Tuesday, October 08, 2019

Loss of Control on Ground: Beech G35 Bonanza, N4216D; accident occurred July 23, 2017 at Wichita Valley Airport (F14), Iowa Park, Wichita County, Texas



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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

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

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


http://registry.faa.gov/N4216D


Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Accident Number: CEN17LA282
Date & Time: 07/23/2017, 2230 CDT
Registration: N4216D
Aircraft: BEECH G35
Aircraft Damage:  Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On July 23, 2017, about 2230 central daylight time, a Beech G35, N4216D, was substantially damaged when it struck an irrigation canal off the end of runway 13 at Wichita Valley Airport (F14), Wichita Falls, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was seriously injured. The local flight originated from Grand Prairie (GPM), Texas, about 2130.

According to the pilot's accident report, he departed GPM about 2130, and received flight following and a clearance into Class B airspace. The flight proceeded normally until he entered the downwind leg for runway 13 at F14. He noted scattered thunderstorms ahead. On final approach, he thought the airplane was too high and he considered making a go-around. He felt strong downdraft and encountered heavy rain and turbulence. He also observed several lightning strikes ahead.

The pilot made the decision to land and risk running off the end of the runway rather than possibly entering the thunderstorm. The pilot said he did not realize there were 6-foot tall berms on either side of a drainage ditch 50 to 60 feet from the end of the runway because of the tall weeds obscured them. There was also standing water on the second half of the runway. The airplane went off the end of the runway and struck the first berm. The impact rendered the pilot unconscious. When he regained consciousness minutes later, the airplane was in a drainage ditch and water had filled the cockpit. He remained in the airplane until daylight, extricated himself, and walked to a nearby house where he called 9-1-1.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the airplane and reported finding substantial damage to the forward fuselage and firewall.

Weather observations recorded at Sheppard Air Force Base/Wichita Falls Municipal Airport (SPS), located 7 miles to the east of F14, reported winds varying from 060° to 360° at 16 to 20 knots, and gusting from 21 to 29 knots, with a peak wind at 35 knots. There was a thunderstorm in the vicinity, with lightning observed in all quadrants. 




Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Waiver Time Limited Special
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/20/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/16/2016
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 5000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 500 hours (Total, this make and model), 3500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N4216D
Model/Series: G35 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: D-4414
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/03/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3888 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91  installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: E-225-8
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 225 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None



Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSPS, 1019 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2231 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 20°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 8000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 12 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / Convective
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / Moderate
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Grand Prairie, TX (GPM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wichita Falls, TX (F14)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 2130 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G



Airport Information

Airport: Wichita Valley (F14)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1004 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Wet
Runway Used: 13
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3320 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude:  33.944167, -98.613056 (est)

Piper PA-28-181, N4403Z: Accident occurred September 13, 2019 at Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ), Pima County, Arizona

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona 
Piper Aircraft; Phoenix, Arizona
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania
AVStar Fuel Systems Inc; Jupiter, Florida
Precision Airmotive LLC; Arlington, Washington
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix Inc; Mesa, Arizona

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N4403Z

Location: Marana, AZ
Accident Number: WPR19LA259
Date & Time: 09/13/2019, 1730 MST
Registration: N4403Z
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On September 13, 2019, about 1730 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, airplane, N4403Z, caught fire during preflight startup at the Marana Regional Airport (AVQ), Marana, Arizona. The flight instructor and two student pilots were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The airplane was registered to CAE Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix, Inc, and operated as an instructional flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and no flight plan was filed.

According to the flight instructor, after landing at AVQ, he and the student pilots exited the airplane, used the airport facilities, and had the airplane refueled. About 30 minutes after the airplane was shut down, the flight instructor completed his preflight and he and the student pilots boarded the airplane. During the preflight, the flight instructor stated he did not see any fuel or liquids during the walk around. After a second failed attempt to start the engine the flight instructor and student pilots smelled smoke. The flight instructor saw smoke coming from the nose wheel well and he and the student pilots stood clear of the airplane and called the local authorities. The airplane continued to smoke for about 15 minutes before the fire department arrived.

During a post-accident examination of the airplane, the cowling was removed which revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The cowling and various lines and accessories sustained thermal damage.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N4403Z
Model/Series: PA28 181
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Cae Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAVQ, 2031 ft msl
Observation Time: 0035 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 37°C / 2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 320°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Mesa, AZ (FFZ)
Destination: Marana, AZ (AVQ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.403889, -111.219722

Bede BD-5, N501BD: Fatal accident occurred October 08, 2019 near Camarillo Airport (KCMA), Ventura County, California

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N501BD 


Location: Camarillo, CA
Accident Number: WPR20FA005
Date & Time: 10/08/2019, 1229 PDT
Registration: N501BD
Aircraft: Bede BD5
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On October 8, 2019, about 1229 Pacific daylight time, an amateur built experimental Bede BD-5, airplane, N501BD, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain about 3/4 mile south of the Camarillo Airport (CMA) Camarillo, California. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to the pilot who was operating it as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight that departed CMA about 1223.

According to preliminary data, the Air Traffic Control tower radioed the pilot, who was flying on downwind in the traffic pattern, that he was a little low. The pilot responded that he was having issues climbing and would need to stay at his current altitude. He also responded that he would need to make a full stop landing.

Several witnesses located near the accident site reported that the airplane was low, then made a right turn, and was rapidly descending towards the ground. One witness stated that the propeller was not moving.

A postaccident examination of the accident site by the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, revealed that all major structural components and primary flight controls of the airplane, were located at the accident site. The airplane came to rest inverted in an open field of produce. There was a post-crash fire, that was primarily contained, to the middle portion of the airplane's bottom. No damage to a nearby power line was noted.

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

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bede
Registration: N501BD
Model/Series: BD5 B
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: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCMA, 65 ft msl
Observation Time:1155 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 14°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 190°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Camarillo, CA (CMA)
Destination: Camarillo, CA (CMA) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.213611, -119.094444 (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. 



WOODLAND HILLS—   John K. Lewis, 82, of the Reforma neighborhood in Woodland Hills was identified as the pilot aboard the Bede BD-5 that crashed into vegetation field terrain off Pleasant Valley Road & Las Posas Road in Camarillo Tuesday, October 8th.

Communications Manager Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration spoke to Canyon News and stated that the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances at around 12:30 p.m. Pilot Lewis, who was the only person aboard, was killed when the plane burned after impact. After departing, Lewis reported that he was having trouble gaining altitude. The FAA declared in their preliminary report that the aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Camarillo Airport. According to Gregor, Lewis departed from the Camarillo airport to fly locally, and planned to return to Camarillo after his flight.


The Flight Safety Foundation stated in their report of the fatal crash that Lewis experienced a loss of engine power and a subsequent impact when hitting the ground during his attempted return to his point of departure southeast of the Camarillo Airport. They concluded that the aircraft was partially consumed by the post crash fire causing Lewis to become trapped inside where he succumbed to his injuries. The distance between the vegetation field terrain off Pleasant Valley Road & Las Posas Road where the aircraft crashed and the Camarillo airport was 0.8 miles, a total of 4224 feet.


The FSF detailed that the Bede BD-5 Micro was created to be a small, single-seat homebuilt aircraft presented to the market primarily in kit form. The aircraft was experimentally built in the 1960’s, then quickly deemed defunct as of the early 1970s.



Gregor informed Canyon News that The FAA and The National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. He stated that the NTSB is the lead agency and it typically takes the NTSB a year or more to determine a probable cause of an accident. Neither The FAA nor The NTSB identifies people involved in aircraft accidents.


Original article ➤ https://www.canyon-news.com




Officials identified a pilot Wednesday who died after his small plane struggled to gain altitude and crashed Tuesday in a Camarillo-area field, according to federal authorities.

The pilot was identified as John Lewis, 82, of Woodland Hills, according to James Baroni of the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. Lewis died from a combination of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, Baroni said.

The Bede BD-5 plane crashed around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after taking off from the Camarillo Airport, according to Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Lewis planned a flight in the Bede BD-5 that would return to the airport, according to Gregor.

“Shortly after taking off, the pilot reported he was having trouble gaining altitude and crashed right after that,” Gregor said. 

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Hatlee said callers who reported the crash said the plane had been flying low before it went down in the field south of the airport. Filled with a leafy green crop and next to a lemon orchard, the field is immediately south of Pleasant Valley Road and west of Las Posas Road.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash along with the National Transportation Safety Board. The National Transportation Safety Board is the lead investigative agency, and it typically posts a preliminary report within a week to two weeks after an accident, Gregor said. 

The Federal Aviation Administration looks at aircraft maintenance and inspection records as part of every accident investigation, Gregor said. 

Federal Aviation Administration records categorize the Bede BD-5 as an experimental, amateur-built plane that was declared airworthy in 1998.

The Bede BD-5 was created in the 1960s by aircraft designer Jim Bede and marketed mainly in kit form in the 1970s, according to online accounts. It has a small, streamlined fuselage with space under a canopy for a semi-reclined pilot and an engine in the middle of the fuselage.

The Bede Aircraft Corp. went bankrupt in the mid-1970s, according to online reports.

The crash came several weeks after another crash at the airport killed two people. An amateur-built Wheeler Express 2000 stalled and crashed short of the Camarillo Airport runway on August 7th, killing a Salt Lake City couple, pilot John Wells, 60, and his wife, Tara Wells, 56. They had taken off from the South Valley Regional Airport in Salt Lake City.

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




CAMARILLO, California - Authorities launched an investigation following a deadly plane crash miles from the Camarillo Airport Tuesday afternoon.

One person was killed in the crash, officials confirmed. Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said that the pilot was the only person onboard the plane at the time of the crash.

The incident was reported near the intersection of Las Posas and Pleasant Valley roads which is about three miles from the Camarillo Airport around 12:30 p.m.

The Bede BD-5 crashed in a field south of the Camarillo Airport and caught fire, the Federal Aviation Administration said. 

SkyFOX showed aerial images from the crash.

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





A pilot was killed when a small plane crashed and caught fire near Camarillo Airport Tuesday afternoon, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The crash was reported in a field near Pleasant Valley Road at about 12:30 p.m., and the fire was extinguished by 12:55 p.m., according to the department.

Authorities said the pilot was the only person aboard the plane.

Aerial video from Sky 5 showed firefighters surrounding a single-engine plane down in a field.

The Bede BD-5 fell about 1,000 feet west of the airport, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said.

It's unclear what led to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

Story and video ➤ https://ktla.com


























CAMARILLO, California - Authorities have released the identity of a man killed in a small plane crash just outside of the Camarillo Airport Tuesday afternoon.

John Lewis, 82, of Woodland Hills died Tuesday in the crash. He was the only occupant aboard the plane.

Ventura County Medical Examiner's office said Lewis' died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

Lewis' plane crashed around 12:30 p.m. Roads were closed in the immediate vicinity of the crash.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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

Loss of Control in Flight: Solo Wings Windlass; fatal accident occurred September 28, 2019 near Pratermill Flight Park Airport (GA72), Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia

View of Aircraft from Front. 
Federal Aviation Administration 


 View of Aircraft from Front.
Federal Aviation Administration


View of Aircraft from Left Wingtip. 
Federal Aviation Administration 


 View of Aircraft from Left Rear. 
Federal Aviation Administration

Engine and Propeller Assembly.

Fractured Propeller Blades – Notes Chordwise Scratching.

Weight-Shift Aircraft Wing and Frame.





 
Michael Lynn Green
May 1st, 1958 - September 28th, 2019


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

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

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


Location: Dalton, GA
Accident Number: ERA19LA286
Date & Time: 09/28/2019, 1909 EDT
Registration: UNREG
Aircraft: SOLO WINGS WINDLASS
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 28, 2019, at 1909 eastern daylight time, an unregistered amateur-built experimental light-sport Solo Wings Windlass weight-shift control aircraft was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Pratermill Flight Park, Dalton, Georgia. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was privately owned and operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

According to the aircraft owner, he purchased the aircraft in 1998 and had flown it about 200 hours before putting it into storage for about 10 years. When the accident pilot expressed an interest in flying the aircraft and started taking lessons in weight-shift control aircraft, the owner took the aircraft out of storage and replaced the fuel lines, fuel filter, tires, tubes, wing spar bungee cord, primer, throttle cable, and battery. He then flew the aircraft a total of 4 to 5 hours since those repairs, with no anomalies noted. On the day of the accident, the owner completed a 30-minute flight and noted no anomalies. The pilot, who had not previously flown the accident aircraft, asked if he could fly it. The owner questioned if he was ready, to which the pilot responded, "yes," and the owner agreed.

The owner witnessed the accident flight and stated that the aircraft rotated about 300 ft down the turf runway and then climbed to an altitude above tree level. The aircraft then turned left and seemed to "falter in the turn" before falling to the ground.

A witness located on the property adjacent to the airport observed the aircraft fly south before making an easterly turn toward his property. He stated that the aircraft "lost lift in the turn and seemed to stall" then made an uncontrolled, turning descent toward the ground. He stated that the engine "revved higher than normal" at the time of the turn.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airmen records, the pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with a rating for airplane multi-engine land, with commercial pilot privileges for glider and airplane single-engine land. He also held a flight instructor certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine. He was issued an FAA first-class medical certificate on August 28, 2018. At that time, the pilot reported 18,870 total hours of flight experience.

The pilot's flight instructor reported that he had provided the accident pilot about 14 to 16 hours of flight instruction in the 2 months preceding the accident. He considered the pilot one of his better students and stated that he had a good piloting sense. He stated that the pilot was ready for a check ride with another flight instructor to demonstrate proficiency for a weight-shift category endorsement. However, the pilot had not performed such a check ride and did not hold a sport pilot certificate with an endorsement for weight-shift-control-land aircraft. Review of the pilot's logbook showed 13 hours of instruction. The pilot had not logged any flight experience in the accident aircraft.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The two-seat weight-shift control aircraft was equipped with a cable-braced hang glider-style high-wing, tricycle landing gear, and a single Rotax 503, 50-horsepower engine in a pusher configuration.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

Examination of the accident site and wreckage revealed that the aircraft came to rest beyond a tree line and in a fenced pasture located about 450 ft east of runway 17. The wing remained largely intact; however, the structural tubes were bent and fractured in several locations. The landing gear was separated from the fuselage. The aircraft was equipped with an airframe parachute; however, it had not been deployed. Grass along the debris field from the main wreckage displayed blighting consistent with fuel spillage. The 10-gallon fuel tank was separated from the aircraft and punctured and came to rest about 25 ft from the fuselage. Continuity of the throttle cable, wing brace cables, and control bar linkage was confirmed.

The composite, ground-adjustable propeller blades were fractured and fragmented near the blade roots; the propeller hub remained attached to the engine. Examination of the blades revealed chordwise scratching and leading edge damage on the surfaces. The leading edge strip on one blade was deformed from impact. The fibers on the fractured areas near the hub were bent in the direction opposite of rotation.

The engine case was free of cracks or holes. One of the two carburetors was missing. The owner reported that it was not found during the wreckage recovery. The recovered carburetor was separated from the engine during impact. It was normal in appearance. The fuel pump was normal in appearance. The in-line fuel filter was clean and unobstructed. Spark plugs were removed and showed normal wear. The engine rotated freely through several rotations with thumb compression observed and no other damage noted.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Whitfield County, Georgia Coroner did not perform an autopsy or toxicological testing.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
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: 08/18/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 18870 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SOLO WINGS
Registration: UNREG
Model/Series: WINDLASS
Aircraft Category: Weight-Shift
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate:
Serial Number: None
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/08/1999, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 772 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 100 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 207.6 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 503
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 53 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: DNN, 708 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1915 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: Unknown / Unknown
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Dalton, GA (GA72)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Dalton, GA (GA72)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1909 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Pratermill Flight Park (GA72)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 780 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Vegetation
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1500 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.883333, -84.888889 (est)
===========


Location: Dalton, GA
Accident Number: ERA19LA286
Date & Time: 09/28/2019, 1909 EDT
Registration: UNREG
Aircraft: SOLO WINGS WINDLASS
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 28, 2019, at 1909 eastern daylight time, an unregistered amateur-built experimental light-sport Solo Wings Windlass weight-shift control aircraft was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Pratermill Flight Park (GA72), Dalton, Georgia. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was privately owned and operated 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 local flight.

According to the aircraft owner, he purchased the aircraft in 1998 and had accumulated about 200 total flight hours on the aircraft before putting it into storage for about 10 years. When the accident pilot expressed an interest in flying the aircraft and started taking lessons in weight-shift control aircraft, the owner took the aircraft out of storage and replaced the fuel lines, fuel filter, tires, tubes, wing spar bungee cord, primer, throttle cable and battery. He had flown the aircraft 4-5 hours since those repairs, with no anomalies noted. On the day of the accident, the owner returned from a 30-minute flight and the pilot asked if he could fly the aircraft. The pilot had not previously flown in the accident aircraft. The owner questioned if he was ready, to which the pilot responded, "Yes," and the owner agreed.

The owner witnessed the accident flight and stated that the aircraft rotated about 300 ft down the turf runway, and then climbed to an altitude above tree level. The aircraft then turned left and seemed to "falter in the turn" before falling to the ground.

A witness located on the property adjacent to the airport observed the aircraft fly south before making an easterly turn toward his property. He stated that the aircraft "lost lift in the turn and seemed to stall," then made an uncontrolled, turning descent toward the ground. He stated that the engine "revved higher than normal" at the time of the turn.

The pilot's flight instructor reported that he had provided about 14 to 16 hours of flight instruction to the pilot in the two months preceding the accident. He considered the pilot's flying skills to be excellent and stated that the pilot was ready for a check ride with another flight instructor to demonstrate proficiency for a weight-shift category endorsement. However, the pilot had not performed such a check ride prior to the accident.

Initial examination of the accident site and wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the aircraft came to rest inverted beyond a tree line and in a fenced pasture located about 450 ft east of runway 17. The wing remained largely intact; however, the structural tubes were bent and fractured in several locations. The landing gear was separated from the fuselage. An initial impact mark and one of the main landing gears were located about 10 ft from the main wreckage. Grass farther along the debris field from the main wreckage appeared blighted, consistent with fuel spillage.

According to FAA airmen records, the pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with a rating for airplane multi-engine land, with commercial pilot privileges for glider and airplane single-engine land. He also held a flight instructor certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine. He was issued an FAA first-class medical certificate on August 28, 2018. At that time, the pilot reported 18,870 hours of total flight experience.

The two-seat weight-shift control aircraft was equipped with a cable-braced hang glider-style high-wing, tricycle landing gear, and a single Rotax 503, 50-horsepower engine in a pusher configuration.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SOLO WINGS
Registration: UNREG
Model/Series: WINDLASS
Aircraft Category: Weight-Shift
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: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: DNN, 708 ft msl
Observation Time: 1915 EDT
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 20°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Dalton, GA (GA72)
Destination: Dalton, GA (GA72)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.883333, -84.888889 (est)

Pratermill Flight Park Airport (GA72)


It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michael (Mike) Green announce that on Saturday the 28th of September, Mike flew to heaven and reunited with his loving wife, Sue.

Mike (61) lived in Dalton, Georgia and was a retired American Airlines pilot. Mike was a man who never knew a stranger, and had countless friends that became more like family. Known as a man who would do anything for those he loved, he leaves behind a void in the hearts and lives of all that knew him. Mike served as a second father to anyone he thought needed one, and served up the best hugs and dad jokes.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sue Green, mother Lenora Green, and faithful dog Lois.

He is survived by his sons, Lee Green (Jade & Melissa) of Austin, Texas; Sam Green (Kelly) of San Francisco, California; his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Michael Ogles of Adairsville, sisters-in-law Jackie Holifield and Sandy Arhelger; 3 grandchildren : Nolan, Henry, and Madison; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by friends that are too numerous to count, but are no less important, as well as his constant companion, Fray-dog.

The memorial service to celebrate the life of Michael Green will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 until the service time at 7:00.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Erlanger Healthcare Systems Foundation, where Sue received her cancer treatment.

"May the road rise to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warmly upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God the Father Almighty hold you in the palm of his hand."

https://www.julianpeeples.com


Pratermill Flight Park Airport (GA72)


DALTON, Georgia  — UPDATE (September 30th):

A friend of the pilot tells NewsChannel 9 the pilot's name was Michael Green of Dalton, and he was a retired pilot with American Airlines.

Newly released 911 calls provide some insight into how witnesses described the weight-shift-control trike just before it went down.

The owner of Pratermill Flight Park says Green was his friend. He says they had the weight-shift-control trike stored for nearly 10 years before taking it out for a ride Saturday. Both he and Green had recently touched it up and had been taking instructor lessons.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are still working to learn what caused the accident.

UPDATE (September 29th):

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the deadly weight-shift-control trike crash that happened in Dalton, Georgia Saturday night.

The Federal Aviation Administration released the following statement:

A weight-shift-control trike crashed at the Pratermill Flight Park Airport in Dalton, Georgia, yesterday at 7:09 p.m. Contact local authorities for information on the pilot, the only person on board. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration says a weight-shift-control trike crashed on the east side of the Pratermill Flight Park Airport in Dalton at 7:09 p.m. Authorities confirm there was only one person on board.

PREVIOUSLY (September 28th):

The Whitfield County Sheriff's Department is currently on the scene of a weight-shift-control trike crash. Police say one person is dead.

Officials say the crash happened on 2371 Bryant Circle in Dalton, Georgia.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://newschannel9.com