Tuesday, June 05, 2018

Schleicher ASW 20C, N428US: Accident occurred May 30, 2018 in Nephi, Juab County, Utah

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Salt Lake City, Utah

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/N428US


Location: Nephi, UT

Accident Number: GAA18CA314
Date & Time: 05/30/2018, 1415 MDT
Registration: N428US
Aircraft: SCHLEICHER ASW
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abrupt maneuver
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot of the glider reported that, while enroute on a local flight, the "lift died" and he decided to return to the departure airport. He was about 3-4 miles from the airport when the glider experienced a "moderate to severe sink" and decided to set up to land in a nearby field. At approximately 200 ft. above the ground, the glider encountered a strong updraft that lasted 15-30 seconds, and "even with full spoilers, it was obvious [he] would not be able to land". He stowed the spoilers, pitched up slightly and focused on another landing site.


The pilot further reported, that during touchdown at the alternate landing site, he noticed there were "sprinkler pipes and wheels". He added, "it looked like [he] would still hit the sprinkler pipes", so, to avoid the industrial farm sprinklers ahead, the pilot abruptly pitched the nose down and landed hard on the field.


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


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


Pilot Information


Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Flight Engineer

Age: 53, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Glider; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/15/2018
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 13800 hours (Total, all aircraft), 100 hours (Total, this make and model), 5100 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: SCHLEICHER

Registration: N428US
Model/Series: ASW 20C
Aircraft Category: Glider
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 20628
Landing Gear Type: Retractable -
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/28/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:
Airframe Total Time: 1600 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
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: KPVU, 4497 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 31 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1956 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 14°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 13000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 23000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.83 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: NEPHI, UT (U14)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: NEPHI, UT (U14)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1330 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information


Airport: NEPHI MUNI (U14)

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5020 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6300 ft / 100 ft
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: 39.711667, -111.891667 (est)

Cessna 172S Skyhawk, N254EK: Accident occurred, April 29, 2018 and Incident occurred June 17, 2017 at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO), Santa Clara County, California

N254EK LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N254EK

NTSB Identification: GAA18CA294 

14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, April 29, 2018 in Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N254EK

NTSB investigators will use data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator, and will not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.


Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Jose, California

June 17, 2017: Aircraft on takeoff, went off the runway and struck a light.


Date: 17-JUN-17
Time:    02:58:00Z
Regis#:    N254EK
Aircraft Make:    CESSNA
Aircraft Model:    C172
Event Type:    INCIDENT
Highest Injury:    NONE
Aircraft Missing:    No
Damage:    MINOR
Activity:    UNKNOWN
Flight Phase:    TAKEOFF (TOF)
City:    PALO ALTO
State:    CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga, N8214E: Incident occurred June 05, 2018 at Abilene Regional Airport (KABI), Taylor County, Texas

Lakeway Flyers LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N8214E



ABILENE, Texas — A small private plane made an emergency landing on Tuesday afternoon at Abilene Regional Airport.

According to Don Green, Director of Transportation Services, the pilot of the aircraft notified the air traffic control tower at about 4:45 p.m. that the instrument panel on the aircraft went out and as a result of that, the pilot could not get the plane's landing gear to come down.

The landing gear eventually came down and the plane landed safely.

The Abilene Fire Department had crews on standby just in case the plane were to crash.

Green did not know where the plane was coming from or how many people were on board the aircraft.

The plane is a Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga and owned by a company in Lakeway, near Austin.

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

Mooney M20K, N57146: Incident occurred June 04, 2018 at Watsonville Municipal Airport (KWVI), Santa Cruz County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Jose

Aircraft landed and gear collapsed.

Mooney 231 LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N57146

Date: 04-JUN-18
Time: 17:30:00Z
Regis#: N57146
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20K
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WATSONVILLE
State: CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-28-161, N453ND: Incident occurred June 06, 2019 near Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR) and incident June 04, 2018 in Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

June 06, 2019: Aircraft crashed on takeoff.

Ari-Ben Aviator Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N453ND

Date: 06-JUN-19
Time: 20:35:00Z
Regis#: N453ND
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: FORT PIERCE

State: FLORIDA

June 06, 2019: Aircraft reported a rough running engine and subsequent engine failure. Landed on road.

Date: 06-JUN-19
Time: 20:35:00Z
Regis#: N453ND
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: INITIAL CLIMB (ICL)
Operation: 91
City: FORT PIERCE
State: FLORIDA

June 04, 2018: Aircraft landed and rolled out onto the grass at Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR), Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida.

Date: 04-JUN-18
Time: 21:45:00Z
Regis#: N453ND
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28 161
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FORT PIERCE
State: FLORIDA

Loss of Control on Ground: CCX-2000, N18JG, accident occurred May 28, 2018 at Coeur d'Alene Airport Hayden, Kootenai County, Idaho

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

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/N18JG


Location: Couer D'Alene, ID

Accident Number: GAA18CA315
Date & Time: 05/28/2018, 1320 PDT
Registration: N18JG
Aircraft: JIM GREEN CCX
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he lost directional control upon touchdown on the runway. The airplane ground looped to the left, and the leading edge of the right wing dipped and contacted the runway. The airplane then came to rest upright.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing rear spar and right aileron.

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 located at the airport reported that, 26 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 250° at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 24.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Loss of control on ground (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/15/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/31/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 46 hours (Total, this make and model), 2400 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 32 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 19 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: JIM GREEN
Registration: N18JG
Model/Series: CCX 2000
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2017
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: CCX-2000-0003
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/04/2017, Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 76.1 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: AeroSport Power
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: CC363i
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 187 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: KCOE
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 2056 UTC
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots / 17 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 250°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Everett, WA (KAPE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Couer D'Alene, ID (COE)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1148 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: COEUR D'ALENE - PAPPY BOYINGTO (COE)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2320 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 24
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7400 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 47.774444, -116.819444 (est)

Super Petrel LS, N568SP: Incident occurred June 05, 2018 at Louisa County Airport (KLKU), Virginia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond

Aircraft landed gear up.

http://registry.faa.gov/N568SP

Date: 05-JUN-18
Time: 16:45:00Z
Regis#: N568SP
Aircraft Make: SCODA AERONAUTIC LTDA
Aircraft Model: SUPER PETREL LS
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LOUISA
State: VIRGINIA

Aerodynamic Stall / Spin: GippsAero GA10 Airvan, VH-XMH; accident occurred June 04, 2018 in Mojave, Kern County, California

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

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


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 
  
Location: Mojave, CA
Accident Number: ANC18LA042
Date & Time: 06/04/2018, 1152 PDT
Registration: VH-XMH
Aircraft: GIPPSAERO PTY LTD GA10
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Flight Test 

On June 4, 2018, about 1152 Pacific daylight time, an Australian registered GIPPSAERO PTY LTD, GA10 airplane, VH-XMH, was destroyed after it impacted terrain following an unrecoverable spin, and the unsuccessful deployment of the anti-spin parachute near Mojave, California. The airplane was registered to GIPPSAERO PTY LTD and operated by GIPPSAERO PTY LTD in conjunction with the National Test Pilot School (NTPS) as a visual flight rules test flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.715 Special Flight Authorization when the accident occurred. The Australian certificated commercial pilot and the United States certificated airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect.

According to the airplane manufacturer, the purpose of the flight was to conduct spin trials with the GA-10 airplane fitted with a cargo pod installation. Initial spin trials with the cargo pod were completed in Australia with company pilots, and the aircraft configured well away from the critical flight conditions identified during the original airplane certification spin testing. Due to scheduling and personnel constraints, it was decided to send the airplane and company personnel to NTPS to conduct the more critical spin tests. The flight tests commenced and proceeded until May 31, 2018, when the airplane exhibited some aberrant behavior, and the manufacturer's Chief Design Engineer (CDE) was consulted. To provide a margin of safety for further flights, a forward CG position was authorized for flaps up and flaps takeoff entries, in an effort, to gain more information into the airplane's aberrant behavior on the previous flight. At the final briefing, prior to the next flight, spins with landing flaps were added by the flight crew without consultation or authorization from the CDE.

According to the pilot flying, the flight departed about 1105 PDT and a stall series consisting of stalls with flaps up, flaps takeoff and flaps landing was completed prior to any spin entries, with stall characteristics normal and benign. The first spin entry was a wings level, power on, flaps landing spin with left rudder and right aileron. He said that the recovery took longer than expected, and the decision was made to repeat the test point. A repeat of the same entry resulted in a very similar spin with the recovery at one additional turn. The second test point (third spin entry) was flown in the same configuration as the first two, except that the entry was from a 30° left-bank turn. The airplane entered a normal spin and at one turn, flight controls were inputted for a normal recovery; however, the airplane settled into a fully developed spin. After 3 turns, the pilots in the chase aircraft called "three turns". The control yoke was held full forward with full opposite rudder, and right aileron was inputted, in an attempt, to affect yaw rate, to no avail, so the control yoke was returned to neutral, full forward and full right rudder. Around 10,000 ft, the pilots in the chase aircraft called "chute, chute, chute". The anti-spin parachute lever was pulled aft; however, the anti-spin parachute did not deploy even after repeated attempts. At about 8,500 ft msl, 500 ft above the briefed minimum bailout altitude, both pilots called for and executed a bailout.

A postaccident examination of the anti-spin parachute system revealed that one half the connector hook had opened allowing the activation pin lanyard for the anti-spin parachute to become disengaged.

The closest weather reporting facility was Mojave Air and Space Port (KMHV), Mojave, California, about 9 miles north of the accident site. At 1200, a METAR from KMHV was reporting, in part: wind from 300° at 15 knots, gusting 20 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 93° F; dew point 39° F; altimeter, 29.91 inches of mercury.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider; Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Glider
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/12/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/09/2017
Flight Time:  9767 hours (Total, all aircraft), 46 hours (Total, this make and model), 8315 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 53 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial; Foreign
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/20/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/15/2018
Flight Time:  10980 hours (Total, all aircraft), 287 hours (Total, this make and model), 10780 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: GIPPSAERO PTY LTD
Registration: VH-XMH
Model/Series: GA10 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:
Serial Number: GA10-TP450-16-1
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 10
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/17/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4751 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 113.1 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: M250-B17F/2
Registered Owner: GIPPSAERO PTY LTD
Rated Power: 450 hp
Operator: GIPPSAERO PTY LTD
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMHV, 2801 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1900 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 350°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 15 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 300°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mojave, CA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Mojave, CA
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time:  PDT
Type of Airspace: Military Operation Area 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 34.938611, -118.126667 (est)

Location: Mojave, CA
Accident Number: ANC18LA042
Date & Time: 06/04/2018, 1152 PDT
Registration: VH-XMH
Aircraft: GIPPSAERO PTY LTD GA10
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Flight Test 

On June 4, 2018, about 1152 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a turbine-powered, Australian registered, GippsAero GA10 airplane, VH-XMH, was destroyed after it impacted terrain following an unrecoverable spin during a flight test near Mojave, California. The United States certificated Airline Transport Pilot, and Australian certificated Commercial Pilot, sustained minor injuries after both successfully bailed out of the airplane. The airplane was registered to and operated by GippsAero as a visual flight rules test flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.715 Special Flight Authorization when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Mojave Air and Space Port (KMHV), Mojave, California, about 1105 PDT.

The purpose of the flight was to evaluate the spin characteristics of the GippsAreo GA10 airplane with a belly-mounted cargo pod installed. Additionally, the accident airplane was equipped with an anti-spin parachute to be used if an unrecoverable spin was encountered, and both pilots wore emergency parachutes.

A chase airplane was used to follow and monitor the progress of the flight test.

According to the flight test pilot, the accident flight was the ninth flight that he participated in during the one-turn spin evaluations of the GA-10 fitted with the cargo pod. He said that after departure, a stall series was completed prior to any spin entries, with stall characteristics normal and benign.

The pilot reported that the first spin entry was initiated with wings level, power on, with flaps set to a landing configuration, which was followed by left rudder and right aileron inputs. The pilot said that the spin recovery took longer than expected, and the decision was made to repeat the test. The next spin entry produced very similar results, with the recovery at one additional spin turn. The accident flight spin entry was flown in the same configuration as the first two spins, except that the entry was from a 30° bank left turn. The pilot reported that the airplane entered a normal spin, and after one spin turn, he applied flight control inputs for the spin recovery; however, the airplane settled into a fully developed spin.

The pilot said that after the airplane attained three full spin turns, he heard the chase airplane personnel call "three turns" which was a predetermined flight test safety limit. The pilot reported that he then moved the control yoke full forward with full opposite rudder and right aileron in an attempt to arrest the spin, but to no avail. He said that the control yoke was then returned to neutral, then full forward and full right rudder. Around 10,000 ft msl, the pilot heard the chase airplane personnel call "chute, chute, chute" instructing the flight test crew to deploy the emergency anti-spin parachute. The pilot said that when the anti-spin parachute deployment lever was pulled aft, the anti-spin parachute did not deploy, even after repeated attempts. At about 8,500 ft msl, which was 500 ft. above the briefed minimum bailout altitude, both pilots bailed out.

The closest weather reporting facility was KMHV, about 9 miles north of the accident site. At 1200, a METAR from KMHV was reporting, in part: wind from 300° at 15 knots, gusting 20 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 93° F; dew point 39° F; altimeter, 29.91 inches of mercury.

The closest weather reporting facility was KMHV, about 9 miles north of the accident site. At 1200, a METAR from KMHV was reporting, in part: wind from 300° at 15 knots, gusting 20 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 93° F; dew point 39° F; altimeter, 29.91 inches of mercury. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: GIPPSAERO PTY LTD
Registration: VH-XMH
Model/Series: GA10 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: GIPPSAERO PTY LTD
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMHV, 2801 ft msl
Observation Time: 1900 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 15 knots/ 20 knots, 300°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Mojave, CA
Destination: Mojave, CA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  34.938611, -118.126667 (est)


EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) — A pilot and a passenger safely ejected before their single-engine turboprop crashed during a test flight Monday in Southern California's Mojave Desert, a spokesman for the plane's developer said.

Both occupants are OK after successfully deploying their parachutes before the GA10 aircraft crashed about 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Edwards Air Force Base, according to Earle Boyter, a North American official of Australia's GippsAero.

The 10-seat experimental utility plane was likely destroyed, Boyter said.

It had taken off from Mojave Air and Space Port, about 85 miles (136 kilometers) north of downtown Los Angeles.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector was dispatched to the crash site, said agency spokesman Ian Gregor. The National Transportation Safety Board will also investigate.

GippsAero manufactures single-engine utility aircraft. The firm based in Morwell, Australia, is owned by Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group.

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