Sunday, December 29, 2019

Mooney M20J 201, N52840: Accident occurred December 28, 2019 near Republic Airport (KFRG), Farmingdale, Nassau County, New York

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.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Farmingdale, New York

N52840 LLC


Location: Farmingdale, NY
Accident Number: ERA20LA082
Date & Time: December 28, 2019, 16:15 Local
Registration: N52840
Aircraft: Mooney M20J
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 28, 2019, about 1615 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20J, N52840, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Farmingdale, New York. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane operated Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane about 1200 with no anomalies noted and departed Republic Airport (FRG), Farmingdale, New York for a flight to Francis S Gabreski Airport (FOK), Westhampton Beach, New York. He remained on the ground at FOK until about 1540, when he departed for the return flight to FRG. He stated that during approach to FRG the airport traffic pattern was congested, and air traffic control requested he enter right traffic for runway 1. The controller then asked him to extend his approach over the south shore of Long Island before turning him back to the airport. On about a 3-mile final approach to the runway, the controller asked the pilot make S turns for separation from the airplane in front of him. At an altitude of about 600 ft, the engine lost total power. The pilot responded by first switching the fuel selector from the right tank to the left tank, then tried to restart the engine before impacting terrain about ½-mile from runway 1 at FRG.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after the accident. During the examination the inspector disconnected multiple fuel lines to check for the presence of fuel. A small amount of residual fuel was present in the fuel manifold supply and the return lines from the fuel control to the fuel pump. All other lines were absent of fuel, including the fuel supply line from the airframe to the fuel pump. The right fuel tank was visually inspected about 1 inch of fuel in the tank, the left tank was damaged during the accident and found empty.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mooney
Registration: N52840
Model/Series: M20J 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FRG,81 ft msl
Observation Time: 15:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C /1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 320°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Westhampton Beach, NY (FOK)
Destination: Farmingdale, NY (FRG)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.713054,-73.411941 (est)


A small plane crashed into a line of trees along the Southern State Parkway in Farmingdale Saturday. 

State police say it happened around 4:10 p.m. near the Southern State Parkway westbound lanes, by Exits 32-33.

According to the FAA, the Mooney M20J 201 was making its final approach to Runway 1 at Republic Airport in Farmingdale when it crashed in the woods about a mile south of the runway.

The FAA says the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. State police tell News 12 that the pilot suffered only minor injuries.

The plane had taken off from Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, according to the FAA.

Aviation experts say pilots train for this type of situation. 

"One of the things you try to do if you have to force land an aircraft is try not to hit anything or hit people or any obstructions that might hit anybody else. So, it looks like he was able to do that so that is good news,” says Dr Michael Cander.

The crash halted traffic in both directions on the parkway in the area, but lanes have since been reopened. 

Traffic along the southern state parkway was at a standstill and remained sluggish until 7 p.m when crews were able to remove the aircraft from the scene.

Remnants of the plane are being towed and brought to a yard. From there, the FAA will take over and start their investigation into the cause of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.

Story and video ➤ http://longisland.news12.com







EAST FARMINGDALE, Long Island (WABC) -- A small plane crashed into the woods on Long Island.

The plane took off from Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Sheldon Way, Westhampton Beach, and crashed in East Farmingdale near Route 109 after reportedly losing power.

According to the FAA, the Mooney M20J 201 crashed as it approached to land on Runway 1 at Republic Airport around 4 p.m. Saturday. The plane crashed approximately one mile south of the runway.

Only the pilot was on board the plane at the time - he suffered minor injuries, and is expected to be okay.

The FAA and NTSB are working to determine the cause of the crash.

Part of the Southern State Parkway is shut down due to emergency vehicles.

Story and video ➤ https://abc7ny.com

Loss of Control on Ground: Luscombe 8E Silvaire, N2352K; accident occurred July 02, 2019 at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (KGKT), Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee

 View of Tailwheel.
Federal Aviation Administration


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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

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/N2352K

Location: Sevierville, TN
Accident Number: ERA19TA222
Date & Time: 07/02/2019, 0930 EDT
Registration: N2352K
Aircraft: Luscombe 8
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Substantially Damaged Right Wing.
Federal Aviation Administration


On July 2, 2019, about 0930 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8E, N2352K, was substantially damaged during the landing and subsequent runway excursion at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT), Sevierville, Tennessee. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. 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 flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that departed about 0815.

The pilot reported that he had purchased the airplane the day prior to the accident and planned to complete a local time building flight. He departed the airport and performed maneuvers in the local area, returned to GKT, and completed 4 normal wheel landings on runway 28. On the fifth wheel landing, the pilot reported that both main landing gear touched down about 55-60 mph on the runway centerline, and about 30 mph, the tailwheel settled to the runway.

As soon as the tailwheel touched down, the pilot stated he felt a rumble "like a machine gun" and the airplane continued to track the centerline for about 5-6 seconds, but then veered to the right. He applied left rudder, and the airplane subsequently veered left off the runway and the right main landing gear collapsed. The right-wing spar sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain. The pilot reported that when he exited the airplane, he observed that the tailwheel was at rest 90° to the right, perpendicular to the fuselage.

Examination of the tailwheel assembly by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that it moved freely, and no binds or control linkage problems were discovered. He reported that the chain and spring assembly on the tailwheel were a "little loose."

According to FAA airman records, the pilot in command held a private pilot certificate, with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He completed the Basic Medical certification on September 12, 2018. He reported he had accumulated 439 total flight hours, of which 9 hours were in the accident make and model airplane. He reported he received a tailwheel endorsement in January 2009.

According to FAA airworthiness records, the tailwheel equipped airplane was powered by a Continental C85 engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on July 1, 2019.

At 0940, the reported weather at GKT included 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, calm wind, temperature 28°C, dew point 21°C, and barometric pressure of 30.06 inches of mercury. The pilot reported that the wind was calm.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/12/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/01/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 439 hours (Total, all aircraft), 8.9 hours (Total, this make and model), 439 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial; Private
Age: 80, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  8000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 0.5 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Luscombe
Registration: N2352K
Model/Series: 8 E
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 5079
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/01/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3813 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C-85-12F
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 85 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: KGKT, 1013 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0940 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Sevierville, TN (GKT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Sevierville, TN (GKT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0815 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge (GKT)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1014 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5500 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

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: 35.856944, -83.524444 (est)

Runway Excursion: Piper PA-28R-200, N40956; accident occurred April 20, 2019 at St. Cloud Regional Airport (KSTC), Sherburne County, Minnesota








Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: St. Cloud, MN

Accident Number: CEN19LA125
Date & Time: 04/20/2019, 0946 CDT
Registration: N40956
Aircraft: Piper PA-28R-200
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The private pilot reported that the airplane operated normally during the personal flight. He stated that before touchdown at the destination airport, he applied left rudder and had the right wing down into the wind to counter the crosswinds and maintain the center line of the runway. At touchdown, he held the control yoke to the right and was applying the brakes; however, the airplane veered left and exited the runway. The airplane traveled about 50 ft into the grass, and the right main landing gear collapsed; the right wing struck the ground and sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity. The airplane was equipped with an engine monitoring system, and data indicated that the engine and propeller operated normally during the flight. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Weather at the destination airport about 1 hour before the accident was wind from 180° at 13 knots gusting to 20 knots; the automated weather report that the pilot received en route was similar. The crosswind component was within the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for this airplane; however, the pilot stated, "Looking back, I should have never gone up with crosswinds that high, with little to no practice in crosswinds logged in the last 30, 60, [or] 90 days." Thus, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land in crosswind conditions given his lack of recent experience in those conditions. 

Findings

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Crosswind - Effect on operation
Environmental issues Crosswind - Response/compensation
Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot

Factual Information 

***This report was modified on 12/11/2019. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.***


On April 20, 2019, about 0946 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, veered off the left side of runway 13 during landing at the St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC), St. Cloud, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The airplane was owned and operated by the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions, Inc. under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the flight, which was not operating under a flight plan. The flight departed the Sauk Centre Municipal Airport (D39), Sauk Centre, Minnesota, about 0914 with STC as the destination.

The pilot reported that the accident flight was the first flight after the airplane had undergone an annual maintenance inspection. The pilot reported that the airplane operated normally during the flight and he planned to land on runway 13 (7,500 ft by 150, asphalt) at STC. The approach and descent rate were stable as he "crabbed" the airplane into the wind to compensate for the right crosswind. He selected 25° of flaps when the indicated airspeed was 80 kts. He stated that before touchdown, he applied left rudder and had the right wing down into the wind to counter the crosswinds and to maintain the center line of the runway. At touchdown, he had the control yoke to the right and was applying the brakes; however, the airplane veered to the left and exited the runway. The airplane traveled about 50 ft into the grass when the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing struck the ground resulting in substantial damage to the wing.

The examination of the flight controls confirmed flight control continuity from the flight controls to the control surfaces. The airplane was equipped with an engine monitoring system. The data was downloaded, and the data indicated that the engine and propeller operated normally during the flight. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated, "Looking back, I should have never gone up with crosswinds that high, with little to no practice in crosswinds logged in the last 30, 60, [or] 90 days."

At 0853, the surface weather observation at STC, was wind 180° at 13 knots gusting to 20 knots; visibility 10 miles; sky clear; temperature 12° C; dew point -1° C; and altimeter 29.78 inches of mercury. The pilot reported that before departing D39, the weather briefing at D39 was sky clear, wind 180° at 9 knots. About 30 nautical miles out from STC, the pilot received the automated weather from STC, which was sky clear, wind 180° at 12 to 20 knots.

According to the airplane manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for this make/model airplane is 17 knots.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private

Age: 46, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/23/2016
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/31/2017
Flight Time: 368 hours (Total, all aircraft), 317 hours (Total, this make and model), 340 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N40956
Model/Series: PA-28R-200
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28R-7435144
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/19/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2325 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 0 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4195.5 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: IO-380-C1C
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 200
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: STC, 1030 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0853 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.78 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration
Departure Point: Sauk Centre, MN (D39)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: St. Cloud, MN (STC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0914 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC)
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 1030 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 13
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7500 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 45.548056, -94.069722

Location: St. Cloud, MN
Accident Number: CEN19LA125
Date & Time: 04/20/2019, 0946 CDT
Registration: N40956
Aircraft: Piper PA-28R-200
Injuries:2 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On April 20, 2019, about 0946 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, veered off the left side of the runway during landing at the St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC), St. Cloud, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The airplane was owned and operated by the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions, Inc. under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the flight, which was not operating under a flight plan. The flight departed the Sauk Centre Municipal Airport (D39), Sauk Centre, Minnesota, about 0914 with STC as the destination.

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that the accident flight was the first flight after the airplane had undergone an annual maintenance inspection. He reported that the airplane operated normally during the flight and he prepared to land on runway 13 (7,500 ft by 150, asphalt) at STC. He "crabbed" the airplane into the wind to compensate for the right crosswind. He stated that when the airplane was about 10 ft above the runway, he pushed the controllable propeller governor full forward. He saw the rpm drop to 200 rpm on the digital engine analyzer, and then it returned to 900 rpm, and then it surged to 2,500 rpm. The airplane landed about 2,000 ft down the runway from the approach end of runway 13, slightly left of centerline. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway and skidded on the grass causing the landing gear to collapse. The airplane traveled about 150 ft before coming to rest upright on its belly.

At 0853, the surface weather observation at STC, was wind 180° at 13 knots gusting to 20 knots; visibility 10 miles; sky clear; temperature 12° C; dew point -1° C; and altimeter 29.78 inches of mercury.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N40956
Model/Series: PA-28R-200
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: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: STC, 1030 ft msl
Observation Time: 0853 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / -1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / 20 knots, 180°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.78 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Sauk Centre, MN (D39)
Destination: St. Cloud, MN (STC)

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: 45.548056, -94.069722

Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II, N27GB: Accident occurred December 28, 2019 near Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL), North Carolina

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina 
Piper Aircraft; Vero Beach, Florida 

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N27GB

Location:Fletcher, NC 
Accident Number: ERA20LA062
Date & Time: 12/28/2019, 1735 EST
Registration: N27GB
Aircraft: Piper PA32RT
Injuries:5 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 28, 2019, about 1735 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32RT-300, N27GB, was destroyed during an emergency landing in Fletcher, North Carolina, after it experienced a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Asheville, North Carolina. The private pilot and four passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, that was destined for Cobb County International Airport-McCollum Field (RYY), Atlanta, Georgia.

According to the pilot, he departed from RYY earlier in the day with four family members and flew to AVL. The airplane had 86 gallons of fuel on board when it departed RYY. Prior to takeoff from AVL the pilot performed an engine runup and everything was normal. During taxi he was following a CRJ, and the air traffic control tower controller advised him of wake turbulence.

During the takeoff he rotated the airplane "a little early" at 75 knots to avoid the wake turbulence from the CRJ. He climbed at Vx (best angle of climb); then the airplane started to feel "sluggish." He checked that the mixture, propeller, and throttle controls were all full forward and "nosed" the airplane forward.

The pilot believed that the airplane experience an additional loss of engine power and thought he had enough altitude to turn back to the airport. He subsequently thought that the engine was "rolling back," noted that the oil pressure gauge was in the "yellow," and attempted to land in a parking lot. He kept the landing gear in the up position, extended the wing flaps and aimed between light poles. The right wing hit "something," and the airplane stopped. When he exited, his wife and the children were already out of the airplane.

Examination of photographs taken of the accident site and airplane revealed that the airplane struck a chain link fence, and an electrical distribution box before coming to rest. The majority of the airplane's cabin and aft fuselage had been consumed by a postcrash fire.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airmen and pilot records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane multi-engine land, airplane single engine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on February 1, 2015. He reported that he had accrued about 327 total hours of flight experience, 224 of which was in the accident airplane make and model.

According to FAA airworthiness and aircraft maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1978. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on May 6, 2019. At the time of the inspection, the airplane had accrued about 4,082 total hours of operation, and the engine had accrued about 365 hours since major overhaul.

The recorded weather at AVL, at 1754, included wind 150 at 5 knots, visibility 9 miles, overcast ceiling at 10,000 ft, temperature 16° C, dew point 9° C, and an altimeter setting of 30.20 inches of mercury.

The wreckage was retained for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N27GB
Model/Series: PA32RT 300
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:
Observation Facility, Elevation: AVL, 2162 ft msl
Observation Time: 1754 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 9°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 150°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 10000 ft agl
Visibility:  9 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Asheville, NC (AVL)
Destination: Atlanta, GA (RYY)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 4 None
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 5 None
Latitude, Longitude: 35.425000, -82.531944 (est)




 

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) —  Multiple crews were on scene at the WNC Ag Center in Buncombe County Saturday, December 28th, 2019, after a small plane crashed after taking off from the Asheville Regional Airport.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Piper PA-32RT crashed approximately one-quarter mile east of airport as it was taking off from Runway 17.

Buncombe County authorities say five people were on the aircraft at the time of the crash. Thankfully, there were no major injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.

Officials with the Asheville Regional Airport reported the incident did not happen on airport property but they did send help. They said the runway is fully operational. There are some flight delays at the time, but not necessarily connected to the crash.

Story and video ➤ http://my40.tv