Loss of Control on Ground: Piper PA-18-225 Super Cub (Tubbs S/performance Air Inc), N755K, accident occurred April 16, 2019 at Centennial Airport (KAPA), Englewood, Arapahoe County, Colorado

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado


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

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


https://registry.faa.gov/N755K


Location: Denver, CO
Accident Number: GAA19CA211
Date & Time: 04/16/2019, 1115 MDT
Registration: N755K
Aircraft: Tubbs S/Performance Air Inc PA-18-225
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the airplane veered left, and he corrected with right rudder and right brake. Subsequently, the airplane ground-looped to the right, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 59
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
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: 02/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/04/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1234 hours (Total, all aircraft), 491 hours (Total, this make and model), 1100 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Tubbs S/Performance Air Inc
Registration: N755K
Model/Series: PA-18-225
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: PA 0105
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/04/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2100 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 624.8 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-C4P
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 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: KAPA, 5883 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0352 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 90°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.72 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Denver, CO (APA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Denver, CO (APA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1000 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Centennial (APA)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5885 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach:None 
Runway Length/Width: 4800 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in

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: 39.570000, -104.849444 (est)

Piper PA-28-161, N449ND: Incident occurred April 16, 2019 at Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR), Fort Pierce, Florida

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

Bird strike, landed without incident.

Ari Ben Aviator Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N449ND

Date: 16-APR-19
Time: 12:47:00Z
Regis#: N449ND
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28 161
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: FORT PIERCE
State: FLORIDA

Falco F.8L, N45UZ: Accident occurred April 16, 2019 in Orlando, Florida

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

Slid off the runway into the grass, gear collapsed and experienced a prop strike.

https://registry.faa.gov/N45UZ

Date: 16-APR-19
Time: 17:46:00Z
Regis#: N45UZ
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: FALCO F 8L
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

McDonnell Douglas MD369E, registered to and operated by K & S Helicopters under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, on-demand flight, N593C: Accident occurred April 16, 2019 in Hauula, Hawaii

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Honolulu, Hawaii

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N593C

Location: Hauula, HI
Accident Number: WPR19LA111
Date & Time: 04/16/2019, 1100 HST
Registration: N593C
Aircraft: MD HELICOPTER 369
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled 

On April 16, 2019, about 1100 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, a McDonnell Douglas 369E helicopter, N593C, was substantially damaged following an autorotation to tree-covered terrain due to a loss of engine power about 1 mile west of Hauula, Hawaii. The commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by K & S Helicopters under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, on-demand flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from Turtle Bay Resort Heliport (HI58), Kahuku, Hawaii.

In a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that after picking up his third passenger, he departed and climbed to an elevation of about 1,700 ft mean sea level. A few minutes later he observed that the N2 had decreased to about 70%. Shortly thereafter, as the N2 continued to decrease, the engine quit. The pilot then set up for an autorotation, during which the helicopter penetrated a canopy of trees prior to impact with the ground. The pilot stated that prior to departing from HI58 on the assigned flight, he had filled the fuel tank to capacity, which was 64 gallons. The helicopter was recovered the next day to a secured location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MD HELICOPTER
Registration: N593C
Model/Series: 369 E
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: K & S Helicopters Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: HNL
Observation Time: 1053 HST
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 2500 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hauula, HI
Destination: Kahuku, HI (HI58) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude:  21.588333, -157.911944

Air Tractor AT-502B, operated by Aerial Crop Care Inc under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight, N599LA: Accident occurred April 16, 2019 in Morganza, Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Air Tractor; Olney, Texas
Aerial Crop Care Inc; Port Barre, Louisiana 

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N599LA

Location: Morganza, LA
Accident Number: WPR19LA112
Date & Time: 04/16/2019, 0750 CDT
Registration: N599LA
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT502
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On April 16, 2019, at 0750 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, N599LA, impacted the ground in a nose down attitude while on approach to land at a grass strip near Morganza, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Aerial Crop Care Inc. operated the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137, as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight and no flight plan had been filed. The airplane departed from Yankee Field Airport (17LS) Port Barre, Louisiana, about 0730.

According to the operator, the pilot heard a loud noise, followed by the nose of the airplane pitching up. The pilot applied full forward pressure on the flight control stick with no response. He then reduced the power to arrest the climb. A company employee, also a witness to the accident, reported that the airplane pitched up dramatically, hesitated, and then pitched almost straight nose-down before it impacted the ground.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Air Tractor
Registration: N599LA
Model/Series: AT502 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Aerial Crop Care 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: KHZR
Observation Time: 0727 CDT
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / 12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Light and Variable / , 60°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None 
Departure Point: Port Barre, LA (17LS)
Destination: Morganza, LA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 30.722500, -91.648056 (est)

NEW DETAILS: Pilot has been identified as Carl Comeaux from Carencro, Louisiana who was flying with an aviation service out of St. Landry Parish. He was extricated from the plane before it caught on fire. He was trying to land to load up chemicals so he could work for the day but in his approach, the plane rose suddenly in elevation and then went straight down into the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating to figure out if it was a mechanical or pilot error.

POINTE COUPEE PARISH, Louisiana (WAFB) - One person was taken to the hospital Tuesday after a crash involving a crop duster in the Morganza area.

A spokesperson for the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office says they responded to the scene, which was off Highway 10, at around 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 16.

Officials say the pilot was transported by helicopter to a hospital for treatment in stable condition. His identity has not been released.

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

Loss of Engine Power (Partial): Bell OH-58A Kiowa, N109PD; accident occurred April 16, 2019 near North Omaha Airport (3NO), Douglas County, Nebraska

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lincoln, Nebraska
Rolls-Royce Corporation; Indianapolis, Indiana

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N109PD 
 
Location: Omaha, NE
Accident Number: CEN19LA121
Date & Time: 04/16/2019, 0730 CDT
Registration: N109PD
Aircraft: Bell OH 58A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Public Aircraft 

On April 16, 2019, at 0730 central daylight time, a Bell OH-58A helicopter, N109PD, impacted terrain during an autorotation following a reported partial loss of engine power near Omaha, Nebraska. The pilot and co-pilot were not injured, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the Omaha Police Department (OPD) as a public aircraft operations flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the accident. The flight originated from the North Omaha Airport (3N0), Omaha, Nebraska, at the time of the accident and was destined for Blair, Nebraska.

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff and climbing through 200 to 250 ft above ground level in a left turn, the pilots recognized an audible horn, low rotor RPM, and a loss of altitude "indicating a loss of rotor RPM and engine power." The pilot, who was seated in the right seat, entered an autorotation in an attempt to recover rotor RPM. The pilot and co-pilot observed the best suitable landing area was north and west of 3N0. Upon touchdown in the soft terrain, the forward landing gear skids dug into the terrain, and the helicopter rocked forward and backward which then caused the main rotor blades to contact the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest upright with the tail boom separated from the airframe. The pilots shut down the engine, which continued to operate about 35% N1, waited for the engine to stop, and exited the helicopter.

A review of the maintenance records revealed that on March 15, 2019, the Rolls Royce T63-A-720 250-C20C engine shut off uncommanded during the cool down cycle. A 200-hour inspection was completed on March 16, 2019, at a total airframe time of 12,089.3 hours, which included the removal of fuel control and fuel pump, and replacement of the fuel filters. The fuel pump and fuel control were checked by a certified repair station and reinstalled onto the engine. No mechanical anomalies were noted during subsequent ground and flight tests. On March 21, 2019, the engine shut off uncommanded during the cool down cycle. The fuel control throttle rigging was checked, no obstructions were found in the intake/particle separator, and the helicopter was returned to service. At the time of the accident, the total airframe and engine times were 12,099.2 hours and 6,588 hours respectively.

On April 23, 2019, the helicopter was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, and representatives from the OPD and Rolls-Royce. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were noted during the examination with the airframe or engine. The engine was removed for further examination and testing.

On July 16, 2019, the engine was examined at a Rolls-Royce's authorized maintenance center, Lafayette, Louisiana, under the supervision of the FAA. The engine was placed in a production test cell for an engine test run. The engine successfully completed ground idle, flight-idle, max-continuous-power, takeoff power runs, and "wave-off" maximum power increases. The engine responded normally to all power demands without surging or hesitation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age:42, Male 
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied:Right 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/09/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/20/2017
Flight Time:  4115 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3950 hours (Total, this make and model), 4115 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 44 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 23 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Co-Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 46, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/15/2019
Flight Time:  5327 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2925 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 38 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N109PD
Model/Series: OH 58A No Series
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:
Serial Number: 71-20455
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/16/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 12099.2 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 250-C20C
Registered Owner: Omaha Police Department
Rated Power: 420 hp
Operator: Omaha Police Department
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: OMA
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0552 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 140°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None /
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Omaha, NE (3NO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Blair, NE (BTA)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0730 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: North Omaha Airport (3NO)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 1320 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 41.414444, -96.108333 (est)

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Omaha Police Department (OPD) says emergency action had to be taken after taking off in Able-1 this morning, due to a mechanical malfunction.

OPD says the helicopter had just left the Omaha North Airport, located at 11901 N. 72nd Street, when it occurred...

There, they say pilots "took immediate, emergency action, designated a safe landing spot just northwest of the Airport’s location, and landed in an open field."

There were no injuries but the helicopter was damaged as you can see in the picture they shared.

The OPD Air Support Unit had just started its second day of annual training "where a hired contractor thoroughly reviews emergency procedures and protocols, including the one utilized in this incident." OPD says the emergency landing did not occur during a scheduled training exercise.

OPD says things could have been much different:

"Thanks to the pilots for their quick thinking and calm response to this very critical situation."

The crash is currently being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

OPD still has two "mission ready aircraft."


https://www.3newsnow.com

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -- On Tuesday, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Omaha Police Helicopter, Able-1, had just left its base location at the Omaha North Airport, 11901 N. 72nd St, when it experienced a mechanical failure forcing an emergency landing.

Pilots took immediate, emergency action, designated a safe landing spot just northwest of the Airport’s location, and landed in an open field.

There were no injuries to either pilot on board or any bystanders or citizens. The aircraft suffered damage making it inoperable.

The Omaha Police Department Air Support Unit was starting its second day of Annual training where a hired contractor thoroughly reviews emergency procedures and protocols, including the one utilized in this incident. This emergency landing did not occur during a training exercise.

Thanks to the pilots for their quick thinking and calm response to this very critical situation.

The Omaha Police Department still has two mission ready aircraft. This particular aircraft was a military acquired Bell OH58.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

https://www.wowt.com

Weatherly 620B, N9033T: Fatal accident occurred October 17, 2019 in Socorro, El Paso County, Texas -and- Incident occurred April 15, 2019 in San Miguel, Doña Ana County, New Mexico

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

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Roger J. Zeledon doing business as Stahmann Farms Airport

https://registry.faa.gov/N9033T

Aircraft hit powerline and crashed in a field and caught fire. 

Date: 17-OCT-19
Time: 20:04:00Z
Regis#: N9033T
Aircraft Make: WEATHERLY
Aircraft Model: 620
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: AERIAL APPLICATION
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 137
City: SOCORRO
State: TEXAS

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

April 15, 2019:  Ground looped.

Date: 15-APR-19
Time: 18:00:00Z
Regis#: N9033T
Aircraft Make: WEATHERLY
Aircraft Model: 620B
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: AERIAL APPLICATION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 137
City: SAN MIGUEL
State: NEW MEXICO

Cessna 550 Citation II, N780CF: Incident occurred April 16, 2019 at Eugene Airport (KEUG), Lane County, Oregon

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Oregon

Bird strike, landed without incident.

Carfaye Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N780CF

Date: 16-APR-19
Time: 15:20:00Z
Regis#: N780CF
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 550
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: EUGENE
State: OREGON

Bell 206B experimental helicopter, registered to TRE Aviation Corporation and operated by Van Horn Aviation LLC for research and development flight testing under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, N61PH: Fatal accident occurred April 16, 2019 in Fort McDowell, Maricopa County, Arizona

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona
Rolls-Royce; Indianapolis, Indiana
Van Horn Aviation; Tempe, Arizona

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N61PH

Location: Fort McDowell, AZ
Accident Number: WPR19FA109
Date & Time: 04/16/2019, 0706 MST
Registration: N61PH
Aircraft: Bell 206
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Flight Test 

On April 16, 2019, at 0706 mountain standard time, a Bell 206B experimental helicopter, N61PH, impacted an alfalfa field, about 1 mile south of Fort McDowell, Arizona. The commercial pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed. The helicopter was registered to TRE Aviation Corporation and operated by Van Horn Aviation, LLC for research and development flight testing under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The second leg of the test flight originated from Falcon Field (FFZ), Mesa, Arizona at 0632.

The purpose of the flight was to evaluate developmental main rotor blades that had been installed on the helicopter. According to the operator, the helicopter was fueled for two test flight legs. The helicopter departed at 0545 for the first event and returned at about 0620, parked on the ramp with the engine at idle, and 100 lbs. of ballast was added to the helicopter. Preliminary radar data showed that the helicopter departed at 0632 to continue the second leg of the test flight. The test flight legs consisted of multiple autorotations at maximum gross weight involving a simulated loss of engine power. The accident flight was the last test flight of the main rotor blades before the certification process.

A witness who was walking to a bus stop, about 1/3 mile northwest of the accident site on Fort McDowell road heard a loud bang southeast of her position. She saw the helicopter falling from the sky and used her phone to video record the helicopter and several other objects descending to the ground before losing site of it behind trees along the road.

Initial examination of the main wreckage revealed postcrash fire and impact damage consistent with a right side-down, nose-level attitude during ground impact. The main rotor hub assembly, vertical tail, tail rotor assembly, tail rotor driveshaft, and forward induction cowl fairing separated from the main wreckage and was found in the debris field. The debris field was about 1 mile long and 1,000 ft wide, covering an area of wooded desert terrain and flood irrigated alfalfa fields. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

The helicopter was manufactured in 1981 and was equipped with a Rolls-Royce 250-C20B engine. The helicopter was registered to the owner in January 2019.

The 0654 automated weather observation at FFZ, located about 12 miles to the south of the accident site, included wind from 130° at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N61PH
Model/Series: 206 B
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Van Horn Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFFZ, 1380 ft msl
Observation Time: 1354 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C / 1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 130°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Mesa, AZ (FFZ)
Destination: Mesa, AZ (FFZ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 33.623611, -111.675556

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

Stephen Louis Estes

August 20th, 1990 – April 16th, 2019

Stephen Louis Estes, born August 20th, 1990, the second twin with his brother Nathan. He grew up as an active member of North Phoenix Baptist Church. While Stephen received Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 4, he continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. He served in NPBC Children’s Ministry all through his college years, actively volunteering with a passion for children’s ministries.

Stephen graduated from the I.B. Program at North High School in 2009, and was a state champion and All-American swimmer. He graduated from ASU’s Barrett Honors College with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. He was a member of the ASU Swim Team, competing in National and Olympic Trials after recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury suffered in 2012; a testament to his resilience and strength. At ASU he was honored as an Academic All American for his excellence in the classroom and pool. He received many other awards for his volunteer work and scholastic performance.

In 2015 he met the love of his life, Morgan Acino, and they married May 12, 2017. They adored each other and treasured day-to-day activities and worldwide travel adventures. He was a member of the team at Van Horn Aviation, most recently as Engineering Manager. His tragic death in a helicopter crash reflects that he was living his dream and passion for flying. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his wife, Morgan, and extended Estes and Acino family members. He is survived by his wife, Morgan Acino Estes, parents Ron and Renee Estes, his twin brother Nathan, and siblings Aaron, Hillary (Ryan key), nephews Colton and Nolan, Grandmother Margaret Dodez, Grandmother Jeannette Estes, and numerous other family members. His family expresses gratitude for the worldwide support and prayers through this tragedy. A Celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at 1:00, Redemption Church – Tempe, 2150 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ on Monday, April 22nd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sun Devil Swimming Association, PO Box 872205, Tempe, AZ 85287.

Rucie Moore

Test pilot Rucie Moore, left, and Van Horn Aviation engineering manager Stephen Estes, right.

FORT MCDOWELL, Arizona  — There are many questions surrounding the safety of the helicopter that crashed in a field near Fountain Hills on Monday morning, killing two people on board.

The victims have been identified as contract experimental test pilot Rucie Moore and Van Horn Aviation engineering manager Stephen Estes.

Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety board have confirmed investigators are now looking into the "airworthiness" of the helicopter that crashed.

Court documents show the chopper had a history of trouble.

According to a complaint filed by the Federal Aviation Administration against the Tre Aviation Corporation to whom the aircraft was registered, the helicopter was purchased by an aviation mechanic in Scottsdale in 2004.

Documents state the helicopter was in bad shape. It had no engine and the fuselage was corroded beyond repair. The mechanic used parts from another helicopter he had purchased to rebuild the chopper. Many of the parts used in the repair came from a helicopter with no data plate or deemed ineligible for operation.

Aviation experts say like cars, it is not uncommon for aircraft like planes and helicopters to be "parted out" to rebuild or help reconstruct other aircraft.

The company that Estes worked for "specializes in the design, testing, certification, and manufacturing of composite rotor blades for various helicopters" according to their website.

An NTSB spokesman says investigators are still in the early stages of the investigation, but structural problems and faulty parts are two major areas they will be exploring as they try to piece together the wreckage, and figure out what caused the helicopter to crash.

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Cessna A188B Ag Truck, PR-RVO: Fatal accident occurred March 11, 2019 in Rio Pardo, State of Rio Grande do sul, Brazil

NTSB Identification: GAA19WA175
14 CFR Non-U.S., Non-Commercial
Accident occurred Monday, March 11, 2019 in Rio Pardo, State of Rio Grande do sul, Brazil
Aircraft: CESSNA 188, registration:
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.

The government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 188 airplane that occurred on March 11, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.

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