Saturday, June 29, 2019

Loss of Control in Flight: Unregistered Quicksilver Sport 2S Light Sport; accident occurred June 22, 2019 in Barnesville, Belmont County, Ohio

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio

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


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

Location: Barnesville, OH
Accident Number: CEN19LA181
Date & Time: 06/22/2019, 1725 EDT
Registration: UNREG
Aircraft: QUICKSILVER Sport
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On June 22, 2019, about 1725 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Quicksilver Sport 2S Light Sport Airplane, impacted terrain shortly after departing a private residence near Barnesville, Ohio. The pilot received serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

A witness recorded a video of the accident. A review of the video showed the airplane's takeoff from a grass airstrip. As the airplane departed the runway surface, it started a left turn, the bank continued to increase as the airplane disappeared out of the camera frame. The airplane was out of view when it impacted terrain. The airplane's engine was heard throughout the accident sequence, with no engine power changes noted.

The responding FAA inspector reported that the pilot had bought the airplane, later identified as a Quicksilver Sport 2S, sometime in the fall of 2018. Adding that the dealer helped assemble the airplane and saying that the pilot needed to complete the certification and registration process. There was no record that the pilot applied for airplane airworthiness certificate or registration certificates. The airplane was not marked with a registration number.

The pilot reported that he did not have any memory of the accident.

A review of FAA records noted that the pilot held a private pilot certificate with rating for airplane single-engine land. The pilot did not have a current class medical on file; however, the pilot may have been eligible under the sport pilot medical rules.

Examination of the wreckage found substantial damage to the fuselage/wings of the airplane. Flight control continuity to the control surfaces was confirmed. The fuel tank contained only residual fuel; however, the fuel lines to the tanks were broken during the accident sequence.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Unknown
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: QUICKSILVER
Registration: UNREG
Model/Series: Sport 2S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:
Serial Number: 00
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: 582
Registered Owner: N/A
Rated Power:
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: KCDI
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1739 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration
Departure Point: Barnesville, OH
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Barnesville, OH
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1725 EDT
Type of Airspace:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 39.987500, -81.180556



Location: Barnesville, OH
Accident Number: CEN19LA181
Date & Time: 06/22/2019, 1725 EDT
Registration: None
Aircraft: Unknown 2 seat
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On June 22, 2019, about 1725 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Light Sport Airplane, impacted terrain shortly after departing a private residence near Barnesville, Ohio. The pilot received serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.

A witness reported that the pilot departed the private airstrip; when the airplane was about 40 ft in the air, "the airplane crashed". The airplane was described as a two-seat ultralight, without a Federal Aviation Administration registration number.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Unknown
Registration: None
Model/Series: 2 seat
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
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: KCDI
Observation Time: 1739 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Barnesville, OH
Destination: Barnesville, OH

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 39.987500, -81.180556

BARNESVILLE, Ohio — Ohio State Police has identified the victim of a Saturday evening plane crash.

Police officials say that 63-year-old Tim Ackerman of Barnesville, Ohio took off from his personal airfield, Howell Airport, at 7:35 p.m.

Shortly after takeoff, Ackerman's ultralight aircraft made a turn and then nosedived into the ground.

“After taking off he got up to approximately 40 feet in the air, made a slight left-hand turn and then plummeted down to the ground where he crashed,” Sgt. Drew Hertlein of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene located at the intersection of State Route 800 and Flat Rock Road.

“He was awake and conscious, still somewhat seat-belted into his machine,” said Somerton EMS Squad Captain Roy Clark. “His girlfriend was with him talking to him, he talked to me several times.”

About a dozen emergency responders worked to free Ackerman from the wreckage within the first ten minutes on scene.

“He was in a lot of pain because of being entangled in the wreckage, both legs were entangled, pretty much a mess,” said Clark.

Clark was the lead paramedic working to free Ackerman, someone he has known for many years.

“He’s very caring, down to earth person, works hard daily,” said Clark. “He’s a good guy, he helps us out at the church a lot and everything else.”

Neighbors also say that Ackerman was a good friend and enjoyed flying.

“He just goes out and joyrides whenever he can, goes out to eat,” said neighbor Jason Doty. “I’ve talked to him a couple times about it. He’ll take people out. Say you want to go for a ride, he’ll take people out, he’ll take them where they want to go.”

Ackerman suffered severe injuries to both of his legs and was flown to a Morgantown hospital where he underwent surgeries throughout the night as well as through the day on Sunday. He is expected to survive his injuries.

This kind of event is uncommon for the area, but state police say this is the second plane crash in the past several months.

“I would say it’s uncommon, but just within the past couple months this is the second plane crash that we’ve had,” said Sgt. Drew Hertlein. “The prior one was down in Monroe County at the Monroe County Airport.”

The Federal Aviation Administration said they are investigating the accident, however, a determination of what caused the accident could take several months to surface.

Story and video ➤ https://wtov9.com

Loss of Control in Flight: Beechcraft 58 Baron, N4614S; fatal accident occurred June 28, 2019 near Hiawatha Municipal Airport (K87), Brown County, Kansas


Bruce Leo Lutz

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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Continental Aircraft Engines; Mobile, Alabama 

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


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


https://registry.faa.gov/N4614S

Location: Hiawatha, KS
Accident Number: CEN19FA189
Date & Time: 06/28/2019, 1715 CDT
Registration: N4614S
Aircraft: Beechcraft 58
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On June 28, 2019, about 1715 central daylight time, a Beechcraft BE-58 airplane, N4614S, impacted terrain during an approach to the Hiawatha Municipal Airport (K87), Hiawatha, Kansas. The pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cross-country personal flight.

The pilot was not in contact with air traffic control during the cross-country flight from Augusta Municipal Airport (3AU), Augusta, Kansas. Review of radar information revealed that the airplane proceeded in a northeast direction from the origin airport toward K87the destination; however, the flight track stopped about 3/4-mile northeast of K87 and the final minutes of the flight were not captured.

A witness reported that the airplane approached the airport from the south and then proceeded north-northeast as if to enter the traffic pattern. He added that the airplane appeared to climb and then started a left turn. Just after starting the turn, the airplane flipped inverted, the nose dropped, and the airplane descended from view behind terrain. The witness saw smoke and called 911.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):None 
Toxicology Performed:Yes 
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot:No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  1498.4 hours (Total, all aircraft), 318.8 hours (Total, this make and model), 1351.7 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

The pilot last medical certificate was issued on March 09, 2017, with no limitations. The pilot's second-class medical certificate expired on March 31, 2019, but he had completed the BasicMed flight medical. The pilot's BasicMed course date was April 16, 2019, and the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) was completed on April 12, 2019. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beechcraft
Registration:N4614S 
Model/Series:58 
Aircraft Category:Airplane 
Year of Manufacture:1975 
Amateur Built:No 
Airworthiness Certificate:Normal 
Serial Number:TH-684 
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/10/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3591.8 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-520
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 285 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFNB
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1753 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 24°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Augusta, KS (3AU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Hiawatha, KS (K87)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1623 CDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Hiawatha Municipal Airport (K87)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1130 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3400 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 39.887778, -95.517222 

The airplane wreckage was located in a corn field about 1-mile northeast of K87. The airplane impacted terrain on its bottom fuselage and came to rest upright on a 171° heading. A post-crash fire consumed a majority of the cabin and the inboard section of the wings. The wreckage was confined to one area, and all major components were accounted for on-site.

Figure 1: Wreckage

Flight control continuity was limited through the center section of the fuselage due to fire damage, however, the connection at each of the respective flight control surfaces was confirmed.

The cockpit/instrument panel was impact and fire damaged. The landing gear handle appeared to be in the down/landing gear extended position. A review of the landing gear actuator position corroborated the landing gear was in the down position. The right flap actuator was partially extended, which corresponded to a flap's 15° extended position.

The left and right engines remained attached to their respective airframe locations, and both engines had impact and fire damage. The right 3-bladed propeller separated from the engine crankshaft flange and was located underneath the airplane. The left 3-bladed propeller remained attached to the engine; neither propeller was in the feathered position

Both engines were rotated by hand, and thumb compression and suction were noted on each cylinder. The valve covers were removed and continuity through the valve train to the accessory section was observed. The left engine's left magneto produced spark at each terminal; the engine's right magneto was fire damaged and would not rotate. The right engine's left magneto produced spark at each terminal. The right magneto was fire damaged and did not produce spark at the terminals; however, spark was observed at the magneto points.

Each engine's fuel system, including the fuel manifold, fuel pump, fuel nozzles, and fuel screen were field examined, and no pre-impact abnormalities were noted. The top set of sparkplugs were removed from both engines, and normal combustion and wear signatures were observed.

Though the examination was limited by thermal and impact damage, no pre-impact abnormalities were observed during the airframe or engines examinations that would have precluded normal operations. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Frontier Forensics Midwest Morgue of Kansas City, Kansas, under the authority of the Brown County Coroner's Office, conducted an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was due to blunt traumatic injuries and severe burns.


The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing. The specimens were not tested for cyanide. The tests were negative for ethanol and tested drugs.









Location: Hiawatha, KS
Accident Number: CEN19FA189
Date & Time: 06/28/2019, 1715 CDT
Registration: N4614S
Aircraft: Beechcraft 58
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On June 28, 2019, about 1715 central daylight time, a Beechcraft BE-58 airplane, N4614S, impacted terrain during an approach to the Hiawatha Municipal Airport (K87), Hiawatha, Kansas. The pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by Mako Certificate LLC, as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cross-country fight. The flight departed the Augusta Municipal Airport (3AU), Augusta, KS, at 1623 en route to K87.


The pilot was not in contact with air traffic control (ATC) during the flight; however, a preliminary review of radar information revealed the pilot's flight from 3AU, northeast, towards K87.


The airplane wreckage was located in an open corn field about 1 mile north of K87. The airplane came to rest upright, on a 171° heading, with a post-crash fire consuming most of the cabin and inboard sections of both wings. The wreckage was confined to one area, and all major components were accounted for on-site.


The left and right engines remained attached to their respective airframe locations, and both had impact and fire damage. The right 3-bladed propeller separated from the engine crankshaft flange and was located underneath the right nacelle. The left 3-bladed propeller remained attached to the engine. 


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Beechcraft

Registration: N4614S
Model/Series: 58
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFNB
Observation Time: 1753 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 24°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / 18 knots, 200°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Augusta, KS (3AU)
Destination: Hiawatha, KS (K87) 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal

Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 39.887778, -95.517222

On the evening of June 28, 2019 Bruce Leo Lutz, age 67, was tragically killed in a plane crash in Hiawatha, Kansas.  

Bruce was born on August 7, 1951 in Boonville, MO, the son of Leo & Jean Lutz. 

Bruce graduated from Tipton High School in 1969. He attended the University of Rolla, and went on to graduate from the University of Missouri, Columbia with an engineering degree in 1973. 

Bruce married in 1980 and was the father of 3 children. Bradley Lutz (wife Ashley) of Westminster, CO, Stacy Simmer (husband Heath) of Hiawatha, KS, and Rebecca Trickle (husband Taylor) of Wichita, KS. 

Bruce was a loyal Missouri Tiger fan & alumni - yet somehow found a way to make his home in arch rival territory, Kansas. He began his career in Hesston, KS where he worked for Hesston Corp for 15 years. 

Bruce then transitioned into the aviation industry in Wichita where he worked for Beechcraft & Cessna, and finally in private consulting. 

Bruce took no greater pride than that of the love of his children and grandchildren. He made certain to take advantage of every opportunity to attend their activities. This genuine love of family extended to his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Bruce was an avid pilot, fisherman, gardener, and photographer. He enjoyed cooking, wine, and preparing gourmet meals and entertaining guests.

Bruce was preceded in death by by his father Leo B Lutz, and brother-in-law Ralph Knipp. He is survived by his mother Jean G Lutz (Tipton, MO). He is also survived by aforementioned children and spouses and 7 grandchildren, Hannah & Leo Simmer (Stacy & Heath), Benjamin & Jacob Lutz (Bradley & Ashley), and Truett, Adalyn, and Zion (Rebecca & Taylor), and the mother of his children (Debbie Berry of Andover, KS). 

Bruce is also survived by 5 siblings, Nancy Knipp (Jefferson City, MO), Burl Lutz (Ashland, MO), Wanda Higgins (Jefferson City, MO), Mike Lutz (Shelly) (California, MO), Joe Lutz (Tipton, MO). 

Visitation & rosary will be held at St Vincent de Paul, where Bruce was a member, on Tuesday, July 2nd at 6pm. Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 at 2 pm at St Vincent de Paul in Andover, KS. Bruce will be buried at a graveside service 11am, Friday July 5th, 2019 at St Andrews Cemetery, Tipton, MO. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the American Red Cross.


https://www.cozinememorial.com

Bruce Leo Lutz

Bruce Leo Lutz, age 67, was tragically killed in a plane crash in Hiawatha, Kansas on the evening of June 28, 2019. Bruce was born on August 7, 1951, in Boonville, Mo., the son of Leo and Jean Lutz. Bruce graduated from Tipton High School in 1969. He attended the University of Rolla, and went on to graduate from the University of Missouri, Columbia with an engineering degree in 1973. 

Bruce married in 1980, and was the father of three children: Bradley Lutz (wife Ashley) of Westminster, Colo., Stacy Simmer (husband Heath) of Hiawatha, Kan., and Rebecca Trickle (husband Taylor) of Wichita, Kan. Bruce was a loyal Missouri Tiger fan and alumni - yet somehow found a way to make his home in arch rival territory, Kansas. He began his career in Hesston, Kan. where he worked for Hesston Corp for 15 years. 

Bruce then transitioned into the aviation industry in Wichita where he worked for Beechcraft & Cessna, and finally in private consulting. Bruce took no greater pride than that of the love of his children and grandchildren. He made certain to take advantage of every opportunity to attend their activities. This genuine love of family extended to his siblings, nieces, and nephews. 

Bruce was an avid pilot, fisherman, gardener, and photographer. He enjoyed cooking, wine, and preparing gourmet meals and entertaining guests. 

Bruce was preceded in death by by his father, Leo B. Lutz, and brother-in-law, Ralph Knipp. He is survived by his mother, Jean G. Lutz (Tipton, Mo). He is also survived by aforementioned children and spouses and seven grandchildren, Hannah and Leo Simmer (Stacy and Heath), Benjamin and Jacob Lutz (Bradley and Ashley), and Truett, Adalyn, and Zion (Rebecca and Taylor); and the mother of his children, Debbie Berry of Andover, Kan. Bruce is also survived by five siblings, Nancy Knipp (Jefferson City, Mo.), Burl Lutz (Ashland, Mo.), Wanda Higgins (Jefferson City, Mo.), Mike Lutz (Shelly) (California, Mo.), Joe Lutz (Tipton, Mo). Visitation and Rosary will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Andover, Kan., where Bruce was a member, on Tuesday, July 2, at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at 2 p.m. also at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2019, at St. Andrews Cemetery, Tipton, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the American Red Cross. Condolences may be shared at www.CozineMemorial.com. Services are under the care of Broadway Mortuary.



HIAWATHA, Kansas  (WIBW)     One person was killed Friday evening when a small plane crashed about a mile north of the Hiawatha airport in Brown County.

According to the Brown County Sheriff's Office, the plane went down around 5:30 p.m. in a cornfield, north of 260th Road, between Hwy. 73 and Mallard Rd.

Bruce L. Lutz, 67, of Andover, Kansas, was declared dead at the scene. His body was transported to Frontier Forensics.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the Kansas Highway Patrol and Federal Aviation Administration have been notified. He also complimented the various emergency response teams who arrived on the scene.

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


One person died in a plane crash Friday evening two miles north of Hiawatha, Kansas.

A Beechcraft 58 Baron crashed in a cornfield around 5:15 p.m. one mile north of Hiawatha Municipal Airport, according to Kansas Highway Patrol Lt. Bryce Whelpley.

The plane was fully engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived.

Kansas Highway Patrol first responders were joined by Brown County sheriff’s deputies, Hiawatha police and crews from the Hiawatha Fire Department at the scene.

After putting out the fire, one person was found dead inside.

There is no control tower at the airport.

The pilot’s identification is being withheld, pending notification of family.

Federal investigators from either the Federal Aviation Administration or National Transportation Safety Board will be responding.

“The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are aware of this and are going to be assisting or taking over the investigation soon,” Whelpley said.

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



HIAWATHA, Kansas (KSNT) – A small plane crashed near Highway 73 just north of Hiawatha Friday evening, according to Brown County Dispatch.

The call came in at 5:33 p.m. and the plane crashed in a field, between Highway 73 and Mallard Rd one mile north of the airport, two miles north of Hiawatha.

Brown County Sheriff, John Merchant said there was one fatality, and they are waiting to notify next of kin before anything is confirmed or names released.

The Federal Aviation Administration and Kansas Highway Patrol have been notified.

Story and video ➤ https://www.ksnt.com



One person is dead in a plane crash just north of Hiawatha, Kansas, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Lt. Bryce Whelpley, with the Kansas Highway Patrol, said at 5:16 p.m. Troopers were called to a cornfield field north of 260th Road in Brown county North of Hiawatha. Upon arrival, the plane was engulfed in flames, which first responders were able to quickly extinguish.

The person who died in the crash was the sole occupant of the small aircraft. 

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is continuing the investigation. 

The identity of the pilot and the type of plane are not being released pending the notification of family members.

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

Friday, June 28, 2019

Aerodynamic Stall / Spin: Cessna 172S Skyhawk, N612DF, fatal accident occurred on July 30, 2017 at Danbury Municipal Airport (KDXR), Fairfield County, Connecticut

Pilot Mark Stern, 63, passed away on August 3rd, 2017 in Danbury Hospital after succumbing to injuries sustained from a Cessna 172S Skyhawk crash on July 30th, 2017.


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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Enfield, Connecticut 

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N612DF




Location: Danbury, CT
Accident Number: ERA17LA261
Date & Time: 07/30/2017, 1025 EDT
Registration: N612DF
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 30, 2017, about 1025 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N612DF, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR), Danbury, Connecticut. The pilot died from his injuries 4 days after the accident, and the two passengers received serious injuries. The airplane was owned by a private company and was being operated by Arrow Aviation LLC as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which was originating at the time of the accident.

The rear-seat passenger was a certificated pilot with about 1,500 hours of flight experience. He stated that, when the airplane was cleared for takeoff, the pilot taxied to the runway and applied what sounded like full engine power. The rear-seat passenger could not see the instruments or flight controls from where he was seated. After a short ground roll, the airplane took off, but from what he could see out the side window, it seemed that the airplane was not gaining altitude normally. Less than 1 minute later, the pilot stated, "we're going in."

According to an air traffic controller at DXR, the airplane lost altitude after takeoff while still over runway 26, a 4,422-ft-long runway. He then observed it "appearing to correct" as it had assumed a more nose-up attitude. It then began a left roll, followed by a "full nose up attitude, rolling to the left," before it descended and impacted the ground.

Another witness, who was in a dog park near the accident site, stated that he heard a small airplane "lumbering" and sounding under-powered. He saw the airplane appear to turn sharply 180°, then impact the ground.

According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and rotorcraft-helicopter. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued June 14, 2016, at which time he reported 582 hours of total flight experience. The pilot's logbook was not recovered.

Review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that the most recent annual inspection was completed on July 21, 2017, about 17 flight hours before the accident. At that time, the airframe had accrued about 4,013 hours and the engine had accrued 656 hours since overhaul.

According to fuel records and statements from the operator, the airplane was fueled to capacity on the afternoon of July 28. The accident flight was the first flight since that fueling. The airplane's maximum gross weight was 2,550 lbs. The airplane's estimated weight at the time of the accident, including full fuel and the three occupants (not accounting for any baggage), was about 2,609 lbs. Review of takeoff performance data revealed that, at 2,550 lbs, a pressure altitude of 500 ft mean sea level, and a temperature of 20°C, the airplane required about 1,770 ft to clear a 50-ft obstacle. The data assumed no wind and flaps extended 10°.

At 1053, the reported weather at DXR included wind from 350° at 9 knots, the temperature was 23°C, and the dew point was 12°C.

An initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) inspector revealed that the fuselage came to rest upright in a nose-down attitude in an area of heavy brush about 1,000 ft from the departure end of the runway. The left wing was partially separated from the fuselage and exhibited leading edge crush damage from the root to the tip. The outboard one-third of the right wing was bent upward and aft. The fuselage was buckled on both sides aft of the rear window, and the left rear pillar was crushed and separated from the roof. The nose section, including the engine, was crushed and displaced upward and aft. The empennage, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, rudder, and elevators were largely undamaged. The ignition key was found positioned to the left magneto; however, the preimpact position of the key could not be determined.

Several branches were found severed at a 45° angle in the westerly path leading up to the airplane consistent with propeller contact. Both propeller blades exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches. Fuel samples from both tanks were blue in color and absent of water. Oil was present in the engine, but the quantity could not be determined due to the resting position of the engine.

The wreckage was transported to a recovery facility and examined again. Flight control continuity was confirmed from all control surfaces to the cockpit area. Measurement of the elevator trim jackscrew corresponded to a 5° tab up (nose down) elevator trim. Measurement of the flap actuator revealed that the flaps were in the fully retracted position.

The engine crankshaft was rotated by means of a tool inserted in the vacuum pump drive pad and continuity of the crankshaft to the rear gears and to the valve train was observed. The interiors of the cylinders were examined with a lighted borescope and no anomalies were noted. The fuel servo, engine-driven fuel pump, flow divider, and injector nozzles remained attached to the engine and were removed and partially disassembled. The fuel servo regulator section was partially disassembled and no damage was noted to the rubber diaphragms or other internal components. The fuel servo fuel inlet screen was absent of debris. The flow divider was partially disassembled. No debris was noted inside and no damage to the rubber diaphragm was noted. The two-piece fuel injector nozzles were unobstructed. The engine-driven fuel pump was partially disassembled and no damage was noted to the rubber diaphragms or the internal check valves. Liquid with an odor consistent with aviation gasoline was observed in the engine-driven fuel pump, the hose from the pump to the servo, in the servo and in the hose from the servo to the flow divider. Both magnetos were removed and produced spark from all electrode towers when rotated by hand.

A GPS data card, and three personal electronic devices were forwarded to the National Transportation Safety Board Vehicle Recorder Laboratory, Washington, DC. No performance data were recovered for the accident takeoff.

According to the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B) Chapter 10, Weight and Balance, excessive weight reduces flight performance in almost every respect. Some of the most important performance deficiencies of an overloaded aircraft include higher takeoff speed, longer takeoff run, reduced rate and angle of climb, and higher stalling speed. 




Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/14/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 582 hours (Total, all aircraft)




Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N612DF
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 172S10201
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/21/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 17 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4013 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: CESSNA 616DF LLC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Arrow Aviation LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None




Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDXR, 457 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1053 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 69°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Danbury, CT (DXR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Danbury, CT (DXR)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1025 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D



Airport Information

Airport: DANBURY MUNI (DXR)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 456 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 26
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4422 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None



Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 41.368056, -73.493056 (est)