Thursday, April 25, 2019

Loss of Control in Flight: Bell 47G-3B-1, N96671; accident occurred April 17, 2019 in Donna, Hidalgo County, Texas

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas

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/N96671

Location: Donna, TX
Accident Number: GAA19CA216
Date & Time: 04/17/2019, 1108 CDT
Registration: N96671
Aircraft: Bell 47G
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

The helicopter pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight with an easterly heading, about 3 feet above ground level, the "wind suddenly shifted, a gust of wind [came] from the west" and the helicopter "settled." The pilot increased power and raised the collective but the helicopter impacted the terrain.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.

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

The pilot further reported that the helicopter was equipped with a muffler, which he believed adversely affected engine's performance. Correspondence with the certificate holder of the helicopter, "determined to be no reduction of horsepower with the muffler installed if done as per the instructions per the STC."

The automated weather observation station located 5 NM east of the accident, reported that, about 8 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 32 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 180° at 16 knots, gusting to 26 knots.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/02/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/14/2017
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 12500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 6000 hours (Total, this make and model), 12100 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N96671
Model/Series: 47G 3B1
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted; Normal
Serial Number: 3539
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2950 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: VO-435-A1F
Registered Owner: Turnquist Lee W
Rated Power: 265 hp
Operator: Hendrickson Flying Service
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  Agricultural Aircraft (137); Rotorcraft External Load (133)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTXW, 70 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1635 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 111°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1900 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts:  16 knots / 25 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.81 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Weslaco, TX (TXW)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Weslaco, TX (TXW)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0740 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 26.204444, -98.051667 (est)






DONNA, Texas – Department of Public Safety confirms they are investigating an incident involving a private helicopter north of Donna.

It happened near Mile 11 and Old La Blanca Road.

Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office says the pilot suffered minor injuries and is being treated by emergency medical services.

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

Piper PA-28-181, N425PA: Accident occurred April 17, 2019 at Wickenburg Municipal Airport (E25) -and- Incident occurred February 11, 2018 at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD), Maricopa County, Arizona

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

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/N425PA

Location: Wickenburg, AZ
Accident Number: GAA19CA212
Date & Time: 04/17/2019, 1000 MST
Registration: N425PA
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

The student pilot reported that, on his second approach, he encountered "bumpy" air and the aircraft ballooned. He corrected by adding power, leveling the wings and continuing the landing. Just prior to touching down, the right wing raised, and the airplane drifted to the left. He applied power to go-around, the stall warning activated but the airplane continued to drift left. Subsequently, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and collided with the ground.

Per the photos provided by the Federal Aviation Administration that the airplane also impacted an airport taxi way sign during the accident.

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

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

About the time of the accident, the automated weather reporting station located at the airport, reported that the wind was from 270° at 6 knots. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 23.

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 25, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/03/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 57 hours (Total, all aircraft), 57 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 43 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 16 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N425PA
Model/Series: PA28 181
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 2843474
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/06/2019, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 20333.5 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A4M
Registered Owner: Bird Acquisition Llc
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: AeroGuard Flight Training Center
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141)
Operator Does Business As: 
Operator Designator Code: FQAS

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBXK, 1021 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 34 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 170°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Gila Bend, AZ (E63)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Wickenburg, AZ (E25)
Type of Clearance: Traffic Advisory
Departure Time: 0911 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Wickenburg Muni (E25)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2378 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 23
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6101 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 33.970556, -112.795000 (est)

February 11, 2018: Aircraft's wing tip struck prop of N914PA.

Date: 11-FEB-18
Time: 15:45:00Z
Regis#: N425PA
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28 181
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: CHANDLER
State: ARIZONA

Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N1897V: Accident occurred April 23, 2019 at Ernest A. Love Field Airport (KPRC), Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona

View of right wing damage
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

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/N1897V


Location: Prescott, AZ
Accident Number: GAA19CA220
Date & Time: 04/23/2019, 0930 MST
Registration: N1897V
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

The student pilot reported that while maneuvering the airplane into a parking spot the right wing impacted a fence post.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

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

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 23, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/04/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 35 hours (Total, all aircraft), 35 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1897V
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17263785
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/03/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 12550 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 E2D
Registered Owner: Pmc Aviation
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: Pmc Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPRC, 5052 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1553 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 209°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 12000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:

No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Chandler, AZ (CHD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Prescott, AZ (PRC)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0815 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Ernest A Love Field (PRC)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5045 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:  34.654722, -112.419167 (est)

TL Ultralight TL StingSport, N797N: Fatal accident occurred April 25, 2019 near Madera Municipal Airport (KMAE), Californa

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

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

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


https://registry.faa.gov/N797N 

Location: Madera, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA121
Date & Time: 04/25/2019, 1249 PDT
Registration: N797N
Aircraft: TL Ultralight SRO STINGSPORT
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On April 25, 2019, at 1249 Pacific daylight time, a TL Ultralight Sro Stingsport airplane, N797N impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Madera Municipal Airport (MAE), Madera, California. The flight instructor and student pilot were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual 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 originated from Sierra Sky Park Airport (E79), Fresno, California about 1200.

Another pilot, who was flying in the area, reported that the accident airplane remained in the airport traffic pattern for 30-40 minutes. After he landed at MAE, he heard one of the accident pilots announce that they would perform a simulated "emergency turn around at 500 feet." That was the last transmission he heard from the accident airplane. About 10 minutes later, the other pilot took off from MAE and observed the accident airplane in an open field about 0.3 nautical miles north-west from the departure end of runway 30.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: TL Ultralight SRO
Registration: N797N
Model/Series: STINGSPORT No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: 
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 36.998056, -120.126389 (est)

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. 


Saverio "Sam" Chimienti Jr.
April 29, 1990 - April 25, 2019

Saverio Chimienti Jr. passed away from this earth into the arms of the Lord at the age of 28. He was born in Fresno, Ca. to Saverio and Marie Chimienti and graduated from Central High School in 2008. He worked with his father farming almonds in the family business started by his grandparents who migrated from Italy to New Jersey, then to Fresno.

 He was a loving father, son, brother, and uncle. Saverio had a love for cars and adventure. He enjoyed spending time on the Pismo Dunes riding dirt bikes and sand railing, boating on Shaver Lake, snowboarding, and golf. He was a member of San Joaquin Country Club. Most of all he loved spending time and doing things with his son. His most recent endeavor was obtaining his private pilot's license. Aviation became his true passion.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Pasqua Chimienti, Joseph Lorito, step grandfather Don Milne, and niece Julianna Chimienti.

He is survived by his son, Saverio III; Parents, Saverio and Marie, Grandmother Mary Milne, Brothers Frank and wife Dorilyn, Joseph, and Patrick, Niece Kathryn and Newphew Leonardo, many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends. He will forever be missed.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church on Friday, May 3, 2019 from  1:00 p.m to 1:30 p.m., followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 1:30 p.m.. Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m.

Interment will be private.

Remembrances in Sam's name may be made to Valley Children's Healthcare, C/O LaVisionaria Guild, 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera, CA 93636

http://www.farewell.com

Joe Franklin Kulbeth

Joe Franklin Kulbeth, 76, of Fresno, CA, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Madera County, CA. A Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019, at New Cleveland Cemetery.

He was born April 20, 1943 in Warren Arkansas. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1962 and went into the military where he served as a helicopter crew chief during the Vietnam War, for which he earned several awards.

Joe was a California Highway Patrolman for 25 years. Early in his career with the CHP, Joe certified as Pilot in Command with fixed wing operations in Coalinga and transferred to the CHP helicopter operations, located at Fresno Air Terminal, where he conducted search and rescue missions throughout the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley. After retiring from law enforcement, Joe became very involved in the Fresno aviation community; he was a certified instructor where he shared his love for flying with many students.

From early days, Joe was obsessed with aircraft; he was happiest when flying. He never knew a stranger, made friends everywhere he went.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Gracie Maxine Roark McDonald. Joe will be laid to rest beside her in his loved Mississippi.

Joe is survived by wife, Jean Kulbeth; brother, Jimmy Kulbeth (Loyce); sons, Robert Kulbeth (Sheila) of Stafford, Virginia, Dewayne Kulbeth of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Jeff Taylor (Tami); daughters, Melanie Carter (Mike), Sharon Rice (Chris), and Michelle Rice (Doug); grandchildren, Hadley and Ryan Kulbeth, Lilliana and Ray Cortez (their mother Kristin Kulbeth), Jacob Taylor, Luke Taylor (Molly), Logan and Andrew Carter, Timothy and Hannah Leece; and many Roark/Saunders relatives.

https://rayfuneralhome.net

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Maja Smith
National Transportation Safety Board

A Saturday briefing by the National Transportation Safety Board released little new information and requested the public’s help in gathering more information on the plane crash that killed a Fresno  flight instructor, and his student last week.

Pilot Joe Kulbeth, 76, and student pilot Saverio Chimienti Jr., 28, were both killed Thursday, about 1 p.m. when the plane apparently plummeted from about 400 to 500 feet into a field just north of Avenue 17 and Road 23, after taking off from the Madera Municipal Airport. The crash was not witnessed, according to authorities, but a passing motorist spotted the wreckage of the plane in the field and reported it to the California Highway Patrol, via 911.

The plane was reportedly flown that day out of Sierra Sky Park in Fresno, and was equipped with dual control yokes, so it is not known which man was operating the plane at the time of the incident. The weather was clear, calm and hot the day of the fatal crash.

NTSB air safety investigator Maja Smith said the investigation was still in the initial stages of gathering facts and they had just recovered the plane for inspection at another location. The fuel tanks on the plane were intact and were not breached in the crash, Smith said, and although the smell of fuel was present at the scene, the plane did not explode or burn.

Smith said the aircraft was a two-seat, light sport plane, and was equipped with a ballistic parachute system, which had not deployed and was still active at the crash site, prompting the response of the Fresno bomb squad to disarm the device. The parachute system contains high pressure explosive components which operate similar to an air bag on deployment. 

“This morning the wreckage was recovered and sent to a secure location to start the second phase of the investigation,” Smith said. “We look at three areas, man, machine and environment. The pilots, their flight experience, their medical certificates, how many (flight) hours they have, along with the investigation of the machine, air frame components that might be questionable ... weather data, and any communications from (the Fresno control) tower or local radio communications. We are also here gathering all witness statements we can. 

“We would like to invite anybody that was in the area at the time of the accident, not necessarily an (eye) witness, but people who were flying their own planes or might have heard something on the radio to contact us, or their local law enforcement agencies. You can also send an email to witness@ntsb.gov with any information they have,” she said. 

Smith said the preliminary report would be out in about 5 to 10 days, but the report on the full investigation, along with any probable cause, would only be released after the full investigation process, which takes 24 months. Two investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration were also investigating the scene and incident. 

“We did have one witness, another pilot, who said he heard them on the (local pilot channel ) radio back and forth for three or four minutes, so they were here for a while. The last transmission that came from them was they were asking for (courtesy airspace) to do a simulated emergency turn around at 500 (feet in altitude), and then he didn’t hear back from them. He then visually spotted the plane down in the field, about 5 to 10 minutes after their last transmission.  

“And we’d really like to hear from anybody else who might have been flying (or listening) at the time. They were on the local radio channel where pilots can talk to each other, to make sure there are no collisions, clearing runways, VFR, advisory calls...” Smith said. 

The Madera Municipal Airport does not have a radio control tower and is considered an uncontrolled airport, according to Smith, with only visual flight rules and no flight plan, or communications required.  Smith said it was still unknown how much fuel was on board at the time the plane crashed but the plane was not fueled in Madera. 

Official cause of death will be determined by autopsy, by the Madera County Coroner’s Office.

NTSB records show one previous fatal plane crash at the Madera Municipal Airport in the early morning of June 10, 1992, when a Piper PA 36-300, operated by Madera Mosquito Abatement District, crashed.

Original article can be found here ➤  http://www.maderatribune.com



The remains from a plane crash just outside Madera have been moved to a safe location, as the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation continues into what caused a fatal plane crash Thursday in a field near Avenue 17 and Road 23.

It’s still unclear what exactly caused the light sport Stingsport airplane to crash, killing Fresno residents Joe Franklin Kulbeth, 76, and Saverio Chimienti Jr., 28, during a training flight just before 1 p.m.

But National Transportation Safety Board air safety investigator Maja Smith revealed some new details Saturday during a news briefing at Madera County Sheriff’s Office headquarters.

Among the highlights of those details, Smith said the plane’s parachute did not deploy during the incident. The plane was equipped with a ballistic parachute system that deploys with a small explosive charge in an emergency. That prompted a bomb squad unit from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office to be called to the scene to disarm the system.

Smith said a preliminary report would be released in five to 10 days. A full report could take about two years, she said.

A team involving Smith and two Federal Aviation Administration investigators retrieved the parts Friday and sent them to be examined. The next phase of the investigation will include looking into the pilot’s flight and medical history, as well as any aircraft issues if the weather was a factor in the crash.

Smith said the plane’s fuel tanks were not breached during the crash. She said investigators were able to smell the fuel on scene, and adding there were no signs the plane had refueled at the Madera airport.

Smith said investigators have heard from at least one pilot who shared that he heard radio communication coming from the aircraft before the crash. Smith said the pilot heard the two men killed were about to perform a “simulated emergency turnaround.” NTSB is attempting to obtain radar data to determine the altitude of the plane at the time it went down.

The plane was registered to an address at Sierra Sky Part Airport, in northwest Fresno. Smith said it’s possible the aircraft was not in communication with air traffic control at Madera Municipal Airport, since the air traffic in the area is uncontrolled and does not require aircraft to make radio calls when they move between airports.

“We don’t have any information right now that they were in contact with any agency services,” Smith said.

But airplanes, like the downed Stingsport, are equipped with individual radio systems that allow pilots to communicate with other pilots for advisories.

Smith said that is how the pilot witness heard of the training flight. She’s turning to other pilots who may have flown in the area at the time of the crash to come forward so investigators can get a clear picture of the crash.

“I would really like if anybody who was in the area at the time the airplane was flying to give us a buzz,” Smith said.

Investigators still do not know which of the occupants was flying the airplane. Chimienti Jr. held a student pilot license and Kulbeth had a commercial flight license. The FAA does not allow student pilots who fly to carry passengers.

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




The Madera County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that two people are dead following a plane crash near the Madera Municipal Airport. 

The victims killed in the plane crash have been identified as Joe Kulbeth, 76, and Saverio Chimienti Jr., 28. Both are residents of Fresno. 

Law enforcement says the crash happened near Road 23 and Avenue 17 early Thursday afternoon. 

Kayla Serratto with the Madera County Sheriff's Office says both victims died at the scene. 

Based on witness accounts, she says it's likely the plane took off from the Madera Municipal airport, which is just a little more than a mile from the crash site. 

Among the wreckage were also safety concerns for investigators - prompting the Fresno County sheriff's bomb squad to be called out as well. 

"We did call Fresno's EOD team just to disarm some safety equipment on the plane to ensure its safe for us to be around the scene and do any removal," Serrato says. 

Sheriff's deputies will now take over the coroner role. Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are en route to determine what caused the plane to go down. 

The federal agencies are expected to be at the site on Friday, but in the meantime, a sheriff's unit is posted at the crash site until they arrive.

Original article can be found here ➤  https://abc30.com










Two people were killed Thursday when a small airplane crashed in a Madera County field, according to the sheriff’s office.

Madera County Sheriff’s identified Fresno residents Joe Kulbeth, 76, and Saverio Chimienti Jr., 28, as the two people killed in the crash.

The plane crashed in a rural area west of Madera near Avenue 17 and Road 23. The Madera Municipal Golf Course and city airport are nearby.

The incident was reported by the California Highway Patrol just before 1 p.m. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and have not been identified.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team was called to assist, though Fresno sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti said there was no threat of explosives from the crash.

Botti said the special team was requested to handle a sensitive matter from the crash and said it had to do with the aircraft’s construction.

The Madera sheriff’s office described the bomb squad’s work as disarming safety equipment aboard the plane.

Madera police and fire departments also responded to the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed the aircraft was a TL Ultralight SRO Stingsport. The agency said it is investigating the crash.

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

Varga 2150A Kachina, N4646V: Accident occurred April 24, 2019 in Ludlow, Windsor County, Vermont

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

Go West Air LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N4646V

Made an emergency landing in a field.

Date: 25-APR-19
Time: 00:02:00Z
Regis#: N4646V
Aircraft Make: VARGA
Aircraft Model: 2150A
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: LUDLOW
State: VERMONT

Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A, N9693E: Fatal accident occurred April 23, 2019 at Henderson City-County Airport (KEHR), Kentucky

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Louisville, Kentucky

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N9693E 

Location: Henderson, KY
Accident Number: ERA19FA155
Date & Time: 04/23/2019,  
Registration: N9693E
Aircraft: Bellanca 1730
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On April 23, 2019 at an unknown time, a Bellanca 17-30A, N9693E, was substantially damaged after impacting terrain at the Henderson City-County airport (EHR) Henderson, Kentucky. The student pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed from Mid Carolina Regional airport (RUQ), Salisbury, North Carolina.

According to the airplane owner, the airplane was for sale and the student pilot was interested in purchasing it. The student pilot had flown the airplane earlier in the day with a flight instructor. According to the student pilot's logbook, he and the instructor flew a cross-country flight from RUQ, to Spartanburg Memorial airport (SPA), Spartanburg, South Carolina, and back to RUQ. The flight time was logged as 1.4 hours.

Airport personnel at HER discovered the airplane shortly before 0700 central daylight time on April 24, 2019, as they prepared to open the airport. The airplane was in a grass area about midfield, 200 ft left of the runway 27 centerline. The airport had closed the previous evening at 1930. When closed, the pilot controllable runway lighting remains activated on its "low" setting, and the airport rotating beacon remains on from sunset to sunrise.

No eyewitnesses were identified; however, the state police received several calls the following day from witnesses who reported hearing either a low flying airplane or a "boom" sound at times between 2000 and 2230 on April 23, 2019.

Examination of the wreckage revealed that all major components of the airplane were present at the accident site and were confined to an area approximately 100 ft in diameter. 

The right wing leading edge was fragmented and separated from the wing, and found within a ground scar that was embedded in the grass oriented about 270° magnetic. 

The propeller hub was separated from the engine with all three blades attached, and was embedded in the mud oriented about 90° nose down near the inboard section of the right wing leading edge. 

The fuselage came to rest about 15 ft south of the right wing leading edge fragments, and was oriented perpendicular to the runway. 

The right wing was fractured about midspan with the outboard section partially separated. The two aluminum fuel tank cells in the right wing were damaged, but largely intact. 

Blue stains were found on the wood wing components below and forward of the tanks and surrounding the tank vent and the fuel quantity sensor. 

About 3 to 4 gallons of fuel was recovered from the right wing tanks. A placard on the tank filler neck read "34 GAL. 30 GAL. USABLE."

The fuel selector valve was found in the "RIGHT" tank position.

The left wing was largely intact. The fuel tanks were not damaged. 

About 2 ounces of fuel were recovered after pressurizing the tanks with air at the filler neck.

The forward fuselage was largely crush damaged and partially separated at the leading edge of the wing. The auxiliary fuel tank located behind the rear seats was undamaged and was devoid of fuel.

Flight control continuity was established from all primary flight control surfaces to their respective cockpit controls. Pitch trim control continuity was established from the trim tab to the damaged roof area of the cockpit.

The empennage largely undamaged.

The landing gear handle was in the "down" position and both main landing gear were extended with the doors open.

The nose landing gear was damaged and partially extended. There was no evidence of a post-crash fire.

All four engine mounts were fractured, and the engine was separated from the fuselage. 

The oil sump was crush damaged and breached near the drain plug, and a puddle of oil was found underneath the engine.

The top spark plugs were removed and the No. 1 through No. 4 plugs exhibited light grey colored combustion deposits, the Nos. 5 and 6 plugs exhibited darker black colored combustion deposits. 

All electrodes exhibited normal wear signatures when compared to the Champion Check-A-Plug chart. 

The fuel pump remained attached to the engine; the drive coupling was intact, and a few drops of fuel leaked from the fractured pump inlet fitting when the pump was removed from the engine. After priming, the fuel pump operated normally when turned with an electric drill. 

The fuel nozzles were removed and found to be free of obstruction. 

The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller flange using a leverage tool. 

Thumb compression and suction was observed on all six cylinders with proper valve movement established. 

Continuity throughout the engine and accessory section was established. Both magnetos were found separated from their mounting pads with their mounting flanges fractured. Both produced impulse coupling engagement and spark on all towers when rotated by hand. 

The fuel manifold valve was disassembled; the diaphragm was intact with no indication of leakage, the plunger and retaining nut were tight and secure, the fuel screen was clean, and the cavity contained a small amount of fuel. The air induction tubes were crush damaged. The air filter was not found. 

The throttle body and mixture control assembly was separated from the engine and remained near the firewall with the throttle and mixture control attached to their respective control arms.

The low-wing, 4-seat, high-performance complex airplane was manufactured in 1976. It was equipped with a 300-horsepower Continental IO-520K1A engine driving a Hartzell 3-bladed controllable pitch propeller.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records, the pilot held a student pilot certificate which was issued on February 9, 2018, with the standard limitation of "Carrying Passengers is Prohibited." According to his logbook, he had accumulated 24 hours of total flight experience, of which 23 hours were annotated as dual received, including 1.4 hours in the accident airplane. The logbook did not contain any endorsements for solo flight, or for operation of complex/high performance airplanes.

A preliminary review of weather conditions in the area overnight revealed some precipitation in the region between from 1900 and 2200 on April 23, 2019, and again between 0100 and 0200 on April 24, 2019. Visibility was consistently reported as 10 statute miles, with the skies clear or with scattered to broken cloud layers above 3,800 ft.

The airplane was retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Bellanca
Registration: N9693E
Model/Series: 1730
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: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Salisbury, NC (RUQ)
Destination: 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 37.807222, -87.684444

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. 


Barry Alan Hill


Barry Alan Hill 47 of Sanford died April 23, 2019. Memorial services will be held Sunday April 28, 2019 at 4pm at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home.

Mr. Hill was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, son of the late Floyd Edward Hill and Carol Joyce Harper Hill. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Blanche Harper.

Mr. Hill is survived by his wife Cassandra Hillard Hill; daughter Bailey Hill, Randi Leslie and Kaylee Adams and a son Benjamin “Ben” Hill all of Sanford; grandchildren Natalynn Torres, Kace Daniels, Nathan McNeill and Jania Amerson; brothers Scott Hill (Christina) of Arkansas  and Mark Hill (Judy) of Pennsylvania; aunt, Dorothy Vance of Florida and a special friend Kelsey Blare Faulk and daughter Paisley of Sanford. 

The family has asked for contributions be made to Rogers Pickard Funeral Home to help with funeral.

https://www.rogerspickard.com


\
George Glenn Tucker

George Glenn Tucker, age 48, of Sanford, NC died Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

He was born in Tennessee to George W. Tucker and Christine Faulkner Kilburn.  His father preceded him in death.  George was a long-haul truck driver.

He is survived by his wife Joy Beth Parker Tucker of Sanford and his other family lives in Tennessee and Alabama and includes his mother Christine Faulkner Kilburn; daughter Cody Tucker; brother Marty D. Tucker; sister Gail Tucker and grandchild Carson Townsend.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.  A graveside service will follow at 1:30 PM at Buffalo Cemetery.

https://www.bridgescameronfuneralhome.com




HENDERSON, KENTUCKY — A large sum of cash and some suspected cocaine were found in the wreckage of a small plane that crashed in Kentucky, killing two men from Sanford, officials said Friday.


The bodies of George Glenn Tucker, 48, and Barry A. Hill, 47, were found Wednesday inside the Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A. A maintenance worker at the Henderson City-Henderon County Airport in Henderson, Kentucky, found the plane early Wednesday morning crashed about 50 yards off the runway.

According to the Kentucky State Police, investigators believe George Glenn Tucker and Barry A. Hill were likely in the Henderson area looking for a fueling-stop to continue their journey. The Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A ran out of fuel causing the engine to lose power.

"The Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A fell nose first to the ground, ultimately killing both men," a Kentucky State Police news release said. Authorities believe Tucker was piloting the plane and Hill was the passenger, a news release said.

Troopers located several duffel bags containing personal belongings in the wreckage along with one duffel bag containing a large sum of cash and suspected cocaine, the release said.

The crash happened late Tuesday or early Wednesday, an official said.

Federal Aviation Administration records show that George Glenn Tucker held a student pilot's license that prohibited him from carrying passengers. 

The Federal Aviation Administration records also show the Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A is registered in Mocksville, North Carolina, to Jonathan P. Byler. However, Federal Aviation Administration records have Byler's pilot's license registered to a Spartanburg, South Carolina address. Byler's wife, Marley, reportedly told a Kentucky news station Thursday that Tucker was a family friend who was storing her husband's plane.

The Kentucky State Police report does not state where investigators believe the men were headed, nor does it give an amount of cash or cocaine found in the wreckage.

Calls to a spokesman for the Kentucky State Police were not immediately returned on Friday.

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


Kentucky State Police Trooper Corey King and Henderson County Coroner Bruce Farmer.


HENDERSON, Kentucky - Authorities said a small plane that crashed here earlier this week, killing two people, was carrying drugs and cash.


The Kentucky State Police said in the wreckage from the downed Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A -- which crashed Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning at the Henderson City County Airport -- officials found a duffel bag containing cash and suspected cocaine.


Killed in the crash were Barry A. Hill, 47, and George G. Tucker, 48, both of Sanford, North Carolina. 


Trooper Corey King, KSP Post 16's public information officer, said it's believed Tucker was piloting the plane and Hill was the passenger. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, Tucker was a student pilot who received his certification in February of 2018.


"Investigators believe Tucker and Hill were likely in the Henderson area looking for a fueling-stop to continue their journey," King said. "The Bellanca 17-30A aircraft ran out of fuel causing the engine to stall. The plane fell nose first to the ground ultimately killing both men."


Information on where the men were headed was not available.


On Thursday, the state police released that the plane had been stolen or its use unauthorized by the registered owner, according to a news release.


The Federal Aviation Administration identified the plane's owner as Jonathan P. Byler of Mocksville, North Carolina. The plane is believed to have been taken from somewhere in Davie County, North Carolina, which is home to the city of Mocksville.


The FAA said while Tucker may have been a student pilot, he was restricted from having passengers.


"It's a complicated plane to fly and the owner said you have to have experience with it," King said.


"It's nose-heavy and it has speed to it, but when the engine stalls and goes out, it drops and it drops nose first. Therefore, you've got to know how to handle it."


Henderson County Coroner Bruce Farmer said in speaking with Byler, investigators discovered that Byler knew Tucker as someone possibly interested in buying the Bellenca aircraft. Farmer said Tucker, accompanied by Byler, had test-flown the plane.


However, at the time the plane crashed in Henderson, the owner was not aware that his plane had been taken, the state police said.


Also on Thursday, the coroner's office released the preliminary autopsy results which reveal the cause of death was blunt force trauma. Farmer said toxicology results will not be ready for about six weeks.


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



Henderson County Coroner Bruce Farmer points out on an aerial photograph where the plane crashed at the Henderson City-County Airport. The plane was found in a field about a 100 yards from the mid-point of the runway.


Kentucky State Police say a plane that crashed killing two North Carolina men was carrying drugs and cash.

Authorities believe the plane was stolen or used without permission from the owner. The Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A crashed early Wednesday or Tuesday night at the Henderson City County Airport.


The Gleaner in Henderson reports police searched the wreckage and found a duffel bag with cash and suspected cocaine.


The crash killed 47-year-old Barry Hill and 48-year-old George Tucker, of Sanford, North Carolina.


State Trooper Corey King says investigators believe Tucker was piloting the plane and they were looking for a place to stop for fuel when it crashed. Tucker was a student pilot.


The plane's owner told authorities he had previously let Tucker test the plane because Tucker was interested in buying it.


ORIGINAL STORY 4/25/19


Kentucky State Police say they've identified two North Carolina men who died in a small plane crash in Kentucky and neither are certified pilots.


Police said in a statement Thursday that the plane they were flying is believed to have been either stolen or used without permission from the registered owner.


The statement identifies the men who died as 47-year-old Barry A. Hill and 48-year-old George Tucker, both of Sanford, North Carolina. Police say they think the private aircraft was taken from Rome, North Carolina.


Henderson City-County Airport workers discovered the wreckage around 7 a.m. Wednesday when the airport was opening.

Henderson County Coroner Bruce Farmer said the two occupants were found dead inside the plane and are believed to have died on impact.

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

Emergency personnel at the scene of a small plane crash that claimed the lives of two people at the Henderson City-County Airport on April 24th, 2019.

 

HENDERSON CO., Kentucky  - Kentucky State Police believe the two men killed in a plane crash were likely in the Henderson area looking for a fueling-stop to continue their journey.

They say the Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A ran out of fuel causing the engine to stall. The plane fell nose first to the ground.


Troopers say they found several duffel bags containing personal belongings and one duffel bag with a large sum of cash and suspected cocaine.


Barry Hill, 47, and George Tucker, 48 were from Sanford, North Carolina.


“There’s a little bit of intelligence we have that offers a little bit of an idea that perhaps their destination might have been more northwest of the Commonwealth," KSP Trooper Corey King explains. "Either way, it doesn’t offer what the money was going to be used for, perhaps the drugs, was it for personal? Was it purchased? Was it for bartering? Or was it for simply trading off to anyone else? We don’t know this part.”


Neither of the men were fully licensed pilots. Investigators do believe Tucker, who does have a student license, was flying the plane.


Trooper King says they are looking through a cell phone they found on board more information. They’re also sending the drugs off for testing.


Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.wect.com


HENDERSON, Kentucky – Kentucky State Police announced on Friday that investigators found a duffel bag containing a large sum of cash and suspected cocaine near the wreckage of an aircraft in Henderson.

Two men were found dead at the scene of the crash, 47-year-old Barry A. Hill and 48-year-old George Tucker, both of Sanford, North Carolina.


KSP said investigators believe Tucker and Hill were likely in the Henderson area looking for a fueling stop to continue their journey.


The Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A the two men were flying ran out of fuel and caused the engine to stall, KSP said.


According to investigators, the plane fell nose-first to the ground – ultimately killing Hill and Tucker.


Several duffel bags were found containing personal belongings, authorities said. However, one duffel bag found contained money and suspected cocaine, KSP said.


On Thursday, the wife of the aircraft’s owner told WEHT the aircraft was not taken, but it was not authorized to be flown.


According to FAA records, the owner of the Bellanca 17-30A is Jonathan P Byler.


Byler's wife Marley told Eyewitness News in a phone interview that the aircraft was being stored by George Tucker, a family friend.


Marley said Tucker wasn't authorized to fly it.


According to FAA records, Tucker was a student pilot.


However, he was specifically prohibited from carrying passengers and flying at night.


KSP announced Thursday that the aircraft was believed to have either been stolen or its use was unauthorized by the registered owner.


Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.cbs17.com






HENDERSON, Kentucky (AP) — Kentucky State Police say a plane that crashed, killing two North Carolina men, was carrying drugs and cash.

Authorities believe the plane was stolen. The Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking 300A crashed late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning at the Henderson City-County Airport.


Kentucky State Police said in a news release Friday that multiple duffel bags were found in the plane, and one bag contained suspected cocaine and a large amount of cash.


The crash killed 47-year-old Barry Hill and 48-year-old George Tucker, of Sanford, North Carolina.


Investigators say the plane ran out of fuel and fell nose first to the ground, news release said.


Trooper Corey King says investigators believe Tucker was piloting the plane, and they were looking for a place to stop for fuel when it crashed. Tucker was a student pilot.


The plane’s owner told authorities he had previously let Tucker test the plane, because Tucker was interested in buying it.