Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Collision During Takeoff: AutoGyro GmbH MTO Sport, N498AG; accident occurred October 12, 2019 in Montgomery, 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; 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/N498AG


Location: Montgomery, TX
Accident Number: CEN20TA007
Date & Time: 10/12/2019, 1530 CDT
Registration: N498AG
Aircraft: AutoGyro GmbH MTO Sport
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The sport pilot was departing for a personal, cross-country flight in a gyroplane from a field through an opening of trees. During departure, the pilot realized that the gyroplane did not have sufficient altitude to clear trees. The pilot maneuvered the gyroplane, but it impacted trees and then came to rest nose down on the left side of the fuselage. The pilot reported that there no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that the accident could have been prevented by "measuring the length of the field before taking off." Therefore, it is likely that the pilot's failure to adequately assess the suitability of the field for takeoff resulted in the collision with trees.

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 clearance from trees during departure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight assessment of the field for takeoff. 

Findings

Aircraft
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Monitoring environment - Pilot (Cause)
Planning/preparation - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

On October 12, 2019, about 1530 central daylight time, an amateur-built experimental AutoGyro GmbH MTO Sport gyroplane, N498AG, impacted trees during takeoff from a remote field near Montgomery, Texas. The sport pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage. The gyroplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a visual flight rules personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from a private ranch near Hempstead, Texas, about 1445, and was destined for the Livingston Municipal Airport (00R), Livingston, Texas.

The pilot reported that while inflight, his electronic tablet he was utilizing for navigation failed. The pilot decided to land to a field in a private ranch and troubleshoot the electronic tablet. After troubleshooting the tablet, the pilot departed from the field to the northwest. During the takeoff toward an opening in the trees, the pilot realized that was not adequate obstacle clearance. He turned to the south and the gyroplane impacted trees. After impacting the trees, the gyroplane came to rest in a nose-down profile on the left side of the fuselage as shown below in figure 1. The pilot and passenger were able to egress from the wreckage without further incident.

The gyroplane was not equipped with an emergency locator transmitter, nor was it required to be. After the accident, hunters on the property transported the occupants to a highway where first responders were contacted.

The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, and the empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation.

In the safety recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by "measuring the length of the field before taking off."

History of Flight

Takeoff
Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 41, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied:Front 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Gyroplane
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:No 
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/19/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 207.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 199 hours (Total, this make and model), 167.2 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AutoGyro GmbH
Registration: N498AG
Model/Series: MTO Sport
Aircraft Category: Gyroplane
Year of Manufacture: 2014
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: M01047
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/05/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 188.2 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax Aircraft Engines
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 914UL
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:110 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: KCXO, 245 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Direction from Accident Site:97° 
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 40°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Hempstead, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Livingston, TX (00R)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1445 CDT
Type of Airspace:Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor

Latitude, Longitude: 30.336667, -95.679444 (est)

Location: Montgomery, TX
Accident Number: CEN20LA007
Date & Time: 10/12/2019, 1530 CDT
Registration: N498AG
Aircraft: AutoGyro GmbH MTO Sport
Injuries:1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On October 12, 2019, about 1530 central daylight time, an AutoGyro GmbH MTO Sport autogyro, N498AG, impacted trees during takeoff from a remote field near Montgomery, Texas. The private pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The autogyro sustained substantial damage. The autogyro was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from a private ranch near Hempstead, Texas, about 1450.

The pilot reported that while inflight, his electronic tablet he was utilizing for navigation failed. The pilot decided to land to a field and troubleshoot the electronic tablet. After troubleshooting, the pilot departed from the field to the northwest. During the takeoff through an opening of trees, the pilot realized that there was not adequate obstacle clearance. He turned to the south and impacted trees. After impacting trees, the autogyro came to rest in a nose-down profile on the left side of the fuselage as shown below in figure 1. The pilot and passenger were able to egress from the wreckage without further incident.

The autogyro sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, and the empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AutoGyro GmbH
Registration: N498AG
Model/Series: MTO Sport
Aircraft Category: Gyroplane
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: KCXO, 245 ft msl
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 40°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hempstead, TX
Destination: Hempstead, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 30.388611, -95.696667 (est)

Nose Over: Kitfox S7, C-GPMT; accident occurred October 20, 2019 in Reno, Nevada




Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas, 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

Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: GAA20CA040
Date & Time: 10/20/2019, 1015 PDT
Registration: C-GPMT
Aircraft: Kitfox S7
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll on an uphill, 600- to 700-ft-long unimproved landing strip, he applied brakes, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, tail cone, and rudder. 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 use of excessive braking control during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

Findings

Aircraft
Surface speed/braking - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Brake - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Nose over/nose down (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age:58, Male 
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/01/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 745 hours (Total, all aircraft), 110 hours (Total, this make and model), 745 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 40 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Kitfox
Registration: C-GPMT
Model/Series: S7 STI
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2018
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: ALBERT THIESSEN
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:2 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/01/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.:1547 lbs 
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 110 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT:  Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 915153A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 141 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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 32 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1735 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 181°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reno, NV
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1030 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: 40.200833, -119.868889 (est)

Part(s) Separation from Aircraft: Zenith STOL CH 701, N3784A; accident occurred October 19, 2019 near Safford Regional Airport (KSAD), Graham County, Arizona




Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

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/N3784A 

Location: Safford, AZ
Accident Number: GAA20CA039
Date & Time: 10/19/2019, 1730 MST
Registration: N3784A
Aircraft: Zenair CH 701
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Part(s) separation from AC
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, while returning to the departure airport about 1,200 ft above the ground, the engine developed a severe and instantaneous vibration. He reduced power and searched for an emergency landing spot. The pilot chose a road as the landing spot, but the airplane landed about 40 ft short of the road in soft, rough sand, and the main landing gear separated from the airplane. The pilot reported that his pilot-rated passenger saw "something black streaking from the right, into the prop" before the vibration started. He suspected it was a drone but was not sure. The pilot added that there was no blood or feathers on the airplane or propeller. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. A portion of one propeller blade was not found at the accident site. The pilot further reported that, using a handheld GPS, he returned to the area of the presumed in-flight propeller strike and found pieces of the propeller but no drone fragments. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported as a safety recommendation that he suspected the airplane would have not sustained as much damage if he had landed in "one of the clear areas in the desert." He added that he "overestimated glide performance."

Probable Cause and Findings
  
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The in-flight separation of a propeller blade for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in an off-airport landing on soft sand and the separation of main landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.

Findings

Aircraft
Propeller blade section - Failure (Cause)
  
Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Soft surface - Effect on operation (Cause)
Soft surface - Decision related to condition (Factor)

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering
Part(s) separation from AC (Defining event)

Landing
Off-field or emergency landing

Emergency descent
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 49, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
 Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/13/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/16/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2570 hours (Total, all aircraft), 104 hours (Total, this make and model), 2504 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 61 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Zenair
Registration: N3784A
Model/Series: CH 701 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 5319
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/17/2019, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 85 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-200
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: KSAD, 3176 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2351 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 34°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:   10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 260°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.85 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Safford, AZ (SAD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Safford, AZ (SAD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1645 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

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: 32.693889, -109.690278 (est) 

GRAHAM COUNTY - A small airplane made a crash landing in the Artesia area lon October 19th after a bird apparently struck its propeller.


According to a Graham County Sheriff’s Office report, neither of the airplane’s operators, brothers Randy and Ronald White, were injured in the crash.

The plane departed Safford Regional Airport and came to a stop in a sandy wash near Artesia and Stockton Roads. According to the report, Ronald White said they were approaching the area when a black object - apparently a large bird - struck the propeller, causing one side of it to break loose.

Ronald White told a GCSO deputy he had shut down the engine and tried to land the plane on Stockton Road. However, with the weight of the craft and the engine being off, they were unable to glide to the road and landed in the wash.

The airplane’s rear landing gear was sheared off, its fuselage and both wings were damaged, and the propeller was broken. Ronald White said the other side of the propeller broke off during the landing.

A GCSO sergeant contacted the Federal Aviation Administration, which subsequently gave an all clear for the Whites to remove the plane. The brothers dismantled its wings and placed them on a flatbed trailer. With help from an area resident, who had equipment that could pick the plane up and place it on a trailer, the craft was successfully removed.

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

Loss of Control on Ground: Titan Tornado II, N49PD; accident occurred October 18, 2019 at Marble Canyon Airport (L41), Coconino County, Arizona




Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas, 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

Location: Marble Canyon, AZ
Accident Number: GAA20CA036
Date & Time: 10/18/2019, 1400 MST
Registration: N49PD
Aircraft: Titan TITAN TORNADO II
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, a "gust came up," and the airplane exited the runway to the right onto sand hummocks, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. 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 directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with sand hummocks.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age:65, Male 
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/01/2011
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:  10/09/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 694.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 480.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 598 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 13.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5.3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Titan
Registration: N49PD
Model/Series: TITAN TORNADO II Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: D98912SOHK0310
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/22/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:1 Reciprocating 
Airframe Total Time: 620 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series:912UL 
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: KPGA, 4310 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 54°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:   
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots / 15 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / -23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Marble Canyon, AZ (L41)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Page, AZ (PGA)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Marble Canyon (L41)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3603 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 21
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3715 ft / 35 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 36.810833, -111.644444 (est)

Hard Landing: Bell 47G-5, N7060J; accident occurred October 18, 2019 in King City, Monterey County, California

 

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

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/N7060J

Location: King City, CA
Accident Number: GAA20CA034
Date & Time: 10/18/2019, 0742 PDT
Registration: N7060J
Aircraft: Bell 47G
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

Analysis
 
The helicopter pilot reported that, while conducting an agricultural application flight, he planned to fly over the top of a power pole. He applied full-up collective to climb over the pole, but the helicopter struggled to gain altitude. He added that, after the helicopter cleared the pole, the main rotor speed reduced and the helicopter "quit flying," so he decided to conduct a run-on landing on the field. The helicopter landed hard, and the main rotor blades struck the tailboom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter 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 a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing and the main rotor blades striking the tailboom. 

Findings

Aircraft
Descent rate - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tailwind - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Hard landing (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
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: 12/12/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/11/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 25000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 10000 hours (Total, this make and model), 25000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N7060J
Model/Series: 47G 5
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 25017
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/02/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2850 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 9836 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: VO-435-B1A
Registered Owner: Wilbur-Ellis Co
Rated Power: 265
Operator: Wilbur-Ellis Co
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSNS, 74 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 37 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 319°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  9 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: King City, CA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: King City, CA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0730 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Mesa Del Rey (KIC)
Runway Surface Type: Dirt
Airport Elevation: 374 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Soft
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 36.198056, -121.110278 (est)

Piper PA-28-181, N2226N: June 13, 2020; October 20, 2019; June 11, 2018 and February 09, 2018

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California 

June 13, 2020:  Aircraft struck a bird on downwind.  

https://registry.faa.gov/N2226N

Date: 13-JUN-20
Time: 20:05:00Z
Regis#: N2226N
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: RAMONA
State: CALIFORNIA

October 20, 2019: Aircraft cowling came off and struck propeller. 

Date: 20-OCT-19
Time: 21:43:00Z
Regis#: N2226N
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: SAN DIEGO
State: CALIFORNIA


June 11, 2018

June 11, 2018

June 11, 2018:   A small plane made a safe emergency landing on just two wheels at Montgomery Field in Kearny Mesa.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department firefighters were staged on the runway at around 2:45 p.m. Monday in response to reports of a plane with landing gear issues attempting to touch down.

The Piper PA-28-181 landed shortly after with only two of three landing wheels deployed.

"They gave me a call over the radio that one of the wheels was missing," said Ivan, a student pilot whose been flying for four months.

Ivan said he made a few loops around the airport but the wheel never came down, leaving him no option but to try and land the plane with two of three working landing wheels.

“We always train for this but you hope that it’s never going to happen,” Ivan said. “You just remember your training. That’s all. The more you think about it the worse it is. It’s just best to remember your training.”

Aside from a minor spinout at the end of the runway when the plane came to a stop, there were no apparent issues during the landing.

Ivan told NBC 7 he was very appreciative of the people in the control tower guiding him and the firefighters on the ground waiting to help him. He also apologized for any flight delays he may have caused.

Story and raw video:  https://www.nbcsandiego.com

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego

February 09, 2018: After landing the aircraft drifted off the runway and struck taxiway light and incurred propeller damage.

Date: 09-FEB-18
Time: 01:00:00Z
Regis#: N2226N
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28 181
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: SAN DIEGO
State: CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-28-181, N1063L: Incident occurred October 20, 2019 at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), Broward County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft experienced a propeller strike on landing.

Orchard Road Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N1063L

Date: 20-OCT-19
Time: 16:50:00Z
Regis#: N1063L
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FORT LAUDERDALE
State: FLORIDA

Birdstrike: Piper PA-28-161, N637FT; accident occurred October 20, 2019 in Wedgefield, Orange County, Florida


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, 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: Wedgefield, FL
Accident Number: GAA20CA038
Date & Time: 10/20/2019, 1346 EDT
Registration: N637FT
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis 

The flight instructor reported that, while en route on an instrument flight plan, about 4000 ft, the airplane entered a cloud where a flock of large black birds were circling. A bird impacted the stabilator, and he then disengaged the autopilot and checked the flight controls for any adverse effects; he did not see any. The instructor then chose to return to the departure airport and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the stabilator. The instructor 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:
An in-flight collision with a bird.
  
Findings

Environmental issues
Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on operation (Cause)
Animal(s)/bird(s) - Ability to respond/compensate (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Birdstrike (Defining event)
  
Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 18, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/19/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/15/2019
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 130 hours (Total, all aircraft), 56 hours (Total, this make and model), 76 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 18 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 21, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/13/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/18/2019
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 820 hours (Total, all aircraft), 700 hours (Total, this make and model), 715 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 170 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 61 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N637FT
Model/Series: PA28 161
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 2842314
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/08/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2447 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 7616.2 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-D3G
Registered Owner: F I T Aviation Llc
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: F I T Aviation Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMLB, 27 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1753 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 148°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Melbourne, FL (MLB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Leesburg, FL (LEE)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1332 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class B

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  28.102778, -80.645278 (est)