Friday, May 25, 2018

Piper PA-32-260, N4887S, registered to and operated by Great Lakes Air Inc: Accident occurred December 05, 2017 at Cheboygan County Airport (KSLH), Michigan

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan

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/N4887S

Location: Cheboygan, MI
Accident Number: GAA18CA081
Date & Time: 12/05/2017, 1130 EST
Registration: N4887S
Aircraft: PIPER PA 32
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled

According to the pilot, during approach to runway 28, "I noticed the VSI showed a dramatic increase in the decent rate and I applied full power."

He reported that the airplane landed hard, and he heard a "pop," and believed that the main landing gear tires had failed. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and struck a runway light.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft bulkhead, stringer and skin.

According to the METAR at the accident airport, about the time of the accident the wind was from 230° at 28kts gusting to 42kts.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 28, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/07/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/11/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2439 hours (Total, all aircraft), 102 hours (Total, this make and model), 2306 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 200 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 38 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N4887S
Model/Series: PA 32 260
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 32-7100011
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/25/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 15028.3 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-540-E4B5
Registered Owner: GREAT LAKES AIR INC
Rated Power: 260 hp
Operator: GREAT LAKES AIR 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: KSLH, 635 ft msl
Observation Time: 1514 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 267°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / -1°C
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2400 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 28 knots/ 42 knots, 230°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.39 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: BOIS BLANC ISLAND, MI (6Y1)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cheboygan, MI (SLH)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1115 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: CHEBOYGAN COUNTY (SLH)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 639 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4005 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude:  45.654167, -84.513889 (est)

AMD CH-2000 Alarus, N683AM: Accident occurred January 05, 2017 at Cobb County International Airport-McCollum Field (KRYY), Atlanta, Georgia

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Atlanta, Georgia  

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/N683AM


Location: Atlanta, GA
Accident Number: ERA17LA078
Date & Time: 01/05/2017, 1700 EST
Registration: N683AM
Aircraft: AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO CH 2000
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The private pilot attempted a short-field takeoff procedure, and air traffic control tower personnel observed the airplane about 200 ft above ground level about 900 ft from the beginning of the runway. The airplane then drifted left, descended, and impacted trees. Although the pilot subsequently reported a loss of engine power and climb performance, a test run of the engine following the accident revealed no anomalies. The pilot had an approximate 5-year gap in flying experience and had not completed a flight review, although he reported about 21 hours of flight experience in the 90 days preceding the accident. He reported a total flight experience of 143.3 hours, of which 59 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. It is likely that the pilot exceeded the airplane's critical angle of attack while attempting a short-field takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while attempting a short-field takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Findings

Aircraft
Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information 

On January 5, 2017, about 1700 eastern standard time, an Aircraft MFG & Development Co, CH 2000, N683AM, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees, during the initial climb after takeoff from Cobb County International Airport (RYY), Atlanta, Georgia. The private pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated by the private pilot as a personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the planned local flight.

The pilot reported that he had planned to perform some touch-and-go landings at RYY. During initial takeoff on runway 27, he applied full power and initiated a climb at the appropriate airspeed. Shortly thereafter, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power and climb performance. The left wing and nose dropped, but no stall warning horn sounded. The pilot leveled the wings and configured the airplane quickly for landing, before colliding with trees.

The pilot further reported that he had acquired his private pilot license in 2009, but had not flown between 2010 and 2015. He also had not completed a current flight review. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 143.3 hours; of which, 59 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. He had flown 21.3 hours during the 90-day period preceding the accident.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, air traffic control personnel observed the airplane about 200 feet above ground level as it was approximately 900 feet from the beginning of runway 27. The airplane then drifted left, descended, and impacted trees.

The inspector further stated that the airplane came to rest in a wooded area south of runway 27, about 1,400 feet from the beginning of the runway. The inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site and noted that during the impact, the airplane suffered damage to both wings and the fuselage. The inspector observed the flaps in the full-extended position. He also found an airplane operating handbook in the cockpit and observed that it was open to a page describing short field takeoffs and landings. He added that due to impact damage, some fuel had leaked from the airplane.

After the wreckage was recovered to a salvage facility, a test-run of the engine on the airframe was conducted under the supervision of an FAA inspector. The engine started without hesitation and ran for several minutes at different power settings, including full power.

The recorded wind at RYY, at 1647, was from 300 degrees at 3 knots. 

History of Flight

Initial climb
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)

Uncontrolled descent
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 44, 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 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/14/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  143 hours (Total, all aircraft), 59 hours (Total, this make and model), 21 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO
Registration: N683AM
Model/Series: CH 2000 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 20-1006
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1692 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 45 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1586 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-235-N2C
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 116 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: RYY, 1040 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1647 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 300°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Atlanta, GA (RYY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Atlanta, GA (RYY)
Type of Clearance: Traffic Advisory
Departure Time: 1700 EST
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: Cobb County International Airp (RYY)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 1040 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 27
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6295 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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:  34.013056, -84.596944 (est)




Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO
Registration: N683AM
Model/Series: CH 2000 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 20-1006
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1692 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 45 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1586 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-235-N2C
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 116 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: RYY, 1040 ft msl
Observation Time: 1647 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 0°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7500 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 300°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV): 
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Atlanta, GA (RYY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Atlanta, GA (RYY)
Type of Clearance: Traffic Advisory
Departure Time: 1700 EST
Type of Airspace:



Airport Information

Airport: Cobb County International Airport (RYY)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 1040 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 27
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6295 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

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:  34.013056, -84.596944 (est)



NTSB Identification: ERA17LA078
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, January 05, 2017 in Atlanta, GA
Aircraft: AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO CH 2000, registration: N683AM
Injuries: 1 Serious.

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 January 5, 2017, about 1700 eastern standard time, an Aircraft MFG & Development Co, CH 2000, N683AM, was substantially damaged during a collision with trees, during the initial climb after takeoff from Cobb County International Airport (RYY), Atlanta, Georgia. The private pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated by the private pilot as a personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the planned local flight.

The pilot reported that he had planned to perform some touch-and-go landings at RYY. During initial takeoff on runway 27, he applied full power and initiated a climb at the appropriate airspeed. Upon reaching a low altitude, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power and climb performance. The left wing and nose dropped, but no stall warning horn sounded. The pilot leveled the wings and configured the airplane quickly for landing, before colliding with trees.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, air traffic control personnel observed the airplane about 200 feet above ground level as it was approximately 900 feet from the beginning of runway 27. The airplane then drifted left, descended, and impacted trees. The airplane came to rest in a wooded area south of runway 27, about 1,400 feet from the beginning of the runway. The inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site and noted that during the impact, the airplane suffered damage to both wings and the fuselage. The inspector observed the flaps in the full-extended position. He also found an airplane operating handbook in the cockpit and observed that it was open to a page describing short field takeoffs and landings. He further stated that due to impact damage, some fuel had leaked from the airplane.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

The recorded wind at RYY, at 1647, was from 300 degrees at 3 knots.

Abnormal Runway Contact: Piper PA-22-108, N4913Z, accident occurred May 23, 2018 in Start, Richland Parish, Louisiana

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/N4913Z

Location: Start, LA
Accident Number: GAA18CA297
Date & Time: 05/23/2018, 1415 CDT
Registration: N4913Z
Aircraft: PIPER PA22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a grass airstrip, the airplane was close to an aerodynamic stall. He added that, during the landing, the airplane bounced multiple times, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane then nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut.

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 improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 42, Male
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: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/22/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/19/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1827.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 1746.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 6.2 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N4913Z
Model/Series: PA22 108
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 22-8499
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1649 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1055.9 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner: M&M Aero, LLC
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: KMLU, 81 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1853 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 289°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3200 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Start, LA (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Start, LA (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1400 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Private (PVT)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 83 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: UKN
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3000 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.455000, -91.826111 (est)

Editorial: A Big Letdown as Lebanon Chamber’s Wings and Wheels Event Ends

Wings and Wheels we hardly knew ye. Organized by the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce and launched in September 2014, the event was designed to celebrate the city and, especially, to highlight Lebanon Municipal Airport, which in its 77-year history has been both lauded as a crown jewel in the city’s infrastructure and bemoaned as a drag on its finances.

And so we note the irony of the cancellation of an event staged to promote the airport because potentially profitable negotiations are underway to lease the space at the airport where the event had been held.

As staff writer Tim Camerato reported last week, Airport Manager Rick Dyment confirmed that the city is in talks with Granite Air Center, which provides aircraft refueling, maintenance, storage and other services at the airport, to lease the space known as the executive ramp, located off Airpark Road past the terminal building at the south end of the airport. The discussion is in the early stages and Granite Air co-owner Greg Soho declined to comment last week, so we don’t yet know what a deal, if one is reached, might mean to the airport’s financial picture.

Suffice it to say that any boost to the bottom line will be welcome. The airport’s operational deficit averaged almost $170,000 a year between 2009 and 2015, although airport-generated property tax revenue more than offset that deficit. Even better, a recent report to the City Council by Finance Director Len Jarvi has the airport enjoying something of a fiscal tailwind.

Still, it’s too bad Wings and Wheels had its wings clipped.

The family-friendly event quickly established itself as an end-of-summer favorite among aviation buffs, classic-car enthusiasts and pretty much anyone with a kid. In its short, four-year run, the event attracted thousands of visitors — 1,500 in its first year, with similar turnouts in subsequent years — and all manner of businesses and organizations took to the tarmac to introduce themselves to attendees. The Civil Air Patrol, for example, provided information about its participation in search-and-rescue operations, Cape Air and the Experimental Aircraft Association offered free flights, the DHART rescue helicopter made an appearance, and the city’s police and fire departments displayed some of their vehicles and other equipment.

About halfway through last year’s event, Fire Chief Chris Christopoulos said his department had given away about 500 kid-sized fire helmets to the many youngsters who came for a close-up look at a shiny ladder truck. “Over the years we’ve generally given out about 1,000,” he said.

Paul Boucher, the longtime Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO who retired in 2016, had hoped that Wings and Wheels would become the city’s signature event, like the Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival. His successor at the chamber’s helm, Executive Director Rob Taylor, of Meriden, said his organization is already working on a replacement event, although it’s likely too late to pull something together for this year. The chamber will, however, play a role in both the Food Truck Festival, scheduled for June 22 at Colburn Park, and the Rotary Club of Lebanon’s Brewfest, planned for August.

Food trucks are very trendy right now, and the craft beer movement has firmly established itself, so these events hold great promise.

What participants will miss, of course, is the thrill of walking out onto the airport tarmac, usually a restricted space for civilians, and hearing — and feeling — the rumble of a plane’s powerful engines. And they’ll miss the chance to get up close and personal with the Cessnas, warbirds, helicopters, fire trucks, police cruisers, muscle cars and gleaming antique sedans — and the dedicated people who own and operate them.

Farewell, Wings and Wheels. It was fun while it lasted.

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