Thursday, October 10, 2019

Collision during Takeoff: Beechcraft A23-B19 Sport 150, N2177W; accident occurred October 09, 2019 at Fayette County Airport (KFYE), Somerville, Tennessee



Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Memphis, Tennessee

Aviation Accident Final 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/N2177W

Location: Somerville, TN
Accident Number: GAA20CA042
Date & Time: 10/09/2019, 1530 CDT
Registration: N2177W
Aircraft:Beech 19 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the engine "shut down" due to the fuel selector being in the "off" position. Subsequently, he made a forced landing to a field adjacent to the runway. He moved the fuel selector to the "on" position and then initiated a soft-field takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane collided with an embankment, and it momentarily ascended before landing hard and then coming to rest upright. The nose landing gear separated from the airplane, and the fuel tanks ruptured. A fire ensued, which consumed the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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 failure to move the fuel selector position to the "on" position before takeoff, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and necessitated a forced landing to a field shortly after takeoff, and his subsequent improper decision to take off from unsuitable terrain, which resulted in collision with an embankment and a postcrash fire.

Findings

Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Sloped/uneven terrain - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Initial climb
Loss of engine power (total)
Miscellaneous/other

Takeoff
Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Part(s) separation from AC

Post-impact
Fire/smoke (post-impact)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 74, 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: None With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/02/2003
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 600 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5 hours (Total, this make and model), 600 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N2177W
Model/Series: 19 B19
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: MB-694
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/30/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E3D
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 3203 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: KM08, 499 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2035 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 86°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Somerville, TN (FYE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fulton, KY (1M7)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1525 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Fayette County (FYE)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 435 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 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 35.196667, -89.396389 (est)

FAYETTE COUNTY, Tennessee — A 74-year-old pilot survived a close brush with death after his plane crashed and burst into flames in a field shortly after taking off from the Fayette County Airport Wednesday afternoon.

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office said the pilot, Floyd Yarbro of Kenton, Tennessee, escaped the wreckage without any serious injuries and was taken to a Memphis hospital to be checked out.

They said he had just left the airport around 3:30 p.m. when he experienced some type of engine trouble and tried to circle back.

"It looked like he was having trouble getting up. It looked like he was coming down and then going up," said witness Johny Vanlandingham.

About a football field distance from the airport, the pilot attempted a rough landing in a field, but the sheriff's office said his front landing gear snapped off as he did so.

“I saw his back wheels hit and when it did, it threw his nose forward," said Vanlandingham.

The pilot had just enough time to get out of the plane before it burst into flames, Vanlandingham said. Within minutes, he said the plane was fully engulfed.

"He was fine, he was just scared as anybody would be, Vanlandingham said of the pilot.

"To hear that he got out alive that’s a blessing with all the smoke that was coming and the flames. That’s wonderful, I’m glad to hear that," said Iris Jackson, who lives nearby.

The plane is a Beechcraft A23-B19 Sport 150, according to federal aviation records. It was manufactured in 1974, but it's still unclear why the engine failed.

“We don’t know what the cause will be at this point. The FAA and the NTSB have been called. It will be tomorrow before they’ll be able to come out and begin their investigation," said Ray Garcia with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.

The plane is registered to an Arkansas clinic, but it's unclear what connection the pilot has to that.

Story and video ➤ https://wreg.com

Loss of Engine Power (Partial): Zenith STOL CH701, N701BJ; accident occurred October 05, 2019 in Garden Ridge, Comal 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; San Antonio, Texas

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: Garden Ridge, TX
Accident Number: CEN20LA005
Date & Time: 10/05/2019, 1030 CDT
Registration: N701BJ
Aircraft: Zenair ZENITH CH 701
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that the airplane was fully loaded with fuel and that all preflight checks were normal for the personal flight. He indicated that, after departure, as the airplane reached between about 10 and 15 ft above ground level, the engine power rolled back "opposite of a surge." He landed straight ahead into brush past the runway end. During the landing, the right main landing gear and nose landing gear collapsed, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.

During the engine examination, several items were identified that could have contributed to a reduction or loss of engine power, including a lack of a fuel return line, a loose exhaust pipe, dirty air filters, and a disconnected choke lever. However, an engine test run was conducted without correcting any of the identified deficiencies, and the engine performed without interruption; no anomalies were noted. Further, no anomalies were noted during the airframe examination. Although the conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power, the airplane was operating at takeoff power at the time of the accident. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Probable Cause and Findings
  
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. 

Findings

Environmental issues
Rough terrain - Contributed to outcome

Not determined
Not determined - Unknown/Not determined (Cause)

Factual Information 

***This report was modified on April 17, 2020. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.***

On October 5, 2019, about 1030 central daylight time, a Zenair Zenith CH-701 airplane, N701BJ, impacted terrain near Garden Ridge, Texas, following a partial loss of engine power after takeoff. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to the pilot and operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight which was operating without a flight plan. The flight was originating from Kitty Hawk Flying Field Ultralight Flightpark (TS67), Garden Ridge, Texas, when the accident occurred.

The pilot reported the airplane was fully loaded with fuel, it started normally, and all preflight checks were normal. The airplane reached 10-15 ft above the ground during takeoff when the engine RPM rolled back "opposite of a surge." The pilot pulled the throttle control back to idle and landed straight ahead in an area of brush off the end of the runway. The right main gear and nose gear collapsed, and the fuselage exhibited buckling.

An examination of the engine and airframe was conducted by a representative of Rotech and a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. No anomalies were found during the airframe examination. When first examined, the engine was attached to the engine mount and firewall of the airplane, and the engine cowling was still in place. The retaining nut for the 2/4 cylinder carburetor choke lever was not present and the choke lever was found detached at the control valve. The fuel feed line to the mechanical fuel pump was badly cracked. The carburetor float bowls were removed and inspected. Some debris was found in the 2/4 carburetor; however, the main jet was clear of any obstructions. Examination also found there was no fuel return line installed in the airplane as recommended by the engine manufacturer, the No. 3 cylinder exhaust pipe was loose, and the air filters were dirty.

The damaged propeller was removed from the engine and a new propeller was installed for test run purposes. No other repairs were made to the engine. The engine was turned over with the use of the engine's electric starter. After a few rotations the engine started and ran at idle. The throttle was then advanced to around 3,500 rpm and then to 4,000 RPM. All engine parameters appeared normal after several minutes and the engine was shut down. No anomalies were noted during the engine test run.

The pilot reported at the time of the accident the temperature was 80° F and the dewpoint was 72° F. A review of the Federal Aviation Administration's carburetor icing probability chart indicated that weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. 

History of Flight

Initial climb
Unknown or undetermined
Loss of engine power (partial) (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 37, 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 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/15/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   188 hours (Total, all aircraft), 136 hours (Total, this make and model), 145 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 61 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 28 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Zenair
Registration: N701BJ
Model/Series: ZENITH CH 701 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: JN316
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/04/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 349.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 912 UL-S
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 80 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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Garden Ridge, TX (TS67)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  CDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Kitty Hawk Flying Field (TS67)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 860 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 14
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 700 ft / 20 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 29.621944, -98.277222 (est)