John Mark Cooper, Student Pilot
Gavyn Cooper
Gavyn Cooper
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas
Cirrus Design; Duluth, Minnesota
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket
On May 31, 2018, about 1920 central daylight time, a Cirrus Design Corp. SR22, N670SR, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Midland International Air and Space Port Airport (MAF), Midland, Texas. The student pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and was being operated by JMC Ranches, LLC, Midland, Texas, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site at the time of the accident. The personal flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SRR), Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Two corporate pilots were standing on the ramp outside the fixed base operator and saw the accident airplane during its initial climb. They said that the airplane climbed to about 200 ft at a slow airspeed then stall. The right wing dropped, and the airplane descended in a right turn until impact with terrain behind the Commemorative Air Force's American Airpower Heritage Museum. A post-impact fire occurred.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The 39-year-old pilot held a student pilot certificate. His most recent third-class Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman medical certificate was issued on dated April 1, 2013.
According to the pilot's wife, the pilot had a horse training business, and he regularly flew the accident airplane between MAF and SRR, often with passengers.
The pilot's former flight instructor stated that the pilot had taken a 3 to 5 year "hiatus" from flying. He had flown with the pilot in a Cessna 172 from December 2016 to April 2017. When he last flew with the pilot, he estimated the pilot had accrued about 100 total hours of flight experience. The instructor stated that he never flew with the pilot in the accident airplane.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The accident airplane, serial number 2863, was manufactured in 2007. It was powered by a Continental IO-550-N 310-horsepower reciprocating engine, serial number 691467, which drove a Hartzell 3-bladed, composite, constant-speed propeller (model number PHC-33YF-1N, serial number FP6210B.
According to the airplane maintenance records, both the airframe and engine received annual inspections on December 20, 2017, at a total time of 875.1 hours. At that time, the recording tachometer read 847.6 hours.
FAA registration information indicates that the airplane was registered to JMC Ranches, LLC, on January 11, 2018. The pilot owned JMC Ranches, LLC.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
The MAF automated weather observation at 1853 included wind from 150° at 9 knots; 10 miles visibility, clear sky, temperature 41°C, dew point 4°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.78 inches of mercury.
The 1952 observation included wind from 160° at 5 knots; temperature 40°C, dew point 4°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.78 inches of mercury.
Given the atmospheric conditions, the density altitude was 6,660 ft above mean sea level (msl) about the time of the accident.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed a 53-ft long ground scar aligned on a magnetic heading of 270°, that led to the main wreckage. All aircraft components were accounted for, and there was no evidence of in-flight airframe, engine, or flight control malfunction or failure.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner, Fort Worth, Texas, performed an autopsy of the pilot. According to the report, the cause of death was "multiple blunt force injuries."
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing on specimens of the pilot. No carboxyhemoglobin was detected in blood, and no ethanol was detected in vitreous. Tamsulosin was detected in cavity blood and in liver tissue. According to FAA's Forensic Toxicology's WebDrugs, tamsulosin is an alpha blocker used in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is not considered to be impairing.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/01/2013
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 192 hours (Total, all aircraft), 92 hours (Total, this make and model)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Registration: N670SR
Model/Series: SR22
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2863
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/20/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3044 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 875 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 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: KMAF, 2872 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1853 CDT
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.78 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 41°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Midland, TX (KMAF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: Ruidoso, NM (KSRR)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1920 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D
Airport Information
Airport: Midland International (KMAF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2872 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 9501 ft / 159 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 31.000000, -102.000000 (est)
MIDLAND, Texas (Local 2/Fox 24) - We are learning more about a fatal plane crash that occurred at Midland International Air and Spaceport last month.
According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, there was no evidence of in-flight airframe, engine or flight control malfunction or failure.
The NTSB also confirmed in a release that a student pilot was operating the aircraft just before the crash.
According to FAA regulations, student pilots cannot legally fly with passengers.
"So while you're considered a student pilot you are essentially flying under your CFI license and you're not allowed to do quite a bit," owner and pilot of OmniAero, Ty Mackey, said.
Local 2 reached out to the pilot for clarification on FAA standards. He says the FAA requires at least forty hours of flight training before a student can even take a solo flight without clearance from a CFI.
"If the CFI doesn't sign off on it or know about it you can essentially not fly anywhere and then as a student you also can never carry passengers," the pilot said.
Officials with the NTSB declined to comment on the status of the student pilot, citing an ongoing investigation.
In the crash occurred back on May 31 at MAF. Officials investigating the crash said that John Cooper and Gavyn Cooper were preparing to exit the traffic pattern when the plane went down.
Both were killed.
John and Gavyn, according to the report, were enroute to Ruidoso, New Mexico.
The investigation is ongoing and the NTSB says a full report could take up to a year to complete.
Story and video ➤ http://www.yourbasin.com
Gavyn Mark Cooper, 16, of Midland, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018 in Midland, Texas. Gavyn was born in Odessa, Texas. He grew up and attended schools in Midland, Texas. Gavyn was a student at Midland High School and a member of the football team.
Gavyn loved the Lord more than anything. He was a growing Christian who was devoted to Christ. Gavyn also loved football. Recently he went to the Super Bowl Game and the Cowboys Draft. His father, whom he looked up to, coached his football team when he was a youngster. Gavyn dreamed of playing professional football someday. He enjoyed many activities with his father, one of which was junior drag racing.
Like his father, Gavyn was a hard worker and worked all summer at his father’s ranch. He enjoyed studying horseracing statistics and became very knowledgeable on the subject. His career goal was to attend Texas A&M and become an engineer. He was an honor roll student, so loving and giving, and the most respectful child you’d ever met. He was a great leader and very mature for his age.
Read more here ➤ http://www.npwelch.com
John Mark Cooper passed away May 31, 2018 in Midland, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Stonegate Fellowship Church in Midland.
John Mark was born in Midland, Texas November 28, 1978. He grew up in Odessa, Texas and attended Odessa High School. John played high school football sporting the number “8” jersey. After High School John moved to Midland where he met and married his soul mate, Chassity Pullen. They were married 17 years. They have two children, Gavyn Mark Cooper and Callie Faith Cooper. John was an honest man who always kept his word. He was a loving father and a devoted husband. Callie was John’s princess and he called her his angel. Callie always said her dad was her hero.
John had a loving heart and an amazing work ethic. He had high work standards for himself and all those around him. He began working on drilling rigs for Patterson UTI Drilling Company, working his way up to rig supervisor. Later he became a drilling consultant, working for Sandridge, Devon and several other oil and gas companies. He is currently the COO and co-founder of MDC Texas Energy LLC, and independent exploration and production Company based in Midland, Texas.
John’s second passion was horses. He has loved horses since he was a toddler. Four years ago he started JMC Ranches to provide training for quarter horses and thoroughbreds.
John lived his life to the fullest and accomplished his dreams. Most importantly he loved God.
Read more here ➤ http://www.npwelch.com
The victims of Thursday’s plane crash at Midland International Air & Space Port have been identified as a 39-year-old Midland man and his 16-year-old son.
The crash of the Cirrus SR22 airplane killed pilot John Mark Cooper, and his son, Gavyn Cooper, who was the only passenger, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The plane — a fixed-wing, single-engine craft manufactured in 2007 — held a “valid” status, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the expiration of its certificate was set for January 2021. The plane is registered to JMC Ranches LLC. A John Cooper of Midland is registered as the business’ owner, according to state comptroller records.
According to the FAA, a John Mark Cooper was issued a student pilot certificate on April 1, 2013. Pilots with student pilot certificates are prohibited from carrying passengers.
The Reporter-Telegram could not confirm if the deceased John Mark Cooper is the same Cooper in the FAA’s record because the pilot’s address was withheld. However, there is only one John Mark Cooper in the FAA’s airmen database. DPS confirmed the pilot’s full name.
Robert Katz, a Dallas-based flight instructor and plane crash expert, said student pilots cannot take a plane anywhere without a flight instructor’s endorsement in the student’s logbook. “Even if he owns his own airplane, he can’t legally take it out whenever he wants,” Katz said Friday in a phone interview.
The record also indicates that a third-class medical certificate was issued in April 2013. If the pilot were under 40 years old, he would not have been allowed to fly an aircraft because the medical certificate would have expired 60 months after it was issued -- April 30, 2018 -- according to the federal government’s Electronic Code of Federal Regulations concerning pilot certification.
With 35 years of experience as a pilot, Katz said keeping medical certificates current are critical. “Knowing your medical expiration date is tantamount to knowing your birthday,” he said.
The plane crashed at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday shortly after taking off, according to a DPS press release.
“The aircraft departed from Runway 16 and was preparing to exit the traffic pattern when it crashed near the approach end of Runway 10, starting a fire,” FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said in a statement Thursday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, and the FAA will provide assistance. The NTSB usually posts a preliminary report within a week to 10 days after a crash and it typically takes up to a year or more to complete an investigation, he said.
John and Gavyn Cooper initially were identified by Sarah Green, director of marketing and communications for Trinity School. John Cooper’s wife and Gavyn’s mother, Chassity Cooper, is a kindergarten aide at the school, Green said in an email. The victims’ daughter and sister, Callie, attends Trinity, and Gavyn previously attended the private school and was attending Midland High.
Midland High football coach Tim Anuszkiewicz said Gavyn Cooper was a quarterback on the junior varsity team last year and that he was going to be a junior next fall.
“Gavyn was a true Midland Bulldog,” Anuszkiewicz said. “He was a team player. He had a great attitude and was a really happy kid. I think that is what we are going to miss the most about not having him around, that he just brought a really good spirit to the program.”
John Cooper was a trainer at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico, according to a press release from Ruidoso Downs.
“John M. Cooper was having the best year of his young training career after being successful in the energy business,” the release said. “Last Saturday, the Cooper-trained Pj Splash Of Joy qualified for the Grade 1, $1 million Ruidoso Futurity. Last Sunday, the Cooper trained Flight Force gained top preference to race in the $100,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes at Ruidoso Downs. Cooper had entered Mojo Perry in the $100,000 Junos Request Stakes at Remington Park to run on Saturday night. Mojo Perry is coming off a third-place run in the Decketta Stakes.”
A request made Friday to the director of airports seeking more information about the incident was not returned. The NTSB does not comment during investigations, and the FAA refers all requests for information to the NTSB.
Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.mrt.com
Location: Midland, Texas
Accident Number: CEN18FA204
Date & Time: May 30, 2018, 19:20 Local
Registration: N670SR
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
The student pilot and passenger were departing on a personal flight in the student pilot's airplane. Witnesses saw the airplane climb to about 200 ft above the runway at a slow airspeed, stall, and descend in a right turn until impact with terrain. According to the pilot's wife, he regularly flew the airplane, often with passengers. No pilot logbooks or records were found and the student's flight experience could not be determined. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Given the atmospheric conditions, the density altitude about the time of the accident was 6,660 ft mean sea level (msl).
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
An inadvertent stall, resulting in an uncontrollable descent and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude.
Findings
Personnel issues Incorrect action performance - Passenger
Personnel issues Qualification/certification - Pilot
Environmental issues High density altitude - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Initial climb Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
On May 31, 2018, about 1920 central daylight time, a Cirrus Design Corp. SR22, N670SR, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Midland International Air and Space Port Airport (MAF), Midland, Texas. The student pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and was being operated by JMC Ranches, LLC, Midland, Texas, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site at the time of the accident. The personal flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SRR), Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Two corporate pilots were standing on the ramp outside the fixed base operator and saw the accident airplane during its initial climb. They said that the airplane climbed to about 200 ft at a slow airspeed then stall. The right wing dropped, and the airplane descended in a right turn until impact with terrain behind the Commemorative Air Force's American Airpower Heritage Museum. A post-impact fire occurred.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The 39-year-old pilot held a student pilot certificate. His most recent third-class Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman medical certificate was issued on dated April 1, 2013.
According to the pilot's wife, the pilot had a horse training business, and he regularly flew the accident airplane between MAF and SRR, often with passengers.
The pilot's former flight instructor stated that the pilot had taken a 3 to 5 year "hiatus" from flying. He had flown with the pilot in a Cessna 172 from December 2016 to April 2017. When he last flew with the pilot, he estimated the pilot had accrued about 100 total hours of flight experience. The instructor stated that he never flew with the pilot in the accident airplane.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The accident airplane, serial number 2863, was manufactured in 2007. It was powered by a Continental IO-550-N 310-horsepower reciprocating engine, serial number 691467, which drove a Hartzell 3-bladed, composite, constant-speed propeller (model number PHC-33YF-1N, serial number FP6210B.
According to the airplane maintenance records, both the airframe and engine received annual inspections on December 20, 2017, at a total time of 875.1 hours. At that time, the recording tachometer read 847.6 hours.
FAA registration information indicates that the airplane was registered to JMC Ranches, LLC, on January 11, 2018. The pilot owned JMC Ranches, LLC.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
The MAF automated weather observation at 1853 included wind from 150° at 9 knots; 10 miles visibility, clear sky, temperature 41°C, dew point 4°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.78 inches of mercury.
The 1952 observation included wind from 160° at 5 knots; temperature 40°C, dew point 4°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.78 inches of mercury.
Given the atmospheric conditions, the density altitude was 6,660 ft above mean sea level (msl) about the time of the accident.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed a 53-ft long ground scar aligned on a magnetic heading of 270°, that led to the main wreckage. All aircraft components were accounted for, and there was no evidence of in-flight airframe, engine, or flight control malfunction or failure.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner, Fort Worth, Texas, performed an autopsy of the pilot. According to the report, the cause of death was "multiple blunt force injuries."
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing on specimens of the pilot. No carboxyhemoglobin was detected in blood, and no ethanol was detected in vitreous. Tamsulosin was detected in cavity blood and in liver tissue. According to FAA's Forensic Toxicology's WebDrugs, tamsulosin is an alpha blocker used in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is not considered to be impairing.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/01/2013
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 192 hours (Total, all aircraft), 92 hours (Total, this make and model)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Registration: N670SR
Model/Series: SR22
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2863
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/20/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3044 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 875 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 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: KMAF, 2872 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1853 CDT
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.78 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 41°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Midland, TX (KMAF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: Ruidoso, NM (KSRR)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1920 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D
Airport Information
Airport: Midland International (KMAF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2872 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 9501 ft / 159 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 31.000000, -102.000000 (est)
MIDLAND, Texas (Local 2/Fox 24) - We are learning more about a fatal plane crash that occurred at Midland International Air and Spaceport last month.
According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, there was no evidence of in-flight airframe, engine or flight control malfunction or failure.
The NTSB also confirmed in a release that a student pilot was operating the aircraft just before the crash.
According to FAA regulations, student pilots cannot legally fly with passengers.
"So while you're considered a student pilot you are essentially flying under your CFI license and you're not allowed to do quite a bit," owner and pilot of OmniAero, Ty Mackey, said.
Local 2 reached out to the pilot for clarification on FAA standards. He says the FAA requires at least forty hours of flight training before a student can even take a solo flight without clearance from a CFI.
"If the CFI doesn't sign off on it or know about it you can essentially not fly anywhere and then as a student you also can never carry passengers," the pilot said.
Officials with the NTSB declined to comment on the status of the student pilot, citing an ongoing investigation.
In the crash occurred back on May 31 at MAF. Officials investigating the crash said that John Cooper and Gavyn Cooper were preparing to exit the traffic pattern when the plane went down.
Both were killed.
John and Gavyn, according to the report, were enroute to Ruidoso, New Mexico.
The investigation is ongoing and the NTSB says a full report could take up to a year to complete.
Story and video ➤ http://www.yourbasin.com
Gavyn Mark Cooper
January 13, 2002 - May 31, 2018
Gavyn loved the Lord more than anything. He was a growing Christian who was devoted to Christ. Gavyn also loved football. Recently he went to the Super Bowl Game and the Cowboys Draft. His father, whom he looked up to, coached his football team when he was a youngster. Gavyn dreamed of playing professional football someday. He enjoyed many activities with his father, one of which was junior drag racing.
Like his father, Gavyn was a hard worker and worked all summer at his father’s ranch. He enjoyed studying horseracing statistics and became very knowledgeable on the subject. His career goal was to attend Texas A&M and become an engineer. He was an honor roll student, so loving and giving, and the most respectful child you’d ever met. He was a great leader and very mature for his age.
Read more here ➤ http://www.npwelch.com
John Mark Cooper
November 28, 1978 - May 31, 2018
John Mark was born in Midland, Texas November 28, 1978. He grew up in Odessa, Texas and attended Odessa High School. John played high school football sporting the number “8” jersey. After High School John moved to Midland where he met and married his soul mate, Chassity Pullen. They were married 17 years. They have two children, Gavyn Mark Cooper and Callie Faith Cooper. John was an honest man who always kept his word. He was a loving father and a devoted husband. Callie was John’s princess and he called her his angel. Callie always said her dad was her hero.
John had a loving heart and an amazing work ethic. He had high work standards for himself and all those around him. He began working on drilling rigs for Patterson UTI Drilling Company, working his way up to rig supervisor. Later he became a drilling consultant, working for Sandridge, Devon and several other oil and gas companies. He is currently the COO and co-founder of MDC Texas Energy LLC, and independent exploration and production Company based in Midland, Texas.
John’s second passion was horses. He has loved horses since he was a toddler. Four years ago he started JMC Ranches to provide training for quarter horses and thoroughbreds.
John lived his life to the fullest and accomplished his dreams. Most importantly he loved God.
Read more here ➤ http://www.npwelch.com
The victims of Thursday’s plane crash at Midland International Air & Space Port have been identified as a 39-year-old Midland man and his 16-year-old son.
The crash of the Cirrus SR22 airplane killed pilot John Mark Cooper, and his son, Gavyn Cooper, who was the only passenger, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The plane — a fixed-wing, single-engine craft manufactured in 2007 — held a “valid” status, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the expiration of its certificate was set for January 2021. The plane is registered to JMC Ranches LLC. A John Cooper of Midland is registered as the business’ owner, according to state comptroller records.
According to the FAA, a John Mark Cooper was issued a student pilot certificate on April 1, 2013. Pilots with student pilot certificates are prohibited from carrying passengers.
The Reporter-Telegram could not confirm if the deceased John Mark Cooper is the same Cooper in the FAA’s record because the pilot’s address was withheld. However, there is only one John Mark Cooper in the FAA’s airmen database. DPS confirmed the pilot’s full name.
Robert Katz, a Dallas-based flight instructor and plane crash expert, said student pilots cannot take a plane anywhere without a flight instructor’s endorsement in the student’s logbook. “Even if he owns his own airplane, he can’t legally take it out whenever he wants,” Katz said Friday in a phone interview.
The record also indicates that a third-class medical certificate was issued in April 2013. If the pilot were under 40 years old, he would not have been allowed to fly an aircraft because the medical certificate would have expired 60 months after it was issued -- April 30, 2018 -- according to the federal government’s Electronic Code of Federal Regulations concerning pilot certification.
With 35 years of experience as a pilot, Katz said keeping medical certificates current are critical. “Knowing your medical expiration date is tantamount to knowing your birthday,” he said.
The plane crashed at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday shortly after taking off, according to a DPS press release.
“The aircraft departed from Runway 16 and was preparing to exit the traffic pattern when it crashed near the approach end of Runway 10, starting a fire,” FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said in a statement Thursday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, and the FAA will provide assistance. The NTSB usually posts a preliminary report within a week to 10 days after a crash and it typically takes up to a year or more to complete an investigation, he said.
John and Gavyn Cooper initially were identified by Sarah Green, director of marketing and communications for Trinity School. John Cooper’s wife and Gavyn’s mother, Chassity Cooper, is a kindergarten aide at the school, Green said in an email. The victims’ daughter and sister, Callie, attends Trinity, and Gavyn previously attended the private school and was attending Midland High.
Midland High football coach Tim Anuszkiewicz said Gavyn Cooper was a quarterback on the junior varsity team last year and that he was going to be a junior next fall.
“Gavyn was a true Midland Bulldog,” Anuszkiewicz said. “He was a team player. He had a great attitude and was a really happy kid. I think that is what we are going to miss the most about not having him around, that he just brought a really good spirit to the program.”
John Cooper was a trainer at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico, according to a press release from Ruidoso Downs.
“John M. Cooper was having the best year of his young training career after being successful in the energy business,” the release said. “Last Saturday, the Cooper-trained Pj Splash Of Joy qualified for the Grade 1, $1 million Ruidoso Futurity. Last Sunday, the Cooper trained Flight Force gained top preference to race in the $100,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes at Ruidoso Downs. Cooper had entered Mojo Perry in the $100,000 Junos Request Stakes at Remington Park to run on Saturday night. Mojo Perry is coming off a third-place run in the Decketta Stakes.”
A request made Friday to the director of airports seeking more information about the incident was not returned. The NTSB does not comment during investigations, and the FAA refers all requests for information to the NTSB.
Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.mrt.com
Shaking my head ...
ReplyDelete"In a telephone conversation with the pilot’s wife,she expressed surprised that there was no record of her husband having a pilot’s license. He had a horse training business, JMC Ranches LLC, and he regularly flew the Cirrus SR22 between MAF and SRR, often with passengers."
Tragic ...
ReplyDeleteAt least the airplane was in annual
ReplyDeleteThat was a hot day, 105F.
ReplyDeletehis former instructor estimated experience at 100 hours, but the guy didn't manage to get a private ticket?
ReplyDeleteLots of boring things expected before they'll give you a license and allow you to carry passengers, like calculating altitude density...
kudos, managed to fly a hotrod for 90+ hours before he killed himself. and his son.