Tuesday, April 02, 2019

Air Tractor AT-602, owned and operated by Sturdivant Brothers Flying Service Inc as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 aerial application flight, N2049D: Fatal accident occurred March 19, 2017 in Minter City, Mississippi

Owen Dale Holland 
July 20, 1948 - March 19, 2017
Owen's love of flying began in 1974. Owen flew in the family operation for several years in Jonesville, Louisiana, 9 years for UTAVA, a French company in Cameroon, Africa where he was chief pilot spraying bananas. In 2011 Owen came back to the United States to work for Sturdivant Brothers Flying Service in Marks, Mississippi. Owen had flown a total of 29,943 plus hours.


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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office; Jackson, Mississippi
Air Tractor Inc; Olney, Texas
Transportation Safety Board of Canada-Accredited Representative; Ontario
Woodward Inc; Rockford, Illinois
Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office; DuPage, Illinois
Hartzell Propeller Inc; Piqua, Ohio

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

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


http://registry.faa.gov/N2049D


Location: Minter City, MS
Accident Number: ERA17FA131
Date & Time: 03/19/2017, 1600 CDT
Registration: N2049D
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 602
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Medical event
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On March 19, 2017, about 1600 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602, N2049D,collided with trees and terrain near Minter City, Mississippi. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed by impact and postcrash fire. The airplane was owned and was being operated by Sturdivant Brothers Flying Service, Inc., as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which originated about 30 minutes earlier from the company airstrip in Glendora, Mississippi.

The pilot departed the airstrip with each wing fuel tank filled to about 3/4 capacity and the hopper containing 375 gallons of mixed water and chemicals. After takeoff, the pilot proceeded toward the intended spray field. Although there were no eyewitnesses to the accident, an individual familiar with aerial application operations who lived adjacent to the intended application field reported hearing an airplane fly over his house. He noted that the airplane sounded fine at that time, but about 10 to 15 seconds later, he heard a "pop" sound followed by an explosion. He went outside, noted the fire, and a friend called 911. He then drove to the site and noted damage to trees and parts of the airplane were found away from the main wreckage. The fire department arrived about 20 minutes later and extinguished the fire, which at that time was mostly confined to the cockpit area. Inspection of the intended spray field revealed evidence of "burning" of weeds consistent with some application of the contents of the hopper; however, the extent of the application could not be determined. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Center
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/16/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/30/2017
Flight Time:  29943 hours (Total, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft) 

The pilot, age 68, held a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He held a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate with a limitation to have available glasses for near vision, issued January 16, 2017. He reported 29,943 total hours of flight experience on the application for his last medical certificate. His last flight review in accordance with 14 CFR Part 61.56 occurred on January 30, 2017.

The pilot was hired by the operator in March 2011. A review of his logbook revealed that about the time he was hired, he had accrued a total time of about 24,613 hours. His title at the time of the accident was Chief Supervisor/Pilot.

The pilot's sister reported that she spoke with her brother the day before the accident, and during that call, he reported having a cold.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N2049D
Model/Series: AT 602 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 602-1219
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/08/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 12500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 2752 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Canada
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-60AG
Registered Owner: STURDIVANT BROTHERS FLYING SERVICE INC
Rated Power: 1050 hp
Operator: STURDIVANT BROTHERS FLYING SERVICE INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Operator Does Business As:
Operator Designator Code: ZNYG

The accident airplane was manufactured in 2012 by Air Tractor, Inc., and was designated serial number 602-1219. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60AG engine rated at 1,050 shaft horsepower for takeoff, and equipped with a Hartzell HC-B5MP-3C/M10876ANS propeller.

Review of the maintenance records revealed that the airplane's last annual inspection was performed on November 8, 2016, at an airplane total time of 2,752 hours.

The airplane was equipped with an AgJunction Satloc G4 GPS receiver capable of recording and retaining data; however, due to heat damage to the two internal memory cards, no data could be extracted from the device.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: GLH, 131 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1553 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 188°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Glendora, MS
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Glendora, MS
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1530 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

At 1553, a surface observation at Greenville Mid-Delta Airport (GLH), Greenville, Mississippi, located about 18 nautical miles south-southwest of the accident site, reported calm wind, 10 miles visibility with clear skies, temperature and dew point 26°C and 8°C, respectively, and an altimeter setting of 30.21 inches of mercury.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  33.771944, -90.380556 

The accident site was located among trees at the southern portion of an open field, about 760 ft east of the eastern edge of the 75-acre field the pilot intended to spray. Further examination of the accident site revealed damage to trees between 15 and 20 ft above ground level (agl) on a magnetic heading about 280°. Airplane debris was located on the ground among the trees and in the open field north of the energy path between the first tree contact and the main wreckage, which was located about 282 ft and 280° from the first tree contact location. Damage to trees at decreasing heights was noted along the energy path. The main wreckage had an odor of Jet A fuel.

Components that were located farthest east from the fuselage included portions of the left wingtip, outboard end of the left main spar, leading edge of the left wing with semi-circular leading edge damage, outboard portion of the left aileron with outboard boom hanger bracket, section of left wing leading edge with pitot tube, and a section of the leading edge with semi-circular wrapping. The semi-circular impression on the leading edge of the left wing was correlated with a standing tree that exhibited impact damage. The wing damage and the lack of damage to the ground at the corresponding area of the right wingtip was consistent with a wings-level attitude at the time of tree impact.

Examination of the airplane revealed extensive heat damage to the fuselage, cockpit, and sections of both wings that were not separated during the accident sequence. Both wings remained secured at the center splice, and all main spar attach bolts were sheared at the fuselage attach point but remained trapped. The inboard attach angle of the left wing was deformed, and both attach angles of the right wing were deformed. The left wing main spar was "S" shaped and the spar was fractured about 5 ft 10 inches outboard of the outboard wing splice. The aft spar of the left wing remained connected at the fuselage, but the spar was separated from the attach plate. The aft spar was fractured 6 ft 3 inches from the inboard section. The full span of the left wing leading edge was separated and/or consumed by fire. The left aileron trim tab was pulled from the aileron, but the pushrod remained connected. The pushrod was separated from the aileron trim tab actuator; therefore, the aileron trim position could not be determined. Examination of the right wing revealed that the aft spar remained attached, but the spar was heat damaged. The aft spar was identified to the outboard portion of the fuel tank, and then the outer portion at the wingtip. The aluminum portions of the main spar was heat damaged 5 ft 7 inches outboard of the spar splice.

The cockpit sustained extensive fire damage; however, the occupiable space of the cockpit was not compromised. The right lower longeron was fractured, and the left side top door frame and left forward door post were cut during recovery. The pilot's seat remained fully attached and was equipped with shoulder harness airbags, which exhibited extensive heat damage. The control stick was not fractured, and the emergency dump handle was in the locked (non-dumping) position. The power, condition, and propeller controls were full aft, consistent with being pulled during separation of the engine. The flap actuator was separated and located on the ground near the cockpit area and was extended 4 threads, which equated to about 5° of flap deflection/extension.

All primary and secondary flight control surfaces and their respective counterweights were accounted for. Flight control system continuity was confirmed for roll, pitch, yaw, and right aileron droop system though heat damage to pushrods and overload failure of cables and pushrods was noted. Examination of the left aileron droop system revealed separation of both pushrods at the aileron droop idler. The attaching hardware was not located. The rod end bearing cage of both rod ends was deformed in the aft direction consistent with the bolt diameter, and the idler bellcrank was deformed. The drooping arm on the aileron bellcrank was deformed, but both rods remained attached. The rest of the drooping system remained connected.

Examination of the gatebox shutoff system revealed that the shutoff valve was in the open (normal) position. The spray valve was destroyed; therefore, its position could not be determined.

The engine remained attached at all 4 engine mount points, but was separated from the airframe and found near the engine firewall. The engine was not equipped with a manual fuel control unit (FCU) override system. The gearbox with attached propeller and power section were separated from the engine and were located along the energy path. The start control and power control cables remained attached and the propeller control remained attached to the governor, but the propeller governor cable was fractured. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The FCU and propeller governor were retained and examined at the manufacturer's facility with FAA oversight. Damage to both components precluded operational testing. Disassembly examination of the FCU and propeller governor revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Tree limbs and/or trunks that exhibited smooth angular cuts on one or both ends were retained and examined. Several limbs of various diameters, up-to and including 7-inches exhibited smooth cuts on one or both ends and gray color transfer on the cut surface consistent with propeller contact.

One propeller blade was rotated in its clamp toward the low pitch position; the blade counterweight made a corresponding impact signature in the spinner at a counterweight angle of about 23°, which corresponded to blade angle of about 11°. The feather stop screws were not damaged and the internal adjacent marks on the piston from the feather stops screws exhibited normal operating signatures, indicating that the propeller was not feathered at impact. There was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the propeller. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Mississippi State Medical Examiner, Pearl, Mississippi, performed a postmortem examination of the pilot. No soot aspiration was noted in multiple sections of lung and bronchus. The cause of death was reported as "asphyxia of undetermined etiology."

The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicological testing on specimens from the pilot. According to the toxicology report, no carbon monoxide was detected in the cardiac blood and no volatiles were detected in vitreous. Unquantified amounts of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan (metabolite of dextromethorphan), and pseudoephedrine were detected in cardiac blood and urine. An unquantified amount of doxylamine was detected in the urine specimen, and 0.145 ug/ml of the same drug was detected in cardiac blood. Acetaminophen (12.07 ug/ml) was detected in urine.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant available in many over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant commonly marketed with the name Sudafed. Products containing this drug are only available "behind the counter" but do not require a prescription. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and fever reducer available over-the-counter and commonly marketed with the name Tylenol. These drugs are not considered impairing in usual doses.

Doxylamine is a first-generation sedating antihistamine available over-the-counter in a number of products intended to treat colds, allergies, and insomnia. Doxylamine causes central nervous system depression and carries the warning, "May cause central nervous system depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving)." The usual blood levels thought to be associated with effects from this drug are between 0.050 and 0.150 ug/ml. Doxylamine undergoes post mortem redistribution; central levels may be elevated above peripheral or antemortem levels by an average of about 2.5 times.

Tests And Research

Agricultural Turn Distance

According to a representative of the airplane manufacturer, agricultural turn distances from the spray field for turbine-powered airplanes vary significantly depending on airplane type, spraying speed, pilot technique, wind speed, wind direction, aircraft weight, and local obstacles. However, they have found that with their turbine-powered airplanes, pilots will typically make their turns within 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the edge of the field.

Cessna 195B Businessliner, N195PC; accident occurred March 29, 2019 at Ormond Beach Municipal Airport (KOMN), Volusia County, Florida (and) Accident occurred December 11, 2016 at Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (KCRG), Duval County, Florida





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

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


Location: Ormond Beach, FL
Accident Number: GAA19CA198
Date & Time: 03/29/2019, 1035 EDT
Registration: N195PC
Aircraft: Cessna 195
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, as the airplane touched down, it veered right. He tried to correct with full aft stick and full right aileron and left brake, but the airplane continued to yaw right and then exited the right side of the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact 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 directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and the nose landing gear collapsing.

Findings

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing-flare/touchdown Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Flight Engineer
Age: 78, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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: 03/24/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/25/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 31706 hours (Total, all aircraft), 565 hours (Total, this make and model), 19468 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 11 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N195PC
Model/Series: 195 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 16140
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 5
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/23/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3350 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3103.5 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Jacobs
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 755B2 
Registered Owner: Cardinal 19Pc Llc
Rated Power: 275 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: KOMN, 29 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1347 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 171°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR): 
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 20°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Jacksonville, FL (CRG)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Ormond Beach, FL (OMN)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 0930 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Ormond Beach Muni (OMN)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 27 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3704 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; 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: 29.301111, -81.113889 (est)

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

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Accident Number: GAA17CA097A
Date & Time: 12/11/2016, 1130 EST
Registration: N195PC
Aircraft: CESSNA 195
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during taxi, he turned right to position the airplane to perform pretakeoff procedures, and the right wing passed over the running engine of a stationary airplane and struck the turning propeller.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, and the stationary airplane sustained minor damage.

Both pilots reported 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 see and avoid the stationary airplane during taxi.

Findings

Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Aircraft - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Standing-engine(s) operating
Ground collision (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Flight Engineer
Age: 76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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: 03/23/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/16/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 31553 hours (Total, all aircraft), 412 hours (Total, this make and model), 16567 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 24 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N195PC
Model/Series: 195 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 16140
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 5
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/20/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3351 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2937 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: JACOBS
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: R-755B2
Registered Owner: CARDINAL 19PC LLC.
Rated Power: 275 hp
Operator: CARDINAL 19PC LLC.
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
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1653 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 267°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 3300 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 120°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.31 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Jacksonville, FL (CRG)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR/IFR
Destination: TALLAHASSEE, FL (TLH)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  EST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: JACKSONVILLE EXECUTIVE AT CRAIG (CRG)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 40 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:  30.336111, -81.512778 (est)

Rutan VariEze, N1427Z: Incident occurred March 30, 2019 at Space Coast Regional Airport (KTIX), Titusville, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Nose wheel collapsed.

https://registry.faa.gov/N1427Z

Date: 30-MAR-19
Time: 22:54:00Z
Regis#: N1427Z
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: RUTAN VARIEZE
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: TITUSVILLE
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N4335R: Accident occurred March 30, 2019 at Page Field Airport (KFMY), Fort Myers, Florida (and) Incident occurred May 29, 2017 at Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51), Homestead, Miami-Dade 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/N4335R

Location: Fort Myers, FL
Accident Number: ERA19TA146
Date & Time: 03/30/2019, 2100 EDT
Registration: N4335R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

According to a lineperson at the airport, the airplane was taxiing toward four fuel trucks to park. The lineperson then exited one of the trucks with wands, got the pilot's attention, and walked north away from the trucks to direct the pilot to a safer parking area. He then signaled for the pilot to taxi toward him, but the airplane continued north-northwest toward the trucks, and the engine revved to a high rpm. The lineperson then motioned for the airplane to slow and move away from the trucks; however, the airplane continued to taxi toward the trucks. The lineperson signaled stop and yelled "stop" several times. The airplane did not stop, and its left wing struck a light pole near one of the trucks. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Although the pilot stated that while parking on the ramp parking area, a lineperson provided directions to taxi, which led the airplane's left wing to collide with a light pole, the airport director of operations reported that the pilot could not recall any of the wand signals that he was provided.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to remain clear of a light pole while taxiing.

Findings

Personnel issues Lack of action - Pilot
Environmental issues Pole - Awareness of condition
Environmental issues Pole - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

On March 30, 2019, about 2100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N4335R, was substantially damaged during taxi after landing at Page Field (FMY), Fort Myers, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Miami Executive Airport (TMB), Miami, Florida, about 1930.

The pilot stated that while parking on the ramp parking area, a lineperson provided directions to taxi, which led the airplane's left wing to collide with a light pole. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

The lineperson stated that he was in a parked Avgas truck, next to three Jet A trucks, preparing to drive to a hangar and complete a fueling when he heard the accident airplane taxiing toward him and it appeared that airplane was going to park in front of the three Jet A trucks. The lineperson then exited the truck with wands, was able to get the pilot's attention, and walked north away from the trucks to direct the pilot to a safer parking area. He then signaled for the pilot to taxi toward him, but the airplane moved north – northwest, still toward the trucks, and the engine revved to a high rpm. The lineperson then motioned for the airplane to slow and move away from the trucks; however, the airplane continued to taxi toward the trucks. The lineperson then signaled stop and yelled "stop" several times. The airplane did not stop and its left wing struck a light pole near the Avgas truck.

The airport director of operations reported that he interviewed the pilot after the accident and the pilot could not recall any of the wand signals that he was provided.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the left wing spar.

History of Flight

Taxi Miscellaneous/other
Taxi Ground collision (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 35, 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: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/12/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/02/2019
Flight Time:  126 hours (Total, all aircraft), 109 hours (Total, this make and model), 70 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 103 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 53 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N4335R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17263088
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/29/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 8718 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 E2D
Registered Owner: Pilot Training Center Llc
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: Pilot Training Center Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: FMY, 17 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2053 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Miami, FL (TMB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fort Myers, FL (FMY)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1930 EDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: Page Field (FMY)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 17 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
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: 26.586667, -81.863333 (est)

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Miami, Florida

May 29, 2017:  Aircraft on landing, blew out a tire.

Date: 29-MAY-17

Time: 14:02:00Z
Regis#: N4335R
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: HOMESTEAD
State: FLORIDA

Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, N3077M: Incident occurred March 30, 2019 at Hartford-Brainard Airport (KHFD), Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Prop strike.

Premier Flight Center LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N3077M

Date: 30-MAR-19
Time: 15:51:00Z
Regis#: N3077M
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28 161
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HARTFORD
State: CONNECTICUT

Viking DragonFly Mark III, N323CR: Incident occurred March 31, 2019 at Camarillo Airport (KCMA), Ventura County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Van Nuys, California

Gear collapsed and prop strike.

https://registry.faa.gov/N323CR

Date: 31-MAR-19
Time: 17:57:00Z
Regis#: N323CR
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: DRAGONFLY MKIII
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CAMARILLO
State: CALIFORNIA

Roll Over: Bell 206B JetRanger II, N83181; accident occurred March 29, 2019 in Valley Center, North San Diego County, California





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Valley Center, CA
Accident Number: GAA19CA186
Date & Time: 03/29/2019, 0715 PDT
Registration: N83181
Aircraft: Bell 206
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Roll over
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

The helicopter pilot reported that, during the reloading operation for an agricultural spray flight, while boarding the helicopter positioned on top of the truck's platform, he saw that the load fill hose was not connected to the helicopter. However, prior to starting the helicopter, and unknown to the pilot, the groundcrew connected the hose. During takeoff, the helicopter rotated about 180º to the right, the helicopter's right skid struck the hood of the truck, the helicopter rolled to the right and impacted the terrain.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/18/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/28/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 25300 hours (Total, all aircraft), 9000 hours (Total, this make and model), 24300 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N83181
Model/Series: 206 B
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted; Normal
Serial Number: 1095
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/15/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 26847 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 250c20b
Registered Owner: Hummingbirds Inc
Rated Power: 420 hp
Operator: Hummingbirds Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRNM, 1393 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 159°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 330°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 3°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Valley Center, CA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Valley Center, CA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0715 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor

Latitude, Longitude: 33.317222, -117.043611 (est)



A worker refilling an agricultural spraying company’s helicopter with pesticides was hurt Friday morning when the rotorcraft crashed in Valley Center in San Diego’s North County.

The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. at McNally and Muutama roads, the Valley Fire Protection District said. A NorthComm dispatcher told NBC 7 a helicopter had gone down; the rotorcraft sustained heavy damage and wound up on its side. Aerial images captured via SkyRanger 7 showed the chopper, bright blue in color, in a small, dirt field on the shoulder off the roadway.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Michael Tingley said the rotorcraft was carrying the 51-year-old pilot/owner of an agricultural spraying company and a 35-year-old passenger who also works for the company.

The pilot told deputies he was in the process of spraying an avocado orchard in the area and had landed his chopper atop a large, white truck containing the pesticides. 

Tingley told NBC 7 the worker had just finished filling up the pesticide tank and the pilot tried to take off before a hose had been disconnected. This yanked the passenger back, injuring him and causing the helicopter to crash.

"(The pilot said) he lifted a little soon and snagged the filler hose, which then rotated the helicopter and it crashed," the sergeant explained.

"The hose hadn’t been disconnected yet. The helicopter started to take off, the hose received tension on it, pulled the helicopter back down and then a catastrophic roll occurred with the helicopter," added Capt. Joe Basinski, of the Valley Center Fire Protection District.

The sheriff’s department said the worker suffered minor injuries to his leg as well as some cuts to his face that he got from the helicopter's blades. The pilot, who officials said is highly experienced, was able to safely get himself out of the helicopter and was not injured. 

Basinski explained how firefighters helped the victim.

"He was on top of the (refueling) truck, so we had to set up a little rescue system in order to be able to get him down with the use of ropes and ladders," the fire captain told NBC 7.

Medics, as well as an air ambulance, were called to the scene to help the passenger. At around 8:10 a.m., SkyRanger 7 captured images of medics loading the patient onto a stretcher. He was then loaded into a Mercy Air ambulance that took off from the scene about five minutes later. Officials said the victim was taken to Palomar Medical Center.

The victim is expected to recover and Basinski said, in the end, things turned out alright.

“There’s a lot of aspects of this incident that worked out in everyone’s favor. Remote location, fuel spills, all that,” he added.

Officials said about 20 gallons of fuel spilled from the helicopter following the crash but, fortunately, a fire did not spark.

Meanwhile, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, the helicopter is registered to a small, Valley Center-based company called Hummingbird, Inc. Aerial Applicators.

The company's website said it provides "aerial solutions" for the region, specializing in aerial agricultural application, trying to "get a hold of the diverse mosquito population." The website said the company has been in business for 40 years, helmed by an owner who flew chinooks in Vietnam.

FAA spokesperson Allen Kenitzer told NBC 7 the rotoraft is a Bell 206B JetRanger II. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

Hours later, crews remained at the scene assessing the wreckage and figuring out ways to remove it from the area.

Story and video ➤ https://www.nbcsandiego.com






(KGTV) – A crop-dusting helicopter crashed in the Valley Center area Friday morning, sending one person to the hospital with minor injuries.


San Diego County sheriff’s deputies at the Valley Center Substation received a 911 call regarding a crash near Muutama Road and McNally Road at around 7:30 a.m.


According to sheriff’s officials, the helicopter’s 51-year-old pilot said he was spraying an orchard and the crash occurred while the aircraft was being refilled with pesticides.


While the pilot was not hurt, a 35-year-old passenger who was assisting with the refilling of the pesticide suffered injuries considered minor.


He was transported by Mercy Air helicopter to Palomar Medical Center for treatment.


The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash, sheriff’s officials said.


Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.10news.com