Saturday, February 16, 2019

Piper PA-31T1 Cheyenne I, registered to and operated by T-210 Holdings LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight, N47GW: Fatal accident occurred July 13, 2017 near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (KTYR), Smith County, Texas

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Dallas, Texas
Piper Aircraft; Vero Beach, Florida 
Pratt & Whitney; Quebec

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N47GW 

Location: Tyler, TX
Accident Number: CEN17FA266
Date & Time: 07/13/2017, 0810 CDT
Registration: N47GW
Aircraft: PIPER PA31T
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

On July 13, 2017, about 0810 central daylight time, a Piper, PA-31T airplane, N47GW, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR), Tyler, Texas. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by T-210 Holdings, LLC, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the airplane was on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident, and was en route to Midland Airpark (MDD), Midland, Texas.

The tower controller stated that, after the airplane was cleared for takeoff from runway 17, it appeared to have a shallower-than-normal climb. The controller then saw the airplane bank left, before descending and impacting terrain off airport property. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 62
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/17/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 17590 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single- and multi-engine land and instrument airplane. He held type ratings for Boeing 737 and Falcon 10 airplanes. He also held a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. His Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first-class medical certificate was issued on January 17, 2017, with the limitation that he, must wear corrective lenses. At the time of the medical exam, the pilot reported 17,590 total flight hours and 120 hours in the previous six months.

The operator reported that the pilot routinely flew to MDD, that he also flew a business jet, and that this was first solo flight since receiving a checkout in the accident airplane. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N47GW
Model/Series: PA31T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 31T-8104030
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/17/2017, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 5685.7 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: P&W CANADA
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-60A
Registered Owner: T-210 HOLDINGS LLC
Rated Power: 1127 hp
Operator: T-210 HOLDINGS LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

The accident airplane was a Piper Cheyenne, PA-31T, which is a low-wing, twin-engine airplane, with retractable, conventional landing gear, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT-6A turboprop engines and Hartzell full-feathering propellers.

The airplane was on a progressive maintenance inspection program. A review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed an "event one" inspection was completed on March 17, 2017. The left engine's power section was disassembled due to metal in the oil and was repaired under a work order , on March 2, 2017, at 5,698.9 hours total time. The right engine's power section was also found to have metal in the oil and was repaired on March 2, 2017, at 5,609.5 hours total time and 2,888.0 hours since overhaul.

The airplane was filled with 245 gallons of Jet-A fuel, before departure.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Visual Conditions:  
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTYR
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 0753 CDT
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 120°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Tyler, TX (KTYR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Midland Airpark, TX (KMDD)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time:  CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

At 0753, the automated weather observation station (AWOS) located at TYR, recorded: wind from 120° at 4 knots, 10 miles visibility, a clear sky, temperature 79° F, dew point 74° F, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inches of mercury. 

Airport Information

Airport: Tyler-Pounds Regional (KTYR)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 544 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4849 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

TYR) is a publicly owned, open to the public, tower-controlled airport, located 3 miles west of Tyler, Texas. TYR has three asphalt runways: Runway 17/35, is 4,849 ft by 150 ft. The airport is at an elevation of 544.1 ft. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.344167, -95.405833 

The on-site examination of the wreckage and ground scars revealed the airplane impacted the bank of a small pond about 1/2 mile from the end of runway 17. There was not a post-crash fire and fuel was present at the site. The airplane came to rest on its right side, on the edge of the pond; the front of the cabin displayed heavy impact damage. Both wings separated from the fuselage; the right wing was in the pond and just beyond the main wreckage, and the left wing was located under the main wreckage. The right engine separated from the nacelle and was located beside the right side of the wreckage; the four-bladed propeller remained attached to the engine. The left engine came to rest in front of the wreckage and its propeller was separated at the propeller shaft.

The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility, for further examination. by the NTSB Investigator-in-Charge and technical representatives from the engine and airframe manufacturers.

The left wing displayed substantial impact damage. The outboard 1/3 of the wing was impact-separated from the inboard portion. The aileron and outboard half of the flap were also impact-separated. The aileron control cable was secure to the bell crank and continuous to the wing root area. The balance cable was secure to the bell crank and continuous to the center fuselage area where it displayed an overload separation. The flap actuator showed about 1/2 thread, consistent with a retracted position.

The left main landing gear was retracted. The left fuel valve was found in the open position. The cross-feed valve was found in the off position.

The right wing was largely intact with both the aileron and flap in place. The aileron control cable was secure to the bellcrank and continuous to the wing root area where it had been cut for transport. The balance cable was secure to the bellcrank and continuous to the left side of the middle attach fitting, where it was overload separated.

The right main landing gear was retracted in the wheel well but not secured by the up-lock. The flap actuator displayed about 1/2 thread, consistent with a retracted position. The aileron trim drum inner shaft aft extension was about 1/2 thread, consistent with a tab position of full up about 15°.

The right fuel valve was found in the open position.

The horizontal stabilizer and elevator displayed substantial impact damage and were separated for transport. The elevator control cables were secure to the elevator bellcrank and continuous to the elevator sector in the cockpit. The elevator trim drum displayed 3 threads aft extension of the inner shaft consistent with a setting of about 3° degrees trailing edge down, (nose up), pitch trim.

The rudder was secure and free to move through full travel. The rudder cables had been cut for recovery transport forward of the rudder sector but were continuous to the forward cockpit. The rudder trim drum inner shaft forward extension had about 9.5 threads showing, consistent with a neutral setting.

The fuselage had substantial impact damage to the nose and cockpit areas. The engine control levers were found in the forward positions. The rudder trim was set at the neutral position. The landing gear lever was in the retracted position. The flap lever was in the full up (retracted) position. Both handles were broken from the pilot's control wheel.

The fuel controls were both in the "ON" position and the cross feed was in the "OFF" position and corresponded to the positions at the fuel valves.

No airframe anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation.

Left Engine

The left engine's four-bladed propeller shaft had fractured, separating the propeller from the engine. The blades exhibited twisting, polishing, and bend signatures.

The exhaust duct displayed compressional bending and was torn from impact with terrain. The left exhaust stack was impact separated from the exhaust duct. The gas generator case displayed compressional bending.

The engine was separated at the "C" flange to expose the hot section components. The downstream face of the compressor turbine disc and blades exhibited rotational scoring from contact with the power turbine vane. The upstream side of the compressor turbine blades displayed rotational scoring from contact with the compressor turbine vane. The power turbine vane and baffle exhibited rubs on the upstream side from contact with the compressor turbine disc. The downstream side of the vane and the baffle exhibited rotational scoring from contact with the power turbine disc. The power turbine disc and blades exhibited rotational scoring on the upstream and downstream sides from contact with the adjacent static components.

Several first stage compressor blades exhibited impact damage.

Right Engine

The right engine's four-bladed propeller remained attached to the propeller shaft. The blades exhibited varying degrees of bends.

The exhaust duct displayed compressional bending due to impact with the terrain. The left exhaust stack was bent and distorted. The gas generator case displayed compressional bending. The inlet case struts were all fractured.

The engine was separated at the "C" flange to expose the hot section components. The downstream face of the compressor turbine disc and blades exhibited rotational scoring from contact with its respective adjacent static components. The upstream face of the compressor turbine disc and blades were unremarkable. The power turbine vane and baffle exhibited rubbing on the upstream side from contact with compressor turbine disc. The downstream side vane and baffle exhibited static impact marks from contact with the power turbine disc and blades. The power turbine disc and blades exhibited impact marks on the upstream and downstream side from contact with the adjacent static components. Several blades were fractured and displaced forward in the disc fixings.

The accessory gearbox was manually rotated by hand, and mechanical continuity was established through the gears.

The wire bundles on the engines were in poor condition, with bare metal showing in some sections.

Several components were removed from the right engine and shipped to P&W Canada for testing under the observation and guidance of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The fuel control unit, the fuel pump, propeller governor, and over-speed governor were tested and disassembled.

Testing of the fuel pump indicated that the pump performance was satisfactory. Observations recorded during testing of the overspeed governor indicated that the speed pick-up voltage was below the test point minimum limit;. however, the tests on the components did not identify any abnormalities that would have explained a loss of engine power. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The office of The Forensic Medical of Texas, P.A., Tyler, Texas, conducted an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was determined to be "blunt impact injures."

The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing on the pilot. The specimens were not tested for cyanide and carbon monoxide. The test was positive for fexofenadine and azacyclonol.

Fexofenadine is a non-sedating antihistamine and is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, and is available as a prescription and over-the-counter medication. It is not considered impairing. Azacyclonol is a metabolite of fexofenadine.

NTSB Identification: CEN17FA266
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, July 13, 2017 in Tyler, TX
Aircraft: PIPER PA 31T1, registration: N47GW
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

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 either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On July13, 2017 about 0810 central daylight time, a Piper Cheyenne, PA-31T airplane, N47GW, impacted terrain near Tyler, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot and sole passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by T-210 Holdings, LLC, Dover, Delaware under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and the airplane was an instrument flight plan. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident, and was enroute to Midland, Texas.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after departure, the airplane descended into terrain. 

The on-site examination of the wreckage revealed the airplane impacted an open field surrounded by trees. The wreckage was located on the edge of a small pond about one-half mile from the end of runway 17. There was not a post-crash fire; however, fuel was found at the site.

After the initial on-site documentation of the wreckage, the airplane was recovered to a secure facility, for further examination.



Bobby Walls

Trevor Morris

Bobby Walls and family


Trevor Morris






TYLER, TX (KLTV) -  Officials have released the identity of the pilot in a fatal plane crash Thursday morning.

William Robert Walls III, 62, of Huntsville, and Trevor Morris, 39, of Murchison were killed when the plane they were in crashed shortly after take-off from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The Texas Department of Public Safety released the identity of the men Friday morning.

City officials say the Piper PA-31, private twin-engine plane, went down after 8 a.m., Thursday. 

According to Preston Burton, President of Burton Oil Service Operations, and part owner of the plane, Walls was piloting the plane that was carrying Morris, the Vice President of Burton Oil Services, to Midland. 

Walls was a member of The Ark Church in Conroe. KLTV reached out to members of the church for comment. Out of respect for the family, they declined to comment Thursday but said he was a beloved member. 

Walls was a retired Southwest Airlines pilot.

Sgt. Jean Dark, Public Information Officer for DPS says the crash remains under investigation by officials from the NTSB and the FAA. 

NTSB says the plane will be moved sometime Friday afternoon.

A prayer vigil will be held tonight at Rock Hill Baptist Church at 7 p.m. for both Walls and Morris.  The church is located at 20022 SH 31 East in Brownsboro.

http://www.telemundoamarillo.com









TYLER, Texas (KETK) - Two people are confirmed dead following a plane crash Thursday morning near the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

According to friends and family, the pilot of the plane was retired Southwest Airlines pilot, Bobby Walls, 62, of Huntsville. According to his Facebook page, he worked for the airline for 23 years. Walls is a 1977 graduate of Baylor University.

The passenger in the plane crash has been identified as 39-year-old Trevor Morris, Pastor at Union Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro. The other victim has not been formally identified at this time.

Morris was the lead Pastor at the church, having previously served as a missionary in Ecuador. He was also a husband and father of five.

Morris' LinkedIn page also says he is the General Manager at Burton Oil Service Operations in Tyler.

First Responders located private twin-engine plane was located after it went down near the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, shortly after 8:00 a.m. According to the FAA, the plane is a 1981 Piper PA-31. It is registered to a T-210 Holdings in Dover, Delaware. 

City officials tell KETK the plane originally left from Tyler Thursday morning. The aircraft was headed to Midland, Texas.

The Tyler Police Department, Tyler and Dixie Fire Departments, Smith County Sheriff's Office and Smith County Emergency Services District all assisted in the search. ETMC Air 1 was also called in to help Tyler Fire with rescue efforts.

Witnesses describe the pandemonium during the crash.

"I heard the engine rev up," Fred Wuolschleger said. "The RPMs, which they normally do when they take off, and all of a sudden...Nothing. When the RPM dropped, that's when I heard the boom."

The Texas Department of Public Safety has taken over the investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration is also sending a crew to assess the wreckage.

The City of Tyler's Realtime Flight Information shows departures from the airport were not affected by the crash.

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport manager Davis Dickson said they prepare for emergency situations like this.

"There's a system we have in the airport where they can alert all the airport staff, police and fire immediately through our cell phones and we go into response mode, depending on the alert level in a crash scene, which would be an alert three," Dickson said.


http://www.easttexasmatters.com


Trevor Morris, standing in center, is surrounded by members of his family. Morris died in a plane crash July 13th in Tyler, Texas


Two people died Thursday when a plane went down shortly after take off from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

One of the deceased, Trevor Morris, was the pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro.

Morris was a passenger on the small twin-engine plane that went down about 8:15 a.m. in a pasture near the airport. The plane was headed to Midland.

Morris was the vice president for Burton Oil Services Operations based out of Tyler. The company traveled to Midland frequently for business.

Morris' family and church was notified early Thursday of the crash.

Aaron Greenwood, music and worship pastor of UHBC, said the family and church was mourning the loss of their beloved leader.

Morris is the son of Calvin and Diana Morris of Brownsboro. Diana is a longtime teacher with Brownsboro Elementary School.

Morris is survived by his wife Nafisa, his four sons and one daughter. The family called Murchison home after previously spending time as a missionary in Ecuador.

According to reports, the pilot was also killed in the crash. The pilot's name has not been released.

The plane was located a mile south of Pleasant Retreat Road by officers searching the area after reports of the aircraft going down. The Tyler Police Department said the wreckage was difficult to locate because there was no smoke or flames coming from the crash site.

Tyler Police Department spokesman Don Martin said first responders worked to extract the plane's occupants amid heavy fumes of gasoline around the plane.

The crash will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration to determine what caused the plane to go down.


http://www.athensreview.com

One of the two people who died in a plane crash near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport early Thursday was an East Texas pastor, according to an official with his church. 

Trevor Morris, lead pastor with Union Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro, was on board the small twin-engine plane that went down about 8:15 a.m., said Aaron Greenwood, worship pastor for the church. 

Morris' best friend heard about the crash, traveled to the site and confirmed Morris was in the plane, Greenwood said. 

Morris was lead pastor at Union Hill Baptist Church and was a general manager for an oil services company. He traveled to Midland frequently for his job and it was where he was headed when the plane went down, Greenwood said.

He said Morris' family has been notified and the church is also mourning the loss. 

The pilot also was killed when the plane crashed in a pasture near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The pilot's name has not been released. 

The plane was located 1 mile south of Pleasant Retreat Road by officers searching the area after reports of it going down. 

Tyler Police Department Spokesman Don Martin said the wreckage was difficult to locate because there was no smoke or flames coming from crash area.

"Officers went deep into the fields and eventually located the plane in a pasture," Martin said.

First responders worked to extract the plane's occupants amid heavy fumes of gasoline around the plane, Martin said. 

Fred Wullschleger, a witness to the crash, said he was on a morning walk with his dog when he heard the plane take off.

"I heard the plane rev up and then all the sudden it just quit and then boom, that's when he hit the ground," Wullschleger said. 

Emergency crews from agencies including the Tyler Police Department, Tyler Fire Department, Smith County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Public Safety responded after receiving reports of the downed aircraft. 

Air traffic to and from the airport was not affected by the incident. 
TYLER, TX (KLTV) - The plaintiffs in a wrongful death lawsuit are claiming gross negligence caused a Tyler plane crash that killed a pilot and an East Texas pastor.

The lawsuit was filed by Preston Burton on behalf of Pastor Trevor Morris’ estate and surviving family members, including his parents, his widow and five children.

Morris, 39, of Murchison, and pilot William Robert Walls III, 62, of Huntsville, were killed in July 2017 when the plane they were in crashed shortly after takeoff from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

The lawsuit names three East Texas companies as defendants: First AV Group of Henderson County, Flare Air of Rusk County, and East Texas H.S.I. of Smith County, as well the Sonja Lynne Walls on behalf of William Walls’ estate.

The lawsuits seeks a jury trial and damages in excess of $1 million.

According to the lawsuit, the plane’s right engine failed during take-off, forcing Walls to take emergency action. “Walls was beyond the point where he could about the takeoff so he needed to proceed with take off, get the aircraft under control, and land so as to assess the situation,” according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims that under proper procedures a competent pilot would be able to control the plane through takeoff and landing with one engine. But according to the lawsuit, “Walls failed to properly control the aircraft and crashed into a nearby field.”

The lawsuit shows First AV Group and Flare Air hired Walls to pilot the Piper PA-31. It alleges both companies knew Walls was “inexperienced with this aircraft” and “despite this, they approved Walls to pilot the aircraft.”

The lawsuit also claims First AV Group and Flare Air contracted with East Texas H.S.I to provide maintenance and inspections of the plane that crashed.

The lawsuit claims the defendants failed to control the aircraft, failed to react properly to an emergency, failed to properly operate the plane, failed to retain a competent pilot and failed to properly inspect and maintain the plane.

Burton is president of Burton Oil Service Operations and part owner of the plane. Morris was the Vice President of Burton Oil Services. Morris was flying from Tyler to Midland on business at the time of the crash. Morris was a pastor at Union Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro.

Walls was a member of The Ark Church in Conroe and a retired Southwest Airlines pilot.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.kltv.com




TYLER, TEXASX (KLTV) - The plaintiffs in a wrongful death lawsuit are claiming gross negligence caused a Tyler plane crash that killed a pilot and an East Texas pastor.

The lawsuit was filed by Preston Burton on behalf of Pastor Trevor Morris’ estate and surviving family members, including his parents, his widow and five children.

Morris, 39, of Murchison, and pilot William Robert Walls III, 62, of Huntsville, were killed in July 2017 when the plane they were in crashed shortly after takeoff from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

The lawsuit names three East Texas companies as defendants: First AV Group of Henderson County, Flare Air of Rusk County, and East Texas H.S.I. of Smith County, as well the Sonja Lynne Walls on behalf of William Walls’ estate.

The lawsuits seeks a jury trial and damages in excess of $1 million.

According to the lawsuit, the plane’s right engine failed during take-off, forcing Walls to take emergency action. “Walls was beyond the point where he could about the takeoff so he needed to proceed with take off, get the aircraft under control, and land so as to assess the situation,” according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims that under proper procedures a competent pilot would be able to control the plane through takeoff and landing with one engine. But according to the lawsuit, “Walls failed to properly control the aircraft and crashed into a nearby field.”

The lawsuit shows First AV Group and Flare Air hired Walls to pilot the Piper PA-31. It alleges both companies knew Walls was “inexperienced with this aircraft” and “despite this, they approved Walls to pilot the aircraft.”

The lawsuit also claims First AV Group and Flare Air contracted with East Texas H.S.I to provide maintenance and inspections of the plane that crashed.

The lawsuit claims the defendants failed to control the aircraft, failed to react properly to an emergency, failed to properly operate the plane, failed to retain a competent pilot and failed to properly inspect and maintain the plane.

Burton is president of Burton Oil Service Operations and part owner of the plane. Morris was the Vice President of Burton Oil Services. Morris was flying from Tyler to Midland on business at the time of the crash. Morris was a pastor at Union Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro.

Walls was a member of The Ark Church in Conroe and a retired Southwest Airlines pilot.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.kltv.com

Bobby Walls

Trevor Morris

Bobby Walls and family


Trevor Morris










Trevor Morris, standing in center, is surrounded by members of his family. Morris died in a plane crash July 13th in Tyler, Texas


NTSB Identification: CEN17FA266
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, July 13, 2017 in Tyler, TX
Aircraft: PIPER PA 31T1, registration: N47GW
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

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 either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On July13, 2017 about 0810 central daylight time, a Piper Cheyenne, PA-31T airplane, N47GW, impacted terrain near Tyler, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot and sole passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by T-210 Holdings, LLC, Dover, Delaware under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and the airplane was an instrument flight plan. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident, and was enroute to Midland, Texas.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after departure, the airplane descended into terrain. 

The on-site examination of the wreckage revealed the airplane impacted an open field surrounded by trees. The wreckage was located on the edge of a small pond about one-half mile from the end of runway 17. There was not a post-crash fire; however, fuel was found at the site.

After the initial on-site documentation of the wreckage, the airplane was recovered to a secure facility, for further examination.

Cirrus SR22, N830CD: Incident occurred July 17, 2019 in Kolding, Denmark

https://registry.faa.gov/N830CD

NTSB Identification: GAA19WA455
14 CFR Non-U.S., Non-Commercial
Incident occurred Wednesday, July 17, 2019 in Kolding, Denmark
Aircraft: CIRRUS SR22, registration: N830CD
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The foreign authority was the source of this information.

The government of Denmark has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CIRRUS SR22 airplane that occurred on July 17, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Denmark's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.

All investigative information will be released by the government of Denmark.

Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, N421NS: Fatal accident occurred February 15, 2019 in Canadian, Texas

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas

Location: Canadian, TX
Accident Number: CEN19FA082
Date & Time: 02/15/2019, 0957 CST
Registration: N421NS
Aircraft: Cessna 421
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 15, 2019, at 0957 central standard time, a Cessna 421C airplane, N421NS, impacted terrain about 8 miles west of Hemphill County Airport (HHF), Canadian, Texas. The private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from the Tradewind Airport (TDW), Amarillo, Texas at 0900 and was en route to HHF.

A witness who was monitoring the common traffic advisory frequency at HHF stated that he heard the pilot over the radio and responded. The pilot reportedly inquired about the cloud heights and the witness responded that the clouds were 800 to 1,000 ft above ground level. The witness did not see the airplane in the air.

The airplane impacted terrain remote terrain in an upright and level attitude. A post impact fire consumed most of the wreckage (figure 1).


Figure 1 – Aerial image of the accident site. A majority of the airplane was consumed by fire

The wreckage was retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N421NS
Model/Series: 421 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHHF, 2396 ft msl
Observation Time: 0955 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / , 40°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 800 ft agl
Visibility:  7 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.85 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: Amarillo, TX (TDW)
Destination: Canadian, TX (HHF)

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: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  35.906111, -100.573611 (est)

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.


Carmel Azzopardi

Carmel and Paula Azzopardi in Gozo.


A Maltese man and his wife were killed in a plane crash in Texas, the United States, on Friday, February 15th, 2019

The pilot, Carmel Azzopardi, 75, and the passenger, Paula Azzopardi, 49, both of Amarillo, were killed in the crash in Roberts County, just west of the Hemphill County Line, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Investigators said the Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III crashed for reasons still under investigation, according to media reports.

No further details were provided.

Mr. Azzopardi migrated to the US when he was young and his three children live in Malta, Times of Malta is informed. 

An animal lover, Mr. Azzopardi was a regular visitor to Malta, having visited the island just last November.

He held both a light aircraft and helicopter license.

The Foreign Ministry said they were in contact with the US authorities about the incident.

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


ROBERTS COUNTY, TX (KFDA) - Officials have identified the pilot and passenger that died after a plane crash in Roberts County on Friday morning.

According to DPS Spokesperson Cindy Barkley, a plane crashed in Roberts County this morning east of Quarter Horse Road and west of Jim Waterfield Lake, 11 miles west of Canadian.


DPS officials confirmed two fatalities related to the crash.


The pilot, 75-year-old Carmel 'Charles’ Azzopardi, and the passenger, 49-year-old Paula Azzopardi, both of Amarillo, died as a result of the crash.


The FAA is set to arrive on scene today to investigate the crash and NTSB will arrive tomorrow morning.


DPS Troopers are securing the scene until FAA and NTSB arrive.


Story and video ➤ http://www.newschannel10.com

Southwest Airlines Just 'Threatened to Fire Some of Its Employees': The Reason Why Is Troubling; few airlines have surely encountered something quite like this before

By Chris Matyszczyk 
Owner, Howard Raucous LLC

Absurdly Driven looks at the world of business with a skeptical eye and a firmly rooted tongue in cheek. 



I tend to think of Southwest Airlines as a company that embraces decency.

Its employees seem (relatively) happy. Its ads claim its employees are deliriously happy.

Which is why last week's events at Southwest are a touch strange.

In what some might see as a Trumpian step, the airline declared an "operational emergency."

As part of that declaration, a company memo obtained by the Chicago Business Journal says Southwest insists all mechanics who have been scheduled to work have to turn up or, if they don't provide a doctor's certification, be in danger of dismissal.

Worse, the memo even uses the phrase "alleging illness" to suggest some mechanics might not want to work, say, overtime as part of this emergency.

That doesn't sound quite like the vocabulary of a harmonious relationship between management and mechanics.

What, though, is officially causing this apparent panic?

A Southwest spokeswoman told me: 

Southwest's maintenance organization issued a call to maximize the number of Mechanics available for work. On an average day, the airline plans for as many as 20 aircraft to be unexpectedly out of service for maintenance items. Each day this week, the percentage of out-of-service aircraft in our available fleet of approximately 750 aircraft, has more than doubled the daily average. 

So an unusual number of Southwest's aircraft are calling in sick. Indeed, 100 flights were canceled on Friday, another 39 on Saturday.

Southwest told me there's "no common theme among the reported items."

The airline's planes, all Boeing 737s, are put under constant pressure. Southwest depends on fast turnarounds and multiple stops. 

The fact, though, that twice as many planes are having maintenance problems will concern many, including passengers.

Recently, a disturbing CBS News report suggested that mechanics at Southwest and American were being pressured by management to overlook certain issues in order to keep planes in service.

One mechanic told CBS: 

I've seen people walked off the job, held on suspension for a month or more because they've reported problems that they supposedly were outside their scope for finding.

That report aired just a couple of weeks ago. 

I asked Southwest whether there was any relationship between that report and its sudden state of emergency. The airline wouldn't be drawn.

Southwest is, though, currently in negotiation with its mechanics and has been since 2012. 

The mechanics' union, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, recently sent out an update to its members in which it said: 

The Company continues to insist on massive offsets of foreign outsourcing and elimination of your paid rest. The Company asks for these 'offsets' while not increasing the money in any significant fashion from the Tentative Agreement (TA) that you, the membership, rejected by a wide margin.

The union added a somber thought: 

Make no mistake -- the Company is not currently engaged in good faith negotiation.

The fact that Southwest is apparently threatening to fire some mechanics may be added to the file entitled: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm.

The airline, however, insists it's all about the customers: 

To take care of our Customers, we are requiring all hands on deck to address maintenance items so that we may promptly return aircraft to service.

Published on February 17th, 2019

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



Southwest Airlines told its mechanics on Friday that it is experiencing an "operational emergency" due to an unusually high number of grounded jets -- and demanded they show up for work or risk termination, according to a company memo issued on Friday and seen by CNBC.

On Saturday, 100 Southwest flights were cancelled, more than any other U.S. airline, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware, and more than 1,000 were delayed.The airline usually plans for having as many as 20 aircraft removed from service for unexpected maintenance issues every day.

However, each day this week, the percentage of out-of-service aircraft among its available fleet of about 750 Boeing 737s has been double the daily average, "with no common theme among the reported items," the airline said in statement.

"To take care of our customers, we are requiring all hands on deck to address maintenance items so that we may promptly return aircraft to service," Southwest's statement said. "At the same time, our operational planners have been working in the background to minimize the impact to our Customers."

The airline -- which has been in contract talks with its mechanics since 2012 -- told mechanics that if they are "alleging illness" they must provide a doctor's note when they return to work or risk losing their jobs, according to the memo.

"The uptick in maintenance items we experienced over the last few days have resulted in a slight increase" in cancellations, a Southwest spokeswoman told CNBC, but declined to provide a breakdown between disruptions caused by either maintenance or weather. On Saturday, 23 Southwest flights were canceled.

Southwest told the mechanics it would assign them overtime, and would only honor vacation or shift trade requests that had already been approved, according to the memo.

The document was first reported by the Chicago Business Journal.

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