Monday, December 16, 2019

Loss of Visual Reference: Cessna U206A Super Skywagon, N8070Z; accident occurred September 08, 2018 near Willow Airport (UUO), 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; Anchorage, 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/N8070Z

Location: Willow, AK
Accident Number: ANC18TA070
Date & Time: 09/08/2018, 2353 AKD
Registration: N8070Z
Aircraft: Cessna U206
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of visual reference
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

On September 8, 2018, about 2353 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna U206 airplane, N8070Z, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain about 1.5 miles north-northeast of the Willow Airport (UUO), Willow, Alaska. The flight instructor and the private pilot receiving instruction, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, visual flight rules, local area instructional flight. Dark, night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Talkeetna Airport (TKA), Talkeetna, Alaska, about 2230.

The private pilot receiving instruction stated that the purpose of the flight was to obtain required night training to fulfill Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 61.109 requirements. She obtained her private pilot certificate the previous month; however, she did not obtain night training, as provided for in FAR 61.110 exception for Alaska pilots. Her airmen certificate had the limitation of "night flying prohibited." She scheduled the night flight with her flight instructor who previously provided all her private pilot flight instruction. The accident flight was the pilot's first night flight.

The flight instructor stated that he had flown with the pilot many times and he characterized her as an excellent student and pilot. The flight instructor had flown to UUO at night on many occasions. He stated that he had provided a total 2,200 hours of airplane single engine instruction and 305 hours of night instruction and his last night flight was 2 to 3 weeks before the accident.

The flight departed TKA at 2230 and proceeded to multiple airports within 60 miles of TKA. The pilot receiving instruction flew from the left seat and the flight instructor sat in the right seat. The pilot conducted two full stop landings and takeoffs at Wasilla Airport (IYS) and then preceded to UUO. She performed one full stop landing on runway 31 and both she and the flight instructor agreed to perform another landing at UUO. The pilot stated that after takeoff, while maintaining runway heading, she climbed the airplane to 1,000 ft mean sea level (msl), and commenced a right, crosswind turn into a dark area with no visible horizon. She could not recall if she leveled off prior to turning or during the turn. The last event that she remembered was the flight instructor exclaiming "what is up with your attitude?"

The flight instructor stated that while the airplane was in the right crosswind turn, and as he looked out the right window, he sensed something was wrong due to the unusual sound of the wind stream and propeller rpm. He realized that the airplane was descending, and that the pilot flying was disoriented. He took command of the flight controls and attempted to recover; however, the airplane was too low, and it impacted the marsh-covered terrain right wing first in a nose down attitude. Both pilots egressed the fragmented wreckage through a tear in the fuselage. The flight instructor located the pilot's iPhone in the marsh and called the Rescue Coordination Center and a family member. They were unable to reach survival gear due to the large wreckage field and their serious injuries. They were rescued about 0150 by the Air National Guard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage and empennage. Refer to figure 1.


Figure 1. N8070Z Cessna U206A Super Skywagon wreckage, bottom of airplane.
Courtesy of aircraft owner.


The pilot receiving instruction stated that during the flight, she could see a visible horizon for the first hour of the flight, but after an hour, it became much darker outside. She remembered seeing the lights of Wasilla and recalled that it was much darker at UUO, with few lights outside of the airport environment and no visible horizon. She also stated that she did not recall referencing the attitude indicator during the flight. The flight instructor stated that it was a clear, dark night and he did observe a visible horizon, except to the east of UUO where there were few lights. He stated that he could not see the attitude indicator from the right seat. The U.S. Naval Observatory lists sunset at 2045 and moonset at 2056 on September 8 in Willow.

The private pilot, who was also a co-owner of the airplane, reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 20, Female
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 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/09/2018
Flight Time:   83.3 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 51.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 71.6 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 39.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 29, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/01/2013
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/03/2018
Flight Time:   3500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 25 hours (Total, this make and model), 2800 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 300 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8070Z
Model/Series: U206 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built:No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: U206-0470
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/22/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4466 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Teledyne Continental Motors
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-520-F
Registered Owner: Rivers Larry R
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAUO, 205 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0556 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 189°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: 
Wind Direction: 70°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Willow, AK (UUO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Willow, AK (UUO)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 2345 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Willow (UUO)
Runway Surface Type: Gravel
Airport Elevation: 215 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: 31
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4400 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 61.781389, -150.043333 (est)

Fuel Exhaustion: Cessna 180 Skywagon, C-GODA; accident occurred September 05, 2018 near Richmond International Airport (KRIC), Virginia

View of damaged right wing. 
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia

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


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


http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca




Location: Richmond, VA
Accident Number: GAA18CA537
Date & Time: 09/05/2018, 1300 EDT
Registration: C-GODA
Aircraft: Cessna 180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot reported that, on the final approach, about 4 miles from the runway, the engine had a total power loss. He diverted to an open field but during the approach, the airplane struck a powerline and impacted the field.

The pilot further reported that his fuel computer indicated that he should have landed with 30 minutes of fuel reserves and he thought he had enough fuel to complete the flight. He added that he should have diverted to refuel.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wings.

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



Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-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: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/20/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/11/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 8700 hours (Total, all aircraft), 185 hours (Total, this make and model), 4500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: C-GODA
Model/Series: 180 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 31434
Landing Gear Type: Amphibian; Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/04/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2950 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2999 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO 470 J
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 225 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None


Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRIC, 163 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1740 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 172°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Oshawa, ON (CY00)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Richmond, VA (RIC)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0915 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: RICHMOND INTL (RIC)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 167 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 20
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6607 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in

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: 37.539167, -77.325833 (est)

Ground Collision: Beech B200 King Air, N97WC; accident occurred September 03, 2018 at Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR), Burbank, Los Angeles County, California

View of damaged left wing.


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

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/N97WC


Location: Burbank, CA
Accident Number: GAA18CA528
Date & Time: 09/03/2018, 1555 PDT
Registration: N97WC
Aircraft: Beech 200
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Positioning


View of damaged left wing tip and left wing. 


The flight instructor reported that, with the pilot receiving instruction on the controls, they were instructed by ground personnel to "do a 180º turn and park." During the right turn, after clearing a vehicle, the left wing struck a tree. Prior to impact, the flight instructor saw the tree and tried to apply brakes.

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.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 50, 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: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/25/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 12017 hours (Total, all aircraft), 594 hours (Total, this make and model), 5304 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 185 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 65 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Other Flight Crew Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 36, 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
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/15/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/17/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1275 hours (Total, all aircraft), 8 hours (Total, this make and model), 1196 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N97WC
Model/Series: 200 B200
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1990
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: BB-1382
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 9
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/25/2018, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 12500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 10476.7 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-42
Registered Owner: West Coast Aircraft Shares Llc
Rated Power: 900 hp
Operator: West Coast Charters, Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Operator Does Business As: West Coast Aviation Services
Operator Designator Code: GSPA

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBUR, 732 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2253 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 49°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.82 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Santa Ana, CA (SNA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Burbank, CA (BUR)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1322 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: Bob Hope (BUR)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 778 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 
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: 34.200556, -118.358611 (est)

Landing Gear Not Configured: Piper PA-44-180, N2204X; accident occurred September 02, 2018 at Centralia Municipal Airport (KENL), Illinois

View of damage to left and right-side propellers.
Federal Aviation Administration 


Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Springfield, Illinois

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/N2204X


Location: Centralia, IL
Accident Number: GAA18CA531
Date & Time: 09/02/2018, 1420 CDT
Registration: N2204X
Aircraft: Piper PA44
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 


View of damaged belly of fuselage.
Federal Aviation Administration 

The flight instructor in the twin-engine airplane reported that, during the second simulated single engine failure approach, the pilot under instruction reduced the left engine power setting to 12 inches of manifold pressure, which activated the landing gear auditory warning horn. On downwind, the student performed his prelanding checks and asked the instructor if he should deploy the landing gear. Since the student was struggling to maintain altitude, the student was instructed to delay the action, and deploy the landing gear during the final landing checks. Shortly after turning final, the student performed the final landing checks and provided verbal cues of completion but did not include the landing gear check.

The instructor added that he was distracted and focused on corrections because the student was struggling to maintain altitude and the runway centerline during the final approach. The instructor did not verify the gear was extended. During the landing flare, the instructor realized the landing gear was not extended and he immediately took controls. He leveled the airplane and landed on the runway with the gear retracted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engines.

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

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/28/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 5612.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 185.3 hours (Total, this make and model), 5231.4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 294.9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 140.1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 21, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/01/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N2204X
Model/Series: PA-44-180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 44-7995281
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/17/2018, Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 10084.3 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O 360-E1A60
Registered Owner: Airgo Inc
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Airgo Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KENL, 534 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1915 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 270°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4300 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Centralia, IL (ENL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Centralia, IL (ENL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1350 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Centralia Muni (ENL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 534 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5001 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Stop and Go

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: 38.515000, -89.091111 (est)

Abnormal Runway Contact: Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, N4077M; accident occurred September 01, 2018 at Rexburg-Madison County Airport (KRXE), Idaho

View of damage to fuselage and wings. 
Federal Aviation Administration 


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

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/N4077M


Location: Rexburg, ID
Accident Number: GAA18CA522
Date & Time: 09/01/2018, 1948 MDT
Registration: N4077M
Aircraft: Piper PA 12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal


The pilot reported that, during touchdown, the tailwheel equipped airplane bounced and veered right. He overcorrected with left rudder and the airplane veered left, so he applied right rudder, but the airplane continued left. He then applied full power to go around, but the airplane departed the runway, struck a perimeter fence, and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

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

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about five minutes after the accident, the wind was 170º at 6 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 17.

The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1, as requested.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N4077M
Model/Series: PA 12 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 12-2959
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-235 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: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRXE, 4862 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0153 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 229°
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: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Light - Rain; No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rexburg, ID (RXE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Rexburg, ID (RXE)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: REXBURG-MADISON COUNTY (RXE)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4862 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4204 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around

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: 43.833889, -111.805000 (est)

Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, N836SR: Incident occurred December 15, 2019 at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), Polk County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Aircraft veered off the runway due to a tail wheel collapse.

Hinote Holdings LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N836SR

Date: 15-DEC-19
Time: 22:20:00Z
Regis#: N836SR
Aircraft Make: PROGRESSIVE AERODYNE
Aircraft Model: SEAREY
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LAKELAND
State: FLORIDA

Collision During Landing: Head AX8-88B, N2224H; Accident occurred December 14, 2019 in Las Cruces, Doña Ana County, New Mexico






Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Accident Number: WPR20CA050
Date & Time: December 14, 2019, 08:45 Local 
Registration: N2224H
Aircraft: Head AX8 88B 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, just after lifting off in the balloon, one of his passengers dropped to the bottom of the basket because he was afraid. After about 15 minutes of trying to get the passenger to relax, the pilot began looking for a place to land the balloon. The balloon was about 75 ft above ground level when the burner flamed out. While trying to relight the burner with a striker, the balloon descended and struck power lines, which severed four of the eight suspension cables attached to the basket. The balloon then impacted a building. According to the pilot, the burner had a history of flameouts, and he had experienced it many times. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon 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:
A burner flameout, which resulted in the pilot's inability to arrest the balloon's descent and its subsequent impact with power lines as he was trying to relight the burner.

Findings

Aircraft (general) - Not specified
Aircraft Altitude - Attain/maintain not possible
Aircraft Descent rate - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Wire - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 59,Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Balloon
Restraint Used: None
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 287.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 282.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 287.5
hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 5.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate:
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s):
Seat Occupied: None
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: None
Instrument Rating(s): 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Passenger Information

Certificate:
Age: Female
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: None
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Head 
Registration: N2224H
Model/Series: AX8 88B 
Aircraft Category: Balloon
Year of Manufacture: 2006 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Balloon
Serial Number: 351
Landing Gear Type: None 
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: October 5, 2019 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 None
Airframe Total Time: 300 Hrs 
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Not installed 
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLRU,4457 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 07:45 Local 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Las Cruces, NM (LRU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Las Cruces, NM (LRU)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 08:15 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E
Airport: 
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
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: 32.316944,-106.774719 (est)




LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KTSM) — A hot air balloon crash-landed in a Las Cruces schoolyard Saturday morning, causing panic through the neighborhood.

It happened at the corner of E. Picacho Ave. and N. Tornillo Street in the city’s Mesquite Historic District around 9 a.m. Saturday morning. The balloon crashed into the side of the East Las Cruces Learning Center as the pilot attempted to land in the school’s playground.

The balloon pilot, his wife, and friend, and two others were on board when the balloon experienced some sort of mechanical malfunction, according to a witness who contacted KTSM.

The balloon was owned and operated by Midnight Angel, Too. Walter Hawkins and his family have been operating the company since 1997 according to the company business cards. They are also members of the Greater Mesilla Valley Aerostat Ascension Association Hot Air Balloon Club.

The balloon struck at least one electrical wire on the crash landing descent. El Paso Electric is already responding to repair the fallen wire.

KTSM has reached out to the Las Cruces Police Department and is waiting to learn additional information. No one appears to have been seriously injured in the crash landing.

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