Monday, January 14, 2019

Medical Event: Piper PA-28-181, N75191; fatal accident occurred January 13, 2019 in Salem, McCook County, South Dakota

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota
Piper Aircraft; Vero Beach, Florida
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Salem, South Dakota
Accident Number: CEN19LA053
Date and Time: January 13, 2019, 14:25 Local 
Registration: N75191
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Medical event
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

About 15 minutes after departing on a cross-country flight in day visual meteorological conditions, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report that he was having chest pain and blacking out, and was having difficulty controlling the airplane. The controller continued to communicate with the pilot for about 20 minutes before radio contact was lost. The wreckage was subsequently located in a field. Examination did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

The pilot's Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate expired about 10 weeks before the accident. He had begun but not completed the requirements for operation under BasicMed. Autopsy of the pilot identified coronary artery disease including 80% stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery and 50% stenosis of the right coronary artery and diagnosed an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). It is likely that the sudden, impairing effects of the heart attack and associated severe chest pain resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control while attempting to land in a field, and its subsequent impact with terrain.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The incapacitating effects of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), which resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues Cardiovascular - Pilot
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering Medical event (Defining event)
Emergency descent Off-field or emergency landing
Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

On January 13, 2019, about 1425 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-181 airplane, N75191, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain about 6 miles south of Salem, South Dakota. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and no flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight, which originated from Mitchell Municipal Airport (MHE), Mitchell, South Dakota, and was destined for Mary Skie-Lincoln County Airport (Y14), Tea, South Dakota.

About 15 minutes after departing, the pilot contacted Sioux Falls Approach Control and stated that he was having chest pains, was blacking out, and was having difficulty maintaining control of the airplane. About 1411, radar track data indicated the airplane was traveling southeast. The airplane then maneuvered/circled for about 6 minutes, briefly headed northwest briefly and began maneuvering/circling again. The controller continued to communicate with the pilot for about 20 minutes before radio contact was lost about 1425; the track data ended about the same time, about 2 miles southwest of the accident site. The wreckage was subsequently located in a field about 30 nautical miles east-southeast of the departure airport.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 69, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied:
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: October 5, 2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 2515.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 11 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the 69-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and instrument ratings. The pilot's most recent third-class FAA medical certificate was issued on October 5, 2016, with a limitation for corrective lenses, and expired on October 31, 2018. On the application for that medical certificate, he reported 2,250 total hours of flight experience, with 50 hours in the previous 6 months.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N75191
Model/Series: PA28 181 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-7690310
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: 
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A4M
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The four-place, single-engine, low-wing, fixed tricycle landing gear airplane, serial number 28-7690310, was manufactured in 1976. According to maintenance records, the airplane was powered by a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360 engine, serial number L-1039-36A, which drove a two-blade fixed pitch Sensenich propeller.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMHE,1299 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 30 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:22 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 288°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1500 ft AGL 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 200° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.29 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / -3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mitchell, SD (MHE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Tea, SD (Y14)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

The 1422 recorded weather at MHE included wind from 200° at 13 knots; 10 statute miles visibility; overcast clouds at 1,500 ft; temperature 1°C; dew point -3°C; altimeter 30.30 inches of mercury.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 43.61861,-97.381111(est)

The wreckage was located in a harvested crop field. Review of information and photographs provided by local law enforcement revealed that all major components of the airplane were present at the site. The airplane main wreckage was found resting upright in the field. The cockpit was crushed and the empennage was facing north. A debris field, wheel tracks, and ground scars in the field indicated that the airplane contacted the ground about 600 to 800 ft north of where it came to rest. The wreckage was removed from the scene and was placed in a secure building.

The wreckage was subsequently examined by an FAA inspector and airframe manufacturer's representative. The examination revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Medical and Pathological Information

The McCook County Coroner coordinated the pilot's autopsy at the Sanford Health Pathology Clinic, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The autopsy indicated that the pilot's cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries due to an airplane crash due to acute myocardial infarction due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The autopsy identified coronary artery disease, including 80% stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery and 50% stenosis of the right coronary artery.

Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified valsartan in liver and muscle, ranitidine in muscle, and amlodipine in liver and muscle.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker heart medication used in the treatment of hypertension. Ranitidine is used in the treatment of gastric acid secretion. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of high blood pressure, of congestive heart failure, and post-myocardial infarction.

The pilot's personal medical records indicated that he had well-controlled hypertension and occasional visits for respiratory infections. The pilot requested his primary physician fill out the FAA physician attestation form for BasicMed and the physician did so, attesting to the pilot's ability to safely operate an aircraft. The medical records also included the history form filled out by the pilot during this process; however, the FAA had no record of receiving the pilot's BasicMed documents.

========

Location: Salem, SD
Accident Number: CEN19LA053
Date & Time: 01/13/2019, 1425 CST
Registration: N75191
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On January 13, 2019, about 1425 central standard time, a Piper PA28 181 airplane, N75191, impacted terrain about 6 miles south of Salem, South Dakota. The private pilot, the only person on board, was fatally injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and no flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight that originated from the Mitchell Municipal Airport (MHE), Mitchell, South Dakota, and was destined for Mary Skie-Lincoln County Airport (Y14), Tea, South Dakota.

The pilot reported to Sioux Falls Approach Control that he was having chest pains and was blacking out. The controller tried to get the pilot to land anywhere. The controller lost radio contact with the airplane about 1425.

According to initial information from the McCook County Sheriff's Office, they were notified by a controller that a man in a small airplane was having a medical emergency and were given an approximate location of the airplane. Search and rescue personnel along with officers from the sheriff's office were dispatched. About 1430, they were notified that air traffic control had lost all communication with the airplane. About 1435, their dispatch received notification that the airplane had been located.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and instrument ratings. The pilot held an FAA third class medical certificate, dated October 5, 2016. On the application for that medical certificate, he reported that he had accumulated 2,250 hours of total flight tine and had accumulated 50 hours of flight time in the six months before the application. That medical certificate was issued with the following limitation: Must wear corrective lenses.

N75191 was a 1976-model Piper PA28 181, four-place, single-engine, low-wing, fixed tricycle landing gear, semi-monocoque design airplane with serial number 28-7690310. According to maintenance records, the airplane was powered by a normally aspirated, direct drive, air-cooled, horizontally opposed, carburetor equipped, four cylinder, 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360 engine with serial number L-1039-36A, which drove a two-blade fixed pitch Sensenich propeller.

At 1422, the recorded weather and MHE was: Wind 200° at 13 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition overcast clouds at 1,500 ft; temperature 1° C; dew point -3° C; altimeter 30.30 inches of mercury.

According to initial information from the McCook County Sheriff's Office, the airplane wreckage was located in a harvested crop field about 30 nautical miles and 108° from MHE. The wreckage was subsequently photographically documented. Review of the sheriff's information and photographs revealed the cockpit of the airplane was crushed. All major components of the airplane can be accounted for in the photographs. The tail of the plane was facing north. A debris field and tracks in the field showed the airplane had made contact with the ground about 600 to 800 ft north of the airplane's resting spot. The total debris field was about 600 ft long 300 ft at the widest part and was cone shaped, getting wider to the south. About 100 ft southeast of the airplane the pilot was found. The airplane wreckage was removed from the scene and was placed in a secure building.

The McCook County Coroner was asked to arrange for an autopsy to be performed on the pilot and to have toxicological samples taken.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N75191
Model/Series: PA28 181
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: KMHE, 1299 ft msl
Observation Time: 1422 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 30 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / -3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / , 200°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.3 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Mitchell, SD (MHE)
Destination: Tea, SD (Y14)

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  43.618611, -97.381111 (est)


Comet Henry John Haraldson
February 11, 1949 - January 13, 2019

Comet Haraldson died Sunday, January 13th, near Salem, South Dakota, in an airplane accident. He was 69 years old. 

Comet was born on February 11, 1949, in Sharon, ND, the first son of Comet and Olive (Ruud) Haraldson.  He attended school in Harvey ND, Aberdeen SD, and graduated in 1967 from Pierre SD High School.  Comet was an accomplished football and basketball player, and participated in track and field.  He was also an excellent pitcher for the Pierre American Legion baseball team.  In 1967, the team won the State title.

Comet attended USD in Vermillion on a baseball scholarship.  He earned a BA and MA.  While living in Vermillion, he was a member of ‘the Villagers’, a folk singing group. They played around the area, not only earning them a little extra spending money, but occasionally guaranteeing king crab legs at Bogners on a Friday night.

Comet loved music, and was a self-taught guitar player.  He played in several bands, including the Great Wizard Band in San Jose CA.  After his little brother, Steve, graduated from high school, Comet formed his own band, ‘Dakota Morning’, which included Steve and Nick Schwebach.  Their first ‘gig’ was in Trent SD.  From there, they played several places around SD, then sang their way thru Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, spending several months playing in Jackson Hole.  He also played in various bands around Sioux Falls, most notably Arlie’s All Stars, a group composed of Sioux Falls area professionals whose annual performances have raised more than $800,000 for charitable causes.

He began law school at USD in the fall of 1976 and graduated with a JD in 1979.  After graduation, he was employed as a law clerk for Judge Wollman in Pierre for one year.  He joined the law firm of Woods, Fuller, Shultz and Smith in 1980 and worked there until his death.

He married Tena Anderson in 1981, and they have 2 sons: Andrew and John.

Comet dearly loved his boys, and loved spending time with them.  They spent many summer weekends camping in Yankton, and riding the jet ski around Gavins Point.  In the winter, he would take them snow skiing to Great Bear; as they got older, to Copper Mountain and Keystone CO.  He was very proud and supportive of his boys.

Comet’s hobbies included singing, playing the guitar, reading, traveling, flying his own airplane, and touring on motorcycles.  He was a voracious reader.  He loved his annual ‘rituals’: attending the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and the Sioux Falls Jazz Fest.

 Another ritual was his annual trip with the ‘Golf Guys’.  Every spring, he and his buddies would head to Florida, where they golfed many of their courses under the guidance of their fearless leader, Brad Grossenburg.  Their love of the sport eventually brought them to the birth place of golf - St Andrews, Scotland.  They also golfed many courses around Ireland.   

In 1997 he met Naomi Keiser.  Together they shared everything from their love of travel, friendship, music, movies, good food, reading…to the simple pleasures of a cup of coffee in the morning, and watching the sun set across the beautiful SD sky at night. 

Comet loved life!  Every morning he woke up happy and eager to start the day!  Coffee, a bowl of raisin bran, and he was ‘good to go’.  He rarely complained, and never took life for granted. He lived each day to the fullest.  He heartily embraced every adventure that crossed his path…and many folks he met along the way would ultimately become lifelong friends.  He will be sorely missed.  

Comet took his last flight Sunday, January 13th.  He was 69 years old.  He is preceded in death by his mother and father.  He is survived by his wife, Naomi, sons John and Andy, step daughters Sara and Kim, 3 grandchildren, sister Corrinne Berkland (David), brother Steve (April Rodgers), 3 nephews, and former spouse Tena.

A visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home, 7400 South Minnesota Ave, Friday from 4-7 PM.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, at First Lutheran Church, 327 South Dakota Avenue, at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the South Dakota Airshow, Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues, and/or the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Comet served on the boards of these organizations.

http://www.millerfh.com



BRIDGEWATER, South Dakota -- Federal Aviation Administration records indicate that the Sioux Falls attorney who died on January 13th, when his plane crashed in southern McCook County did not have the medical certificate he legally needed to fly.

Comet Haraldson, who was 69 at the time of his death, had flown from Tea to Mitchell earlier that day and was making the return trip when he crashed.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration website that keeps information on pilots’ certifications, Haraldson, who lived in Lincoln County, got a private pilot’s license in January 2007.

According to that same website, Haraldson last updated his medical certification in October 2016. That was a third-class certification which, under the Federal Code of Regulations, expires after 24 months of the date on the medical certificate because Haraldson was over the age of 40.

Pilots are not legally allowed to operate planes if they do not have an up-to-date medical certification or if they have not completed an alternative medical course.

Although some aircraft, such as balloons and gliders, do not require medical certification, operating as a private pilot does.

Representatives from the FAA’s Aerospace Medical Certification Division said they are unsure exactly how long it takes a pilot’s online information to update after a new medical certificate is obtained and refused to comment on the status of Haraldson’s certification. But if the October 2016 certification was Haraldson’s most recent, it would have expired in October 2018, making him unable to legally fly after that point.

An audio recording of air traffic control communication from before Haraldson’s plane crashed on Sunday indicated that he was having a medical issue while in the air. He contacted air traffic controllers at about 2:15 p.m. on Sunday.

In that recording, air traffic controllers can be heard repeatedly suggesting that Haraldson find a road or a field where he could land and they could send emergency personnel to help him.

“If you can safely put the aircraft down at this point in a field, on a road, that’s what we’d recommend, rather than losing consciousness at altitude there,” an air traffic controller said about eight minutes after first making contact with Haraldson.

Soon after that, the controllers lost contact with Haraldson, and the wreckage of his single-engine plane was found later that day.

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate the crash, but the investigation has been slowed by furloughed workers.

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

Comet Haraldson

The pilot killed in a single-engine plane crash in a field Sunday afternoon in McCook County has been identified.

Comet H. Haraldson, 69, of Sioux Falls, was the pilot and lone person on the plane when it crashed Sunday near Bridgewater. Haraldson was flying a plane registered in his name, McCook County Emergency Management Director Brad Stiefvater said Monday.

Haraldson, who was an attorney with nearly 40 years of experience at Woods Fuller Shultz and Smith law firm in Sioux Falls, flew the plane from Tea to Mitchell earlier Sunday, and was flying to return home to Sioux Falls at the time of the crash.

Stiefvater said Sunday that Haraldson had contacted air traffic controllers while in flight around 2:15 p.m. to say he was having health complications and was struggling to control his plane.

About 10 minutes later, air traffic control reported they had lost contact with the plane. The wreckage was later found in the area of 263rd Street and 440th Avenue in the southern part of McCook County, located 1 mile west of U.S. Highway 81.

Because of the partial federal government shutdown, the investigation into the crash will be slow, Stiefvater said. McCook County personnel received permission from the National Transportation Safety Board to preserve the wreckage from the crash site before the NTSB can further investigate. Stiefvater said there’s no timeline on when that investigation will occur because many NTSB employees are on furlough.

“I’m not sure when that will be because of the shutdown, so things are complicated right now,” Stiefvater said Monday.


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






MCCOOK COUNTY, S.D. (KSFY) - UPDATE:

Authorities have identified the pilot that was killed in a plane crash over the weekend in southeast South Dakota.

McCook County Emergency Management Director Brad Stiefvater confirms Comet Haraldson of Sioux Falls died Sunday afternoon when his single-engine Piper Cherokee aircraft when down in a field between Canistota and Bridgewater.

Authorities said Haraldson had a medical issue prior to the crash.

The sheriff's department has cleared the wreckage, which is being stored in a secure county building due to the government shutdown.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Authorities say a medical condition is likely to blame for a deadly plane crash in southeast South Dakota.

A small single-engine aircraft crashed in a field between Canistota and Bridgewater around 2:15 p.m. Sunday.

McCook County emergency management officials tell KSFY the pilot reported having health issues mid-flight.

Air traffic control audio, recorded on the website LiveATC.net, revealed a nearly half-hour struggle to help the pilot safely land the plane. Controllers advised the pilot to land in on a county road or a field, where first responders would be able to provide assistance.

The pilot ultimately was not able to land safely and crashed into a field.

Air traffic control coordinated a response on the ground with local law enforcement agencies.

"Today, our dispatch center got a call from the air traffic controllers out of Sioux Falls advising that they had a pilot that was calling in an emergency," McCook County Emergency Manager, Brad Stiefvater said.

Stiefvater said they were told the pilot was having health issues.

"He was having medical problems and having trouble controlling the plane as a result of those," Stiefvater

"We tried to reach this individual on the Unicom aircraft frequency from the ground to no avail and then 10 minutes later air traffic control advised that they had lost contact," Stiefvater said.

Shortly after losing contact with the pilot first responders found the crashed plane between Canistota and Bridgewater.

"The NTSB has been contacted and we'll be releasing no more information until the family is notified," Stiefvater said.

Authorities are not saying whether anyone else was on board the plane at the time of the crash.

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

Beech A36 Bonanza, N410BC: Accident occurred December 17, 2016 in Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida

Air One arrives at the accident scene as the pilot speaks with Dale Cohen, who’d arrived there on foot. 


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

Additional Participating Entity: Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida


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


http://registry.faa.gov/N410BC





Location: Ormond Beach, FL
Accident Number: ERA17LA070
Date & Time: 12/17/2016, 1607 EST
Registration: N410BC
Aircraft: BEECH A36
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 17, 2016, at 1607 eastern standard time, a Beech A36, N410BC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Ormond Beach, Florida. The private pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at DeLand Municipal Airport (DED), DeLand, Florida, about 1430 and was destined for Mid Florida Air Service Airport (X55), Eustis, Florida.

The pilot reported in a telephone interview that he was returning to his home airport and was practicing maneuvers at 1,200 feet. The left fuel tank ran dry, and the engine lost all power. He stated that his normal procedure was to exhaust the fuel in one tank before switching to the other. He attempted a restart after switching to the right tank, which, he stated, held 40 gallons of fuel. The engine would not restart, so he performed a forced landing in a field. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed down into the ground.

The pilot did not complete and return the NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, as requested on multiple occasions by the NTSB investigator-in-charge. The pilot also did not provide the aircraft maintenance records when requested by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The details of the latest annual inspection of the aircraft and engine were not available.

The wreckage was recovered from the accident site on December 22, 2017. According to the salvage operator, the left wing was substantially damaged and the left wing fuel tank was breached. The fuselage sustained structural damage. The right wing had minimal damage and the right wing fuel tank was undamaged. No fuel was found in either wing fuel tank. The wing tank selector handle was found in the "OFF" position.

The engine was examined on April 6, 2017. The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller, and compression and suction were observed on all six cylinders. All gears were observed rotating at the accessory (rear) section of the engine. The top spark plugs were removed; their electrodes were intact and were light grey in color. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed; the drive coupling was intact and the pump rotated smoothly.

The engine-driven fuel pump was forwarded to the manufacturer's facility for further examination. The fuel pump displayed impact damage signatures; one of the fuel line AN fittings was fractured. The fuel pump drive shaft was noted to have remained intact and the fuel pump drive shaft was capable of normal rotation. The fractured AN fitting was removed and a serviceable fitting was installed. The fuel pump was placed on a production bench for testing; the fuel pump operated normally. There were no anomalies noted.

According to the FAA medical file, the pilot was first medically certified to fly in 1978. In 2004, he reported a diagnosis of hypertension and treatment with medication. In February, 2008, he was admitted to hospital for several weeks with multiple complex complications of chronic alcoholism, then was admitted for alcohol rehabilitation, and he reported that to the FAA. After obtaining more information including a neurology evaluation following an alcohol withdrawal seizure, and a psychiatric evaluation, the FAA eventually granted him a special issuance third class medical certificate in 2009, which was dependent on him being evaluated and undergoing periodic testing for alcohol.

At the time of his last aviation medical examination, dated August 30, 2011, the pilot reported 1,650 total flight hours. In September, 2011, he tested positive for alcohol and the FAA withdrew his medical certificate in November, 2011.

The pilot was taken emergently to the hospital by helicopter following the accident. Blood drawn at 1709 tested positive for 0.177 gm/dl of alcohol. No other toxicology testing was performed.

Ethanol is the intoxicant commonly found in beer, wine, and liquor. It acts as a central nervous system depressant. After ingestion, at low doses, it impairs judgment, psychomotor functioning, and vigilance; at higher doses it can cause coma and death. The effects of ethanol on aviators are generally well understood; it significantly impairs pilots' performance, even at very low levels. CFR Part 91.17 (a) prohibits any person from acting or attempting to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft while having 0.040 gm/dl or more ethanol in the blood.

Unlike many other substances, ethanol is eliminated from the body at a fairly constant rate. The rate varies with the regularity of drinking and whether or not the individual has recently eaten, but ranges from 0.010 gm/dl/hr in infrequent drinkers with an empty stomach to as high as 0.035 gm/dl/hr in heavy drinkers who have eaten. As a result, the minimum and maximum levels of ethanol can be back-calculated with some assurance of accuracy. Thus, at the time of the accident, the pilot's alcohol level was likely at or above 0.185 gm/dl.

Pilot Information


Certificate: Private
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: None 
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/30/2011
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time: 1500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1000 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N410BC
Model/Series: A36 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: E-1606
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3651 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: IO-520 Series
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: OMN, 27 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1450 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 80°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 5000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 210°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Deland, FL (DED)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Eustis, FL (X55)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1430 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude:  29.266667, -81.254722 (est)



NTSB Identification: ERA17LA070
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, December 17, 2016 in Ormond Beach, FL
Aircraft: BEECH A36, registration: N410BC
Injuries: 1 Serious.

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. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On December 17, 2016, at 1510 eastern standard time, a Beech A36, N410BC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Ormond Beach, Florida. The private pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at DeLand Municipal Airport (DED), DeLand, Florida, about 1430 and was destined for Eustis, Florida (X55).

The pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport and was practicing maneuvers at 1,200 feet. The left fuel tank ran dry, and the engine lost all power. He attempted a restart after switching to the right tank, which held 40 gallons of fuel. The engine would not restart, so he attempted a forced landing in a field. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed down into the ground.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. Structural damage to wings and fuselage was confirmed. The left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank contained fuel.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Beechcraft B35 Bonanza, N5093C; accident occurred January 13, 2019 near Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Washington

















































Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Washington
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

ABCS Association


Location: Port Hadlock, Washington
Accident Number: WPR19LA064
Date and Time: January 13, 2019, 13:58 Local
Registration: N5093C
Aircraft: Beech 35
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

Shortly after takeoff and during the initial climb, the cabin door opened, and the pilot elected to return to the airport. Upon entering the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot noticed that the left fuel gauge indicated full; and the right fuel gauge indicated empty. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power and the pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage.

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right main fuel tank and right tip tank had been breached during the accident sequence, while the left main wing tank and left tip tank were minimally damaged. Recovery personnel reported that about 12 gallons of aviation fuel was drained from the left main fuel tank and the left tip tank. The fuel selector handle was in the right tank position. When operated by hand, the handle moved freely through 360° rotation by hand, with each detent identified by feel. Examination revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of fuel starvation when the pilot failed to switch from the empty right main tank to the left main tank.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel.

Findings

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Aircraft Fuel - Fluid management
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Effect on operation

Factual Information

On January 13, 2019, about 1400 Pacific standard time, a Beech B35 airplane, N5093C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Port Hadlock, Washington. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as
a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff from Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), the single-entry door on the right side of the airplane opened. The pilot continued the climb to pattern altitude, then turned onto a left downwind to return to 0S9. The pilot further stated that while on downwind, he noticed that the left fuel gauge showed full, but “…there was no needle movement when I thought it should be moving.” The pilot further stated that the right fuel gauge showed empty when it should have shown full (20 gallons) and that the engine lost total power. The pilot maneuvered for a small grass area that he observed through an opening in the trees. The right wing impacted a large tree trunk, which nearly separated the wing from the airplane. There was no postcrash fire.

First responders who arrived shortly after the accident reported that there was no smell of fuel present at the accident site and that the pilot indicated that “…the airplane seemed to not have fuel.” The pilot reported that he departed with about 45 gallons of fuel onboard.

Examination of the airplane revealed that the right main fuel tank and right tip tank were breached during the accident sequence, while the left main fuel tank and left tip tank remained intact. The fuel selector was in the right tank position. Recovery personnel drained about 12 gallons of fuel from the left main and left tip tank. When the fuel selector handle was rotated by hand, it rotated freely through 360° without binding or interruption; all detents were identified by feel. The investigation revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation.

History of Flight

Enroute-climb to cruise Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 87, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: December 21, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 19, 2018
Flight Time: 2712 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1190 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N5093C
Model/Series: 35 B35 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1950 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: D-2355
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 30, 2018 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2850 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 7 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5488 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: IO-470K
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 225 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: 0S9,110 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 1.65 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:55 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 297°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 230° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Port Townsend, WA (0S9) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Everett, WA (PAE) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 13:50 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Jefferson County International Airport 0S9
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 108 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 48.042221,-122.77471(est)

======

Location: Port Hadlock, WA
Accident Number: WPR19LA064
Date & Time: 01/13/2019, 1400 PST
Registration: N5093C
Aircraft: Beech 35
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On January 13, 2019, about 1400 Pacific standard time, a Beech B35 airplane, N5093C collided with trees following a loss of engine power near Port Hadlock, Washington, . The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to ABCS Association and operated by the pilot under the provision of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Port Townsend, Washington about 1350 and was destined for Paine Field (PAE), Everett, Washington.

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the cockpit door opened, and that while turning onto left downwind to return to 0S9, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently initiated an off-airport forced landing. The airplane struck a stand of trees and came to rest behind a church.

The airplane was recovered and secured for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N5093C
Model/Series: 35 B35
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: 0S9, 110 ft msl
Observation Time: 1355 PST
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Port Townsend, WA (0S9)
Destination: Everett, WA (PAE)

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: 48.042222, -122.774722 (est)



One male is being treated for minor injuries after a plane he was in crashed just before 2 p.m. Jan. 13 in Port Hadlock-Irondale.

Public Information Officer for East Jefferson Fire and Rescue Bill Beezley said the pilot of a Beechcraft B35 Bonanza was being checked for minor injuries after he crashed at 711 Irondale Road near Irondale Church.

The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane at the time of the crash.

Witness Randy Shepherd said the plane was traveling southwest over the area before it struck one tree causing it to turn northeast and crash into a second tree where it came to rest.

Port Townsend police officer Nathan Holmes said they were waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration to arrive on scene before more information would be given regarding the crash.

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



PORT HADLOCK — A pilot escaped a plane crash near Port Hadlock with minor injuries after his engine died shortly after takeoff Sunday afternoon.

The 87-year-old Snohomish County man, the sole occupant, was transported to Jefferson Healthcare hospital with a minor injury to his hand, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesperson Bill Beezley.

The crash was first reported at 1:58 p.m. Sunday near the Irondale Church at 681 Irondale Road.

The pilot, who Beezley did not identify, told responders that shortly after he took off from the Jefferson County International Airport the door on the plane opened.

He then turned around in an effort to make it back to the airport, but the engine died.

“He did a classic pilot maneuver and aimed for a tree with one wing,” Beezley said.

He said that by hitting a tree with one wing, it slows down the plane and increases the chance of survival.

He said another pilot did the same thing last year.

The Beechcraft B35 Bonanza is registered to ABCS Association out of Mukilteo.

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