Monday, December 17, 2018

Cessna 152, N5236H: Incident occurred December 14, 2018 at Sacramento Executive Airport (KSAC), California

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

Hit a taxiway sign.

Carter Flygare Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N5236H

Date: 14-DEC-18
Time: 02:35:00Z
Regis#: N5236H
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 152
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: SACRAMENTO
State: CALIFORNIA

Hawaiian Airlines, Boeing 717-200, N487HA: Incident occurred December 16, 2018 near Hilo International Airport (PHTO), Hawaii

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Honolulu, Hawaii

Flight HA-192: Struck birds.

Hawaiian Airlines Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N487HA

Date: 16-DEC-18
Time: 03:18:00Z
Regis#: UNK
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 712
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: HAWAIIAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: 192
City: HILO
State: HAWAII

Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 170B, N4385B; accident occurred December 16, 2018 in Riggins, Idaho County, Idaho

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Spokane, Washington

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/N4385B

Location: Riggins, ID
Accident Number: GAA19CA098
Date & Time: 12/16/2018, 1200 MST
Registration: N4385B
Aircraft: Cessna 170
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Positioning

Analysis

The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that he aborted his first attempt to take off, and during his second takeoff attempt with a tailwind, shortly after rotation, the airplane settled back onto the snow-packed runway. He added that the airplane lifted off again, but when it was about 5 ft above the ground and near the end of the runway, a wind gust pushed the airplane down onto the runway. Subsequently, the airplane overran the runway, and the right wing impacted a tree. The pilot did not know the wind direction and speed because the airport did not have a windsock or weather reporting station.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings.

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

The pilot chose to depart to the north due to rising terrain and tall trees on the south end of runway. The pilot further reported he had landed and taken off from this airport previously without incident.

The airport elevation was about 7,600 ft, and the runway was 1,800 ft long. The airplane owner's manual recommended a takeoff distance of 3,420 ft at 7,000 ft elevation and 40°F with zero wind velocity and from a hard level surface. The manual also stated that, under the most favorable condition of smooth, packed snow at 30°F, the takeoff distance for a ski-equipped airplane was about 10% greater than that for a wheel-equipped airplane. Per a supplemental type certificate (STC), the airplane underwent an engine conversion to a 180-horsepower, constant-speed propeller engine. No takeoff performance data were provided on the STC.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper preflight performance planning and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient speed for the airplane to climb with a tailwind.

Findings

Aircraft
Climb rate - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Performance calculations - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome
Tailwind - Response/compensation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Other weather encounter
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Runway excursion

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/20/2018
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/14/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 21500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2000 hours (Total, this make and model), 21200 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 137 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N4385B
Model/Series: 170 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted; Normal
Serial Number: 26729
Landing Gear Type: Ski; Ski/wheel; Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/29/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6729.8 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-360-4A4
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGIC, 3314 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 28 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1935 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 320°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 8500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: Clear Air / None
Wind Direction: 290°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C / -2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: McCall, ID (KMYL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Riggins, ID (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1015 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Buffalo Hump (Concord) private (PVT)
Runway Surface Type: Snow
Airport Elevation: 7600 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Snow
Runway Used: 01
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1800 ft / 50 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: 45.583611, -115.681667 (est)

Cessna 120, registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, N2496N: Accident occurred December 15, 2018 at Beaumont Hotel Airport (07S), Butler County, Kansas

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

 Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas

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/N2496N


Location: Beaumont, KS
Accident Number: CEN19LA046
Date & Time: 12/15/2018, 0830 CST
Registration: N2496N
Aircraft: Cessna 120
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 15, 2018, about 0830 central standard time, a Cessna 120 airplane, N2496N, nosed over during a landing at the Beaumont Hotel Airport (07S), near Beaumont, Kansas. The private pilot and his passenger were uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial wing and empennage damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area about the time of the accident, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Emporia, Kansas, about 0800, and was destined for 07S.

According to a statement from the pilot, the airplane began to pull right after touchdown on the dry turf runway. He applied a "lot" of left rudder to try and keep the airplane going straight. As the airplane continued to pull right, with full left rudder and full aft elevator, the pilot tried "tapping" the left brake. The empennage rose up, so he stopped using the left brake and just used the left rudder. The airplane nosed over as it approached the west edge of the runway markers. The pilot indicated that the right brake was locked during the landing. The brake was subsequently unlocked to facilitate moving the airplane from the runway.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the runway and reported that it exhibited surface witness marks consistent with a locked brake on turf. He also examined the airplane. However, the brakes were not locked when he conducted the examination and a reason for a locked brake could not be determined.

The pilot, who is also an airplane mechanic, was asked if there were any anomalies found with the brake system after the accident. He indicated that he did not find anything definitive wrong with the brake system. He believed that something in the master cylinder caused the brake to lock. However, further inspection of the master cylinder did not reveal any anomalies. Additionally, the brake lines and wheel cylinder checked out "good" with no evidence of blockage, kinks, or bends.

A review of FAA airworthiness documents showed that the brakes were modified from the original brakes to Cleveland Brakes on March 28, 1993 in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA13GL.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 37, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/31/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/27/2017
Flight Time:   1065 hours (Total, all aircraft), 480 hours (Total, this make and model), 1000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 17.9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N2496N
Model/Series: 120 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 12749
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/23/2018,
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1450 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4277.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Teledyne Continental Motors
ELT:  C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C90-12F
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 90 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: EQA, 1379 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0835 CST
Direction from Accident Site: 297°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Emporia, KS
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Beaumont, KS (07S)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0800 CST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Beaumont Hotel (07S)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1600 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2400 ft / 80 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  37.659167, -96.527778 (est)

Location: Beaumont, KS
Accident Number: CEN19LA046
Date & Time: 12/15/2018, 0830 CST
Registration: N2496N
Aircraft: Cessna 120
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 15, 2018, about 0830 central standard time, a Cessna 120 airplane, N2496N, nosed over during a landing at the Beaumont Hotel Airport (07S), near Beaumont, Kansas. The private pilot and his passenger were uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial wing and empennage damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area about the time of the accident, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Emporia, Kansas, about 0800, and was destined for 07S.

According to a statement from the pilot, the airplane began to pull right after touchdown. He applied a "lot" of left rudder to try and keep the airplane going straight. As the airplane continued to pull right, with full left rudder and full aft elevator, the pilot tried tapping the left brake. The empennage came up, so he stopped using the left brake and used just the left rudder. As the airplane was approaching the west edge markers of the runway, the airplane nosed over. The pilot indicated that the right brake was locked during the landing. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N2496N
Model/Series: 120 No Series
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: EQA, 1379 ft msl
Observation Time: 0835 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -5°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Emporia, KS
Destination: Beaumont, KS (07S)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 37.659167, -96.527778 (est)

Robinson R44 Raven II, N803PT: Incident occurred December 16, 2018 in Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; East Michigan

Rotorcraft experienced a bird strike.

SSJ Air LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N803PT

Date: 16-DEC-18
Time: 17:50:00Z
Regis#: N803PT
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON
Aircraft Model: R44 II
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: PONTIAC
State: MICHIGAN

Detroit Flying Cars WD-1, N112SD: Accident occurred December 14, 2018 at Willow Run Airport (KYIP), Detroit, Michigan

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; East Michigan

During taxi run aircraft became airborne and crashed.


https://registry.faa.gov/N112SD


Date: 14-DEC-18

Time: 18:05:00Z
Regis#: N112SD
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: WD 1
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: SERIOUS
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: DETROIT
State: MICHIGAN


Sanjay Dhall



   


An experimental "flying car" aircraft crashed on Friday during a test run at Willow Run Airport, injuring the male pilot and prompting an investigation, authorities said.

The owner of the hybrid vehicle was performing a high-speed taxi test at about 1:15 p.m. when it accidentally went airborne and crashed, according to a statement from the airport authority.

"By all indications, this appears to be an accident," said spokesperson Erica Donerson.

Paramedics from the Wayne County Airport Authority Fire Department transported the pilot, Sanjay Dhall, to the University of Michigan, confirmed his business partner David Han.

Dhall is in stable condition and is "alert and aware," Han said on Saturday evening.

"He is in good spirits, and we pray along with his family for a speedy healing and recovery," Han said.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident.

A local engineer and pilot, Dhall founded Detroit Flying Cars to create an aircraft that can also be operated as a car. Although Friday's test run ended with the crash, Han said that the team still achieved a milestone: The accident came after two successful tests, and during the third, the aircraft transitioned to "prepare for flight" mode.

But only the front two wheels were supposed to come off the ground.

“It actually took flight, which was more than what he had planned for," Han said.

After Dhall recovers, the team will repair and improve the prototype for more tests. The incident was unexpected, Han said, but will also lead to "tremendous improvements" in future prototyping.

The two-seat vehicle was handcrafted mostly from carbon fiber, the Free Press reported last year, with a propeller on the back and a hybrid engine.

"I've always loved to design wacky things, strange things," Dhall said in the July 2017 article. "I just find that there is uniqueness buried in things that don’t meet the convention. If you make something wacky, there could be a hidden secret that you could unlock."

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

Gulfstream G-V, N50JE: Accident occurred December 16, 2018 at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR), New Jersey

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Teterboro, New Jersey

Right winglet struck nose of N324CH which was parked at the ramp.

IN50JE LLC
N450JE LLC
EGINDI N450JE LLC
JGINDI N450JE LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N50JE

Date: 16-DEC-18
Time: 21:30:00Z
Regis#: N50JE
Aircraft Make: GULFSTREAM
Aircraft Model: G V
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: UNKNOWN
Operation: 91
City: NEWARK
State: NEW JERSEY

Ground Collision: Cessna 180B, N188H; accident occurred December 15, 2018 at Moriarty Municipal Airport (0E0), Torrance County, New Mexico

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

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/N188H

Location: MORIARTY, NM
Accident Number: GAA19CA097
Date & Time: 12/15/2018, 0940 MST
Registration: N188H
Aircraft: Cessna 180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after landing, while exiting onto the taxiway, he decided to "cut the corner" instead of following the taxiway centerline. He did not see the parked glider to his right, and at the last second, he applied brakes. Subsequently, the airplane's tail rose, and the elevator struck the glider's vertical and horizontal stabilizer.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right elevator.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a parked glider while taxiing from the runway.

Findings

Personnel issues
Monitoring environment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Aircraft - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi
Ground collision (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/01/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/01/2018
Flight Time:  1700 hours (Total, all aircraft), 900 hours (Total, this make and model), 1700 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N188H
Model/Series: 180 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18050652
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/01/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3854 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470-50
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 285 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: 0E0, 6202 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1635 UTC
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.33 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / -8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Estancia, NM (E92)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: MORIARTY, NM (0E0)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0830 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: MORIARTY MUNI (0E0)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 6204 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 26
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7702 ft / 75 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:  34.970000, -106.000000 (est)

Piper PA-28-181, N592K: Incident occurred December 16, 2018 near Concord Regional Airport (KJQF), Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

Struck a bird.

ATP Aircraft 3 LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N592K

Date: 16-DEC-18
Time: 18:38:00Z
Regis#: N592K
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28 181
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: OTHER
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: CONCORD
State: NORTH CAROLINA

Loss of Engine Power (Partial): Rans S-12XL, N3165V; accident occurred December 16, 2018 in McClure, Henry County, Ohio



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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Cleveland, Ohio; North Olmsted, Ohio

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/N3165V

Location: McClure, OH
Accident Number: CEN19LA047
Date & Time: 12/16/2018, 1530 EST
Registration: N3165V
Aircraft: Rans S12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries:2 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 16, 2018, at 1530 eastern standard time, a Rans Inc. S-12XL experimental light sport airplane, N3165V, experienced a partial loss of engine power during a departure climb from the pilot's private airstrip near McClure, Ohio. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field about 100 ft north of departure end of the runway after the airplane was unable to maintain a positive climb rate. The private pilot and a passenger were uninjured and the airplane was substantially damaged on impact with terrain. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight that was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that after he performed a walk around inspection of the airplane and loaded the passenger and pushed the airplane outside. He started the airplane in front of hanger and allowed the engine to warm up to 120°F using an engine speed of 3,000 rpm. He taxied about 1,500 feet to the southern end of the north runway, where he performed an engine runup, checked both ignitions, and checked the flight controls. During the takeoff roll, the airplane lifted off the runway about 500 feet down the runway and climbed 50 - 100 ft above ground level at which point engine sound "backed off gradually." He ensured the throttle control was full forward and pumped the throttle control twice, but the engine speed continued to decrease. The pilot decided to perform an off-airport landing on a field which the airplane stuck a powerline pole and the right wing impacted the ground.

Following the accident, the pilot reported the engine, Rotax 582, had low cylinder compression and scoring on the piston and cylinder walls. There were also aluminum fragments within the cylinder. He said that the engine was overhauled about one year prior to his purchase of the airplane by the previous owner. He was "fairly certain" that the engine did not have any problems before the accident flight. The pilot installed a heater that used the engine's cooling system, and on the following flight after the installation, there was a differential exhaust gas temperature between two cylinders, one was high in temperature and the other cylinder was low in temperature. He said that the engine runup after the installation was normal.

The pilot stated a thermostat was installed on the coolant system and coolant was used for cabin heat. He said the engine radiator was not covered for cold weather operation. He felt the piston failure was due to cold seizure.

According to the Rotax 2-Stroke Maintenance Schedule, the Rotax 582 engine had a minimum coolant temperature of 150°F.

An Ultralight News article discussed cold seizures occurring in Rotax 532/582 engines by coolant having been cooling in the radiator, in winter in cold temperatures, which can mean that the temperature is down below 100°F. The engine on the other hand is under load and is creating heat, the pistons are expanding. As the cold liquid enters the area around the cylinders, the cylinder shrink and this causes a cold seizure.

The Federal Aviation Administration Aviation (FAA) Safety Inspector from the Cleveland Flight Standards District Office stated the pilot reported that an engine cylinder compression check was not performed when he purchased the airplane, and a cylinder compression check was not performed during the last condition inspection of the airplane. The engine was not examined by the FAA, and the engine manufacturer declined to attend an examination. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 51, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/24/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/30/2018
Flight Time:  192 hours (Total, all aircraft), 30 hours (Total, this make and model), 192 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Rans
Registration: N3165V
Model/Series: S12 XL
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 04284
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/01/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 975 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 115 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 582
Registered Owner: Pilot
Rated Power: 65 hp
Operator:Pilot 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: USE, 781 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1330 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 145°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  9 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point:  MCCLURE, OH (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: MCCLURE, OH (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 2030 EST
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Private (PVT)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 677 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1200 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 41.371111, -83.942222 (est)

Hard Landing: SilverLight AR-1 Ranger, N923DJ, accident occurred December 15, 2018 at Chambers County Airport (T00), Anahuac, Texas

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N923DJ


Location: ANAHUAC, TX
Accident Number: GAA19CA101
Date & Time: 12/15/2018, 1115 CST
Registration: N923DJ
Aircraft: CLIFFORD E MASSEY AR-1
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot of the gyroplane reported that, while practicing simulated engine-out landings, the gyroplane experienced a sudden loss of lift during the flare due to "possible strong wind shear." The gyroplane then descended about 4 ft, and he attempted to recover with full power, but the gyroplane landed hard. Subsequently, the propeller struck the ground, the gyroplane bounced, and the rotor impacted the ground and sheared off.

The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and mast.

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

The pilot reported that the weather at the airport, about the time of the accident, was wind from 300° at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed the gyroplane on runway 35. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Crosswind - Effect on operation
Gusts - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Loss of lift
Attempted remediation/recovery
Hard landing (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Part(s) separation from AC

Pilot Information


Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial; Sport Pilot

Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Gyroplane; Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Gyroplane; Sport Pilot
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/01/2010
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/11/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 3428 hours (Total, all aircraft), 161 hours (Total, this make and model), 1930 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 45 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: CLIFFORD E MASSEY

Registration: N923DJ
Model/Series: AR-1
Aircraft Category: Gyroplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 0002
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/21/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:  1160 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 195 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 912UL/S
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 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: KEFD, 32 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 28 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1050 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 251°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 3000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / Terrain-Induced
Wind Direction: 300°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / Moderate
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: ANAHUAC, TX (T00)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: ANAHUAC, TX (T00)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 CST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information


Airport: CHAMBERS COUNTY (T00)

Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 21 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1900 ft / 300 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Simulated Forced Landing

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: 29.770556, -94.663056 (est)