Sunday, March 31, 2019

U.S. Marine Corps, Bell AH-1Z Viper: Fatal accident occurred March 30, 2019 in Yuma, Arizona



Yuma, Arizona • Two Marine pilots have died in a helicopter crash during a training mission in southwestern Arizona, U.S. Marine Corps officials said Sunday.

The AH-1Z Viper crashed Saturday night while the pilots were conducting a training mission as part of a weapons and tactical instructor course, according to the Marine Corps. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Capt. Gabriel Adibe, a Marine Corps spokesman, said the helicopter crashed on the vast Marine Corps Air Station Yuma training grounds but no additional information was immediately available.

The names of the pilots who died have not been released pending notification of their families.

The station is located about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Yuma and the 1,300-square-mile (3,367-square-kilometer) training ground is one of the world's largest military installations.

There have been several fatal crashes involving Marine Corps aircraft near Yuma over the years.

In 1996, a Marine electronic-warfare plane went down during a training mission on a gunnery range near the Gila Mountains, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of the Yuma station, killing all four people aboard. The crew was from the Marine base at Cherry Point, North Carolina, and was training at Yuma.

Two Marine pilots, a crew chief and a Navy corpsman died in a 2007 crash of a search-and-rescue helicopter near the Colorado River during a training mission. The crew members were attached to a headquarters squadron of Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma.

In 2012, seven Marines were killed when an AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter and a UH-1Y Huey utility helicopter collided in midair during a training exercise in a remote area of the Yuma training grounds. The crash site was in the Chocolate Mountains on the California side of the range.


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

Calabasas, Los Angeles County, California

Officials determined unidentified remains found amid an old plane wreck in hilly terrain outside Calabasas were animal remains, not human as early reports suggested. 

Lt. Jennifer Seetoo, of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s station in Malibu/Lost Hills, said the coroner identified the remains as belonging to an animal. The remains and the wreckage were discovered by hikers Sunday afternoon. 

The wreckage was found in a ravine near a hiking trail about a mile and a half north of Highway 101 and the Liberty Canyon Road exit, officials said. The site is in unincorporated terrain generally north and west of the Calabasas landfill.

Seetoo said the plane wreckage was “very old” and that the National Transportation Safety Board was investigating. 

“It was not a recent crash,” she said. 

Federal Aviation Administration records show the plane was destroyed in 1991, a sheriff’s sergeant said Monday.

A representative from the National Transportation Safety Board said that the agency hadn’t launched a formal investigation but was in the process of gathering information.

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

Cessna 172L Skyhawk, N7033Q: Accident occurred March 31, 2019 at Placerville Airport (KPVF), El Dorado County, California

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; Sacramento, California

https://registry.faa.gov/N7033Q

Location: Placerville, CA
Accident Number: WPR19LA102
Date & Time: 03/31/2019, 1630 PDT
Registration: N7033Q
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On March 31, 2019, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172L airplane, N7033Q, collided with terrain follow a loss of engine power during the climb after takeoff from Placerville Airport (PCV), Placerville, California. The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The airplane was registered to and operated by Placerville Aviation under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight departed Placerville about 1610.

The pilot reported that after turning crosswind following takeoff from runway 23, the engine began to run rough. He checked the throttle position, mixture control, fuel tank selection, and engine oil pressure. He then turned on the carburetor heat and the roughness increased, without an increase in engine rpm. By this time the airplane was about 1,500 to 2,000 ft above ground level (agl), and the pilot decided to return to the airport for landing. The airplane was not able to maintain altitude, and landed about 300 ft short of the approach end of runway 23.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N7033Q
Model/Series: 172 L
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Placerville Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPVF, 2583 ft msl
Observation Time: 2355 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C / -1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 300°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Placerville, CA
Destination: Placerville, CA (PVF) 

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:  38.728056, -120.745278



PLACERVILLE, California (KOLO)-- A plane crashed Sunday at a Placerville airport, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reported. 

Deputies responded. The pilot got out of the airplane and was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures, the sheriff’s office said.

The Cessna 172 crashed under unknown circumstances right after takeoff from Placerville, the Federal Aviation Administration reported. There was significant damage to the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation and Safety Board will investigate.

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

El Dorado County, California --  Two people received medical attention Sunday afternoon after a single-engine plane crashed at the Placerville Airport.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office said the pilot and an occupant removed themselves from the plane and were taken to a hospital as a precaution.


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


EL DORADO COUNTY — A single-engine plane crashed at the Placerville Airport Sunday, March 31st.


El Dorado County sheriff’s Deputy McElroy reports the pilot was able to safely get out of the plane and was transported to a hospital as a precaution.


It is unknown what led to the crash.


Original article can be found here ➤ https://fox40.com

Piper PA-32R-301, N25WE: Incident occurred September 26, 2022 and Accident occurred May 14, 2018

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

September 26, 2022:  Aircraft landed and nose gear collapsed. 

K & R Aviation LLC


Date: 26-SEP-22
Time: 19:42:00Z
Regis#: N25WE
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA32
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 2 No Injuries 
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ABILENE
State: TEXAS
 









Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Hicks, Michael

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Axiom Capital


Location: Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Accident Number: GAA18CA281
Date and Time: 05/14/2018, 1230 EDT
Registration: N25WE
Aircraft: PIPER PA 32R
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the retractable-landing gear-equipped airplane, he set up for an extended final approach to the sandy turf runway. He waited until he cleared the trees and "then…dropped down to land." The main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. The main and nose landing gear collapsed upon contact with the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane slid about 300 ft before it came to a stop on the right side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the lower fuselage.

The Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector who examined the airplane at the accident site reported that witnesses stated that the pilot landed the airplane hard on the sandy turf surface. However, the pilot stated that he did not. However, the pilot did state that he really had to bring the airplane in steep over the trees to get it on the runway.

Photographs provided by the operator showed vertical deformation of both wings at the main landing gear mount location.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's steep approach, which resulted in a hard landing and the collapse of the landing gear during touchdown.

Findings

Aircraft
Descent rate - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Main landing gear - Capability exceeded (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Landing gear collapse
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 38, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-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: 03/02/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/13/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 600 hours (Total, all aircraft), 250 hours (Total, this make and model), 425 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 44 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1.2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N25WE
Model/Series: PA 32R 300
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 32R-8113039
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/15/2017, Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6025 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-K1G5D
Registered Owner: AXIOM CAPITAL SOLUTIONS LLC
Rated Power: 300
Operator: AXIOM CAPITAL SOLUTIONS LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KNJM, 22 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1657 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 146°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Burlington, NC (BUY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Cape Carteret, NC (60NC)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1115 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: STAR HILL GOLF CLUB (60NC)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 40 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 06
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2800 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around; Traffic Pattern

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:  34.705278, -77.051111 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 170B, N2485D, accident occurred May 12, 2018 at Zelienople Municipal Airport (KPJC), Beaver County, Pennsylvania

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Allegheny, Pennsylvania

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

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N2485D

Location: Zelienople, PA
Accident Number: GAA18CA278
Date & Time: 05/12/2018, 1100 EDT
Registration: N2485D
Aircraft: CESSNA 170
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the landing roll with the tailwheel on the ground, the airplane may have encountered a wind gust. The airplane exited the runway to the left, and the left main landing gear struck a taxiway sign.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points, the lower fuselage longeron, and the elevator.

The pilot reported that the wind at the airport about the time of the accident was variable at 4 knots and that skies were clear.

The nearest METAR to the accident site, located 11 miles to the west, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 270° at 8 knots with lightning in the distance to the northwest. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 35.

The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had more quickly applied corrective actions, including increasing right rudder pedal pressure, using more differential braking, and increasing right aileron input.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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 directional control during the landing roll.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Sign/marker - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 65, 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: 05/24/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/04/2017
Flight Time:  226.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 42.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 150.6 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 14.6 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N2485D
Model/Series: 170 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1952
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 20637
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/28/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3308.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: CONTINENTAL
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C145
Registered Owner: DRAGGIN TAIL PILOTS LLC.
Rated Power: 145 hp
Operator: DRAGGIN TAIL PILOTS LLC.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBVI, 1252 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1447 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 259°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 270°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Zelienople, PA (PJC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Zelienople, PA (PJC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0930 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: ZELIENOPLE MUNI (PJC)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 897 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4933 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop 

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: 40.801944, -80.160833 (est)

Ground Collision: Aeropro CZ SRO A240, N481B and Piper PA-28-161, N4121T, accident occurred May 11, 2018 at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD), Maricopa County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

N481B  Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


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


http://registry.faa.gov/N481B

Location: Chandler, AZ

Accident Number: GAA18CA275A
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 0800 MST
Registration: N481B
Aircraft: AEROPRO CZ S R O A240
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis 


According to the pilot in the low-wing airplane, he was cleared by ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." Taxiway Alpha runs parallel to runway 22R. The pilot approached taxiway Alpha via taxiway Mike, and before entering the intersection of taxiways Alpha and Mike, he "looked in all directions for aircraft" and then proceeded to turn left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. His airplane's right wing collided with the left side of another airplane already taxiing via Alpha to 22R. He asserted that the other airplane was moving very fast when the collision occurred. His airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.


According to the student pilot in the high-wing airplane, he received clearance from ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." He recalled that he was established on Alpha and heading toward 22R with his landing lights on. He saw the low-wing airplane approaching the intersection of taxiway Alpha and Mike from the nonmovement area. He reported that the low-wing airplane turned left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. The low-wing airplane's right wing collided with the left side of his airplane. His airplane sustained damage to the left-wing lift strut, the left-wing support struts, and the windscreen.


Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with their airplanes 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 other pilot's failure to stop and yield to the airplane taxiing on the taxiway, which resulted in a ground collision.

Findings


Personnel issues

Task monitoring/vigilance - Pilot of other aircraft (Cause)

Environmental issues

Aircraft - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information


History of Flight


Taxi

Miscellaneous/other
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information


Certificate: Student

Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/15/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time: (Estimated) 45 hours (Total, all aircraft), 45 hours (Total, this make and model), 24 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 26 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: AEROPRO CZ S R O

Registration: N481B
Model/Series: A240
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Special Light-Sport
Serial Number: 47816
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/15/2015, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1235 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 232 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: ROTAX
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 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: KCHD, 1243 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1447 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 264°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 15000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chandler, AZ (CHD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Chandler, AZ (CHD)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0800 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D 

Airport Information


Airport: CHANDLER MUNI (CHD)

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1243 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 33.269167, -111.811111 (est)

N4121T  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/N4121T

Location: Chandler, AZ
Accident Number: GAA18CA275B
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 0800 MST
Registration: N4121T
Aircraft: PIPER PA 28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the low-wing airplane, he was cleared by ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." Taxiway Alpha runs parallel to runway 22R. The pilot approached taxiway Alpha via taxiway Mike, and before entering the intersection of taxiways Alpha and Mike, he "looked in all directions for aircraft" and then proceeded to turn left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. His airplane's right wing collided with the left side of another airplane already taxiing via Alpha to 22R. He asserted that the other airplane was moving very fast when the collision occurred. His airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.

According to the student pilot in the high-wing airplane, he received clearance from ground control to taxi to runway 22R via "Alpha and November." He recalled that he was established on Alpha and heading toward 22R with his landing lights on. He saw the low-wing airplane approaching the intersection of taxiway Alpha and Mike from the nonmovement area. He reported that the low-wing airplane turned left onto taxiway Alpha without stopping. The low-wing airplane's right wing collided with the left side of his airplane. His airplane sustained damage to the left-wing lift strut, the left-wing support struts, and the windscreen.

Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with their airplanes 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 stop and yield to the airplane taxiing on the taxiway, which resulted in a ground collision.

Findings

Personnel issues
Task monitoring/vigilance - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Aircraft - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi
Miscellaneous/other
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 46, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/10/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/13/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 68 hours (Total, all aircraft), 14 hours (Total, this make and model), 27 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N4121T
Model/Series: PA 28 161
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2842017
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/14/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2440 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 14672 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-320-D3G
Registered Owner: CHANDLER AIR SERVICE INC.
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator:  CHANDLER AIR SERVICE INC.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCHD, 1243 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1447 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 264°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 15000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chandler, AZ (CHD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Eloy, AZ (E60)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0800 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: CHANDLER MUNI (CHD)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1243 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 33.269167, -111.811111 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Van's RV-6, N833DW, accident occurred May 11, 2018 at Hutchinson County Airport (KBGD), Borger, Texas

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

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/N833DW


Location: Borger, TX
Accident Number: CEN18LA172
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 0827 CDT
Registration: N833DW
Aircraft: WITTMAN D R/WITTMAN D M RV 6
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The private pilot stated that, during approach to the airport, the weather observation system reported variable winds of 4 to 6 knots, which was less than forecast. While on short final approach for landing to runway 21, the pilot experienced "strong updrafts from unusual landforms," and when the airplane landed about halfway down the runway, he experienced "strong gusts causing swerving." The airplane was departing the side of the runway when the pilot chose to abort the landing by applying full engine power. The airplane was unable to outclimb the rising terrain off the side of the runway and subsequently impacted the ground and a fence.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded weather information showed winds consistently from 220° at 23 to 32 knots, which would have resulted in a crosswind component of between 2 and 6 knots. The strong updrafts the pilot experienced would have been consistent with mechanical turbulence, which could have been confirmed by wind indications from the airport windsock(s).

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 airplane control during landing and during the subsequent aborted landing attempt in crosswind conditions.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Performance/control parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

On May 11, 2018, at 0827 central daylight time (CDT), an experimental amateur-built Whittman RV6 airplane, N833DW, impacted terrain during an aborted landing on runway 21 at Hutchinson County Airport (BGD), Borger, Texas. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. 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. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the cross country flight. The flight departed from H A Clark Memorial Field Airport, Williams, Arizona, at 0830 mountain standard time (MST) and was destined to BGD.

The pilot stated the BGD automated surface observing system (ASOS) was reporting a variable wind of 4-6 knots, which was less than forecast. During a visual approach to runway 21 (3,897 feet by 100 feet, dry asphalt), the pilot stated that he flew an upwind pattern entry and on short final, experienced "strong updrafts from unusual landforms". The pilot landed the tailwheel equipped airplane on runway 21, near the intersection of runway 17/35 (about 1,650 feet down runway 21), and "experienced strong wind gusts causing swerving". The pilot said that as "conditions deteriorated," he decided to abort the landing and applied full engine power while the airplane was departing the runway at about a 20° angle toward the right. The airplane began to climb over rising terrain off the side of the runway. The landing gear dragged through heavy brush/weeds, which reduced the airplane's acceleration. The pilot attempted to fly the airplane under approaching powerlines due to a lack of airspeed needed for a climb. The airplane then impacted the ground and a chain link fence.

Airport Facility Directory information for BGD showed the installation of three windsocks at the airport. The windsocks were located between the approach end of runways 17 and 35 and between runways 3 and 35.

BGD ASOS recorded the following wind information:

At 0551 CDT: wind - 220° at 17 knots, gust - 28 knots

At 0651 CDT: wind - 220° at 21 knots, gust - 32 knots

At 0751 CDT: wind - 220° at 17 knots, gust – 26 knots

At 0851 CDT: wind - 220° at 14 knots, gust – 23 knots

The calculated crosswind component on runway 21 with a wind from 220° at 14 knots was 2 knots and winds from 220° at 32 knots was 6 knots.

The airplane did not have and was not required to have a published maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity capability due to its classification as an experimental airplane A flight instructor, who provided flight instruction in RV-6 airplanes, stated that a comfortable crosswind velocity for a pilot with average skill would be about 15 knots, and a skilled pilot could land the airplane with a 20-25 knot crosswind. He said the RV6 was capable of landing in 20-25 knot crosswinds.

According to a Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) inspector from the Lubbock Flight Standards District Office, there were no witnesses to the accident. The UNICOM operator at the time did not realize the airplane was landing because he did not hear the pilot make radio calls on UNICOM. The operator first learned of the accident through 911, which was looking for the airplane.

Post-accident examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. The inspector stated that the wing flaps were in the fully extended position of 40 °.

The Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B), Chapter 8, Approaches and Landings, stated in part:

"…a review of accident statistics indicates that over 45 percent of all general aviation accidents occur during the approach and landing phases of a flight. A closer look shows that the cause of over 90 percent of those cases was pilot related and loss of control was also a major contributing factor in 33 percent of the cases."

Chapter 8, Approaches and Landings stated that stabilized descent angle is controlled throughout the approach so that the airplane lands in the center of the first third of the runway and if a landing cannot be made on the first third of the runway, or the airplane drifts sideways, execute a go-around. 

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Landing area overshoot

Landing-landing roll
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)

Landing-aborted after touchdown
Attempted remediation/recovery

Initial climb
Loss of control in flight

Uncontrolled descent
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/22/2018
Flight Time:  277 hours (Total, all aircraft), 180 hours (Total, this make and model), 14 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: WITTMAN D R/WITTMAN D M
Registration: N833DW
Model/Series: RV 6
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 23207
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/01/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 405.7 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A1A
Registered Owner: Pilot
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Pilot
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BGD, 3055 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0851 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots / 23 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.75 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Williams, AZ (CMR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Borger, TX (BGD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0830 MST
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Hutchinson County Airport (BGD)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3055 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 21
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3897 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude:  35.700833, -101.393611 (est)