Friday, May 17, 2019

Aviat A-1B Husky, N236AM: Fatal accident occurred May 15, 2019 near Santa Ynez Airport (KIZA), Santa Barbara County, California

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 traveled to the scene of this accident.

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


Location: Santa Ynez, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA146
Date & Time: 05/15/2019, 1339 PDT
Registration: N236AM
Aircraft: Aviat A1
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 15, 2019, about 1339 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat Aircraft Inc., A1-B airplane, N236AM, was destroyed when it impacted mountainous terrain about 8 miles northeast of the Santa Ynez Airport (IZA), Santa Ynez, California. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the cross-county flight, which originated at 1322 from a private ranch near Montecito, California.

Information provided by local law enforcement revealed that the pilot had flown to a private ranch, located about 23 miles east of IZA, earlier in the day. Following a brief visit with the owner of the ranch, the pilot departed on the return leg to IZA. About 2000, local law enforcement was notified by concerned friends and family that the pilot had not returned, and the Federal Aviation Administration issued an Alert Notice (ALNOT) shortly after. The wreckage of the airplane was located by a law enforcement air unit the morning of May 16.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted steep rising mountainous terrain at an elevation of about 2,700 ft msl, and an approximate heading of 284° magnetic. The main wreckage came to rest upright about 30 ft below the initial impact point and was mostly consumed by fire. All major structural components of the airplane were observed at the accident site. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aviat
Registration: N236AM
Model/Series: A1 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: KIZA, 671 ft msl
Observation Time: 2035 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2500 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.92 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Montecito, CA
Destination: Santa Ynez, CA (KIZA) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.691111, -119.953333

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. 

Pierre Josefsohn
December 21, 1950 — May 15, 2019

Pierre Josefsohn, age 68, of Solvang, Calif., passed away tragically on May 15, 2019 as a result of an accident in Santa Barbara County. A devoted family man and successful businessman, Josefsohn was born in Paris, France, on December 21, 1950, to Benjamin and Yvette Josefsohn. After graduating from the University of Economic Sciences in Paris, Josefsohn worked in Paris and Brazil before moving to the United States, where he lived for 25 years. Josefsohn is survived by his beloved wife, Marguerite, and their children, Rémi and Margot; his mother Yvette; his sister Anne; Anne’s children, Yael, Michael, and Jonathan; cousins Claude and Pierre Levy; and cousins Hina and Guy Benjamin, along with their daughters, Tehani and Loana. An avid flier, Josefsohn had a great sense of humor and spirit for adventure, with some of his happiest times occurring while piloting small planes between California and Alaska. Pierre will be greatly missed by relatives and friends throughout the world.

His funeral will be held Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at the Mission Santa Inés Mission, 1760 Mission Drive in Solvang, CA


Donations can be made to Family Formation Charitable Trust http://www.adoptionart.org

Pierre Josefsohn

At approximately 8:00 p.m. last night, May 15, 2019, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of an overdue aircraft out of the Santa Ynez Airport. The pilot had left earlier in the afternoon in his 2006 Aviat fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft for a solo, short flight around the area. His family became concerned when he did not return and was not in contact with them. A tracking system indicated that his plane was in the Figueroa Mountain Road area approximately two miles south of Ranger Peak. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff/Fire Air Support Unit was contacted and begin flying the area but due to the dark and foggy conditions, search efforts were suspended. A plan was formulated to resume search efforts at daybreak.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. this morning, May 16, 2019, the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team was deployed. The team assembled and formulated a plan to reach the remote area where the plane’s final radar track was detected by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. At daybreak, the team drove into the area in 4X4 vehicles and a UTV (Utility Vehicle) and begin searching by foot. Using binoculars, at approximately 7:30 a.m. they were able to spot what appeared to be aircraft wreckage on the side of a steep hillside known as Goat Rock. An Air Support team flew over the location and confirmed there was a wrecked plane as well as a decedent about 100 feet on the ridge below.

It took Sheriff’s Search and Rescue about an hour and a half to climb up a steep ridgeline to a point above the wreckage where they then utilized ropes to rappel down to the decedent. Search and Rescue and Air Support teams worked together to recover the decedent. He was hoisted out of the area by Copter 3 and was turned over to the Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office at the Santa Barbara Airport.

The decedent has been identified as being 68-year-old Pierre Josefsohn of Solvang. The Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation and the accident is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. 

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office


Pierre Josefsohn







A 68-year-old Solvang man was killed in a plane crash near Figueroa Mountain on Wednesday night, according to a news release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office was told of an overdue aircraft at about 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to the release. The pilot had left from the Santa Ynez Airport earlier that afternoon “for a solo, short flight around the area,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

A tracking system showed that the plane was in the Figueroa Mountain Road area, about two miles south of Ranger Peak, the news release said. A sheriff and fire air support unit began flying in the area, searching for the plane, but had to suspend the search due to dark and foggy conditions.

The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team resumed the search at about 3 a.m. Thursday, according to the release. At about 7:30 a.m., the team found aircraft wreckage on the side of a steep hill known as Goat Rock.

The air support unit flew over the area and confirmed that there was a wrecked plane in the area, as well as a deceased person about 100 feet below on the ridge, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The dead man has been identified as Pierre Josefsohn, 68, of Solvang, the Sheriff’s Office said.  The Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation, and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

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


Solvang resident Pierre Josefsohn, 68, was killed in a small aircraft crash near Figueroa Mountain, the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.

Josefsohn left early Wednesday afternoon in his Aviat A-1B Husky for a quick flight around the area, but his family became concerned when he did not return and failed to contact them. A tracking system on his plane indicated it was located approximately two miles south of Ranger Peak. A Sheriff’s helicopter was dispatched but the search was suspended because of foggy weather.

At daybreak Thursday morning, a Search and Rescue Team began searching by foot and located Josefsohn’s plane on the side of a steep hillside known as Goat Rock. His body was inside. Officials are working to determine the cause of the crash and the incident is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Josefsohn leaves behind a wife and two children.

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

Grob G-109B, N109BW: Incident occurred May 07, 2019 in Mountain Home, Baxter County, Arkansas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas

Glider lost control after landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N109BW

Date: 07-MAY-19
Time: 20:30:00Z
Regis#: N109BW
Aircraft Make: BURKHART GROB
Aircraft Model: G-109B
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MOUNTAIN HOME
State: ARKANSAS

Mooney M20R, N557RM: Incident occurred May 16, 2019 at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC), New Haven County, Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Struck prop upon landing.

West Street Partners Ltd

https://registry.faa.gov/N557RM

Date: 16-MAY-19
Time: 20:15:00Z
Regis#: N557RM
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20R
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: OXFORD
State: CONNECTICUT

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, N6753W; accident occurred May 16, 2019 in Maitland, Orange County, Florida







Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Maitland, Florida
Accident Number: GAA19CA272
Date & Time: May 16, 2019, 17:30 Local 
Registration: N6753W
Aircraft: Piper PA28 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight, about 10 miles from the destination airport, the engine lost all power. He switched to the other fuel tank and successfully restarted the engine. About 6 miles from the airport, the engine lost power again. The pilot then decided to land the airplane on a highway, but just before touchdown, the airplane struck a car, spun, and then impacted the road.

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

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that no fuel was found in either tank.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, the total loss of engine power, and subsequent impact with a car during an emergency landing on a road.

Findings

Aircraft Fuel - Fluid level
Personnel issues Fuel planning - Pilot
Environmental issues Ground vehicle - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute Fuel exhaustion
Enroute Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)
Landing Off-field or emergency landing
Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea
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 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 6, 2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: June 18, 2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1894 hours (Total, all aircraft), 651 hours (Total, this make and model), 1770 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 31 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N6753W
Model/Series: PA28 140 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility 
Serial Number: 28-20877
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2440 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 2014 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KORL,112 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 19:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 150°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 4900 ft AGL 
Visibility:  10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 110° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Anderson, SC (KAND)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Orlando, FL (ORL)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time: 14:00 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class E

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 28.629999,-81.389442(est)



ORANGE COUNTY, Florida - A pilot made an emergency landing Thursday afternoon on an Interstate 4 entry ramp in Maitland, damaging one car in the process, police said.

The plane remained on the shoulder of the road Friday morning surrounded by crime tape and cones. Crews removed the plane's wings and loaded the plane onto a truck Friday afternoon.

The pilot, Angel Garcia, was traveling from South Carolina to Orlando Executive Airport when he ran out of fuel, police said.

"(I was) 11 miles north of the airport, and I just ran out of fuel in one tank," he said.

The pilot landed the plane at about 5:30 p.m. near the entry ramp from Maitland Boulevard to westbound I-4.

“Mayday, mayday! Going down!” Garcia said.

The plane struck a car during the landing, but no one was injured.

Witnesses told Channel 9 they couldn't believe it when they saw a plane in the middle of the on-ramp.

"(On) I-4, you think you see everything, but not planes," one driver said.

"I can only imagine being a driver and seeing that in your rearview mirror coming toward you," driver Kyle Kelly said. "I don't even know how you would respond."

Police said the Federal Aviation Administration will determine if Garcia will be penalized for the landing. 

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













A small airplane made an emergency landing on an Interstate 4 ramp near Maitland, according to reports.

TV news helicopters showed the plane on the shoulder of the highway. It happened around 5:30 p.m. on the Maitland Boulevard exit from I-4 westbound.

Maitland police say the plane landed and hit a car. The pilot and driver of the car were not injured, according to Lt. Louis Grindle.

Grindle said the pilot reported the airplane ran out of fuel.

According to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the plane was headed to Orlando Executive Airport.

Traffic is bottled up but roads and exits are open.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration registry, the plane is a fixed-wing single-engine Piper aircraft, registered to Lloyd C. McKinney of Gurley, Alabama.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

Original article ➤ https://www.orlandosentinel.com

Cessna 414, N414TN: Incident occurred May 16, 2019 at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), Broward County, Florida

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

Ran off taxiway while on taxi.

Team Flyer LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N414TN

Date: 16-MAY-19
Time: 15:55:00Z
Regis#: N414TN
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 414
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: FORT LAUDERDALE
State: FLORIDA

Hughes 269B, N9442F: Accident occurred May 15, 2019 at Henry County Airport (KHMP), Hampton, Georgia

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; Atlanta, Georgia


Location: Hampton, GA

Accident Number: ERA19LA173
Date & Time: 05/15/2019, 1600 EDT
Registration: N9442F
Aircraft: Hughes 269B
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 15, 2019, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Hughes 269B helicopter, N9442F, was substantially damaged after it experienced ground resonance while on a taxiway at Henry County Airport (HMP), in Hampton, Georgia. The airline transport pilot was not injured. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was taxiing from a fueling location to a hangar at HMP and operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot reported that he had purchased the helicopter about a week prior to the accident. He said that an annual inspection was performed shortly after the purchase, with no issues noted. According to his recollection, no maintenance was required or performed on any of the 4 landing skid damper units.

While taxing to his hangar after refueling, the pilot noticed a vibration and loss of power. He advised that he was a student helicopter pilot and was not completely familiar with the types of vibrations that were "normal" versus those that were not, and he had discussed this with his instructor on previous flights. As he set the helicopter down, it "experienced ground resonance." He attempted to lift the helicopter back into a hover but it "did not have enough power to get airborne again.'" He then elected to shut the helicopter down while it continued in ground resonance.

An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the tailboom was fractured and separated aft of the tailboom support brackets. The tail rotor blades were largely undamaged. The "blue" main rotor blade damper body attachment bracket was damaged, and the damper arm attachment bracket was fractured. All flight controls appeared intact. The engine's No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve pushrod was found slightly bent.

According to the pilot/owner, the engine had been operated about 184 hours since overhaul. The most recent annual inspection was performed on May 10, 2019, at which time the helicopter had accumulated a total of 5,249 hours.

According to FAA airman records, the pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine and multi-engine land. He reported 5,200 hours of total flight experience the day after the accident, when he renewed his FAA first class medical certificate. Regarding his helicopter flight experience, the pilot indicated that he had a student certificate for rotorcraft and had accumulated a total of 27 hours of helicopter flight time, of which 17 hours were in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.

At 1615, the weather conditions reported at Griffin-Spalding County Airport (6A2), Griffin, Georgia, located about 10 miles south of HMP, included wind from 270° at 5 knots, temperature 24° C, dew point 8° C.

The helicopter was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Hughes
Registration: N9442F
Model/Series: 269B No Series
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
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: K6A2, 959 ft msl
Observation Time: 1615 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 270°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hampton, GA (HMP)
Destination: Hampton, GA (HMP)

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: 33.391389, -84.325556 (est) 

Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG, N700AG: Incident occurred May 16, 2019 at Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (KARB), Washtenaw County, Michigan -and- Incident occurred March 22, 2018 at Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport (KBKV), Hernando County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; East Michigan

May 16, 2019: Veered off runway on landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N700AG

Date: 16-MAY-19
Time: 16:03:00Z
Regis#: N700AG
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172RG
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ANN ARBOR
State: MICHIGAN

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

March 22, 2018:  Aircraft was performing touch and goes when the nose wheel collapsed.

Date: 22-MAR-18
Time: 14:15:00Z
Regis#: N700AG
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: BROOKSVILLE
State: FLORIDA

Mooney M20F Executive 21, N3555N: Incident occurred May 16, 2019 at Bowling Green Municipal Airport (H19), Pike County, Missouri

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Louis, Missouri

Hard landing after fuel issues.


https://registry.faa.gov/N3555N


Date: 16-MAY-19

Time: 16:10:00Z
Regis#: N3555N
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20F
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: BOWLING GREEN 
State: MISSOURI

Air Tractor AT-502B, N6039S: Incident occurred May 16, 2019 in Grandfield, Tillman County, Oklahoma

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Aircraft ran out of fuel.


Texoma Sprayers LLC


https://registry.faa.gov/N6039S

Date: 16-MAY-19
Time: 20:00:00Z
Regis#: N6039S
Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR
Aircraft Model: AT-502B
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: AERIAL APPLICATION
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 137
Aircraft Operator: TEXOMA SPRAYER
City: GRANDFIELD
State: OKLAHOMA

Grumman-Schweizer G-164C Ag Cat, N6787K and Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164D Turbo Ag Cat, N6929K : Fatal accident occurred May 15, 2019 in Pleasant Grove, Sutter County, California

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

Additional Participating Entity:

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

N6787K Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N6787K

Location: Pleasant Grove, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA145A
Date & Time: 05/15/2019, 1215 PDT
Registration: N6787K
Aircraft: Grumman G164
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On May 15, 2019, at 1215 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman Schweizer airplane, G164C, N6787K, and a Grumman Schweizer airplane G164D, N6929K, collided in mid-air over a rice field in Pleasant Grove, California. Both commercial pilots in each of the airplanes were fatally injured and both airplanes were destroyed. The G164C was registered to the pilot and operated by Moe's Crop-Dusting Service. The G164D was registered to Rafter V Ranch and operated by Van Dyke Brothers. Both airplanes were operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flights and company flight plans were filed for both flights. The G164C departed from Moe's Crop-Dusting Service, a private strip, in Pleasant Grove, and was transitioning south-southeast bound to seed a local area field. The G164D had just completed seeding a local area field and was transitioning back to Van Dyke Strip Airport (25CL), Pleasant Grove, when the collision occurred.

A witness located about a half-mile west of the accident reported that she saw the G164C traveling southbound. She heard a bang and saw both left wings depart the airplane. The nose dropped and the airplane impact the ground. At that time, she was unaware that another airplane was in the area and did not see the collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, and a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector responded to the accident site. The airplanes came to rest about a quarter mile apart. The G164C came to rest in a dry field adjacent to an access road. The G164D came to rest in a nose down attitude in a rice field.

Both airplanes were recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Grumman
Registration: N6787K
Model/Series: G164 C 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Moe's Crop Dusting Service Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLHM, 122 ft msl
Observation Time: 1215 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3200 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 8500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Pleasant Grove, CA
Destination: Pleasant Grove, CA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.885278, -121.423889

N6929K  Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N6929K

Location: Pleasant Grove, CA
Accident Number: WPR19FA145B
Date & Time: 05/15/2019, 1215 PDT
Registration: N6929K
Aircraft: Grumman G164
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On May 15, 2019, at 1215 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman Schweizer airplane, G164C, N6787K, and a Grumman Schweizer airplane G164D, N6929K, collided in mid-air over a rice field in Pleasant Grove, California. Both commercial pilots in each of the airplanes were fatally injured and both airplanes were destroyed. The G164C was registered to the pilot and operated by Moe's Crop-Dusting Service. The G164D was registered to Rafter V Ranch and operated by Van Dyke Brothers. Both airplanes were operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flights and company flight plans were filed for both flights. The G164C departed from Moe's Crop-Dusting Service, a private strip, in Pleasant Grove, and was transitioning south-southeast bound to seed a local area field. The G164D had just completed seeding a local area field and was transitioning back to Van Dyke Strip Airport (25CL), Pleasant Grove, when the collision occurred.

A witness located about a half-mile west of the accident reported that she saw the G164C traveling southbound. She heard a bang and saw both left wings depart the airplane. The nose dropped and the airplane impact the ground. At that time, she was unaware that another airplane was in the area and did not see the collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, and a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector responded to the accident site. The airplanes came to rest about a quarter mile apart. The G164C came to rest in a dry field adjacent to an access road. The G164D came to rest in a nose down attitude in a rice field.

Both airplanes were recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Grumman
Registration: N6929K
Model/Series: G164 D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLHM, 122 ft msl
Observation Time: 1215 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3200 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 8500 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Pleasant Grove, CA (25CL)
Destination: Pleasant Grove, CA (25CL)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.885278, -121.423889

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. 

Brian Julean Van Dyke, 62, passed away on May 15th, 2019. He was tragically taken from this life doing what he loved, sowing rice seed in his D Model Ag Cat over his family's ranch. Brian was born November 15, 1956, in Sacramento, California to Dean and Donna Van Dyke.

Brian grew up in Pleasant Grove, California where he developed a deep love for farming while working with his Dad and Pop on the farm. Brian graduated in 1974 from East Nicolaus High School. He was captain of the football team and Class President. He was active in many sports and clubs. After high school he attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and continued onto Chico State. Brian then graduated from Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in Oakland in 1978 to pursue a career in aviation.

In 1978, he began working alongside his father and two brothers at VA farms. After 20 years, Brian started Rafter V Ranch where he spent the last 20 years of his life.

Brian worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed water skiing, duck hunting on his ranch, goose hunting in Canada, dove hunting in Mexico, big game hunting in Montana and Colorado and fishing in Baja, California. He was an award winning trap shooter, sprint car racer, offroad racer and desert racer. Brian enjoyed many Sandrail trips to Glamis, Dumont Dunes, Coos Bay, Pismo Beach. He loved to collect hot rods and cruise on his motorcycle. Brian was a loving father and grandfather and he will be deeply missed and always remembered.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, David Clark Van Dyke, Elizabeth Anita Hotchkiss Van Dyke, Frank Otto Battenberg, Pearl Bethal Bennett. His parents, Dean Sherwood Van Dyke and Donna Maxine Battenberg.

He is survived by his older brothers, Robert (Karen) Van Dyke and Gary (Mary) Van Dyke. Virginia Dee Van Dyke and children, Kaysi Raquel (Nick) Van Dyke/Fox, Brandon Cole (Vanessa) Van Dyke, Brian Seth (Alexys) Van Dyke and Foryst Stone Van Dyke. As well as his beloved grandchildren: Kruz, Kannon, Weston, Vivienne, Beau, Henry and Ty. His girlfriend Sandy King and her children, as well as many friends.

A viewing will take place Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 at Twin Cities Mortuary, 715 Shasta Street, Yuba City, California. Services will be held Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019 at 10am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5091 Wheatland Road, Wheatland, California followed by graveside services at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, on Howsley Road. A Celebration of Life immediately following at Robert and Karen Van Dykes.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ENHS Almuni or SSRA pool.

Obituary for Burton (Burt) Allen Haughey

Celebration of Life: For Burt will be held June 5th, 2019 at Bishop Pumpkin Farm 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM. Lunch @ 1:30 PM 



PLEASANT GROVE, California  (KCRA) —  Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were in Sutter County on Thursday trying to determine what caused two crop dusters to collide in midair Wednesday, killing both pilots.

“What we look for are witness remarks as to how the airplanes came together so that we can get directions of flight, altitudes, those type of things,” said Tealeye Cornejo, the lead investigator on the scene from the NTSB.

“We're gathering up perishable evidence so that when we lay it out we'll know what we're looking at to try and piece together what happened,” Cornejo said.

By midday, crane operators were lifting and hauling debris from a white, single-engine Grumman G-146C AG Cat that belonged to Burt Haughey, 58, identified by authorities as one of the casualties.

Haughey’s friend, Don Tolland, said he traveled from Yuba City to the crash site because he had to see the wreckage for himself to know it was real.

“Burt was such a good pilot, so careful and such a good person,” Tolland said. “I worked for his dad back when Burt was 4 or 5 year old. He used to ride in a loader truck with me. I taught him how to drive a tractor for his first time. It's pretty sad for me to see this.”

“I mean, him and his dad were just good for the communities,” Tolland added.

Tolland said his friend flew for Moe’s Crop Dusting.

“They did a lot of work in this area, took care of a lot of people, so it's going to be a hard hit for these guys,” Tolland said.

The pilot of a yellow crop duster has been identified as 62-year-old Brian Van Dyke, a rice farmer.

Crop dusters are a big part of the landscape in Sutter County and on Thursday, the California Rice Commission issued a statement regarding the two pilots who died.

“We are incredibly saddened to learn of this incident which claimed the lives of these well known and respected agricultural pilots,” the Rice Commission said.

“We are a close-knit family community and pilots are a critical part of growing rice in the Sacramento Valley,” the Rice Commission stated.

Investigators said they will need several more days to piece together all the evidence that is on the ground. What they really want are witnesses.

“It would be really helpful to have some eyewitness statements,” Cornejo said.

She said anyone with relevant information can contact investigators via email at eyewitness@ntsb.gov.

Cornejo said she hoped to issue a preliminary report on the NTSB’s early findings in 10 days. She said she expected the yellow crop duster, now stuck in the waters of a rice paddy, to be hauled out by crane operators Friday.

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


PLEASANT GROVE — Two crop dusting pilots died Wednesday after colliding midair near Pleasant Grove.

The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Burton A. Haughey, 58, of Wheatland, and Brian J. VanDyke, 62, of Rio Oso, died in the collision over the 3700 block of Striplin Road just before noon. The pilots were flying Grumman G-164C Ag Cats — popular crop duster planes, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

“Law enforcement is reporting to us that two single-engine Grumman G-164C Ag Cats collided in midair under unknown circumstances over Striplin, California, around noon,” FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said in a statement. “One pilot was reportedly on board each aircraft.”

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the matter, with the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office handling the coroner’s report.

Sutter County Undersheriff Scott Smallwood said the planes are about 150 yards away from each other. As of 2:45 p.m., one body still needed to be extricated from a plane. Smallwood said the planes were seeding rice fields in the area.

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











Both pilots were killed Wednesday when two single-engine planes collided in midair over Northern California, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Grumman G-164C Ag Cats, which are used as crop dusters for agriculture in the area, crashed near the community of Pleasant Grove. The pilots were planting rice seeds with their aircraft.

"We gotta have these pilots. They got to keep this farming thing going and that’s what it's all about," Tom Beilby, a friend of both victims, told FOX40.

Authorities initially believed the crash involved a single plane, but once police arrived at the scene, they realized two planes had collided.

The two pilots were identified as 62-year-old Brian Van Dyke and 58-year-old Burton Haughley, according to the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities are unsure what caused the planes to collide.

Both pilots grew up around airplanes and had been flying since their childhoods, Beilby said.

"It's just something that both of them started young in their lives," he said. "Both their dads flew airplanes. They started flying airplanes when they were young guys and it gets under your skin, I think just like any other job or any type of hobby, it’s something that you enjoy."

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