Friday, October 18, 2019

Piper PA-23-250 Aztec F, N778PA: Fatal accident occurred October 16, 2019 in Gonzale, Louisiana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge;

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances into the Gulf of Mexico

https://registry.faa.gov/N778PA

Date: 16-OCT-19
Time: 00:05:00Z
Regis#: N778PA
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA23
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Aircraft Missing: Yes
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: GONZALES
State: LOUISIANA

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.

 
Dr. Steven Stone Schumacher was a trauma specialist for Saint Francis Healthcare in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He studied at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1990.


The U.S. Coast Guard ended its search in the Gulf of Mexico for a small aircraft piloted by an LSU medical school graduate who officials believe crashed last week en route from Missouri, where he worked as a trauma surgeon, to Gonzales.

Steven Stone Schumacher, 63, was traveling alone in a Piper PA-23-250 Aztec F plane. His family reported him missing hours after he was scheduled to arrive Wednesday night, officials said.

Crews spent roughly 21 hours searching for the plane, covering more than 62,500 square-nautical miles before calling it off Sunday, the Coast Guard said.

"After the utmost consideration and review of all factors involved in this search and rescue case, the Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to suspend its active search efforts,” said Cmdr. Drew Casey, search and rescue mission coordinator from the Eighth Coast Guard District, in a statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Steven Schumacher.”

The plane's last position over the Gulf was 440 miles off Louisiana's coast, and federal air controllers weren't able to contact Schumacher. He was expected to arrive in Gonzales about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

The Coast Guard and Mexican Navy had been searching for the plane but found no signs of it. 

Schumacher, a trauma surgeon in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, graduated from the LSU School of Medicine. He was a resident at the New Orleans Charity Hospital's department of surgery, according to the Missouri health care system

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

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A U.S. Coast Guard plane and a Mexican Navy vessel searched the Gulf of Mexico for a small plane Thursday after a trauma surgeon flew the aircraft hundreds of miles (kilometers) beyond its intended destination.

Steven Schumacher's family reported him overdue at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, two hours after he was scheduled to end a trip from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Gonzales, near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Coast Guard said.

An online flight tracker showed the Piper Aztec's last known position over the Gulf about 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, about 440 miles (700 kilometers) past Louisiana's coast, said Petty Officer Sydney Phoenix, a Coast Guard spokeswoman.

The Houston air traffic control center was unable to reach the pilot, Federal Aviation Agency spokesman Lynn Lunsford said in an email.

"If a pilot is not on a controller's frequency, there is no way for the controller to contact them other than to try and reach them on an emergency frequency that pilots are supposed to monitor. In this case, the pilot was not in contact with controllers and did not respond to attempts to contact him," Lunsford wrote.

Schumacher is a trauma surgeon with Cape Trauma Specialists, a partner organization with St. Francis Healthcare System of Cape Girardeau, St. Francis president and CEO Maryann Reese said in an emailed statement. "The Saint Francis Family is keeping the Schumacher family in our thoughts and prayers as the search continues for him and his private aircraft," she wrote.

Schumacher has connections in several other states.

A hangar lease with the Cape Girardeau airport for the 1977 Piper PA-23-250 Aztec F with tail number N778PA shows he signed it for Critical Care Response of St. Petersburg, Florida.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he has worked with St. Francis since July 2017, while also working for much of that time with University Hospitals Cleveland in Ohio. He has worked for hospitals in New York City, Kettering, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, not to mention four months teaching surgery for the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Butare, Rwanda, the profile showed.

He graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor of science degree, received his medical degree in 1990 from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, was an LSU resident in general surgery from 1990 to 1995, and did postgraduate work in 2007 and 2008 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, according to his profile.

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

Maule M-7: Incident occurred October 17, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro

Aircraft landed and veered off runway and hit runway light.

Date: 17-OCT-19
Time: 15:48:00Z
Aircraft Make: MAULE
Aircraft Model: M7
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: RALEIGH
State: NORTH CAROLINA

Aerodynamic Stall/Spin: Piper PA-18-150, N2894P; accident occurred October 16, 2019 in Gerlach, Washoe County, Nevada

 




Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada 

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/N2894P 

Location: Gerlach, NV
Accident Number: GAA20CA030
Date & Time: 10/16/2019, 1600 PDT
Registration:N2894P 
Aircraft: Piper PA18
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during approach to land on a dirt field, about 10 ft above ground level, the airplane yawed right, and the right wing aerodynamically stalled and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. 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 exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. 

Findings

Aircraft
Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/07/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/07/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 627 hours (Total, all aircraft), 153 hours (Total, this make and model), 575 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 71 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N2894P
Model/Series: PA18 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:Normal 
Serial Number: 18-4492
Landing Gear Type:Tailwheel 
Seats:2 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/13/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2188.08 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 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: KSVE, 4149 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 31 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2255 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 275°
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: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / -8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Calneva, CA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Calneva, CA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:1600 PDT 
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: 40.335000, -119.908056 (est) 

Piper PA-28-140, N15888: Incident occurred October 17, 2019 -and- Accident occurred October 26, 2018 at Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), Miami-Dade County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

October 17, 2019:  Aircraft landed and nose gear collapsed.


https://registry.faa.gov/N15888


Date: 17-OCT-19

Time: 15:54:00Z
Regis#: N15888
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MIAMI
State: FLORIDA

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

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: Miami, FL

Accident Number: GAA19CA040
Date & Time: 10/26/2018, 1100 EDT
Registration: N15888
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

 Analysis 

The student pilot reported that, during a solo cross-country flight, while landing with a crosswind, the airplane bounced and landed hard. He added that the propeller struck the ground, the airplane "tilted” left, and the left wing then struck the ground. The airplane came to rest in the grass off the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.

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

The airport’s automated weather observation system reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 240° at 8 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27R, which resulted in a 4-knot crosswind.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: 
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Hard landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Runway excursion

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 29, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
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 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/04/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 115.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 114.4 hours (Total, this make and model), 8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 9.1 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N15888
Model/Series: PA28 140
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-7325189
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/03/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  6025.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E3D
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 160 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: KTMB, 10 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 251°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 240°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Okeechobee, FL (OBE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Miami, FL (TMB)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0943 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: MIAMI EXECUTIVE (TMB)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 10 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 27R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5003 ft / 150 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: 25.649167, -80.429167 (est)

Douglas DC-3C, N437GB: Accident occurred October 18, 2019 near Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, Bahamas

Atlantic Air Cargo Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N437GB 


NTSB Identification: ERA20WA015
14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Friday, October 18, 2019 in Nassau, Bahamas
Aircraft: Douglas DC3C S1C3G, registration: N437GB
Injuries: 2 Minor.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.

The government of Bahamas has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Douglas DC3C S1C3G airplane that occurred on October 18, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Bahama investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.

All investigative information will be released by the government of Bahamas.

NEAR NASSAU, Bahamas (WSVN) – Two people are expected to be OK after a cargo plane crashed on approach to an airport several miles north of Nassau, Bahamas.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Douglas DC-3 took off from Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, Friday afternoon.

Julio Castrillo, a pilot, has been identified by family members as one of the people on board the aircraft.

Nancy Johns, Castrillo’s sister, said she was terrified when she heard about the crash.

“When I heard that a DC-3 was crashed, I got hysterical,” she said.

The Federal Aviation Administration released a statement on the crash that read in part:

“A Douglas DC-3 on approach to the Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, Bahamas crashed short of Runway 14 into the water today at 4:45 p.m. The flight departed the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport enroute to Lynden Pindling International Airport. The FAA will investigate and the NTSB will determine the probable cause of the accident.”

Atlantic Air Cargo in Doral operate the aircraft with daily charter flights from Miami to the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.

The Coast Guard said the Royal Bahamian Defense Force picked up the two people on board the downed aircraft.

“They were rescued. They were doing good, and that’s it. It was wonderful to hear,” Johns said.

It remains unclear what caused the plane to go down.

Story and video ➤ https://wsvn.com

Cessna 172M, N12679 and Cessna 172M, N9567H: Incident occurred October 17, 2019 at Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), Miami-Dade County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft ready for takeoff and struck N9567H.

Garuda Aviation Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N12679

Date: 17-OCT-19
Time: 12:52:00Z
Regis#: N12679
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: MIAMI
State: FLORIDA

Aircraft on departure was struck by N12679.

https://registry.faa.gov/N9567H

Date: 17-OCT-19
Time: 12:52:00Z
Regis#: N9567H
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: MIAMI
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 172 Skyhawk, N7233A: Incident occurred October 18, 2019 near Melbourne International Airport (KMLB), Brevard County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando

Aircraft made a forced landing on a road.

Victoria's Wings LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N7233A

Date: 18-OCT-19
Time: 01:50:00Z
Regis#: N7233A
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: MELBOURNE
State: FLORIDA





Investigators were attempting to find out how and why a small plane landed on an old stretch of roadway in an industrial part of Melbourne late Thursday.

No one was injured after the unidentified single-engine aircraft touched down about 9:02 p.m. on Old Nasa Boulevard, just south of Nasa Boulevard, not far from the Orlando Melbourne International Airport. 

"We don't know the cause, but the airplane came in for a landing and touched down on Old Nasa. It came to a stop at the dead-end of the road. It stopped in the grass," said Sgt. Mike Casey of the Melbourne Police Department. "Everyone is fine, the only person on board was the pilot," he said. 

The pilot has not been identified.

The incident was being investigated by airport police. 

Neither airport police nor the airport's public information officer responded to inquiries Friday.

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

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Ercoupe 415-C, N2585H; accident occurred October 17, 2019 near Pearland Regional Airport (KLVJ), Brazoria County, Texas




Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, 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

https://registry.faa.gov/N2585H

Location: Alvin, TX
Accident Number: GAA20CA031
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1012 CDT
Registration: N2585H
Aircraft: Ercoupe 415
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, before departure, he fueled the airplane to full capacity (24 gallons). He added that, about 3 hours 36 minutes into the flight, upon descending to 2,000 ft, the engine began to run roughly. He reported that, for about 5 minutes, the engine fluctuated between running roughly and intermittently before quitting entirely. He decided to land in a subdivision. During the "high speed flare," he observed the left wing was approaching a light pole, so he "drove the yoke right." The airplane landed hard, and he applied hard braking. The right wheel hit the curb, and the right wing impacted a fence. He saw another light pole and added left yoke input. The airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that he examined the fuel tanks and found no visible signs of fuel.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and an off-airport landing, during which the airplane landed hard and then ground looped. 

Findings

Aircraft
Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)

Personnel issues
Fuel planning - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Pole - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Fuel exhaustion
Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)

Landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 65, 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: Sport Pilot
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/02/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 314.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 62.4 hours (Total, this make and model), 314.9 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 20.3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Ercoupe
Registration: N2585H
Model/Series: 415 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2721
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/01/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1260 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3021.6 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:Continental 
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: A&C75
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 85 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: KLVJ, 44 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 38°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 50°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Sonora, TX (SOA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Houston, TX (LVJ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0636 CDT
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: 29.451389, -95.302500 (est)



MANVEL, Texas — A pilot was not injured after crash landing his small plane in a subdivision in the Manvel area Thursday morning.

This happened in the Martha’s Vineyard subdivision just east of County Road 99 and Highway 6.

Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety say the pilot was flying in from Senora and headed to the Pearland Airport when the plane ran out of fuel.

Witness video of the landing shows that the plane rolled once before coming to a stop.

Fortunately, the plane did hit any structures when it landed.

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

Cessna 206H Stationair, N11379: Accident occurred October 17, 2019 near Stockton Metropolitan Airport (KSCK), San Joaquin County, California

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

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N11379

Location: Stockton, CA
Accident Number: WPR20LA009
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1800 PDT
Registration: N11379
Aircraft: Cessna 206
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Public Aircraft 

On October 17, 2019, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 206H airplane, N11379, executed a forced landing following a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Stockton Metropolitan Airport (KSCK), Stockton, California. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Private Pilot had minor injuries, and the airplane exhibited substantial damage to the left wing. The airplane was registered to and operated by San Joaquin County as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. No flight plan was filed for the local flight.

The CFI reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice instrument approaches. After a thorough preflight and runup, the airplane took off from runway 29L while being controlled by the private pilot. About 150 feet above the ground, the engine "surged" then "smoothed out." The airplane continued to climb, but the pilots elected to conduct a precautionary landing. The private pilot continued to climb and made a left turn for the traffic pattern. During the turn, the engine lost complete power and the CFI took control of the airplane. The CFI landed the airplane in an empty lot where the airplane continued through a perimeter fence and struck a semi-trailer parked along an adjacent roadway.

The airplane has been recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N11379
Model/Series: 206 H
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: County Of San Joaquin
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSCK, 33 ft msl
Observation Time: 1755 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 15 knots / , 310°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Stockton, CA (SCK)
Destination: Stockton, CA (SCK) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 37.895556, -121.259444






STOCKTON — A plane carrying two San Joaquin County sheriff’s deputies was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff Thursday evening near Stockton Metropolitan Airport after experiencing engine trouble, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

The Cessna 206H Stationair plane crashed into a cyclone fence and diesel trailer.

“Miraculously they appear to be uninjured at this time,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

According to Andrea Lopez, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office, the deputies had been training just before the incident occurred.

“About 6:15 p.m. our dispatch received a call that an airplane had crashed in this area,” she said Thursday night during a press briefing at the scene. “We later learned that it was two of our deputy officers in the plane.

“They took off today for a routine training and shortly after, they experienced engine trouble,” Lopez said. “They felt a loss of power and we were very grateful that they were able to conduct this emergency landing.”

The plane belonged to the Sheriff’s Office, she said, and is expected to remain at the scene of the crash landing until Friday as the investigation continues.

An investigation will be conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Medics were brought to the scene, but the deputies who had been aboard did not go to the hospital, she said.

“We only have property damage at this point,” she said. “We are grateful that our deputies are OK. The fence, the plane, the tractor trailer, are all replaceable. Our deputies are not.”

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

Loss of Control in Flight: Flight Design CTLS, N771TX; accident occurred October 17, 2019 at Monument Valley Airport (UT25), San Juan County, Utah





Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah


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/N771TX

Location: Monument Valley, UT
Accident Number: GAA20CA032
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1045 MDT
Registration:N771TX 
Aircraft: Flight Design CTLS
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and as soon as the wheels lifted off, the airplane's tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings-level flight; however, the airplane continued drifting left. The pilot reported that, due to the tailwind and high altitude, the airplane was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently impacted a sandy berm off the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.

Findings

Aircraft
Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation (Cause)
Tailwind - Effect on operation (Cause)
Object/animal/substance - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Other weather encounter
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Loss of lift
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 73, 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: Sport Pilot None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/13/2018
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 201 hours (Total, all aircraft), 116 hours (Total, this make and model), 143 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Flight Design
Registration: N771TX
Model/Series: CTLS Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental Light Sport
Serial Number: F-10-01-03
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/01/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 756.3 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 912 ULS
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 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: KBDG, 5865 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 48 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site: 45°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Monument Valley, UT (UT25)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Page, AZ (PGA)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0730 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Monument Valley (UT25)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5192 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 34
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing:None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries:1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 37.016667, -110.200556 (est)

Ikarus C 42E, N475CR: Incident occurred October 17, 2019 near Shell Lake Municipal Airport (KSSQ), Washburn County, Wisconsin

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis

Aircraft after takeoff lost engine power and crashed near the shoreline.

https://registry.faa.gov/N475CR

Date: 17-OCT-19
Time: 19:37:00Z
Regis#: N475CR
Aircraft Make: COMCO IKARUS
Aircraft Model: IKARUS C42
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: SHELL LAKE
State: WISCONSIN

Bell 206B JetRanger II, N167AG: Fatal accident occurred October 17, 2019 in New Salem, Union County, North Carolina

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N167AG

Location: New Salem, NC
Accident Number: ERA20FA012
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1538 EDT
Registration: N167AG
Aircraft: Bell 206
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On October 17, 2019, about 1538 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B, N167AG, was substantially damaged when it impacted powerlines and terrain near New Salem, North Carolina. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was owned and operated by Vertical Flight Technologies under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local aerial application flight, which originated about 1534.

A team of ground personnel consisting of two employees who operated a mobile ground truck, and according to the lead person, the pilot performed a preflight inspection of the helicopter about 0745 for a day of aerial application, with no anomalies noted. The pilot had previously conducted numerous applications in the local area, then relocated the helicopter to the accident field for the first time. The ground personnel relocated the mobile truck to a location northwest of the field to be sprayed and waited for the helicopter to approach and land.

After refilling the chemical reservoir, and through the use of hand signals, the lead dispatched the helicopter for about the 22nd aerial application of the day. The pilot departed to the north and made a left turn to a southerly heading, then tracked to the south while flying along the west side of the field. The pilot then turned north near the service road to the field. After the helicopter had been flying for about two minutes, the lead heard a "pop" and when he turned around to look at the helicopter, he saw it travel about 30 yards before impacting terrain. He then ran toward the accident site and attempted to render assistance to the pilot.

Examination of the accident site revealed that a powerline with two wires was strung on along a magnetic heading of 353° across the road servicing the property at the southern edge of the field. At the point where the helicopter impacted the ground, the two wires would have been transitioning across the road at a height approximately 35 to 45 feet above the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its right-side, in nose low attitude, and on a magnetic heading of 351°. All major components of the helicopter were accounted for at the scene. The main rotor mast fractured about 2 inches below the bottom of the hub and the hub was located to the left of the cockpit with both fragmented rotor blades. A section of powerline wire laid across the nose of the helicopter, over the top of the cockpit and around the main rotor mast and was entangled in the spray system. Additionally, about five rotations of wire were wrapped around the tail rotor hub and blade assembly.

Flight control system continuity was established from the pilot side cyclic and collective through the push-pull control tubes to the three hydraulic servo actuators. Continuity was confirmed from the servos through fractures of the control tubes exhibiting features consistent with overload separation, to the swashplate assembly on the main rotor mast. The blade pitch change links remained attached at both ends and were fractured consistent with overload. Control continuity was established from the anti-torque pedals continuously to the tail rotor hub and blade assembly. The tail rotor blade pitch change links remained intact and attached. An examination of the twist grip throttle linkage confirmed throttle continuity to the fuel controller on the engine. The copilot (left side) cyclic and collective controls were not installed.

The engine remained attached to the engine mounts. The compressor air inlet revealed damage to the 1st-stage compressor blades in the direction opposite of rotation, and the compressor could not be rotated by hand. Rotational scoring was also observed on the top of the air inlet housing.

The main gearbox was found rotated aft about 45° with the engine to transmission drive shaft pulled from the main gearbox attachment fitting. The mast rotated freely by hand.

The tail rotor shaft was fractured just forward of the horizontal stabilizer. The shaft remained attached to the engine reduction gear box and showed rotational scoring just forward of the fracture. When the tail rotor shaft was rotated the freewheeling unit engaged, when the shaft was rotated in the opposite direction it turned freely. The shaft aft of the fractures was continuous to the tail rotor gear box and turned freely when rotated by hand.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

According to FAA airworthiness records, the helicopter was manufactured in 1974. It was equipped with a Rolls-Royce 250C20 series, 370-horsepower turboshaft engine.

According to FAA airmen records, the pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument helicopter. In addition, he held a flight instructor certificate with a rating for rotorcraft-helicopter. At the time of the accident, the pilot held a second-class medical certificate issued on February 19, 2019. Review of the pilot's logbook revealed a total of 5,670 hours of flight experience in helicopters.

The weather conditions reported about 1953 at Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport (EQY), Monroe, North Carolina about 17 miles southwest of the accident site, included visibility of 10 miles, clear sky, wind from 310° at 10 knots, temperature 19°C, dew point 01°C, and a barometric altimeter setting of 29.88 inches of mercury.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N167AG
Model/Series:206 B 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Vertical Flight Technologies
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137); Commercial Space Transp. Experimental Permit

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 310°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Albemarle, NC
Destination: New Salem, NC

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: 35.149167, -80.362222

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.



Andrew Alan STEPHEN was born on March 3, 1965 and passed away on October 17, 2019. 


In care of McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe Monroe, NC 704-289-3173

The crop-dusting pilot who died Thursday when his aircraft got tangled in power lines over a North Carolina field has been identified as Andrew Alan Stephen by the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Stephen, 54, of Florida, was the lone occupant of the helicopter when it went down west of the 6900 block of N.C. 205, north of New Salem, according to a sheriff’s office Facebook post. The area is about 30 miles east of Charlotte.

“The helicopter (was) spraying herbicide in the field when the aircraft became entangled in a power line before crashing,” Union County officials said.

The helicopter was “very heavily damaged,” reported the Observer’s news partner WBTV.

Investigators told WCNC the pilot was “working under contract with Vertical Flight Technologies” at the time of the incident. A witness in the field at the time of the crash was identified by the station as the pilot’s partner.

The crash occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday and state and county first responders rushed to the site, along with the Union County Fire Marshal’s Office.

“Deputies remain on scene pending arrival of FAA investigators today,” the department said Friday morning.


https://www.newsobserver.com



UNION COUNTY, North Carolina - A pilot was killed when a helicopter crashed Thursday afternoon near New Salem in Union County at the Stanly County line, officials said.

the accident happened near N.C. Highway 205, which is near Swift Road.

The Bell 206B JetRanger II helicopter was spraying crops at 3:50 p.m. when it struck a power line and crashed into a heavily wooded area, FAA officials said in a statement.

No one else was aboard.

It was an unusual sight for residents and investigators in the Union County farming community.

"They're getting ready for the next crop, so yeah they're crop dusting and spraying the field. It's normal this kind of year," said resident Julia York.

In the quiet farming community of New Salem, residents expect to see land being prepared for next year's crops.

"He was actually spraying a herbicide in the timber," said Tony Underwood, with the Union County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators believe the pilot was flying about 30 to 35 feet above the ground.

"Apparently he got too low and became entangled in a power line and unfortunately the helicopter went straight to the ground," said Underwood.

The view from Chopper 9's Skyzoom showed the wreckage and a downed power line, which took down the pilot and helicopter in a wooded area.

"The cabin area where the pilot was sitting is still somewhat intact but (the rest) is broken into pieces," said Underwood.

York has lived in the area her whole life and can't recall an incident like what happened Thursday. She said neighbors said everyone started calling each other.

"Which is scary. I grew up on a farm. I'm from a farm. That's scary, because I know people from around here. It worries you, because you don't know who it might be," said York.

Investigators said the pilot was from Florida and had a partner, who witnessed the crash, working in the field below.

"They were a contract company out of Florida and apparently they go all along to the East Coast doing contract jobs such as the one behind me," said Underwood.

Dozens of agencies responded to the crash but couldn't save the pilot.

"It's very sad, very tragic, especially if he was just doing a job, to only gotten tangled in the power lines," said Underwood.

Investigators said the pilot's family in Florida has been notified and his name will be released soon.

Deputies secured the crash site Thursday as they wait for national investigators to arrive Friday morning from Washington, D.C.

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






MARSHVILLE, North Carolina — One person died after a helicopter crash in Union County late Thursday afternoon, an official confirmed to WCNC NBC Charlotte.

The crash happened around 4 p.m. near North Carolina 205 in the Marshville area of Union County. This was north of the New Salem community.

Investigators believed the crash occurred in a heavily wooded area after the Bell 206B JetRanger II helicopter became entangled in a power line. The helicopter had been spraying a field.

NBC Charlotte's Hunter Sáenz learned from the sheriff's office that the pilot who died was from Florida and was working under contract with Vertical Flight Technologies. 

The pilot's partner was at the field but not with him in the helicopter, the sheriff's office said.

The FAA will investigate, and the NTSB will determine the probable cause of the crash.

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