Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Beech A36 Bonanza, N248SB; fatal accident occurred December 09, 2017 near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF), San Diego County, California

Robert John Stelling Jr.

Dr. Mike Zareski

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


Additional Participating Entities: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama 
Textron; Wichita, Kansas

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


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 
 
http://registry.faa.gov/N248SB




Location: San Diego, CA
Accident Number: WPR18FA046
Date & Time: 12/09/2017, 1633 PST
Registration: N248SB
Aircraft: BEECH A36
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 2 Fatal, 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 9, 2017, about 1633 Pacific standard time, a Beech A36 airplane, N248SB, was destroyed when it impacted a residence during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF), San Diego, California. The airline transport pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to Altitude Aviation, Inc., and was being operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight, which was destined for Zamperini Field Airport (TOA), Torrance, California. The flight originated from MYF about 1630.

The pilot reported that he flew from TOA to MYF to pick up the passengers, and that flight was uneventful. The pilot and passengers then departed MYF on runway 28R; the airplane had 45 gallons of fuel on board. About 1.5 nautical miles (nm) west of MYF, about 700 ft above ground level (agl), the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the loss of engine power was "possibly accompanied by a clacking sound." The surviving passenger reported hearing a loud "bang" before the loss of engine power. Review of recorded radio transmissions from the air traffic control tower at MYF revealed that, about 2 minutes after departure, the pilot reported the engine failure to the controller. The pilot was instructed to enter right traffic for runway 28R and was cleared to land. The pilot performed a steep, 180° right turn and completed the emergency procedure for a loss of engine power. The pilot could not restore engine power and subsequently performed a forced landing to a nearby school yard. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted and traveled through a fence before colliding with a residence. The surviving passenger stated that several tree branches shattered the window next to her and the right side door was engulfed in flames. After the airplane came to rest, the passenger noted that the other two passengers were unresponsive; she and the pilot subsequently egressed the airplane through the broken window. A postcrash fire ensued. 

Radar data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that, at 1632:08, the airplane was in an established climb at 800 ft mean sea level (msl) about 0.3 miles from the departure end of runway 28R. The airplane continued to climb on the runway heading until it reached about 1,400 ft msl. At 1632:58, the airplane began to descend in a right turn toward the southwest. The final radar return at 1633:40 depicted the airplane at 575 ft msl about 0.33 nm northeast of the accident site.

A witness located southeast of the accident site recorded a video that showed the airplane in a steep right bank. The landing gear was extended and visible. The airplane briefly disappeared from view and about 1 second later, it touched down in the middle of a school yard.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial; Private
Age: 41, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
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 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/17/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 5500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 150 hours (Total, this make and model)

The pilot, age 41, held an airline transport pilot certificate with airplane single- and multi-engine land ratings and a flight instructor certificate with instrument and airplane single-engine ratings. The pilot was issued a first-class FAA medical certificate on November 17, 2017, with no limitations.

The pilot reported 5,500 total hours of flight experience, with 150 hours in the accident airplane make and model.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N248SB
Model/Series: A36 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1995
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: E-2931
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/08/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3651 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1358.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-B
Registered Owner: ALTITUDE AVIATION INC
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

The six-seat, single-engine, low-wing, retractable-gear airplane was manufactured in 1995 and powered by a Continental IO-550-B, air-cooled reciprocating engine equipped with a three-bladed McCauley propeller. Review of maintenance records showed that the most recent 100-hour inspection was completed on September 8, 2017, at 1,354.7 hours since engine overhaul. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMYF, 417 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 109°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 50°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / -8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SAN DIEGO, CA (MYF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Torrance, CA (TOA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1630 PST
Type of Airspace: Class D

The MYF weather observation at 1753 included calm wind, 10 statute miles visibility, clear sky, temperature 26°C, dew point -8°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.12 inches of mercury.

Airport Information

Airport: MONTGOMERY-GIBBS EXECUTIVE (MYF)
Runway Surface Type: Dirt
Airport Elevation: 427 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 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal, 1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal, 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 32.825000, -117.170556 (est) 

The airplane impacted a chain link fence and a tree before it came to rest in the backyard of a residence; the wreckage was oriented on a magnetic heading about 240°. Most of the airplane was destroyed by postimpact fire. The touchdown point was defined by the right main landing gear tire imprint located about 380 ft from the main wreckage. Tire tracks from the nose gear and left main landing gear adjacent to the touchdown point indicated that the right main landing gear and the nose landing gear made continuous contact with the ground until 50 ft prior to the chain link fence.

The left wing outboard section and wing tip separated from the airframe; the engine was attached to the firewall. Flight control continuity was established from the elevator and rudder to the cockpit. Partial control continuity of the ailerons was established from the aileron bellcranks to the cabin. The flaps were found in the retracted position.

The elevator trim actuator measured a 10° tab-down deflection. The fuel selector handle and valve were both in the right tank position. Blood was observed inside the fuel selector.

The propeller remained attached to the engine. The spinner and two of the propeller blades were fire damaged. One blade was bent aft under the engine. The landing gear was in the extended position.

The engine was consumed by fire and the accessories were heavily damaged. The magneto cases were melted and brittle. Both magnetos displayed a significant amount of internal and external thermal damage and were not capable of producing spark. The spark plug leads were burnt and most of them were missing from the plugs. Valve train continuity was established to the rear accessory gears when the propeller was rotated by hand. Thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders except the No. 2 cylinder, which displayed a compressed intake valve spring consistent with fire damage; the valve was not fully seated. The throttle and metering assembly as well as the manifold valve exhibited heavy thermal damage. The fuel pump was burned, and no fuel was present in the pump, sump, or lines. The alternator, vacuum pump, and oil filter were all intact but heavily damaged by postcrash fire. The engine did not display any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The San Diego County Medical Examiner, San Diego, California, performed an autopsy of the two passengers. The cause of death for both individuals was listed as thermal injuries and inhalation of products of combustion.

Piper PA-23-250 Aztec C, N5894Y: Fatal accident occurred March 08, 2019 in Pahokee, Palm Beach County, Florida

License of pilot in Lake Okeechobee plane crash is questioned in two lawsuits

The plane was carrying the pilot and four attorneys to Palm Beach Gardens from Tampa when it crashed March 8th.


Eduardo Mulet


WEST PALM BEACH, Florida - The widower of a woman killed when a small plane crashed into Lake Okeechobee on March 8th, killing all five aboard, has sued the estate of the pilot as well as various companies associated with him.

The suit is raising questions about whether pilot Eduardo Mulet was paid for flying four lawyers to Tampa. That would contradict what he said in his flight plan and also would place in him in violation of his flying certification. A family member has said the flight was a favor.

The suit filed on behalf of Heather Bridwell’s husband, Jason Bridwell, and the couple’s 9-year-old daughter, was filed Tuesday in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. It names the pilot’s estate and his flying business. It also names various companies that leased and maintained the plane.

Mulet told air-traffic controllers the Piper 23-250 Aztec C was having engine trouble moments before he tried to make an emergency landing at the Pahokee airport, the National Transportation Safety Board said March 19th in a preliminary report.

Killed were Mulet; Bridwell, 43, of Jupiter; Eric Peterson, 73, of Lighthouse Point; Matthew Fiorello, 36, of Palm Beach Gardens; and Edwin Mortell III, 54, of Stuart. The four lawyers worked for Peterson Bernard, a law firm based in Glen Ridge.

On July 17th, Edwin Mortell’s wife, Melissa Ann Mortell, filed suit in Palm Beach County, naming the the estate and some of the other entities as well, and making the same arguments.

The lawyers were flying from Tampa International Airport to North Palm Beach County Airport in suburban Palm Beach Gardens after a day trip to meet with prospective clients.

According to the March 19th National Transportation Safety Board report, Mulet declared an emergency and reported he was going to shut down his rough-running left engine and divert to the small county airport in Pahokee. Witnesses said the plane dropped at a 45-degree angle and slammed into shallow water about 400 yards from shore. Lawyers for Jason Bridwell said Wednesday the plane’s speed was estimated at 135 mph.

The new lawsuit claims Mulet was “incompetent and otherwise unqualified” to fly that type of plane and didn’t have enough experience piloting it. Lawyers also said they suspect the plane had mechanical problems that had caused previous engine failures and had not been adequately repaired.

Federal Aviation Administration records show Mulet’s last medical exam was in November 2017. According to Federal Aviation Administration rules, after a year with no new exam, the medical certificate of a pilot over 40 is downgraded to third class from first. Pilots are allowed to fly with a third-class certificate as long as they are not flying for hire.

Lawyers for Jason Bridwell say they are trying to pin that down.

“He was doing it as a friend, as a favor,” Marianne Rodriguez, Mulet’s niece, told The Palm Beach Post March 14th. “Flying was his passion.”

The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it will “investigate further if it receives information or documentation that the flight was conducted for hire.”

The National Transportation Safety Board initial report says the original flight plan was listed as not-for-pay. A National Transportation Safety Board spokesman stressed that the facts in the preliminary report are just that, and a final report could take months.

At a news briefing Wednesday, lawyers showed animation produced by the FlightAware webpage showing the plane deviating at times from its flight path. As it left Tampa International, where small planes compete not just with commercial flights but also traffic from nearby MacDill Air Force Base, controllers told Mulet he needed to get back into his lane, according to audio provided by the lawyers.

Mulet’s widow, Casandra Mateo, could not be reached Wednesday for comment, and the attorney for Eduardo Mulet’s estate did not immediately return a call.

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

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


Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Miramar, Florida
Piper Aircraft; Vero Beach, Florida
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N5894Y 


Location: Pahokee, FL
Accident Number: WPR19FA093
Date & Time: 03/08/2019, 1526 EST
Registration: N5894Y
Aircraft: Piper PA23
Injuries: 5 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - 

On March 8, 2019, about 1526 eastern standard time, a Piper PA 23-250 airplane, N5894Y, impacted a lake during an emergency landing at the Palm Beach County Glades Airport (PHK), Pahokee Florida. The commercial pilot and four passengers were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to L-Holding LLC, and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and the flight was operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from the Tampa International Airport (TPA), Tampa, Florida about 1420 and was destined for North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, Florida.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the pilot declared an emergency to air traffic control and reported a rough running left engine. The pilot further reported that he was going to shut down the left engine and divert to PHK. The controller cleared the pilot to land; the pilot's last transmission was when he reported the airport in sight.

Witnesses reported that their attention was drawn to the airplane when they observed it in a 45o nose and left-wing low rapid descent before it impacted the water.

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

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N5894Y
Model/Series: PA23 250
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: F45, 22 ft msl
Observation Time: 1535 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 25 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 15°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 3400 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / , 110°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 6500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Tampa, FL (TPA)
Destination: West Palm Beach, FL (F45) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 4 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 5 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 26.790278, -80.692778 (est)

Piper PA-18-150, N7184B: Accidents occurred August 27, 2019, September 13, 2018 and August 27, 2016

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/N7184B

Location: Kenai, AK
Accident Number: GAA19CA515
Date & Time: 08/27/2019, 1430 AKD
Registration: N7184B
Aircraft: Piper PA18
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on an unimproved airstrip, the airplane landed hard and veered left. He "dumped [his] flaps and attempted to arrest the leftward direction with braking" then applied full power to go around, but the airplane impacted brush and a tree.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, rudder, and left-wing lift strut.

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

The pilot reported that the wind was 180° at 10 knots. An airport's automated weather observation station located 30 miles to the southeast, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was 260° at 6 knots. The pilot was landing the airplane to the south.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/28/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/31/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1082 hours (Total, all aircraft), 807 hours (Total, this make and model), 1061 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7184B
Model/Series: PA18 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18-5224
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/12/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3787 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 A2A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 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: PAEN, 92 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 30 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 135°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 260°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - Smoke; No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Kenai, AK (ENA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Kenai, AK
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
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: 60.941667, -151.961111 (est)

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

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


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


Location: Kenai, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA558
Date & Time: 09/13/2018, 1110 AKD
Registration: N7184B
Aircraft: Piper PA18
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during approach, he made a relatively steep descent with full flaps. During touchdown on the unimproved airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane landed hard and bounced. The airplane touched down again angled to the left and veered off the runway to the left during the roll on the uneven, dirt surface. Subsequently, the left wing impacted a tree, and the airplane pivoted into an adjacent tree.

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

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 improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control on an unimproved airstrip.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Sloped/uneven terrain - Effect on operation
Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Hard landing
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/28/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/31/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1045 hours (Total, all aircraft), 773 hours (Total, this make and model), 1025 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 38 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7184B
Model/Series: PA18 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18-5224
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/28/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3754 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A2A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 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: PALV, 60 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 232°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 40°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Kenai, AK (ENA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Kenai, AK
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1040 AKD
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:  60.940833, -151.960556 (est)

Additional Participating Entity:

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

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

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

Location: Kenai, AK
Accident Number: GAA16CA456
Date & Time: 08/27/2016, 1155 AKD
Registration: N7184B
Aircraft: PIPER PA18
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal


Analysis 

The pilot of the tailwheel and tundra tire equipped airplane reported that during landing on a soft grass airstrip he conducted a wheel landing instead of a three-point landing. The pilot further reported that during the landing roll, the main landing gear dug into the ground, which resulted in a nose over and substantial damage to both wing struts and empennage.

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

According to the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3A;

SOFT-FIELD LANDING

The tailwheel should touch down simultaneously with or just before the main wheels, and should then be held down by maintaining firm back-elevator pressure throughout the landing roll. This will minimize any tendency for the airplane to nose over and will provide aerodynamic braking. The use of brakes on a soft field is not needed because the soft or rough surface itself will provide sufficient reduction in the airplane's forward speed. Often it will be found that upon landing on a very soft field, the pilot will need to increase power to keep the airplane moving and from becoming stuck in the soft surface.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper soft field landing technique on a soft grass airstrip, which resulted in a nose over.

Findings

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Use of policy/procedure - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Soft surface - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Nose over/nose down (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/17/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/29/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 994 hours (Total, all aircraft), 721 hours (Total, this make and model), 973 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N7184B
Model/Series: PA18 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18-5224
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/24/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3690.8 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A2A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 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: PAEN, 92 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 23 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 121°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 18 knots / 24 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: KENAI, AK (ENA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Off Airport, AK
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1130 AKD 
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: 60.774167, -151.898611 (est)

Cessna 172: Incident occurred August 27, 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft veered off the left side of runway and struck a taxiway light.

Date: 27-AUG-19
Time: 17:34:00Z
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: FAR 141 PILOT SCHOOL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FORT LAUDERDALE
State: FLORIDA

Delta Air Lines, Boeing 757-200, N547US: Incident occurred August 27, 2019 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL), Georgia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta

Aircraft blew a tire on departure damaging flap and hydraulics.

Delta Air Lines Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N547US

Date: 27-AUG-19
Time: 13:45:00Z
Flight#: DAL1105
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 752
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 121
City: ATLANTA
State: GEORGIA

Europa XS Monowheel, N141EW: Incident occurred August 17, 2019 in Wadsworth, Washoe County, Nevada

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno

Aircraft lost door during flight.

Date: 17-AUG-19
Time: 18:08:00Z
Regis#: N141EW
Aircraft Make: EUROPA
Aircraft Model: MONOWHEEL XS
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: WADSWORTH
State: NEVADA

Hard Landing: Piper PA-32RT-300T, N2228B; accident occurred August 27, 2019 at Ashland Municipal Airport (S03), Jackson County, Oregon

View of fuselage damage.
Federal Aviation Administration 


 View of separated right-wing root. 
Federal Aviation Administration 


Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Hillsboro, Oregon 

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/N2228B 


Location: Ashland, OR
Accident Number: GAA19CA518
Date & Time: 08/27/2019, 2050 PDT
Registration: N2228B
Aircraft: Piper PA32RT
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, during landing, shortly after touchdown, the airplane bounced. The airplane then touched down hard and the propellers struck the ground. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane exited the runway and came to rest upright on grassy terrain.

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

The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/01/2015
Occupational Pilot:No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 100 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N2228B
Model/Series: PA32RT 300T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 32R-7987039
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/18/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3219.65 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: TIO-540-SlAD
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 0635 UTC
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Portland, OR (HIO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Ashland, OR (S03)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Grants Pass (3S8)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1130 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 31
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4001 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop 

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: 42.510000, -123.388056 (est)