Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Cessna 208 Caravan, N366TA: Accident occurred April 23, 2019 in Key West, Florida -and- Incident occurred March 17, 2017 at Palm Beach County Glades Airport (KPHK), Pahokee, Florida


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

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N366TA

Location: Key West, FL
Accident Number: ERA19LA156
Date & Time: 04/23/2019, 1200 EDT
Registration: N366TA
Aircraft: Cessna 208
Injuries: 5 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On April 23, 2019, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 208 amphibious airplane, N366TA, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Dry Tortugas National Park, about 58 miles west of Key West, Florida. The airline transport pilot and four passengers were not injured. The flight was operated by a private corporation as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed near the accident site, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Key West International Airport (EYW), Key West, Florida about 1118, and was destined for Dry Tortugas National Park.

According to the pilot, he landed into an easterly wind, north of the island. After landing, he noticed that the wind was greater than forecast, and he was unable to taxi to the beaching location. He elected to return to EYW. He maneuvered the airplane into the wind and applied takeoff power. He described the takeoff run as "bumpy." As the airplane reached rotation speed, the left float departed the airplane. The airplane then nosed into the water. The pilot assisted the passengers out of the airplane and into a life raft. The airplane sank about 30 seconds later. A National Park Service vessel responded and assisted the pilot and passengers.

The wreckage came to rest in about 50 ft of water. Pending recovery, it will be retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N366TA
Model/Series: 208 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No 
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KEYW, 21 ft msl
Observation Time:  EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 61 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 15°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 40°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Key West, FL (EYW)
Destination: Dry Tortugas, FL 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 4 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 5 None
Latitude, Longitude: 24.651389, -82.867222 (est)






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

AIRCRAFT:   1996 CESSNA 208 N366TA, s/n: 20800249

Last Annual Inspection on 04/16/19 at Tach 7948.7, TTAF 9500.8, Landings 116728

ENGINE:  P&W PT6A-114A, s/n: PCE-PC1017

Last 100 hour engine inspection on 12/07/18 at TT 9471, TSO 2004, TSHS 846 at TTAF 9471, Hobbs 7919

PROPELLER:   MCCAULEY HC-B3TN-3DY, s/n: BUA33303

Last 100 hour prop inspection on 12/07/18 at TTAF 9471                        

EQUIPMENT:    Submerged in salt water for several weeks before recovery. 

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  Pilot landed in choppy waters at Tortugas National Park, near Key West, Florida. Upon take-off, the pilot reported that the pontoon boot departed the aircraft. The aircraft was submerged in salt water for several weeks before weather permitted its recovery. 

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:   Substantial damage 

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:   Florida Air Recovery,  Jacksonville, FL

REMARKS:  *Logs may not be complete

*Wreckage was submerged in salt water for several weeks before recovery.

*Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids. 

*Salvage is as is/where is. 

*The posting information is the best to our knowledge. 

*An inspection of the salvage is recommended. 

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


March 17, 2017: Aircraft landed on Runway 35 and the right main landing gear sheared off the float.

Date: 17-MAR-17
Time: 17:00:00Z
Regis#: N366TA
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 208
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: PAHOKEE
State: FLORIDA

Saab 340B, N442XJ: Incident occurred April 23, 2019 at Orlando International Airport (KMCO), Orange County, Florida

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

Flight 61: Aborted takeoff, aircraft veered off the runway into the grass, towed to ramp without incident.

Silver Airways LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N442XJ

Date: 23-APR-19
Time: 22:08:00Z
Regis#: N442XJ
Aircraft Make: SAAB
Aircraft Model: 340B
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SILVER AIRWAYS
Flight Number: 61
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 172D, N2486Y: Incident occurred April 23, 2019 in Unionville, Talbot County, Maryland

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

Force landed in a field.

https://registry.faa.gov/N2486Y

Date: 23-APR-19
Time: 21:15:00Z
Regis#: N2486Y
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172D
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: UNIONVILLE
State: MARYLAND

Loss of Control on Ground: Van's Aircraft RV-12, N277E; accident occurred April 14, 2019 in Wall, Pennington County, South Dakota

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota


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/N277E

Location: Wall, SD
Accident Number: GAA19CA217
Date & Time: 04/14/2019, 0930 MDT
Registration: N277E
Aircraft: Vans VANS RV-12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, during takeoff on a snow and slush covered runway, he decided to stay on the right half of the runway. He added that, as the airplane began to rotate and the nose landing gear was off the runway, the left main landing gear encountered some slush. The airplane veered to the left about 15°, exited the runway to the left, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

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

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 57, 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: Sport Pilot
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/09/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 195.4 hours (Total, all aircraft), 190.9 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans
Registration: N277E
Model/Series: VANS RV-12 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2014
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 120206
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/12/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1062 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
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: KPHP, 2212 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 28 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1455 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 84°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 130°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.72 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 0°C / -3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rapid City, SD (RAP)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wall, SD (6V4)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:  MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: WALL MUNI (6V4)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation:2812 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Slush covered; Snow
Runway Used: 30
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3499 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.999444, -102.254722 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 180 Skywagon, N1628C; accident occurred April 23, 2019 at Morgan County Airport (42U), Utah

View of damage to the right horizontal stabilizer, right elevator and right wing.
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity: Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah

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/N1628C

Location: Morgan, UT
Accident Number: GAA19CA219
Date & Time: 04/23/2019, 2015 MST
Registration: N1628C
Aircraft: Cessna 180
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, at dusk, he made a wheel landing on a mountain area asphalt runway. He recalled that shortly after a normal touchdown, during the landing roll, the tail lifted, and the nose of the airplane veered to the right. He applied rudder to correct the airplane's heading back to the runway centerline, but the pilot overcorrected, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. He aborted the landing, and the airplane began to climb, but the left wing struck a "large bush" and the airplane impacted terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the empennage, and the elevator.

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: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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: 10/18/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/21/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1098 hours (Total, all aircraft), 46 hours (Total, this make and model), 1073 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1628C
Model/Series: 180 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 30328
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/10/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-470J
Registered Owner: Utah Cub Pilot Llc
Rated Power: 235 hp
Operator: Utah Cub Pilot Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KOGD, 4470 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1253 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 285°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Wells, NV (LWL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wells, NV (LWL)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1900 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Morgan County (42U)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5020 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 21
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3904 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

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: 41.148611, -111.767222 (est)




MORGAN COUNTY, Utah, April 23, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — An aircraft crashed Tuesday night as it was coming in for a landing at Mountain Green (Morgan) Airport.

The Cessna 180 Skywagon went off the runway, at 5740 N. Cottonwood Canyon Road, at about 8:30 p.m.

Mountain Green Fire Chief Brian Brendel told Gephardt Daily the plane hit a berm and the landing gear collapsed.

Brendel said crews responded quickly, bringing all their fire apparatus to the scene, but “fortunately, the pilot hit the fuel cut-off, so there was no fire.”

An ambulance was initially called to the crash site, but ended up being cancelled.

The pilot was the aircraft’s only occupant. He was able to self-extricate and wasn’t injured.

“The aircraft is on its side and it’s totaled,” Brendel said. “We left it in the hands of the Sheriff’s Office and the FAA to do their investigation.”

According to Flightaware, the aircraft is registered to Utah Cub Pilot LLC.

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




MOUNTAIN GREEN, Utah — A small plane crashed near the Morgan County Airport Tuesday night.

The crash site is near the Morgan County Airport, at 5827 Willow Creek Rd.

Mountain Green Fire Chief Brian Brendel said the pilot, the sole occupant of the plane, was coming in for a landing when the plane veered to the left of the runway and went over a berm.

Brendel said the pilot was shaken, but did not suffer any injuries.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://fox13now.com

Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, N71HM: Incident occurred April 23, 2019 in Charleston, West Virginia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charleston, West Virginia

Made a precautionary landing onto a strip mine.

Summit Helicopters Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N71HM

Date: 23-APR-19
Time: 19:03:00Z
Regis#: N71HM
Aircraft Make: BELL
Aircraft Model: 206 L4
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 137
City: CHARLESTON
State: WEST VIRGINIA

Beech D-45 Mentor, N343DB: Incident occurred April 23, 2019 at L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport (KOEO), Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Gear up landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N343DB

Date: 23-APR-19
Time: 17:55:00Z
Regis#: N343DB
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: D 45
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: OSCEOLA
State: WISCONSIN

Loss of Engine Power (Total): L39 Albatros, N39AY; fatal accident occurred December 06, 2015 at Apple Valley Airport (KAPV), San Bernardino County, California

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside, California
Air Accidents Investigation Institute; Praha, FN

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Jettran LLC


Location: Apple Valley, CA
Accident Number: WPR16FA035
Date & Time: 12/06/2015, 1407 PST
Registration: N39AY
Aircraft: AERO VODOCHODY L 39C
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The airline transport pilot was taking the private-pilot-rated passenger on a local flight in the former foreign-military jet trainer. After the airplane was refueled, the pilot delivered his customary 1-hour safety briefing to the passenger. The pilot subsequently taxied the airplane to the airport run-up area and, after a brief pause, to the runway. As the pilot initiated the takeoff roll, a witness observed dark gray smoke coming from the engine exhaust. When the airplane was about halfway down the runway and about 100 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The airplane maintained altitude until it reached the end of the runway, at which point it rolled left, descended rapidly, and impacted the ground. A postcrash fire erupted that destroyed the majority of the airplane.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact anomalies with the airplane's control system; however, control continuity could not be confirmed due to the extensive thermal damage to the airframe. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that thermal distress of the 2nd and 3rd stage turbine nozzles and blades led to failure of the 2nd stage turbine blades, which rendered the engine incapable of producing thrust. All the fuel nozzles were below factory allowable limits in terms of flow rate and spray pattern and failed the factory functional test procedure. The asymmetrically deteriorated conditions of the installed fuel nozzle set matched the asymmetrically deteriorated condition of the 2nd stage turbine nozzle.

The maximum metered fuel delivery pressure measured on the test bench for the fuel control unit (FCU) was 85 atmospheres (atm). The typical maximum metered fuel delivery pressure for a normally operating engine to produce maximum approved thrust is 48 to 50 atm of pressure with an absolute maximum fuel pressure of 65 atm. The FCU was adjusted back to 50 atm during the test, indicating that there was no internal fault with the FCU but rather it had been purposely adjusted to 85 atm fuel pressure.

A search of the maintenance logbooks did not reveal when or where this FCU fuel pressure adjustment occurred. During the inspection and engine performance run-up of the engine performed about 2 weeks before the accident, maintenance personnel should have noticed an overly high fuel pressure, but this did not occur, making it likely that the FCU was adjusted after the inspection. It is possible that whoever made this adjustment did not understand or appreciate the fuel nozzle condition and erroneously tried to increase the fuel pressure to compensate for the low flow rate of the fuel nozzles.

The manual adjustment of the FCU to deliver an overly high fuel pressure combined with the deteriorated condition of the fuel nozzles likely led to the heat-deteriorated condition of the 2nd and 3rd stage turbine nozzles and blades within a short period of time. Further, two of the four thermocouples that sense exhaust gas temperature had failed, which increased the likelihood of an incorrect cooler-than-actual temperature indication in the cockpit. As a result, the pilot likely did not observe any indication of engine thermal distress before the power loss.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A total loss of engine power on takeoff, which resulted from a sudden over-temperature condition due to an improperly adjusted fuel control unit and the deteriorated condition of the fuel nozzles.

Findings

Aircraft
Engine (turbine/turboprop) - Failure (Cause)
Fuel controlling system - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)
Engine fuel and control - Fatigue/wear/corrosion (Cause)

Personnel issues
Maintenance - Not specified (Cause)

Factual Information

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On December 6, 2015, about 1407 Pacific standard time, an Aero Vodochody L-39C, N39AY, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Apple Valley, California. The airline transport pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Jettran LLC as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which departed Apple Valley Airport (APV) about 1406.

A friend of the pilot-rated passenger reported that the passenger was considering purchasing a partial ownership in another L-39 airplane that was based at his local airport. Additionally, the passenger was a fan of the accident pilot's performances in the Red Bull Air Races. After the friend introduced the passenger to the pilot, they arranged to fly together in the L-39.

Witnesses reported that, on the day of the accident, after refueling the airplane, the pilot delivered a 1-hour safety briefing to the passenger inside the airport terminal. Subsequently, they boarded the airplane, and the pilot taxied it to the airport run-up area. After a brief pause, the pilot taxied the airplane to runway 18 and began a ground roll. One witness reported seeing dark grey-colored exhaust coming from the exhaust nozzle as the airplane began its takeoff roll.

According to witnesses, when the airplane was about 3,400 ft down the runway (just beyond the halfway point), witnesses heard a "pop, pop, pop" sound, which was immediately followed by intermittent, bright orange flashes coming from the exhaust nozzle. Witnesses reported that the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level; multiple witnesses reported that they had observed the airplane reach an altitude of about 500 ft above ground level by this point during previous takeoffs. A witness reported that while the airplane appeared to have slowed down after the popping sound was heard, it did not appear to lose any altitude. As the airplane reached the departure end of the runway, it rolled into a left-wing-low attitude. Two witnesses reported that the airplane rolled 90° to the left. The airplane then descended rapidly, and the left wing impacted the ground followed by the nose. The wreckage slid and came to rest in the dirt between two taxiways, and a fire ensued.

A photograph of the airplane's departure captured the airplane about 2,200 ft down the runway and showed the airplane airborne in a slight nose-up attitude with the flaps deployed and the landing gear extended.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Pilot

A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had accumulated a total of 23,200.3 hours of flight experience of which 170 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. The pilot accumulated a total of 12.2 hours in the accident airplane between August 25, 2015, and November 20, 2015, which was the date of the last recorded logbook entry. The last entry in the logbook was a simulator flight in a Boeing 787 on November 20, 2015, and his last recorded flight in the accident airplane was on October 27, 2015, from APV to Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada.

The pilot had been a competitive air racer since 1990 and was active in the Red Bull Air Races from 2004 to 2009. He won the Red Bull Air Race World Series Championship in 2005 and again in 2007.

A friend of the pilot who had known him for about 15 years reported that he worked with the pilot at Racing Jets, Inc. According to this friend, it was not unusual for the accident pilot to take passengers for rides in the L-39. It was customary for the accident pilot to conduct a 1-hour safety briefing with each passenger before departure. During this time, the pilot would address numerous safety items including: canopy operation, parachute deployment, safety belt operation, and the procedures for a manual bailout.

The pilot's wife, a professional career pilot and former aerobatic pilot, stated that it was not uncommon for the accident pilot to deliver a 1-hour safety briefing before flying with a new passenger. During a flight with a new passenger, the pilot might let them fly, but he would normally follow them on the controls, and, should an emergency arise, he would immediately resume control of the airplane.

Pilot's 72-hour History

The pilot was a first officer for a major airline. According to the pilot's wife, he left their home about 1500 on December 3, 2015, and drove to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) where he boarded a commercial flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil as the first officer. The return flight arrived at LAX at 0900 on the morning of the accident flight.

According to the pilot's fellow crewmembers on the flights to and from Sao Paulo, the crew queried each other to ensure they had received adequate rest. A crewmember recalled that during the return flight to Los Angeles, the pilot had a total of two breaks consistent with the shift schedule. On his first break, he rested in a business class seat; however, the crewmember could not confirm if he slept during that time. During the pilot's second break, a 3-hour time period, he used the airplane's crew bunk. The crewmember surmised that the accident pilot was sleeping during this time as his bunk light was not illuminated. Another crewmember stated that he would have recalled if another crewmember had slept or not.

Pilot-rated Passenger

The pilot-rated passenger, age 42, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He was issued a third-class medical certificate on May 20, 2014, at which time he reported a total flight experience of 377 hours and 0 hours in the previous 6 months. A copy of his logbook was furnished by a family member and indicated that he had accumulated a total flight experience of 409 hours. The logbook showed that he had not amassed any time in turbine engine aircraft. According to the passenger's friend, he was a general aviation pilot who flew airplanes equipped with reciprocating engines. The witness was under the impression that his friend was not going to fly the airplane on the day of the accident.


AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

According to FAA records, the single-engine, two-seat tandem airplane was manufactured in 1993. According to Aero Vodochody, the airplane was manufactured in 1983. It was issued an FAA experimental special airworthiness certificate in the exhibition category on February 23, 2003, and it was registered to Jettran LLC on December 16, 2014.

The airplane was originally used as a military jet trainer, and it was powered by an AI-25 TL engine that was manufactured by Ivchenko (now Motor Sich). According to the manufacturer, the airplane was owned and operated by the Ukrainian military from 1991 to 2002, when it was decommissioned, transported to the United States, and repurposed as a civilian airplane. A logbook entry dated February 20, 2003, indicated that the airframe had accumulated 1,908 total flight hours, and the engine had accumulated 532 total hours. The airplane's records prior to entering service in the United States could not be located.

A maintenance entry from February 20, 2003 stated that the ejection seat rocket motors and charges had been removed, and the ejection system was no longer operative. The airplane's most recent condition inspection was completed on November 23, 2015, at which time the airplane had accumulated 2,062 total flight hours. The logbook entry for the condition inspection showed that the right- and left-wing flight controls and the aft flight controls were inspected. Additionally, the elevators, rudder, wing flaps, and ailerons were lubricated.

Engine History

The AI-25TL model engine was designed for use in the L-39 military trainer, and its first flight occurred in 1968. About 2,900 L-39 airplanes were built between 1968 and 1992, and the airplane remains in operational service with several air forces around the world. About 4,000 total AI-25TL engines were built during its production run.

The engine was originally intended to have a time between overhaul (TBO) of 750 hours and a life service limit of 8 calendar years. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated 686 hours and had been in service about 26 years. Recent service bulletins by the manufacturer have extended the life limit to 15 calendar years; however, the extension applies only to engines that have been operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's approved instructions for continued airworthiness.

According to foreign documentation and industry consultants, the engine was installed on the airplane in 1991 as a replacement. When the airplane was imported into the United States in 2003, the engine passed an FAA-approved maintenance inspection. The AI-25TL engine record-keeping requirements do not require recording of cycles since new or cycles since overhaul. According to the logbooks, the engine was never overhauled.

During the most recent engine inspection on November 23, 2015, the 1st and 2nd stage turbine blades and wheel assemblies were inspected by borescope for condition, and no anomalies were observed. According to the maintenance personnel who performed the inspection, he performed a critical tip clearance inspection of the 2nd stage blades. The tip clearance inspection determines if the blades have stretched in operation due to an over-temperature condition. Normally, there is a small clearance between the 2nd stage blade tips and the outer tip shroud. If the blades have stretched, then the tips will contact the shroud and deform, producing a visible "curl" on the concave sides of the tips. According to the maintenance personnel, they did not detect any blade curl during the November 23, 2015, borescope inspection.

Further, according to the maintenance personnel, during the November 23, 2015, engine inspection, two engine performance check ground run-ups were accomplished, and the maximum fuel delivery pressure did not exceed the published limit during these run-ups. The maintenance personnel reported that a high fuel pressure would have been visible on the fuel pressure gauge in the cockpit. The high fuel pressure would also have manifested itself as an elevated interstage turbine temperature value during the high-power test. According to the maintenance personnel, neither of these discrepancies were observed.

Airport fueling records indicated that the airplane had been serviced with about 131 gallons of JET-A fuel before the accident flight. A fuel sample was taken from the fuel facility, and the fuel was clear and free of contaminants.

Maintenance Program

The owner's maintenance program for the airplane was originally approved by the FAA on July 11, 2002, and the first revision was approved on December 17, 2014. The program listed the engine under the "Life Limited Items" and requires a "Condition Inspection" at 1,500 and 3,000 hours and an engine overhaul at 4,000 hours. The engine "Condition Inspection" consists of the standard factory-prescribed engine run-up performance test and inspection, which, according to the Motor Sich Engine Manual, should occur at 100-hour intervals.

The maintenance program also required a borescope inspection through the ignitor holes. No other details were specified, and no engine manual references were made. According to the Motor Sich Engine Manual, a borescope inspection of the hot section, which includes a close examination of the fuel nozzle condition, should be performed at intervals of 100 hours.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The 1415 recorded weather observation at Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV), Victorville, California, located about 9.8 nautical miles west of APV, included wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 12,000 ft, temperature 15°C, dew point -10°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.27 inches of mercury.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

APV was publicly owned and operated by the County of San Bernardino and was not equipped with an operating control tower. Runway 18/36 was 6,498 ft long and 150 ft wide with displaced thresholds at both ends. The airport elevation was about 3,062 ft above mean sea level.

The terrain beyond the airport perimeter along the extended centerline of runway 18 was mostly flat desert sparsely covered with brush.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The airplane impacted an area of flat terrain between two taxiways about 800 ft beyond the departure end of runway 18, and about 150 ft to the right of the runway centerline. The debris path, which measured 263 ft long by 100 ft wide, was oriented on a 193° magnetic heading. The path was composed of airframe fragments and a black substance that resembled oil residue, which spanned the length of the debris field. The initial impact point (IIP) was identified by a V-shaped ground scar that scraped the northern edge of a taxiway. Red position light fragments (from the left wingtip navigation light) were observed around the left side of the debris path about 20 ft from the IIP, and several small pieces of plexiglass were scattered beyond the position light fragments.

All major structural components of the airframe were accounted for at the accident site. The main wreckage came to rest on a 080° magnetic heading and was comprised of the fuselage, empennage, and portions of both wings. The fuselage and engine compartment were destroyed by fire, but the engine and empennage remained intact. Visual examination of the engine case and exhaust shaft revealed no evidence of a catastrophic engine failure. An inspection of runway 18/36 following the accident revealed no evidence of foreign object debris.

The primary flight controls (aileron, elevator, and rudder) were activated by push-pull tubes and levers that were attached to two interconnected control sticks located in the forward and aft cockpits. Only two control tubes from the elevator and rudder assembly were recovered; one of the tubes had separated from the elevator/rudder bell crank and had fractured into 5 pieces that displayed signatures consistent with overload separation. The remaining control tubes were destroyed by the postcrash fire.

Most of the wings were destroyed by fire. The left aileron control turnbuckles and main aileron bellcrank were intact but were separated from their respective control tubes, which were destroyed by the postcrash fire.

The rudder control system consisted of two pairs of interconnected, adjustable rudder pedals. The front seat occupant's rudder pedal assembly remained intact and had been adjusted to the forward position. Both control tubes, which had separated from the pedals and bellcrank mounts, were destroyed by the postcrash fire. The rear seat occupant's rudder assembly was also intact; the control tubes remained attached; and the rudder pedal mounting tubes were straight. The airplane was equipped with two slotted fowler flaps interconnected by a single actuating cylinder and synchronized mechanically. One of three flap settings was achieved by depressing the appropriate control button on the left side control console. The inboard and outboard right-wing flap tracks had separated from the wing, but portions of the flaps remained attached to their respective tracks, which indicated a 25° deployed (takeoff) position.

The nose landing gear was in the extended position and the nose landing gear door was closed. Both main landing gear were collocated with the main fuselage, but their positions could not be determined due to postcrash fire.

The airplane was equipped with trim tabs for both the longitudinal and lateral axes. Longitudinal trim was provided by trim tabs that were fitted to the left and right elevators. The left trim tab was designed to deflect automatically when the flaps were deployed to the landing position to compensate for aerodynamic ballooning during landing. The right trim tab was controlled by the trim switch in either cockpit.

Continuity of the elevator and flap trim linkages were confirmed from their respective tail section control tubes to both trim tabs. Both the elevator and flap trim were in their neutral positions; the manufacturer indicated that a takeoff can be accomplished with the elevator trim in either the neutral or takeoff positions. The elevator bearings appeared to be lubricated, and the hinges did not display any signs of deformation.

Fuel System

The airplane was equipped with five interconnected fuselage fuel tanks, two tip fuel tanks, and one inverted-flight fuel reservoir. A fuel shutoff valve, a low-pressure fuel pump, fuel filter, and a fuel indicator completed the system. All of the airplane's fuel tanks were destroyed by fire, with the exception of the left-wing tip tank, which exhibited significant vertical crush damage as indicated by its accordion-like appearance.

The front seat passenger fuel cutoff remained attached to the left side cockpit fuselage. The fuel lever was in the full aft position (closed), and the protective gate that prevented inadvertent manipulation of the fuel cutoff remained attached to the fuel lever assembly. Both the lever and the gate were bent to the side about 10° by impact forces. The low-pressure fuel boost pump, was thermally damaged, and the screen was partially separated but did not contain any debris.

Engine Examination

The engine displayed no evidence of an un-containment, such as case breaches or failed flanges. The compressor section of the engine was intact and generally undamaged. The combustor housing, turbine housing, and the exhaust pipe were externally intact. The four exhaust gas thermocouples were present, and three of the thermocouples were deformed.

The engine was torn down, and the fuel nozzle manifold was found intact as were the 12 individual fuel nozzle assemblies. The combustor was intact but displayed carbon deposits within the fuel nozzle head assembly cooling and anti-carbon build-up holes. All the fuel nozzles were removed from their combustor locating ferrules with ease and were found to be intact; however, most were coated with black carbon or coke deposits.

Examination of the turbine or "hot" section of the engine revealed evidence of thermal distress. The lst stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. A rippling of the parent material near the outer span at the trailing edges of the blades was observed on many blades, consistent with blade material becoming plastic during operation at elevated temperatures.

The 2nd stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. About half of the blades were fractured in a sequential fashion near the tip shroud blend radius, and those with their tip shrouds still intact had fractures near the trailing edges with fingernail-sized particles missing. A visual examination of all the fractures revealed only overload type failure. No evidence of fatigue was observed. All the blades exhibited a rippled pattern on the mid-span, consistent with a melted plastic flow. Most of the vanes of the 2nd stage turbine nozzle exhibited a rippling pattern on the vane airfoil surfaces along the inner half of the vane span, consistent with a melted plastic flow.

The 3rd stage turbine hub was intact, and all blades were present. Two non-consecutive blades were bent. Blade tip shrouds from the 2nd stage turbine and other metal debris were found between the blades and at the bottom of the housing. The 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes displayed a circumferentially-varying heat distress pattern with the distress most prominent between the 9:00 and 12:30 o'clock positions and the 2:00 and 4:00 o'clock positions.

After the examination of the engine, the FCU, the fuel nozzles, and the thermocouples were sent to a maintenance and overhaul facility in Prague, Czech Republic, for testing and disassembly of the components.

FCU

The Ivchenko AI-25TL engine measures the metered fuel pressure between the FCU and the fuel nozzles. The typical maximum metered fuel delivery pressure for a normally-operating engine to produce maximum approved thrust is 48 to 50 atmospheres (atm) of pressure. A review of the aircraft manual engine field adjustment worksheet values revealed that the absolute maximum fuel pressure for takeoff conditions is 65 atm. According to the consulted L39 specialists, any fuel pressure over 55 atm for the engine to produce approved thrust is cause for further maintenance investigation. A gauge on the pilot's instrument panel displays the engine metered fuel delivery pressure and has a redline at 65 atm.

The maximum metered fuel delivery pressure measured for the accident FCU was 85 atm. Screw number 28 had to be adjusted by several turns in the counterclockwise direction to bring the fuel delivery pressure back to 50 atm, indicating that there was no internal fault with the FCU but rather it had been intentionally adjusted above the unit's maximum allowable fuel pressure.

Fuel Nozzles

The Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan engine, features an axially-oriented single-annulus type combustor into which the fuel is fed by 12 fuel nozzles, all supplied by a single manifold. The condition of the fuel nozzles significantly affects all the components in the downstream gas path, such as the combustor and the turbine section. A streaky nozzle with an uneven spray pattern will distribute a sharp streak of fuel into the combustion chamber, rather than a fine mist, and will delay the complete combustion of the fuel, causing the heat profile of the flame to migrate aft in the flowpath, increasing the heat to the 2nd and 3rd stage turbines. Temperature unevenness around the circumference of a turbine nozzle causes the turbine blades to encounter highly variable conditions as they rotate through the disturbed airflow, causing fore and aft load variations on individual blades, leading to one-per-revolution vibrations, which is detrimental to the fatigue life of the blades. Hot streaks also thermally shock the blades and lead to blade over-temperature.

Inspection of the accident fuel nozzles assemblies revealed black, sooty deposits on the nozzle tips and shrouds. Before testing, the fuel nozzles were cleaned in a solvent bath overnight to remove the soot. They were then tested in a factory-specialized apparatus.

All of the fuel nozzles failed the factory functional test procedure and would have required overhaul in order to be returned to service. The fuel nozzles were all below allowable factory limits for flow rate and spray pattern. It was noted that fuel nozzle No. 3 had the highest spray pattern variance or streakiness (97%), which matched the location of the thermal distress between 9:00 and 12:30 o'clock on the 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. Additionally, fuel nozzles Nos. 10 and 11 had the narrowest spray cone angles (70° and 73°, respectively), which matched the location of the thermal distress between 2:00 and 4:00 o'clock on the 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. Figure 1 shows the fuel nozzle locations overlaid on the damaged 3rd stage turbine nozzle vanes. The two orange arcs in the figure highlight the areas of greatest thermal distress on the 3rd state nozzle vanes.


Figure 1 – Fuel Nozzle Locations Overlaid on Damaged 3rd Stage Turbine Nozzle Vanes

The damage noted on the 2nd and 3rd stage nozzles and turbines was consistent with an over-temperature condition caused by a disturbed combustion process in the combustor due to poor fuel atomization by the fuel nozzles.

Thermocouples

The AI-25TL engine has four thermocouples in the exhaust that measure the exhaust gas temperature. Each thermocouple unit contains two separate and independent sensors. All four accident thermocouples were tested in a factory test apparatus, and the results indicated that only two of the thermocouples had one acceptable sensor. Because the thermocouple electrical system measures the average temperature of all thermocouples, if a thermocouple in the hot zone fails, then the temperature indicated to the pilot will go down, giving the pilot the false indication that the engine is performing cooler than it really is.

For further information about the engine and engine component examinations, refer to the Powerplant Group Chairman's Factual Report available in the public docket for this investigation.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division, San Bernardino, California, conducted autopsies on the pilot and the passenger. The cause of death determined for each was multiple blunt force injuries.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Coroner Division and the FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological tests on specimens recovered from the pilot. A carboxyhemoglobin saturation test performed by the Sheriff's Department revealed no evidence of carbon monoxide in the pilot's cavity blood. Tests performed by both agencies were negative for ethanol and tested-for drugs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The takeoff, emergency, and aborted takeoff procedure excerpts below were found in the airplane's flight manual.

Takeoff Procedures

Before starting the takeoff roll, mentally go through the "Abort" procedure and relevant takeoff data.

Engine instruments – Check within limits:
RPM
EGT
Oil pressure
Caution and warning lights – Out
Takeoff clearance – Request
Clock – Start flight time counting
Throttle – Take Up
Wheel brakes – Release
Maintain directional control initially by differential braking and then by rudder. The rudder becomes effective at approximately 60 km/h.
At 150 km/h [81 knots] IAS, smoothly raise the nose wheel. An aircraft in clean configuration will become airborne at approximately 180 to 190 km/h [97 to 103 knots] IAS.


Emergency Procedures

Engine Failure During Takeoff (Loss of Power)

If possible:
ABORT TAKEOFF – Follow abort takeoff procedures

If airborne:
THROTTLE – MAX. Consider controlling engine by means of secondary circuit
SEC. REG. switch – ON
EXTERNAL STORES – JETTISON

If thrust is insufficient to maintain a safe climb:
Forced landing - Perform

Aborted Takeoff

THROTTLE – STOP
BRAKE – NORMAL BRAKING
RADIO – DECLARE ABORT
'BARRIER" – As required
Assess the situation
Airplane Inspection Guidance

FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 43-209A – Recommended Inspection Procedures for Military Aircraft was published in 2013 and superseded AC 43-209, which was released in 2003 and provided a recommended inspection program specifically for owners of the L-39 airplane. AC 43-209A provides broad guidelines for the inspection, storage, and certification of all ex-military aircraft and is not specific to the L39 airplane. This AC requires the owner/operator to submit a written inspection program to the FAA based on manufacturer or military service maintenance requirements of their aircraft. 

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Post-impact
Fire/smoke (post-impact) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Flight Engineer
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/22/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/06/2015
Flight Time:  23223 hours (Total, all aircraft), 170 hours (Total, this make and model), 68.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 42, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/20/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 409 hours (Total, all aircraft)


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AERO VODOCHODY
Registration: N39AY
Model/Series: L 39C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1993
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental; Restricted
Serial Number: 332703
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/23/2015, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10360 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Fan
Airframe Total Time: 2062 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: IVCHENKO
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AI-25TL
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 3800 lbs
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: VCV, 2885 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1407 PST
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 12000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.27 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / -10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Apple Valley, CA (APV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Apple Valley, CA (APV)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1407 PST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: APPLE VALLEY (APV)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3062 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6498 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.571944, -117.185000 (est)


Michael Eugene Mangold

Mike graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1978, and was the outstanding graduate of the Air Force's "Top Gun" fighter weapons school in 1983. He left active military duty in 1989 and began his airline career, first with US Air and then American Airlines in 1991. Mike was the RedBull Air Race world champion in 2004, 2005, and 2007.  He has won Gold, Silver and Bronze at the US National Aerobatic Championships, was a member of the US Unlimited Aerobatic team, a five-time California Unlimited Aerobatic Champion and had over 5,000 skydives. 

 Geza Istvan Decsy
 Geza was an aviation enthusiast who earned his pilot’s license in 2008, according to an obituary written by his friend and colleague Sean Decker on the film website DreadCentral.com.





Mike Mangold