Saturday, May 18, 2019

Loss of Engine Power (Partial): Van’s RV-6A, N596JB; fatal accident occurred May 18, 2019 in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio






































Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Cincinnati, Ohio
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama 
Van's Aircraft; Aurora, Oregon 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Chillicothe, Ohio
Accident Number: CEN19FA144
Date & Time: May 18, 2019, 12:45 Local
Registration: N596JB
Aircraft: Vans RV6 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot departed an experimental, amateur-built airplane on a cross-country flight in day visual meteorological conditions. A witness near the accident site said the airplane "engine slowed or stalled," then the engine "refired" and subsequently "stalled" Again. He then observed the airplane in a left bank turn and the engine sounded "wide open" until the airplane impacted trees and terrain.

Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane's full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system components were operational.

Although toxicology testing detected ethanol, its presence could be attributed to postmortem production. During a flight review a few weeks before the accident, the pilot told a flight instructor that he previously had trouble with the airplane's ignition system. The flight instructor reported that there were no ignition issues during the flight review.

Based on the available information, it is likely that the airplane had intermittent engine issues, which could not be replicated during postaccident examination and testing. When the engine lost power, the pilot did not maintain airplane control and impacted trees and terrain.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an intermittent loss of engine power during cruise flight that resulted in him impacting trees. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Findings

Aircraft (general) - Malfunction
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft (general) - Not attained/maintained
Not determined (general) - Unknown/Not determined
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute Unknown or undetermined
Enroute Loss of engine power (partial) (Defining event)
Enroute Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

On May 18, 2019, about 1245 eastern daylight time, a Vans RV6A experimental, amateur-built airplane, N596JB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Chillicothe, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The airplane departed Pickaway County Memorial Airport (CYO), Circleville, Ohio, about 1235 and was destined for Pike County Airport (EOP), Waverly, Ohio.

According to a witness near the accident site, the airplane "engine slowed or stalled," then the engine "refired" and subsequently "stalled" Again. He observed the airplane in a left bank turn and stated that the engine sounded "wide open" until the crash.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 90, 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: Yes
Medical Certification: Sport pilot Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 6, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 24, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1967 hours (Total, all aircraft)

The pilot's last third-class FAA medical certificate was issued to him on February 6, 2017, with no limitations and expired on February 28, 2019. According to information from the FAA, the pilot completed the BasicMed comprehensive medical examination checklist on December 13, 2017, completed the BasicMed course on February 27, 2018, and satisfied the requirements for BasicMed.

A review of the pilot's logbook showed that he completed a flight review on April 24, 2019.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans 
Registration: N596JB
Model/Series: RV6 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2000 
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special) 
Serial Number: 24723
Landing Gear Type:
Tricycle Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: September 4, 2018 Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 830 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Mattituck
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: TMXOF-360
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 180 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

According to the flight instructor who conducted the pilot's flight review, the pilot indicated that he previously had trouble with the accident airplane's engine ignition system but that it was working properly at that time. The flight instructor did not notice any problems with the engine ignition during the flight review.

The airplane was equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, which controlled the ignition spark and fuel mixture in the engine.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: RZT,725 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 12:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 325°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4600 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 250° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Circleville, OH (CYO) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Waverly, OH (EOP) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 12:35 Local
Type of Airspace: 

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: 39.284168,-82.874443

The airplane wreckage came to rest in a wooded area about 145° and 12 nautical miles from Ross County Airport (RZT).

During the on-scene investigation, investigators found fragments of the airplane in both a tree trunk that had been separated about 30 ft above ground level and in the branches of the upper portion of the separated tree. The rear section of the fuselage and empennage came to rest about 57 ft and 70° from the separated tree, and the engine came to rest about 33 ft and 70° from the separated tree. The engine cowling, canopy, wings, and forward portion of the fuselage were highly fragmented and found in the branches of trees and on the ground between the separated tree and the empennage. Tree leaves near the empennage exhibited an appearance consistent with blight.

The rudder cables were traced from the rudder to the rear section of the fuselage. Elevator flight control continuity was traced from its servo at the rear portion of the fuselage aft to its control surface. All separations in flight control tubing were consistent with overload.

The engine control cable was fragmented and was not able to be traced. The engine speed sensor also exhibited minor damage. The engine was disassembled and no preimpact anomalies were observed.

Medical and Pathological Information

The Montgomery County Coroner's Office, Dayton, Ohio, performed an autopsy on the pilot. The autopsy listed the pilot's cause of death as multiple trauma.

Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory indicated that the samples sustained putrefaction and ethanol was detected in muscle, liver, and lung tissue. No tested-for substances were detected in the liver.

Tests and Research

One accident FADEC master power control (MPC) was destroyed and one sustained minor damage; it and the speed sensor were shipped to the engine manufacturer, and found the MPC was operationally capable of producing spark at each spark plug tower. The manufacturer connected the speed sensor to a testing system and it operated correctly when a metal target was moved near its sensors.

====================

Location: Chillicothe, OH
Accident Number: CEN19FA144
Date & Time: 05/18/2019, 1245 EDT
Registration: N596JB
Aircraft: Vans RV6
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 18, 2019, about 1245 eastern daylight time, a Vans RV6 A experimental amateur-built airplane, N596JB, impacted trees and terrain near Chillicothe, Ohio. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed during the accident. 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 the Pickaway County Memorial Airport (CYO), near Circleville, Ohio, about 1230 and was destined for the Pike County Airport, near Waverly, Ohio.

The airplane departed from CYO according to initial information from a witness at CYO. The witness indicated that the airplane lifted off from the runway in a short distance.

According to a witness near the accident site, the airplane "engine slowed or stalled." The engine "refired" and subsequently "stalled." The airplane was observed in a left bank turn and the engine sounded "wide open." The airplane sound was "wide open" to the crash site.

The pilot held a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land rating. The pilot's last third-class FAA medical certificate was issued to him on February 6, 2017 with no limitations. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 1,967 hours of total fight time and 22 hours in the six months before that exam. The pilot's logbook showed that he had a flight review completed on April 24, 2019. The pilot applied for Basic Med courses.

N596JB was an experimental amateur-built Vans RV6 A, two-seat, low-wing, fixed tricycle gear airplane, with serial number 24723. It was powered by a Mattituck TMXOF-360, 180-horsepower engine with serial number 39-6. The engine drove a two-bladed, fixed pitch Prince Aircraft Company propeller. Airplane records showed that the airplane's most condition inspection was performed on September 4, 2018, and that the airplane had accumulated 830 hours total time at that date.

At 1235, the recorded weather at the Ross County Airport (RZT), Chillicothe, Ohio, was: Wind 250° at 10 kts; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition scattered clouds at 4,600 ft, scattered clouds at 6,500 ft; temperature 27° C; dew point 16° C; altimeter 29.97 inches of mercury.

The airplane wreckage came to rest in a wooded area about 145° and 12 nautical miles from RZT. A tree trunk about 12 inches in diameter was separated about 30 ft above ground level. The separated end of the upper portion of that tree came to rest on the ground. Fragments of the airplane were found in the separation and in branches of the upper portion of the separated tree. The rear section of fuselage and empennage came to rest about 57 ft and 70° from the separated tree. The engine came to rest about 33 ft and 70° from the separated tree. The engine cowling, canopy, wings, and forward portion of the fuselage were highly fragmented and found in the branches of trees and on the ground between the separated tree and the empennage. The rudder cables were traced from the rudder to the rear section of the fuselage. Elevator flight control continuity was traced from its servo at the rear portion of the fuselage, aftward to its control surface. All separations in flight control tubing exhibited separations consistent with overload. The engine control cable was fragmented and was not able to be traced. Tree leaves in the area of the empennage exhibited an appearance consistent with fuel blight. One engine FADEC (full authority digital engine control) was found destroyed and the other FADEC sustained minor damage. The engine speed sensor also exhibited minor damage. The engine was disassembled and no preimpact anomalies were observed.

The Ross County Coroner's Office was asked to conduct an autopsy on the pilot and to take toxicological samples.

The engine FADEC and speed sensor are being retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans
Registration: N596JB
Model/Series: RV6 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:  Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: RZT, 725 ft msl
Observation Time: 1235 EDT
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 16°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4600 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 250°
Lowest Ceiling:  
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Circleville, OH (CYO)
Destination: Waverly, OH (EOP)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 39.284167, -82.874444

Glen Ray Galloway
September 7, 1928 - May 18, 2019 
Born in Huntington, West Virginia 
Resided in Waverly, Ohio


Glen Ray Galloway, 90, of Barker Lane, Waverly, Ohio died approximately 1:00 p.m. Saturday in Ross County, Ohio as a result of an airplane accident.

He was born 7 September 1928 in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of the late Norman Ray Galloway and Corinne (Mays) Galloway. On 19 October 1950 Glen was united in marriage to Dorothy (Bess) Galloway who preceded him in death on 19 January 1968. He then was united in marriage to Mary Ethel (Hall) Perry Galloway on 1 May 1969 who also preceded him in death on 7 Jan 2018.

Surviving are a son, Glenn Erwin Galloway and wife Claudia of Gainesville, Florida, daughters, Vickie Himmelman and husband John of Columbus, Ohio, Laura Bennett and husband Tom of Athens, Ohio, and Debbie Niese and husband Michael of Cincinnati, Ohio, grandchildren, Sean Himmelman, Joe Himmelman and wife Jenna Johnson and David Himmelman and wife Sierra, Natalie Bennett, Jessica Galloway, Michelle Niese and husband Kevin Kamonseki and Matthew Niese and wife Ashley, four great grandchildren and a special Friend, Helen Murray.

Glen was a Veteran of WW II, U.S. Army, was a Lieutenant of the U.S. Navy Reserves, member of American Legion Merritt Post #142, Waverly, former member of the Civil Air Patrol, avid pilot and a graduate of Marshall University. After 30+ years, Glen retired from a rewarding career with Merck, Sharp and Dohme.

Family members feel very blessed to have had Glen for so many years, while he enjoyed a meaningful life. His enthusiasm and zest for life were infectious. He will be sorely missed, but his memory will live on. 

Memorial services will be held 2:00 p. m. Thursday, 23 May 2019 at the BOYER FUNERAL HOME in Waverly with Pastor Doug Campbell, officiating.
Family will receive friends at the Boyer Funeral Home one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250. 

https://www.boyerfuneral.com



CHILLICOTHE - One person died in a small plane crash located on a portion of property owned by Southeastern Local Schools.

The single-engine plane crashed in a wooded area around 1 p.m. on Saturday, according to State Highway Patrol Lieutenant Tim Karwatske. There were no damages to any structures other than the plane.

The pilot was identified as Glenn Galloway, a 90-year-old man from Waverly. He was the only occupant in the aircraft, according to Karwatske.

The district track meet, which included local teams such as Paint Valley, Adena and Huntington, was going on at the time. 

Witnesses to the event, who were working concessions at the time, say they heard an aircraft that sounded like it was low flying. There was a mechanical whizzing sound and then, a large boom when the impact occurred. People immediately ran from the track to the field where the incident occurred, according to witnesses.

 Karwatske says that officers guarded the crash throughout the night until aviation officials could clear the scene.

No determination has been made if the crash is a result of mechanical failure or pilot error. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

Original article ➤ https://www.chillicothegazette.com




ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — One person has died following a small plane crash in Ross County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

OSHP says it happened Saturday afternoon off of Lancaster Road just south of U.S. 50. The first call came in shortly before 1 p.m.

Authorities tell 10TV the victim has been identified as 90-year-old Glen Galloway of Waverly, the pilot of the plane.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.


Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.10tv.com





Authorities say one man was killed in a small aircraft crash near a high school in Ross County.

According to the Ross County Sheriff's Office, spectators at a track and field meet at Southeastern Local High School reported the crash around 12:45pm. Witnesses told investigators they heard the plane's engine cut out and then saw the plane crash. 

Investigators say the pilot, identified as 90-year-old Glen R. Galloway, of Waverly, Ohio, was the only person on board at the time of the crash. He died on impact. 

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane was a Van's RV-6A. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. 

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.nbc4i.com

12 comments:

  1. 90 and still flying, that's a life lived, not lost !

    ReplyDelete
  2. Not so fast .....

    Let's face the facts and reality- at 90, he should have been flying with an instructor, as many would see a person of this age driving and ask "should that person really be driving a car?"

    The investigation will focus on the health of the pilot at 90. It will focus on the what class medical Mr. Galloway possessed, if any, and the physician who signed it off, whether it be Basic Med or other.

    It will focus on recent flight reviews, etc.

    Fortunately Mr. Galloway was alone in the plane and no one on the ground was affected.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The focus should be on what actually happened, not some Possible B/S a clown like you conjured up to bluer the facts. He has done it this long, I am sure he knew well what he was doing and not guessing like you. His age didn't make the engine quit so no need to set up the ambulance chasing crowd Etc. Mr. Wonderful

    ReplyDelete
  4. I second Mr. Wonderful. Altho I wouldn't insult a clown. What could this ---- --- know about this guy? Might be more fit to fly than 25 year old!

    ReplyDelete
  5. True facts = Older white males have discretionary $$$$$ spending; whereas the majority of young to middle aged (37 and under) white males are unable to rub two pennies together ... and most are still living home with mommy and daddy. Take a drive to your local FBO and hangout for awhile, observe the regular folks, their age and gender, ... you will see for yourself the older white males have $dinero$.

    ReplyDelete
  6. …This is, as you stated true for the most part. The reasons for this are relatively simple and their success is nothing to be blamed for! The first and foremost reason for their success is the fact that their parents taught them a work ethic and a respect for others, god, and country as well as patriotism. Without this, what you see is what you get, and to be expected. This trend is true, and is only going to get worse with time as the nut-case dems give everything to the undeserving and unearned. All the people you speak of " Older white males have discretionary $$$$$ spending" that I know worked, had a skill or trade that was taught to them, and the success was directly attributable to it and perseverance. This type is what made this country, and what sustained it for the two hundred years it was at the top of the heap! Those days are gone as well as most of those people that built it. Telling it like it is, is not a lack of political correctness, but rather a look at reality. Mr. Wonderful

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm in my 70's and flying all the time. I hope I am still doing it at 90. If I am killed, and it doesn't hurt anyone else, don't feel sorry for me.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ernest Smith of Red oak IA, flew solo at age 99. Capt John Miller of Poukeepsie NY flew solo at age 99, He had a bad car wreck at age 99 and after recovery flew with a safety pilot. He died at age 102 after a brief illness.
    Age means very little as far as ability to fly and airplane safely. I would much rather take my chances with a 90 year old pilot who never smoked or drank alcohol than with a 50 year old three pack a day smoker who is also an alcoholic.
    Barry Schiff is in his early 80's. A walking textbook of aeronautical knowledge.

    ReplyDelete

  9. Ask the insurance company if flying at (well) advanced age is a good idea.

    It is not a political question.

    Others show what the FAA characterizes as "resignation".

    Since when has "pairing up" been a bad idea?

    I would suggest not pairing up is a bad idea.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Glad to see a bunch of old white guys so blinded by their selfishness and typical baby boomer attitude of “it’s all about me,” that they will happily put the lives of the general public at risk so that they can enjoy flying up until the point that they kill themselves. You old guys are right you are just as in shape and alert and you were when you were twenty. Right. I wonder why the FAA makes airline pilots stop flying hundreds of passengers at 65? Can’t possibly be because they are physically and mentally deteriorating? Nah! I would venture that 85% of pilots over 70 are falsifying their medical information to keep flying.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous comments about “old white guys” falsifying medical information to keep flying sounds more like an old white guy who is jealous because he can’t afford to fly. Applying the airline 65 rule to private flying is like saying a retired Indy 500 driver shouldn’t be driving to the grocery store. Sheesh!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unfortunately, my 83-year father badly injured a family of five while he was literally driving to the grocery(the accident was fatal for Dad). I had taken his keys from him about a week before after a minor accident (he "didn't see" the light pole in middle of the empty area of a parking lot :/ ), but the crafty old fox had made and hidden more sets just in case I did this. I was in the process of selling his car at the time (should have moved it, in hindsight).

    Our freedom meets its limits where the other guy's nose begins. I don't know about this pilot's abilities, so I can't comment if he should have been flying or not. But if the plane had come to ground four hundred yards away, there could have been multiple fatalities.

    ReplyDelete