Friday, July 06, 2018

Extra EA-330LC, N330MT, registered to and operated by Vegas Extreme Adventures LLC doing business as Sky Combat Ace (SCA): Fatal accident occurred April 30, 2016 in Henderson, Clark County, Nevada

 
Steven Anthony Peterson of Sonoma County, passed away on April 30th, 2016 at the age of 32.

Benjamin Anderson Soyars, III, "Ben", age 37, died on April 30th, 2016 while living in Nevada.


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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas, Nevada 
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

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/N414MT 

Location: Henderson, NV
Accident Number: WPR16FA097
Date & Time: 04/30/2016, 1624 PDT
Registration: N330MT
Aircraft: EXTRA FLUGZEUGPRODUKTIONS-UND EA 300/L
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On April 30, 2016, about 1624 Pacific daylight time, an EXTRA Flugzeugproduktions-und Vertriebs, EA-300/L airplane, N330MT, was destroyed when it impacted terrain about 10 miles south of Henderson Executive Airport (HND), Las Vegas, Nevada. The airline transport pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Vegas Extreme Adventures LLC, doing business as Sky Combat Ace (SCA), under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight, which departed HND about 1603.

The accident airplane departed and rendezvoused with two other company airplanes to conduct a simulated air-to-air combat mission. The mission profile included two airplanes at a time maneuvering against each other, while the third airplane observed from a higher altitude and safe distance. Following completion of the air combat mission, all three airplanes began the return flight to HND. During the return, the airplanes flew a planned low-level bombing run simulation. After landing at HND, the pilots of the first two airplanes realized that the third airplane had not returned. The operator's pilots subsequently notified HND tower and the company. The company initiated an aerial search, and the wreckage was located shortly thereafter.

The accident airplane was equipped with both a GoPro Hero and a Garmin VIRB onboard camera system. The GoPro Hero camera was mounted in the front seat instrument panel and faced backwards, in order to record the front seat occupant. The Garmin VIRB camera was forward facing and mounted on the right side of the rear seat at the instrument panel. Both cameras were recovered from the accident site and sent to the NTSB's Vehicle Recorder Laboratory for download. The GoPro Hero card contained two files that captured the accident flight. The Garmin VIRB card captured the accident flight and cockpit communications. A complete report on the recorded flight data is available in the public docket.

The recorded data began on the airport ramp area and revealed weather conditions that included scattered clouds and a high overcast layer. The accident pilot and passenger discussed the recent weather as rain droplets collected on the airplane's surfaces. Both the pilot and passenger were wearing parachutes. The passenger was seated in the front seat and the pilot was seated in the rear seat. Another company airplane (Ace 4) checked the formation in on the radio and called for taxi clearance, for the three airplanes. The accident airplane (Ace 1) began taxing behind Ace 4 (the lead airplane): the other airplane in the formation was Ace 2. The timing of the recorded data referenced below, is expressed in video elapsed time, which is the minutes and seconds from the beginning of the recordings.

At 08:55 elapsed time, the accident airplane took off from runway 35L. After reaching about 200 ft agl, as indicated by the altimeter in the forward panel, the pilot initiated a hard left turn. The airplane climbed to its cruise altitude of 3,500 ft msl.

At 11:40, the three airplanes flew south towards the practice area and accomplished a simulated gun check. The accident pilot led the passenger through some shallow bank maneuvers, where they simulated setting up to shoot another airplane. The altimeter indicated 3,900 ft msl. At 15:00, the airplanes continued to fly south, and the accident airplane was instructed to set up to watch the Ace 4 and Ace 2 maneuver for a simulated "dogfight." The altitudes given to maintain for the simulated dogfight were between 5,000 ft and 7,000 ft msl. The accident airplane maneuvered in slight banking turns as the other two airplanes maneuvered for a simulated dogfight.

At 18:30, the first dogfight between the other airplanes had ended. The accident airplane was then instructed to set up for the next simulated dogfight. At 19:38, the accident airplane maneuvered for their first simulated dogfight. The passenger appeared to be manipulating the controls. After about 2 minutes, the dogfight was terminated and another one shortly thereafter.

At 23:15, the pilot asked the passenger how he was doing? The passenger responded that he was "doing pretty rough." The pilot asked the passenger to let him know if he started to feel airsick and the passenger confirmed that he was ready for one more simulated air-to-air engagement.

At 23:35, the accident airplane began a third simulated engagement and achieved a successful "kill" at 24:38. At that time, the pilot, indicated that he was going to stop the simulated dogfighting with the other airplanes and set up to watch them. The accident airplane climbed to 7,000 ft msl, and the passenger expressed that he was "not feeling well." The accident pilot responded that he "would not be doing any crazy turning or anything like that."

At 25:35, Ace 4, radioed that he was calling off the next simulated dogfight and the flight of three would return to HND. Ace 4 informed the other airplanes that during the return their position would be "fighting wing" with the accident airplane as the last airplane in trail. The pilot of another airplane in the formation radioed that they would finish up flying a low-level bomb run. The accident pilot informed the passenger, that he would keep it smooth for him, then radioed the formation that he was going to "keep it pretty PG back here." The other pilots in the formation acknowledged and replied: "sounds good, you guys tame it down to however you like it."

As the accident airplane descended towards the desert floor, the passenger readied an air sickness bag. The accident pilot restated that he was going to keep the airplane nice and smooth and instructed his passenger to take care of himself. Shortly, thereafter, the accident passenger became actively airsick and adjusted his headset microphone away from his face. The accident pilot transmitted over the radio that "One's code three."

At 28:51, the accident airplane was flying low level over the desert floor. The front seat altimeter indicated 2,750 ft msl and the indicated airspeed 185 knots. The passenger continued to be actively airsick. At 28:56, the passenger began to tie off his airsickness bag. Rain was seen beading up on the accident airplane's windscreen and the sky condition was overcast with a high ceiling, similar to the weather conditions observed during the simulated dogfights.

At 29:26, the accident airplane began climbing as it approached a ridgeline. Despite the rain accumulating on the windscreen, the forward visibility appeared to be unobstructed and the ridgeline was not obscured by cloud cover. At 29:37, the accident airplane was in a shallow climb and the accident pilot transmitted "you guys are leaving some pretty sweet vapor trails." At 29:46, the shallow pitch increased slightly, and the rain continued to bead on the airplane's canopy. The rain did not obstruct the forward view and the ridgeline was still clearly visible. The airplane's airspeed indicator read about 175 knots and the altimeter indicated 3,150 ft msl. The accident pilot then stated, "I'm going to take it nice and easy here." The airplane continued to approach the ridgeline in a shallow climb and an indicated airspeed just over 170 knots. The forward facing, Garmin VIRB camera stopped recording as the accident airplane was just approaching the ridgeline of the dry lake bed about 15 seconds before impact.

The GoPro Hero camera recorded the accident airplane perform 3 check turns before crossing the ridgeline and one after. The airplane crossed the first ridgeline and leveled off briefly and then began a shallow wings-level descent. There was some rain beading on the canopy; however, the visibility around the airplane was not degraded. The airplane then rolled into a slight right turn as it continued to descend towards the valley floor. Seconds later, the passenger was seen yelling: however, his microphone was not near his mouth. Almost simultaneously, at 30:18, the airplane impacted a small hill that rose from the valley floor. At the time of impact, the airplane was in a slight left bank and shallow climb.

The accident pilot did not indicate any anomalies before impact and the airplane was in stable flight with no attempted maneuver to avoid terrain.

Video from Ace 2 was also reviewed. Ace 2 was flying as the number two position in the formation, in front of the accident airplane. Ace 2 was maneuvering at a low attitude on the desert floor near the Jean dry lakebed and appeared to be flying about the same altitude above the ground as the accident airplane. Rain impacted Ace 2's windscreen as it maneuvered around a ridge adjacent to the dry lakebed. The rain did not appear to significantly degrade visibility and Ace 2 remained in VFR conditions. When compared to the accident airplane's video, Ace 2 encountered heavier rain. The flight path where the accident airplane was observed, was west of their position and the weather conditions near the accident airplane appeared to be better.

Ace 2 cleared the ridgeline and performed slight clearing turns as it descended back towards the valley floor. Once it reached level flight just above the valley floor, the accident airplane came into view behind and could be seen descending towards the valley floor. Once the accident airplane crossed above the first ridgeline, it was difficult to see, because it was no longer silhouetted against the overcast skies. A small hill comprised of rocks came into view behind and to the left of Ace 2, where the accident airplane was flying. Moments later, a white plume was observed on top of the hill. During the low-level, Ace 2 performed 8 clearing turns during the low-level flight before the accident. Following the accident, Ace 2 continued flying normally and the pilot and passenger seemed to be unaware of the accident airplane's impact with terrain, since the impact occurred outside their field of view.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot, age 37, held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single and multi-engine land. He also held a flight instructor certificate with airplane single and multi-engine ratings. The pilot was issued a first class Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman medical certificate on September 2, 2014. At the time of the accident, this medical certificate was valid only for third class purposes with no limitations. The pilot reported on the application for that medical certificate that he had accumulated 7,118 total hours of flight experience, with 200 hours in the previous 6 months.

Information provided by the operator revealed that the pilot had over 17 years of professional flying experience and had been flying aerobatics for 19 years, in a variety of aerobatic airplanes. He had been employed by SCA since August 2015.

According to the other pilots in the formation who flew against him on the day of the accident, the pilot appeared to be in good health and disposition. According to SCA, the accident pilot had taken the previous 2 days off and the accident flight was his second flight of the day. He had routinely flown the EA-300/L on company missions throughout his employment with SCA.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The tandem-seat, low-wing, acrobatic-category airplane was equipped with dual controls and was manufactured in 2011. A review of maintenance logbooks revealed that the most recent annual inspection was completed on January 2, 2016, at an airplane hour meter time of 619.9 hours. The engine received a 100-hour inspection on February 23, 2016, at an hour meter time of 719.3 hours and 719.3 hours since overhaul.

During the accident flight, the flight instructor was seated in the rear seat, and due to the tandem seating configuration, forward visibility was restricted by the forward portion of the airplane. No specific information about the rear seat visibility was available from the manufacturer, however, utilizing airplane drawings from the manufacturer, forward visibility from the rear seat, during level flight, was estimated to be limited between 7.5° left and right of centerline, and below more than about 8° below the nose of the airplane. The rear seat visibility limitations do not account for the additional limitations potentially imposed by the front seat passenger. The airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook states that solo flights will be accomplished from the rear seat.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

At 1636, the automated weather observation station at HND, reported wind from 120° at 8 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 4,100 ft, scattered clouds at 7,000 ft, overcast cloud base at 9,500 ft, temperature 16° C, dew point 9° C, and an altimeter setting of 29.79 inches of mercury. Remarks included: station with a precipitation discriminator, wind shift at 1555, lightning more than ten miles away to the north and northeast, thunderstorm ended at 1630, and rain began at 1559, and rain ended at 1620, trace precipitation in last hour.

An unofficial meteorological reporting station located about 6 miles east-southeast of the accident site, reported wind from 011° magnetic at 11 mph at 1625. Another unofficial meteorological reporting station located about 5 miles south of the accident site, reported wind from 074° magnetic at 8 mph at 1627.

Weather radar imagery depicted high reflectivity values consistent with heavy rain and reflectivity patterns consistent with convection moving through the accident site immediately before the accident time. About 1632, immediately following the passage of the convective feature, a small area of light reflectivity was identified over the accident location.

One AIRMET advisory active for mountain obscuration was active for the accident location for altitudes below 8,000 ft. No SIGMETS advisories were active for the accident location at the time of the accident. Several convective SIGMETS were active for the accident location at the accident time for thunderstorms moving into the area.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

Examination of the accident site by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), investigator-in-charge, revealed that the airplane impacted terrain, near the top of a hill, at an elevation of about 3,101 ft mean sea level (msl). The hill was comprised of dark-brown-colored lava rocks and its approximate dimensions were about 650 ft long by 350 ft wide, with a peak elevation about 3,109 ft. The contour of the hill was orientated northeast/southwest. The desert floor to the southwest of the hill, from where the accident airplane approached, was about 40-50 ft lower than the hill elevation. The hill was about 3,000 ft northeast of the dry lake bed ridgeline.

The first identified point of contact was an area of disturbed rocks and dirt near the top of the hill, which measured about 4 ft long, 3 ft wide, and 6 inches deep, and was located southeast of the main wreckage. Numerous small pieces of wreckage and paint transfer on the rocks were observed at the initial impact point, and all the major components of the airplane were located along the debris path, which was about 800 ft long and oriented on a heading about 030° magnetic, or with the main wreckage.

Most of the debris consisted of small fragments of the airplane. The wings separated from the fuselage and large wing fragments were located on the northwest side of the hill about 200 ft from the initial impact point. The left aileron remained attached to an aft section of the wing. The right aileron was separated and located near the wing fragments. The fuselage and tail section came to rest upright about 400 ft from the initial impact point on a heading about 250° magnetic, and was leaning to the left.

The engine separated from the fuselage and came to rest inverted about 400 ft past the main wreckage, where it struck and breached a wire fence. All the tubing and mounts were separated, and the bottom of the engine case was breached. The propeller blades were separated from the hub, and blade fragments were observed near the initial ground impact scars.

The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. Control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces. The engine was partially disassembled to confirm mechanical continuity of the internal mechanisms. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; a complete report is contained within the public docket.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Clark County Coroner's Office, Las Vegas, Nevada, conducted an autopsy of the pilot. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was "blunt force injuries."

The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing on the passenger and pilot.

The results for the passenger were negative for carbon monoxide, volatiles, and tested-for drugs.

Samples from the pilot were negative for carbon monoxide, and volatiles; however, drug testing identified 9.4 ng/ml of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the pilot's cavity blood; THC was also detected in the lung, liver, and brain. In addition, 10 ng/ml of tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (TCH-COOC) the active metabolite of THC, was identified in the cavity blood; it was also found in the lung, liver and brain. TCH is the primary active metabolite of marijuana and may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as flying, driving, and operating heavy machinery.

THC is stored in fatty tissues and may leach out of those tissues back into blood after death; as a result, post mortem levels may be significantly higher than ante-mortem levels. Because blood that has leaked out of vessels and into cavities may be diluted with other fluids, there is no direct way to reliably compute antemortem blood levels of THC. THC is impairing and is typically used for its psychoactive properties; however, there is no direct relationship established between blood levels of THC and impairment.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

In discussion with other company pilots who have flown the airplane; check turns were used to clear for terrain directly in front and below the airplane during low-level flight.

The company was founded in 2011. At the time of the accident, their operations were located at HND and at Gillespie Field Airport (SEE), San Diego/El Cajon, California. The company offered a variety of different flight options, including aerobatics and aerial dogfighting. The advanced profiles allowed for the customer to fly the maneuver.

The air-to-air combat flights were operated as flight instruction. SCA's website, stated: "You fly the plane, you are at the controls and you execute the air-to-air combat tactics." It also stated, "Don't worry, you don't need any flight experience…Under the supervision of one of our expert combat fighter pilots, we teach you the art of basic fighter maneuvers, which will enable you to outmaneuver your opponent and get the kill." The operator used 4 EA-300 airplanes in the aerial combat profiles.

The company had established a training syllabus that all its pilots were required to complete in order to conduct flights with customers. The syllabus included advanced aircraft handling, aerial dogfighting, and advanced air combat maneuvering. Each of the three sections ended with a check ride conducted by an authorized company flight instructor.

The company required pilots to be in the building at least 30 minutes before the scheduled customer show time. Weather and NOTAMS were a required briefing item, and pilots were required to maintain VFR flight at all times.

The SCA low-level standards stated that the customers would be briefed to not touch the flight controls during the low-level portion of their flight. Further, the pilots were instructed to maintain a minimum airspeed of 140 knots during low-level operation to ensure that maximum maneuverability was available to avoid obstructions. The minimum terrain clearance for the EA300 airplane was 30 ft agl. During low-level operation, all pilots were required to maintain a 1-mile separation from the airplane in front of them. Other SCA pilots who had flown the accident airplane reported that they performed "check turns" when conducting low-level operations to ensure clearance from terrain and/or obstructions directly in front of and below the airplane given the limited visibility from the rear seat. Check turns were a standard procedure taught in SCA. The check turns would consist of accomplishing a slight banked turn in each direction, in order to clear for that side of the airplane.

SCA standards also stated that the pilots will continuously monitor the status and well-being of their customers and will relay the status of their customers to each other via the following codes: "Code 1" means "customer is good to go; continue profile." "Code 2" means the "customer is starting to feel poorly. Ease up on the profile, perhaps watch for a bit." Finally, "Code 3" means "the customer is vomiting or preparing to vomit; go to spectator mode." The standards contained no further guidance on the "spectator mode."

According to the company website: "all SCA flights are instructional in nature conducted by certified flight instructors under 14 CFR Part 61 of the United States Code. Instruction will be provided during ground and flight portions for all flights."

Organizations conducting flight training under 14 CFR Part 61, are not considered by the FAA to be certificated air agencies, and therefore are not subject to the same FAA oversight as certificated air agencies conducting training under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 141 (Pilot School) or Part 142 (Training Center).

FAA surveillance of 14 CFR Part 61 flight schools is outlined in FAA Order 1800.56, National Flight Standards Work Program Guidelines. The only required inspection for flight schools operated under this part is for FAA inspectors to conduct one inspection for each Level 4 or 5 flight training device (FTD) located at each flight school and satellite school within the Certificate Holding District Office (CHDO) region. At the time of the accident, SCA did not utilize any Level 4 or 5 FTDs.

A review of FAA Program Tracking and Recording Subsystem (PTRS) records revealed 9 records in the 3 years preceding the accident. Of the 9, four were complaint investigations, two were ramp inspections completed on the same day on different aircraft, one was an enforcement action, one was a near mid-air collision investigation, and one was the issuance of a waiver.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

According to the FAA, (legal interpretation to Doug McQueen, August 16, 2013): "In general, when a flight involves the carriage of person or property for compensation or hire, the operator must hold a part 119 air carrier or commercial operator certificate and operate such flights under part 121 or 135 rules." However, the letter points out certain exceptions in part 14 CFR 119 where operations may be operated without a 14 CFR part 119 certificate. 14 CFR Part 119.1 does not apply to several operations including student instruction, part 119.1(e)(1), and training flights, part 119.1(e)(3).

Title 14 CFR 1.1, General Definitions section, does not define the term student instruction or training flights. The legal interpretation states "Because 'student instruction' existed as an exemption for several years before the Civil Aeronautics Board adopted the 'training flights' exception, the FAA interprets 'student instruction' broadly as referring to an operation in which a person receives flight training from an authorized instructor for the purpose of obtaining a certificate, privilege rating, or authorization under CFR part 61." Further, it states "The FAA interprets 'training flights' described in CFR 119.1(e)(3) as referring to operations in which a person receives training for the purpose of satisfying a training requirement outside of part 61, such as the crewmember training requirement of CFR 119.313. Therefore, flight crewmember training in special purpose operations such as crop dusting, seeding, spraying, and banner towing would fall under the 'training flights' exception of part 119(e)(3)."

A legal interpretation from the FAA (See Legal Interpretation to William Grannis from Lorelei Peter, Assistant Chief Counsel for Regulations (August 3, 2017)) addresses operations attempting to use the flight training exemption of part 119(e). The letter states "Discovery flights, introductory flights, orientation flights, and demonstration flights are operations involving the carriage of persons for compensation or hire." Also, the letter states "In the hypothetical scenarios you presented in your letter, the persons being carried for compensation or hire are not interested in flight training. It is therefore unlikely that the purpose of these flights would be student instruction. Furthermore, because the flights you describe are introductory flights, it is unlikely that the persons would be receiving flight training for the purpose of satisfying a training requirement outside of part 61." 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 37, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/02/2014
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/10/2015
Flight Time: (Estimated) 7118 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: EXTRA FLUGZEUGPRODUKTIONS-UND
Registration: N330MT
Model/Series: EA 300/L L
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2011
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Aerobatic; Normal
Serial Number: 1316
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/23/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2095 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 776.41 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: AEIO-580-B1A
Registered Owner: Vegas Extreme Adventures LLC
Rated Power: 315 hp
Operator: Vegas Extreme Adventures LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: Sky Combat Ace
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BVU, 2203 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1635 PDT
Direction from Accident Site: 241°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 34 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 95 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.79 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: LAS VEGAS, NV (HND)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: LAS VEGAS, NV (HND)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1603 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  39.806667, -115.202778 (est)

Airbus A321, N130AN and Airbus A330-200: Incidents occurred January 17, 2022 and July 05, 2018

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

January 17, 2022:  Aircraft struck a bird during departure damaging nose cone at Orlando International Airport (KMCO),Orange County, Florida.

American Airlines 


Date: 17-JAN-22
Time: 11:31:00Z
Regis#: N130AN
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A321
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: AAL1729
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles International Airport - Certificate Management Office

July 05, 2018:  Aircraft was at gate when it sustained a rudder strike by an inbound aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), California. 

American Airlines 

Date: 06-JUL-18
Time: 04:46:00Z
Regis#: N130AN
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A321
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: STANDING (STD)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: AAL162
City: LOS ANGELES
State: CALIFORNIA

July 05, 2018:  Aircraft struck the rudder of a parked Airbus A321, N130AN, at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), California.

Hawaiian Airlines

Date: 06-JUL-18
Time: 04:43:00Z
Regis#: UNK
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A330
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: HAWAIIAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: HAL34
City: LOS ANGELES
State: CALIFORNIA

SkyWest Airlines, Embraer 175, N156SY: Incident occurred July 05, 2018 at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles International Airport - Certificate Management Office

Flight 5891: Tail of aircraft (APU exhaust section) was struck by a maintenance ground vehicle while the aircraft was in the process of loading, and with only the crew on board.

SkyWest Airlines Inc:  http://registry.faa.gov/N156SY

Date: 06-JUL-18
Time: 04:20:00Z
Regis#: N156SY
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: 175
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: STANDING (STD)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SKYWEST
Flight Number: 5891
City: LOS ANGELES
State: CALIFORNIA

Aerodynamic Stall: Tecnam P2002 Sierra, N75SY, accident occurred July 05, 2018 at San Carlos Airport (KSQL), San Mateo County, California

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

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/N75SY


Location: San Carlos, CA 
Accident Number: GAA18CA395
Date & Time: 07/05/2018, 1530 PDT
Registration: N75SY
Aircraft: COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P2002 SIERRA
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, while landing in a crosswind, the approach was "too low," and he added power. The airplane then "rolled and veered" left. He added that marks on the terrain indicated that the left wing struck the ground, and tracks showed that the airplane touched down on the pavement before the runway threshold. The airplane then exited the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, left wing, and fuselage.

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, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 330° at 8 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 30. 

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 a proper glidepath and crosswind correction during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Findings

Aircraft
Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Crosswind correction - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Crosswind - Response/compensation (Cause)
Crosswind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR go-around
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)

Landing
Landing area undershoot
Runway excursion
Landing gear collapse
Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied:Left 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/23/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 802 hours (Total, all aircraft), 277 hours (Total, this make and model), 802 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNAM
Registration: N75SY
Model/Series: P2002 SIERRA
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Special Light-Sport
Serial Number: 359
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/15/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 355.1 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: KSQL, 5 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2247 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 7°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 330°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: San Carlos, CA (SQL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: San Carlos, CA (SQL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1500 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: SAN CARLOS (SQL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation:5 ft 
Runway Surface Condition:Dry 
Runway Used: 30
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2600 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

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: 37.515278, -122.250278 (est)

Robinson R22 Beta, N4066S: Accident occurred October 18, 2019 in Lake Mead, Nevada -and- Incident occurred July 05, 2018 near Riverside Municipal Airport (KRAL), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas 

October 18, 2019: Rotorcraft trying to land on a sand dune, skid caught the ground and experienced a dynamic rollover.

California Aviation Services Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N4066S

Date: 18-OCT-19
Time: 00:00:00Z
Regis#: N4066S
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON
Aircraft Model: R22
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: LAKE MEAD
State: NEVADA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside

July 05, 2018: Helicopter performed an emergency landing about 1/2-mile north of Riverside Municipal Airport.

Date: 05-JUL-18
Time: 18:20:00Z
Regis#: N4066S
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON
Aircraft Model: R22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EMERGENCY DESCENT (EMG)
Operation: 91
City: RIVERSIDE
State: CALIFORNIA

Grumman G-164B Ag Cat, N6795Q: Accident occurred July 05, 2018 in Rochelle, Ogle County, Illinois

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; DuPage, Illinois

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/N6795Q

Location: Rochelle, IL
Accident Number: GAA18CA401
Date & Time: 07/05/2018, 1500 CDT
Registration: N6795Q
Aircraft: Grumman G164
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis 

The pilot of the turbine-powered airplane reported that, during takeoff for an agricultural application flight, he failed to move the power lever from the ground idle position to the flight position. During takeoff, the airplane did not attain sufficient airspeed, aerodynamically stalled about 50 ft above the ground, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted.

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

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to move the power lever to the proper position before takeoff, which resulted in insufficient airspeed and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

Findings

Aircraft
Power lever - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)
Airspeed - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Lack of action - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)
Monitoring equip/instruments - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Miscellaneous/other (Defining event)
Aerodynamic stall/spin

Landing
Roll over 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
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 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/26/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/23/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 849 hours (Total, all aircraft), 10 hours (Total, this make and model), 700 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 150 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Grumman
Registration: N6795Q
Model/Series: G164 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 306B
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Honeywell
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: Garrett
Registered Owner: Hendrickson Flying Service Inc
Rated Power: 720 hp
Operator: Hendrickson Flying Service Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRPJ, 781 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2055 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 246°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3300 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 9000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 340°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.26 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 24°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rochelle, IL (IL93)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Rochelle, IL (IL93)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1500 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: HENDRICKSON FLYING SERVICE (IL93)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 889 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Vegetation
Runway Used: S
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2800 ft / 200 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: 41.943889, -88.924444 (est)

Swearingen SX-300, registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, N42SX: Fatal accident occurred July 05, 2018 at Spruce Creek Airport (7FL6), Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida
Lycoming Engines; Atlanta, Georgia

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/N42SX

Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Accident Number: ERA18LA184
Date & Time: 07/05/2018, 1345 EDT
Registration: N42SX
Aircraft: Swearingen SX300
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 5, 2018, about 1345 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Swearingen SX-300, N42SX, was destroyed during a runway excursion while landing at Spruce Creek Airport (7FL6), Daytona Beach, Florida. The private pilot was fatally injured, and the pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was owned by the pilot who was operating it as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated from Flagler Executive Airport (FIN), Palm Coast, Florida.

The passenger stated that he and the pilot flew to FIN about 1130 for lunch. They purchased fuel at FIN and departed for 7FL6 about 1330. The passenger stated that the return flight was normal, and that, during the approach for landing, he noted that the wing flaps were down and three green landing gear lights were illuminated in the cockpit. He added that the airspeed indicator showed 90 knots while on final approach. Just before landing, he heard the angle of attack indicator alarm and "knew they stalled the airplane." The airplane landed hard and he heard a loud pop and felt the left main landing gear fracture. He told the pilot that the left main landing gear had broken, and the pilot initially applied full power to take off again; however, he then reduced the throttle to idle and applied full braking. The airplane slid off the left side of the runway and collided with the precision approach path indicator lights. The airplane continued to slide across the grass until the right wing dug into the ground; the airplane then flipped over and caught fire. Both occupants tried to open the canopy, but it was jammed. The passenger then tried to kick out the canopy but could not break the glass. Several bystanders ran to the airplane, helped open the canopy, and helped the two occupants egress. The passenger stated that there were no mechanical defects with the airplane before the accident.

A witness stated that he saw the airplane "touch down." He was not sure if it was the initial landing or after it had bounced once. He further stated that the airplane's left main landing gear was "trailing behind," and after it landed, the airplane slid off the left side of the runway, spun around, and caught fire.

An airport security video showed the airplane after it touched down on the runway. The video showed the airplane sliding down the runway with the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid off the left side of the runway, cartwheeled before coming to rest upright, and subsequently caught fire. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/03/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 1650 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 35, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/27/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 950 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane multi-engine land, instrument airplane, and glider. He held a third-class medical certificate, issued July 3, 2018. At the time of the medical examination, the pilot reported 1,650 total hours of flight experience. His pilot logbook was not recovered. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Swearingen
Registration: N42SX
Model/Series: SX300 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1993
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 42
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/03/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 660 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-L1C5
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The two seat, low-wing, retractable gear airplane was built in 1993. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-540-L1C5, 300-horsepower engine, equipped with a three-bladed Hartzell propeller.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KEVB, 10 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1750 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 106°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1800 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 120°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.17 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 24°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Palm Coast, FL (FIN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Daytona Beach, FL (7FL6)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1330 EDT
Type of Airspace:

At 1350, the recorded weather at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, located 5 miles southeast of the accident site, included wind from 120° at 10 knots; 10 statute miles visibility; temperature 30°C; dew point 24°C; altimeter 30.17 inches of mercury. 

Airport Information

Airport: Spruce Creek (7FL6)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 24 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 06
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4002 ft / 176 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 29.079722, -81.048333 (est) 

The wreckage was located about midfield and 60 ft from the left side of runway 6 and was consumed by a postcrash fire. The main wreckage came to rest upright on a heading of 320°. The instrument panel was consumed by fire and no readable instruments were recovered. Both wings separated from the fuselage; the left wing was located beside the fuselage with about 4 ft of the inboard section remaining. The rest of the wing was consumed by fire. The right wing was located under the fuselage and completely consumed by fire. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. Control cable continuity was confirmed.

The engine remained attached to the airframe. The engine, propeller, and accessories were fire-damaged. The spinner dome was melted on one side. The top spark plugs were removed, and the propeller was rotated by hand. Thumb compression was established on all cylinders. Valve train continuity was established by visual confirmation of rocker arm movement and movement of the accessory gears. A lighted borescope was used to observe the pistons and valves inside the cylinders; no anomalies were noted.

Medical And Pathological Information

An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the Office of the Medical Examiner, Orlando, Florida. The report listed the cause of death as complications of 50.5% total body surface area burns and inhalation injury.


The pilot succumbed to his injuries in the hospital 1 week after the accident and toxicology testing was not performed.


John D. Wilson
09/15/1956 - 07/11/2018

John D. Wilson, 61, of Port Orange, passed away on July 11, 2018 at Orlando Regional Medical Center. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, on September 15, 1956. John grew up in Rochester, New York and Orlando, Florida. He is the son of John Wilson (deceased) and Nancy Wilson, and is survived by his loving wife Melissa Wilson, siblings Mark Wilson, Ken Wilson (Teri) and Terri Wilson Moore (David), and a host of nieces and nephews. 

John was blessed to have many dearly loved friends who also mourn his loss. John started and operated a precision machine shop in Orlando until its sale and his retirement in 2008. His interests, past times and hobbies included boating, alligator hunting, aviation and cars. 

John and Melissa moved to Spruce Creek Fly-In and spent the next ten years immersed in the aviation community, starting a business fabricating aviation instrument panels, re-building his SX300 airplane, flying with the Gaggle Flight and participating as a member of Chapter 288 of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He enjoyed flying his airplane to numerous destinations including Alaska, the Bahamas, Oshkosh Air Venture and Sun N Fun where he won several awards. John will be greatly missed by many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held in the near future.  Many thanks to the caring staff at ORMC who provided excellent care to John. Loving gratitude to our many loving and supportive friends and neighbors of the Spruce Creek Fly-In Community and elsewhere.

Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Accident Number: ERA18LA184
Date & Time: 07/05/2018, 1345 EDT
Registration: N42SX
Aircraft: Swearingen SX300
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 5, 2018, about 1345 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Swearingen SX-300, N42SX, was destroyed while landing at the Spruce Creek Airport (7FL6), Daytona Beach, Florida. The private pilot was seriously injured, and the pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from Flagler Executive Airport (FIN), Palm Coast, Florinda. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot-rated passenger stated that they flew to FIN about 1130 for lunch. They filled-up the fuel tanks at FIN and departed for 7FL6 about 1330. The pilot-rated passenger further stated they had a normal flight back to their home airport, and during approach he verified that the flaps were down and the three green landing gear lights were illuminated in the cockpit. He added that the airspeed indicator showed 90 knots, and just before landing, he heard the angle of attack indicator alarm. The airplane landed hard and he heard a loud pop and felt the left main landing gear fracture. He told the pilot that they broke the left main landing gear and the pilot initially applied full power to takeoff again; however, he then reduced the throttle to idle and applied full braking. The pilot-rated passenger further stated the airplane slid off the left side of the runway and collided with the precision approach path indicator lights. The airplane continued to slide down grass until the right wing dug into the ground; it then flipped-over and caught fire. Both occupants tried to open the canopy, but it was jammed. The passenger tried to kick out the canopy but could not break the glass. Several people ran over to the airplane and helped get the canopy open and egress the two occupants.

A witness who was sitting about mid-field of runway 6 in the airplane observation seats, stated that he observed the airplane "touch down." He was not sure if it was the initial landing or after it bounced once. He further stated the airplane's left landing gear was "trailing behind" and after it landed, the airplane slid off the left side of the runway, spun around and caught fire.

The wreckage was consumed by a postcrash fire and located about mid-field and 60 ft from the left side of runway 6. The airplane came to rest on a heading of 320°. The main wreckage came to rest upright. The instrument panel was consumed by fire and no readable instruments were recovered. Both wings separated from the fuselage and the left wing was located beside the fuselage with about 4 ft of the inboard section remaining. The rest of the wing was consumed by fire. The right wing was located under the fuselage and completely consumed by fire. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. Control cable continuity was confirmed. The engine remained attached to the airframe. The engine, propeller and accessories were fire damaged. The spinner dome was melted on one side.

The two seat, low-wing, retractable gear airplane, was built in 1993. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-540-L1C5, 300-horsepower engine, equipped with a three-bladed Hartzell propeller.

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multi-engine land, instrument, and glider. He held a third-class medical certificate, issued July 3, 2018. At the time of the medical examination, the pilot reported 1,650 total hours of flight experience.

At 1350, the recorded weather at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, located 5 miles southeast of the accident site, was: wind from 120° at 10 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; temperature 30° C; dew point 24° C; altimeter 30.17 inches of mercury.

The airframe and engine were retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Swearingen
Registration: N42SX
Model/Series: SX300 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
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: KEVB, 10 ft msl
Observation Time: 1750 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 24°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1800 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 120°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.17 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Palm Coast, FL (FIN)
Destination: Daytona Beach, FL (7FL6)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude:  29.079722, -81.048333 (est)





PORT ORANGE, Fla. - Two people were pulled from the wreckage of small plane crash Thursday near the Spruce Creek Fly-In, according to Volusia County sheriff's officials.

The crash was reported at 1:45 p.m. in the area of Cessna Boulevard in Port Orange. Volusia County Sheriff's Office officials said bystanders pulled the pilot and passenger from the plane that burst into flames in an area off the runway.

A man called 911 as other witnesses attempted to pull the two people from the wreckage engulfed in flames.

"I couldn't help him. I am 75-years-old, I just tried," the 911 caller told dispatch. "We have three people over there trying to extract him. I do not think he's going to come out alive."

Officials said the pilot, John Wilson, 61, of Port Orange, was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with critical injuries and the passenger Matthew Simmons, 35, was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration were notified of the crash.

The crash marks at least the third crash in the area since May. 

On May 22, an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was killed and an instructor was seriously injured in a crash.

Two days later, an airplane went down near the fly-in, injuring a pilot who suffered a head injury.

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






PORT ORANGE, Fla. (WTXL) - A pilot and passenger inside a small airplane have been injured after a fiery crash at a Central Florida airport. 

Volusia County sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash around 1:45 p.m. on Cessna Boulevard.

A 911 caller told dispatchers the plane, a single-engine aircraft, had crashed near a runway at Spruce Creek Airport and had burst into flames. He said witnesses were working to pull the occupants out of the plane.

The pilot, 61-year-old John Wilson of Port Orange, was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with critical injuries. The passenger, 35-year-old Matthew Simmons of Port Orange, was taken via ambulance to Halifax Health Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were notified of the crash.

A cause or circumstances surrounding the crash has not been released at this time. 

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


PORT ORANGE, Fla. (WESH) - A small plane crashed Thursday afternoon in Volusia County.

The aircraft went down inside the Spruce Creek Fly-In neighborhood in Port Orange and caught fire.

First responders appeared to be treating at least one person on the scene. 

It's unclear how many people were on board and how many people were hurt.

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








VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Two Port Orange men were injured Thursday afternoon when a small plane crashed at the Spruce Creek Fly-In, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.

The plane crashed at about 1:45 p.m. near Cessna Boulevard, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Andrew Gant said.

"A 911 caller told dispatchers the plane, a single-engine aircraft, had crashed in the area of the runway and had burst into flames," he said. "He said witnesses were working to pull the occupants out of the plane."

The pilot, John Wilson, 61, was flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition, Gant said.

The passenger, Matthew Simmons, 35, was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center by ambulance to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, deputies said.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been notified of the crash, the cause of which remains under investigation.


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