Friday, November 23, 2018

SkyWest Airlines, Embraer 170/175: Incident occurred January 18, 2020 at Tri-Cities Airport (KPSC), Franklin County, Washington

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Spokane, Washington

Aircraft slid off runway striking hold short sign.

Date: 18-JAN-20
Time: 01:53:00Z
Regis#: SKW3934
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: E75
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Flight Number: SKW3934
City: PASCO
State: WASHINGTON

Robinson R44: Fatal accident occurred November 11, 2019 in Tunis, Tunisia

NTSB Identification: WPR20WA021
14 CFR Non-U.S., Commercial
Accident occurred Monday, November 11, 2019 in Tunis, Tunisia
Aircraft: ROBINSON R44, registration:
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.

The government of Tunisia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R44 helicopter that occurred on November 11, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Tunisia's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.

All investigative information will be released by the government of Tunisia.

Cessna Citation CJ1, N177VV; March 02, 2020 at John C. Tune Airport (KJWN), Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee




























https://registry.faa.gov/N177VV

AIRCRAFT:   
1997 CESSNA 525 N177VV, s/n: 525-0182, Hobbs 2,524.1                             

ENGINES:  
Williams FJ44-1A S# 1399, New: 2524.1, Cycles: 1720.5
Williams FJ44-1A S#1374, New: 2524.1, Cycles 1720.5 

EQUIPMENT:
Removed for safekeeping.

Flight Display - Dual Honeywell ED-600
Transponder - Dual Garmin GTX 330
GPS - Dual Garmin GTN 750
Stormscope - BF Goodrich WX 950
Radar Indicator - Bendix/King IN 182A
Avidyne FLightmax EX500

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:
Tornado at John Tune Airport, Nashville, Tennessee 

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE:  
Wing, RH Aileron, LH Aileron, RH Flap, Nose Cone, Fuselage LH Side & Top. Unknown if any damage to engines; borescope was not completed.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:  
Atlanta Air Recovery  
    
WARRANTY: 
There is no warranty, express or implied for the information provided herein or the condition, useability, workability, operability or marketability of the aircraft salvage.  All times are approximate and the logbooks and aircraft should be inspected by each bidder BEFORE BIDDING.  Failure of the bidder to view the salvage or wreckage, or confirm any information provided is NOT grounds for a claim or withdrawal of bid after bid closing date.) 

HOURS: 
Estimated from logbooks or other information - not guaranteed or warranted

LOGBOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE STORAGE FACILITY ON JULY 31, 2020
Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids; 
Salvage is as is/where is;
The posting information is the best to our knowledge;
An inspection of the salvage is highly recommended;
LOGS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO BE ACCURATE OR COMPLETE.

Read more here: http://www.avclaims.com

Air Tractor AT-802A, N80166: Accident occurred July 14, 2020 in Fort Yukon, Alaska

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska

Aircraft encountered a mishap while skipping over water.

Aero Spray Inc doing business as Dauntless Air

https://registry.faa.gov/N80166

Date: 14-JUL-20
Time: 23:57:00Z
Regis#: N80166
Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR
Aircraft Model: AT802
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: FORT YUKON
State: ALASKA

Beech A36 Bonanza, N630JL: Accident occurred July 16, 2020 in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Kansas City

Aircraft made an emergency landing on a road due to loss of engine power.

Strategos International LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N630JL

Date: 16-JUL-20
Time: 22:20:00Z
Regis#: N630JL
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: A36
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EMERGENCY DESCENT (EMG)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: STRATEGOS INTL, LLC
City: INDEPENDENCE
State: MISSOURI

American Airlines, Boeing 737-800, N823NN: Incident occurred July 11, 2020 at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (KDTW), Michigan

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; East Michigan

Aircraft was landing and went around striking tail.

https://registry.faa.gov/N823NN

Date: 11-JUL-20
Time: 18:00:00Z
Regis#: N823NN
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 737
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: AAL2559
City: DETROIT
State: MICHIGAN

Rans S-6ES Coyote II, N625JG: Incident occurred November 22, 2018 at Vernal Regional Airport (KVEL), Uintah County, Utah

https://registry.faa.gov/625JG




VERNAL — Two teenage boys were arrested Thursday after police say they stole a small airplane in rural Uintah County, successfully landing it in Vernal.

The boys, ages 14 and 15, left a group home on the Wasatch Front earlier this week and went to the Jensen area where they stayed with friends, according to the Uintah County Sheriff's Office.

Police say the teens gained access to a tractor, drove it to a private air strip in Jensen and stole a fixed-wing, single-engine light-sport aircraft. The plane was seen flying very low along U.S. 40 near Gusher, according to the sheriff's office.

Police believe the teens planned to fly back toward the Wasatch Front, but apparently changed their minds and landed at the Vernal Regional Airport, where where they were arrested.

They are being held at the Split Mountain Youth Detention Center in Vernal for investigation of multiple charges.

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

Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane, N173AC: Accident occurred January 28, 2019 in Mount Eliza, Australia


Erickson Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N173AC

NTSB Identification: WPR19WA147
14 CFR Part 129: Foreign Erickson Inc
Accident occurred Monday, January 28, 2019 in Mount Eliza, Australia
Aircraft: Sikorsky S64, registration: N173AC
Injuries: 3 Minor.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.


On January 28, 2019, at 1956 local time, a Sikorsky S-64E, N173AC, sustained substantial damage after colliding into a pond near Mount Eliza, Australia. The pilot and two crewmembers were not injured.


The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Australia. This report is for information purposes and contains only information released by the Government of Australia. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from:

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
P.O. Box 967, Civic Square
Canberra A.C.T. 2608
Australia
Tel.: (61) 2 6230-4408 (24/7 Notifications)
(61) 2 6257-4150 (International liaison)
E-mail:atsbasir@atsb.gov.au (Notifications)
ATSBInternationalReporting@atsb.gov.au (International liaison)
Fax: (61) 2 6274-6434 (Notifications)
(61) 26247-3117 (International liaison)
Website: http://www.atsb.gov.au




The company operating a firefighting helicopter that crashed into a dam in eastern Victoria says the aircraft was "performing normally" moments before the accident.

Two pilots and one engineer were on board the Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane when it crashed into a dam at Jericho, in remote Gippsland, just after 7:00pm Monday.

The three men managed to swim to the edge of the dam.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said the chopper "landed heavily" and the crew was flown to the Latrobe Valley Hospital for treatment.

"They were examined for some minor injuries and shock, as you'd imagine, but I believe they've been released from hospital now," he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

He said the cause of the crash was not yet clear.

The Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane helicopter is one of the largest water-bombing aircraft in the world, and Victoria contracts two Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane as part of its firefighting fleet.

Five similar Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane — in NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria — were grounded while the crash was investigated.

Kestrel Aviation managing director Ray Cronin, whose company manages the fleet, said the ground was a "precautionary measure" while the company interviewed the crew and determined a probable cause.

He said after an initial investigation, the company and authorities had agreed that the grounding of the Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane fleet would be lifted.

"The Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane will return to service almost immediately," Mr Cronin said.

"The crews are with the aircraft ready to rejoin the fire fight in Victoria."

He said while he did not want to pre-empt the outcome of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's (ATSB) investigation, he understood "the serviceability of the Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane" was good at the time of the crash.

"[I'm] absolutely confident in the rotorcraft — they're a workhorse, they're a very reliable aircraft."

The Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane was refilling its water at the time, Forest Fire Management Victoria deputy fire officer Darrin McKenzie said.

"So they're actually quite close to water at that point. They have a snorkel which drops down into the water. They haven't fallen a great distance before they impacted with the water," Mr McKenzie said.

He said it was a "hazardous operating environment".

"This dam is surrounded by trees, and surrounded by hills. But it is quite rare that we have an event like this," he said.

"So they have to be really careful about what the wind conditions are, any downdrafts. So wind and visibility are the key things they need to think about from a safety view."

Work will begin in the next few days to try and work out how to get the Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane out of the water.

With a water-holding capacity of up to 9,000 litres, the Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane is popular with firefighting agencies around the world, CFA incident controller Mike Owen said.

"They're renowned across the world for their large firefighting capability and they operate in the USA, Canada, Australia, Greece, France and there's a fleet of about 20 of these worldwide at any time operating across firefighting," he told ABC Radio Gippsland.

"So very specialist equipment, very reliable, and Erickson are a well-known, well-respected company that operates them."

Each Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane is worth about $30 million, which Mr Owen said indicated the "sophistication" and "reliability" of the aircraft.

"It's very, very unusual to have an incident like this," he said.

The helicopter was one of 10 water bombers being used to contain the Thomson Catchment Complex fires, which are burning just north of Mount Baw Baw.

Mr Owen said the fires were in a rugged area, making it difficult to get equipment into the area.

"There are three fires that are in the catchment … and together they're about 700 to 800 hectares at the moment," he said.

"[Monday] was the start of a concerted effort to use lots of aircraft bombing it, trying to create lines and assisting firefighters on the ground when we can get them in."

Premier Daniel Andrews said the crash was "a really serious incident" and said any lessons learnt during the investigation would be taken on board.

"We're very pleased obviously that nobody was seriously injured. It could've been a very different outcome," he said.

WorkSafe has been notified of the crash.

https://www.abc.net.au





A Victorian water bombing helicopter has crashed into a dam while working to battle fires in a remote area of Victoria’s east.

The aircraft plunged into the dam in Jericho about three hours east of Melbourne about 7.15pm yesterday.

The three crew members – two pilots and an engineer – all safely escaped the aircraft and swam to the edge of the Thomson Dam, which is located next to Mount Gregory.

The was assisting a firefight, water-bombing the Thompson Complex Catchment fires which are burning across more than 1300 hectares of land in Gippsland.

The exact reason behind the crash landing of the $30 million aircraft is still unknown, but there are unconfirmed reports the aircraft may have flipped while attempting to scoop up a load of water.

The HELItack 341 known as Christine is one of 10 aircrafts fighting the Thompson fires and one of only two aircranes in Victoria.

Ambulance Victoria authorities were dispatched to the area to assess the crew members but no one was injured.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Worksafe have been notified and an investigation is under way.

“Over the past several days, the aircraft had been involved in fire suppression activities at the Thomson Catchment Complex fires,” The State Control Centre said in a statement.

“The Aircrane was one of ten aircraft working on the fire.

“Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said that he was grateful that the crew are safe.”

There are currently 49 water fighting helicopters operating in Victoria.

It is the first bushfire where night-time water bombing has taken place, however it was still light when this incident occurred.

https://www.9news.com.au

Piper PA-31 Navajo, registered to Luftladder Inc and operated by the pilot, N722CF: Accident occurred December 03, 2017 at Clark Regional Airport (KJVY), Jeffersonville, Indiana

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana

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


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

http://registry.faa.gov/N722CF

Location: Jeffersonville, IN
Accident Number: CEN18LA048
Date & Time: 12/03/2017, 1910 EST
Registration: N722CF
Aircraft: PIPER PA 31-310
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 3, 2017, about 1910 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-31-310, N722CF, was damaged during a wheels-up landing on runway 18 at the Clark Regional Airport (JVY), Jeffersonville, Indiana. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage to fuselage longerons and the aft flange of the main wing spar carry through. The aircraft was registered to Luftladder Inc. and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident. A visual flight rules flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from the Wellsville Municipal Airport (ELZ), near Wellsville, New York, about 1630, with JVY as the intended destination.

The pilot reported that when the airplane was about 5 miles from JVY, he lowered the landing gear and the right main landing gear was slow to extend, but within a few seconds all three gear down indicator lights illuminated. A normal descent was made and when the airplane was over the runway about to flare, the right main landing gear light went out. The pilot initiated a go-around, increasing engine power, pitching for climb, and retracting the landing gear and flaps. He stated that the airplane may have settled after the flaps were retracted and he heard a noise as if a propeller blade had contacted something. He decided to discontinue the go-around and landed the airplane straight ahead, coming to a stop on the runway with the landing gear retracted.

After the accident the airplane landing gear was tested under the supervision of Federal Aviation Administration inspectors. Before the test, an o-ring was replaced on the hydraulic reservoir, but this would not have prevented the right main landing gear from extending. The gear retraction tests were performed satisfactorily, with no defects in the landing gear operation noted.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; 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 Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/02/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  22516 hours (Total, all aircraft), 10481 hours (Total, this make and model), 22496 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 150 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 48 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N722CF
Model/Series: PA 31-310 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 31-7300968
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 7
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/18/2017, AAIP
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 6499 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 35 Hours
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 13489 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TIO-540-A2C
Registered Owner: LUFTLADDER INC
Rated Power: 310 hp
Operator: LUFTLADDER INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter Air Carrier (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: LOU
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 180°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 80°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: WELLSVILLE, NY (ELZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Jeffersonville, IN (JVY)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1630 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: CLARK RGNL (JVY)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 474 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5500 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude:  38.365556, -85.738056

Van's RV-8, N248DF and Trudel GP-4, C-GTPX: Accident occurred September 17, 2017 at Reno Stead Airport (KRTS), Washoe County, Nevada

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

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


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


Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: WPR17LA209A
Date & Time: 09/17/2017, 0820 PDT
Registration: C-GTPX
Aircraft: Trudel GP 4
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 17, 2017, about 0820 Pacific daylight time, a Trudel GP 4 airplane, C-GTPX and a Farnsworth RV-8 airplane, N248DF, collided in midair about 1 mile southeast of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The GP 4's airline transport pilot and the RV-8's airline transport pilot were not injured. The GP 4 sustained minor damage to the propeller; the RV-8 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The GP 4 was registered to a private individual and was operated as Race 96. The RV-8 was registered to the pilot and was operated as Race 26. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an air race flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either flight, which originated from RTS about 5 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot of the RV-8 reported that he was positioned in the number 7 slot of a line abreast formation during the start sequence for the sport medallion race. As the flight was completing their turn toward the race course, prior to the pace plane releasing the flight, he felt an air current push his airplane down; he reduced power and maneuvered to stop the closure toward the airplane in the number 6 slot. At this time, the pilot estimated he was about 5 ft low, and 3 to 5 ft in front of the number 6 airplane and estimated he had about 15 ft of wingtip clearance. About 5 to 7 seconds later, the pilot heard a buzz and thump sound, followed by an uncommanded roll to the left. The pilot stated that he was able to level the airplane and landed uneventfully on runway 32.

The pilot of the GP 4 reported that he was positioned in the number 8 slot of the formation, during the start sequence for the sport medallion race; he was located to the right of the RV-8. As the flight descended toward the race course, he saw the RV-8 drop below his wing, and he reduced power and initiated a slight right bank in an attempt to back out of the formation. The pilot stated that shortly after, his airplane collided with the RV-8. Following the collision, he pitched upward and rolled to the right to avoid the surrounding airplanes. Subsequently, the pilot landed uneventfully on runway 26.

The pilot located in the number 9 slot reported that he was located on the outside of the flight, and that they were entering the start of the chute via an echelon turn to the left, when he saw that both the RV-8 and GP 4 further behind the formation flight. The pilot stated that both the RV-8 and GP 4 were advancing forward toward the flight as the flight was beginning to fly a line abreast in preparation for release to enter the race course. The pilot further stated that the GP 4 moved forward, back into position very quickly. At that time, he saw the GP 4 try to slow or correct his position to the right using ailerons. Shortly after, the propeller on the GP 4 contacted the right aileron of the RV-8. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 48, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/22/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/29/2017
Flight Time:  9300 hours (Total, all aircraft), 110 hours (Total, this make and model), 7800 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 85 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Trudel
Registration: C-GTPX
Model/Series: GP 4
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: PT 572
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-A1A
Registered Owner: Paul Trudel
Rated Power: 200 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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1515 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 324°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0815 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: RENO/STEAD (RTS)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 5050 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  39.651389, -119.858611 (est)

N248DF  Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

N248DF Investigation Docket  - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


http://registry.faa.gov/N248DF

Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: WPR17LA209B
Date & Time: 09/17/2017, 0820 PDT
Registration: N248DF
Aircraft: FARNSWORTH RV-8
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 17, 2017, about 0820 Pacific daylight time, a Trudel GP 4 airplane, C-GTPX and a Farnsworth RV-8 airplane, N248DF, collided in midair about 1 mile southeast of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The GP 4's airline transport pilot and the RV-8's airline transport pilot were not injured. The GP 4 sustained minor damage to the propeller; the RV-8 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The GP 4 was registered to a private individual and was operated as Race 96. The RV-8 was registered to the pilot and was operated as Race 26. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an air race flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either flight, which originated from RTS about 5 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot of the RV-8 reported that he was positioned in the number 7 slot of a line abreast formation during the start sequence for the sport medallion race. As the flight was completing their turn toward the race course, prior to the pace plane releasing the flight, he felt an air current push his airplane down; he reduced power and maneuvered to stop the closure toward the airplane in the number 6 slot. At this time, the pilot estimated he was about 5 ft low, and 3 to 5 ft in front of the number 6 airplane and estimated he had about 15 ft of wingtip clearance. About 5 to 7 seconds later, the pilot heard a buzz and thump sound, followed by an uncommanded roll to the left. The pilot stated that he was able to level the airplane and landed uneventfully on runway 32.

The pilot of the GP 4 reported that he was positioned in the number 8 slot of the formation, during the start sequence for the sport medallion race; he was located to the right of the RV-8. As the flight descended toward the race course, he saw the RV-8 drop below his wing, and he reduced power and initiated a slight right bank in an attempt to back out of the formation. The pilot stated that shortly after, his airplane collided with the RV-8. Following the collision, he pitched upward and rolled to the right to avoid the surrounding airplanes. Subsequently, the pilot landed uneventfully on runway 26.

The pilot located in the number 9 slot reported that he was located on the outside of the flight, and that they were entering the start of the chute via an echelon turn to the left, when he saw that both the RV-8 and GP 4 further behind the formation flight. The pilot stated that both the RV-8 and GP 4 were advancing forward toward the flight as the flight was beginning to fly a line abreast in preparation for release to enter the race course. The pilot further stated that the GP 4 moved forward, back into position very quickly. At that time, he saw the GP 4 try to slow or correct his position to the right using ailerons. Shortly after, the propeller on the GP 4 contacted the right aileron of the RV-8. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 54, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/01/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/01/2016
Flight Time:  16500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 227 hours (Total, this make and model), 16300 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 165 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 40 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: FARNSWORTH
Registration: N248DF
Model/Series: RV-8
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2013
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 81751
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 10 Hours
Engines:  Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Mattituck
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1515 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 324°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0815 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: RENO/STEAD (RTS)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 5050 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
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:  39.651389, -119.858611 (est)

NTSB Identification: WPR17LA209B
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Reno, NV
Aircraft: FARNSWORTH RV-8, registration: N248DF
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On September 17, 2017, about 0820 Pacific daylight time, a Trudel GP 4, C-GTPX and a Farnsworth RV-8, N248DF, collided in midair about 1 mile southeast of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The GP 4's airline transport pilot and the RV-8's airline transport pilot were not injured. The GP 4 sustained minor damage to the propeller; the RV-8 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The GP 4 was registered to a private individual and was operated as Race 96. The RV-8 was registered to the pilot and was operated as Race 26. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an air race flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for either flight, which originated from RTS about 5 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot of the RV-8 reported that he was positioned in the number 7 slot of a line abreast formation during the start sequence for the sport medallion race. As the flight was descending toward the race course, prior to the pace airplane pilot releasing the formation to start the race, he heard a loud noise followed by an immediate roll to the left. The pilot stated that he was able to level the airplane and landed uneventfully on runway 32.

The pilot of the GP 4 reported that he was positioned in the number 8 slot of the formation, located to the right of the RV-8. As the flight descended toward the race course, he saw the RV-8 "pop down quickly" and he attempted to "rudder right" while reducing power to avoid the RV-8 and another airplane to his right. The pilot stated that shortly after, his airplane collided with the RV-8. Following the collision, he pitched upward and rolled to the right to avoid the surrounding airplanes. Subsequently, the pilot landed uneventfully on runway 26.