Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Piper PA-28R-180 Arrow, N4958J: Fatal accident occurred October 23, 2019 in Shelter Cove, California

Kayla Rodriguez, 27 and  Justin Winfrey, 43.


This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N4958J

Location: Shelter Cove, CA
Accident Number: WPR20FAMS1
Date & Time: 10/2/2019, 2100 PDT
Registration: N4958J
Aircraft: Piper PA28R
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On October 24, 2019, about 2100 Pacific daylight time, N4958J, a Piper PA-28R-180, departed from the Shelter Cove Airport (0Q5), Shelter Cove, California, with a destination of Gnoss Field Airport (DVO), Novato, California. The airplane did not arrive in Novato and was reported overdue by family. The airplane is presumed to have crashed. The private pilot and passenger have not been located. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area surrounding the accident flight and no flight plan had been filed.

According to witnesses, the pilot and passenger had departed from DVO about 1800 en route to 0Q5 for dinner with a planned return to DVO that same evening. A witness observed the airplane depart 0Q5 at 2100 and reported that the sky was "completely dark with no horizon."

On November 3, 2019, the search for the missing airplane was suspended; there was no wreckage debris located during the search.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were no preflight weather briefings or Air Traffic services provided to the pilot. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N4958J
Model/Series: PA28R 180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
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: KUKI, 626 ft msl
Observation Time: 2056 PDT
Distance from Accident Site: 53 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / -9°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , Variable
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Shelter Cove, CA (0Q5)
Destination: Novato, CA (DVO)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Unknown
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: Unknown
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 39.789167, -123.971111 (est)

Justin Winfrey

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Cessna 172N, N1443E; accident occurred October 24, 2019 in Swea City, Kossuth County, Iowa

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa

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/N1443E

Location: Swea City, IA
Accident Number: CEN20LA014
Date & Time: 10/24/2019, 2100 CDT
Registration: N1443E
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On October 24, 2019, about 2100 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N1443E, conducted a forced landing near Swea City, Iowa. The pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to Iowaair, Inc, and operated by Iowa Flight Training, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and no flight plan had been filed. The multi-leg flight originated from the Estherville Municipal Airport (EST), Estherville, Iowa,

The pilot reported that he conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane. He added a half quart of oil to the engine from a bottle that was in the airplane. He also got another bottle of engine oil from the FBO (Fix Based Operator) to keep in the airplane. He disposed of the empty oil bottle and continued with his preflight. After engine start and before takeoff, he noted that both oil pressure and temperature gauges "seemed to read within the green range".

While on the night cross-country flight, about half-way between Mason City and Fort Dodge, the pilot noticed that the oil pressure gauge indicated near zero, so he diverted back to EST. Shortly afterwards, the engine started to shake and then stopped producing full power. The airplane was unable to hold altitude, so he elected to conduct a forced landing to a road.

An examination of the airplane by the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the airplane had impacted a dirt road and came to rest upright, in the ditch. Substantial damage was noted to the airplane's fuselage. The inspector also noted engine oil on the side of the cowling, and the engine's oil dipstick was on the ground, about 2 to 3 ft in front of the airplane.

In a follow-up interview with the pilot, the FAA inspector reported the pilot would typically place the oil dipstick in the wing's tie down loop, when he checked or added oil to the engine.

After the airplane was recovered to a hangar, an engine examination was conducted by maintenance personnel under the supervision of the FAA. Oil was observed on the firewall and the airplane's right-side fuselage. The oil filter was cut open and the engine borescoped; scoring on the number two and four cylinders was observed. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 20
Airplane Rating(s): 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 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/02/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  182 hours (Total, all aircraft), 28 hours (Total, this make and model), 130 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 31 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1443E
Model/Series:172 N 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17271003
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/22/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4063.8 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: Iowair Inc Dba
Rated Power:
Operator: Iowa Flight Training
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.35 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -2°C / -4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mason City, IA (KMCW)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fort Dodge, IA (KFOD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:

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: 43.384167, -94.320278 (est)

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


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

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N11379


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

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

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

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



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

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

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

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

Wreckage and Impact Information

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

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N6097G; accident occurred October 15, 2019 at Bowman Field Airport (KLOU), Louisville, Kentucky



Location: Louisville, KY
Accident Number: GAA20CA023
Date & Time: 10/15/2019, 1447 EDT
Registration: N6097G
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis 

The solo student pilot reported that, while in the traffic pattern to land, the flaps would not lower, and he had to move the flap lever up and down several times to troubleshoot. Once on the base leg, he realized that the airplane was faster than normal. On final, he extended the flaps to 30° but felt the airplane was too high and fast. He reduced power to correct, and over the threshold, the airplane encountered a crosswind which pushed the airplane to the left of the runway centerline. He reduced power to idle and pushed the nose down "too quickly." The nose landing gear hit the runway first, the airplane porpoised, and he attempted to pitch the nose up to decrease airspeed. He was then worried that the airplane would aerodynamically stall "too high in the air," so he pitched the nose down. The airplane landed hard in the grass left of the runway, the nose dug into the ground, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he should have added full power and performed a go-around. He added that he felt pressured to land the airplane to "get out of everyone's way." 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing, a subsequent hard landing on grass left of the runway, and a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the student's self-imposed pressure to land the airplane. 

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Motivation/respond to pressure - Student pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Soft surface - Effect on operation (Cause)
Crosswind - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact
Hard landing
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion
Nose over/nose down

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 47, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/30/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 52 hours (Total, all aircraft), 52 hours (Total, this make and model), 1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N6097G
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 172S9673
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/17/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 7736.8 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: Bccm Aircraft Holdings Llc
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: Cardinal Wings Aviation LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLOU, 540 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1853 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 69°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Georgetown, KY (27K)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Louisville, KY (LOU)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1405 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: BOWMAN FIELD (LOU)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 545 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 15
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3580 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; 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: 38.227778, -85.664722 (est)






















AIRCRAFT:    
2004 CESSNA 172S N6097G, s/n: 172S9673, 7736.8 Tach, 324.4 Hobbs

ENGINE:    
Lycoming IO-360-L2A, s/n: L-31538-51A, 7736.8 TSN, 3103.4 TSMOH (10/21/2015)

PROPELLER:  
MCCAULEY 1A170E/JHA7660, s/n: YE23029, 7736.8 TSN, 3103.4 TSMOH

EQUIPMENT:  
Bendix King KX-155A
Garmin GTN-650
Stratus Appareo Transponder
Bendix King KAP-140
Bendix King KMA-28
Bendix King KMD-550
Bendix King KX-155A
Garmin GTN-650
Stratus Appareo Transponder
Bendix King KAP-140
Bendix King KMA-28
Bendix King KMD-550

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  
On 10/15/19, aircraft overran edge of runway, cart wheeled, and flipped over onto the aircraft’s back. 

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:   
Damage includes but may not be limited to the following:  
prop strike
right wing (destroyed)
right wing strut (destroyed)
forward windscreen (cracked)
nose gear tire (destroyed)
firewall (lower firewall severely buckled)
forward belly (buckled)
upper & lower cowlings (attach points broken)
left wing (destroyed)
top of cabin (buckled)
vertical stabilizer (top crushed)
rudder (top slightly crushed; buckled)
empennage (buckled just forward of aft bulkhead)
right flap (inboard edge damaged when it went through side window)
aft co-pilot's side window (destroyed)
frame around aft co-pilot's side window (gouged and bent)

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:
AMF Aviation, Springfield, TN

http://www.avclaims.com/N6097G.html

Landing Gear Not Configured: Beechcraft A36TP Propjet Bonanza, N8047R; accident occurred October 14, 2019 at Douglas Municipal Airport (KDQH), Coffee County, Georgia



Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Hapeville, Georgia 

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/N8047R


Location: Douglas, GA

Accident Number: GAA20CA022
Date & Time: 10/14/2019, 1700 EDT
Registration: N8047R
Aircraft: Beech 36
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot reported that he failed to extend the landing gear and that the airplane landed with the landing gear retracted. The airplane skidded off the runway to the right and came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airplane's owner reported that the pilot had not been authorized to fly the airplane the day of the accident. Local law enforcement officers conducted a field sobriety test and concluded that the pilot was impaired to the point that he was unsafe to operate an airplane. Subsequently, he was arrested for operating an aircraft while under the influence. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear due to intoxication during an unauthorized flight. 

Findings

Aircraft
Gear extension and retract sys - Not used/operated (Cause)

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Landing gear not configured (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor

Age: 57, 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): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/30/2019
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 15300 hours (Total, all aircraft), 175 hours (Total, this make and model), 8500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 35 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Beech

Registration: N8047R
Model/Series: 36 A36
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: E-2709
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/13/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3849 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 1840 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Allison/Rolls Royce
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 250-B17C
Registered Owner: Brooks Auto Parts Inc
Rated Power: 425 hp
Operator: Brooks Auto Parts Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDQH, 257 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2037 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 311°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 5000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Douglas, GA (DQH)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: Douglas, GA (DQH)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:  EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information


Airport: Douglas Muni (DQH)

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 256 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 04
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in; 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: 31.476667, -82.860556 (est)

Hiller UH-12E, N131HA: Accident occurred October 13, 2019 in Susanville, Lassen County, California

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

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N131HA

Location: Susanville, CA
Accident Number: WPR20LA007
Date & Time: 10/13/2019, 1700 PDT
Registration: N131HA
Aircraft: Hiller UH 12E
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

On October 13, 2019, about 1700 Pacific daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E helicopter, N131HA, impacted terrain near Susanville, California. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The helicopter received substantial damage to the main rotor drive train and tail boom. The helicopter was registered to Western Helicopters Inc and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed about the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed for the local flights that were originating from a staging area.

The pilot stated that on the day of the accident, he was applying a water and herbicide mixture over a parcel of land as part of a timber company contract. During one of the previous flights the morning of the accident, he heard a "pop" come from the engine along with a yaw to the right, which he attributed to a compressor stall. The pilot stated that he noted all engine instruments were in the normal range and continued his aerial application flights. Following several flights, the pilot completed an aerial application of herbicide, at which time he heard two more compressor stalls, both associated with a yaw to the right. He lowered the collective and began to look for a place to land. The pilot said that the engine then began to compressor stall continuously, and he realized he was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot initiated a right turn upslope. Subsequently, the main rotor blades struck a tree and the helicopter impacted the ground shortly after and came to rest on its left side. The helicopter was relocated to a secure facility for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Hiller
Registration: N131HA
Model/Series: UH 12E Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Operator Does Business As: Western Helicopter Services
Operator Designator Code: 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Susanville, CA
Destination: Susanville, CA

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: 40.556111, -120.839167 (est)

Aerodynamic Stall/Spin: Taylorcraft BC12-D, N96709; accident occurred October 13, 2019 near Eck Field Airport (SN64), Sedgwick County, Kansas


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas

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/N96709

Location: Goddard, KS
Accident Number: GAA20CA015
Date & Time: 10/13/2019, 1430 CDT
Registration:N96709 
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BC12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the airplane lifted off and that he felt "a strange push," and the airplane drifted left toward some hangars. He made corrections toward the runway centerline, and the airplane felt "mushy." The airspeed decreased, so he lowered the nose to increase the airspeed. The airplane then stalled, impacted a soft field, and came to a sudden stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that the wind was 7 to 10 mph from the south-southeast and shifted to 7 to 10 mph from the north-northeast. The pilot departed from runway 18. 

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, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. 

Findings

Aircraft
Angle of attack - Capability exceeded (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Variable wind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 69, 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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/01/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/19/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 810 hours (Total, all aircraft), 55 hours (Total, this make and model), 783 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Taylorcraft
Registration: N96709
Model/Series:BC12 D 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 9009
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed
Engine Model/Series: A65-8
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 65 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: KICT, 1340 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1853 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 116°
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: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Goddard, KS (SN64)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1430 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: ECK FIELD (SN64)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1413 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2499 ft / 70 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 37.692500, -97.543611 (est)