Landing Gear Not Configured: Beech E-55 Baron, N15VK; accident occurred March 13, 2019 at Albert Whitted Airport ( KSPG), St Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N15VK

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida 

Accident Number: ERA19TA129

Date & Time: March 13, 2019, 16:17 Local 

Registration: N15VK

Aircraft: Beech E55

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Landing gear not configured 

Injuries: 2 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot stated that he became distracted and did not extend the landing gear before landing at the airport. The airplane slid on the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing's rear spar. Although the airplane was equipped with a gear warning horn, both the pilot and the passenger said the horn did not sound. The gear warning horn had been functionally checked during the last annual inspection and was also tested after the accident with no anomalies noted; thus, the investigation could not determine why the pilot and passenger were unable to hear the horn.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in a gear-up landing.

Findings

Aircraft Main landing gear - Not used/operated

Personnel issues Forgotten action/omission - Pilot

Aircraft Gear position and warning - Inoperative

Factual Information

On March 13, 2019, at 1617 eastern daylight time, a Beech E55, N15VK, sustained substantial damage during a gear-up landing at the Albert Whitted Airport (SPG), St. Petersburg, Florida. The commercial pilot and the passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) Lakeland, Florida, at 1515.

The pilot stated that became distracted and did not extend the landing gear before landing. The airplane slid on the runway resulting in substantial damage to the left wing's rear spar. The propellers and flaps were also damaged.

According the airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), page 6-10, "If either or both throttles are retarded below an engine setting sufficient to sustain flight with the landing gear retracted, a warning horn will sound intermittently." The airplane was equipped with a gear warning horn; however, both the pilot and the passenger said the horn did not sound. The horn was functionally checked during the last annual inspection with no deficiencies noted. The horn was also tested after the accident and it worked as designed.

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and sea, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. He also held a certified flight instructor certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. The pilot's last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical certificate was issued on February 11, 2019. He reported a total of 3,706 hours, of which, 1,217 hours were in multi-engine aircraft.

Weather reported at SPG at 1653 included wind from 090° at 11 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies.

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Landing gear not configured (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor; Private

Age: 63, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land

Seat Occupied: Right

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: 4-point

Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: February 11, 2019

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: September 18, 2018

Flight Time: 3706 hours (Total, all aircraft), 590 hours (Total, this make and model), 3504 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 26 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 19 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 

Registration: N15VK

Model/Series: E55 UNDESIGNATED

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1970

Amateur Built: No

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal

Serial Number: TE-805

Landing Gear Type: 

Retractable - Tricycle 

Seats: 6

Date/Type of Last Inspection: September 1, 2018 Annual 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5300 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 

Engines: 2 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 3996.6 Hrs as of last inspection

Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors

ELT: C126 installed, not activated

Engine Model/Series: IO-520-C7B

Registered Owner:

Rated Power: 285 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: SPG, 6 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 16:53 Local 

Direction from Accident Site: 0°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Visibility 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 90°

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A

Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 19°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Lakeland, FL (LAL)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: St. Petersburg, FL (SPG) 

Type of Clearance: VFR

Departure Time: 15:15 Local

Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Albert Whitted SPG 

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation: 6 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition:

Runway Used: 18

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 2864 ft / 150 ft

VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 None 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 None

Latitude, Longitude: 27,-82(est)

 

Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Accident Number: ERA19TA129
Date & Time: 03/13/2019, 1617 EDT
Registration: N15VK
Aircraft: Beech E55
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 13, 2019, at 1617 eastern daylight time, a Beech E55, N15VK, sustained substantial damage during a gear-up landing at the Albert Whitted Airport (SPG), St. Petersburg, Florida. The commercial pilot and the passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) akeland, Florida, at 1515.

The pilot stated that became distracted and did not extend the landing gear before landing. The airplane slid on the runway resulting in substantial damage to the left wing's rear spar. The propellers and flaps were also damaged. The airplane was equipped with a gear warning aural alert; however, it did not sound for unknown reasons.

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. He also held a certified flight instructor certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. The pilot's last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical certificate was issued on February 11, 2019. He reported a total of 3,706 hours, of which, 1,217 hours were in multi-engine aircraft.

Weather reported at SPG at 1653 included wind from 090° at 11 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N15VK
Model/Series: E55 UNDESIGNATED
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: SPG, 6 ft msl
Observation Time: 1653 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Lakeland, FL (LAL)
Destination: St. Petersburg, FL (SPG)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  27.000000, -82.000000 (est)

HOURS estimated from logbooks or other information - not guaranteed or warranted

AIRCRAFT:   
1970 BEECH E-55 N15VK, s/n: TE-805
Last Annual 09/01/18 at Hobbs 3996.6
Hobbs on 03/13/19 4067.5

ENGINES: 
(2) TCM IO-520-C7B;  Last Annual 09/01/18 at Hobbs 3996.6, ETT 980.6 

PROPELLERS: 
Right: McCauley 3AF32C75-NR, s/n: 780382, OH 07/14/11
Left:  McCauley 3AF32C75-NR, s/n: 751161
Last Annual Inspection on 09/01/18
                       
EQUIPMENT: 
Garmin G500
Garmin GTN 750
Garmin GTN 650
Garmin GTN-Integrated GTX3X5 transponder
Garmin GTN-Integrated Garmin Audio Panel
Garmin GDL 88
Avidyne TAS 600 traffic alert (integrated with Garmin)
L3 WX500 Stormscope (integrated with Garmin)
Sandia SAI-340 Quattro Standby Instrument
S-TEC 55x Autopilot with Autotrim
EDM-960 engine management system
Alpha Systems Angle of Attack Indicator
Artex ME406 ELT
Advanced Aero Low Thrust Detection System
MidContinent MD93 Digital Clock/USB charger
BAS Shoulder Harness (2)
GAMI fuel nozzles
Vortex Generators

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:
Gear up landing that resulted in double prop strike on 03/13/19 at Albert Whitted Airport, St Petersburg, Florida 

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES: 
The damage includes but may not be limited to:  Damage sustained to left wing (substantial), nose skins, and underbelly damaged.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT: 
Sheltair, Albert Whitted Airport, St Petersburg, Florida

REMARKS:  
Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids. 
Salvage is as is/where is. 
The posting information is the best to our knowledge. 
An inspection of the aircraft is recommended. 
Logbooks may not be complete.

Read more here: http://www.avclaims.com

Bell OH-58A, N519P: Accident occurred March 13, 2019 in Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns County, Florida

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

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N519P

Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Accident Number: ERA19LA126
Date & Time: 03/13/2019, 1755 EDT
Registration: N519P
Aircraft: Bell OH 58A
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Public Aircraft - Local 

On March 13, 2019, about 1755 eastern daylight time, a Bell OH-58A, N519P, operated by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a total loss of engine power in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The commercial pilot and mission crewmember were not injured. The aerial observation flight departed a designated landing zone at a local golf course at 1750, destined for the Northeast Florida Regional Airport (SGJ), St. Augustine, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site, and a company flight plan was filed for the public-use flight.

According to the pilot, the accident occurred on the third flight of the day, and he had performed a preflight inspection prior to each flight. All three flights were part of an aerial surveillance mission over a local golf tournament. The first flight was 90 minutes, and the helicopter was refueled prior to the second flight, which was 30 minutes. The accident flight departed the golf course landing zone with an estimated 340 lbs. of fuel on board. About 5 minutes after takeoff while orbiting at 1,100 ft mean sea level, the helicopter suddenly yawed to the left and the "low rotor" horn sounded. The pilot reduced the collective pitch, the horn silenced, he noticed the "engine out" and "master caution" lights illuminated on the instrument panel, and the engine tachometer showed a decreasing rpm. He performed an autorotation to a fairway on the golf course. During touchdown, the helicopter began to violently shake as it moved forward across the soft ground. As the windscreen began to crack and separate from its frame, the pilot increased collective to reduce the vibration and the helicopter came to a stop.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed bending and buckling damage to the tail boom and the frame around the windscreen and doors. Fuel was present in the fuel tank and a sample taken from the tank was clear with no water present. No fuel or other fluid leaks were observed. A field examination of the engine by an NTSB investigator revealed that all the accessible fuel line "B" nuts had matching torque stripes and could not be loosened by hand. The engine components rotated freely by hand with no binding, and there were no visible indications of any components overheating. The starter operated normally. When the starter was engaged the first time, no fuel was present at the fuel spray nozzle supply line. After bleeding air from the fuel lines, operating the starter resulted in fuel flow at the spray nozzle. The airframe fuel lines were pressurized with shop air with no leaks detected. The engine was removed and retained for further examination.

The helicopter's most recent 100-hour inspection was performed on May 6, 2019, at an airframe total time of 8,209 flight hours. At that time the engine had accrued a total of 6,245 hours since new, and 638 hours since overhaul. Maintenance performed at the time of the inspection included a scheduled replacement of a bleed valve and replacement of an intermittent spark ignitor. The helicopter had flown about 21 hours since that inspection/maintenance.

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for rotorcraft-helicopter and airplane single- engine land. At the time of the accident he had accrued a total of 822 hours of flight experience, of which 698 were in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.

The 1753 weather conditions reported at the Jacksonville Executive Airport (CRG), located about 10 miles northwest of the accident site included wind from 130° at 7 knots with gusts to 15 knots, few clouds at 5,000 ft above ground level, visibility 10 (statute) miles. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N519P
Model/Series: OH 58A No Series
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: St Johns County Sheriffs Office
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None  

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCRG, 41 ft msl
Observation Time: 1753 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5000 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / 15 knots, 130°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Ponte Vedra Bch, FL
Destination: St Augustine, FL (SGJ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  30.206111, -81.403333 (est)

Piper PA-28R-200, N33305: Accident occurred March 13, 2019 in Easton, Talbot County, Maryland -and- Incident occurred March 29, 2018 at Lee Airport (KANP), Edgewater, Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

Aquila Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N33305

Location: Easton, Maryland 

Accident Number: ERA19LA160

Date & Time: March 13, 2019, 17:40 Local

Registration: N33305

Aircraft: Piper PA28R 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total) 

Injuries: 2 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor and pilot were on a flight to resume the pilot's instrument training. After performing maneuvers and several touch-and-go landings, the pilots elected to perform a practice instrument approach to the destination airport. While on the approach, they configured the airplane for landing. The flight instructor noted that the airplane was below the glideslope and asked the pilot to increase engine power; however, the engine did not respond to the throttle input. The flight instructor took the controls and attempted to restore engine power without success. The propeller continued to windmill, the pilot switched fuel tanks, and the engine did not restart. The flight instructor performed a forced landing in a nearby field, during which the fuselage was substantially damaged. During recovery from the field, fuel was drained from both fuel tanks, and no water or debris was noted in the fuel. An examination of the engine revealed crankshaft and valvetrain continuity throughout the engine. The propeller was rotated through 360° of motion, and compression and suction were noted on all cylinders. In addition, fuel was plumbed into the engine, and the engine was started and ran smoothly without hesitation. The engine power was decreased to idle power, and then the engine was shut down. There were no mechanical malfunctions or failures noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation before the accident. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examination and testing revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Findings

Not determined (general) - Unknown/Not determined

Factual Information

On March 13, 2019, about 1740 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200, N33305, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field near Easton, Maryland. The flight instructor and the private pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the instructional flight that departed from the Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport (CGE), Cambridge, Maryland, about 1720. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 and had an intended destination of Easton/Newnam Field (ESN), Easton, Maryland.

According to the flight instructor, the purpose of the flight was to reacquaint the pilot with the airplane and resume his instrument flight training. They departed Lee Airport (ANP), Annapolis, Maryland, about 1630, and flew to CGE and performed two landings. Then, they departed CGE and were cleared for the "ILS Rwy 4" approach with a circle to land clearance for runway 22 at ESN. While descending on the approach, they configured the airplane for landing by reducing engine power, moving the propeller control to the full forward position, setting the mixture to full rich, turning the electric fuel pump on, moving the landing gear selector to the down position, and extending the flaps "one notch." The airplane descended below the glideslope and the flight instructor told the pilot to add engine power, however, while advancing the throttle, the engine did not respond. The flight instructor took the controls and attempted to get the engine to respond without success. The propeller continued to windmill, the pilot switched the fuel tanks, and again, the engine did not restart. The flight instructor looked for a place to land and found a nearby field. They were about 1,000 ft mean sea level, so he extended the flaps, elected to retract the landing gear, and performed a forced landing to the muddy field. The airplane came to rest in the field, the two occupants turned "everything off" and egressed the airplane.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness records, the airplane was manufactured in 1975. The airplane was equipped with a Lycoming IO-360-C1C, 200-horsepower engine. According to the engine maintenance logbook, the most recent annual inspection was completed on March 5, 2019, at 1,567.6 hours since major overhaul.

An examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that a fuselage rib was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. Fuel was noted in both fuel tanks and during recovery was drained using the electric fuel pump, which pumped fuel into exterior containers. No water or contaminates were noted in the fuel. An examination of the fuel selector revealed that it moved

smoothly, and it could be clearly felt when the selector was in each respective detent.

Examination of the engine revealed that there was no damage to the crankcase. Crankshaft and valvetrain continuity were confirmed. Compression and suction were noted on all cylinders. The magneto timing was checked, the magnetos were sparked, and no anomalies were noted. The airbox was examined and not obstructed. Engine control cable continuity was confirmed from the propeller, mixture, and throttle control cables to their respective connections on the engine.

Later, the airplane was secured, fuel was plumbed into to the engine, and the engine was started. It ran smoothly, without hesitation, the engine power was decreased to idle power, and then the engine was shutdown. There were no anomalies noted with the engine.

History of Flight

Approach-circling (IFR) Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)

Emergency descent Off-field or emergency landing

Landing-flare/touchdown Collision during takeoff/land

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor; Private

Age: 29, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land

Seat Occupied: Right

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: 3-point

Instrument Rating(s): Airplane

Second Pilot Present: Yes

Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: January 4, 2017

Occupational Pilot: Yes Last Flight Review or Equivalent: January 26, 2019

Flight Time: 855 hours (Total, all aircraft), 158 hours (Total, this make and model), 814 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 198 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 67 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private

Age: 40, 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: Yes

Instructor Rating(s): None 

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: July 24, 2017

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 26, 2018

Flight Time: 263 hours (Total, all aircraft), 21 hours (Total, this make and model), 190 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 

Registration: N33305

Model/Series: PA28R 200

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1975 

Amateur Built: No

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 

Serial Number: 28R-7535131

Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle 

Seats: 4

Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 5, 2019 Annual 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2650 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 4537.6 Hrs as of last inspection

Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming

ELT: Installed, not activated 

Engine Model/Series: IO-360-C1C

Registered Owner:

Rated Power: 200

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot school (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: ESN,72 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 17:57 Local

Direction from Accident Site: 31°

Lowest Cloud Condition:

Visibility:  10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 6000 ft AGL

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /

Wind Direction: 160° 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /

Altimeter Setting: 30.3 inches Hg

Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / -2°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Cambridge, MD (CGE)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Easton, MD (ESN) 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 17:20 Local 

Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: Easton/Newnam Field ESN

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation: 72 ft msl

Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation

Runway Used: 04

IFR Approach: ILS

Runway Length/Width: 5500 ft / 100 ft 

VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 None 

Latitude, Longitude: 38.779724,-76.088058(est)

March 29, 2018: Aircraft landed gear up.

Date: 29-MAR-18
Time: 20:13:00Z
Regis#: N33305
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28R 200
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ANNAPOLIS
State: MARYLAND

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 182D Skylane, N8905X; accident occurred March 13, 2019 near Transylvania Community Airport (3NR3), Brevard, North Carolina

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N8905X

Location: Brevard, North Carolina 

Accident Number: ERA19LA131

Date & Time: March 13, 2019, 18:10 Local

Registration: N8905X

Aircraft: Cessna 182

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot performed a preflight inspection after the airplane had undergone maintenance and no anomalies were noted. He boarded the airplane, adjusted the seat, and then verified that it was locked in position. Shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, his seat slid backward. He was unable to reach the rudder pedals, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Examination revealed that the pilot seat’s left front roller housing was disengaged from the seat rail. The seat rail exhibited scoring on top of the rail, which likely occurred during the accident sequence. No scoring was noted on the sides of the rail. The roller housing was not splayed or damaged, indicating that it did not pull off the rail during the accident sequence. Although the seat rail holes were slightly worn, the pin did not exhibit any anomalies.

The mechanic stated that he did not remove the pilot's seat to perform the maintenance that he completed before the accident flight; however, given the lack of side damage to the rails and the fact that the left front seat roller housing was not splayed, it is likely that the roller housing came off the rails during the maintenance and went unnoticed by both the mechanic and the pilot, which resulted in the seat sliding backward during takeoff.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The mechanic's failure to notice that the left front seat left front roller housing disengaged from the seat rail during recent maintenance, and the pilot's failure to detect the disengaged roller housing during the preflight inspection, which resulted in the seat sliding backward during takeoff and a subsequent loss of airplane directional control.

Findings

Personnel issues Replacement - Maintenance personnel

Personnel issues Preflight inspection - Pilot

Aircraft Seat/cargo attach fitting - Incorrect service/maintenance

Aircraft Directional control - Attain/maintain not possible

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

On March 13, 2019, about 1810 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182D, N8905X, was substantially damaged after it impacted terrain during takeoff from Transylvania Community Airport (3NR3), Brevard, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was originating at the time of the accident. The

flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the pilot, he completed a preflight inspection with no anomalies noted. When he boarded the airplane, the pilot seat was in its aft most position, since that was how he would typically exit the airplane. The pilot then slid the seat forward until he "could see 3 holes" in the rail, which was his typical seating position. He then "rocked the seat back and forth" to verify it was locked in position, and then proceeded to start the engine, taxi, and perform an engine runup. He then taxied onto the runway and began the takeoff roll. About 4-5 seconds into the takeoff roll, his seat slid backwards. At that point, he was unable to reach the rudder pedals, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident location, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

According to FAA airworthiness records, the airplane was manufactured in 1961 and registered to the pilot in January 2019. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on August 18, 2018, at a total time of 4,251.8 hours. In addition, the annual inspection maintenance log entry indicated that an inspection in accordance with airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-10-09, associated with a seat rail inspection, had been completed. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 4,265 total hours.

In an interview with the FAA inspector, a mechanic was working on the airplane the day before the accident to replace the transponder. He stated that sometimes he does have to remove the front seats to perform the work, however, he did not have the left front seat out of the airplane during the maintenance work, he only had the right front seat out of the airplane.

An examination of the left front seat rails revealed that the housings remained engaged on the seat rails except the left forward roller housing, which was disengaged from the seat rail. The housing tangs were not worn, distorted, or splayed. The pin that engaged into the track had no anomalies, the pin spring had positive engaging forces, and the holes were slightly worn. The seat rail was not damaged along the sides of the rail; however, the top of the rail had scoring marks.

According to the airplane owner's manual, the before engine start checklist stated, "Adjust seat to a comfortable position, check to see the seat locking mechanism is secure, and fasten safety belt."

History of Flight

Takeoff Miscellaneous/other

Takeoff Loss of control on ground (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 

Age: 60, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land

Seat Occupied: Left

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None

Restraint Used: Unknown

Instrument Rating(s): None

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): None

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 

Last FAA Medical Exam: July 6, 2017

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 18, 2018

Flight Time: 294 hours (Total, all aircraft), 294 hours (Total, this make and model), 240 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 

Registration: N8905X

Model/Series: 182 D 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1961

Amateur Built: No

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 

Serial Number: 18253305

Landing Gear Type: Tricycle

Seats: 4

Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 18, 2018 Annual

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2348 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 13 Hrs

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 4265 Hrs at time of accident

Engine Manufacturer: Continental

ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident

Engine Model/Series: O-470 SERIES

Registered Owner:

Rated Power: 230 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: AVL,2162 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 17:54 Local 

Direction from Accident Site: 45°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility (RVR): 

Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /

Wind Direction: 140° 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /

Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 0°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Brevard, NC (3NR3) 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Asheville, NC (AVL) 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 18:10 Local

Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Transylvania Community 3NR3 

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation: 2110 ft msl

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 27 IFR 

Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 2903 ft / 50 ft

VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None 

Latitude, Longitude: 35.269721,-82.643608(est)

Location: Brevard, NC
Accident Number: ERA19LA131
Date & Time: 03/13/2019, 1810 EDT
Registration: N8905X
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 13, 2019, about 1810 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182D, N8905X, was substantially damaged after it impacted terrain during takeoff from Transylvania Community Airport (3NR3), Brevard, North Carolina. The private pilot incurred minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was originating at the time of the accident. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the pilot, he completed a preflight inspection with no anomalies noted. When he boarded the airplane, the pilot seat was in its aft most position, since that was how he would typically exit the airplane. The pilot then slid the seat forward until he "could see 3 holes" in the rail, which was his typical seating position. He then "rocked the seat back and forth" to verify it was locked in position, and then proceeded to start the engine, taxi, and perform an engine runup. He then taxied onto the runway and began the takeoff roll. About 4-5 seconds into the takeoff roll, his seat slid backwards. At that point, he was unable to reach the rudder pedals, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident location, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1961 and registered to the pilot in January 2019. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on August 18, 2018. In addition, the annual inspection maintenance log entry indicated that the inspection an inspection in accordance with airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-10-09 had been completed.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8905X
Model/Series: 182 D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Paul B Greene
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: AVL
Observation Time: 1754 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 140°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Departure Point: Brevard, NC (3NR3)
Destination:

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:  35.269722, -82.643611 (est)

North American T-28B Trojan, N5440F and Cessna 152, N48962: Fatal accident occurred March 13, 2019 at Compton-Woodley Airport (KCPM), Los Angeles County, California

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles, California

N5440F  Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N5440F

Location: Compton, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA095A
Date & Time: 03/13/2019, 1855 PDT
Registration: N5440F
Aircraft: North American T28
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 13, 2019, about 1855 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152 airplane, N48962, and a North American T-28 Trojan, N5440F, collided while landing on runway 25L at the Compton/Woodley Airport, Compton, California. The student onboard the Cessna was fatally injured and the flight instructor sustained serious injuries; the Cessna was destroyed after being consumed by fire. The Airline Transport Pilot onboard the T-28 was not injured; the T-28 sustained minor damage. The T-28 was operated by Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum and the Cessna was operated by the Long Beach Flying Club. Both airplanes were being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either flight. The Cessna departed for a local instructional flight from the Long Beach Airport, Long Beach, California at an unknown time. The T-28 departed for a local personal flight from Whiteman Airport, Los Angeles, California about 1830 with a planned destination of Compton.

There were multiple video recordings that captured the accident. A review of the footage revealed that the Cessna touched down and continued on the landing roll out. The T-28 crossed over the runway threshold bar about 10 seconds after the Cessna and subsequently touched down. On the landing roll, adjacent to the "1/2" sign (indicates half of the runway remains), the T-28 impacted the Cessna resulting in an explosion.

The T-28 pilot stated that as he turned the airplane left from the base leg to final approach in the traffic pattern for runway 25L, he noticed a layer of haze on the horizon. The bright sun and the haze created a glare on the windscreen that obscured his forward vision making it difficult for him to see directly ahead. As he descended toward the runway, the glare became worse and he realized he was in between runway 25L and 25R. He side-stepped to runway 25L and the airplane touched down on the runway surface. Several seconds later, the pilot observed the Cessna on the runway ahead of him. He felt the impact with the other airplane and resulting explosion immediately thereafter. The T-28 continued about 1,000 ft before coming to rest off the right side of 25L (see figure 01).

Figure 01: Wreckage Distribution

Utilizing the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sunrise/sunset calculator and solar position calculator, the time of sunset was 1859:24. The sun's azimuth at the time of the accident was 267° (see figure 02) and the elevation was 0.50° (about 90 ft above the horizon).

Figure 02: Solar Position 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: North American
Registration: N5440F
Model/Series: T28 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHHR, 63 ft msl
Observation Time: 0153 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / 16 knots, 270°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Los Angeles, CA (WHP)
Destination: Compton, CA (CPM)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.889444, -118.240833

https://registry.faa.gov/N48962

N48962 Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Location: Compton, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA095B
Date & Time: 03/13/2019, 1855 PDT
Registration: N48962
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On March 13, 2019, about 1855 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152 airplane, N48962, and a North American T-28 Trojan, N5440F, collided while landing on runway 25L at the Compton/Woodley Airport, Compton, California. The student onboard the Cessna was fatally injured and the flight instructor sustained serious injuries; the Cessna was destroyed after being consumed by fire. The Airline Transport Pilot onboard the T-28 was not injured; the T-28 sustained minor damage. The T-28 was operated by Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum and the Cessna was operated by the Long Beach Flying Club. Both airplanes were being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either flight. The Cessna departed for a local instructional flight from the Long Beach Airport, Long Beach, California at an unknown time. The T-28 departed for a local personal flight from Whiteman Airport, Los Angeles, California about 1830 with a planned destination of Compton.

There were multiple video recordings that captured the accident. A review of the footage revealed that the Cessna touched down and continued on the landing roll out. The T-28 crossed over the runway threshold bar about 10 seconds after the Cessna and subsequently touched down. On the landing roll, adjacent to the "1/2" sign (indicates half of the runway remains), the T-28 impacted the Cessna resulting in an explosion.

The T-28 pilot stated that as he turned the airplane left from the base leg to final approach in the traffic pattern for runway 25L, he noticed a layer of haze on the horizon. The bright sun and the haze created a glare on the windscreen that obscured his forward vision making it difficult for him to see directly ahead. As he descended toward the runway, the glare became worse and he realized he was in between runway 25L and 25R. He side-stepped to runway 25L and the airplane touched down on the runway surface. Several seconds later, the pilot observed the Cessna on the runway ahead of him. He felt the impact with the other airplane and resulting explosion immediately thereafter. The T-28 continued about 1,000 ft before coming to rest off the right side of 25L (see figure 01).

Figure 01: Wreckage Distribution

Utilizing the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sunrise/sunset calculator and solar position calculator, the time of sunset was 1859:24. The sun's azimuth at the time of the accident was 267° (see figure 02) and the elevation was 0.50° (about 90 ft above the horizon).

Figure 02: Solar Position 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N48962
Model/Series: 152 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Long Beach Flying Club
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHHR, 63 ft msl
Observation Time: 0153 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / 16 knots, 270°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Long Beach, CA (LGB)
Destination:  Long Beach, CA (LGB)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 33.889444, -118.240833

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.

Lukas Michael Swidinski

Lukas, a friend, brother, son and mentor. 

Lukas has been fascinated with airplanes and had dreams to become a pilot himself. Unfortunately, last Wednesday Lukas and his flight instructor were involved in tragic plane accident and as a result Lukas did not survive. He was enthusiastic with everything he did in his life and he died doing one of the things he loved most. 

Lukas’ closest family, his mother Alicja and brother Mario, are making arrangements to come to the US from Europe to lay Lukas to rest. The funds raised here will help with funeral expenses, family’s travel expenses, and to be sure Lukas is taken care of and remembered well by the people he has touched throughout his life. 

There were many people that Lukas made an impact on in their lives, whether it was his students or people in the dive community, he was truly an amazing person. Lukas’ passion and talent for music inspired many young minds. Lukas was a kind and generous person who would do anything to help his friends. Lukas loved all animals and considered his cats family members. He had the most adventurous spirit, the biggest heart and the largest smile. From music, to motorcycles, to roller coasters, to scuba diving and flying Lukas lived his life with an enormous amount of enthusiasm.  He will be missed by family, friends, students and colleagues.  

https://www.gofundme.com

https://www.gofundme.com

Fund Raising For Ryan Davis Family
https://www.gofundme.com

Ryan Davis is an amazing pilot, friend, and/or associate to many of us. He has provided countless people with the knowledge needed to live their dreams as a PILOT.  Ryan was in a tragic plane crash in Compton, California, March 13th when another plane crashed into the plane he was teaching in. His student was killed and Ryan is in the hospital and is in ICU and critical condition. Ryan, Jamie, and their daughter are going to need significant resources beyond any possible insurance limits to get through this healing process over the next several months.  He is a wonderful, caring man and he and his family really need us to come together and help right now. Anything you can give will go a long way in his recovery, and sharing this with your friends will help a lot as well.

Authorities Thursday identified a student pilot who was killed when two planes collided on a runway at Compton/Woodley Airport.

The crash occurred about 7 p.m. March 13 on Runway 25L on March 13, when a North American T-28B Trojan crashed into a Cessna 152 occupied by a flight instructor and a student pilot.

The fatally injured man was identified today by the coroner's office as 40-year-old Lukas Michael Swidinski of Long Beach.

"The Cessna landed first, trailed by the T28," Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. "The North American T-28B Trojan landed and ran into the Cessna 152, which was still on the runway, causing the Cessna 152 to explode. There were two people on the Cessna 152 and one on the North American T-28B Trojan."

The second man in the Cessna 152 was a flight instructor in his 30s. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, the sheriff's department said.

The pilot of the North American T-28B Trojan was unhurt, according to the sheriff's department.

Personnel from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board were working to determine what caused the two planes to collide.

The North American T-28B Trojan is a military trainer first used by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy in the 1950s, then was utilized as a counter-insurgency aircraft in the Vietnam War.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash was asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Aero Bureau at (562) 421-2701.


https://www.nbclosangeles.com

A flight instructor remained in critical condition Thursday after a fiery, two-plane crash at the Compton/Woodley Airport killed his student the previous evening.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department described the surviving victim as a man in his 30s and the student as a man in his 40s. They were in a single-engine Cessna 152, which was struck by a single-engine North American T-28 on the runway around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The pilot of the T-28 did not sustain any injuries in the incident, the Sheriff's Department said. That aircraft, which bears the U.S. Navy sign, appeared to be mostly intact as it sat at the airfield on Thursday morning.

Officials have yet to identify the three individuals involved.

The Cessna had just landed on the runway when the T-28 touched down and ran into it, causing the Cessna to explode, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

"Like many general aviation airports, Compton does not have a control tower," FAA Public Affairs Manager Ian Gregor said. "Pilots communicate with each other on a common radio frequency."

The T-28 appeared to approach the Cessna from behind before landing on top of it, witnesses told KTLA on Wednesday night.

"It just sounded like the darnedest explosion you would imagine… I saw one of the airplanes involved in the crash dragging parts of the other airplane down the runway," pilot Billy Jackson said.

The Compton Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said.

The FAA is helping the National Transportation Safety Board investigate the case.  The NTSB typically takes at least a year to determine what caused an incident, Gregor noted.

A 2015 crash at the county-owned Compton airport left a pilot dead when a single-engine plane that had been trying to tow an advertising banner crashed and burned on a runway, the Associated Press reported.

Story and video ➤ https://ktla.com

COMPTON, California (KABC) -- One person was killed when two small planes collided in a fiery crash at Compton/Woodley Airport Wednesday night. 

The crash was reported just before 7 p.m. It appeared to involve a vintage Vietnam-era T-28 aircraft and a small plane that appears to be a Cessna. 

The small plane was destroyed and burned up in the crash. One pilot was apparently ejected from one of the aircraft and killed. 

Pieces of the aircraft are littering the runway and the wing landed about 100 yards away from the main fuselage. 

Witnesses say it appeared the Cessna had already landed and was taxiing when the other pilot, possibly having trouble with the setting sun, also tried landing on the same runway and crashed into it. 

Firefighters and law enforcement officials were on the scene.  Paramedics transported another person from the scene in an ambulance. 

Story and video ➤https://abc7.com

A man who spent weeks in a coma before recovering from injuries in a fiery plane crash that killed his student and friend has filed a lawsuit saying the crash could have been prevented.

Pilot and flight instructor Ryan Davis said he's filing a lawsuit over a crash that happened last March at the Compton Woodley Airport, leaving the student pilot dead and him in a coma.

"My face was burnt, my arms are burnt, my legs are burnt," Davis said.

Just before 7 p.m. Davis was in the passenger seat of a Cessna airplane, his student pilot at the controls, when he says the pair announced they were coming in for a landing. They found an open runway and touched down safely.

"He did everything perfect," Davis said of his student pilot who has not been publicly named.

But then another plane unexpectedly landed behind them, hitting their aircraft.

"I don't remember the impact," Davis said. "The propeller came in, hit the left fuel tank and blew up the airplane."

Davis says the 84-year old pilot in a military training plane did not check to see if the runway was clear and never let anyone know he was landing.

The communication lapse is documented in an incident report from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department obtained by the NBC4 I-Team.

The report states the pilot told an investigator he had not used the airport's frequency, saying, "He had not because the radio is so low on the panel and the small numbers are difficult for him to read …"

Airports such as Compton Woodley do not have a control tower. A Federal Aviation Administration advisory says pilots should communicate with each other directly by radio. The pilot of the military plane, Ross Diehl, is now charged with involuntary manslaughter and careless and reckless operation of aircraft.

Davis is now also suing Diehl, accusing him of negligence.

"He violated a lot of very standard rules and he killed a man," said Dave Ring, Davis' attorney. "And he seriously hurt Ryan Davis because of outrageously reckless actions."

Diehl's attorney declined to comment about the case, but said in a statement that, "This tragic accident is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board which has yet to determine the probable cause.

"This matter is also the subject of litigation and it would be inappropriate and premature to comment on as-yet unproven allegations."

Also named in Davis' lawsuit are the military plane's owner, LA County, and the City of Compton, all of whom did not respond to requests seeking comment.

Davis hopes the tragedy will lead to better communication between pilots at small airports.

"I'm hoping that there can be a change that prevents this," he said. "Or at least reduces the chances of this happening again."

Davis said recovery has been difficult. The young father tries to find moments of relief in his painful recovery by enjoying the times he can sit at the piano with his baby girl. He hopes to eventually get back to his passion and his livelihood.

"Every time I think about it, I get chills," he said.

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