Monday, November 11, 2019

Fuel Related: Cessna 172H Skyhawk, N2809L, accident occurred November 03, 2018 at Merrill Field (PAMR), Anchorage, Alaska

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

Additional Participating Entity: 

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

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


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


https://registry.faa.gov/N2809L


Location: Anchorage, AK
Accident Number: ANC19LA006
Date & Time: 11/03/2018, 0940 AKD
Registration: N2809L
Aircraft:Cessna 172 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel related
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On November 3, 2018, about 0940 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N2809L, sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing on runway 25 at Merrill Field (PAMR), Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 visual flight when the accident occurred. The private pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local area flight. The flight had departed PAMR about 0935.

According to the pilot, on a previous flight, about 0900 the same day, when around 400 ft above ground level (AGL) during climbout, the engine began losing power and ran extremely rough. While in the traffic pattern, the engine was only able to produce about 1200 RPM. The pilot stated that he was able to return for an uneventful landing on runway 25.

Following the event, the pilot sumped both fuel tanks and gascolator for contaminants, with none found. The pilot then completed a run-up with no anomalies and taxied for departure with the carburetor heat on. Upon reaching the run-up area, the pilot completed another run-up. With no anomalies occurring on either run-up, the pilot elected to depart for a flight around the traffic pattern.

Just after departure from runway 25, and around 300 ft above ground level (AGL), the engine again began losing power and ran extremely rough. An emergency was declared and the pilot was able to return for landing. During landing, the left wing impacted the runway, resulting in substantial damage. After the second event, the airplane was parked outside where temperatures remained below freezing.

On November 4, the airplane was examined by the NTSB Investigator-in-Charge. The fuel caps were found frozen in place due to a significant amount of water trapped in the recessed area. Upon removing the caps, ice was found on the vent flap and the filler neck was completely covered in corrosion. Corrosion particles were also located within the fuel tank. The gascolator was then drained and tested for water by use of a water finding paste. The fuel sample tested positive for water.

Due to the cold outside temperatures, draining of the carburetor was delayed to allow for thawing of all potential ice in the fuel system. On November 12, the carburetor was removed from the airplane by Alaskan Aircraft Engines, an overhaul facility, for inspection. According to the inspection report, a large amount of debris and water were located within the carburetor bowl. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 50, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N2809L
Model/Series: 172
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17256009
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-300 SER
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 145 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: PAMR, 138 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0853 AKD
Direction from Accident Site: 281°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 9500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 10°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.49 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -4°C / -11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0935 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: MERRILL FIELD (MRI)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 137 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 25
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Precautionary Landing

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: 61.215833, -149.841944

Abnormal Runway Contact: Cirrus SR22, N353KT; accident occurred July 30, 2019 at Cloquet / Carlton County Airport (KCOQ), Minnesota

View of engine mount damage. 
Federal Aviation Administration 



Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

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/N353KT

Location: Cloquet, MN
Accident Number: GAA19CA474
Date & Time: 07/30/2019, 0955 CDT
Registration: N353KT
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

View of firewall damage. 
Federal Aviation Administration 

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, while landing, the airplane bounced twice on touchdown. During the second bounce, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane then impacted the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount and firewall.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

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

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 49, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
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: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/29/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/12/2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 421 hours (Total, all aircraft), 13 hours (Total, this make and model), 421 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cirrus
Registration: N353KT
Model/Series: SR22 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 0486
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/08/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1804.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N7
Registered Owner: Monaco Aviation Llc
Rated Power: 310 hp
Operator: Duluth Flying Club
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCOQ, 1279 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1455 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 352°
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: 310°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Duluth, MN (DLH)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Duluth, MN (DLH)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0915 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: Cloquet Carlton County (COQ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1279 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4002 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern

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: 46.701111, -92.503611 (est)

Abnormal Runway Contact: Cessna 177 Cardinal, N177CW; accident occurred July 30, 2019 at Placerville Airport (KPVF), El Dorado County, California

View of wind screen and left wing damage.
Federal Aviation Administration 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, 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/N177CW

Location: Placerville, CA
Accident Number: GAA19CA470
Date & Time: 07/30/2019, 1030 PDT
Registration: N177CW
Aircraft: Cessna 177
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

View of horizontal stabilizer and elevator damage. 
Federal Aviation Administration



Analysis 

The pilot reported that, while landing, the airplane bounced, and he chose to go around. He stated that he did not recall the airspeed after he applied full power and retracted the flaps to 10° during the initial climb. Subsequently, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and impacted terrain.

A witness at the airport reported that the airplane was operating under full power at a high angle of attack.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.

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 a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Findings

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

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)

Landing-aborted after touchdown
Attempted remediation/recovery

Initial climb
Aerodynamic stall/spin

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



Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/02/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/13/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2852 hours (Total, all aircraft), 0.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 1476 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 6.9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N177CW
Model/Series: 177 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 17700855
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2350 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 


Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPVF, 2583 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1735 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 160°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 240°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Placerville, CA (PVF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Placerville, CA (PVF)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1015 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Placerville (PVF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2585 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 23
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3910 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern

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: 38.724167, -120.753333 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Schleicher ASW 27, N274JM; accident occurred July 27, 2019 in Mackay, Custer County, Idaho

View of fuselage and empennage damage. 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

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/N274JM

Location: Mackay, ID
Accident Number: GAA19CA479
Date & Time: 07/27/2019, 1615 MDT
Registration: N274JM
Aircraft:Schleicher ASW 27
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

View of right aileron damage. 


Analysis 

The pilot reported that, while returning to the airport, the glider descended faster than expected, so he diverted to a field for landing. The glider encountered a wind gust, and the left wing hit the ground. The glider then ground looped to the left.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and right aileron.

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

The pilot reported that the wind was from 140°, between about 10 and 20 knots, and gusting. The pilot landed the glider to the south.

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 of the glider during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing striking the ground and a subsequent ground loop. 

Findings

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

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach
Loss of lift

Landing-landing roll
Off-field or emergency landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Other weather encounter

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 74, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Glider
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/18/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 3164 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1130 hours (Total, this make and model), 3164 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 82 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 42 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Schleicher
Registration: N274JM
Model/Series: ASW 27 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Glider
Year of Manufacture: 1986
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 27029
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/19/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1102 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 0
Airframe Total Time: 1408 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSUN, 5306 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 40 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2347 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 238°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 12000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 14 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / Terrain-Induced
Wind Direction: 260°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / Moderate
Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mackay, ID (U62)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Mackay, ID (U62)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1315 MDT
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: 43.853333, -113.512778 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, N12KW; accident occurred July 27, 2019 at Upper Cumberland Regional Airport (KSRB), Sparta, Tennessee

View of right wing damage.
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, 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/N12KW

Location: Sparta, TN
Accident Number: GAA19CA456
Date & Time: 07/27/2019, 1030 CDT
Registration: N12KW
Aircraft: Piper PA46
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 7 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business


View of right wing damage from rear.
Federal Aviation Administration



Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, everything appeared "good" until he saw a yellow warning light illuminate. He remembered seeing the letters "hydr…" on the light and became concerned about the landing gear. He decided to abort the takeoff and reduced power and held back pressure on the yoke. He added that he intentionally "let" the airplane go left over grass. As the airplane decelerated, he saw a taxiway sign ahead, the stall warning horn sounded, and the airplane settled back onto the ground on the taxiway sign. The pilot then pulled the yoke full aft and added right brake, and the airplane impacted a ditch. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector corroborated the pilot's statement.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The FAA inspector reported that, during postaccident examination, no warning lights were noted.

The pilot reported that, before the flight, he performed weight and balance calculations. He added that the airplane was more than 300 lbs over the maximum allowable gross weight and was "heavy aft." He reported that he had seven people on board the six-seat airplane; six people were sitting in a seat, and one person was sitting on the floor.

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 the runway heading during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a sign and terrain. Contributing to the need to abort the takeoff was the pilot's improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum gross takeoff weight.

Findings

Aircraft
Heading/course - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Maximum weight - Capability exceeded (Factor)
CG/weight distribution - Capability exceeded

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Sign/marker - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 33, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/14/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/01/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5 hours (Total, this make and model), 340 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 52 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 19 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N12KW
Model/Series: PA46 350P
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4636255
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TIO-540
Registered Owner: Allied Moulded Products, Inc.
Rated Power: 310 hp
Operator: Allied Moulded Products, Inc.
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSRB, 1024 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1535 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 222°
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: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.32 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Sparta, TN (SRB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1030 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: UPPER CUMBERLAND RGNL (SRB)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1024 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 22
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6704 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 6 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 7 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.058889, -85.527778 (est)

Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness: Hughes 269A, N269RR; accident occurred July 24, 2019 at Springfield Robertson County Airport (M91), Tennessee

View of damaged helicopter fuselage. 
Federal Aviation Administration 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, 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/N269RR

Location: Springfield, TN
Accident Number: GAA19CA463
Date & Time: 07/24/2019, 1800 CDT
Registration: N269RR
Aircraft: Hughes 269A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The helicopter pilot reported that, after landing and while hover taxiing and turning right toward the taxiway, the helicopter continued turning right and drifted past the taxiway. He applied full left pedal and then closed the throttle to perform an autorotation to decrease the speed of rotation to no avail. He added collective to reduce the descent rate, but the helicopter landed and slid into a drainage ditch, the main rotor blades impacted a berm near the taxiway, and the helicopter came to rest on its side.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

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

The pilot reported that the wind was from 320° at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The pilot landed the helicopter on runway 04 and was turning right. 

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 helicopter control and a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while hover-taxiing and turning toward a taxiway in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Findings

Aircraft
Performance/control parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Prop/rotor parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation
Crosswind - Effect on operation
Sloped/uneven terrain - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi-from runway
Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Roll over

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/08/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/13/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2698 hours (Total, all aircraft), 57.9 hours (Total, this make and model), 1408.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Hughes
Registration: N269RR
Model/Series: 269A No Series
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 105-0410
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/24/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4353.7 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: HIO-360-B1A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 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: KJWN, 495 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2255 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 175°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 13 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Clarksville, TN (CKV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Springfield, TN (M91)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1700 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: SPRINGFIELD ROBERTSON COUNTY (M91)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 706 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 04
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5505 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

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: 36.532500, -86.924167 (est)