David Clifford McCormick
The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
https://registry.faa.gov/N43032
Location: Jersey Shore, PA
Accident Number: ERA19FA243
Date & Time: 08/11/2019, 1643 EDT
Registration: N43032
Aircraft: Poberezny ACRO SPORT II
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On August 11, 2019, at 1643 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Poberezny Acro Sport II, N43032, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering shortly after takeoff from Jersey Shore Airport (P96), Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot and a private pilot passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The pilot purchased the airplane 2 weeks before the accident. He removed the wings and transported it to P96, where it was reassembled. His first flight in the airplane occurred 2 days before the accident. His second flight was the accident flight.
A witness near the accident site stated the airplane took off from runway 27, made a circle and a high-speed fly-by over runway 9 about 150 ft above ground level (agl). The witness reported the engine was running at "full throttle." When over the end of the runway, the airplane climbed straight up to about 500-600 ft agl, then "stalled;" the left wing rolled over and the airplane made about two to three spirals before impacting the ground.
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single- and multiengine land and instrument airplane. He also held a flight instructor certificate with ratings for airplane single- and multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second class medical certificate was issued July 31, 2019. He reported 1,400 hours of flight experience on that date.
The passenger held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He also held a repairman experimental aircraft builder certificate for a Kitfox airplane. His most recent FAA third class medical certificate was issued June 17, 2014. He reported 1,370 hours of flight experience on that date. The pilot was operating under the provisions of Basic Med and his most recent physical examination was completed on May 30, 2019.
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 2006 and was powered by a Lycoming O-320, 160-horsepower engine.
The airplane came to rest about 100 yards from the end of runway 9. The wreckage path was oriented 240°. All major components were located with the main wreckage. Flight control continuity was verified from the cockpit to all primary flight control surfaces.
Examination of the wreckage revealed the forward and rear cockpit panels were bent but intact. The rear throttle and mixture were in the full forward position, the forward throttle and mixture were in the full aft position.
The tail assembly remained attached to the fuselage. The upper wing remained attached; however, the wing attachments were bent in several places. The upper ailerons were both attached by the outer pivot points. The inner attachment points and tubes that connected to the lower aileron were separated from the lower wings. The lower right wing was still attached; the skin was torn in several areas and the right main landing gear punctured the wing material. The lower aileron was still attached and the torque tube to the joysticks was attached. The left lower wing was attached, and the aileron remained attached to the wing. The left main landing gear punctured the wing material.
The Culver two-bladed wood propeller remained attached to the engine. One blade was fractured the length of the blade, the other blade was not damaged.
The engine remained attached to the airframe. All engine components remained attached to the engine. The oil sump was fractured, and oil was present on the ground underneath the engine. The engine was removed for further examination. Engine rotation was achieved by rotating the propeller by hand; the fractured starter ring gear had to be removed from the engine to facilitate a full 360° of rotation. Pushrod tubes on cylinder No. 3 intake side, and cylinder No. 4 exhaust side, suffered impact damage and were bent; however, engine continuity was confirmed throughout the engine with thumb compression and suction attained on all four cylinders.
The single-drive dual magneto was found secured to the accessory section of the engine and was removed, rotated by hand, and confirmed to spark at each individual lead. The engine-driven fuel pump remained attached to the engine and with rotation of the engine, suction and compression on the inlet and outlet ports was confirmed. Fuel was also present at both ports as fuel lines were removed from the pump. The electric boost pump was tested using a 12-volt battery source and activated when voltage was applied. The oil pressure screen was removed and found unobstructed. A second oil screen that was part of the Cristen aerobatic oil system was also found unobstructed. All 8 sparkplugs were removed and found to have coloration consistent with normal operation and normal wear. No damage to electrodes were noted. The No. 2 bottom sparkplug sustained impact damage on the ignition harness lead end and was cracked and bent. The starter and alternator remained attached and were impact damaged.
The throttle body injector remained attached to the engine; it was fractured and bent and would not operate from its closed throttle position. The unit was disassembled, and the diaphragm removed. No evidence of tears or debris was found on the air or fuel side of the diaphragm. The fuel inlet screen was present and unobstructed. The mixture arm was found fractured from the unit and remined attached to the mixture control cable. Movement of the mixture control tube and throttle was obtained after the impact damaged parts and cracked throttle body sections were disassembled.
At 1640, the weather recorded at Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT), Williamsport, Pennsylvania, 14 miles east of the accident site included wind from 240° at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, broken clouds at 7,000 ft, temperature 27°C, dew point was 11°C and an altimeter setting of 30.08 inches of mercury.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Poberezny
Registration: N43032
Model/Series: ACRO SPORT II 2
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KIPT, 525 ft msl
Observation Time: 2040 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 240°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Jersey Shore, PA (P96)
Destination: Jersey Shore, PA (P96)
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: 41.207500, -77.219167 (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.
David Clifford McCormick, 67, was born on June 21, 1952 to Fred S. and Helen (Barto) McCormick. Dave grew up in Dewart and then lived in later years in New Columbia, Spring Garden, Watsontown, and finally in Elimsport.
Dave became a Christian at a young age under the guidance of his mother and the members of Washington Presbyterian Church in Allenwood.
Dave graduated from Warrior Run High School in 1970 and specialized in Aviation Mechanics. He always knew he wanted to be around airplanes.
On June 12, 1981 Dave married the love of his life, Christa Lee Bryan. Together they built a life full of friends and family.
He was employed by Eck’s Gargare, Inc. in Montoursville.
Dave listed his accomplishments as: getting his pilot’s license and building and test flying his own airplane. His hobbies were collecting aviation memorabilia, Road Race MGB, Drag Race 1972 Corvette, Pit Crew, Spencer Racing, demolition derbies, motorcycle hill climbs and his beloved fly-ins.
He was a member of the AOPA, EAA, Sentimental Journey Fly-In, WRAP (Williamsport Area Pilots), and the Loyal Order of the Moose. He was a life-member of Piper Aviation Museum.
Surviving besides his wife, Christa Bryan-McCormick, are a brother, Jon McCormick and his wife Linda; two sisters: Linda Hackenberg and her husband David and Deb Kerstetter and her husband Bob. He was a wonderful god-father of Ben and Casey Drick and also a devoted uncle to nieces and nephews: Amber and Chad Kerstetter, Jason, Chad, and Adam McCormick, Kyle and Kurtis Bryan, and Anne Jacobs, and Greg and Luke Olenginski.
Family and friends are invited to a visition on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon at Elimsport United Methodist Church, 16145 State Route 44 Highway, Allenwood where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Michael Hill officiating.
Burial will be held privately in Elimsport Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Dave’s family suggests contributions in his memory be made either to his church or Piper Museum, One Piper Way, Lock Haven, PA 17745 or at www.pipermuseum.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home and Cremation Svc, PC, 124 Main Street, Watsontown. www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com
https://www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com
A native of Union County, he was born Aug. 5, 1979, in Lewisburg, a son of Orvis H. Cromley and Kelly (Asprey) Smith. He was married to the former Amanda J. Croll for nearly 15 years.
Douglas was a 1997 graduate of the Lewisburg High School.
He was a truck driver, passionately working with his father.
His greatest passion was being a flight instructor preceeding a successful business, Sky Boys Aviation.
He attended Trinity United Methodist Church of Winfield.
Douglas was CFI, CFII, MEI, and was a small engine and multi engine instructor. He loved to rebuild and work on antique cars. He enthusiastically supported his son in all sports activities, including wrestling, baseball and football. He received the Golden Instructor Award for all his flight students passing their test as future pilots on their first attempt.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Brady Cromley; his mother, Kelly and Jim Smith; father, Orvis and Jayne Cromley; siblings, Justin Cromley, Adam Cromley, Corissa Thomas, and Katie Crawford; nieces, Hadlee and Dollie Crawford; nephew, Madden Cromley; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Donald Croll; grandparents, Albert and Geraldine Asprey, and Loretta and Walter Cromley.
Friends and relatives will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at the John H. Shaw III Funeral Home, Market and Eighth streets, Lewisburg, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Trinity United Methodist Church Winfield, followed by the funeral at 11, with the Rev. Matthew Loyer and the Rev. Larry Siikanen officiating. Burial will follow in the Lewisburg Cemetery. Donations in Douglas' memory may be made to Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
http://obituaries.dailyitem.com
The pilot, Douglas Cromley, 40, of Lewisburg, and a passenger, David McCormick, 67, of Allenwood, died in the small plane crash near the Jersey Shore Airport in Nippenose Township Sunday afternoon.
Cromley and McCormick crashed their home-built biplane just south of the grass runway at the Jersey Shore Airport in a cornfield. The plane crashed just a few moments after takeoff.
Cromley was the flight instructor at Skyboys Aviation where he taught beginners how to fly.
People who live close to the airport said they saw the plane flying very low to the ground just a few hours before the crash. One neighbor saw the crash as it happened.
"We saw the biplane take off down the runway, and it got to the end of the runaway and it got up in the air, and it looked almost like it was circling back to land, but then it looked like it was going to go over to do a stunt and it started heading down, straight down, and I looked up and said, 'What is he doing?' and, 'He better pull up,' and then everybody looked that way and it's like, he's not pulling up, and then he went completely down," Robin Tressler said. Autopsies are scheduled for Tuesday. Officials with the FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. So far, there is no indication what led to the deadly plane crash.
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