Saturday, August 18, 2018

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 172H Skyhawk, N707TM, accident occurred August 04, 2018 at Sallisaw Municipal Airport (KJSV), Sequoyah County, Oklahoma

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

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/N707TM


Location: Sallisaw, OK
Accident Number: GAA18CA485
Date & Time: 08/04/2018, 1100 CDT
Registration: N707TM
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

According to the student pilot, during a solo-flight in the pattern, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the left during the landing roll on runway 17. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with a drainage culvert located about 100ft east of the runway. The airplane's ground speed at the time of the collision was about 15 miles per hour.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.

The METAR for the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident the wind was from 150° at 3kts, and the skies were clear. No gusts were reported.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/17/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:  
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 25 hours (Total, all aircraft), 25 hours (Total, this make and model), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N707TM
Model/Series: 172 H
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17255665
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/31/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2881 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-300
Registered Owner: Fast Mover Aviation Llc
Rated Power: 145 hp
Operator: Fast Mover Aviation Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KJSV, 528 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1835 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 172°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 33°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Fort Smith, AR (FSM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Sallisaw, OK (JSV)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1030 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Sallisaw Muni (JSV)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 527 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: Global Positioning System; RNAV
Runway Length/Width: 4006 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern

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:  35.438333, -94.803056 (est)

Cessna 172 Skyhawk, registered to Mat-Valley Aero Services LLC and operated by US Sport Aircraft, N893JA: Accident occurred August 18, 2018 at Addison Airport (KADS), Dallas County, Texas

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N893JA


Location: Addison, TX
Accident Number: CEN18LA344
Date & Time: 08/18/2018, 1700 CDT
Registration: N893JA
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 3 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Other Work Use 

On August 18, 2018, about 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N893JA, impacted terrain on an adjacent taxiway shortly after takeoff at Addison Airport (ADS), Dallas, Texas. The pilot was conducting a discovery flight with two passengers on board. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the airplane fuselage, wings and empennage. The commercial and flight instructor-rated pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Mat-Valley Aero Services LLC and operated by US Sport Aircraft under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a discovery flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N893JA
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

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

Rhonda Reeder with Post Acute Medical presents Steven Salazar with the photo that will hang on the rehab hospital's Wall of Honor. Salazar was in a plane crash in August 2018.



Steven Salazar was close to his dream of becoming a regional airline pilot when he was seriously injured in an accident involving a Cessna C-172.

Although he had survived the crash Aug. 18, he couldn't help but feel as if the life he had worked so hard to build as a flight instructor in Dallas was stripped away from him.

The 26-year-old recalled the anger and disappointment he felt inside the rehab hospital room back in his hometown of Victoria. He underwent surgery for a broken back and broken bones in his legs. He also suffered nerve damage. He grew accustomed to his new routine, and the hospital became his second home.

While his body healed its shattered bones, his dog, Cooper, a mini Australian shepherd, was allowed to visit every evening. Another daily visitor was his grandfather, Robert Rodriguez.

And after he was discharged, Rodriguez drove him to Post Acute Medical Rehabilitation Hospital of Victoria for outpatient therapy five days a week.

"He has been my right-hand man, my caretaker, my motivator, my personal comedian, my cameraman during physical therapy, my chauffeur and the best grandpa I could ever ask for," he said Friday during a ceremony celebrating his induction into the Wall of Honor at PAM Rehab Hospital.

Soon a framed photo of Salazar smiling next to a plane will join four others on the wall, each patient with their own inspiring story of recovery.

At the lectern, before the cake was served, he said recovery would have been even harder without his strong support network.

His parents, Barbara and Frank Salazar Sr., said there was no doubt that their middle child would get through this. "He's always been one for adventure," she said. "Nothing holds him back."

"Once he gets his mind on something he does it," added his older brother, Frank Salazar Jr.

Steven Salazar recently completed a Jingle Bell 5K Run sponsored by the hospital and afterward helped pack 150 care packages for military troops.

"He was always here working his tail off," said Dion Ruiz, his physical therapist at Post Acute Medical. "He is the perfect patient because he really buys in to what we tell him and he trusts us."

Salazar still has physical therapy and is working to improve his gait.

Amid the crowd of more than 50 gathered in the hospital hallway was his friend Niko Ramirez, who was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and left unable to walk or talk after a 2013 motorcycle accident.

Doriann Kraatz, Ramirez's mother, said Salazar was consistently caring for Niko immediately after his accident, even driving themto medical appointments.

She said it was in a doctor's waiting room a few years later that she remembers encouraging her son's friend to pursue his own career dreams.

She learned that Salazar wanted to be a pilot and was looking into classes in Waco. "I said, Niko is fine. He is stable," she recalled.

Salazar said that going through the experience with Niko and his family taught him to never give up hope.

While his career plans may change, he said, he is trying to stay focused on being healthy and enjoying life every day. "I want to cherish the time I have with my friends and family and slow down a little."


Original article ➤ https://www.victoriaadvocate.com


ADDISON, Texas—The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating two plane crashes involving the same company at Addison Airport in less than six months.

That company, known at US Sport Aircraft, was involved in a crash over the weekend and in March earlier this year.

Fort Worth resident Sheema Shaik was involved in the March crash as a passenger. She said that she wanted to see Texas from the air, so she and her husband paid for separate flights with US Sport Aircraft through Groupon.

But after taking off, a preliminary NTSB report shows that the pilot experienced a vapor lock with the fuel pump and radioed to the control tower that she needed to make an emergency landing.

A vapor lock is when fuel changes state from a liquid to a gas while in the delivery system. The plane ended up crashing between a taxiway and a runway at the airport.

Shaik said that she feared she was going to die. “I did not have that much time to think you know,” Shaik said. “I knew that we were going down—I just thought about my family.”

What followed was a medical nightmare that left Shaik regretting the fact that she ever got into the cockpit of her plane. She received second-degree burns to her back, broke both legs and ankles, her neck, ribs, hand, and her lower back.

Shaik said that she also got a concussion that was so bad, that she said she can no longer smell or taste things.

Right now, she can’t walk—and there’s a chance she could lose her right foot because her talus bone is dead. Her medical bills, she said, are more than half-a-million dollars. “Each day I’m not a normal person,” Shaik said. “It’s a challenge for me.”

The NTSB is investigating the cause of Shaik’s crash, and now they’re looking into another involving US Sport Aircraft. The company is now identifying as ‘Thrust Flight’ but acknowledges that it was formerly US Sport Aircraft on its website.

On Saturday, a plane flown by the company went down at Addison Airport leaving three people injured. That’s two crashes in less than six months.

Shaik’s attorney, Ron McCallum of McCallum & Associates, said he’ll be paying close attention to the preliminary investigation of this latest crash. “I’m deeply disturbed that there’s another crash—with the same company to which my client was almost killed,” McCallum said.

McCallum and Shaik are considering litigation at this point. He alleges that Shaik’s crash could have been avoided.

McCallum is a pilot himself and has dealt in aviation litigation for over two decades. He alleges that the pilot could have landed safely. “She had other opportunities available to her that would not have resulted in this type of injury, in fact, everyone could have walked away,” he said.

WFAA reached out to US Sport Aircraft asking for comment about McCallum's comments, the crash over the weekend, and the one in March.

Its owner, Patrick Arnzen, sent WFAA the statement below:

“We are saddened by the accident this past weekend and are working closely with the FAA and NTSB to determine the cause and any measures that can be taken to prevent future incidents. We are grateful that all participants are receiving excellent care and are expected to recover.

Our fleet is the most modern and up to date in the area featuring new aircraft, whole aircraft ballistic recovery parachutes, airbags and other modern safety features. Our maintenance practices are regularly inspected by the FAA as part of our certification. These measures contribute greatly to survivability in an accident. This safety culture has allowed us to operate a very high-volume flight school with only five injuries and no fatalities in our 12-year history. Unfortunately, even in the most safety conscience environments, aviation carries some inherent risks. We strive to do all that we can to minimize these risks, but the industry has not yet devised a way to completely eliminate them.”


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

A Victoria man was injured in a plane crash Saturday in Dallas County.

Steven Salazar, of Victoria, was aboard the plane at the Addison Airport and was injured, said Clara Ramos, of Victoria. She knows of him because he went to school with her daughter.

Salazar is a certified flight instructor at US Sport Aircraft and Thrust Flight, according to his Facebook page.

His family posted on Facebook that Salazar went into surgery early Sunday morning for his broken femur, tibia and lower spine.

Salazar and two other people were in a Cessna C-172 small airplane that was departing Runway 15 at Addison Airport when it veered left while airborne and crashed into a taxiway, a plane transit area at the airport, just before 5 p.m., said Peter Knudson, spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board.

The three people on board were all injured and transported to Dallas-area hospitals, said Tony Molinaro, spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

All three of them are expected to survive and are in stable condition, an Addison Town Police Department officer said.

Neither the NTSB or FAA releases names of those injured in crashes they investigate. The FAA and the NTSB are both still investigating.

The plane was on a training flight, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Original article ➤ https://www.victoriaadvocate.com



A small plane crashed at Addison Airport Saturday evening, injuring all three people on board, police say.

The plane -- a Cessna C172 -- crashed just after it took off and veered into the taxi lane, according to the FAA and Addison Police Department.

One of the three passengers was transported to Plano Medical Center, while police said they did not know which hospital the other two were taken to.

Police did not know the extent of passengers' injuries.

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





A small plane with the three people on board crashed at the Addison Airport on Saturday afternoon, a city spokesperson said.

All three people on board were taken to the hospital, including one that was taken by CareFlite helicopter. Their conditions were unknown.

The Cessna C172 aircraft was taking off at the airport when it veered left while airborne and crashed at the airport, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Tony Molinaro said. The FAA was still investigating the crash Saturday night.

The crash was reported shortly after 5 p.m.

Footage from the scene showed several emergency vehicles and a CareFlite helicopter near the wrecked plane.

The Addison Airport is off Keller Springs Road and the Dallas North Tollway.

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

Quicksilver MXL II Sport, N105SE: Fatal accident occurred August 18, 2018 near Baugher's Orchard Airport (07MD), Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland

  
Robert Allen "Robbie" Johnson
1961 - 2018

Michael Charles Kilpatrick, 62


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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N105SE

Location: Westminster, MD
Accident Number: ERA18FA221
Date & Time: 08/18/2018, 1040 EDT
Registration: N105SE
Aircraft: QUICKSILVER MXL II Sport
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On August 18, 2018, about 1040 eastern daylight time, a Quicksilver MXLII Sport, N105SE, experienced an in-flight loss of control and descended uncontrolled into a farm field located near Baugher's Orchard Airport (07MD), Westminster, Maryland. The private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The privately owned and operated airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was being operated under the provisions of title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal, local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from 07MD about 15 to 20 minutes earlier.

The manager of 07MD reported that the accident pilot flew into the airport solo on the morning of the accident, arriving about 0930. While at 07MD, the passenger wanted to go for a ride, and the pilot who was going to fly locally, agreed to take him. The passenger obtained goggles from the manager for the intended flight. The flight departed and flew around locally. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the pilot returned for a landing to the south (usual because of upsloping runway), but because an airplane was departing to the north (usual because of downsloping runway), the accident pilot orbited to return.

While north of 07MD and flying in a southerly direction, between 100 and 200 feet above ground level, witnesses reported hearing a crack sound, followed by seeing either the left or right wings collapsed, or upward folding. The airplane then descended steeply and impacted the ground. The airplane's ballistic parachute system was only partially deployed. Sections of the fractured leading and trailing edge spars of the left wing, fractured trailing edge spar sections of the right wing, fractured bolt that attaches the lower and upper wing cables to the outboard section of the right leading edge spar, and fractured left aft tri-bar downtube fork with separated piece were retained for examination by the NTSB Materials Laboratory. The airframe parachute system was also retained for examination at the manufacturer's facility. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: QUICKSILVER
Registration: N105SE
Model/Series: MXL II Sport
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: Kilpatrick Michael C
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: DMW, 789 ft msl
Observation Time: 1050 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 240°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Westminster, MD (07MD)
Destination: Westminster, MD (07MD) 

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:  39.614722, -77.047778

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.



Michael Kilpatrick spent decades of his life flying.

As a teenager and in his early 20s, Kilpatrick, 62, of New Windsor, began flying hang gliders off of hills in Jefferson, Maryland, his sister Kim Thrasher said.

“He was just always interested in being up in the sky,” she said of her late brother.

Kilpatrick spent 23 years in the Navy where he was a flight engineer on a P3, and in recent years, flew a 2006 Ultralight Quicksilver single engine plane, which his sister described as “basically a motorized hang glider.”

It was while piloting that plane Saturday morning that an incident occurred, and Kilpatrick’s aircraft crashed in a field in Westminster. The incident remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The crash killed both he and his passenger, Robert Johnson, 56, of Woodsboro. Both were pronounced dead at the scene after the plane crashed just before 11 a.m. Saturday, according to a news release from Maryland State Police.

Peter Knudson, a spokesman for the NTSB, said Monday morning an investigator was on the scene 8:30 a.m. Sunday and worked all day to begin trying to piece together what occurred in Saturday’s crash.

Knudson said the investigator was again on the property Monday, and likely would finish up there by Tuesday morning.

The pilot and passenger were the only people on board the single-engine plane, according to the release. The crashed plane was found in an open field near the Baugher’s Orchards and Farm property.

“He died doing what he loved doing,” Thrasher said.

Michael Kilpatrick 

Thrasher said her brother was an “avid flyer” with his ultralights, and was the president of the area’s Ultralight Flyer’s Association.

Knudson said the NTSB does not yet know what caused the plane to crash. There was some sort of “fly-in breakfast” on Saturday that those in the plane were attending, he said.

Thrasher said Kilpatrick was coming in for a landing when the incident occured. The breakfast was also a sort of airshow, she said, and it was during the event that Kilpatrick was flying, she said.

As Kilpatrick was coming down to land, she said, another plane was coming in and so he pulled up to fly around again. On the second approach, after having just cleared the trees, Thrasher said witnesses “heard a loud band just as the plane started to plummet.”

Thrasher said it’s unclear if the plane had a mechanical failure, or if he was trying to pull his parachute.

“He was extremely experienced” as a pilot, she said, and was an instructor. Kilpatrick knew how to get out of any situation that could happen in the air, she added.

“This had to be [some sort of] catastrophic failure,” she said.

Knudson said the on-scene investigator will be focusing on documenting the crash site and interviewing witnesses, of which there were several. A preliminary report will be out within a week or two of the incident, he added.

The full investigation though, Knudson said, will take much longer. The full report, including the probable cause and contributing factors, will take 12 to 24 months to complete.

Investigators will be looking at all aspects of the incident, including the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment, he said.

“We start with all possibilities on the table and then we rule things out,” Knudson said.

In addition to flying, Thrasher said her brother was dedicated to his wife of 15 years, Jeanne. While the couple did not have children, Thrasher said Kilpatrick had more than two dozen nieces and nephews, and about a dozen grand nieces and nephews.

“He was always the favorite Uncle Mike,” she said.

Kilpatrick had many hobbies and interests, she said, and people knew him for “all different walks of life.” He was active in his church, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Mount Airy, she added.

Thrasher said Kilpatrick was giving Johnson a ride in his plane when the incident occurred.

Johnson, who was the Maintenance Area Supervisor for Urbana High School in Frederick County, was remembered Monday as “a great guy and a great asset” by Brad Young, the Frederick County Public Schools Board of Education president.

While Young said he knew Johnson from his time in FCPS, the two met more than three decades ago in church at the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ. Young said their kids went through Sunday School together.

“I just know he was a highly respected person in our school system,” Young said.

Johnson was always in a good mood with a smile on his face, he added.

“[He was] a person with a big heart,” he said.

Original article ➤  http://www.carrollcountytimes.co



WESTMINSTER, Md. (WBFF) -- Maryland State Police have identified two men that were killed after a small plane crashed in Westminster near Baugher's Orchard and Farm Saturday morning.


Troopers say the deceased are identified as 62-year-old Michael Kilpatrick, of New Windsor, and 56-year-old Robert Johnson, of Woodsboro. Kilpatrick was the pilot and Johnson was the passenger. Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the plane crash earlier Saturday.


According to authorities, a 2006 Ultralight Quicksilver single engine plane crashed soon after take-off from a private air strip along Baugher Road near Hughes Shop Road shortly before 11 a.m. Kilpatrick and Johnson were the only ones on the plane.


Preliminary information from investigators indicates the plane had just taken off from a private airstrip. The crash is said to have occurred not far from the airstrip.


The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will be handling the investigation. Maryland State Police troopers say that they will not speculate on the cause of the crash. The cause of the crash will be investigated and determined by federal authorities.


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


Two people were pronounced dead Saturday after a plane crash near Baugher Road in Westminster.

The incident is under investigation by the Maryland State Police, and Federal Aviation Administration officials are expected to arrive on scene.

According to Maryland State Police, a small plane crashed soon after take off from a private air strip in Carroll County.

“Emergency service responders pronounced the pilot and the passenger of a 2006 Ultralight Quicksilver, deceased after their plane crashed shortly before 11:00 a.m. today,” according to a state police news release.

The identities of the two victims are being withheld, pending next of kin notification.

The pilot and passenger were the only people on board the single-engine plane, according to the release. The crashed plane was found in an open field on the Baugher’s Orchards and Farm property.

State police expect to issue an update later in the day.

“The cause of the crash will be investigated and determined by federal authorities,” according to the release.

The Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company was the primary responder. They were assisted by the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department with an engine, ambulance and all terrain vehicle, Pleasant Valley volunteer fire company spokesman Steve Wantz said.

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


Michael Charles Kilpatrick, 62, passed away on August 18, 2018 while doing what he loved, flying over the fields of Frederick and Carroll Counties. He is survived by his beloved wife Jeanne Kilpatrick.

Mike was born August 1, 1956, to Earl and Marilyn Kilpatrick. He was born fifth of eleven siblings. 

Mike knew early on that he wanted to become a pilot, and took courses while in high school, attaining his first pilot's license in 1975. Mike continued living his dream by becoming a naval airman after graduating from Magruder High School in 1975. During his 23 years of service in the Navy he received countless achievements and accolades. He was a flight engineer on the P-3 Orion for many years and that service brought Mike to ports of call all over the world. Mike retired from the Naval Reserve in 2000. Mike was also an electronics technician for Orbital Science and Fairchild Industries, and a waiter for 12 years at Phineas Restaurant. Mike was currently Project Manager for Mast Construction, Mount Airy. Mike served diligently at each of these jobs usually working two or more at a time. He loved serving and being with people. 

In his free time Mike was a part of many community organizations; flying clubs, Patriot Guard, and an Elder of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. He was very loving in his faith and was always available for a conversation about his love for Our Lord. He loved being a pilot; he said he felt closer to God while flying. Never complaining, always appreciative, his life was an example and beacon to all who knew him. His ever shining star will never shine so bright as it will now that he is in the loving arms of Jesus Christ. 

Mike's beautiful, loving and supportive wife Jeanne helped make him the man we knew. His faith, his comfort, and his love developed through their special bond. Their connection later in their lives was Mikes' missing piece he had searched the world for. Although he leaves her now, he leaves her surrounded by family and many dear friends. 

Mike is survived by his 10 siblings and spouses, Linda Lauer (Larry) , Greg Kilpatrick, Ed Kilpatrick (Janet), Kristy Malochee (Pierre), Darrell Kilpatrick, Karen Hull (Greg), Duane Kilpatrick, Martin Kilpatrick (Jennifer), Monica Soloman (James), Kim Thrasher (Leo)

Nieces and nephews: Kevin Lauer (Lizzie), Danny Lauer, John Lauer, Chuck Lauer (Melanie), Jennifer Sincevich (Alex), Michael Kilpatrick (Tabby), Melissa Crowley (Conor), Jimmy Kilpatrick, Amalie Eig (Adam), Joseph Malochee (Brooke), Moey Malochee (Andrea), Andre Malochee (Suzanna), Terry Malochee, LaRita Malochee, Gregory Kilpatrick, Bradley Kilpatrick, Lorraina Hull, Karla Hull (Jose Amaya), Steven Hull (Yvette), Lindsey Hartsfield (Ben), Rebecca, Christopher Garten (Martin Majewski) Colleen Gershey (Josh), Brian Garten, and Kalvin Thrasher (Makayla Sexton). There are also many great nieces and great nephews who will fondly remember him always.

Mike is also survived by the loving Norris family. His mother-in-law Ruth Botkin, his father and mother-in-law Ken and Elli Norris; Siblings: Clint Botkin (Joyce), John Norris (Nora), Jim Norris (Lisa), Maria Smith (John), Kelly Zimmerman (Mary).

Nieces and Nephews: Kristen Salmon (Jeff), Krista Bologna (Chris), Josh Norris, Ashley Norris (Brian Richards), Erica Waters (Mike), Christi Mayberry (Scott), Vincent Bender, Luke Bender (Danielle), Riley Bender (Justine), Joren Bender (Amy), Sydney Norris, Jessica Norris, Brendan Elliott, Logan Elliott (Katarina), Devan Elliott, Ryan Zimmerman (Tara), Kyle Zimmerman (Halle), Drew Zimmerman, Noah Zimmerman. 

The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM on Saturday, August 25, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 609 Center Street, Mount Airy, where services will begin at 11:00 AM with Rev. Daniel Melton officiating. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers please donate in Mike's name to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 609 Center Street, Mount Airy, Maryland, 21771. 


Arrangements are by Stauffer Funeral Home, Mt. Airy and Stauffer Crematory, Frederick. Online condolences may be expressed at staufferfuneralhome.com

Robert Allen "Robbie" Johnson, 56, of Woodsboro, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly in an Ultralight Plane Crash on August 18, 2018. 

Born on September 29, 1961 in Frederick, he was the beloved son of Edward and Jeannette (Wachter) Johnson.

Rob never knew a stranger and enjoyed many events with family and friends. He enjoyed helping people and giving a kind word and telling a joke. He enjoyed the occasional motorcycle ride with family and friends and attending ultralight gatherings. He worked for Shipley Bottling Company, Barnes Cabinet Shop, Rylan Home, Klipp and Sons Plumbing and retired from Frederick County Public Schools, Urbana Cluster working with the maintenance department for 18 years.

He was a beloved son, father, brother and friend. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sons, Jesse Tyson Johnson and partner Andy of Washington D.C., and Jacob Edward Johnson and wife Katie of Portland, ME. He is also survived by his sister, Susan "Susie" McConnell and husband Pat, and their children Ian, Justin and Kate of Ijamsville and his brother, Grayson "Andy" Johnson and wife Beth, and their children, Tyler, Morgan and Kyle. In addition he is survived by his life partner, Laurel Johnson of Woodsboro and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends from 5-8pm on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. A Celebration of His Life will be held on Friday, August 24th at 1pm at the Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habit for Humanity of Frederick County, 117 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. 

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com

Air Tractor AT-502B, registered to and operated by Lutes Flying Service Inc, N502RL: Fatal accident occurred August 18, 2018 in Bronson, Branch County, Michigan

Phillip Percy Kwock-Wai Ching
AUGUST 15, 1992 ~ AUGUST 18, 2018 (AGE 26)

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan
Air Tractor, Inc; Olney, Texas

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N502RL

Location: Bronson, MI
Accident Number: CEN18FA339
Date & Time: 08/18/2018, 1730 EDT
Registration: N502RL
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT502
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On August 18, 2018, about 1730 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor 502B, N502RL, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application flight near Bronson, Michigan. The pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Lutes Flying Service, Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The local flight originated from the Wolfe Field Airport (IN65), near Shipshewana, Indiana, at an unconfirmed time.

A witness who was located about 0.4 miles and 150 degrees from the accident site reported seeing the accident. He stated that the airplane was making turns near his location in conjunction with spraying operations in a nearby field. The witness stated that he saw the airplane complete a spray pass to the east and then pulled up into a near vertical attitude, after which, the airplane then became inverted.The airplane then descended straight down and was starting to pull up when it hit the ground.

The airplane came to rest upright in a soybean field facing about 340 degrees. The wings, fuselage, tail, and all control surfaces were present at the accident site in their normal locations. The forward fuselage and the leading edges of both wings exhibited aft and upward crushing indicative of a nose low impact with the ground. Both main landing gear hand been torn from the fuselage and were found beneath the wreckage. The wing remained in one piece with the flaps and ailerons still attached. The fuselage was predominately intact with the previously noted crushing damage to the forward fuselage. The tail surfaces were located in their correct positions. The vertical stabilizer was still attached to the fuselage and the rudder was attached by the lower 2 hinges. The upper half or the rudder was bent to the left about 90 degrees. The left and right horizontal stabilizers were partially separated from the fuselage at the spar attachments. The elevators remained attached to the stabilizers.

The airplane's control system was examined. Continuity of the elevator control system was verified from the control stick in the cockpit aft to the elevator control surfaces. The rudder control cables were found to be intact from each of the rudder pedals in the cockpit aft to the rudder control surface. The aileron controls were examined and the mixing system for the drooping aileron system incurred impact damage and several of the control pushrods housed in the lower fuselage exhibited bending due to impact; however, no preimpact anomalies with regard to the aileron control system was observed. Measurement of the flap actuator corresponded to about 5 degrees of flap deflection.

The airplane's engine was a Pratt & Whitney model PT6A-34AG turboprop engine, turning a three blade propeller. The engine was broken in half at the "F" flange. The exposed broke shaft revealed fracture surfaces with 45 degree shear lips indicative of overload failure. One propeller blade was visible above the ground and remained attached to the hub. The remaining two blades were found buried beneath the engine. One of the buried blades remained attached to the hub while the other was separated. The separated blade showed chordwise scratching and a deep gouge in the leading edge a portion of the blade tip was separated.

Upon removal of the airplane from the site, an wing impact imprint was found in the soil beneath the wing about 2 ft. aft of the wing leading edge. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Air Tractor
Registration: N502RL
Model/Series: AT502 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Lutes 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: IRS, 925 ft msl
Observation Time: 2135 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 17°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 330°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Shipshewana, IN (IN65)
Destination: Shipshewana, IN (IN65)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 41.843056, -85.119167

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.

Phillip Percy Kwock-Wai Ching age 26, of Elsie, MI, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Owosso Community Airport at 1:00 pm.  With refreshments to follow.

Phillip was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 15, 1992, the son of Radford and Cindy (Moore) Ching.  Phillip graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with the class of 2010. He received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.

He is survived by his parents Radford and Cindy Ching, fiancée Mya Hall, brothers: Robert Ching and David Ching, and grandparents: Percy and Eleanor Ching. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles.  He was preceded in death by grandparents Bob and Doris Moore.

Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.


https://www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com



A 25-year old crop duster pilot died Saturday afternoon in a crash in a soybean field in Bethel Township.

Michigan State Police identified the pilot as Phillip Ching of Elsie, Mich. He was the lone occupant of the small single-engine plane. Ching likely died on impact, according to MSP, but an autopsy was set to be performed Sunday.

Witnesses said the plane was spraying the bean field east of Snow Prairie Road, just north of Hatmaker Road, swooping low at about 20 feet over the crop when it did not pull up and hit the ground. The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m.

Bronson Fire Medical First Responders went into the field to attempt a rescue. Michigan State Police were called to investigate the death. Troopers notified the Federal Aviation Agency and the National Transportation Safety Board which will look into the crash.

A trooper with Michigan State Police said the plane is owned by Lutes Flying Services, of Shipshewana, Ind. Ching was staying in Middlebury, Ind., for the summer working for Lutes.

The plane was seen in western Branch and St. Joseph counties on a regular basis spraying numerous crops, including potato fields. The pilot used GPS to set up spray patterns.

Witnesses at the adjacent farm told investigators Ching had made one pass then pulled up and looped around and was diving for another pass when the plane hit the ground. Federal officials will try to determine the cause of the crash.


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

BETHEL TOWNSHIP, Mich. —  The Federal Aviation Administration is en route to a bean field in a rural section of Branch County, where a crop-dusting plane crashed late Saturday afternoon – killing the pilot.

Sergeant Todd Price with the Michigan State Police Marshall Post tells FOX 17 the single-seat/single-engine plane went down in the middle of a bean field, between 5:35 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. The location is near Kosmerick and Clearwater roads in Bethel Township, which is east of the City of Bronson and west of I-69.

Witnesses told police the plane was trying to negotiate a turn to dust another row of crops when it went down. Sergeant Price says the pilot -25-year-old Phillip Ching of Middlebury, Indiana – was killed, and nobody on the ground was injured. Police say Ching was originally licensed out of Ellis Township, Michigan.

The airplane flew out of Lutes Flying Service in Shipshewana, Indiana, according to Price, who said the family of the pilot has already been notified.

“An autopsy will be conducted. The FAA is en route to the scene, and the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) will be investigating.”

There was no early indication what caused the crash.

According to The Daily Reporter, “Witnesses said the pilot was diving, spraying the field from about 20 feet when it hit the ground. Bronson Fire responded…..The plane was just visible about half a mile south of Hatmaker Road, and half a mile north of Kosmerick, east of Snow Prairie…”.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://fox17online.com




BETHEL TOWNSHIP Mich. (WOOD) -- A 25-year-old man was killed when he crashed the crop duster he was flying Saturday afternoon.

The incident happened in a bean field northeast of Kosmerick Rd. and S. Snow Prairie Rd. in Bethel Township, southeast of Bronson, just after 5:30 p.m.

Michigan State Police say the victim was crop-dusting the field when he crashed.

"He was flying east, went to make his turn, and struck the ground," MSP Sgt. Todd Price told 24 Hour News 8. "It appears he must have died upon impact."

Price said witnesses called 911 to report the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Board were headed to the scene to investigate the crash.

The victim is from Middlebury, Indiana. He worked for Lutes Flying Service Inc., based in Shipshewana, Indiana. His name was not immediately released.

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



BRONSON, Mich. — Michigan State Police are currently on-scene investigating after a body was pulled from a crop duster plane following a crash in a field near the intersection of Kosmerick and South Snow Prarie roads just outside of Bronson around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18.

A source close to the investigation said MSP troopers were dispatched to the field around 5:47 p.m. and have since declared 25-year-old Phillip Ching of Elsie, Michigan as the single deceased occupant of the plane. A press release from MSP said Ching likely died on impact, but an autopsy is set to be performed on Sunday.

Witnesses told investigators that Ching was working to turn into another row of crops when the plane went down into the field. Officials confirm Ching was working on chemical application of the crops. The family has been notified, but a cause has yet to be determined.

A trooper with Michigan State Police said the plane is owned by Lutes Flying Services, which is based out of Shipshewana, Indiana. Ching was staying in Middlebury, Indiana for the summer working for Lutes.

The crash remained under investigation by MSP and the Federal Aviation Administration. Bronson Fire and Lifecare Ambulance assisted on the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board will be on scene tomorrow to continue the investigation. 

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