BOISE, ID (BOI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: MC CALL, ID (MYL)
Type of Clearance: VFR; VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1208 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Weather Conditions About the Time of the Accident

The pilot of another airplane that departed MYL for BOI about 1010 on the day of the accident reported that he followed a river adjacent to the north/south highway that connects McCall and Boise. When the airplane was about 35 nm north of BOI (near the accident site), he encountered ground fog, which forced him to descend the airplane below 700 ft above ground level (agl), the approximate height of the cloud layer. The pilot reported that the low visibility conditions prompted him to turn back and land in Cascade about 1050. The area he reversed course had a terrain elevation of about 4,500 ft msl.

Satellite imagery showed low- to mid-level broken-to-overcast clouds over the accident pilot's route of flight and the accident site. Sounding data revealed the presence of overcast clouds from 1,100 ft agl with tops to 18,500 ft.

The 1153 recorded weather observation at BOI included wind from 320° at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, broken clouds at 7,000 and 10,000 ft agl, temperature 14°C, dew point 7°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of mercury.

The 1151 recorded weather observation at MYL included wind from 300° at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 2,100 ft agl, broken clouds at 6,000 ft agl, overcast clouds at 9,000 ft agl, temperature 11°C, dew point 5°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.01 inches of mercury.

Weather Forecasts

Two AIRMET advisories were valid for the accident site at the time of the accident. AIRMET Sierra was issued at 0845 and 1145 and forecasted mountain obscuration conditions due to clouds, precipitation, and mist. AIRMET Zulu was issued at 0845 and forecasted moderate icing between 9,000 ft and FL200 (about 20,000 ft) near the accident site.

Weather Planning

No evidence indicated that the pilot received an official weather briefing before his departure.

According to a friend of the pilot who was with him on the morning of the accident before he departed, the pilot had been monitoring the weather through traffic cameras along the north/south highway that connected Boise and McCall and internet weather applications. The pilot's friend stated that, according to the pilot, the ceilings at MYL were about 700 ft and rising, and the highway cameras showed marginal weather conditions.

When the pilot left his friend's house about 0930, the pilot stated that he would continue checking the weather but would likely wait until early to mid-afternoon to depart as long as the weather improved.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 44.240000, -116.073333 

The airplane debris path was located in a wooded area about 41 nm north of BOI and was oriented on a 195° magnetic heading. All major structures of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site, as shown in figure 1. The initial impact point (IIP) was identified by two scars located about halfway up a 70-ft tree. The terrain elevation of the IIP was about 5,800 ft msl. The nose landing gear was located at the base of the tree, and wing fragments were distributed along the wreckage path. A large ground scar was located about 50 ft forward of the IIP in the debris path. The main wreckage comprised the empennage, right wing, main cabin, and engine and was located about 110 ft forward of the IIP. The empennage was vertically oriented and at rest against the right wing, which was beneath a portion of the cabin and instrument panel. The left wing was found in the debris path.


Figure 1: Wreckage Diagram

The rudder, aileron, and elevator cables were traced from the cockpit to their respective control surfaces through separations. The right and left wings were breached, and a smell consistent with 100 low-lead aviation grade fuel was detected. The wing flap jackscrew was observed in the neutral position, consistent with a flaps retracted setting.

The elevator trim cables were traced from the aft fuselage to the elevator trim tab. The right elevator actuator rod measured about 1.5 inches, which is consistent with a 10° trim tab up deflection.

The fuel selector valve remained attached to the main cabin and was positioned in the BOTH detent. The unit was subsequently rotated to each of the three fuel tank ports, and no obstructions were observed. The gascolator fuel screen did not display any contaminants, and no fuel was present in the gascolator bowl.

Mechanical continuity was established throughout the engine's rotating group as the crankshaft was manually rotated at the propeller flange. Thumb compression and suction were obtained for all six cylinders. The combustion chambers remained mechanically undamaged, and there was no evidence of foreign object ingestion or detonation.

The ignition system was functionally tested with the original ignition harness while the engine crankshaft was manually rotated. Some of the ignition harness leads did not display a spark. As the crankshaft was rotated, the top left spark plugs and a bottom cylinder (No. 5) produced a spark when the snaps of the impulse coupling from the left magneto were heard. During a subsequent rotation, the top right spark plugs produced a spark when the snaps of the impulse coupling from the right magneto were heard. An examination of the top and bottom spark plugs revealed signatures consistent with normal wear.

The carburetor was partially separated from the engine and remained attached to the wye plenum. The throttle linkage remained attached to the throttle arm, and the mixture linkage remained attached to the throttle plate but were damaged. Manual movement of the throttle and mixture levers resulted in coinciding movement of their respective shafts. The metal carburetor floats appeared normal and did not display any residual fuel.

Both propeller blades remained attached to the propeller hub, and the assembly separated from the engine crankshaft at the propeller flange. Propeller mounting bolts were stripped from the hub. Both blades displayed twisting toward low pitch and chordwise paint erosion.

Medical And Pathological Information

The Valley County Coroner's Office, McCall, Idaho, performed an autopsy on the pilot. His cause of death was "traumatic blunt force injuries." The report indicated that no drugs of abuse and other tested prescription drugs were identified but that the pilot had a low level of ethanol in his chest cavity blood.

Toxicology testing performed at the FAA's Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified ethanol in the pilot's urine, blood, lung, and muscle specimens. The ethanol was from postmortem production as no ethanol was identified in the liver.

Additional Information

ATC Services

The accident airplane, which was equipped with a transponder, was assigned a beacon code for the flight by the clearance delivery controller. After the airplane's departure, the local controller instructed the accident pilot to contact departure control. A developmental departure controller—a trainee who was accompanied by an on-the-job instructor—was working the position when the pilot made contact. The pilot indicated that he was experiencing a problem with the airplane's transponder, but the departure controller was able to establish radar contact with the airplane and provide radar services. This controller did not generate a flight progress strip or use a memory aid to track the airplane. BOI Order 7110.57 stated that flight progress strips were optional for departing visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft, such as the accident airplane.

The airplane was operating in class C airspace at the time. FAA directives required that airplanes operating in class C airspace be equipped with a functional transponder, unless given an exception, which could only be provided by a facility directive or letter of agreement. The facility did not have a procedure to address aircraft that were not equipped with a transponder, and there was no letter of agreement. Nevertheless, the departure controller applied class C air traffic service to a VFR airplane without a working transponder. The accident airplane continued northbound into the BOI class C outer areas and then left the BOI-designated airspace.


At 1211:16, the developmental departure controller was relieved from his position (along with his instructor) by another departure controller. The developmental departure controller conducted a recorded transfer of position responsibility and relief briefing with the oncoming controller, but the briefing did not include the accident airplane. BOI standard operating procedures stated that a primary target (such as the accident airplane) was to be identified in a position relief briefing. When the clearance delivery control contacted the Salt Lake Air Route Traffic Control Center at 1830:31 to report that the airplane had not arrived at its destination, the controller indicated that the automated system had not captured the flight information because the airplane was a primary target.
=======

Location: Cascade, ID
Accident Number: WPR18FA141
Date & Time: 05/13/2018, 1230 MDT
Registration: N2377R
Aircraft: CESSNA 182G
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 13, 2018, about 1230 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182G airplane, N2377R, was destroyed after it collided with mountainous terrain near Cascade, Idaho. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI), Boise, Idaho about 1215 and was destined for McCall Municipal Airport (MYL), McCall, Idaho.

The wreckage debris path was located in a wooded area approximately 41 nautical miles (nm) north of BOI and was oriented on a 195° magnetic heading. All major structures of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. The initial impact point (IIP) was identified by two tree scars located about midway on a 70-ft-tall tree. The nose landing gear was located at the base of the IIP, and wing fragments were distributed along the wreckage path. A large ground scar was located about 50 ft forward of the IIP in the debris path. The main wreckage was composed of the empennage, right wing, main cabin, and engine, and was located approximately 110 ft forward of the IIP. The empennage was vertically oriented, and at rest against the right wing, which was beneath a portion of the cabin and instrument panel. Both propeller blades remained attached to the propeller hub; however, the assembly had separated from the engine crankshaft at the propeller flange. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N2377R
Model/Series: 182G G
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: SMITH NOLAN W
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: None
Departure Point: BOISE, ID (BOI)
Destination: MC CALL, ID (MYL) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 44.240000, -116.073333



Nolan William Smith
MAY 29, 1983 ~ MAY 13, 2018 (AGE 34)

Nolan William Smith, born May 29, 1983 to Marsha Hatch Smith and Terrell F. Smith, died May 13, 2018 in the weather-related crash of his single engine airplane. He left this life doing what he loved and full of excitement and ambitious plans for the future.

He attended schools in Kuna and graduated from Bishop Kelly High School in 2001. He was awarded a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Washington in 2005. He was briefly in a PhD program in Cancer Biology at MD Anderson in Houston before turning to real estate appraising. He was a hard worker and excelled at everything he decided to do. In 2011 he went to work for Fannie Mae in Dallas. It didn’t take long for this fifth generation Idahoan to know that he had to come home. So he did and brought his job with him.

He was blessed to enjoy the affection and companionship of many friends who engaged with him in the activities he loved: skydiving, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, motorcycling, dirt biking, flying, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and any other adventure he could find.

He is survived by his parents; his lady in life, Katie Lynn Strode; a brother, Preston (Jennifer); a niece and nephew; his second parents, Garry and Nancy Ames; his other brother, David Bloxham; grandparents, Alan and Ada Smith and Eugene F. Hatch; uncles, Martin Hatch and Kurtis Smith; aunt, Sharon Zitlau; cousins; and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Joyce Hatch; aunt, Sylvia Hatch; and uncle, Bradley Smith.

There will be a visitation on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Cloverdale Funeral Home located at 1200 N. Cloverdale Rd. in Boise, Idaho. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Cloverdale Funeral Home with graveside service immediately following. The family will greet friends prior to the service at the funeral home. A reception will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Cloverdale Reception Center at the above address. Any condolences or tributes can be left at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com.

https://www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com





BOISE -- The wreckage of a small plane that went missing on a flight from Boise to McCall has been found, according to the Valley County Sheriff's Office. The plane was located in a remote mountainous area south of Smiths Ferry, and it has been confirmed by detectives that the pilot died in the crash.

The pilot has been identified as 34-year-old Nolan W. Smith of Boise. He was the only person on the plane. The body has been retrieved from the crash site.

Authorities say the four-seat Cessna 182 left Boise around 12:30 p.m. Sunday but did not arrive in McCall as scheduled.

The flight path between the two cities has been searched by both radar and cell phone. No flight plan was filed, making it more difficult for crews to narrow the search area.

Officials say the aircraft Emergency Locator Transmitter made intermittent transmissions.

The Idaho Civil Air Patrol and the Valley County Search and Rescue conducted searches by air and ground. The wreckage was found by the Civil Air Patrol Monday afternoon north of Banks.

Investigators with the NTSB and the FAA will now take over the scene and investigate the crash. 

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






Valley County Search recovered the body of 34-year-old Nolan W. Smith of Boise on Monday, May 14, after his small airplane went missing Sunday, reported the Valley County Sheriff in a news release.

Smith's Cessna 182 was found in the Boise National Forest southeast of Cascade, east of milepost 93 on Idaho 55.

Smith took off from the Boise Airport on Sunday, May 13, according to an Idaho Transportation Department press release, and never arrived at his destination at the McCall Municipal Airport. The report came in about noon Sunday. 

Smith did not file a flight plan, which complicated search efforts, said Idaho Transportation Department spokesman Reed Hollinshead.

Our journalism takes a lot of time, effort, and hard work to produce. If you read and enjoy our journalism, please consider subscribing today.

Initially, cellphone data pointed to Boise County, but further information from the emergency locator transmitter in Smith's plane led searchers to Valley County. Searchers on the ground located the plane with support from Civil Air Patrol. 

Original article ➤ http://www.idahostatesman.com

Cessna 172G Skyhawk, N4144L: Accident occurred May 14, 2018 in Nooksack, Whatcom County, Washington

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Seattle, Washington

Aviation Accident Factual 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/N4144L

Location: Nooksack, WA
Accident Number: GAA18CA280
Date & Time: 05/14/2018, 1555 PDT
Registration: N4144L
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Landing area overshoot
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, after three attempts to land the airplane at the one-way, private grass airstrip, the wind had become a tailwind. During the fourth approach, the wind was "apparently stabilized", but once he committed to land the wind increased and became a hazard. He added that the airplane was then "too low to abort" and the airplane landed long. Subsequently, the airplane was unable to stop, overran the runway, and impacted a power pole.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

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

The automated weather observation system about 9 nautical miles away from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 5 knots. The pilot landed to the east. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/04/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/11/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 331.2 hours (Total, all aircraft), 78.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 245.4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N4144L
Model/Series: 172 G
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 17254213
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/07/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6343.75 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-300A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 125 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: CYXX, 195 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2300 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 340°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 11000 ft agl
Visibility: 30 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Burlington/Mount Vernon, WA (BVS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Nooksack, WA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1515 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  48.883333, -122.283611 (est)



Law enforcement and fire crews responded to the scene of a northern Whatcom County plane crash Monday afternoon.

Shortly before 4 p.m., crews were called to the 6800 block of Goodwin Road near Everson for the report of a small airplane crash, according to emergency radio traffic.

A Cessna airplane struck a power pole with its wing while taxiing after it landed, impacting the power lines, according to Allen Kenitzer, a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft was not in flight at the time, Kenitzer said.

Local authorities said only the pilot was on board, Kenitzer said.

He did not have an update on the pilot's condition, but according to emergency radio traffic, the pilot had a head injury but was conscious, breathing and out of the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, Kenitzer said.

The plane was reported to be leaking fuel.

Original article ➤ http://www.bellinghamherald.com

Bell OH-58C, N82857, registered to and operated by Tri-Rotor AG Services: Accident occurred May 12, 2018 in Somerton, Yuma County, Arizona

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

Additional participating entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

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



http://registry.faa.gov/N82857 

Location: Yuma, AZ

Accident Number: WPR18LA140
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 2030 MST
Registration: N82857
Aircraft: BELL OH 58C
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On May 11, 2018, about 2030 mountain standard time, a Bell OH-58C helicopter, N82857, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Yuma, Arizona. The commercial pilot was not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Tri-Rotor AG Services under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight originated from a private airstrip in Somerton, Arizona at 1945.


According to the pilot, he picked up his first load of the evening, and then departed to the north to distribute chemical insecticide to three separate fields. He distributed the insecticide over the first field by flying east to west. After he completed the first pass, he climbed momentarily and started a turn, but immediately felt a vibration that he perceived was coming from the main rotor system. Seconds later, the low rotor rpm light indication illuminated, which was accompanied by multiple other warning lights that the pilot was unable to observe due to his workload at the time. He further added that the low rotor rpm light was engaged for the remainder of the flight. The helicopter began to descend on its own, and as it approached the ground, the pilot flared the helicopter to reduce its vertical speed. After the helicopter landed flat in a bed of sudangrass, the main rotor blades severed the tailboom, the left skid dug into the ground and the helicopter rolled over on its nose and then came to rest on its right side.


The wreckage has been retained for further examination. 


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Manufacturer: BELL

Registration: N82857
Model/Series: OH 58C NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: TRI ROTOR SPRAY & CHEMICAL
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: NYL, 213 ft msl
Observation Time: 1957 MST
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots, 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.63 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Somerton, AZ (PRIV)
Destination: Somerton, AZ (PRIV) 

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:  32.686111, -114.723889

AEROPRO CZ SRO A240, N481B and Piper PA-28-161, N4121T: Accident occurred May 11, 2018 at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD), Maricopa County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

N481B  Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


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


http://registry.faa.gov/N481B

Location: Chandler, AZ

Accident Number: GAA18CA275A
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 0800 MST
Registration: N481B
Aircraft: AEROPRO CZ S R O A240
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis 


According to the pilot in the low-wing airplane, he was cleared by ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." Taxiway Alpha runs parallel to runway 22R. The pilot approached taxiway Alpha via taxiway Mike, and before entering the intersection of taxiways Alpha and Mike, he "looked in all directions for aircraft" and then proceeded to turn left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. His airplane's right wing collided with the left side of another airplane already taxiing via Alpha to 22R. He asserted that the other airplane was moving very fast when the collision occurred. His airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.


According to the student pilot in the high-wing airplane, he received clearance from ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." He recalled that he was established on Alpha and heading toward 22R with his landing lights on. He saw the low-wing airplane approaching the intersection of taxiway Alpha and Mike from the nonmovement area. He reported that the low-wing airplane turned left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. The low-wing airplane's right wing collided with the left side of his airplane. His airplane sustained damage to the left-wing lift strut, the left-wing support struts, and the windscreen.


Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with their airplanes 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 other pilot's failure to stop and yield to the airplane taxiing on the taxiway, which resulted in a ground collision.

Findings


Personnel issues

Task monitoring/vigilance - Pilot of other aircraft (Cause)

Environmental issues

Aircraft - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information


History of Flight


Taxi

Miscellaneous/other
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information


Certificate: Student

Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/15/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time: (Estimated) 45 hours (Total, all aircraft), 45 hours (Total, this make and model), 24 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 26 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: AEROPRO CZ S R O

Registration: N481B
Model/Series: A240
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Special Light-Sport
Serial Number: 47816
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/15/2015, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1235 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 232 Hours at time of accident
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 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCHD, 1243 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1447 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 264°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 15000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chandler, AZ (CHD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Chandler, AZ (CHD)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0800 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D 

Airport Information


Airport: CHANDLER MUNI (CHD)

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1243 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.269167, -111.811111 (est)

N4121T  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/N4121T

Location: Chandler, AZ
Accident Number: GAA18CA275B
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 0800 MST
Registration: N4121T
Aircraft: PIPER PA 28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the low-wing airplane, he was cleared by ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." Taxiway Alpha runs parallel to runway 22R. The pilot approached taxiway Alpha via taxiway Mike, and before entering the intersection of taxiways Alpha and Mike, he "looked in all directions for aircraft" and then proceeded to turn left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. His airplane's right wing collided with the left side of another airplane already taxiing via Alpha to 22R. He asserted that the other airplane was moving very fast when the collision occurred. His airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.

According to the student pilot in the high-wing airplane, he received clearance from ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." He recalled that he was established on Alpha and heading toward 22R with his landing lights on. He saw the low-wing airplane approaching the intersection of taxiway Alpha and Mike from the nonmovement area. He reported that the low-wing airplane turned left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. The low-wing airplane's right wing collided with the left side of his airplane. His airplane sustained damage to the left-wing lift strut, the left-wing support struts, and the windscreen.

Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with their airplanes 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 stop and yield to the airplane taxiing on the taxiway, which resulted in a ground collision.

Findings

Personnel issues
Task monitoring/vigilance - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Aircraft - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi
Miscellaneous/other
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 46, Male
Airplane Rating(s): 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): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/10/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/13/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 68 hours (Total, all aircraft), 14 hours (Total, this make and model), 27 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N4121T
Model/Series: PA 28 161
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2842017
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/14/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2440 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 14672 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-320-D3G
Registered Owner: CHANDLER AIR SERVICE INC.
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator:  CHANDLER AIR SERVICE INC.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCHD, 1243 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1447 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 264°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 15000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chandler, AZ (CHD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Eloy, AZ (E60)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0800 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: CHANDLER MUNI (CHD)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1243 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.269167, -111.811111 (est)