Sunday, July 15, 2018

Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N477F: Incident occurred July 15, 2018 at Wilgrove Air Park (8A6), Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte

Went off the end of the runway into a fence.

REU Aviation LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N477F

Date: 15-JUL-18
Time: 19:50:00Z
Regis#: N477F
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172M
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CHARLOTTE
State: NORTH CAROLINA






CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -  Emergency officials responded to an accident involving an aircraft on a road in Charlotte Sunday afternoon.

According to Medic, the incident happened in the 10500 block of Parkton Road.

The scene is located at the Wilgrove Air Park, where officials say the plane overshot the runway.

According to the battalion chief, there were two female occupants on board, but no one was hurt.

Charlotte Fire says the incident is under investigation.

There were significant delays in the area and drivers are advised to seek alternate routes.

Story and video ➤ http://www.wbtv.com

Van's RV-10, N924WY: Fatal accident occurred November 05, 2016 near Dubois Municipal Airport (KDUB), Fremont County, Wyoming

Bruce Stamper, Jr. 44 

Bruce piloted his own Super Cub, which he used to spot fish during the salmon seine season. He was always looking ahead to the next adventure which was just over the next ridge. Bruce always had a love for adventure and became an experienced pilot. His family meant everything to him. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments. His life was blessed with many great friends.


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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado
Lycoming Engines; Milliken, Colorado

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/N924WY 

Location: Dubois, WY
Accident Number: CEN17FA035
Date & Time: 11/05/2016, 0756 MDT
Registration: N924WY
Aircraft: STAMPER RV-10
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Part(s) separation from AC
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Flight Test 

On November 5, 2016, about 0756 mountain daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Stamper RV-10 airplane, N924WY, impacted terrain following a loss of control shortly after takeoff from the Dubois Municipal Airport (DUB), Dubois, Wyoming. The private pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local test flight, which was originating at the time of the accident.

A witness reported that he saw the airplane takeoff from runway 28 and that the airplane's right gull-wing cabin door rotated open upon liftoff. The witness saw the pilot reach for the fully open door with his right hand and heard a momentary reduction of engine power. He then saw the airplane descend momentarily before he heard an increase in engine power and saw the airplane level-off over the runway. He reported that the pilot continued to reach for the open cabin door as the airplane overflew the remaining runway about 35 ft above ground level. The witness then saw the airplane's left wing and nose drop suddenly, which he described as an aerodynamic stall. The airplane descended into terrain, and there was a large explosion upon impact. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 44, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/17/2015
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/17/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1482.1 hours (Total, all aircraft), 30.6 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1.3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the 44-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on September 17, 2015, with no limitations.

The pilot's flight history was established using his logbook. The final logbook entry was dated October 10, 2016, at which time he had accumulated 1,482.1 total hours of flight experience. According to his logbook, the pilot had flown 119.3 hours, 81.6 hours, 30.6 hours, and 1.3 hours during the year, 6 months, 90 days, and 30 days before the accident, respectively. There was no record that he had flown during the 24 hours before the accident. The pilot had logged 1.8 hours in the accident airplane. His most recent flight review, as required by 14 CFR 61.56, was completed on March 17, 2016.

According to the company that insured the airplane, in October 2016, the pilot reported having a total flight experience of 1,500 hours of which 40 hours were in Van's Aircraft RV-6 airplanes and 4 hours were in Van's Aircraft RV-10 airplanes. The pilot reported having flown 2 hours in the accident airplane.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: STAMPER
Registration: N924WY
Model/Series: RV-10
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 40146
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/23/2016, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2700 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 12 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 12 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:  Aero Sport Power
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-D4A5
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 260 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

The airplane, serial number 40146, was a single-engine, low-wing, monoplane of conventional aluminum construction. The airplane was powered by an experimental, 260-horsepower Aero Sport Power IO-540-D4A5 reciprocating engine, serial number 1542. The engine provided thrust through a constant-speed, three-blade, Whirl Wind Aviation 375RV composite propeller, serial number 375-106. The four-seat airplane was equipped with a fixed tricycle landing gear, wing flaps, and had a maximum allowable takeoff weight of 2,700 pounds.

The pilot had assembled the airplane from a kit purchased from Van's Aircraft. The airplane was issued a special airworthiness certificate on April 23, 2016. The airplane's hour meter was destroyed during the postimpact fire, which precluded a determination of the airplane's total service time at the time of the accident. According to available information, the airplane likely had accumulated 10 to 12 hours since receiving the airworthiness certificate and had not completed the Phase I flight test requirements. The last condition inspection of the airplane was completed on April 23, 2016. A postaccident review of available maintenance records found no history of unresolved airworthiness issues. The airplane had a total fuel capacity of 60 gallons distributed between two wing fuel tanks. A review of fueling records established that the fuel tanks were topped-off before the accident flight.

The airplane was equipped with two upward-opening gull-wing cabin doors. Each door was affixed to the roof of the cabin with two steel hinge assemblies. The upper fuselage cabin and both doors were constructed of composite material. Each door lock assembly consisted of a rack and pinion latch mechanism, and two latch pins were set into the lower section of the door panel. Each door was locked by rotating a door handle affixed to the pinion gear, and as the gear rotated, the latch pins extended through a polyethylene pin block and into pin sockets recessed into the forward and aft cabin doorjambs. The doors were not equipped with an additional safety latch mechanism provided by the airframe kit manufacturer. Alternatively, the doors were equipped with an aftermarket center latch system, which consisted of a rotating semicircular cam that worked in conjunction with the rack and pinion latch mechanism. As the door handle rotated into a locked position, the center cam rotated against a polyethylene block installed in the lower doorjamb to provide an additional center latch point.

The gull-wing cabin doors were fitted with a latch indicator system supplied by the airplane kit manufacturer. The system consisted of four magnetic reed switches located near the doorjamb pin sockets. A cylindrical magnet was installed into the end of each latch pin, and the locations of the reed switches were adjusted such that they would activate when the latch pins extended into the doorjamb. The latch circuit was designed so that the instrument panel indicators extinguished when the latch pins were extended into the locked position.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: DUB, 7299 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0755 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 97°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 270°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.29 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 0°C / -8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Dubois, WY (DUB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Dubois, WY (DUB)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0756 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

A postaccident review of available meteorological data established that day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site. At 0755, about 1 minute before the accident, the DUB automated surface observing system reported: wind 270° at 6 knots, 10 miles surface visibility, a clear sky, temperature 0°C, dew point -8°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.29 inches of mercury.

Airport Information

Airport: Dubois Municipal Airport (DUB)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 7297 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6700 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

DUB, a public airport located about 3 miles northwest of Dubois, Wyoming, was owned and operated by the Town of Dubois. The airport field elevation was 7,297 ft mean sea level. The airport had a single asphalt runway, runway 10/28, that was 6,700 ft by 75 ft. The airport was not equipped with an air traffic control tower. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 43.553611, -109.708611 

The initial point-of-impact was in an open field about 1,675 ft past the runway 28 departure threshold and 183 ft left of the extended runway centerline. The debris path was 67 ft long oriented on a 210° magnetic heading between the initial point-of-impact and the main wreckage. A ground impact crater, containing propeller fragments, was located about 44 ft from the initial point-of-impact. The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The cabin, including the cockpit instrument panel, was destroyed during the postimpact fire. Both wings exhibited damage consistent with ground impact. The empennage was relatively undamaged. A flight control continuity check was not possible due to the extent of damage; however, all observed flight control separations were consistent with fire and impact damage.

The right gull-wing cabin door was found in a ravine about 600 ft northeast of the main wreckage. The door was located about 1,500 ft past the runway 28 departure threshold and 200 ft right of the extended runway centerline. The door had separated from the fuselage hinges. There was no evidence that the door had struck any portion of the airplane after it separated. Before the door was recovered from the ravine, the door latch handle was observed to be about 20° from a vertical position or about 110° from the fully latched position. The forward and aft door latch pins were found extended about 1/8 inch outside the door. The curved portion of the semicircular center latch was found facing aft. A functional test of the door latch mechanism did not reveal any anomalies. The door latch handle rotated 180° between the open and latched positions. When the handle was in the latched position, the forward and aft door latch pins extended about 1 1/4 inches outside the door, and the curved portion of the semicircular center latch faced down. A functional test of the door latch indicator system was not possible due to the postimpact fire damage to the fuselage and instrument panel.

The engine remained partially attached to the firewall by its mounts. Internal engine and valve train continuity were confirmed as the engine crankshaft was rotated. Compression and suction were noted on cylinder Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5 in conjunction with crankshaft rotation. Further examination of cylinder Nos. 4 and 6 revealed thermal damage to their valve springs that precluded compression. The engine was equipped with one traditional magneto and an electronic ignition system. The traditional magneto exhibited extensive thermal damage and could not be tested. The electronic ignition control module was not recovered and was likely destroyed during the postimpact fire. The upper spark plugs were removed and exhibited features consistent with normal engine operation. A borescope inspection revealed no anomalies with the cylinders, valves, or pistons. The propeller hub remained attached to the engine crankshaft flange. Two of the three composite blades were destroyed during the impact sequence. The remaining composite blade exhibited thermal damage from the postimpact fire. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Regional Medical Examiner's Office, Loveland, Colorado, performed an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was attributed to extensive thermal injuries and blunt force injuries sustained during the accident.

The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology tests on specimens obtained during the autopsy. The pilot's toxicology results were negative for carbon monoxide, ethanol, and all tested drugs. 

Additional Information

A search of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident database revealed another Van's Aircraft RV-10 airplane accident that involved an inflight separation of a gull-wing cabin door. In this accident (NTSB identification number NYC07LA237), the airplane was established in cruise flight at an altitude of 4,500 ft mean sea level and an airspeed of 145 knots when the right cabin door began to vibrate. As the pilot reached to grip the door handle, the door opened upward and separated from the fuselage. The separated door subsequently impacted the right horizontal stabilizer. Although the pilot declared an emergency, he was able to maintain control of the airplane and make an uneventful landing at the departure airport. A search for the separated door was unsuccessful, and a postaccident examination of the airplane was inconclusive in determining the cause of the inflight door separation.

Loss of Control in Flight: Kolb Twinstar II, N3135J; fatal accident occurred July 15, 2018 near La Porte Municipal Airport (T41), Harris County, Texas

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas 

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


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


https://registry.faa.gov/N3135J 


Location: La Porte, TX
Accident Number: CEN18FA267
Date & Time: 07/15/2018, 0900 CDT
Registration: N3135J
Aircraft: Kolb TWINSTAR
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On July 15, 2018, about 0900 central daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Kolb Twinstar III airplane, N3135J, impacted terrain while maneuvering for landing at the La Porte Municipal Airport (T41), La Porte, Texas. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was owned by the pilot who was operating it as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which departed T41 about 0855.

According to witnesses and local authorities, the airplane departed T41 and remained in the airport traffic pattern. While the airplane was on approach for landing to runway 23, several witnesses heard the engine power decrease then and immediately increase. Other witnesses stated that the airplane appeared to "stall" from a low altitude and impact terrain in a nose-low attitude. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/14/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 7 hours (Total, this make and model) 

According to acquaintances, the pilot had purchased the airplane about 1 or 2 months before the accident. The pilot would conduct "taxi tests" at T41 with the airplane. The day before the accident, the pilot and an unknown passenger experienced a runway excursion while conducting a high-speed taxi. It was unknown if any damage occurred during the excursion.

The pilot's logbooks were not located during the investigation. Based on the airplane purchase date, airplane logbook information, and witness accounts, the pilot likely accumulated about 7 hours in the accident airplane.

The pilot was also the owner of a Cessna 210 airplane. Whether the pilot obtained any transition training in the accident airplane could not be determined.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Kolb
Registration: N3135J
Model/Series: TWINSTAR III
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1992
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental Light Sport
Serial Number: 3-12
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/21/2018, Cndition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 8 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 582
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 64 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The two-seat, high-wing, tailwheel equipped airplane was powered by a 64-horsepower Rotax model 582 engine, equipped with a three-blade ground-adjustable propeller. The airplane met the light sport airplane requirements, and the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning system, nor was one required. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and maintenance records, the airplane was built in 1992 and certified in the experimental amateur-built category. The airplane's most recent condition inspection was completed on March 21, 2018. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 7.9 hours since the condition inspection.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: EFD, 32 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0950 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 210°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2000 ft agl
Visibility:  8 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 270°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: 
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 25°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: La Porte, TX (T41)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: La Porte, TX (T41)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0855 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: La Porte Municipal Airport (T41)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 25 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 29.674444, -95.056389

The initial ground impact scar contained portions of the forward fuselage and instrument panel. The main wreckage came to rest inverted about 20 ft from the initial impact point. The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, both wings, empennage, and engine. Both wings exhibited forward-to-aft accordion-type crush damage, and the flap and aileron control surfaces remained attached to each wing. The three-blade composite propeller assembly remained attached to the engine and fragmented blade sections were located in the debris field. The engine remained partially attached to the fuselage structure (see figure 1.).

Figure 1. Main wreckage

Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit flight controls to the flight control surfaces. The propeller assembly was rotated by hand, and mechanical continuity was established throughout the engine.

The instrumental panel was destroyed and several fragmented instrument components were located in the debris field near the initial impact. The seat assemblies were bent and deformed, and both seat restraints were found secured by rescue personnel.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Harris County - Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, Texas, performed an autopsy of the pilot. The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries.

Toxicology testing performed by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified diphenhydramine in urine and liver, 4.36 (ug/mL, ug/g) Tramadol in urine, 0.256 (ug/mL, ug/g) Tramadol in liver, 2.475 (ug/mL, ug/g) Desmethyltramadol (O-) in urine, and 0.145 (ug/mL, ug/g) Desmethyltramadol (O-) in liver. Testing was not performed for carbon monoxide or cyanide, and no ethanol was detected in vitreous.

Tramadol is a prescription medication used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. The medication has the potential to impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, e.g., flying, driving, and operating heavy machinery. O-desmethyltramadol is an active metabolite of tramadol.

Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter, first-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic conditions and helpful as a sleep aid. This medication could impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, e.g., flying, driving, and operating heavy machinery. Because of adverse side effects that include somnolence, decreased alertness, and impaired concentration, attention and memory, the FAA recommends waiting at least 60 hours after the last dose before performing safety-related duties.

Additional Information

According to FAA Advisory Circular 90-109A, Transition to Unfamiliar Aircraft, Appendix 2, the Kolb airplane is considered a low-inertia and/or high-drag airplane, with nontraditional configuration and/or controls. Appendix 4 describes low-inertia and/or high-drag as airplanes that rapidly lose energy (airspeed and/or altitude) when there is a loss or reduction of power.

In addition, Appendix 4 d. Other Hazards, states,

Hazards of low-inertia/high-drag airplanes are not limited to power management issues. While all airplanes experience an increase in stall speed with an increase in load factor, such as during turns, these airplanes may also experience significant airspeed decay with increased load factor. This, coupled with low cruise speed to stall speed margin, make these airplanes particularly susceptible to unintentional stalls.

Location: La Porte, TX
Accident Number: CEN18FA267
Date & Time: 07/15/2018, 0900 CDT
Registration: N3135J
Aircraft: Kolb TWINSTAR
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 15, 2018, about 0900 central daylight time, a Carpenter Kolb Twinstar III, N3135J, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a visual approach to the La Porte Municipal Airport (T41), La Porte, Texas. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed T41 about 0855.

According to witness and local authorities, the airplane was observed to depart T41 and remained in the traffic pattern. While on visual approach to runway 23, the airplane appeared to "stall" from a low altitude and impact terrain in a nose low attitude.

Postaccident examination of the accident site revealed the initial ground impact scar contained portions of the forward fuselage and instrument panel. The main wreckage came to rest inverted about 20 ft from the initial impact. The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, both wings, empennage, and engine. Both wings exhibited forward to aft crush damage. The three-blade composite propeller remained attached to the engine and fragmented sections were located in the debris field. The engine remained attached to the fuselage structure. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Kolb
Registration: N3135J
Model/Series: TWINSTAR III
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: EFD, 32 ft msl
Observation Time: 0950 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 25°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2000 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 270°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  8 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: La Porte, TX (T41)
Destination: La Porte, TX (T41)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  29.674444, -95.056389



An elderly man and his son from The Woodlands died in an experimental plane crash in La Porte on Sunday, according to police.

John Stewart Boyd, 93, and Gary Stewart Boyd, 64, were confirmed by the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office as the occupants of the plane that crashed at 9 a.m. July 15.

The Experimental Kolb Twinstar III was approaching the north side of the La Porte Municipal Airport when it crashed about 300 yards from the end of the runway, the Federal Aviation Administration previously told Chron.com.

Sgt. Bennie Boles of the La Porte Police Department said the plane went into a pipeline easement, causing no damage to ground structures or injuries to people other than the two occupants.

The La Porte Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and FAA are supporting the National Transportation Safety Board as that agency investigates.

Eric Weiss, a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board, said the agency completed an on-scene investigation on Monday. Investigators are now collecting evidence before issuing a factual report for the accident. A final report determining the probable cause of the accident usually takes between 12 and 18 months.

"Our investigator completed his on-scene investigation and a preliminary report should be out by the end of the week," Weiss said.

Mark Bertram, who lives in La Porte, said he saw the plane Sunday when he rode his motorcycle past the airport just a few minutes after the crash.

"The tail was straight up in the air," he said. "The front was smashed flat like a pancake."

Now marketed as the Kolb Mark III, the plane involved in the crash is a kit-built light sport aircraft, designed for speed, according to the Kolb Aircraft website. "Although Kolb aircraft are easy to fly and have gentle flight characteristics, they are also high performance aircraft," the website states.

If the National Transportation Safety Board investigation finds a safety issue with the aircraft, the agency would issue safety alerts or urgent safety recommendations about that particular model.





LA PORTE, Texas (KTRK) -- Two people are dead after an aircraft crashed near the La Porte airport, officials said.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident occurred shortly before 10 a.m. about 300 yards from the runway.

The small experimental aircraft attempting to return to the runway came down in a field near the 11000 block of North H Street.

The FAA described the plane as an Experimental Kolb Twinstar II, telling Eyewitness News it was built by a private citizen and not by a certified manufacturer.

"Thousands of aircraft owners prefer to build their own planes from kits or plans," said Lynn Lunsford, a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Jill Mancha, a neighbor who lives nearby, said she was in her home when she heard the plane sputtering in the air.

"As I opened the front door, the plane hit the ground with a thud. Didn't sound like the engine was running," Mancha said.

She tells Eyewitness News she grabbed her phone and ran to the wreckage while calling 911.

When she got to the plane she says it was clear both the pilot and passenger were deceased.

"I prayed over them. I do want the families to know that I prayed and I felt the peace of God around their plane and those men inside there," she said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to the crash site, and the Federal Aviation Administration will be assisting with the investigation. The names of the victims have not been released.

Story and video ➤ http://abc13.com




Two people are dead after a small aircraft went down Sunday morning in La Porte, Texas according to KHOU-TV. 

The La Porte Police Department said at about 9 a.m. they received reports of a plane crash near the 11000 block of North H Street.

The plane was making an approach to the north side of the La Porte Municipal Airport when it went down in a pipeline easement.

The aircraft is a small experimental type plane, according to Sergeant Bennie Boles.

The plane's tail number, N3135J, is registered under a Breaux Bridge address.   

So far, KLFY has not been able to confirm who was on the plane. 

Police said no ground structures were damaged.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is on scene and investigating. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have also been notified.

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



LA PORTE, Texas - According to police, a small experimental aircraft went down in La Porte killing two people.

Officials with La Porte police department say that shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday the aircraft left the La Porte Municipal Airport, circled back around and went down near the 11000 block of North H Street.

Officials confirm there were two people deceased.

No ground structures or other people were injured in the crash.

Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Aviation Administration are handling the investigation.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.fox26houston.com

Cessna 172R Skyhawk, N24442: Fatal accident occurred July 13, 2018 in Clayton, Stevens County, Washington

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Spokane, Washington
Moody Bible College of Chicago; Spokane, Washington
Textron Aviation (Cessna); Wichita, Kansas
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N24442

Location: Deer Park, WA
Accident Number: WPR18FA195
Date & Time: 07/13/2018, 1021 PDT
Registration: N24442
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On July 13, 2018, at 1021 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172R Skyhawk airplane, N24442, experienced an inflight breakup and collided into a field near Deer Park, Washington. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and two student pilots were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 141. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed; the pilot was receiving flight following advisories. The local training flight originated from Felts Field Airport, Spokane, Washington about 0955.

The purpose of the flight was for the front-seated student pilot to undergo instruction. This was the first flight in his training program and the aft-seated student pilot was an observer. Following departure, the CFI communicated with the Spokane Terminal Radar Approach Control (GEG TRACON) and proceeded to the Clayton practice area located about 15 miles northwest of the airport. When another student and instructor were looking for the airplane to use for their scheduled flight, the operator noticed the airplane was late. About 1110 the operator attempted to communicate with the CFI on the radio and on his cell phone. Thereafter, the operator contacted the TRACON and eventually they confirmed that the airplane had gone missing from their radar about 1021.

A review of the preliminary track data indicated that after entering Clayton, at 1010 the airplane began a gradual 90° left-turn and continued in a southwestern direction. The airplane continued in a gradual climb to about 7,000 ft mean sea level (msl) and then made a 180° right turn. The flight track remained on a northeastern heading until about 1018, at which point the airplane made another 180° turn to the heading of 208°. The airplane proceeded about 2.5 miles varying in altitude between from about 7,000 to 7,450 ft msl. At 1020:53 the track data indicated the airplane at an altitude of 7,000 ft msl and an estimated ground speed of 77 knots. From that point, the track made a sharp 90° right-turn and continued on a 305° heading for about 3,020 ft over a duration of about 20 seconds. The track then made another sharp 90° right-turn and after about 880 ft and the last recorded track data at 1021:18 indicated an estimated ground speed of 117 knots. The accident site was located about 740 ft southwest of the last recorded track data.

Witnesses reported that the airplane was in a steep dive toward terrain and then they subsequently observed the wings departing the airplane at the same time.

The accident site was located in a grass field in the rural farm land of Deer Park about 20 nautical miles northwest of Felts Field. In character, the open fields are surrounded by densely populated tree stands. The elevation of the main wreckage was 2,265 ft msl.

The wreckage was distributed over a 400 ft distance on a median magnetic bearing of about 030°. The outboard sections of both the right and left wing were located at the beginning of the debris field about 330 and 190 ft from the main wreckage, respectively (see below Figure 1). The debris between the outboard wing sections and the main wreckage consisted of left wing pieces. All control surfaces and their associated mass balance weights were accounted for in the debris field.


Figure 1: Accident Debris Field

The wreckage was recovered for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N24442
Model/Series: 172 R
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Moody Bible Institute Of Chicago
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSFF, 1953 ft msl
Observation Time: 1653 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 10°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 110°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Spokane, WA (SFF)
Destination: Spokane, WA (SFF)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 47.941111, -117.626389



On Friday, July 13, 2018, Diego Senn, loving husband and father of four small children, died in a single engine plane accident in Spokane, Washington. He was 30 years old. 

All those that know and love him grieve deeply at his passing and yet celebrate the amazing life he lived and rejoice in the knowledge of his new and perfect body now home with the Lord.

Diego was born on September 29, 1987 in Aarau, Switzerland to Rodolfo and Beatrice Senn, and later became older brother to one brother and two sisters. Diego spent an incredibly rich and joyful childhood in the Amazon jungle where his parents served as missionaries in a small indigenous village. Diego attended Daniel Harden Memorial elementary school and graduated from Puraquequara High with a 4.0.

After high school, he moved to the United States and attended New Tribes Bible Institute in Waukesha, WI and then in 2008 attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Moody Suma Cum Laude with a bachelors in Biblical studies and met the love of his life while in school there.

Diego and Naomi were married on June 5, 2010 in Naomi's home town of Fowlerville, MI. They had their first child on February 23, 2012 and shortly after, moved to Spokane, WA where Diego attended Moody Aviation and got his commercial pilot's license. Diego and Naomi welcomed their premature miracle twins on March 8, 2016. The young couple dreamed of heading overseas to serve as a missionary pilot family but because of their twins' fragile health decided to stay in the U.S. until the twins were stronger. During this time, Diego served on the Moody Aviation team and eventually became one of Moody's most proficient and beloved flight instructors.

Diego is remembered for his tireless dedication to what was most important in his life: his Lord and Savior, his family, his flying, and training missionary pilots. People gravitated to him. He told the most amazing stories, embellished to the point of hilarity. He was a loyal friend and his laugh and smile lit up every room he walked into. Diego was a man of integrity, humility, and faithfulness. He spoke kindly of others and genuinely cared for them.

Diego was an unreserved family man. He would plan special surprises and adventures for them and nothing made him happier than simply spending time with them. He loved his wife and little ones with his whole heart. He protected them and led them faithfully.

Diego was passionate about his calling as a missionary pilot and poured into many students' lives not only as an instructor, but also as a mentor, encourager, and friend. His greatest desire was that others would know Jesus as he did. His life was so full, and he would want it clarified that it wasn't because of any personal achievements, but because he believed and glorified the One who came to give fullness of life. Diego served his Savior to his last breath. He was given only 30 years to live. That seems like such a terribly short and unfair length of time, yet the years are disproportionate to the number of lives he touched. His life AND his death have impacted and continue to impact thousands. His life AND his death are a vibrant testimony to the love and faithfulness of Christ. 

Some of Diego's favorite verses were Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV), “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Diego ran his race. He ran it so very well. He is now a part of that great cloud of witnesses, praising His Savior.

Diego is survived by his wife Naomi, his four children, Lionel, Malachi, Ellanie, and a baby girl due in December, his parents Rodolfo and Beatrice Senn, his brother Rafael (Kelsey) Senn, his sisters Angelica (Jeffrey) Roszhart and Fatima Dos Santos, three nephews, his grandparents Juan and Marion Senn and Alfred and Kathi Schwarz, and literally hundreds of other family members and close friends. 

It is with profound sadness that his family grieves his death. It is with firm hope that his family celebrates his new life in eternity.

For all those who would like to say their goodbyes to Diego and celebrate his life with us, Diego's memorial service will be held at Fourth Memorial Church in Spokane on Friday, July 20 at 11:00 a.m.

Another memorial service will be held at Community Bible Church in Brighton, Michigan on Friday, July 27. Please join us in celebrating the life of this faithful and beloved disciple and son of God.

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14 (NIV)

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


From Left to Right: Andrew Trouten, JC Austen Lee, and Diego Senn.

Diego Senn, left, a flight instructor for Moody Aviation, died Friday morning in a plane crash near Deer Park.


Update: The Stevens County Coroner has identified all three people involved in a deadly plane crash near Deer Park last week. The two students killed in the crash were identified as 30-year-old Andrew Trouten and 24-year-old Joo Chan Lee. The flight instructor was identified as 30-year-old Diego Senn.


Two men, each of whom had a wife expecting a child,were among the three people who died Friday morning in a plane crash near Deer Park, according to online fundraisers set up by friends and relatives.

Diego Senn was a flight instructor for Moody Aviation, which trains missionary pilots, and Joochan “JC” Austen Lee was a student, according messages on GoFundMe.com.


Senn became a flight instructor for Moody just this month, according to his faculty page on the school’s website. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from Moody.


The identity of the other student aboard the plane was not immediately available. Stevens County Coroner Lorrie Sampson said the crash victims would be formally identified on Tuesday.


The single-engine Cessna 172 went down around 10 a.m. Friday in a field near 5047 Bittrich-Antler Road. The cause and circumstances of the crash remain unclear.


A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said investigators had surveyed the wreckage and were seeking to interview witnesses. The agency typically issues preliminary incident reports within three to seven days.


Moody Aviation is an affiliate of the Moody Bible Institute, a Christian evangelical college based in Chicago that recently closed its Spokane branch due to declining enrollment. The flight school is based at Felts Field but often uses Deer Park Airport for training because it has long runways and no radio tower for students to worry about.


Darold Schultz, the manager of Deer Park Airport, said Monday he also was aboard an instructional flight when the Moody plane went down. He said he wasn’t sure if the plane had taken off from Deer Park.


Larry Krauter, the chief executive of Felts Field and the Spokane International Airport, said he could not confirm the origin of the plane and referred questions to the FAA.


A Moody spokesman did not immediately respond to a message seeking information Monday, but in a statement the organization said it’s cooperating with the NTSB investigation.


The GoFundMe page for Senn says relatives are raising money to travel from South America to Spokane to be with his wife, Naomi, and the couple’s three young children. The page says she is expecting a fourth child in December. As of Monday afternoon, it had raised nearly $18,000 toward a $25,000 goal.


The page for Lee says he and his wife, Yuki, were expecting their first child early next year. As of Monday afternoon, the page had raised more than $4,000 toward a $10,000 goal.


“Austen, two years I spent with you were the best days of my life. And I can’t believe you are gone,” his wife wrote in a message on the GoFundMe page.


“I love you and I miss you. I probably won’t stop crying for years thinking about you. But I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for the love, sacrifice, laugh, dreams and the memories you’ve given me. You have completely changed me, and I’m so so grateful for that. I will see you soon and we will be together again in the presence of God.”


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




Senn Family

STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. - The Stevens County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the names of the three people killed in a plane crash Friday, but online posts from family and friends are painting a devastating picture of the lives lost.

GoFundMe pages have been set up and made public for the families of Diego Senn and Joochan Austen Lee. Senn is described as an instructor for Moody Aviation and Lee as a student. The third victim has not been named online. 

Moody Aviation, an organization dedicated to training students to become missionary pilots and mechanics, confirmed the loss of three of its members in the crash Friday. Moody Aviation has not yet shared the names of the victims, but friends and alumni of the program are remembering Senn and Lee.

On the fundraising pages and social media posts, both men are remembered for their faith and dedication to their families. 

Friends of Senn say he leaves “a legacy of faithfulness.” A fundraising page say he is survived by his three children and pregnant wife.

Family calls Lee “a faithful servant of God” and “the best brother-in-law that one can have.” One of the fundraising pages says Lee was just about to start a family of his own with his wife, who is expecting their first child.

Lee’s family says they’re praying for “peace, comfort and restoration to all who are deeply grieving.”

The men have family from all over the world trying to get to Spokane for their funerals and to support their families. At the time of this writing, the pages raised a combined total of more than $50,000.

The National Transportation Safety Board is still searching for answers and witnesses surrounding the fatal crash. Fabian Salazar, an air safety investigator, told KXLY4 the National Transportation Safety Board will bring the remains of the plane to a wreckage facility in Seattle to examine it more closely.

The National Transportation Safety Board said a preliminary report on the crash will be published in about two weeks. The Stevens County Coroner’s Office estimates the victims’ names will be released in the next week.

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