William "Bill" Charles Burns (right)
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Investigator In Charge (IIC): Scott, Arnold
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Michael W. Matthews; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Location: Chesaning, Michigan
Accident Number: CEN19LA050
Date and Time: December 29, 2018, 10:23 Local
Registration: N1095V
Aircraft: Cessna R172K
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot departed on a personal flight about 10 minutes before the accident. According to a witness, the pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings at the airport when the engine "cut out" and the airplane went "straight down." Two other witnesses described a steep bank or a sharp turn before the airplane descended at a steep angle and impacted the ground and then a building. The pilot was fatally injured.
Ground scars at the accident site and damage to the airplane were consistent with a left-wing-low attitude and the engine operating at high power at the time of impact. The airplane's steep bank and descent at a steep angle were consistent with a loss of control. The examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Toxicology testing revealed the pilot was using a combination of phenobarbital and phenytoin at the time of the accident. Although these drugs can cause various impairing symptoms, the type of impairment that these drugs cause is unlikely to lead to a sudden loss of control. Both drugs can be used to prevent seizures in patients with epilepsy. Although a seizure or other neurologic event causing
sudden incapacitation could have occurred without leaving autopsy evidence, there was not enough available information to indicate that the pilot had an increased risk of such an event. Thus, the investigation could not determine, based on the available information, whether the pilot's loss of airplane control was related to a medical issue.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Findings
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Residence/building - Contributed to outcome
Factual Information
History of Flight
Approach-VFR pattern downwind Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
On December 29, 2018, about 1020 eastern standard time, a Cessna R172K, N1095V, impacted the ground and then the side of a building in a park about 1 mile south of Howard Nixon Memorial Airport (50G), Chesaning, Michigan. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual
meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight, which originated at Oswosso Community Airport (RNP), Owosso, Michigan, about 1010.
Due to the government furlough, neither the National Transportation Safety Board nor the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site.
According to excerpts from the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office report, the pilot's wife stated that he left home about 0930 to go flying and would be back about 1130.
The sheriff's office report indicated that there were three witnesses to the accident. One witness reported that the pilot was making touch-and-go landings at 50G. The witness also reported hearing the engine "cut out" and observing the airplane go "straight down." Another witness stated that she was walking around the park and saw a low-flying airplane approaching from the south. She also stated that the airplane turned and continued descending. She further stated that the airplane was "not level" when it struck the ground. The last witness reported that he saw the airplane flying east over the park before making a sharp turn to the south. He also reported seeing the wings "go vertical" before the airplane struck the north side of a building.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 83,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-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: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 24, 2018
Occupational Pilot: UNK
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 1, 2017
Flight Time: 13476 hours (Total, all aircraft), 12 hours (Total, this make and model), 13476 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)
The pilot, age 83, held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument ratings and a flight instructor certificate with airplane single engine and multiengine ratings. He also held a third-class medical certificate, dated January 24, 2018. According to his last application for medical certification, the pilot had accumulated about 13,500 hours of total flight experience, of which 30 hours occurred in the previous 6 months. According to his wife, the pilot had 20 logbooks dating back to 1958. She said that it was too much for her to accurately determine how his hours were categorized, though she said he had instructor and night time in the same make and model airplane. She did report him having 13,476 hours of total flight experience and 12 hours in single engine airplanes. Three of the 12 hours had been logged in the last 30 days, and of that, one hour was in the make and model of airplane.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1095V
Model/Series: R172K
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: R1722117
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 20, 2018 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2561 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-KB
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 195 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRNP, 737 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 10:36 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 190°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2500 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 330°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.29 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -3°C / -7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Chesaning, MI (50G)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Chesaning, MI (50G)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 10:10 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
At 1035, the automated weather observing system at RNP, located 11 miles south of the accident site, reported the following conditions: wind from 330° at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, ceiling 2,500 ft overcast, temperature -3°C, dew point -7°C, and altimeter setting 30.29 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 43.166942,-84.133331(est)
Photographs taken by the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office of the accident site revealed a severed left wingtip on the ground followed by skid marks that led to the main impact point. The propeller was found separated in the debris path. From the main impact point, the airplane twisted 90° to the left and skidded 20 to 30 ft further, striking the building. Both wings were crushed and bent aft against the fuselage, with the right wing between the fuselage and the side of the building. The cockpit and cabin were crushed. The vertical stabilizer was displaced to the right. Both horizontal stabilizers were also damaged.
The wreckage was moved to Myers Aviation, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where it was examined by Textron Aviation and Continental Motors personnel under the oversight of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. According to Textron Aviation, the aileron interconnect cable and left aileron direct cable exhibited tension overload signatures. Propeller blade No. 1 was straight with chordwise scratches and some twisting. Blade No. 2 was bent aft 90° about 8 inches from the tip. The blade exhibited leading-edge gouges and chordwise scratches. Flight control continuity was confirmed.
According to the Continental Motors representative, the fuel tank finger screens were clear of debris. The fuel selector handle position placard could be rotated about the shaft. The left fuel cap was not vented; the right cap was vented. The engine could only be partially rotated due to impact damage. The oil screen was clear of debris. The left magneto produced interment spark on some leads when rotated. The right magneto impulse couple functioned when manually rotated. The inspection of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Saginaw County Medical Examiner's Office, Saginaw, Michigan. The pilot's cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.
Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified dextromethorphan and its metabolite dextrorphan, phenobarbital (6.308 µg/mL), and phenytoin (2.246 µg/mL) in the pilot's blood specimens. No carbon monoxide or ethanol was detected.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant available over the counter in various preparations. At recommended doses, it is not considered impairing.
Phenobarbital is a long-acting central nervous system depressant that is typically used as a sedative or an anticonvulsant. It is available by prescription as a schedule IV controlled substance and carries the following precaution: "Phenobarbital may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or operating machinery. The patient should be cautioned accordingly." In addition, the medication warns against mixing it with other central nervous depressants because of additive effects. Common blood levels in patients at stable doses are between 10 and 20 µg/mL.
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant available by prescription, often marketed with the name Dilantin. Particularly at higher levels, it can cause various neurologic symptoms, including dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, and insomnia. Prescribers are asked to "advise patients taking extended phenytoin sodium capsules not to drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities until they have become accustomed to any such effects associated with extended phenytoin sodium capsules." Common blood levels in patients at stable doses are between 10 and 20 µg/mL.
Location: Chesaning, MI
Accident Number: CEN19LA050Date & Time: 12/29/2018, 1020 EST
Registration: N1095V
Aircraft: Cessna R172
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On December 29, 2018, about 1020 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172, N1095V, impacted the side of a building in a park about a mile south of the Howard Nixon Memorial Airport (50G), Chesaning, Michigan. The commercial pilot on board was fatally injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was being operated as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that originated at the Owosso Community Airport (RNP), Owosso, Michigan.
The pilot left his house about 0930 and told his wife he was going flying, and that he'd be back about 1130.Witnesses said the airplane was making touch and go takeoffs and landings at 50G. The airplane was proceeding east and then made a hard turn to the south. "It sounded as if the motor had shut off." They saw the airplane dive toward the ground, impacting a building, and then the ground next to the building.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1095V
Model/Series: R172 K
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: William Charles Burns
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Owosso, MI
Destination: Owosso, MI
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: 43.160000, -84.125000 (est)
June 9, 1935 - December 29, 2018
William "Bill" Charles Burns, age 83 of Vernon, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Durand Chapel with burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Vernon. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm.
Bill was born on June 9, 1935 in Saginaw County to the late George and Lucy (Richardson) Burns. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army, being honorably discharged in 1957. He had attended Bluffton college in Ohio in his early years. Bill married Linda Jane Teichman on June 29, 1989 while flying in a plane over Vernon.
Bill was a machinist and a foreman for Simplicity, working over 30 years there before retiring in 1997. Over the years while working for Simplicity, Bill would own the Tasty Freeze in Durand, a small convenient store as well as other enterprises.
Bill loved to fly. He obtained his pilot's license in 1952 when he was 17 and has been an instructor since the early 70's. He also enjoyed motorcycles and traveling. He loved his family dearly and would do anything for anyone.
Mr. Burns is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda, the mother of 2 of the 5 children: Brenda Lee Burns, Bill (Lesley) Burns, Jr., Scott Derald Burns, Mark William Burns, Julieann Katherine (Andrew Konen) Burns; 6 grandchildren: Angela Burns, Jennifer Burns, Ashlyn Burns, Cameron Burns, Tyler Burns, Eriella Burns; 1 great grandson, Liam Wallace; his 1st wife and the mother of 3 of his children, Rosemarie (Behnke) Rulason; brother, Thomas (Marci) Burns; 3 sisters: Marylee Humphrey, Rosie (Eugene) Culp, Connie (Charles) Stroub; 3 sisters-in-law, Wanda Burns, Vicki Grumley,and Patti (Matt) Hoddy; 4 brothers-in-law: Wayne Robinson, Dick Perkins, Dave (Robert Fields) Teichman and Lee (Kim) Teichman and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents: George (Billy) Burns, Lucy (Ellsworth) Osborn; 4 sisters: Lucy Ann Levay, Donna Perkins, JoAnn Chandler, Ruth Robinson; 3 brothers: Lewis Burns, Dick Burns and Arthur Burns.
Memorial contributions given in Bill's name are suggested to the Owosso Airport Association or the Corunna Educational Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to his family by going to www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com
The Saginaw County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim that was killed in a small plane crash in Chesaning.
Deputies from the sheriff's office arrived at Showboat Park about 10:23 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29 to investigate.
The plane struck a building during the crash.
Witnesses told deputies the engine cut out and the plane came nearly straight down.
The plane is owned by Fly Ride in Owosso.
The sheriff's office identified the pilot as William Charles Burns, an 83-year-old man from Vernon.
"Just last week he did a little jump in the air, clicked his heels, and that was Bill," said Richard Mussom.
Burns was a pilot, an instructor, and a friend. He had a passion for flying planes.
The Owosso Airport was a second home to him.
"He taught me how to fly," Mussom said. "I spent a lot of hours with Bill. He was a true gentleman. A friend and somebody you enjoyed flying with."
"Even if he wasn't going to fly, he was out here in the morning just to see what was going on," said Richard Sack.
Saturday morning, Burns flew his plane for the final time.
"We happened to be out on the taxiway when Bill took off," Sack said. "I had a student and we watched Bill take off and little did we know this was the last time we'd see Bill."
The aviation community was hit hard by the news of Burns' death.
But his friends at Owosso Airport will continue remembering and honoring him as a great pilot.
Burns was the only person inside the plane.
At this time, the sheriff's office is preserving the scene until the FAA is able to send investigators to access the crash.
Agents are furloughed until the government shutdown ends. The sheriff's office is using extra manpower to keep the crash site secure.
"Because of the government shutdown the FAA said, 'don't touch anything. Guard the scene,'" Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel said.
That's what deputies from the sheriff's office have been doing around the clock. The crash investigation is at a standstill until dollars from the feds start flowing again.
"It puts a little more strain and stress on our agency because we have a task to do. We must provide protection from the scene and make sure that the scene doesn't get contaminated so that all the evidence is preserved and protected," Federspiel said.
The sheriff said shutdown or no shutdown, it doesn't change his deputies' will to do their job 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
"There are some people who have been called in to do some overtime. Deputies that won't be spending their New Year's Eve the way they thought they would or New Year's Day. But that's just the nature of the business that we're in," Federspiel said.
He said his department was allowed to remove Burns' body from the scene.
Federspiel said it will be Wednesday at the earliest before he will hear from FAA officials again.
In the meantime, he will work to find a way for Saginaw County to get reimbursed for performing the work the federal government is responsible for.
"It would be nice if they would. Obviously that's the right thing to do. So hopefully they will," Federspiel said.
Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.wnem.com
Police have identified the victim that was killed in small plane crash in Chesaning.
Saginaw County Deputies arrived at Showboat Park at about 10:23 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29.
The plane struck a building during the crash.
Witnesses told deputies that the engine cut out and the plane came nearly straight down.
The plane is owned by Fly Ride in Owosso.
The sheriff's office identified him as William Charles Burns, an 83-year-old man from Vernon.
"Just last week he did a little jump in the air, clicked his heels, and that was bill," said Richard Mussom.
Burn was a pilot, an instructor, and a friend. He had a passion for flying planes.
The Owosso Airport was a second home.
"He taught me how to fly," Mussom said. "I spent a lot of hours with Bill. He was a true gentleman. A friend and somebody you enjoyed flying with."
"Even if he wasn't going to fly, he was out here in the morning just to see what was going on," said Richard Sack.
Saturday morning, Burn flew his plane for the final time.
"We happened to be out on the taxi way when Bill took off," Sack said. "I had a student and we watched Bill take off and little did we know this was the last time we'd see Bill."
The aviation community is hit hard by the news of Burn's death.
But his friends at the Owosso Airport will continue remembering and honoring him as a great pilot.
Lt. Gomez with the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office said with the government shut down in place, FAA has been contacted and said it will have a plan in place for what it can do.
Burns was the only person inside the plane.
I don't understand why the plane came straight down just because the engine quit. Lower the nose to maintain airspeed and find a spot to set it down. Unless it happened on takeoff and he was very low but you still lower the nose to maintain control, rather than stalling and spinning out of control. RIP fellow aviator.
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