TYLER, Texas - A pilot, formerly of Kemah, has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit arson, according to authorities.
Theodore Robert Wright, III, 33, pleaded guilty on Dec. 7 to the charges and was sentenced to 65 months, or nearly five-and-a-half years, in prison by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.
He was also ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution.
Wright led a multi-jurisdictional fraud and arson scheme that spanned from Hawaii to the Gulf of Mexico, and involved the destruction of various luxury goods, including vehicles, aircraft, and vessels, According to information presented in court.
Wright and his co-conspirators, Shane Gordon, 46, and Raymond Fosdick, 42, both of Houston, and Edward Delima, 42, of Honolulu, Hawaii, acquired luxury goods and obtained insurance coverage for those goods in amounts exceeding their purchase prices.
Wright and his co-conspirators then devised and carried out schemes to destroy those goods and defraud insurance companies.
A 1966 Beechcraft Baron, a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo, a 1971 Cessna 500 and a 1998 Hunter Passage were all destroyed in the scheme.
The Beechcraft Baron made an emergency landing in the Gulf of Mexico, sank in deep water, and was not recovered.
KPRC2 sat down with Wright and Fosdick in 2012 after the crash in the Gulf, in which both men were uninjured.
"The actual plummeting from the sky and all of that element wasn't a big deal. Neither of us was screaming and, you know, there was no praying," Fosdick said at the time.
READ MORE: Baytown man records ordeal plane crash
The Lamborghini Gallardo crashed into a ditch full of water, causing the vehicle to flood.
The Cessna 500 was destroyed when Fosdick set it on fire at Wright’s direction at an airport in Athens, Texas.
The Hunter Passage sank in a marina in Hawaii.
Fraudulent insurance claims were filed in relation to each of these incidents.
Wright and his co-defendants also filed a fraudulent $1 million personal injury lawsuit related to the crash in the Gulf of Mexico. The suit was settled for $100,000.
On May 17, 2017, Wright, Gordon, Fosdick, and Delima were charged with various offenses related to their conduct in the scheme in the Eastern District of Texas.
Wright’s co-conspirators have all pleaded guilty. Delima pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to a five-year term of probation.
Fosdick pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit arson and on Jan. 24 and was sentenced to 39 months in federal prison. Gordon pleaded guilty to making false statements to a federal agent and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $440,000.
Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.click2houston.com
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama
Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
https://registry.faa.gov/N8495Z
Location: Wagoner, OK
Accident Number: ERA19LA006
Date & Time: 10/04/2018, 1830 CDT
Registration: N8495Z
Aircraft: Cessna 205
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Flight Test
On October 4, 2018, about 1830 central daylight time, a Cessna 205A, N8495Z, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees after a total loss of engine power about 8 miles south of the Hefner-Easley Airport (H68), Wagoner, Oklahoma. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by the private pilot as a personal flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the post-maintenance flight test.
According to the pilot, he was performing a post-maintenance flight after the airplane's annual inspection. After a routine engine run-up, with no abnormal indications he departed H68. The pilot climbed to 2,500 ft and made three circuits around the airport; he stated the airplane climbed well and all flight parameters were normal. The pilot announced his intentions of leaving the airport area and turned south to continue flight maneuvers and performance checks. During the maintenance checks, the pilot started a left turn towards the east when a very minor "engine misfire" caught his attention. He scanned the instrument panel and all engine parameters appeared normal. As the pilot continued the turn, the "engine misfire" began to increase and the engine began to shake. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude and was descending about 150-300 feet per minute. After multiple attempts to regain engine power the engine "quit." The pilot slowed the airplane to minimum controllable airspeed and impacted trees and brush. The pilot exited the airplane and waited for emergency services.
During the landing sequence, the left and right wing were buckled. The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8495Z
Model/Series: 205 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: Integrity Airmotive, LLC
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTQH, 874 ft msl
Observation Time: 0015 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 20°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Wagoner, OK (H68)
Destination: Wagoner, OK (H68)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 35.965556, -95.341944 (est)
An unidentified man appears to have escaped serious injuries after a single-engine Cessna he was piloting crashed near a cemetery east of Wagoner.
Sgt. Jeff Halfacre, a spokesman for the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office, said dispatchers received a call at 6:59 p.m. Thursday from a motorist who spotted the airplane about a half-mile west of 300 Road along Oklahoma 51. The pilot, he said, was transported to a "local area hospital," where he is believed to have been treated for a head laceration.
"I am not sure about what actually caused it, but it appeared that he probably tried to avoid the highway because of traffic," Halfacre said, noting the pilot's condition reportedly was stable. "It appears to be a minor plane crash -- I don't think his injuries would be considered critical, but he was transported out of precaution and checked out thoroughly."
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers reportedly contacted the Federal Aviation Administration, which Halfacre said was "not going to respond out here." He said the crash site was taped off, and owners of the airplane planned to retrieve it Friday morning.
"Our dispatchers have been notified," Halfacre said. "If they are contacted, they will let the passersby know to disregard it."
Original article ➤ http://www.muskogeephoenix.com
WAGONER - Wagoner County deputies say a pilot was taken to the hospital after crashing his plane.
Sheriff Chris Elliott says the pilot was taking off when he crashed.
Officials said the pilot was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Deputies say a passerby called 911 after this plane crashed just north side of highway 51
Sheriff Elliott said the pilot was in a small aircraft and for unknown reasons after takeoff, pilot had to make an emergency landing.
Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.kjrh.com
WAGONER, Okla. (KTUL) — Wagoner County first responders are on the scene of a small plane crash east of Wagoner.
Authorities are on the scene near Highway 51 and South 300 Road near Taylor's Ferry just west of Fort Gibson Lake.
The plane went down after 7 p.m. south of Hefner-Easley Airport Thursday evening
Original article can be found here ➤ https://ktul.com
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas
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/N212NA
Location: Cypress, TX
Accident Number: GAA18CA551
Date & Time: 09/01/2018, 1045 CDT
Registration: N212NA
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing area undershoot
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional
Analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during approach, as the airplane crossed over a highway, it encountered turbulence and increased lift. He reduced power to correct, and the airplane lost altitude quickly. The student added power to compensate, but the airplane landed hard before reaching the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located about 7 miles south of the airport reported that, about 10 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 090° at 5 knots. The student was landing the airplane on runway 9.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper approach path after the airplane encountered turbulence, which resulted in the airplane landing hard short of the runway.
Findings
Aircraft
Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Environmental issues
Turbulence - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Landing
Other weather encounter
Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing area undershoot (Defining event)
Hard landing
Landing gear collapse
Student Pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: 54, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
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: 01/31/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 39 hours (Total, all aircraft), 39 hours (Total, this make and model)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N212NA
Model/Series: PA28 161
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-7916150
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2325 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: Ahmed Sharfaraz
Rated Power: 160 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: KIWS, 111 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1535 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 194°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2200 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3100 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 25°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Cypress, TX (EYQ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cypress, TX (EYQ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: WEISER AIR PARK (EYQ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 137 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 09
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3455 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; 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: 29.935278, -95.640278 (est)
https://registry.faa.gov/N204HA
NTSB Identification: DCA18CA283
Scheduled 14 CFR Part 121: Air Carrier operation of Hawaiian Airlines Inc
Accident occurred Monday, August 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA
Aircraft: AIRBUS A321-271N, registration: N204HA
NTSB investigators will use data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator, and will not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine
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/N557SP
Location: Burlington, VT
Accident Number: GAA18CA547
Date & Time: 08/20/2018, 1500 EDT
Registration: N557SP
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional
Analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during approach, he was struggling to keep the airspeed at 60 to 70 knots, so he entered a side slip and reduced the power to idle. Once assured the airplane would reach the runway, he aligned the airplane with the runway. The airplane landed on the left main landing gear, bounced, and the student performed a go-around. He entered the left traffic pattern and landed without further incident.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 6 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 270° at 6 knots. The airplane landed on runway 33.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
Findings
Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
History of Flight
Approach
Miscellaneous/other
Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Student Pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: 54, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
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 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/09/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 57.4 hours (Total, all aircraft), 16 hours (Total, this make and model), 7.3 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 18.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3.8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N557SP
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 172S8043
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/16/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 8580.8 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: Vermont Flight Academy
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Vermont Flight Academy
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: KBTV, 340 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1854 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 156°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 5500 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 270°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Burlington, VT (BTV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Burlington, VT (BTV)
Type of Clearance: VFR; VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1230 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class C
Airport Information
Airport: BURLINGTON INTL (BTV)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Concrete
Airport Elevation: 334 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 33
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8319 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Go Around
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: 44.472500, -73.152778 (est)
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas
Made emergency landing in a field.
https://registry.faa.gov/N1626N
Date: 03-OCT-18
Time: 18:00:00Z
Regis#: N1626N
Aircraft Make: FUNK
Aircraft Model: B85C
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EMERGENCY DESCENT (EMG)
Operation: 91
City: HOT SPRINGS
State: ARKANSAS
A small plane made an emergency landing in the infield of a thoroughbred horse training track at Double M Stables off Crystal Hill Road in western Garland County Wednesday afternoon, an airport official and a witness said.
Glen Barentine, director of Hot Springs Memorial Field, said the Funk Aircraft took off from the airport at about noon Wednesday. The vintage plane arrived Tuesday morning, he said. The pilot stayed the night and took off the next afternoon.
"I don't know why he had to land," he said. "I think the engine was giving him issues, so he put it down. He didn't go into much detail."
John Ward, owner of Ward's The Crawfish Hole, said he was in the orchard behind his restaurant, "checking on my honeybees," when the plane "came by, just sputtering, and sputtering, and sputtering, going north, I guess you'd say."
"I knew something was wrong, and he came back headed south, and it was real low. I mean, I could almost ... touch the wheels," Ward said.
Ward said he called a friend who works at the barn area and said "there's a plane going down; it's going to be in the infield, and he thought I was kidding. Well, the plane went down, and they had a successful landing, and that was it."
Ward said the plane was "a little sideways coming in," but "he landed pretty smooth."
No injuries were reported.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.hotsr.com
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fresno, California
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/N8172N
Location: Porterville, CA
Accident Number: GAA18CA579
Date & Time: 08/31/2018, 1110 PDT
Registration: N8172N
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
The pilot reported that she initiated the landing flare and the airplane floated about 100 feet and landed normally. About 400 feet into the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right, exited the right side of the runway and collided with taxiway lights prior to coming to rest.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage intermediate bulkhead.
She reported that during landing the windsock indicated "no wind." However, after the accident she and her passenger witnessed dust devils close to the runway.
The airport's METAR reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 6 knots. The airplane landed on runway 30.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 76, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/25/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/09/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 3455 hours (Total, all aircraft), 113 hours (Total, this make and model), 3455 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 29 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N8172N
Model/Series: PA28 181
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 28-8090261
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/12/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1950 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 7766 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A4M
Registered Owner: San Diego Aircraft Holdings Inc
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Plus One Flyers Club
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPTV, 442 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1756 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 202°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: El Cajon, CA (SEE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Porterville, CA (PTV)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 0850 PST
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: Porterville Muni (PTV)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 443 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 30
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5960 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in
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: 36.029444, -119.062778 (est)
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho
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/N180BG
Location: Hailey, ID
Accident Number: GAA19CA005
Date & Time: 10/03/2018, 1125 MDT
Registration: N180BG
Aircraft: Cessna 180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
The pilot reported that, during takeoff, in a crosswind, as the tailwheel lifted off the ground, the airplane veered left. He applied right rudder and hard right brake, but the airplane continued to weathervane. He then applied full brakes and reduced power to idle, the airplane departed the runway to the left, and skidded sideways on gravel before coming to an abrupt stop.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 8 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 31.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 64, 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: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/15/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/18/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1553 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1005 hours (Total, this make and model), 1429 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 43 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 24 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.25 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N180BG
Model/Series: 180 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 31372
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/01/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6165 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470S
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: KSUN, 5306 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1731 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 183°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 7000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Hailey, ID (SUN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Nampa, ID (MAN)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1125 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class D
Airport Information
Airport: FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL (SUN)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5319 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 31
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7550 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.506667, -114.299444 (est)
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana
Ran off runway into barbed wire due to aborted takeoff.
https://registry.faa.gov/N2669F
Date: 03-OCT-18
Time: 21:00:00Z
Regis#: N2669F
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 182J
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: CLINTON
State: MONTANA
Ran off runway.
Date: 03-OCT-18
Time: 21:00:00Z
Regis#: N2669F
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 182J
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: CLINTON
State: MONTANA
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fargo, North Dakota
Bird strike on landing.
Teton Leasing LLC
https://registry.faa.gov/N499AV
Date: 03-OCT-18
Time: 14:34:00Z
Regis#: N499AV
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 560XL
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 135
City: FARGO
State: NORTH DAKOTA
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Veered off the runway and struck runway light.
Bell AA Flying Club Inc
https://registry.faa.gov/N80788
Date: 04-OCT-18
Time: 00:40:00Z
Regis#: N80788
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172M
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HARRISBURG
State: PENNSYLVANIA
