Sunday, November 04, 2018

Boeing-Stearman A75N1, N67916: Kauai crop duster Joseph E. Bell Jr. worked for 8 sugar plantations



Born in Oak Park, Illinois, World War II fighter pilot Joseph E. Bell Jr. (1925-1967) had accumulated seven years of experience as a crop duster in Arizona before joining Murrayair Ltd. on the Big Island in 1954.

Described as being one of the world’s best crop dusters, Bell transferred to Kauai in 1957, where at that time and for years to come sugar was cultivated in cane fields extending around Kauai from Kilauea to Mana, with eight sugar plantations in operation: Kilauea Sugar Co., Lihue Plantation, Grove Farm Plantation, McBryde Sugar Co., Olokele Sugar Co., Gay & Robinson Sugar Co., Waimea Sugar Co. and Kekaha Sugar Co.

On Kauai, Bell could be seen flying his 450-horsepower Stearman PT-13 biplane almost every morning six days a week, diving and climbing above canefields and skimming low over them to drop fertilizer pellets, or to spray cane ripener upon them, with an average load of 1,500 pounds, enough to spray 22 acres or fertilize four or five acres.

While dusting a Grove Farm canefield in July 1960, “I ran out of altitude, airspeed and ideas,” Bell later said.

His plane crashed and burned as a result, but he walked away, and after two days spent recuperating from chest injuries, he was back to work.

He often said, “If it’s the last thing I do before I die, I’m going to fly under the Hanalei Bridge,” and on Friday evening, July 14, 1967, he actually did fly his Murrayair Stearman biplane under it.

Then he landed in a pasture at Haena, took off, and was seen by residents of Hanalei, Wainiha and Haena gliding over the ocean and soaring high through aerial acrobatics, when suddenly he crashed near the Haena Dry Cave about 100 yards mauka of the main road and was killed.

Crop duster Joseph E. Bell Jr. was survived by his wife, Ellen Marie, his daughter, Judy, and three sons: Joseph E. III, Scott and John.

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

NTSB Identification: OAK68A0006
14 CFR Part 91 General Aviation
Aircraft: BOEING A75N1, registration: N67916

TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                       
COLLISION WITH GROUND/WATER: CONTROLLED 

PHASE OF OPERATION
IN FLIGHT: ACROBATICS

PROBABLE CAUSE
PILOT IN COMMAND - EXERCISED POOR JUDGMENT.

PLT INITIATED LOOP MANEUVER WITH INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE FOR RECOVERY.

Beech 35 Bonanza, N5085C: Incident occurred November 03, 2018 at Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG), Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hard landing and gear collapsed, ran off the runway into the grass.

https://registry.faa.gov/N5085C

Date: 03-NOV-18
Time: 17:15:00Z
Regis#: N5085C
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 35
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: ALBUQUERQUE
State: NEW MEXICO





ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Officials are investigating a plane crash at Double Eagle Airport.

It happened around 11:30 Saturday morning.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue says the single-engine aircraft reported a malfunction to their landing gear while landing.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

It is still unclear who or how many people were on the aircraft. 

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







Albuquerque Fire Rescue confirms an aircraft experienced a rough landing just before noon Saturday at the Double Eagle Airport.

Officials say the pilot was not injured but a HAZMAT crew has been deployed to clear up any debris or liquids.

There are no closures to the airport associated with this incident. 

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

Titan Tornado 1, N38FD: Fatal accident occurred November 04, 2018 near Louisa County Airport / Freeman Field (KLKU), Virginia

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N38FD 

Location: Louisa, VA
Accident Number: ERA19FA036
Date & Time: 11/04/2018, 1500 EST
Registration: N38FD
Aircraft: Titan TORNADO 1
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 4, 2018, about 1500 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Titan Tornado 1, N38FD, was substantially damaged when it impacted a field during approach to Louisa County Airport (LKU), Louisa, Virginia. The sport pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was 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 local flight that departure LKU about 1415.

According to the airport manager at LKU, he had just landed his airplane about 1415 when the accident airplane departed. The accident airplane subsequently impacted a field adjacent to a solar farm about 1500. The solar farm was located about 1 mile northeast of LKU. The airport manager added that the solar farm was a common visual checkpoint for pilots planning a visual approach to runway 9, which was the runway in use at the time. Pilots would fly from the solar farm over the center of the airport about 2,000 feet mean sea level and then make a right descending turn to join the midfield right downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern.

The airplane came to rest on its right side and no debris path was observed. The wing separated from the airframe and more leading edge damage was noted on the right side of the wing. The flaps and ailerons remained attached to the wing and the flaps were in the retracted position. All major components of the airplane were accounted for and it was oriented about a magnetic heading of 220°. The empennage remained intact and undamaged. The elevator, elevator trim tab, and rudder remained attached. Control continuity was confirmed from all control surfaces to the cockpit area. The cockpit was crushed, but the pilot's four-point harness remained intact and was cut by rescue personnel.

A single 15-gallon fuel tank was located behind the pilot seat and a strong odor of fuel was present at the accident site. The engine appeared undamaged and fuel was recovered from the fuel filter and both carburetors. The fuel was blue, clear and consistent in color and odor to automobile gasoline with 1% blue two-cycle aviation oil mixed in. When the propeller was rotated by hand, camshaft, crankshaft, valve train, and compression were confirmed.

The pilot held a sport pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration third-class medical certificate was issued on January 7, 2007 and he was not required to have a current medical certificate to operate as a sport pilot. Review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had accrued a total flight experience of 636 hours; of which, about 48 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The pilot had flown approximately 6 hours during the 90-day period preceding the accident and all of those hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

The single-seat, high-wing, fixed tricycle-gear airplane, was assembled from a kit in 2016. It was powered by a Rotax 503, 52-hp engine, equipped with a ground adjustable, two-blade Ivoprop propeller. Review of the maintenance records revealed that the airplane's most recent condition inspection was completed on March 6, 2018. At that time, the airplane and engine had been operated 244 hours since new. The airplane flew an additional 21 hours, from the time of the last inspection, until the accident.

The engine was retained for further examination and a possible test-run. A handheld Garmin 295 GPS was retained and forwarded to the National Transportation Safety Board Vehicle Recorders Laboratory, Washington, DC.

The recorded weather at LKU, at 1455, was: wind from 120° at 7 knots; visibility 10 miles; scattered clouds at 4,800 ft; temperature 14° C; dew point 3° C, altimeter 30.44 in of mercury. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Titan
Registration: N38FD
Model/Series: TORNADO 1
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLKU, 479 ft msl
Observation Time: 1455 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4800 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 120°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.44 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Louisa, VA (LKU)
Destination: Louisa, VA (LKU)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.024444, -77.960556

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.



LOUISA, VA (WWBT) - On Sunday afternoon, Virginia State Police responded to the scene of a reported plane crash in Louisa County.

The experimental airplane took off from the Louisa County Airport and later crashed clearing on a private property located in the 400 block of Chalk Level Road.

The pilot of the small, private airplane, Timothy M. Henson, 70, of Palmyra, VA, did not survive the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.nbc12.com



LOUISA COUNTY, Virginia – One person is dead after a small plane crash in Louisa County Sunday afternoon.

Virginia State Police responded to crash in a small solar and cattle farm near the 400 block of Chalk Level Road at approximately 3:05 p.m.

The pilot of the small plane was killed during the crash, according to State Police. Officials are still in the process of confirming the pilot’s identity.

State Police, who are investigating the incident, said the crash occurred on private property in the county. That property is located two miles away from Freeman Field, the Louisa County Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified, according to Virginia State Police.

Officials described the aircraft as a small, private airplane.

The crash remains under investigation.

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



LOUISA COUNTY, Virginia (WRIC) -- A pilot is dead after a small plane crash in Louisa County. 

According to authorities, the crash happened shortly after 3 p.m. in the 400 block of Chalk Level Road. 

Louisa County Police and Fire personnel were called to the scene in addition to State Police. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified but have not yet arrived at the scene.

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

Cessna 150E, N3515J: Fatal accident occurred November 04, 2018 at Air Acres Airport (5GA4), Woodstock, Cherokee County, Georgia

David Malcolm Jackson
APRIL 12, 1944 ~ NOVEMBER 7, 2018 (AGE 74) 


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

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N3515J


Location: Woodstock, GA
Accident Number: ERA19LA037
Date & Time: 11/04/2018, 0933 EST
Registration: N3515J
Aircraft: Cessna 150
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On November 4, 2018, about 0933 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150E, N3515J, was substantially damaged after a collision with trees and terrain at Air Acres Airport (5GA4), Woodstock, Georgia. The private pilot was fatally injured and a passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that was originating at the time of the accident.

According to passenger, who possessed a student pilot certificate, the flight departed to the north on runway 36. After clearing trees to the east, the airplane seemed to "struggle to climb." He heard the stall warning horn activate, and the airplane descended into the trees and crashed.

Two witnesses observed the airplane as it crossed the departure end of runway 26. They reported that the airplane "wobbled" before descending into the trees.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The airplane crashed in a wooded area to the north of the airport boundary. Structural damage occurred to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. There was no fire. The left, main landing gear separated during the impact sequence. Both wing fuel tanks were breached.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N3515J
Model/Series: 150 E
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: KRYY, 1040 ft msl
Observation Time: 0948 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / 20 knots, 120°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.31 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Woodstock, GA (5GA4)
Destination: Woodstock, GA (5GA4)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 34.111389, -84.449167 (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. 

 
David Malcolm Jackson, 74, of Cumming passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018.  A retired educator, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Jackson; children, Shawn and Merrie Jackson, Paige and Santiago Vega, Jill Moore, all of Cumming; grandchildren, Taylin, Kahner, Riley, Jesse, Parker, Jackson, Tino, great grandson,Davey; brothers, Ronnie Jackson, Johnny Jackson, both of Canton, Mike Jackson of Orange Beach, FL, Phil Jackson of Canton; and a sister, Kathy Shirley, of Cumming.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Austin Houston officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.


https://www.ingramfuneralhome.com



CHEROKEE COUNTY, Georgia -- Two men were taken to the hospital after crashing a Cessna 150 aircraft shortly after taking off in Cherokee County.

The plane was leaving from Air Acres, a private turf runway near Woodstock around 10 a.m., Sunday. Authorities say the plane did not get far off the ground before crashing in a nearby wooded area.

The pilot and passenger reported back discomfort at the scene and were taken to a local hospital.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.11alive.com



WOODSTOCK, GA — Two men were transported to an area hospital following a small plane crash Sunday morning in Woodstock.

Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jay Baker said the plane crashed upon take-off around 10 a.m. Nov. 4 at Air Acres, a private runway located along Arnold Mill Road near Arnold Mill Elementary School.

The pilot of the plane, Baker said, had another male passenger inside the aircraft at the time of the crash. Both men complained of minor injuries and were transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital for treatment.

Controlled Flight Into Terrain: Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III, N417WT; fatal accident occurred November 03, 2018 in Uvalde, Texas

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas
Federal Aviation Administration Rotorcraft Standards; Fort Worth, Texas
Bell Helicopters; Fort Worth, Texas
Rolls-Royce Corporation; Indianapolis, Indiana

Aviation Accident Final 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/N417WT 

Location: Uvalde, TX
Accident Number: CEN19FA024
Date & Time: 11/03/2018, 2347 CST
Registration: N417WT
Aircraft: Bell 206
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot and two passengers onboard the turboshaft-powered helicopter departed from a private ranch on a night cross-country flight in visual meteorological conditions. Video evidence from witnesses who observed the departure showed that bright flood lights were shown directly at the helicopter during the departure. The helicopter impacted terrain shortly after takeoff about 100 ft below the top of a 1,500-ft hill and about 5 miles east of the departure point.

An automated weather station, located 13 miles southeast of the departure site, at 0015 recorded, clear skies, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inHg. A review of weather information about the time of the accident revealed a small area of cloud ceilings east of the departure point. Based upon the helicopter's recorded route of flight, it is unlikely that the helicopter encountered this area of reduced visibility/ceilings.

Examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Data from the helicopter's flight displays revealed that the helicopter's altimeter was set at 30.05 inches of mercury (inHg); The altimeter setting at the station nearest the accident site was 29.97 inHg. This difference would have resulted in the helicopter's altimeter indicating a higher altitude than the helicopter's actual altitude. The display's data also indicated the helicopter's flight path towards its destination airport. The flight display's last indicated altitude was 1,538 ft, which would have only provided marginal obstacle clearance.

Additionally, the helicopter terrain avoidance and warning system low altitude alerts were set to "inhibit", or turned off; therefore, the pilot would not have received a terrain warning message. Flight information from the displays did not record any evasive maneuvering, and it is likely that the pilot did not see the terrain before impact.

Autopsy and toxicology testing of the pilot did not reveal evidence of incapacitation. A review of the pilot's medical information indicated that he had been diagnosed with early cataracts; the pilot first reported cataracts to the FAA in 2005, and it is possible that they could have increased in severity enough to have compromised his night vision and contributed to his difficulty avoiding the hill. Additionally, the pilot's eyesight may not have adjusted to the night conditions after being exposed to bright lights during departure. However, the severity of his cataracts at the time of the accident is unknown, and whether visual limitations from cataracts or bright lights contributed to the accident, could not be determined.

The accident is consistent with control flight into terrain during dark night conditions

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's controlled flight into terrain during night visual meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot improper decision to inhibit the helicopter's terrain warning systems and flight at low altitude.

Findings

Aircraft
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Ground proximity system - Not used/operated (Factor)

Personnel issues
Lack of action - Pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Dark - Effect on operation (Cause)
Mountainous/hilly terrain - Awareness of condition (Factor)
Mountainous/hilly terrain - Contributed to outcome (Factor)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event) 

On November 3, 2018, about 2347 central standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N417WT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Uvalde, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

A review of data from the helicopter's primary and multifunction display units revealed that the helicopter departed a private ranch about 2341 and proceeded east toward San Antonio, Texas. The data showed that the helicopter reached an altitude of 1,900 ft before beginning a gradual descent, until the final barometric altitude of 1,538 ft (indicated altitude on the display) and 74 knots airspeed. The altimeter was set for a barometric pressure of 30.05 inHg. The data did not reveal any extreme changes in pitch, bank, or airspeed. The flight display also retained the last GPS altitude, which was 1,422 ft. Additionally, the terrain awareness warning system (TAWS) and helicopter TAWS low altitude alerts were set for 140 ft above ground level; however, terrain alerts were set to "inhibit."


Figure 1. Helicopter departure with flood lights shining on helicopter (Video screenshot from KSAT and Jason Martinez).

The Uvalde County Sheriff's Office was notified of a possible downed aircraft northwest of Uvalde, Texas. A search effort of authorities and local volunteers found the wreckage about daybreak the following morning.

The helicopter impacted the side of a hill about 5 miles east of the departure point and about 71 miles west of San Antonio International Airport. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial
Age: 76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied:
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/26/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 23400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 400 hours (Total, this make and model)

A review of previous aviation medical examinations noted a diagnosis of early cataracts; however, there was no additional information regarding the severity of the condition.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N417WT
Model/Series: 206 B
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4591
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/11/2018, AAIP
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:  1953 Hours
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time:  as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT:  C126 installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 250-C20J
Registered Owner: W T Byler Co Inc
Rated Power:
Operator: W T Byler Co Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KUVA
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0515 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 316°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Private Ranch, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: San Antonio, TX (SAT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1145 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

A review of weather information about the time of the accident revealed a small area of cloud ceilings east of the departure point. This area of clouds dissipated and moved eastward over time. There was no indication of low-level wind shear or clear air turbulence.

There was no record of the pilot receiving a weather briefing before departure.

Moonrise occurred at 0343 and moonset at 1642 with about 19% disk illuminated. At the time of departure and the accident, the moon would have been below the horizon. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 29.368056, -99.923889 (est) 

The helicopter impacted about 100 ft below the apex of a hill that measured about 1,500 ft mean sea level (see figure 2). A wreckage path about 75 to 100 yards long was distributed along the hillside leading to the main wreckage. There was no post-crash fire.

Figure 2. Wreckage at the accident site (Courtesy of FAA)

The hazardous terrain at the accident site precluded an on-scene examination of the helicopter; the wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for examination.

All major components of the helicopter were located at the accident site. The forward portion of the cabin/cockpit area was largely destroyed by impact. The tail boom remained attached to the fuselage but was twisted and damaged due to the impact. The fuel bladder remained in the fuselage and contained an undetermined quantity of fuel. The tail rotor gearbox was found several feet away from the tail boom. Both tail rotor blades were bent near the doubler but remained attached. The tail rotor was rotated by hand with no binding or anomalies noted with the tail rotor gearbox. Oil was present in the tail rotor gearbox. The tail rotor gearbox's magnetic chip detector was removed and no particles were observed.

The main rotor hub and blade assembly had separated from the main rotor mast below the main rotor hub. The main rotor mast exhibited a fracture consistent with mechanical overload. The two main rotor blades were fractured outboard of the doublers and located near the wreckage path.

Main rotor drivetrain continuity was established by rotating the input drive by hand and observing the rotation of the mast. No abnormalities were noted when the transmission was rotated by hand. The transmission chip detectors were removed and no particles were observed.

The components of the hydraulic system, including the hydraulic pump, sustained various degrees of impact damage. A small amount of hydraulic fluid was present in the hydraulic oil reservoir. The three servo actuators remained attached to the roof structure, and movement was noted when manipulated by hand. No preimpact abnormalities were noted with hydraulic system. Flight control continuity could not be established due to impact damage; however, no anomalies were noted with the collective, cyclic and anti-torque pedals.

No evidence of pre-impact abnormalities were noted during the airframe examination.

The engine was removed from the airframe and transported to an overhaul facility for a detailed examination. The engine was placed on a stand and disassembled. Continuity through the accessory section was established. Foreign object damage was noted to the leading edges of the intake compressor blades; also "metal spray" was noted on the turbine compressor wheel. The engine bleed valve and fuel nozzle were bench tested. The power turbine governor and fuel control units were sent to another facility and tested. No engine abnormalities were noted that would have restricted normal operation of the engine. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office, San Antonio, Texas, conducted an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was determined to be "multiple blunt force injuries."

The FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory conducted toxicological testing of the pilot. The specimens were not tested for cyanide and carbon monoxide. The test was negative for ethanol; desmethylsildenafil was detected in the muscle and liver. Desmethylsildenafil is an active metabolite of sildenafil, which is not considered to be impairing.





























NTSB investigator-in-charge Craig Hatch speaks during a briefing held November 5th at the Uvalde County Office of Emergency Management.


Location: Uvalde, TX
Accident Number: CEN19FA024
Date & Time: 11/04/2018, 0001 CST
Registration: N417WT
Aircraft: Bell 206
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 4, 2018, about 0001 central standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N417WT, impacted terrain near Uvalde, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot and two passengers were fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed. The helicopter was registered to and operated by W T Byler company, Inc. as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal fight. The flight departed a private ranch about 2345 en route to San Antonio.

The Uvalde County Sheriff's Office was notified of a possible downed aircraft northwest of Uvalde, Texas. A search effort of authorities and local volunteers found the wreckage about daybreak.

The helicopter had collided with the side of a 1,450 ft hill, located about 5 miles east of the ranch the helicopter had departed from, and about 71 miles west of the San Antonio International airport.

The NTSB Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) along with technical representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturers inspected the wreckage on site. The helicopter impacted the hill about 100 ft from the apex, a wreckage path estimated about 75-100 yds long ran along the hill to the main wreckage. First responders had attached ropes to the wreckage, to keep it from rolling down the steep hillside. The hillside also prevented a detailed examination of the wreckage on site.

After documentation of the accident site, the helicopter was transported to a salvage facility for a detailed examination at a later date.

At 0015, the automated weather observation facility located at the Garner Field Airport, Uvalde, Texas, located about 13 miles southeast of the accident site, recorded: wind at 030 degrees at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility, a clear sky, a temperature of 63 ?F, dew point 61 ?F, and an altimeter setting of 29.97. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N417WT
Model/Series: 206 B
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator:  W T Byler Co Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KUVA
Observation Time: 0515 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 16°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 30°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Private Ranch, TX
Destination: San Antonio, TX (SAT)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 29.368056, -99.923889 (est)


Gerald Green Lawrence

Mr. & Mrs. Byler




UVALDE, Texas — A newlywed couple died when the helicopter they were flying hours after their wedding crashed in the rugged terrain of southwest Texas. The 76-year-old pilot, Gerald Douglas Lawrence, was also killed. Federal transportation authorities said he was "very experienced" and it's too early to determine a cause of the accident.

William Troy Byler and Bailee Raye Ackerman Byler, both 24, were killed in the crash shortly after midnight Sunday about 10 miles northwest of Uvalde, said Steven Kennedy, justice of the peace for Uvalde County Precinct 1.


Craig Hatch, an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said they will attempt to conduct a thorough initial examination of the wreck. However, the helicopter is located in a "precarious" spot on a side of a hill, a few miles from State Road 55, CBS affiliate KENS-TV reports.


"Because of how it's laid out on the side of the hill, we're not really able to go into the helicopter," Hatch said, adding that debris was scattered over about 100 yards.


KENS-TV points out NTSB investigators usually document and examine a crash site as much as they can before altering anything, similar to a crime scene. However, Hatch said it's almost impossible to do in a way where NTSB members don't "come tumbling down the side of the hill as well."


"We definitely saw a helicopter in a terrible state," said Rachel Kellner, a Texas Game Warden. Kellner was one of the first responders on the scene and said there was little they could do without any daylight.


The newlyweds were seniors at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, according to The Houstonian, the university's student newspaper. They married Saturday night at a large Byler family ranch near Uvalde and left aboard a Byler family helicopter after the reception, Kennedy said.


Lawrence had been a pilot for the family for years and had flown helicopters in Vietnam during his combat service, Kennedy said. An autopsy has been ordered on the pilot to determine if a physical condition might have been a factor in the crash, he said.


Hatch said Lawrence was "very experienced (and) highly qualified," adding he believed he had logged about 24,000 hours.


The cause of the crash hasn't been determined, but Hatch said a preliminary NTSB report will be issued in about two weeks. KENS-TV said it's also too early to tell if weather played any substantial role in the crash.


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






KENS 5 obtained brand new video of a bride and groom getting onto a helicopter on their way to their honeymoon. It's also the last time friends and family would see them alive.

The Texas couple's fairy-tale wedding ended in unbelievable tragedy on Sunday. Their chopper crashed north of Uvalde about 80 miles West of San Antonio.


Jacob Martinez filmed the video. He worked the couple's wedding and helped with their send-off. He recorded the final moments loved ones saw of Will and Bailee Byler.


"We sent them off with something that they will remember," he said. "It chokes me up because I saw them get in the helicopter, which seemed to be fine."


They took off just after midnight, and minutes after leaving their close family and friends, the chopper crashed. The college sweethearts were killed, along with 76-year-old pilot Gerald Green Lawrence. Friends of the family said he was a captain in the U.S. Army and a veteran of the Vietnam War. NTSB Air Safety Investigator Craig Hatch said Lawrence was an experienced pilot.


The helicopter crashed in rugged terrain near the ranch where the couple got married earlier Saturday.


"How it is laid out in the side of the hill, we are not able to go into the helicopter or the motor, or the engine because it is on the hill," Hatch said.


NTSB investigators are looking at several factors, including the pilot's history, the background of the chopper, and weather conditions. The next step is to recover it and do a detailed inspection.


"I can't put into words how you go from a happy ending to a tragedy," Martinez said.


The couple's friend's said they were due to graduate next month from Sam Houston State University. The NTSB's preliminary report won't be complete until at least another two weeks. Investigators say it is too early to tell what went wrong.


Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.kens5.com





UVALDE, Texas (KTRK) -- A couple who were just married for an hour and a half were killed Saturday night when their helicopter went down in Uvalde, Texas.

The groom's grandfather William Byler confirmed to Eyewitness News that the aircraft went down Saturday at their family ranch. His grandson Will Byler, Will's new wife Bailee Ackerman and the aircraft's pilot, Gerald Green Lawrence all died in the crash.

Eyewitness News spoke to Lawrence's stepdaughter, Amilyn Willard, who said he was a captain in the army and fought in Vietnam.

The National Transportation Safety Board in investigating the accident involving a Bell 206B helicopter. The accident happened about 15 miles northwest of Uvalde, according to NTSB's information.

The couple's wedding portal on planning website The Knot further confirmed their nuptials taking place on Nov. 3 in Uvalde on Byler's family ranch. Engagement photos also show Byler in his cowboy hat embracing Ackerman.

The Sam Houston State University students were surrounded by family and friends as they flew off in the family helicopter.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://abc13.com




UVALDE, Texas - A newlywed couple leaving their wedding ceremony in a helicopter died early Sunday morning when the helicopter crashed, according to a report from the Houstonian.

Will Byler, his wife, Bailee Ackerman Byler, and their pilot died in the crash, according to the Houstonian, the student newspaper for Sam Houston State University.

The newspaper reported that the Bylers were both in their senior year at the university.

Eric Smith, a friend of the Ackerman family, posted to Facebook early Sunday morning that the couple and the helicopter pilot had died in the crash after the ceremony.

Jacob Martinez, an individual working the event shared video of the moment the couple took off in the helicopter.

The Uvalde County Sheriff's Office said it received a call from an aviation monitoring center about a possible downed aircraft in northwest Uvalde around midnight. 

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, game wardens, Border Patrol agents, the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department and Uvalde Emergency Medical Services arrived in the area of Chalk Bluff Park off of Highway 55 to help search for the helicopter.

Authorities located the crashed helicopter around daybreak, the Sheriff's Office said.

The San Antonio Fire Department deployed 10 members of its Technical Rescue Team to assist the Federal Aviation Administration with the investigation, but they returned to San Antonio Sunday night.

National Transportation Safety Board said in a tweet Sunday morning that the helicopter involved is a Bell 206B.

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board said they would not release any information about the crash until Monday. 

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




"It is with deepest sadness that we announce the tragic passing of two Bearkats Will Byler (Agriculture Engineering senior) and Bailee Ackerman Byler (Agricultural Communication senior) in a helicopter accident departing their wedding. We ask that you keep the Byler and Ackerman families in your thoughts and prayers."  -The Houstonian 




ORANGE — A newlywed couple leaving their wedding ceremony in a helicopter died when their helicopter crashed, according to a report from the Houstonian.

Will Byler, his wife, Bailee Ackerman Byler, and their pilot died in the crash, according to the Houstonian, the student newspaper for Sam Houston State University.

Multiple sources have confirmed with 12News that Bailee Ackerman Byler was from Orangefield.

The newspaper reported that the Bylers were both in their senior year at the university.

The crash happened 80 miles west of San Antonio around midnight.

The Uvalde County Sheriff's office says the helicopter crashed near Chalk Bluff Park off Highway 55.

A twitter post from the National Transportation Safety Board says it was a Bell 206-B two bladed twin engine chopper that crashed.

There is no confirmation on how many people were killed in the crash and the cause of the accident.

We will not release the names of the victims until officials or family members have confirmed more information.

From a Uvalde County Sheriffs' Office news release...

At approx. 12 midnight on Saturday (11/3/18), Uvalde Police Communications received a call from an aviation monitoring center of a possible down aircraft in the area of Northwest Uvalde County.

After further investigation, Uvalde Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputies received coordinates of a possible more direct location of the aircraft in distress.

TX DPS Troopers, Game Wardens, Border Patrol, Uvalde Vol. Fire Dept, and Uvalde EMS arrived in the vicinity of Chalk Bluff Park off HWY 55 to assist with the search.

Upon break of day, the accident location was found and the Texas Dept. of Public Safety and the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the scene.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.12newsnow.com