Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado
Crashed due to unknown circumstances.
United States Air Force (owner)
https://registry.faa.gov/N7879N
Date: 23-MAR-19
Time: 16:26:00Z
Regis#: N7879N
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: R172E
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PUBLIC USE
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: US AIR FORCE
City: FORT COLLINS
State: COLORADO
Three people were hospitalized after a small plane crashed south of Fort Collins on Saturday morning.
Larimer County Sheriff's Office and Loveland Fire Authority officials responded to the plane crash in the 2800 block of East County Road 30 about 10:43 a.m. Saturday.
The pilot and two passengers were taken by ambulance to the Medical Center of the Rockies with injuries authorities believe are not life-threatening, sheriff's office Lt. Jeff Vanhook said.
"Looking at the damage to the plane, we feel very fortunate," Vanhook said. "We're hopeful they will have a full recovery."
Two people inside the plane were able to get out unassisted, and the third person got out with assistance from others at the scene before emergency responders arrived, Vanhook said.
The plane was traveling southwest when it crashed, clipping a power line and damaging a power pole, Vanhook said. Poudre Valley REA, who responded to the scene, confirmed the power line was not live.
The plane also lost about half of a tank of fuel, causing the plane and nearby ground to catch fire immediately after the crash, Loveland Fire Authority Battalion Chief Tim Smith said.
County Road 30 remained closed in that area Saturday afternoon. Sheriff's office Capt. Mike Loberg said there is no estimated time of the road reopening. The road will remain closed while crews fix the damaged power line and authorities wait for officials from the National Transportation Safety Board to remove the plane from the scene.
NTSB will conduct a joint investigation into the crash with the Federal Aviation Administration. Loberg said the sheriff's office will not release any additional information about the crash unless the investigation reveals criminal activity.
Vanhook said they do not have any information about the cause of the crash, where the plane departed from or its destination. He added they are working with the FAA to see if they have any radio transmission from the plane prior to the crash that would help them better understand its cause.
Because the crash occurred off Northern Colorado Regional Airport property, it had no effect on airport operations, according to a tweet from the airport's account.
Anyone with information regarding the crash who has not spoken with investigators is asked to call the Larimer County Sheriff's Office at 970-416-1985 or Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868 where it's possible to remain anonymous.
Story and video ➤ https://www.coloradoan.com
The three people aboard a single-engine plane survived when the aircraft crashed Saturday morning at a farm north of Loveland.
The plane hit power lines and possibly a tree as it came down about 10:40 a.m. next to a driveway of a dairy farm at the southwest corner of County Road 30 and County Road 9 (Boyd Lake Avenue), just northwest of the Northern Colorado Regional Airport.
Fuel leaking from the plane started a fire on the ground that Loveland Fire Rescue Authority crews were able to extinguish, according to fire battalion chief Tim Smith.
The three occupants were out of the plane, which was lying in pieces under and next to the tree, by the time emergency crews arrived, Smith said.
"Two of the passengers were able to get out of the aircraft without assistance, and one got out of the aircraft with the assistance of a passerby," said Larimer County Sheriff's Office Lt. Jeff Vanhook.
He said all three were taken to Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland with injuries that appeared to be non-life-threatening. The names of the pilot and passengers have not been released.
"Looking at the damage to the plane, we feel very fortunate that -— we're hopeful that they will have a full recovery," Vanhook said.
"We believe the aircraft clipped a power line and one of the support lines," he said.
VanHook didn't know if the plane also hit the large tree under which some of the wreckage was lying, but the tree appeared to have torn bark and broken limbs on that side.
Next to the tree, just off County Road 30, a power pole had been sheared off about 6 feet off the ground. The top part of the pole was standing upright next to the stump, supported by the lines that remained intact.
The plane's wing lay under the tree, part of its nose section next to it, with the rest of the fuselage, upside-down, a little to the south.
After the ambulances left with the plane's occupants, a Poudre Valley REA crew worked on the power lines.
Smith said one of the concerns was the fire danger from the fuel that remained in the plane. He said the tanks were full when the plane crashed, and about half of the fuel remained onboard.
Sheriff's Office Capt. Mike Loberg said witnesses reported that the plane "looked like it was standing still. It was moving very slowly" before it hit.
The plane was traveling to the southwest when it crashed, Vanhook said.
Jason Licon, director of the Northern Colorado Regional Airport, said he doesn't believe that the plane came from the airport, but wasn't sure.
He said the crash didn't affect operations at the airport.
Fort Collins resident Glenn Dawson, a private pilot, drove to the site after the crash to briefly watch the crews at work.
He said he was in the air at the same time as the plane that crashed, and he landed right before the accident. He didn't know about the crash until he went inside the airport, he said.
Dawson said he couldn't say much about the crash until he is interviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration, but he said he experienced downdrafts in the area when he was flying.
He said the plane that crashed was a high-wing Cessna.
Vanhook said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board would investigate the accident.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.reporterherald.com
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
https://registry.faa.gov/N2137G
Location: Carrabassett Valley, ME
Accident Number: GAA18CA538
Date & Time: 09/06/2018, 1050 EDT
Registration: N2137G
Aircraft: Avid AVID MAGNUM
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot reported that, after the sky cleared, he departed the airport following another airplane as a flight of two. During the flight, they approached a ridge with no significant turbulence or issues. He added that they were suddenly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and the lead airplane disappeared. He immediately changed course 10° to the left, and as he transitioned to instrument flying, the airplane encountered a downdraft. Shortly thereafter, the windscreen "filled with trees," which he estimated were less than a 100 ft away. He pitched the nose up to dissipate energy, and the airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The nearest official weather reporting station, which was 16 miles southwest of the accident site, reported, about the time of the accident, 10 miles visibility, temperature 70°F, dew point 66°F, a broken layer at 2,700 ft, a second broken layer at 3,200 ft, and an overcast layer at 4,100 ft. Although these were marginal visual flight rules conditions, given the mountainous terrain, the pilot should have expected that the mountain peaks may become obscured, and with a 4° temperature/dew point spread that visibility conditions could change rapidly.
The pilot recommended that he should have flown his original flight plan, which was at a lower altitude so that he could have avoided unexpected and unpredicted winds and entering IMC.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper decision to initiate the flight in marginal visual flight rules over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological and downdraft conditions and the subsequent controlled flight into trees and terrain.
Findings
Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)
Environmental issues
Below VFR minima - Decision related to condition (Cause)
Below VFR minima - Effect on personnel
Mountainous/hilly terrain - Effect on operation
Downdraft - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Enroute
VFR encounter with IMC
Other weather encounter
Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial; Military
Age: 66, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/30/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/09/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 4581 hours (Total, all aircraft), 175 hours (Total, this make and model), 4381 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 23 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Avid
Registration: N2137G
Model/Series: AVID MAGNUM No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 0095
Landing Gear Type: Amphibian; Tandem
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/12/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 178.5 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: K8B0, 1825 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1452 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 239°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2700 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 330°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rangeley, ME (M57)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Greenville, ME (3B1)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1025 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class E
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: 45.133333, -70.333333 (est)
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
https://registry.faa.gov/N413CC
Location: Northway, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA541
Date & Time: 09/05/2018, 1625 AKD
Registration: N413CC
Aircraft: CUB CRAFTERS INC CC18
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Other Work Use
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during straight-and-level flight, a large bird struck the airplane's right wing. The airplane's control became degraded, and the pilot chose an off-airport landing site and landed the airplane without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane's collision with a bird during straight-and-level flight.
Findings
Environmental issues
Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on operation (Cause)
Factual Information
History of Flight
Enroute
Birdstrike (Defining event)
Landing
Off-field or emergency landing
Pilot Information
Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/22/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/06/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 20499 hours (Total, all aircraft), 664 hours (Total, this make and model), 20174 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 152 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 36 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: CUB CRAFTERS INC
Registration: N413CC
Model/Series: CC18 180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2013
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted; Normal
Serial Number: CC18-0065
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/20/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 740.6 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-C4P
Registered Owner: Us Dept Of The Interior
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: National Park Service
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PABN, 2880 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 296°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 5000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 310°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.28 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chisana, AK (CZN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Gulkana, AK (GKN)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1555 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G
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: 62.300278, -142.533333 (est)
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
http://registry.faa.gov/N7690H
Location: Talkeetna, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA535
Date & Time: 09/04/2018, 1600 AKD
Registration: N7690H
Aircraft: Piper PA 12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing uphill at an off-airport unimproved landing site where he had landed before, he applied the brakes, and that the airplane then hit a "bush or a bump," which caused the tail to rise. Subsequently, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and wing spars.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control on uneven terrain during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
Findings
Aircraft
Pitch control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Environmental issues
Mountainous/hilly terrain - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Nose over/nose down (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 37, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/14/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/12/2016
Flight Time: (Estimated) 242.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 224.3 hours (Total, this make and model), 192.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 82 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 28.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7690H
Model/Series: PA 12 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 12-580
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/04/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1933 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3715 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-235-A2B
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PATK, 356 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 40 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 259°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.24 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Talkeetna, AK (TKA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Talkeetna, AK
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1520 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 62.452778, -148.686944 (est)
November 07, 2017: Aircraft on taxi on the beach of Chenega Bay, struck the propeller.
Date: 07-NOV-17
Time: 00:00:00Z
Regis#: N7690H
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA12
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: CHENEGA BAY
State: ALASKA
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
https://registry.faa.gov/N95514
Location: Cut Bank, MT
Accident Number: GAA18CA533
Date & Time: 09/04/2018, 1920 MDT
Registration: N95514
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BC12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while flying west to check some fields and circle a friend's house, he began a right, descending turn about 200 ft above ground level. He added that he was aware of power wires in the area, but the sun was in his eyes, and the airplane was lower than he thought. The airplane struck power wires and then impacted terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to see and avoid power wires while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to determine the airplane's altitude due to sun glare.
Findings
Aircraft
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Personnel issues
Monitoring environment - Pilot (Cause)
Environmental issues
Wire - Effect on operation (Cause)
Glare - Effect on personnel (Factor)
Factual Information
History of Flight
Maneuvering-low-alt flying
Low altitude operation/event
Miscellaneous/other (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 25, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/27/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/27/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 62 hours (Total, all aircraft), 17 hours (Total, this make and model), 30 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Taylorcraft
Registration: N95514
Model/Series: BC12 D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: 7814
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/31/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5025.5 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: C65
Registered Owner: Skierka, Leo F.
Rated Power: 75 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCTB, 3838 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0156 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 125°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.23 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Cut Bank, MT (CTB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cut Bank, MT (CTB)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1800 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 48.659722, -112.496111 (est)
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
https://registry.faa.gov/N139JS
Location: DELAWARE, OH
Accident Number: GAA18CA539
Date & Time: 09/03/2018, 1620 EDT
Registration: N139JS
Aircraft: Schweizer 269C
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while practicing "quick stops and steep approaches," he flared the helicopter too hard and too low, and the tail skid struck the runway, which resulted in a hard landing.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Findings
Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
History of Flight
Landing
Miscellaneous/other
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Hard landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Private
Age: 54, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/02/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/08/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 13000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 92.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 10000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 150 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Schweizer
Registration: N139JS
Model/Series: 269C Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1995
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: S1704
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/30/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4921.3 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: HIO-360-D1A
Registered Owner: Blade Runners Chopper Llc
Rated Power: 190 hp
Operator: Blade Runners Chopper Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDLZ, 945 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2017 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 279°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 6000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: DELAWARE, OH (DLZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: DELAWARE, OH (DLZ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1600 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: DELAWARE MUNI - JIM MOORE FIEL (DLZ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 945 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5800 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Stop and Go
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 40.278611, -83.103889 (est)
