Friday, August 30, 2019

Beechcraft 35-B33 Debonair, N9529Y: Fatal accident occurred August 29, 2019 near St. Ignatius Airport (52S), Lake County, Montana

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana


Location: St. Ignatius, MT
Accident Number: WPR19FA246
Date & Time: 08/29/2019, 1600 MDT
Registration: N9529Y
Aircraft: Beech 33
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On August 29, 2019, about 1600 mountain daylight time, a Beech BE-35 airplane, N9529Y, impacted terrain on a private ranch, near St. Ignatius, Montana. The private pilot and the two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to the pilot who was operating it as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed around the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Miller Field airport (VTN) in Valentine, Nebraska and was destined for St. Ignatius airport (52S) in St. Ignatius, Montana.

According to a witness, the pilot routinely flew low over a ranch to alert the ranch hands that he would be landing at 52S and required a ride back to the ranch. On this occasion he was observed flying lower than normal. Multiple witnesses reported that they heard the airplane approaching then saw sparks erupting as the airplane flew passed wires located about 50 ft above the ground. All the witnesses reported seeing the airplane descend to the ground where it tumbled for about 400 ft.

The airplane was found inverted in a level hay field on a heading of about 095°. An area of flattened hay and grass was observed extending back from the airplane 400 ft on a bearing of 255°. Numerous components of the airplane were found strewn along the ground scar. A downed power transmission line was observed about 830 ft to the west of the wreckage. Some airplane components were found in the vicinity of the downed powerline. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N9529Y
Model/Series: 33 35B33
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: KMSO, 3205 ft msl
Observation Time: 1553 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 25 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 300°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 11000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None 
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 47.275833, -114.124167


Grant Owen Weythman

Evansville, Indiana - Grant Owen Weythman, 49 of Evansville, passed away as the result of a plane crash on Thursday, August 29, 2019 in St. Ignatius, Montana while on a mission trip.

Grant was born April 24, 1970 in Baker, Oregon. He spent his high school years in Papua New Guinea where his parents were missionaries. Grant was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in the Gulf War as a tank mechanic and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He worked for Safran Helicopter Engines; as well as owning and operating Hepler Airport and Weythman Aviation and was a member of the AOPA. He called himself a helicopter mechanic, but could master anything aviation related. He also enjoyed woodworking. metal working, fishing, hunting and traveling. Although he was transplanted in Indiana, his love for the mountains never stopped.

Surviving Grant are his wife of 18 years, Sabrina Weythman; daughter Piper Weythman; and three step children; Nik (Katie) Boren, Zane Boren, and Bryn (Brett) Dant; his parents, Gary and Geraldine (Blomgren), two brothers, Kirby (Katie) Weythman and Thane Weythman; two sisters; Joanne ( Brian Blank) Butler,and Peggy Weythman Doyle; six grandchildren; Chandler, Brigham, Bryten, Charlotte, Max and Bryer, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends my visit with the family from 2:00 until 8:00 PM on Friday, September 6, at Pierre Funeral Home, 2301 W. Franklin Street. There will be a graveside service held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Locust Hill Cemetery, Pastor Jerry Clark officiating. The Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military rites.

There will be a celebration of Grant's life held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at First Christian Church, 2845 Beaumont Drive, Evansville, IN 47725. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 PM until the time of the service Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pinehaven Children's Ranch, PO Box 240 St Ignatius, Mt. 59865.

Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.


Timothy R. “Tim” Arnold

Timothy R. “Tim” Arnold, 59, of Evansville, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2019 as the result of a plane crash in St. Ignatius, Montana.

Tim was born March 6, 1960 in Evansville to the late Joseph and Elvera (Will) Arnold. He was the owner and operator of ProSource Wholesale. Tim was a member of First Christian Church in Evansville, where he served as an Elder and ran the sound board for the worship team. He served many years as a youth sponsor where he is remembered for his infectious laugh and huge hugs. Tim was a passionate, loving man. He completed all tasks in his life with delight and vigor, whether it was making breakfast every morning with his wife, or cleaning the bathroom at work, Tim always poured 100% of his heart into the work. He loved his work family and greeted every customer, member, installer, sales rep, and delivery man with a smile and genuine love. Tim loved his friends and always greeted them with a giant hug, a kiss or simple I love you. Tim was crazy about his family. His profound love for his grandbabies was demonstrated through every trip to the farm to see the cows, every lap he skied on the lake while holding them, and every sleeping baby he packed to the car.

Surviving Tim are his wife of 27 years, Tammy Arnold; children, Jessica (Brian) Deardurff, Nick (Jenjer) Arnold, Crystal (Andrew) Roberson and Jessica (Brandon) VanMeter; sisters, Anna Marie Arnold, Barbara Baumholser, Christine (Tony) Becker, Rose Ann Weidner Murphy, Doris Thornton and Edna Wilson; brothers, Jim (Sherry) Arnold, William (Doris) Arnold and Anthony (Sandy) Arnold, as well as grandchildren, Giada, Ari, Tyler, Branson, Brady, Finley, LibbyKate, Beckett, Cadwyn, Addyson and Rylan.

In addition to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Arnold and by grandchildren, Keira, Cormac and Billy.

There will be a celebration of Tim’s life held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at First Christian Church, 2845 Beaumont Drive, Evansville, IN 47725.

Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 8:00 PM on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street and from 2:00 PM until the service time on Saturday at First Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church.

Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.


Allen Kurtis Eicher

Evansville, Indiana - Allen Kurtis Eicher left this world to be with the Lord August 29, 2019 as a result of a plane crash in Lake County Montana near St. Ignatius.

Allen was born September 28, 1953 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Virgil Charles Eicher and Doris Lida (Eshbaugh) Eicher.

He graduated from Reitz High School in 1971 and then from ISUE in 1978 with degrees in Biology and Life Sciences. Allen retired from Peabody Energy in December, 2015 after 35 years as an Environmental Engineer/Reclamation. Allen was a member of First Christian Church in Evansville where he served as a church Elder.

Allen was an avid wood worker creating many specialty pieces including furniture, turned wooden bowls and many other unique artistic pieces. He enjoyed fishing, caring for his home and property, and was a trained falconer. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was passionate about mission work at Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch. Allen volunteered often at the Evansville Rescue Mission.

He was loved by all and is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathryn (Weinert) Eicher; daughter Leah Eicher; in-laws include Pete and Carolyn Weinert-Newburgh, Bill and Patty Weinert-Evansville, Garry and Patti Pratt-Greenwood IN, Rick and Vicki Yunker-Gainesville FL, Steve Anderson-CO; nieces and nephews: Matthew Clagett, Thomas Clagett, Heather Perry, Rebecca Luccitti, Jamie Winklevoss, Rich Anderson, Katie Phelps, Sara Durbin, Lesley McDonnell, Emily Yunker, Tom Yunker.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ellen (Eicher) Anderson.

Visitation will be at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois on Thursday, September 5, 2019, from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 2845 Beaumont Drive, Evansville, Indiana, 47725.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to First Christian Church or Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch and School, PO Box 940, St. Ignatius, MT, 59865. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.


"Montana here we come."
August 29, 2019







The three men who died Thursday afternoon when their plane went down in a field near St. Ignatius were from Evansville, Indiana, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. 

A statement released Friday morning on social media said the plane crashed near Pinehaven Lane at approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday. 

Those killed were identified as Tim Arnold, 59, Grant O. Weythman, 49, and Allen K. Eicher, 65. 

As the Federal Aviation Administration takes over the investigation in conjunction with the Lake County Sheriff's Office this morning, early reports from Lake County authorities said they believed the single-engine plane crashed after colliding with a power line. 

Authorities were able to turn the wrecked plane over with assistance from the property owner's backhoe, according to the release.

All three men were declared dead at the scene, Bell said Thursday. Their bodies have been transported to the Montana State Crime Lab, according to Friday's release.

Bell was not immediately available for comment Friday morning. 

The Evansville Courier & Press identified Arnold as the owner of a home interior store there, ProSource Wholesale. A post on Arnold's Facebook feed includes a photo posted early Thursday of three men in a plane, captioned "Montana here we come."

The comment section below the post begins with messages such as "be safe," and descends into mourning. 

The First Christian Church of Evansville wrote on Facebook that the trio was headed to Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch before the fatal crash. A message left for Pinehaven seeking further comment Friday were not returned.

Original article can be found here:  https://missoulian.com




ST. IGNATIUS —  Lake County Sheriff Don Bell has released the names of the three men who died when a small plane crashed on Thursday near St. Ignatius.

The men, all from Evansville, Indiana, have been identified as Timothy R. Arnold (59 years old), Allen K. Eicher (65), and Grant O. Weythman (49).

The men were flying into the area to visit friends, according to Sheriff Bell.

Sheriff Bell says that it appears the Beechcraft 35-B33 Debonair hit a power line, and then crashed upside-down in a hay field. 

The property owner's backhoe was used to tip the plane in order to allow emergency personnel to recover the bodies.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are continuing to investigate the crash.

(August 29, 2019)

Three people died in a plane crash in Lake County Thursday afternoon.

According to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, authorities received a report of a plane crash near St. Ignatius at around 4 p.m.

The incident occurred near Pistol Creek Road.

The crash is under investigation, however, Bell said they believe the plane hit a power line.

The occupants, who were not from Montana, were flying into the area to visit friends, according to Bell. Their names have not yet been released.

Responding agencies included, among others, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the Montana Highway Patrol, and Mission Valley Ambulance.

(1st Report, 4:51 p.m.) 

A plane crash has been reported near Ronan in Lake County.

According to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, emergency personnel are still arriving at the scene.

Bell told MTN News the aircraft needs to be flipped in order for authorities to determine the number and safety of the occupants.

The scene is located near Pistol Creek Road. The public is asked to avoid the area.

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







MISSOULA, Montana — Montana authorities say three people are dead as a result of a single-engine airplane crash.

The Missoulian reports the three people were declared dead at the scene near St. Ignatius Thursday.

Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the victims.

Emergency services were alerted to the plane crash in a field around 4 p.m.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell says the plane is believed to have struck a large power line, which caused mechanical problems.

Bell did not release information regarding the origin of the flight, but said it did not come from a local airport.

Bell says Federal Aviation Administration officials were expected to arrive in the area Friday to take over the crash investigation.

Lake County authorities also alerted the National Transportation Safety Board.

Original article can be found here: https://nbcmontana.com



EVANSVILLE — Smiling for the camera in the tiny cabin of their plane, Tim Arnold, Grant Weythman and Allen Eicher bespoke the hope and promise of men soaring through the clouds to do God's work.

“Montana here we come,” declared the photo Arnold posted on his Facebook page just after 5 a.m. Thursday.

A succession of comments, equally jaunty and laden with exclamation points, wished the men well. For hours the comments came, one after another. “Praying for safe travels, good fishing, and lots of chores to be accomplished!” one said. “Have fun but why does it look like you are in the world’s smallest car??” said another. “Prayers for a great trip!”

The next comment came after hours of silence, unaccompanied by any explanation but full of understanding.

"God only you know why these things happen,” it said. “These three are with you now. RIP”

Weythman, Arnold and Eicher — 49, 59 and 65 years old, respectively – lost their lives in a plane crash Thursday afternoon south of St. Ignatius, Montana. Authorities there confirmed that their Beechcraft 35-B33 Debonair struck a power line and crashed upside down in a hayfield.

The particulars await a preliminary report of the Federal Aviation Administration in about two weeks — but it likely won’t say anything about the spirit of service that moved the men to climb into that plane.

They were on their way to Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch in St. Ignatius to repair broken machinery as members of a volunteer mission team from Evansville’s First Christian Church. Weythman and Eicher were elders and frequent volunteers at the North Side church. Arnold was a former elder and a longtime volunteer leader.

"They were very much what we call shepherds – trying to make sure everybody is taken care of and needs are met," said Matt Silen, discipleship and outreach minister at First Christian. "At almost any event that we had, they had some part in either helping set up or helping execute it."

Michael Lookebill, executive and worship minister at First Christian, said Weythman, Arnold and Eicher had flown to Pinehaven on several occasions as a trio and as part of larger groups. First Christian is among the churches nationwide with whom Pinehaven, which serves troubled youths, has partnerships.

A Pinehaven official with whom First Christian liaisons did not return a telephone message. But Lookebill said Pinehaven is very much a working ranch — and was very much in need of Weythman, Arnold and Eicher's skills.

“(Pinehaven) would often call on (Weythman), specifically, because he was a mechanic and (Eicher) was an engineer, to come out and fix things that may need fixing and just assist around the ranch," Lookebill said. "That was the purpose of the trip. They wanted to help, just as always."

Weythman, a licensed pilot and co-owner of the plane that crashed, is listed as operator of Weythman Aviation, a privately held company in Evansville. Vince Frazier, manager of Frazier Aviation, said on Facebook that Weythman owned Hepler Airport, where Frazier has based his planes for two decades.

"Grant was a great pilot, whom I'd fly with anywhere, anytime," Frazier wrote.

Allison Sutton Grabert told the Courier & Press she'll never forget the kindness Weythman showed to her 12-year-old son a few years ago.

"He took Lane, my son, for his first airplane ride and made Lane feel like a king," Grabert said by Facebook. "I think it will be a part of Lane's highlight reel for the rest of his life. Grant was a kind man and obviously wanted to share his passion for flying with youngsters."

Arnold owned ProSource Wholesale, a local business that sells home interior products.

Todd Miller, a Boonville-based independent flooring contractor who often receives referrals from ProSource, met Arnold through his father when he was 14.

Miller can't bring himself — not yet, anyway — to speak of Arnold in the past tense.

"This is one of those things that I've talked to a couple of people about over the past 24 hours — he just has a personality that is extremely positive," Miller said. "People really — he's got the personality that you just gravitate toward. You leave his presence feeling better than you did when you went in."

It was some four years ago that Miller, 44, lost his own father.

"After that, we (Miller and Arnold) developed a really personal relationship," he said. "There were a lot of times when I needed good counsel. He was my go-to for good, sound advice. He's got a lot of integrity. He applies his faith to everything he does in his business and everything he does on a personal level."

Lookebill said Eicher, a retired engineer, was an unforgettable character — a skilled woodworking craftsman and outdoorsman, a joker with a dry wit, an inveterate coffee drinker and an early riser. Like real early.

"We would go on trips, to conferences together and things, and he'd always be the first one up in the morning," Lookebill said. "4 o'clock in the morning, and he's up taking a walk. It was his time to get up and go. Not my cup of tea, but that was his thing."

Eicher, a former chairman of the church's elders, led Bible studies and other small groups.

"That's not really a whole lot around here that Allen hasn't had his hand in," Lookebill said. 

The deaths of Weythman, Arnold and Eicher are a crushing blow to First Christian. Lookebill and Silen made that clear. But it is not one without hope.

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


Tim Arnold


The First Christian Church Evansville family is grieving the loss of Tim Arnold, Allen Eicher, and Grant Weythman in an airplane crash at Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. These men served as leaders in many capacities within our church family, but more importantly, they were loving husbands, fathers, grandfathers and more. These men were passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ and that was reflected in their personal life as well as their ministry. They were called home doing what they loved most, serving the Kingdom and being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

Our church community is surrounding their families during this time of grief. Our prayer is that their wives, children and extended families will experience the love and comfort of Christ. Tim, Allen and Grant would want everyone to know that Christ is Lord, that God is sovereign and that our only hope is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While we experience the pain of loss, we do not grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We covet the prayers of the community in the coming days. -First Christian Church

Piper PA-28-181, N867P: Incident occurred August 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando

Aircraft struck a parked van while on the ramp.

Professional Training Aircraft LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N867P

Date: 29-AUG-19
Time: 15:10:00Z
Regis#: N867P
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: 28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: JACKSONVILLE
State: FLORIDA

Piper PA-24-400 Comanche, N8532P: Incident occurred August 27, 2019 at Henry Tift Myers Airport (KTMA), Tift County, Georgia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta

Aircraft experienced electrical issues, returned to airport where landing gear collapsed upon landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N8532P

Date: 27-AUG-19
Time: 21:00:00Z
Regis#: N8532P
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: 24
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: TIFTON
State: GEORGIA

SkyWest Airlines, Canadair CRJ-900, N813SK: Incident occurred August 29, 2019 at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (KMSP), Minnesota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis

SkyWest Airlines on behalf of Delta Air Lines, flight number DL-3527: Aircraft experienced cracked windshield and had to receive priority handling to land.

https://registry.faa.gov/N813SK

Date: 29-AUG-19
Time: 12:30:00Z
Regis#: N813SK
Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER
Aircraft Model: CRJ9
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SKYWEST
Flight Number: SKW352Y
City: MINNEAPOLIS
State: MINNESOTA

Lockheed Martin F-35: Incident occurred August 29, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio



Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Cleveland

Military aircraft struck threshold bar lights while landing.

Date: 29-AUG-19
Time: 18:20:00Z
Regis#: LITNG1
Aircraft Make: FIGHTER
Aircraft Model: 35
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: MILITARY
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: CLEVELAND
State: OHIO

Air Tractor AT-502A, N8517Q: Accident occurred August 29, 2019 near Olney Municipal Airport (KONY), Young County, Texas

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas
Air Tractor; Olney, Texas

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N8517Q

Location: Olney, TX
Accident Number: CEN19LA295
Date & Time: 08/29/2019, 1100 CDT
Registration: N8517Q
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR AT502
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

On August 29, 2019, about 1100 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502A airplane, N8517Q, collided with terrain during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Olney Municipal Airport (ONY), Olney, Texas. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by Lane Aviation as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 business flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that had the intended destination of Lane Airpark (T54), Rosenberg, Texas.

According to maintenance documentation, the airplane had accumulated about 1 hour of flight time before it received its airworthiness certificate on August 26, 2019. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to fly the airplane from the Air Tractor factory to his company's base at T54. The pilot reported that he arrived at the airport between 0930 and 1000, and that it took about an hour to review paperwork and the logbooks before he accepted the airplane. The pilot stated that he did not observe any anomalies during his 15 minute preflight inspection. The airplane had been previously topped-off with fuel (234 gallons), and fuel samples obtained during his preflight inspection were free of water and particulate. The pilot noted that the airplane was equipped with a ferry tank system; however, the ferry tank (hopper) did not contain any fuel.

The pilot reported that the engine started normally and that he did not observe any anomalies on the engine gauges. The pilot stated that he completed a brake check and cycled the propeller 3 times while taxiing to runway 17. The pilot noted that he did not operate the engine on the ferry tank because it was empty, and that the taxi and takeoff were performed with the fuel selector positioned to the main fuel tank. The pilot stated that after he taxied onto runway 17 he locked the tailwheel and increased engine power to 1,500 lbs of torque as he held the brakes. The pilot increased engine power to 2,200-2,300 lbs of torque during the takeoff roll and achieved a normal liftoff at 95-100 knots. The pilot reported that he maintained a higher-than-normal climb angle to quickly ascend to a safe altitude above the runway; however, at 200 ft above ground level (agl) the engine power began to surge between idle and full power.

The pilot reported that he did not believe there was adequate runway remaining to ensure a safe landing, so he entered a left turn to land on runway 31. The pilot stated that during the turn he saw an amber annunciator panel light illuminated, which he believed to be the fuel filter warning light. The pilot stated that he was unable to complete the turn to runway 31 without entering an aerodynamic stall, so he leveled the wings and made a forced landing in a hay field to the southeast of runway 31. The pilot reported that the airplane landed hard on the left main landing gear before it collided with a tree stump. The airplane then swerved to the left and down into a ditch.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR
Registration: N8517Q
Model/Series: AT502 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:No 
Operator: Lane Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: RPH, 1123 ft msl
Observation Time: 1055 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 190°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Olney, TX (ONY)
Destination: Rosenberg, TX (T54) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 33.350833, -98.819167 (est)

Beech S35 Bonanza, N9028S: Incident occurred August 29, 2019 at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport (KHWY), Midland, Virginia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Washington

TAS Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N9028S

Date: 29-AUG-19
Time: 16:58:00Z
Regis#: N9028S
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 35
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WARRENTON
State: VIRGINIA

Loss of Control on Ground: Champion 7GC, N4844E; accident occurred March 25, 2018 at Merrill Field Airport (PAMR), Anchorage, Alaska

View of the intact left main landing gear and the separated right main landing gear. 

View of the substantial damage to the right wing and the right aileron. 

View of the substantial damage to the right wing and to the right aileron. 

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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/N4844E


Location: Anchorage, AK
Accident Number: ANC18LA030
Date & Time: 03/25/2018, 1730 AKD
Registration: N4844E
Aircraft: CHAMPION 7GC
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 25, 2018, about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a Champion 7GC airplane, N4844E, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control and subsequent landing gear separation during landing at the Merrill Field Airport (MRI), Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot in the front seat and the pilot-rated passenger in the rear seat sustained no injury. The airplane was registered to a private individual and was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions were present at the time of the accident and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane departed the Quartz Creek Airport (JLA), Cooper Landing, Alaska, about 1600.

The pilot reported that after departure from JLA, she listened to the MRI automatic terminal information service (ATIS), she contacted the MRI air traffic control (ATC) tower and requested to land to runway 34 at MRI. Her reason for requesting runway 34 was to land with a direct headwind as the ATIS reported the wind condition as 6 kts from 340°. The MRI ATC tower denied her request based on multiple airplanes already landing to runway 34 and she was instructed to fly straight in for landing to runway 25.

She reported the approach was stable, but she was concerned about the direct crosswind for the landing touchdown. Upon landing to the dry asphalt, the tailwheel-equipped airplane ground looped to the left, and she tried to control the airplane with rudder and brake inputs with no success. Subsequently, the right main landing gear separated (as shown below in figure 1), and the right wing impacted the runway. The airplane came to rest on the runway, the pilot shutdown the airplane, and the two occupants were able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot reported that she, "should've held firm to my request to land with a headwind and not a direct crosswind or quartering tailwind." She further reported that, "the tower was unwilling to let me land on runway 34 but then permitted another plane to have a simultaneous landing on runway 34 as I was on runway 25." She concluded that in the, "future I will be more firm in my requests as pilot in command for the runway that I feel comfortable with and will wait as necessary for tower permission to use my requested runway."


Figure 1 – View of the intact left main landing gear and the separated right main landing gear (courtesy of the pilot).

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 47, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam:02/05/2018 
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 156 hours (Total, all aircraft), 49 hours (Total, this make and model), 54 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 11 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CHAMPION
Registration: N4844E
Model/Series: 7GC NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 7GC-44
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/20/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1650 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2464.7 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-290-D2B
Registered Owner: Stephen L. Mailloux
Rated Power: 140 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

An examination of the maintenance records revealed no evidence of uncorrected mechanical discrepancies with the airframe.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAMR, 138 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 281°
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: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.59 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 4°C / -14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1600 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: MERRILL FIELD (MRI)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 136 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 25
IFR Approach:None 
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 61.215833, -149.841944 (est)

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the right aileron as shown below in figure 2.


Figure 2 – View of the substantial damage to the right wing and the right aileron (courtesy of the pilot).

Tests And Research

The main landing gear (right side) strut threaded sleeve and jam nut (as shown below in figure 3) were recovered and transported to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory in Washington, District of Columbia, for an examination. The complete examination report with photographs is in the public docket for this accident.

Figure 3 – View of the threaded sleeve with attached jam nut.

The sleeve fractured from the lower end of the right main landing gear during the accident landing sequence. As assembled on the airplane (as shown below in figure 4), the oil-filled oleo strut tube extends and retracts within the oleo strut covered frame to provide shock-absorbing movement for the axle strut and wheel assembly. The oleo strut cap and jam nut are attached to the lower end of the oleo strut tube. The lower end of the oleo strut assembly is attached to the axle strut, and the upper ends of both the axle strut and the oleo strut assembly are attached to the fuselage.

Figure 4 – Schematic drawing looking forward illustrating the right main landing gear components with the oleo strut assembly in the static position. 

As manufactured, the oleo strut cylinder assembly consists of the oleo strut tube with a stuffing box (for the piston seal) brazed at the upper end of the tube and a sleeve with external threads brazed onto the exterior of the tube near the lower end of the tube. Internal threads in the oleo strut cap and jam nut engage with the threaded sleeve to attach the cap to the tube and lock it in place.

The sleeve had fractured from the lower end of the oleo strut tube. The jam nut was in place on the sleeve, and the external threads on the sleeve were intact.

The fracture occurred through the braze fillet at the upper side of the sleeve. The fracture surface and sleeve interior are shown below in figure 5. The interior surface of the sleeve had relatively prominent circumferential machining marks that extended around most of the circumference. However, a relatively smooth area where the circumferential machining marks were absent was observed. Pits with orange-colored oxidation was observed in the smooth area and an adjacent area with circumferential machining marks. The orange oxidation and pits extended around approximately 1/3 of the circumference. A chamfer between the inner diameter and the upper end of the sleeve was mostly covered by the braze fillet but was partially visible in areas.


Figure 5 – View of the interior face of the sleeve in a smoother area with pitting corrosion.

The braze material had a light-yellow color in contrast to the silver and dark gray color of the sleeve surfaces. Fracture of the braze material occurred through middle of the fillet, near the upper side of the fillet, and close to the chamfer surface. Large voids were present at the interior surface of the fillet in some areas. The fracture also intersected smaller spherical voids in the fillet. Fracture features were generally uniform in color with no evidence of post-fracture rubbing or long-term oxidation. Secondary crack openings and deformation to the fillet material was consistent with ductile overstress fracture with the sleeve moving downward relative to the oleo strut tube.

Most of the interior surface of the sleeve had a dark gray color with areas of oxidation. However, the upper end of the sleeve had a yellow color consistent with a thin coating of braze material. The circumferential machining marks remained visible on the interior surface in the coated area, and none of the machining grooves on the interior surface of the sleeve were filled with braze material. According to the engineering drawing for the oleo strut tube assembly provided by a representative of American Champion Aircraft Corporation, the sleeve-to-tube joint should have a continuous braze fillet around the circumference of the tube. A note in the engineering drawing pertaining to the sleeve-to-tube joint stated the braze must penetrate and be evident on the opposite side of the sleeve and be continuous around the circumference. 

Additional Information

Touchdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published the Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B). This document discusses a touchdown with a tailwheel airplane and states in part:

Tailwheel airplanes are less forgiving of crosswind landing errors than nosewheel models. It is important that touchdown occurs with the airplane's longitudinal axis parallel to the direction the airplane is moving along the runway.

Failure to accomplish this imposes side loads on the landing gear which leads to directional instability. To avoid side stresses and directional problems, the pilot should not allow the airplane to touch down while in a crab or while drifting.

Ground Loop

The Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B) discusses a ground loop with a tailwheel airplane and states in part:

A ground loop is an uncontrolled turn during ground operations that may occur during taxi, takeoff, or during the after-landing roll. Ground loops start with a swerve that is allowed to continue for too long. The swerve may be the result of side-load on landing, a taxi turn started with too much groundspeed, overcorrection, or even an uneven ground surface or a soft spot that retards one main wheel of the airplane.

Due to the inbuilt instability of the tailwheel design, the forces that lead to a ground loop accumulate as the angle between the fuselage and inertia, acting from the center of gravity, increase. If allowed to develop, these forces may become great enough to tip the airplane to the outside of the turn until one wing strikes the ground.

To counteract the possibility of an uncontrolled turn, the pilot should counter any swerve with firm rudder input. In stronger swerves, differential braking is essential as tailwheel steering proves inadequate. It is important to note, however, that as corrections begin to become apparent, rudder and braking inputs need to be removed promptly to avoid starting yet another departure in the opposite direction.

Pressure

The FAA has published the Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2). This document discusses pressure with pilots and states in part:

External pressures are influences external to the flight that create a sense of pressure to complete a flight—often at the expense of safety.

Management of external pressure is the single most important key to risk management because it is the one risk factor category that can cause a pilot to ignore all other risk factors. External pressures place time-related pressure on the pilot and figure into a majority of accidents.

The key to managing external pressure is to be ready for and accept delays. Remember that people get delayed when traveling on airlines, driving a car, or taking a bus. The pilot's goal is to manage risk, not increase it. 

Location: Anchorage, AK
Accident Number: ANC18LA030
Date & Time: 03/25/2018, 1730 AKD
Registration: N4844E
Aircraft: CHAMPION 7GC
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On March 25, 2018, about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a Champion 7GC airplane, N4844E, sustained substantial damage following a landing gear separation during landing at Merrill Field Airport, Anchorage, Alaska. The pilot in the front seat and the pilot-rated passenger in the rear seat sustained no injury. The airplane was registered to a private individual and was operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions were present at the time of the accident and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane departed from Merrill Field Airport, about 1300.

The pilot reported that after completing a local area flight and upon landing to the dry asphalt of runway 25, the tailwheel-equipped airplane touched down, and ground looped to the left. During the landing sequence, the right main landing gear assembly separated, and the right wing impacted the runway. The pilot and passenger were able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The pilot further reported that during the landing sequence, the wind condition was 6 knots from 340 degrees.

The right wing and right aileron sustained substantial damage. The right main landing gear strut fractured at a junction where a jam nut is placed below a brazed joint. The fractured landing gear strut portion, along with the jam nut and brazed joint, was submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CHAMPION
Registration: N4844E
Model/Series: 7GC NO SERIES
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: PAMR, 138 ft msl
Observation Time: 0053 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 4°C / -14°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots, 360°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.59 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Destination: Anchorage, AK (MRI) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  61.215833, -149.841944 (est)

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage

August 28, 2019: Aircraft lost control on landing and scraped right wing on runway.

Date: 29-AUG-19
Time: 03:27:00Z
Regis#: N4844E
Aircraft Make: CHAMPION
Aircraft Model: 7GC
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ANCHORAGE
State: ALASKA