Saturday, June 29, 2019

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

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