The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Accident Investigation, AVP-100; Washington, District of Columbia
Honeywell; Phoenix, Arizona
United States Department of Transportation, Transportation Safety Institute; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Ministry of Transport
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Location: Yukon, Oklahoma
Accident Number: CEN19FA104
Date & Time: March 18, 2019, 15:31 Local
Registration: N4MH
Aircraft: Israel Aircraft Industries 1124
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation
Analysis
The two commercial pilots were conducting a personal, cross-country flight. A video surveillance camera at the airport captured their airplane’s approach. Review of the video revealed that, as the airplane approached the approach end of the landing runway, it began to climb, rolled left, became inverted, and then impacted terrain.
The left thrust reverser (T/R) was found open and unlatched at the accident site. An asymmetric deployment of the left T/R would have resulted in a left roll/yaw. The lack of an airworthy and operable cockpit voice recorder, which was required for the flight, precluded identifying which pilot was performing pilot flying duties, as well as other crew actions and background noises, that would have facilitated the investigation.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that it was not equipped, nor was required to be equipped, with a nose landing gear (NLG) ground contact switch intended to preclude inflight operation of the thrust reverser (T/R). The left T/R door was found unlatched and open, and the right T/R door was found closed and latched. Further, electrical testing of the T/R left and right stow microswitches within the cockpit throttle quadrant revealed that the left stow microswitch did not operate within design specifications. Disassembly of the left and right stow microswitches revealed evidence of arc wear due to aging. Based on this information, it is likely that the airplane’s lack of an NLG ground contact switch and the age-related failure of the stow microswitches resulted in an asymmetric T/R deployment while on approach and a subsequent loss of airplane control. Also, there were additional T/R system components that were found to unairworthy that would have affected the control of the T/R system.
Operational testing of the T/R system could not be performed due to the damage the airplane incurred during the accident.
Toxicology testing results of the pilot’s specimens indicated that the pilot had taken diazepam, which is considered impairing at certain levels. However, the detected amounts of both diazepam and its metabolite nordiazepam were at subtherapeutic levels, and given the long half-life of these compounds, it appears that the medication was taken several days before the accident; therefore, it is unlikely that the pilot was impaired at the time of the accident and thus that his use of diazepam was a not factor in the accident.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane’s unairworthy thrust reverser (T/R) system due to inadequate maintenance that resulted in an asymmetric T/R deployment during an approach to the airport and the subsequent loss of airplane control.
Findings
Aircraft (general) - Failure
Aircraft (general) - Not installed/available
Factual Information
History of Flight
Initial climb Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
On March 18, 2019, at 1531 central daylight time, an Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Westwind 1124 airplane, N4MH, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Yukon, Oklahoma. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
A video surveillance camera at Sundance Airport (HSD), Yukon, Oklahoma, captured the airplane’s approach. Review of the video revealed that, as the airplane approached the approach end of the runway, it began to climb, rolled left, became inverted, and then impacted terrain.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: April 13, 2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 9, 2019
Flight Time: 5872 hours (Total, all aircraft)
Co-pilot Information
Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 43, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 None
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 24, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 5259 hours (Total, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Israel Aircraft Industries
Registration: N4MH
Model/Series: 1124
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Transport
Serial Number: 232
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 9
Date/Type of Last Inspection: February 4, 2019 Continuous airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 23500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Turbo fan
Airframe Total Time: 11030.1 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Garrett AiResearch
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: TFE731-3D-1G
Registered Owner:
Rated Power:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
The airplane was not equipped with a nose landing gear (NLG) ground contact switch, which is intended to preclude the in-flight operation of the thrust reverser (T/R). IAI Service Letter WW-2419, dated September 30, 1977, “Thrust Reverser Arming Activation,” provided instructions for the removal of the NLG ground contact switch. The letter stated that compliance was at the “owner’s discretion.”
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: HSD
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 15:25 Local
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / -2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Panama City, FL (ECP)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Oklahoma City, OK (HSD)
Type of Clearance: VFR;IFR
Departure Time: 13:33 Local
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: Sundance Airport HSD
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 1193 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: Visual
Runway Length/Width: 5001 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 35.604442,-97.705558(est)
The airplane impacted terrain about 1,472 ft down, and 209 ft west of, runway 18. The nose and main landing gear were locked into the extended position. The cockpit landing gear control handle was bent left and nearly flush with the instrument panel and was positioned toward the top limit of travel allowed by the handle’s housing, which sustained impact damage. Flight control continuity from the control surfaces to the cockpit controls was confirmed. The left- and right-wing flaps were extended. The cockpit flap selector handle was in an approximate mid-range position. The flap selector handle was bent toward the left and a piece of the right side of the handle was missing. The housing surrounding the flap selector handle sustained impact damage. The left- and right-wing flap inboard actuators were extended about 9 ¾ inches, and the outboard actuators were extended about 6 ½ inches. Extension measurements were taken from a dark colored area consistent with dirt/grease at the aft end of the pistons to the actuator housing. The dark colored area was about ½ inch in length. The left and right engines were attached to their respective pylons, which were attached to the fuselage. Both engines’ fan spinners exhibited circumferential scoring. Both engines’ fan blades exhibited chordwise scratches and leading-edge damage. Both engines’ bypasses, bypass exhausts, and engine exhaust areas contained earthen debris consistent in color with that of the earth near the accident site.
Examination of the airplane revealed that the left T/R door was unlatched and open and the right T/R door was closed and latched. The right and left L-shaped latch hooks that engaged into the left T/R door did not exhibit bending or tearing.
The throttle quadrant exhibited impact damage, and the throttle control levers were bent rightward. The throttle quadrant’s housing exhibited impact damage. The throttle control levers were found in the “shutoff” position, and the T/R controls were found in the “stowed” position. Engine control continuity from the cockpit throttle quadrant to the left and right engine fuel control units was established. Left and right T/R control continuity from the throttle quadrant to the T/R doors was established. The T/R switches were in the “ON” position.
Electrical testing of the left and right T/R stow microswitches within the cockpit throttle quadrant revealed that the left stow microswitch did not operate within design specifications. Disassembly of the left and right stow microswitches revealed evidence of arc wear due to aging.
According to the airplane manufacturer, the electrical wiring of the left T/R were found to be not conformal with the electrical drawings (wire numbers are not correct), missing connections on the terminal board, terminal board cover was missing, wires are not held with correct rope, excessive length of electrical wires. A computed tomography scan of the left actuator "OUT OF STOW" switch revealed an internal broken rivet that according to the airplane manufacturer would not have led to a short circuit.
The left T/R retarder Aft Control Box was positioned about 75% of its travel, more than 50% of its stroke. The mechanism could be pushed back to 100% travel (max power) but got stuck when pushed back to 75% travel where the system jammed using hand pressure.
Removal of the Teleflex cable allowed the Aft Control Box to move freely.
The left T/R Teleflex cable was displayed resistance to movement by hand relative to the right T/R Teleflex cable. At a certain point of travel of the left cable, the cable became jammed. Examination of the left cable revealed that the cable sheath fluoropolymer liner was damaged within the length, where the cable tip was bound. There was a 3.37 inch-length of the liner that was missing, consistent with wear loss, mechanical removal, and fracture. The opposite end of the sheath liner exhibited course fibrils, consistent with monotonic fracture in overstress. The grease at the opposite end exhibited undisturbed particulate matter on top of the grease deposit.
According to the airplane maintenance manual, parts of the Teleflex system were to be lubricated with Dow Corning DC33 – a white grease, suitable for low temperatures. NTSB Materials Laboratory examination of the left T/R Teleflex cables revealed black grease within the cable sheath. Most of the cable lacked grease.
Operational testing of the T/R system could not be performed due to the damage the airplane incurred during the accident.
Additional Information
A pilot, who had previously owned the accident airplane and had flown Westwind airplanes since the mid-to-late 70s, reported that he attended Westwind flight training in 1978 and has attended training at the same facility every year since then for training primarily in Westwind airplanes. The training facility had a Westwind throttle quadrant, which was used to demonstrate that the throttle quadrant T/R control could unlock with “aggressive” movements of the throttle control toward idle, which would be a “problem” during landing because it would arm the T/Rs. He had previously flown a Westwind airplane to 10,500 ft for a pressurization check, during which he “snatch[ed]” the throttle to idle, and the piggyback came out of its detent. After landing the airplane, he attempted to duplicate the piggyback coming out of its detent by moving the throttle toward idle, but he was unable to do so. He said that a lot of flight training facilities did not teach that the piggyback could come out of its detent but that it was taught at the flight training facility that he attended. He said he discussed the uncommanded deployment of the T/Rs with the accident pilot, who he had trained, before the accident pilot attended the training facility.
The accident airplane throttle quadrant was not manipulated by hand during the post-accident examination to unlock the T/R control with “aggressive” movements of the throttle control toward idle due to accident damage of the throttle quadrant.
Damage to Aircraft
The airplane was destroyed.
Flight recorders
The airplane cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was part of the airplane type certificate and was required to be operational. Part 91 required turbine multiengine aircraft with six or more passenger seats and requiring two pilots manufactured prior to April 7, 2010, and operated under Part 91, must be equipped with a CVR that records a minimum of the last 30 minutes of aircraft operation; this is accomplished by recording over the oldest audio data. The accident aircraft was manufactured in 1978. When the CVR is deactivated or removed from the airplane, it retains only the most recent 30 minutes. Download of the CVR by the National Transportation Safety Board Vehicle Recorders Division. The CVR had not sustained any heat or structural damage, and the audio information was extracted from the recorder normally, without difficulty. The last recording on the CVR was on November 7, 2007. The accident flight was not recorded.
=========
Location: Yukon, OK
Accident Number: CEN19FA104
Date & Time: 03/18/2019, 1531 CDT
Registration: N4MH
Aircraft: Israel Aircraft Industries 1124
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under:
Part 91: General Aviation -
On March 18, 2019, at 1531 central daylight time, an Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind 1124, N4MH, impacted terrain near the east side of runway 18 at Sundance Airport (HSD), Yukon, Oklahoma. As the airplane approached the approach end of runway 18, it began to climb, rolled left, and became inverted before impacting terrain. The airplane was destroyed. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Sundance Airport FBO LLC under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight was operating on an instrument rules flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight departed from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Panama City, Florida and was destined to HSD.
The airplane was located about 1,472 feet down and 209 feet east of runway 18. The landing gear and wing flaps were extended. The left thrust reverser was unlatched and open and the right thrust reverser was closed and latched.
The airplane was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR); however, the accident flight was not recorded. The audio on the CVR indicated the last events recorded were from 2007.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Israel Aircraft Industries
Registration: N4MH
Model/Series: 1124
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Sundance Airport FBO LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: HSD
Observation Time: 1525 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / -2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 180°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Panama City, FL (ECP)
Destination: Oklahoma City, OK (HSD)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 35.604444, -97.705556 (est)
Douglas James Durning
Douglas James Durning was born July 31, 1958 on Long Island in NY, the son of George and Joan (Paulson) Durning. He completed this life on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the age of 60.
Doug was raised on Long Island. He played baseball and soccer, he made go-carts, he built model planes, he was in the Boy Scouts, he played the saxaphone in “The Jazz Band” at school and they made an album, he was inducted into the Honor Society as a freshman in HS and maintained his membership throughout high school. Oh, he also learned to fly at the age of 14. He graduated from Connetquot High School in 1976. After graduation he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served his country in Germany and Egypt to name a couple of postings. While in the U.S. Air Force Doug received several honors for his excellence in service, some related to excelling in his college curriculum and others relating to his exceptional performance. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees degrees from Troy University (both obtained during his 4 years of service) with much if not all of that time being on the Dean’s List. He, naturally, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force when his term of service was completed. After his discharge chose to see what Oklahoma City had to offer him as his parents had moved to Oklahoma City while Doug was in the Air Force. He went to work for Fred Jones Manufacturing. He then served as president of several mortgage processing companies. He owned Freedom Flyers Aviation and Durning Air Craft Service and was a corporate pilot.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Durning, in 2009.
He is survived by his father, George Durning; his sons, Anthony Durning and his wife Charissa, Jason Durning, Christopher During and HN Brandon Wilson (Navy); his sisters, Deborah Bonura and her husband Joe and Donna Johnston and her husband Norman; and his brother, Dan Durning and his wife Doris. Doug is also survived by nephews Danny Durning, Grant Johnston, Matt Bonura, Kyle Stults, Eric Stults, Sean Wright and Paul Wright; and nieces Kiersten Durning, Whitney Stults, Brooke Stults, Tiffany Day and Courtney Adams.
Doug is also survived by Judith Pierson (Mom to Tony, Jason, Chris and Brandon).
Additionally Doug is survived by Shelly Bolton Henry, Kara Christy and children Lilly and Beckham, Hannah Henry and Blake Henry and son Owen.
Doug was survived by so many special people in his life it would be impossible to list them all, but know that if you were in Doug’s life you were special!
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 25th at the Vondel Smith Mortuary North, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 7336 W. Britton Road. Interment with military honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. For those who desire, memorials may be made to Patriots Honor (info@patriotshonor.org) or The AOPA Foundation (https://foundation.aopa.org)
https://vondelsmithmortuary.com
Britton Cherish Walters Lee was born August 1, 1975 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to Cheryl O'Rourke (Long) and Bill Walters, Jr. Britton passed away March 18, 2019 at the age of 43, doing what she loved (flying).
Britton graduated with honors from McCallum High School in Austin, TX in 1993. She then served in the Army National Guard, later receiving her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas. She worked as a nurse, initially in Texas including at Lajitas and then in Oklahoma, lastly at Oklahoma Heart Hospital.
Over two decades Britton developed her career in aviation which became her fulltime occupation. Britton was a flight instructor, ATP pilot, licensed aircraft mechanic, warbird and airshow pilot with her beloved T6 Big Red. She was recently designated as a pilot examiner by the FAA.
Britton was also an artist and quilter. She loved the great outdoors, canoeing and hiking. She is survived by her husband, Tom Hennebry; step-daughter, Olivia Hennebry Wendel; grandfather, Bill Walters; parents, Cheryl O'Rourke and Bill Walters, Jr.; brother, Tony Walters; half-brother, Sean O'Rourke; and step-brother, William O'Rourke. The family will hold private services.
https://www.mercer-adams.com
OKLAHOMA CITY - The investigation continues into what led to the deadly plane crash Monday in far northwest Oklahoma City.
Emergency crews were called to Sundance Airport, 13000 Sara Rd., shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Monday after a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at the airport, officials said.
On Tuesday, officials from the NTSB on-site started to look into what led to this twin engine jet hitting the ground upside down.
Today, the medical examiner releasing the names of the two pilots 60-year-old Doug Durning and 43-year-old Britton Lee were behind the controls when their 1978 Israel air jet went down on approach to Sundance Airport. Durning was killed on site, and Lee was transported to the hospital where she later passed.
Today, the plane's owner and the owner of Sundance Airport, Jerry Hunter putting this message out on his personal Facebook page, saying in part,
“I was honored to call these skilled aviators my friends. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and those that hold them dear."
There was an outpouring of emotion all over social media today from friends and fellow pilots. One friend talking of Doug Durning says,
“I’m completely in shock. You were so caring.. always putting everyone before yourself. You were full of great advice, words of encouragement, and always put a smile on my face with your witty jokes. You were such an amazing pilot and I’m truly blessed to have known you.”
Another fellow pilot remembers Lee saying,
“It's a shame to lose a really good pilot, person, and friend. And this is a case of that. The world is a poorer place without her. I'll miss her.”
The Sundance Airport official statement is as follows:
As many now know, Doug Durning and Britton Lee were the 2 pilots lost in yesterday’s tragedy. Doug and Britton were beloved by many, especially by everyone here at Sundance Airport. Doug and Britton were highly skilled aviators, and both had decades of experience piloting aircraft. Most recently, they flew the Westwind corporate style aircraft together for the last 2 years. We appreciate your continued prayers for the family and all those that have been impacted by this tragic loss.
Story and video ➤ https://kfor.com
OKLAHOMA CITY – The victims killed in a plane crash at Sundance Airport in Oklahoma City on Monday have been identified by the medical examiner.
Emergency crews were called to Sundance Airport, 13000 Sara Rd., shortly after 3:30 p.m. after a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at the airport, officials said. Two people were on board.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene. On Monday, the man was identified as 60-year-old Doug Durning.
A woman, who was also on board, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from her injuries. She was identified on Monday by the medical examiner as 43-year-old Britton Lee.
The medical examiner says the cases are currently pending.
According to online flight records and the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA), the aircraft took off from Northwest Beaches International Airport in Panama City, Florida shortly after 1:30 p.m. Central time. The twin-engine jet crashed while attempting to land at Sundance, officials said. The plane did not catch fire.
"Obviously, this is a tremendously somber day at Sundance Airport. It is truly difficult to find the words to express the sadness that this group is feeling. Everybody here at Sundance is truly a family. They are a very very close community," Deborah Floyd, Sundance Airport spokesperson, told News 4 on Monday. "We do ask for thoughts and prayers for all of those involved here. we are working with all the agencies necessary, to provide any information they may need to work through the scene."
The 1978 IAI-1124 Westwind is owned by the airport, according FAA registration records. The twin-engine turbofan, medium-sized corporate jet seats seven to ten passengers and has a crew of two. When reached by phone Monday, Sundance Airport owner Jerry Hunter told News 4 he knows those killed in the crash and said he would "gladly trade places with either."
It's unclear what may have caused the crash. It's also unknown if the pilot radioed a mayday distress call before the crash.
Federal investigators are scheduled to arrive Tuesday to begin sifting through crash site wreckage and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will be in charge of the investigation, was notified Monday.
The owner of the airpark and the plane issued this statement on Tuesday on social media.
Losing someone close is one of life’s most difficult challenges but losing 2 people you care about so unexpectedly is crippling.
For our Sundance family, this is today’s reality, and the reality of the days to come. My heart goes out to the families and close friends of the two we lost in yesterday’s tragedy.
I was honored to call these skilled aviators my friends. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and those that hold them dear. They will be remembered and their loss will never be forgotten. Jerry Hunter
Story and video ➤ https://kfor.com
YUKON, Oklahoma (KOKH) — The two pilots that died in Monday's plane crash at Sundance Airport have been identified.
43-year-old Britton Lee and 60-year-old Doug Durning were both on board the aircraft when it crashed and landed upside down just off the runway.
Lee was the founder of PILOTMAKEROKC and taught flight training according to her website.
The website says Lee had been a pilot since 2001 and a flight instructor since 2007 with almost 3000 hours of flight experience in 50 different types of aircraft.
Lee spent eight years in the Army National Guard according to her website and had also been an intensive care and cardiology unit nurse.
Durning owned Freedom Flyers LLC which offers flight training, professional pilot services, aircraft management, and aircraft maintenance.
Durning's website doesn't go into detail on his background.
Sundance airport has released a statement that reads:
As many now know, Doug Durning and Britton Lee were the 2 pilots lost in yesterday’s tragedy. Doug and Britton were beloved by many, especially by everyone here at Sundance Airport. Doug and Britton were highly skilled aviators, and both had decades of experience piloting aircraft. Most recently, they flew the Westwind corporate style aircraft together for the last 2 years. We appreciate your continued prayers for the family and all those that have been impacted by this tragic loss.
Currently the NTSB investigation remains active. Sundance airport anticipates reopening very soon.
NTSB told FOX 25 they have gathered facts and documented the scene. A preliminary report on the investigation can be expected within 10 days according to NTSB.
The plane will be moved from the airport this evening or Wednesday for further examination the NTSB said.
Story and video ➤ https://ktul.com
OKLAHOMA CITY - Federal investigators are scheduled to arrive Tuesday to begin sifting through crash site wreckage at a northwest side airport, after a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed Monday afternoon killing two people.
Emergency crews were called to Sundance Airport, 13000 Sara Rd., shortly after 3:30 p.m. after a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at the airport, officials said. Two people were on board.
An Oklahoma City Fire Department official said a man was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman, who was also on board, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from her injuries. The names of the victims have not been released.
"Obviously, this is a tremendously somber day at Sundance Airport. It is truly difficult to find the words to express the sadness that this group is feeling. Everybody here at Sundance is truly a family. They are a very very close community," said Deborah Floyd, Sundance Airport spokesperson. "We do ask for thoughts and prayers for all of those involved here. we are working with all the agencies necessary, to provide any information they may need to work through the scene."
According to online flight records and the FAA, the aircraft took off from Northwest Beaches International Airport in Panama City, Florida shortly after 1:30 p.m. Central time. The IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while attempting to land at Sundance, officials said. The plane did not catch fire.
"We did have a post-crash jet fuel leak, which our hazmat team responded to here for and has since contained that," said Oklahoma City Fire Capt. David Macy. "Did send a rescue crew in to search the aircraft to make 100 percent sure we only had two victims on board."
The 1978 IAI-1124 Westwind is owned by the airport, according FAA registration records. The twin-engine turbofan, medium-sized corporate jet seats seven to ten passengers and has a crew of two. When reached by phone Monday, Sundance Airport owner Jerry Hunter told News 4 he knows those killed in the crash and said he would "gladly trade places with either."
Hunter, who owns Edmond-based U.S. Fleet Tracking, purchased the Canadian County airport in 2013. More than 200 fixed-wing aircraft, including eight jets, are based at the single runway airport, according to federal data.
It's unclear what may have caused the crash. Winds were light out of the south and aircraft could have landed in either direction on the north-south runway. It's also unknown if the pilot radioed a mayday distress call before the crash.
"At this time we don't know of anything," said airport general manager Justin Skaggs.
Aerial video of the crash site showed dirt skid marks and debris field starting about 75 feet east of the runway, and extending about 200 feet to the southeast where the jet came to a rest, upside down. The forward section of the fuselage nearly separated from the rest of the plane.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesperson for the mid-states division said investigators are on their way to the crash site and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will be in charge of the investigation, has been notified.
"It's just a tragic day and we're terribly sorry," said Floyd, the airport spokesperson. "Right now, being that it is an active scenario. People are still being notified. But it is someone that we all know."
Floyd said the names of the victims will likely be released Tuesday.
Story and video ➤ https://kfor.com
OKLAHOMA CITY — A man and a woman are dead after a plane crash on Monday at Sundance Airport in Oklahoma City, according to officials.
Around 3:40 p.m., a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at Sundance Airport, Federal Aviation Administration officials said. Two people were on the plane, both have died.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman died after being taken to an Oklahoma City hospital, according to authorities. Their identities have not been released.
According to online records, the plane is owned by Sundance Airport and had made two flights Monday. The plane traveled round-trip between Sundance Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport near Panama City, Florida.
Federal Aviation Administration investigators are heading to the Yukon airport, and the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified. Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board will be in charge of the investigation, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Story and video ➤ https://www.koco.com
Accident Number: CEN19FA104
Date & Time: 03/18/2019, 1531 CDT
Registration: N4MH
Aircraft: Israel Aircraft Industries 1124
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under:
Part 91: General Aviation -
On March 18, 2019, at 1531 central daylight time, an Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind 1124, N4MH, impacted terrain near the east side of runway 18 at Sundance Airport (HSD), Yukon, Oklahoma. As the airplane approached the approach end of runway 18, it began to climb, rolled left, and became inverted before impacting terrain. The airplane was destroyed. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Sundance Airport FBO LLC under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight was operating on an instrument rules flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight departed from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Panama City, Florida and was destined to HSD.
The airplane was located about 1,472 feet down and 209 feet east of runway 18. The landing gear and wing flaps were extended. The left thrust reverser was unlatched and open and the right thrust reverser was closed and latched.
The airplane was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR); however, the accident flight was not recorded. The audio on the CVR indicated the last events recorded were from 2007.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Israel Aircraft Industries
Registration: N4MH
Model/Series: 1124
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Sundance Airport FBO LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: HSD
Observation Time: 1525 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / -2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 180°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Panama City, FL (ECP)
Destination: Oklahoma City, OK (HSD)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 35.604444, -97.705556 (est)
Douglas James Durning
Douglas James Durning was born July 31, 1958 on Long Island in NY, the son of George and Joan (Paulson) Durning. He completed this life on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the age of 60.
Doug was raised on Long Island. He played baseball and soccer, he made go-carts, he built model planes, he was in the Boy Scouts, he played the saxaphone in “The Jazz Band” at school and they made an album, he was inducted into the Honor Society as a freshman in HS and maintained his membership throughout high school. Oh, he also learned to fly at the age of 14. He graduated from Connetquot High School in 1976. After graduation he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served his country in Germany and Egypt to name a couple of postings. While in the U.S. Air Force Doug received several honors for his excellence in service, some related to excelling in his college curriculum and others relating to his exceptional performance. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees degrees from Troy University (both obtained during his 4 years of service) with much if not all of that time being on the Dean’s List. He, naturally, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force when his term of service was completed. After his discharge chose to see what Oklahoma City had to offer him as his parents had moved to Oklahoma City while Doug was in the Air Force. He went to work for Fred Jones Manufacturing. He then served as president of several mortgage processing companies. He owned Freedom Flyers Aviation and Durning Air Craft Service and was a corporate pilot.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Durning, in 2009.
He is survived by his father, George Durning; his sons, Anthony Durning and his wife Charissa, Jason Durning, Christopher During and HN Brandon Wilson (Navy); his sisters, Deborah Bonura and her husband Joe and Donna Johnston and her husband Norman; and his brother, Dan Durning and his wife Doris. Doug is also survived by nephews Danny Durning, Grant Johnston, Matt Bonura, Kyle Stults, Eric Stults, Sean Wright and Paul Wright; and nieces Kiersten Durning, Whitney Stults, Brooke Stults, Tiffany Day and Courtney Adams.
Doug is also survived by Judith Pierson (Mom to Tony, Jason, Chris and Brandon).
Additionally Doug is survived by Shelly Bolton Henry, Kara Christy and children Lilly and Beckham, Hannah Henry and Blake Henry and son Owen.
Doug was survived by so many special people in his life it would be impossible to list them all, but know that if you were in Doug’s life you were special!
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 25th at the Vondel Smith Mortuary North, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 7336 W. Britton Road. Interment with military honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. For those who desire, memorials may be made to Patriots Honor (info@patriotshonor.org) or The AOPA Foundation (https://foundation.aopa.org)
https://vondelsmithmortuary.com
Britton Cherish Walters Lee
Britton Cherish Walters Lee was born August 1, 1975 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to Cheryl O'Rourke (Long) and Bill Walters, Jr. Britton passed away March 18, 2019 at the age of 43, doing what she loved (flying).
Britton graduated with honors from McCallum High School in Austin, TX in 1993. She then served in the Army National Guard, later receiving her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas. She worked as a nurse, initially in Texas including at Lajitas and then in Oklahoma, lastly at Oklahoma Heart Hospital.
Over two decades Britton developed her career in aviation which became her fulltime occupation. Britton was a flight instructor, ATP pilot, licensed aircraft mechanic, warbird and airshow pilot with her beloved T6 Big Red. She was recently designated as a pilot examiner by the FAA.
Britton was also an artist and quilter. She loved the great outdoors, canoeing and hiking. She is survived by her husband, Tom Hennebry; step-daughter, Olivia Hennebry Wendel; grandfather, Bill Walters; parents, Cheryl O'Rourke and Bill Walters, Jr.; brother, Tony Walters; half-brother, Sean O'Rourke; and step-brother, William O'Rourke. The family will hold private services.
https://www.mercer-adams.com
OKLAHOMA CITY - The investigation continues into what led to the deadly plane crash Monday in far northwest Oklahoma City.
Emergency crews were called to Sundance Airport, 13000 Sara Rd., shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Monday after a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at the airport, officials said.
On Tuesday, officials from the NTSB on-site started to look into what led to this twin engine jet hitting the ground upside down.
Today, the medical examiner releasing the names of the two pilots 60-year-old Doug Durning and 43-year-old Britton Lee were behind the controls when their 1978 Israel air jet went down on approach to Sundance Airport. Durning was killed on site, and Lee was transported to the hospital where she later passed.
Today, the plane's owner and the owner of Sundance Airport, Jerry Hunter putting this message out on his personal Facebook page, saying in part,
“I was honored to call these skilled aviators my friends. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and those that hold them dear."
There was an outpouring of emotion all over social media today from friends and fellow pilots. One friend talking of Doug Durning says,
“I’m completely in shock. You were so caring.. always putting everyone before yourself. You were full of great advice, words of encouragement, and always put a smile on my face with your witty jokes. You were such an amazing pilot and I’m truly blessed to have known you.”
Another fellow pilot remembers Lee saying,
“It's a shame to lose a really good pilot, person, and friend. And this is a case of that. The world is a poorer place without her. I'll miss her.”
The Sundance Airport official statement is as follows:
As many now know, Doug Durning and Britton Lee were the 2 pilots lost in yesterday’s tragedy. Doug and Britton were beloved by many, especially by everyone here at Sundance Airport. Doug and Britton were highly skilled aviators, and both had decades of experience piloting aircraft. Most recently, they flew the Westwind corporate style aircraft together for the last 2 years. We appreciate your continued prayers for the family and all those that have been impacted by this tragic loss.
Story and video ➤ https://kfor.com
Doug Durning
Emergency crews were called to Sundance Airport, 13000 Sara Rd., shortly after 3:30 p.m. after a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at the airport, officials said. Two people were on board.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene. On Monday, the man was identified as 60-year-old Doug Durning.
A woman, who was also on board, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from her injuries. She was identified on Monday by the medical examiner as 43-year-old Britton Lee.
The medical examiner says the cases are currently pending.
According to online flight records and the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA), the aircraft took off from Northwest Beaches International Airport in Panama City, Florida shortly after 1:30 p.m. Central time. The twin-engine jet crashed while attempting to land at Sundance, officials said. The plane did not catch fire.
"Obviously, this is a tremendously somber day at Sundance Airport. It is truly difficult to find the words to express the sadness that this group is feeling. Everybody here at Sundance is truly a family. They are a very very close community," Deborah Floyd, Sundance Airport spokesperson, told News 4 on Monday. "We do ask for thoughts and prayers for all of those involved here. we are working with all the agencies necessary, to provide any information they may need to work through the scene."
The 1978 IAI-1124 Westwind is owned by the airport, according FAA registration records. The twin-engine turbofan, medium-sized corporate jet seats seven to ten passengers and has a crew of two. When reached by phone Monday, Sundance Airport owner Jerry Hunter told News 4 he knows those killed in the crash and said he would "gladly trade places with either."
It's unclear what may have caused the crash. It's also unknown if the pilot radioed a mayday distress call before the crash.
Federal investigators are scheduled to arrive Tuesday to begin sifting through crash site wreckage and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will be in charge of the investigation, was notified Monday.
The owner of the airpark and the plane issued this statement on Tuesday on social media.
Losing someone close is one of life’s most difficult challenges but losing 2 people you care about so unexpectedly is crippling.
For our Sundance family, this is today’s reality, and the reality of the days to come. My heart goes out to the families and close friends of the two we lost in yesterday’s tragedy.
I was honored to call these skilled aviators my friends. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and those that hold them dear. They will be remembered and their loss will never be forgotten. Jerry Hunter
Story and video ➤ https://kfor.com
43-year-old Britton Lee and 60-year-old Doug Durning were both on board the aircraft when it crashed and landed upside down just off the runway.
Lee was the founder of PILOTMAKEROKC and taught flight training according to her website.
The website says Lee had been a pilot since 2001 and a flight instructor since 2007 with almost 3000 hours of flight experience in 50 different types of aircraft.
Lee spent eight years in the Army National Guard according to her website and had also been an intensive care and cardiology unit nurse.
Durning owned Freedom Flyers LLC which offers flight training, professional pilot services, aircraft management, and aircraft maintenance.
Durning's website doesn't go into detail on his background.
Sundance airport has released a statement that reads:
As many now know, Doug Durning and Britton Lee were the 2 pilots lost in yesterday’s tragedy. Doug and Britton were beloved by many, especially by everyone here at Sundance Airport. Doug and Britton were highly skilled aviators, and both had decades of experience piloting aircraft. Most recently, they flew the Westwind corporate style aircraft together for the last 2 years. We appreciate your continued prayers for the family and all those that have been impacted by this tragic loss.
Currently the NTSB investigation remains active. Sundance airport anticipates reopening very soon.
NTSB told FOX 25 they have gathered facts and documented the scene. A preliminary report on the investigation can be expected within 10 days according to NTSB.
The plane will be moved from the airport this evening or Wednesday for further examination the NTSB said.
Story and video ➤ https://ktul.com
Emergency crews were called to Sundance Airport, 13000 Sara Rd., shortly after 3:30 p.m. after a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at the airport, officials said. Two people were on board.
An Oklahoma City Fire Department official said a man was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman, who was also on board, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from her injuries. The names of the victims have not been released.
"Obviously, this is a tremendously somber day at Sundance Airport. It is truly difficult to find the words to express the sadness that this group is feeling. Everybody here at Sundance is truly a family. They are a very very close community," said Deborah Floyd, Sundance Airport spokesperson. "We do ask for thoughts and prayers for all of those involved here. we are working with all the agencies necessary, to provide any information they may need to work through the scene."
According to online flight records and the FAA, the aircraft took off from Northwest Beaches International Airport in Panama City, Florida shortly after 1:30 p.m. Central time. The IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while attempting to land at Sundance, officials said. The plane did not catch fire.
"We did have a post-crash jet fuel leak, which our hazmat team responded to here for and has since contained that," said Oklahoma City Fire Capt. David Macy. "Did send a rescue crew in to search the aircraft to make 100 percent sure we only had two victims on board."
The 1978 IAI-1124 Westwind is owned by the airport, according FAA registration records. The twin-engine turbofan, medium-sized corporate jet seats seven to ten passengers and has a crew of two. When reached by phone Monday, Sundance Airport owner Jerry Hunter told News 4 he knows those killed in the crash and said he would "gladly trade places with either."
Hunter, who owns Edmond-based U.S. Fleet Tracking, purchased the Canadian County airport in 2013. More than 200 fixed-wing aircraft, including eight jets, are based at the single runway airport, according to federal data.
It's unclear what may have caused the crash. Winds were light out of the south and aircraft could have landed in either direction on the north-south runway. It's also unknown if the pilot radioed a mayday distress call before the crash.
"At this time we don't know of anything," said airport general manager Justin Skaggs.
Aerial video of the crash site showed dirt skid marks and debris field starting about 75 feet east of the runway, and extending about 200 feet to the southeast where the jet came to a rest, upside down. The forward section of the fuselage nearly separated from the rest of the plane.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesperson for the mid-states division said investigators are on their way to the crash site and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will be in charge of the investigation, has been notified.
"It's just a tragic day and we're terribly sorry," said Floyd, the airport spokesperson. "Right now, being that it is an active scenario. People are still being notified. But it is someone that we all know."
Floyd said the names of the victims will likely be released Tuesday.
Story and video ➤ https://kfor.com
OKLAHOMA CITY — A man and a woman are dead after a plane crash on Monday at Sundance Airport in Oklahoma City, according to officials.
Around 3:40 p.m., a IAI 1124 Westwind crashed while landing at Sundance Airport, Federal Aviation Administration officials said. Two people were on the plane, both have died.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman died after being taken to an Oklahoma City hospital, according to authorities. Their identities have not been released.
According to online records, the plane is owned by Sundance Airport and had made two flights Monday. The plane traveled round-trip between Sundance Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport near Panama City, Florida.
Federal Aviation Administration investigators are heading to the Yukon airport, and the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified. Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board will be in charge of the investigation, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Story and video ➤ https://www.koco.com
Very sad day, I don’t like the thrust reverser on the left engine is partially open, you could deploy the reverses in flight if armed.
ReplyDeleteVery sad indeed.....I would be interested to know if the fuel cross feed switch was selected "ON" and a fuel imbalance occurred......T.O. and LANDING limited to 300 pounds of fuel imbalance......800 pounds enroute.
ReplyDelete"a fuel imbalance occurred"
ReplyDeleteHighly unlikely to cause this crash.
A high fuel imbalance can exceed aileron authority at low speeds. A T/R deployment in the air, or asymmetrical deployment on the ground, can also cause serious issues. But it could be none of the above, and often is something unrelated to what you can see in the pictures and videos.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the caught the left wing tip ... For whatever reason ... Then inverted during the cartwheel.
ReplyDelete"Looks like the caught the left wing tip ... For whatever reason ... Then inverted during the cartwheel."
ReplyDeleteNo it doesn't.
5000 foot runway, wanting a midfield turnoff? Let me show you how to pop the reversers in the flare to shorten landing distance?
ReplyDeletePreliminary news report says:
ReplyDeleteThe twin engine airplane departed Panama City-Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport at 1330LT bound for Sundance Airport located northwest of Oklahoma City. The aircraft was inflight near the threshold of the runway when the left engine upper half of the thrust reverser deployed for unknown reasons (most likely a mechanical failure), this rapidly caused asymmetrical thrust, a rapid roll to the left which was unrecoverable. The aircraft first contacted the ground inverted off the left side of the runway heading about 45 degrees off the runway heading. The airplane slid about two hundred feet while inverted. There is no ground scaring on the runway or leading off the runway. Both occupants were killed.
Similar incident with no conclusion: https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20140618X63251&ntsbno=ERA14FA300&akey=1
ReplyDelete