Tuesday, October 02, 2018

Robinson R44 Raven II, Essential Helicopters, C-GMCT: Fatal accident occurred September 25, 2018 near Buttonville Municipal (CYKZ), Ontario, Canada

Jim Armstrong

https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca

NTSB Identification: CEN18WA390

14 CFR Non-U.S., Non-Commercial
Accident occurred Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in Buttonville, Canada
Aircraft: ROBINSON R44, registration:
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.


On September 25, 2018, about 1800 hours universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, Canadian registration C-GMCT, impacted terrain while diverting due to deteriorating weather conditions near the Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport (CYKZ), Buttonville, Ontario, Canada. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed from the North Bay Airport (CYYB), North Bay, Ontario, Canada. The intended destination was CYKZ.


The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). This report is solely for informational purposes and contains only information provided by the government of Canada.


Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from:

Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Place du Centre -- 4th Floor
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec
Canada K1A 1K8
Telephone: 819-994-3741
Website: http://www.tsb.gc.ca
Email: communications@tsb-bst.gc.ca



CTV News has learned the name of the helicopter pilot who was killed in a crash north of Toronto Tuesday afternoon.

The chopper was from Essential Helicopters in North Bay, and the pilot lost was Jim Armstrong, originally from Sudbury.

Armstrong is being remembered by colleagues and friends in the pilot community Wednesday. 

He was also a lead instructor in Canadore College aviation program.

The company issued a new statement today on his passing:

"We are deeply saddened to have lost a long-time friend, colleague, and experienced pilot. We would like to thank all who have reached out to us to offer support. Ours is an amazing industry."

Original:

Police in York Region, North of Toronto say there's been a fatal crash of a helicopter in the Stouffville area.

It had left North Bay Tuesday afternoon headed for Buttonville airport in Markham.

York Regional Police Const. Laura Nicolle said that a search began for the small helicopter around 2:55 pm after it experienced “a technical difficulty” and lost contact with the airport. The helicopter was found near Warden Avenue and Aurora Road in Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Nicolle said that it appears as though the helicopter made a hard landing and crashed into the area.

The helicopter pilot has been pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the pilot was the lone occupant of the helicopter.

The North Bay company involved, Essential Helicopters, is headquartered out of Canadore College Aviation Campus, released this statement:

"It's been confirmed one of our aircraft and one of our senior pilots were involved in a crash.  And we're working with the Transportation Safety Board and Transport Canada at this time."

Police say the pilot was the lone occupant and the helicopter company will not release the identity of the pilot, nor confirm where they are from.

Police have shut down the area of Warden Avenue between St. Johns Sideroad and Aurora Road because the helicopter was located somewhere in a forested area here, and the transportation safety board wants the perimeter secured as it investigates.

We have unconfirmed reports that the helicopter involved was a Robinson R44ii.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent a team of investigators to the scene of the crash.

https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca




A pilot formerly from Sudbury died in a helicopter crash north of Toronto on Sept. 25.

Jim Armstrong's helicopter crashed in the Stouffville area. He was a pilot for Essential Helicopters in North Bay, which confirmed the crash on its Facebook page. He worked at Essential Helicopters in North Bay since 2010 and has been a helicopter pilot since 1998. 

“It has been confirmed that one of our aircraft and a senior pilot were involved in a crash yesterday - Sept 25,” the post states. “We are deeply saddened to have lost a longtime friend, colleague and experienced pilot. We are working closely with the Transportation Safety Board and as such will not be commenting further. We would like to thank all who have reached out to us to offer support. Ours is an amazing industry.”

Friends of Armstrong began mourning his death as early as Tuesday night.

“So devastated!!!!...my longtime friend Jim Armstrong was in a tragic helicopter accident today,” said Tamara Hyland on Facebook Tuesday night.

“I know many of my friends on Facebook know him well and I am sorry to be the bearer of this news. I am still in shock.. I love you so much Jimmy, why did this have to happen.”

Other friends say they will remember Armstrong for his smile and contagious laugh.

There will be a celebration of life in Sudbury on Sunday Sept. 30 from 1-4 p.m. It will be held at the Ambassador Hotel at the corner of Falconbridge Road and The Kingsway.

“Bring your stories and memories of an amazing person,” stated another post on Essential Helicopter's Facebook page. 

Essential is a helicopter pilot flight-training program with Canadore College. 

Armstrong reportedly left North Bay at 1:30 p.m. for Buttonville Airport, but around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon the helicopter went down in a rural area of Whitchurch-Stouffville north of Toronto, after York Regional Police say the helicopter lost contact with the Buttonville Airport based in Markham. 

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating.

https://www.sudbury.com

Beechcraft V35 Bonanza, N7997M: Fatal accident occurred October 01, 2018 near Brackett Field Airport (KPOC), La Verne, Los Angeles County, California

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles, California

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N7997M

Location: La Verne, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA001
Date & Time: 10/01/2018, 1150 PDT
Registration: N7997M
Aircraft: Beech V35
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On October 1, 2018, about 1150 Pacific daylight time, a Beech V35 airplane, N7997M, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while on approach to landing at Brackett Field Airport (POC), La Verne, California. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated from Blythe, California, about 1020, with an intended destination of POC.

Preliminary information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the air traffic control tower controller cleared the accident pilot to make a straight-in approach for runway 8R. During the approach, the pilot was advised by the controller about another airplane that was inbound for runway 8L, and the pilot was then cleared to land on runway 8R.

Witnesses located near the accident site reported that they heard a noise and observed the accident airplane in a left bank that progressively continued to steepen before the airplane impacted the ground in a left wing, nose low attitude. The witnesses further reported that shortly after the impact, a post impact fire ensued.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane struck a tree, approximately 50 ft in height, about 900 ft from the approach end of runway 8R, and about 185 ft left of the runway centerline. The wreckage debris path was about 400 ft in length, oriented on a heading of about 070° magnetic. The forward portion of the fuselage and the inboard sections of both wings were mostly consumed by fire. All major structural components of the airplane were identified within the debris field. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.


Figure 1: The Accident Site in Reference to the Runway. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N7997M
Model/Series:  V35
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
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: KPOC, 1011 ft msl
Observation Time: 1747 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 10°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 120°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Blythe, CA
Destination: La Verne, CA (POC)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.092222, -117.791944

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.




A Beechcraft V35 Bonanza was approaching Brackett Field Airport when it crashed, with initial reports indicating it may have hit a tree, a Federal Aviation Administration official said in an emailed statement.

The plane burst into flames after impact, sending a thick plume of black smoke high into the air. Firefighters responded to the scene and were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, a La Verne Fire Department dispatcher told KTLA shortly after noon.

One person -- the plane's sole occupant -- was killed in the fiery crash, police said.

Sky5 video over the charred wreckage showed a sheet was placed over what appeared to be the cockpit of the small plane.

A pilot who was nearby described what he saw.

"I was the first one to land and I believe this pilot was the second one coming in," Steve, who was also flying into the airport on Monday, told KTLA. "Right when I exited the runway I looked to the right and saw big, black smoke and flames. So apparently it looks like he undershot the runway and landed short of the runway."

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

Beech A36TC Bonanza 36, N1598T: Incident occurred October 01, 2018 at Charles M Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (KSTS), Santa Rosa, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oakland, California

Gear collapsed.

https://registry.faa.gov/N1598T

Date: 01-OCT-18
Time: 21:38:00Z
Regis#: N1598T
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: A36TC
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SANTA ROSA
State: CALIFORNIA

Hard Landing: Cessna 152, N24752; accident occurred October 01, 2018 at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), Polk County, Florida

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

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/N24752


Location: Lakeland, FL
Accident Number: GAA19CA025
Date & Time: 10/01/2018, 1015 EDT
Registration: N24752
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries:1 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector assigned to the event, the pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane landed hard on the nose landing gear, bounced, briefly became airborne and after touching down again, the nose landing gear collapse.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts

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

The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 23, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/02/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 53 hours (Total, all aircraft), 53 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N24752
Model/Series: 152 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: 15280355
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1669 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-235
Registered Owner: Training Planes LLC
Rated Power:
Operator: Training Planes LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLAL, 142 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1420 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 292°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR): 
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 60°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 24°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Lakeland, FL (LAL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: Lakeland, FL (LAL)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:  EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: LAKELAND LINDER RGNL (LAL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 142 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 09
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8499 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in 

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: 27.988889, -82.018611 (est)

Ground Collision: Cessna 152, N94658, accident occurred October 01, 2018 at Monmouth Executive Airport (KBLM), Belmar, New Jersey

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Saddle Brook, New Jersey

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


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


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N94658

Location: Farmingdale, NJ
Accident Number: GAA19CA003
Date & Time: 10/01/2018, 1015 EDT
Registration: N94658
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, while taxiing for departure, the airplane's left wing struck a fuel truck that was parked on the edge of the ramp.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle while taxiing for departure.

Findings

Personnel issues
Task monitoring/vigilance - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Ground equipment - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/03/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/21/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 305 hours (Total, all aircraft), 291 hours (Total, this make and model), 185 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 11 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N94658
Model/Series: 152 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 15285754
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/20/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1675 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 10769 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-235 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 110 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BLM, 164 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1456 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 117°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.33 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Bowie, MD (W00)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Farmingdale, NJ (BLM)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0900 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: MONMOUTH EXECUTIVE (BLM)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 153 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 03
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3508 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  40.185000, -74.122222 (est)

Delta Air Lines, Boeing 767-300, N180DN: Incident occurred October 01, 2018 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK), New York, New York

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; New York, New York

Flight number 420:  Declared emergency on departure due to fire in the right main gear.

Delta Air Lines Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N180DN

Date: 01-OCT-18
Time: 20:16:00Z
Regis#: UNK
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 763
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: DELTA AIR LINES
Flight Number: 420
City: NEW YORK
State: NEW YORK

Beechcraft Super King Air 350, N350MC: Incident occurred October 01, 2018 at Grand Forks International Airport (KGFK), North Dakota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fargo, North Dakota

Went off taxiway and damaged a light and prop.

https://registry.faa.gov/N350MC

Date: 01-OCT-18
Time: 21:07:00Z
Regis#: N350MC
Aircraft Make: BEECHCRAFT
Aircraft Model: B300C
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: GRAND FORKS
State: NORTH DAKOTA

Buckeye Dream Machine, N75071: Incident occurred October 01, 2018 at New Garden Airport (N57), Toughkenamon, Chester County, Pennsylvania

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Struck parked, unoccupied aircraft during takeoff.

Para Flying Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N75071

Date: 01-OCT-18
Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N75071
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: DREAM MACHINE
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: TOUGHKENAMON
State: PENNSYLVANIA

Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350 B3e), registered to Chinilna Equipment LLC and operated by a private individual, N907PL: Fatal accident occurred September 28, 2018 in Gustavus, Alaska

Joshua Michael Pepperd
 (1975 - 2018) 

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

Additional Participating Entities:  

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Juneau, Alaska
Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses; Le Bourget, FN
Airbus Helicopters; Grand Prairie, Texas
Safran Helicopter Engines; Grand Prairie, Texas

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


https://registry.faa.gov/N907PL

Location: Gustavus, AK
Accident Number: CEN18FA391
Date & Time: 09/28/2018, 1055 AKD
Registration: N907PL
Aircraft: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS INC AS350
Injuries: 3 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 28, 2018, about 1055 Alaska daylight time, an Airbus Helicopters AS350-B3e, impacted shallow water on a beach in Glacier Bay National Park about 60 miles northwest of Gustavus, Alaska. The co-pilot was fatally injured, one passenger sustained serious injuries, and the pilot and one other passenger are missing. The helicopter was registered to Chinilna Equipment LLC and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed from the Juneau International Airport (JNU) Juneau, Alaska, and was en route to Yakutat Airport (YAK), Yakutat, Alaska.


According to the family members, the purpose of the trip was to deliver the helicopter from the Airbus Helicopters factory in Grand Prairie, TX, to Anchorage, AK. The left seat pilot was onboard for insurance coverage purposes. The owner/pilot planned to drop off the left seat pilot in Wasilla, AK, then proceed to Anchorage.


The accident flight departed Juneau and proceeded west over the mountains 3,000 to 4,000 ft above ground level (agl) and then north along the coast line about 500 to 700 ft agl. The last recorded GPS point was 8.5 nautical miles (nm) southeast of the accident site and 500 ft agl while flying above the beach.


In a post-accident interview, the surviving passenger stated that the pilot "reached down and rolled the throttle off." He added that the pilot left the collective up and the helicopter entered a free fall from about 500 ft agl, then about 30 ft agl he increased the throttle again. He felt helicopter impact the water and noticed water splash in the cabin, then went unconscious.


The helicopter impacted the water and came to rest partially embedded in the sand (figure 1). The investigative team arrived at the accident site about 1100 on September 30, 2018, to photo document the accident site and locate the Appareo Vision 1000 image recording device, the engine data recorder, and digital engine control unit; they were all recovered and transported to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, DC, for examination and download.



Figure 1 – Accident site, main wreckage


The tailboom, tail rotor assembly, and most of the instrument panel were not found. A significant amount of wreckage had washed ashore and was found on the beach south of the main wreckage. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for a thorough post-accident examination. 


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS INC

Registration: N907PL
Model/Series: AS350 B3
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site:

Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: CSP, 89 ft msl
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 39 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Juneau, AK (JNU)
Destination: Yakutat, AK (YAK)

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal

Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal, 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 58.595278, -137.594444 (est)

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.

Joshua Michael Pepperd, 42, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 28, 2018, in a helicopter crash in Southeast Alaska. Josh was a follower of Christ, husband, father, son, grandson, uncle, pilot, point guard, hunter and friend to all of us. Born on Oct. 26, 1975, in Anchorage, Alaska, to Greg and Patti Pepperd, he was a 1994 graduate of Wasilla High and a 1999 graduate of Boise State University, where he earned an engineering degree in construction management. While attending Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, Josh met his wife Lindsay Jamison. They married in 1997 and started a beautiful adventure. Josh began his career in construction in 1994 as a Union Laborer. Josh began his career at Davis Constructors and Engineers Inc. as an intern during summer breaks from college. In June 1999, Josh started full time at Davis and remained there for the entirety of his career. Josh was instrumental in founding Mass Excavation Inc., a sister company to Davis. Both Davis and Mass X had the honor of Josha's leadership as President and mentor for over a decade. There was never a dull moment in Josh's life. Escapes with his family at the cabin or ranch, hiking to the tops of mountains with his children and constructing projects with excellence were his passions.


Josh had a deep faith in Christ and it was evident to all who knew him. His Christianity was demonstrated through his actions, character, integrity and passions. Josh believed God did not put us on this earth to do nothing against the evils on this planet that go against His nature. He felt strongly that his resources belonged to God, they are provided by His grace and to be used for His glory. He deeply loved his family. He impressed upon them to take the Lord's Word into their hearts, thoughts and deeds. He talked to them about God when they sat at home and when they walked together, when they prepared to lie down and when they got up in the morning (Josh's house is full of scriptures and they are even written on his doorframes).


He is survived by his wife, Lindsay, a bun in the oven, their expected daughter; his children, Aidan, Annika, Abigail and Ava; his parents, Greg and Patti Pepperd; his grandmother, Donna Rhett, all of Wasilla, Alaska; his brothers and sister, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and countless friends.

He entered heaven with his beloved son, Andrew.

A memorial service will be held at Anchorage Bible Fellowship on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at 3 p.m.



http://www.legacy.com

Andrew Michael Pepperd, 11, passed away in a helicopter crash in Southeast Alaska on Sept. 28, 2018. Andrew and his Father Josh entered the Lord's Kingdom together. Andrew was born March 4, 2007, in Anchorage, Alaska to Josh and Lindsay Pepperd. He was home educated, and often accompanied his father to work. His parents taught him diligently to walk in the path of righteous. Andrew was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt, fish, camp and enjoy extended trips to the cabin with his family. He had a hilarious imagination and his belly laugh was infectious. He loved his brothers and sisters and could not wait to meet the newest addition to the family. 

He is survived by his mother Lindsay, his brother and sisters: Aidan, Annika, Abigail, Ava, and the bun in the oven, his grandparents: Greg and Patti Pepperd, great grandmother Donna Rhett all of Wasilla, Alaska, Rob and Linda Jamison of Nampa, Idaho, numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. 

A memorial service will be held at Anchorage Bible Fellowship on Friday October 12, 2018, at 3 p.m.

http://www.legacy.com


The Pepperds had just purchased the helicopter new. Airbus Helicopters had posted this photo on the company’s Facebook page when the family took possession on September 26th in Texas.



Three people are missing after a brand new helicopter went down in the water between Juneau and Yakutat.

Among those missing are Josh Pepperd, president and CEO of Davis Constructors and Engineers.

Pepperd’s two sons were on the plane, and one of them has been found alive. In addition to the father and son who are missing, David King, a helicopter pilot who owns Last Frontier Air Ventures in Palmer, was on board.

The Coast Guard rescued 14-year-old Aiden Pepperd on Friday near Lituya Bay, and today is searching for the other three people.

Aiden was flown to Sitka by a Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, where he was treated for mild hypothermia, according to the Coast Guard press release. He was later transferred to an Anchorage hospital where he is in intensive care with internal injuries.

A Jayhawk helicopter crew is combing the area along with a Civil Air Patrol aircraft out of Juneau, according to the USCG report. Joining the search is the Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco, which is also has a small boat crew searching the shoreline.

Two handlers with canines from the Southeast Alaska Dogs for Ground Search were brought in via Coast Guard helicopter but were not able to locate any sign of the helicopter’s passengers.

A C-130 aircraft crew with the 211th Rescue Squadron for Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage was also on scene searching.

The helicopter crashed in the water approximately 100 yards from the shoreline of a beach about three miles east of Lituya Bay.The Coast Guard located sections of the crashed helicopter fuselage, engine, rotor head, and front and rear seats washed up on the beach today but not any sign of the passengers. 

The Coast Guard 17th District command center in Juneau initially received an overdue aircraft alert at about 6:30 pm Friday from the Juneau Flight Service Station.

The alert stated a private helicopter with four people aboard was expected to arrive in Yakutat Friday, but had not arrived.

A Jayhawk helicopter left Sitka at 8:15 pm and went to the last known signal location from the helicopter’s GPS, and then landed landed on the beach about three miles east of Lituya Bay, where the crew’s rescue swimmer located the boy.

“We did not locate any other survivors tonight but the Coast Guard and others will conduct a thorough search Saturday,” said Lt. Kellen Browne, helicopter co-pilot for Friday’s rescue.

Two adults and two adolescents were aboard the crashed helicopter, which had just been purchased new from the factory in Texas. The pilot was said to have 40 years of flying experience, including Alaska flight time in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

The itinerary for the single-engine helicopter was from Grand Prairie, Texas to Wasilla. 

Josh Pepperd is one of the top three contributors to the Dunleavy for Alaska political group that operates separately from the campaign. The other top contributors to that group, chaired by Terre Gales, are Francis Dunleavy, Bob Penney, and Scott Hawkins.

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

Josh Pepperd, the president and owner of Davis Constructors, is missing from a helicopter that crashed Friday evening near Yakutat.


The U.S. Coast Guard has called off a two-day search for three people missing from the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed in Southeast Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Josh Pepperd, 42, the president of Anchorage's Davis Constructors and Engineers, his 11-year-old son Andrew and Palmer helicopter piloting company owner David King, 53, are presumed dead in the crash.

The Coast Guard, the Alaska Air National Guard and Civil Air Patrol searched 788 square miles over more than 36 hours, according to Nate Littlejohn, a Coast Guard spokesman.

With no signs that the three had survived the crash, the search was suspended at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the Coast Guard.

The new Airbus helicopter crashed sometime Friday in a tidal zone near Lituya Bay, a fjord with a narrow entrance situated 120 miles northwest of Juneau in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Some pieces of wreckage, including parts of the engine and seats, washed up on the shore.

Coast Guard personnel rescued Pepperd's older son Aiden, 14, from a beach about 3 miles from Lituya Bay on the Gulf of Alaska coast, according to a press release from Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

He is being treated at an Anchorage hospital, according to the Coast Guard.

Pepperd is the president of Davis Constructors and Engineering, a major Alaska construction company headquartered in Anchorage. The company was responsible for a recent expansion of the Anchorage Museum, as well as other major projects around the state. He has also been a major donor to conservative Alaska political candidates and causes.

Pepperd and his sons were bringing the Airbus H125 helicopter to Alaska after picking it up at an Airbus facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. They were expected to arrive in Yakutat on Friday night but never made it.

The helicopter is "brand-new, top of the line," said Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska chief.

It's not clear whether Pepperd had purchased the helicopter for business or for personal use, or who was piloting it at the time of the crash.

NTSB investigators were at the scene Sunday trying to find and remove recording equipment from the wreckage of the helicopter before it is damaged by saltwater.

"This helicopter had the latest and greatest technology that's out there," Johnson said.

If recovered, Johnson said, the recording equipment "can give us a chance to see what happened in the last moment of this flight."

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

Turbulence Encounter: Cessna 182B Skylane, N2571G; accident occurred September 27, 2018 in Anchorage, Alaska







Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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/N2571G


Location: Anchorage, AK

Accident Number: ANC18LA072
Date & Time: 09/26/2018, 1907 AKD
Registration: N2571G
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Turbulence encounter
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 26, 2018, at 1907 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 182 airplane, N2571G, sustained substantial damage during a wake turbulence encounter, about 3.5 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot stated that while southbound, enroute to Lake Hood Airstrip (LHD), he received a traffic advisory and wake turbulence cautionary advisory from air traffic control (ATC) regarding a Boeing C-17 (TREK324) that was on approach for runway 6 at Elmendorf Air Force Base (EDF). In an effort to avoid wake turbulence, the pilot executed a left 360° turn. Upon completion of the turn, he passed behind the C-17, and encountered "severe turbulence" which he described as "one violent instantaneous motion." After the event, the airplane continued for landing at LHD. During a postflight inspection of the airplane, he found both wings and the horizontal stabilizer exhibiting signs of buckling. Furthermore, it appeared the left wing had shifted aft, reducing the gap between the trailing edge of the flap and the fuselage by 3/8 of an inch. After removing an inspection panel and using a borescope to examine the left-wing spar, a crack was discovered.

A review of archived Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) radar and voice data revealed that the Cessna was VFR from Point MacKensie, inbound to LHD when issued a traffic and wake turbulence advisory. The Cessna pilot informed ATC that he had the C-17 in sight and executed a left 360° turn. Following the turn, the Cessna passed 3.66 miles behind, and 500 ft below, the C-17. On the inbound leg of the turn, the pilot descended from 900 ft GPS altitude to about 600 ft GPS altitude and which was below the altitude of the C-17, which was about 1,200ft GPS altitude.

Section 7 of FAA Advisory Circular AC90-23G, dated February 10, 2014 states in part: "Flight tests have shown that at higher altitude the vortices from large aircraft sink at a rate of several hundred feet per minute (fpm), slowing their descent and diminishing in strength with time and distance behind the wake-generating aircraft (see Figure 5, Descent of Vortices from Large Aircraft). Atmospheric turbulence hastens decay. Pilots should fly at or above the preceding aircraft's flightpath, altering course as necessary, to avoid the area behind and below the generating aircraft…The worst case atmospheric conditions are light winds, low atmospheric turbulence, and low stratification (stable atmosphere). In these atmospheric conditions, primarily in en route operations, vortices from Heavy and especially Super aircraft can descend more than 1,000 feet."

Section 8 of the above mentioned AC90-23G states in part: "Air traffic controllers apply procedures for separating instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft that include required wake turbulence separations. However, if a pilot accepts a clearance to visually follow a preceding aircraft, the pilot accepts responsibility for both separation and wake turbulence avoidance. The controllers will also provide a Wake Turbulence Cautionary Advisory to pilots of visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft, with whom they are in communication and on whom, in the controller's opinion, wake turbulence may have an adverse effect. This advisory includes the position, altitude and direction of flight of larger aircraft followed by the phrase "CAUTION–WAKE TURBULENCE." After issuing the caution for wake turbulence, the air traffic controllers generally do not provide additional information to the following aircraft." Also listed are two notes, one of which that states "Whether or not a warning or information has been given, the pilot is expected to adjust aircraft operations and flightpath as necessary to preclude wake encounters." The second note states "When any doubt exists about maintaining safe separation distances between aircraft to avoid wake turbulence, pilots should ask ATC for updates on separation distances and groundspeed." No such queries were made by the Cessna pilot. Furthermore, 8e. states that pilots should avoid flight below and behind a larger aircraft's flightpath and if a larger aircraft is observed above on the same track, airplane position should be adjusted, preferable upwind. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/23/2018
Flight Time:  2028.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 280.2 hours (Total, this make and model), 2028.6 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 40.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 18.1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N2571G
Model/Series: 182
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 51871
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/06/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2348 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5324 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 230 hp
Operator:On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PANC, 120 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1853 AKD
Direction from Accident Site: 212°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR): 
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Big Lake, AK
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Anchorage, AK (LHD)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1845 AKD
Type of Airspace: FAR 93

Airport Information

Airport: LAKE HOOD (LHD)
Runway Surface Type:Dirt 
Airport Elevation:79 ft 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 32
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2200 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 61.235278, -149.943056 (est)