Friday, December 27, 2019

Hard Landing: Eurocopter AS.350-B2, N894NA; accident occurred September 29, 2018 in Ruidoso, Lincoln County, New Mexico

View of damaged lower vertical stabilizer.
Federal Aviation Administration


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

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/N894NA

Location: Ruidoso, NM
Accident Number: GAA18CA571
Date & Time: 09/29/2018, 1510 MDT
Registration: N894NA
Aircraft: EUROCOPTER AS350
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled - Air Medical (Unspecified) 

View of damaged fuselage.
Federal Aviation Administration


The helicopter pilot reported that while enroute to the ski resort to pick up a patient, he decided to conduct an eastbound reconnaissance over the landing site and, after he saw the ground personnel, while scanning for obstacles, he spotted two cables in front and below the aircraft's flight path and initiated a go-around. He added power to clear the cables, and once the tail cleared the cables, he lowered the collective due to a slight droop in the main rotor speed. As he continued with the go-around, he initiated a 180º left turn to attempt an approach into the landing site. During the westward approach, about 20 feet above the ground, the main rotor speed decayed when he raised the collective to reduce his descent rate. He felt that due to his "faster than normal" decent rate, he would not be able to cushion the landing. Prior to touchdown, a medical crew member spotted an elevated steel barrier cable below and the pilot applied another 90º turn to the left to avoid a tail rotor strike. The helicopter touched down hard, bounced, rotated about 180º counterclockwise over the barrier cable, slid down an embankment, and came to rest upright.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer.

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

The pilot further reported that during his preflight preparation, he did not calculate the hover in ground effect value (HIGE), the hover out of ground effect value (HOGE), or the density altitude for the designated landing site. He added that the accident flight was his second flight in a high altitude, mountainous environment and that most of his flight hours were accumulated at sea level in Texas. He was also not aware that there was an approach, landing and takeoff procedure provided by the ski resort.

The director of operations added that the company was not aware that there were dedicated procedures for helicopter medical evacuation. The crew members added that the crew resource management skills and procedures were lacking, prior to and during the accident. They reported that there was no destination or helicopter performance briefing included with the helicopter preflight.

The pilot added that he should have completed the go-around and circled back around to land.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported, during the time of the accident, the density altitude for the landing site at 9,793 ft was over 12,000 ft.

The automated weather observation station located on an airport about 14 NM away, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 9 knots, gusting 17 knots. The pilot reported the wind was variable, about 5 knots. The helicopter was landing to the west. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 53, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/04/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/12/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 16818 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3526 hours (Total, this make and model), 16818 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 56 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 26 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: EUROCOPTER
Registration: N894NA
Model/Series: AS350 B2
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2904
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 5
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/09/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4961 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 8199.4 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Turbomeca
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: Arriel 1D1
Registered Owner: Roberts Aircraft Co
Rated Power:
Operator: Trans Aero Limited
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter Air Carrier (135)
Operator Does Business As: Trans Aero MedEvac
Operator Designator Code: O4VA

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSRR, 6810 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2115 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 77°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 17 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.27 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Artesia, NM (ATS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: El Paso, TX
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:  CST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.396667, -105.785833 (est)

Unknown or Undetermined: Piper PA-12, N7511H; fatal accident occurred September 22, 2018 in Healy, Alaska

Timothy Mark Sonnenberg, age 45 and Jason Dean Roberts, age 43.


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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

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/N7511H

Location: Healy, AK
Accident Number: ANC18FA071
Date & Time: 09/22/2018, 1600 AKD
Registration: N7511H
Aircraft: Piper PA-12-150
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

View of airplane from front.


On September 22, 2018, the wreckage of a tailwheel-equipped Piper PA-12 airplane, N7511H, was located in remote mountainous terrain about 35 miles east of Healy, Alaska. The private pilot and the passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and a postcrash fire. The airplane was registered to the pilot who was operating it as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed from Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), Fairbanks, Alaska, on September 15, 2018, and no flight plan had been filed.

The purpose of the flight was to fly to the Alaska Range, which is a mountain range located about 50 miles south of Fairbanks, where the pilot and his passenger would hunt sheep. No communications from the pilot, such as from a satellite phone or a satellite communication device, were received by the family after the pilot's departure from FAI.

After the pilot did not report to his place of employment on September 19, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alert notice "ALNOT" was issued at 1620 Alaska daylight time, and an extensive search and rescue (SAR) operation began the next day. The operation consisted of aerial SAR assets from multiple agencies, including the Alaska Air National Guard, the Alaska Army National Guard, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Alaska State Troopers, as well as several individual volunteers. The accident airplane was located by a volunteer, and an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter responded to the accident site and the aircrew found both occupants deceased inside of the wreckage.

View of airplane from right rear.


Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 45, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied:
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/16/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 128.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 77.5 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7511H
Model/Series: PA-12-150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 12-372
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/12/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4141.4 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A2B
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The airplane was equipped with a Garmin Aera GPS device, which was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) Vehicle Recorder Division Laboratory in Washington, DC. The device is capable of storing data in nonvolatile memory. However, the circuit board was delaminated due to the thermal damage, and most of the components were burned off. The extent of the damage precluded recovery of the data.

The airplane was also equipped with an emergency locator transmitter (ELT), which did not broadcast after the accident. The ELT sustained postimpact fire damage, so the NTSB could not definitively determine why the ELT did not broadcast.


View of airplane from front left.


Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Unknown
Condition of Light: Not Reported
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAHV, 12944 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 33 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site: 267°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts:
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Fairbanks, AK (FAI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:  AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

The exact meteorological conditions before and at the time of the accident could not be determined.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: Fire At Unknown Time
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 63.900278, -147.733333 

The wreckage of the airplane was located in a remote snow-covered mountainous valley with rocks, alder trees, and a small creek. The wreckage was positioned on the east side of the creek on a heading of about 220° and at an elevation of about 4,300 ft mean sea level. Most of the wreckage showed evidence of a postimpact fire. The airplane came to rest upright, with the fuselage banking to the right, both wings indicating forward/aft crushing, and the tail slightly elevated with little impact damage.

All of the major structural components of the airframe were located at the accident site. An examination of the airframe revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The engine was examined after the recovery of the wreckage. The examination revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

During examination, the AFT right wing spar exhibited signs of compression bending, with the right wing forward spar exhibiting aft bending. The AFT left wing spar bolt indicated a failure in tension, and the left wing forward spar indicated forward bending.

Medical And Pathological Information

The State of Alaska Medical Examiner's Office, Anchorage, Alaska, conducted an autopsy of the pilot. According to the autopsy report, the cause of death for the pilot was multiple blunt force injuries. The report also indicated that there was no evidence of soot-like material found in the pilot's airway.

Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory found that the pilot's specimens were negative for drugs and ethanol. 

Additional Information

Search and Rescue

The FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) discusses SAR operations and states in part the following: SAR is a lifesaving service provided through the combined efforts of the federal agencies' signatory to the National SAR Plan, and the agencies responsible for SAR within each state. Operational resources are provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, DOD [Department of Defense] components, the Civil Air Patrol, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, state, county and local law enforcement and other public safety agencies, and private volunteer organizations. Services include search for missing aircraft, survival aid, rescue, and emergency medical help for the occupants after an accident site is located.

Flight Plan

The AIM discusses the importance of filing a flight plan in case of an emergency or if an aircraft is overdue and states in part the following:

A filed flight plan is the most timely and effective indicator that an aircraft is overdue. Flight plan information is invaluable to SAR forces for search planning and executing search efforts.

Prior to departure on every flight, local or otherwise, someone at the departure point should be advised of your destination and the route of flight if other than direct. Search efforts are often wasted, and rescue is often delayed because of pilots who thoughtlessly take off without telling anyone where they are going. File a flight plan for your safety.

Part Separation from Aircraft: Lockheed T-33 T-Bird, N514RH; accident occurred September 09, 2018 at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC), Broomfield, Jefferson County, Colorado

View of damaged vertical stabilizer. 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado 

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/N514RH


Location: Denver, CO
Accident Number: GAA18CA544
Date & Time: 09/09/2018, 1210 MDT
Registration: N514RH
Aircraft: HALLADAY ROY LOCKHEED
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Part(s) separation from AC
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Positioning 

The pilot reported that, it was standard procedure upon landing to open the canopy slightly to aid in slowing the airplane and egress in a runway excursion event. Upon landing, the pilot activated the canopy motor to open the canopy about 2 inches, but the canopy continued to open, separated from the airframe and struck the tail.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

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 emergency canopy release, which anchors the canopy to the airframe when the canopy motor was turned on, was inadvertently released during the flight.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
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 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/30/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 25050 hours (Total, all aircraft), 220 hours (Total, this make and model), 22000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: HALLADAY ROY
Registration: N514RH
Model/Series: LOCKHEED T-33
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Other; Experimental
Serial Number: 001
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/22/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 15000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Jet
Airframe Total Time: 207.8 Hours
Engine Manufacturer:Allison 
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: J33-A35
Registered Owner: T-33 Aviation Llc
Rated Power: 5200 lbs
Operator: T-33 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: KBJC, 5595 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1847 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 179°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 10000 ft agl
Visibility:  30 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 14 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Denver, CO (APA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Denver, CO (BJC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1245 MST
Type of Airspace:Class D 

Airport Information

Airport: ROCKY MOUNTAIN METROPOLITAN (BJC)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5673 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 12L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 9000 ft / 100 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: 39.908889, -105.117222 (est)

Landing Gear Not Configured: Yakovlev Yak-52, N3042W; accident occurred August 25, 2018 at Stroudsburg-Pocono Airport (N53), East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania

View of airplane and skid marks on field after runway excursion.


Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Allentown, Pennsylvania

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/N3042W



Location: East Stroudsburg, PA
Accident Number: GAA18CA540
Date & Time: 08/25/2018, 1500 EDT
Registration: N3042W
Aircraft: Yakovlev YAK 52
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal


View of damaged propeller.

The pilot reported that, during landing, on short final, he decided to go around.  During the go-around, the airplane "developed a severe vibration" so he made a precautionary landing on runway 26 with the gear retracted.  The airplane slid, exited the runway and impacted terrain. 


The inspector further reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the external longerons on the lower fuselage and engine mounts. 

The inspector added that, after his examination, he determined there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures to the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. 

View of damaged airplane.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Yakovlev
Registration: N3042W
Model/Series: YAK 52 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Other; Experimental
Serial Number: 822209
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/01/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2899 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1270 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Vegeneev
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: M14P
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 360 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: KMPO, 1916 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1853 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 302°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.3 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: East Stroudsburg, PA (N53)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: East Stroudsburg, PA (N53)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1400 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information


Airport: Stroudsburg-Pocono (N53)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 480 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough
Runway Used: 26
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3087 ft / 30 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Precautionary Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: N/A
Latitude, Longitude: 41.035833, -75.160556 (est)

Runway Excursion: Cessna 172S Skyhawk, N419SP; accident occurred August 23, 2018 at Harford County Airport (0W3), Churchville, Maryland

View of damaged right wing lift strut and right horizontal stabilizer. 
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Glen Burnie, Maryland

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/N419SP




Location: Churchville, MD
Accident Number: GAA18CA505
Date & Time: 08/23/2018, 1100 EDT
Registration: N419SP
Aircraft:Cessna 172 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot reported that during landing, on short final, he "corrected the approach with a crab for a crosswind landing," and the airplane touchdown on the 1st third of the runway "slightly fast" and left of runway centerline. During the landing roll, the airplane gradually veered left and exited the runway. The pilot applied full power and initiated a go around, but the airplane continued left and struck a power box.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut and right horizontal stabilizer.

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 an airport about 6 nm away, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from variable° at 4 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was from the north, about 10-15 knots. The airplane landed on runway 28.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private; Remote
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
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 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/09/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 503 hours (Total, all aircraft), 350 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N419SP
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 172S8350
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: 
Engine Model/Series: IO360 SER A&C
Registered Owner: C K Leasing Services Llc
Rated Power:
Operator: C K Leasing Services Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPG, 57 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1459 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 165°
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: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Churchville, MD (0W3)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Churchville, MD (0W3)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:  EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: HARFORD COUNTY (0W3)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 408 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2000 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 39.566944, -76.202500 (est)

Controlled Flight into Object: Hughes 369D, N89ZC; accident occurred August 22, 2018 in Ridgway, Elk County, Pennsylvania

View of damaged main rotor blade.
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Allegheny, Pennsylvania

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/N89ZC


Location: Ridgeway, PA
Accident Number:GAA18CA506 
Date & Time: 08/22/2018, 1126 EDT
Registration: N89ZC
Aircraft: Hughes 369
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation

The helicopter pilot reported that, after a high reconnaissance the helicopter was descended to about 30 ft above the power lines for the powerline inspection, while flying about 30-35 knots. While patrolling, they climbed over an identified crossing line, and then descended back down. During the decent , the passenger spotted a previously unseen power line in their flight path so the pilot "pulled hard aft cyclic with right pedal" but the main rotor blades struck the power line. The helicopter acquired a vibration in the main rotor system, but pilot was able to land without further incident.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 41, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
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 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/01/2017
Occupational Pilot:Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/25/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2354 hours (Total, all aircraft), 594 hours (Total, this make and model), 2263 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 138 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 29 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Hughes
Registration: N89ZC
Model/Series: 369 D
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1098D
Landing Gear Type: High Skid
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: 250-C20B
Registered Owner: Dah Aircraft Llc
Rated Power:
Operator: Rotor Blade LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft External Load (133)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dawn
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDUJ, 1805 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1602 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 228°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.88 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: St Marys, PA (OYM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: St Marys, PA (OYM)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1215 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

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: 41.401111, -78.561389 (est)

Landing Gear Collapse: Rans S-6S Coyote II, N107SJ; accident occurred August 19, 2018 in Painton, Stoddard County, Missouri

View of damaged engine truss and mount.


Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Louis, Missouri

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://registry.faa.gov/N107SJ


Location: Painton, MO
Accident Number: GAA18CA518
Date & Time: 08/19/2018, 1351 CDT
Registration: N107SJ
Aircraft: Rans RANS S6S
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear collapse
Injuries: 2 Minor 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane bounced and landed hard with a nose down attitude. The propeller stuck the ground, the airplane slid and came to rest nosed down.

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

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 73, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 97 hours (Total, all aircraft), 19 hours (Total, this make and model), 15 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Rans
Registration: N107SJ
Model/Series: RANS S6S SUPERSIX
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 07041601
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 422 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:100 hp 
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCGI, 352 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 52°
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: 120°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Dexter, MO (DXE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Painton, MO (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1315 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: PVT (PVT)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 300 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Vegetation
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2500 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 37.086389, -89.793889 (est)