Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, N3241N: Accident occurred December 11, 2015 near Fayetteville Regional Airport (KFAY), Cumberland County, North Carolina

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina
Continental Motors Inc; Mobile, Alabama

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

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N3241N

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Accident Number: ERA16LA066
Date & Time: 12/11/2015, 1931 EST
Registration: N3241N
Aircraft: RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY A36
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail
Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

During a cross-country flight at night, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The private pilot's attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot attempted to glide the airplane to a diversionary airport, but when he realized the airplane would not reach the airport, he conducted a forced landing into wooded terrain.

Teardown examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder and No. 3 connecting rod had fractured. Metallurgical examination revealed that there was a gray rubbery substance on the case halves, through bolts, and main bearing saddle faces, which could have restricted oil flow. The engine manufacturer's overhaul manual and a service bulletin and service information letter (SIL) listed only one approved sealant for use between case halves, which was similar in color and texture to grape jelly not to the rubbery gray sealant found in the engine, which was not an approved sealant. Further, the SIL stated that the use of an incorrect sealant "on mating threads and between mating surfaces can cause incorrect torque application and subsequent engine damage or failure."

Further, the No. 3 connecting rod journal exhibited heat damage and deformation, and the No. 3 connecting rod fracture was consistent with a lack of lubrication. Additionally, the No. 4 main bearing saddle boss exhibited fretting damage, consistent with bearing shift due to lack of torque on the through bolts and blockage of its oil port, which also would have restricted oil flow.

Review of maintenance records revealed that the engine was overhauled about 20 months before the accident. The engine had been operated for about 300 hours during that time. It is likely that maintenance personnel applied the unapproved sealant to the engine case halves during the engine overhaul, which ultimately resulted in the total loss of engine power.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
Maintenance personnel's application of an unapproved sealant to the engine case halves during engine overhaul, contrary to manufacturer's instructions, which resulted in lubrication restriction due to a bearing shift and the subsequent internal failure of the engine due to the loss of case through-bolt torque.

Findings

Aircraft
Maintenance/inspections - Incorrect service/maintenance (Cause)
Oil - Fluid level (Cause)

Personnel issues
Unauthorized maint/repair - Maintenance personnel (Cause)
Use of policy/procedure - Maintenance personnel (Cause)

Factual Information 

On December 11, 2015, at 1931 eastern standard time, a Beechcraft A36, N3241N, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a wooded area after a total loss of engine power near Fayetteville, North Carolina. The private pilot and two passengers received minor injuries, and one passenger received serious injuries. Nighttime visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The personal flight departed Bay Bridge Airport (W29), Stevensville, Maryland about 1730 destined for Charleston Executive Airport (JZI), Charleston, South Carolina. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the pilot, about 2 hours after takeoff the airplane was in cruise flight at 8,000 feet when the engine suddenly lost power. Engine power was restored for a few seconds, and then the airplane lost engine power again as the propeller "windmilled." The pilot turned the airplane toward Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) for a forced landing, and the propeller stopped turning during the descent. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. As the airplane approached FAY, the pilot determined that he was below the visual approach slope indicator lighting glidepath and that the airplane would not reach the airport and performed a forced landing to wooded terrain.

Examination of the wreckage at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest upright on the floor of a pine forest area. The engine and mounts separated from the firewall. The left wing was crushed and curled upward from about mid-span to the wing tip. A portion of the right wing was separated outboard of the flap and was located in the debris path about 25 yards prior to the main wreckage. The landing gear and flaps were found in the retracted position.

The airframe and engine were subsequently examined at a recovery facility under the supervision of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator. Fuel was present in both main tanks and both tip tanks, the fuel selector valve functioned normally, and the auxiliary pump switch was in the on position. Teardown examination of the engine revealed metal fragments from the No. 1 cylinder in the oil sump and internal damage including one connecting rod separated from the crankshaft, and two other connecting rods exhibiting discoloration consistent with heat damage. Additionally, a gray colored rubbery substance was observed on the mating surfaces of the crankcase halves. Engine components were forwarded to the NTSB Materials Laboratory, Washington, DC, for further examination. Metallurgical examination revealed beads of gray sealant on the through bolts and on the main bearing saddle faces, which can restrict oil flow. The No. 3 connecting rod journal exhibited heat damage and deformation and the No. 3 connecting rod was fractured, consistent with a lack of lubrication. Additionally, the No. 4 main bearing saddle boss exhibited fretting damage, consistent with bearing shift and blockage of its oil port, restricting oil flow.

Review of maintenance records revealed that the airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on October 15, 2015. At that time, the engine had accumulated 300.6 hours since major overhaul. The engine was overhauled by Aero Engines of Winchester, Inc. on April 21, 2014.

Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) Service Information Letter (SIL)99-2B, published October 17, 2005, related to current authorized sealants, lubricants, and adhesives. The SIL did not list any sealant on the mating surfaces of the crankcase halves except Gasket Maker P/N 646942 – or Loctite 515 Gasket Eliminator Sealant (or its predecessor, Permatex Aviation Grade 3D). Additionally, review of the overhaul manual revealed instructions to apply only TCM Sealant P/N 654663, which was Loctite 515, and silk thread P/N 641543 to the crankcase halves.

According to the Manager of Air Safety at Continental Motors Inc., the gray rubber sealant found in the engine was not consistent with Loctite 515, which appears in color and texture like grape jelly.

Additionally, review of TCM Service Bulletin (SB)96-7C, published February 8, 2005, which related to torque values for fasteners on all TCM engines, stated: "WARNING THE USE OF SEALANTS OR LUBRICANTS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED BY TCM ON MATING THREADS AND BETWEEN MATING SURFACES CAN CAUSE INCORRECT TORQUE APPLICATION AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE OR FAILURE."

The FAA Subsequently published Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) NE-16-13, "Powerplant – Prohibited use of sealant" on March 8, 2016. According to the FAA principle maintenance inspector of Aero Engines LLC. (formerly Aero Engines of Winchester, Inc.), he performed a compliance action after the accident for Aero Engines to use only the specific sealant part number and product name (not MIL-SPEC [military standard]) specified by the engine manufacturer when overhauling their respective make and model engine. Additionally, Aero Engines reviewed all their overhauls for unapproved sealants and did not find any other subsequent cases. As of the publication of this report, there have been no further similar engine failures that were overhauled by Aero Engines. There was one previous case (NTSB ID No. ERA14FA313) of a similar failure of an engine overhauled by Aero Engines.

History of Flight

Enroute-cruise
Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail (Defining event)
Loss of engine power (total)
Attempted remediation/recovery

Emergency descent
Off-field or emergency landing

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 46, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/04/2013
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   538 hours (Total, all aircraft), 245 hours (Total, this make and model), 502 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY
Registration: N3241N
Model/Series: A36
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1999
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: E-3241
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/15/2015, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3651 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 39 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1736 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-B
Registered Owner: ACES AVIATION LLC
Rated Power: 300 hp
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: FAY, 189 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: STEVENSVILLE, MD (W29)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: CHARLESTON, SC (JZI)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1730 EST
Type of Airspace: Class C; Class E

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 34.990000, -78.829722 (est)

Piper PA-18, N9145D: Accident occurred May 02, 2019 at Port Alsworth Airport (PALJ), Alaska

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Aircraft lost control and ground looped during takeoff, collapsing landing gear.

https://registry.faa.gov/N9145D

Date: 02-MAY-19
Time: 02:00:00Z
Regis#: N9145D
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA18
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: PORT ALSWORTH
State: ALASKA

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Cessna 172E Skyhawk, N3031U; accident occurred April 30, 2019 in Wasilla, Alaska

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N3031U

Location: Wasilla, Alaska 

Accident Number: GAA19CA236

Date & Time: April 30, 2019, 19:00 Local

Registration: N3031U

Aircraft: Cessna 172 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)

Injuries: 2 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor reported that, during the preflight inspection, he asked the student pilot, who was the owner of the airplane, how much fuel was onboard the airplane and that the student replied that there was enough fuel for about 3 hours of flight. He added that, during the flight, he became concerned about the fuel level because he saw that the right fuel gauge needle displayed "little movement." After a brief conversation with the student about the fuel burn, the instructor decided to return to the airport.

The student stated that he visually checked the fuel tanks during the preflight and estimated that there was about 1/2 tank (19 gallons), which was enough for about 2.5 hours of flight based on a fuel burn of 7.5 gph. The student reported that, during the flight, the instructor commented that the fuel gauge looked low and that he responded that it was working "intermittently," at which point, the instructor decided to return to the airport.

The student reported that, about 5 nautical miles from the airport, the airplane "ran out of fuel at 3,000 ft MSL [mean sea level]." Subsequently, the instructor landed the airplane on a road, and the right wing struck a power line pole.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The flight instructor's failure to verify the fuel level, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing and collision with a power line pole. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning.

Findings

Personnel issues Preflight inspection - Instructor/check pilot

Environmental issues Pole - Effect on operation

Aircraft Fuel - Inadequate inspection

Aircraft Fuel - Fluid level

Personnel issues Fuel planning - Student/instructed pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute-cruise Fuel exhaustion

Enroute-cruise Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)

Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 66, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/11/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 56, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
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: 04/18/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 87 hours (Total, all aircraft), 87 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N3031U
Model/Series: 172 E
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1963
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17250631
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/28/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2562 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A1A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAWS, 354 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0056 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 238°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 400 ft agl
Visibility:  8 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 6500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 70°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.4 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Wasilla, AK (PAWS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wasilla, AK (PAWS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1730 ADT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 61.599167, -149.450556 (est)

Ground Collision: GippsAero GA8, N524AV; accident occurred May 01, 2019 at Bethel Airport (PABE), Alaska

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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/N524AV

Location: Bethel, AK
Accident Number:GAA19CA239 
Date & Time: 05/01/2019, 2018 AKD
Registration: N524AV
Aircraft: Gippsland GA8
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 7 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Scheduled 

The pilot reported that, after landing, while taxiing to the tie-down area, during a "tight" right turn, the airplane's left-wing tip struck a shipping container.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 24, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/11/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/27/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 783 hours (Total, all aircraft), 129 hours (Total, this make and model), 733 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 123 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 63 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Gippsland
Registration: N524AV
Model/Series: GA8 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2015
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: GA8-15-214
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 7
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/15/2019, AAIP
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4437 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-K1A5
Registered Owner: Global Air Concepts Llc
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: Global Air Concepts Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PABE, 102 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 32°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 3900 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C / 5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Tuntutuliak, AK (A61)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Bethel, AK (BET)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0739 AKS
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Bethel (BET)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 128 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 6 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 7 None
Latitude, Longitude: 60.778611, -161.837222 (est)

N903KR: Incident occurred February 28, 2020 in San Diego, California -and- Incident occurred April 26, 2019 at Columbia Airport (O22), Tuolumne County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California

February 28, 2020: Aircraft landed and nose gear collapsed.

https://registry.faa.gov/N903KR

Date: 28-FEB-20
Time: 20:19:00Z
Regis#: N903KR
Aircraft Make: KAMOV
Aircraft Model: KA9
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SAN DIEGO
State: CALIFORNIA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California

April 26, 2019:  Sustained loss of power and landed fast. Porpoised on landing and nose gear collapsed.

Date: 26-APR-19
Time: 20:15:00Z
Regis#: N903KR
Aircraft Make: RANDY L ALBRITTON
Aircraft Model: KA9
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: COLUMBIA
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 150L, N21923: Incident occurred May 02, 2019 in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida

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

Declared emergency due to rough running engine. Landed and reported smoke / flames from engine.

https://registry.faa.gov/N21923

Date: 02-MAY-19
Time: 15:00:00Z
Regis#: N21923
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: C150
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: PUNTA GORDA
State: FLORIDA

Low Altitude Operation/Event: Aerospatiale AS-350B-3 Ecureuil, N350DL; accident occurred April 30, 2019 in Sula, Ravalli County, Montana

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N350DL

Location: Sula, MT
Accident Number: GAA19CA238
Date & Time: 04/30/2019, 1015 MDT
Registration: N350DL
Aircraft: Aerospatiale AS350
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, after an agricultural application flight, he set the bucket down in a predetermined operations zone near a semi-truck loading hopper to be refilled. He added that another truck arrived to top off the semi-truck hopper, which emitted fertilizer dust and led to the pilot being concerned that it would deteriorate visibility. He advised the ground crew that he was going to temporarily move out of the operations zone.

The pilot reported that he set the bucket in the new temporary operations zone. As the skid steer approached, he eased the helicopter backward to keep the other ground equipment in his view. The pilot heard a "bang," disconnected the helicopter from the long-line, and then landed the helicopter without further incident.

Postaccident examination revealed that the auger from the semi-truck hopper was fully extended behind the helicopter and that a tail rotor blade had sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that he might have backed the helicopter into the extended auger.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from ground equipment, which resulted in a tail rotor blade impact.

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot

Environmental issues Ground equipment - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-hover Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)

Maneuvering-hover Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 43, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Helicopter; Instrument Airplane; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/11/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/15/2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 8773 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3125 hours (Total, this make and model), 8700 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 26 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 11 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aerospatiale
Registration: N350DL
Model/Series: AS350 B3
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4508
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/24/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5225 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 1103.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Safran
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: Arriel 2B1
Registered Owner: Pj Helicopter Llc
Rated Power: 749 hp
Operator: Mission Mountain Helicopters
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  Agricultural Aircraft (137); Rotorcraft External Load (133); On-demand Air Taxi (135)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 10000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Blowing - Widespread Dust; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Soula, MT
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Soula, MT
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0700 MDT
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: 45.859444, -113.968056 (est)

Nose over: Van’s RV-6, N621L; accident occurred April 26, 2019 at Grass Strip Airport (8OK6), Chandler, Lincoln County, Oklahoma

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N621L

Location: Chandler, OK
Accident Number: GAA19CA237
Date & Time: 04/26/2019, 1950 CDT
Registration: N621L
Aircraft: Vans RV 6
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on a grass runway, he applied the brakes and retracted the flaps and that the airplane subsequently nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot's overapplication of the brakes during landing on a grass runway, which resulted in a noseover.

Findings

Aircraft Brake - Incorrect use/operation

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot

Environmental issues Soft surface - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Nose over/nose down (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/10/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/26/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2670 hours (Total, all aircraft), 112 hours (Total, this make and model), 2004 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 84 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 45 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans
Registration: N621L
Model/Series: RV 6 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 60002
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/19/2019, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1700 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 563 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: YO-360 EXP 57
Registered Owner: Rv Aircraft Llc
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCQB, 984 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0115 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 154°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Norman, OK (OUN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Chandler, OK (8OK6)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1930 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: Grass Strip (8OK6)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 933 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Soft; Vegetation
Runway Used: 22
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2000 ft / 30 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: 35.815000, -96.873889 (est)

Cessna 170B, N4567C: Accident occurred April 21, 2019 at Dry Creek Airpark (OG21), Prineville, Crook County, Oregon

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Hillsboro, Oregon

https://registry.faa.gov/N4567C

Location: Prineville, OR
Accident Number: WPR19LA130
Date & Time: 04/21/2019, 1845 PDT
Registration: N4567C
Aircraft: Cessna 170
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On April 21, 2019, about 1845 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N4567C, departed the runway surface during takeoff from the Dry Creek Airpark (OG21), Prineville, Oregon. The private pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The airplane was privately owned and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was destined for Sisters Eagle Air Airport (6K5), Sisters, Oregon.

The pilot reported that after a normal preflight, he taxied to the runway and started the takeoff roll. Once the tail lifted off the ground, the airplane pulled toward the left. The pilot added right rudder input, but the airplane continued to pull toward the left. He reduced engine power to idle and attempted to stop the airplane, however, it exited the runway surface and impacted a tree.

The airplane has been recovered to a secure location for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N4567C
Model/Series: 170 B
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: S39, 3251 ft msl
Observation Time: 1855 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / -2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / 13 knots, 360°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Prineville, OR (OG21)
Destination: Sisters, OR (6K5)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  44.190278, -120.820556 (est)

Murphy Elite, N145AS: Incident occurred May 01, 2019 in Kodiak, Alaska

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Gear up landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N145AS

Date: 01-MAY-19
Time: 22:45:00Z
Regis#: N145AS
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: MURPHY ELITE
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: KODIAK
State: ALASKA