Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Birdstrike: Van's RV-10, N519RV; accident occurred December 30, 2019 in Granbury, Hood County, Texas

National Transportation Safety Board 
Aviation Accident Final Report
   




Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Irving, Texas

https://registry.faa.gov/N519RV

Location: GRANBURY, Texas 
Accident Number: CEN20CA048
Date & Time: December 30, 2019, 15:05 Local 
Registration: N519RV
Aircraft: Vans RV 10 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while in the traffic pattern and turning from base to final, a large bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure and made the airplane difficult to control. The pilot was able to land safely on the intended runway. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane's impact with a bird while on approach.

Findings

Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on operation
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Ability to respond/compensate

History of Flight

Approach 
Birdstrike (Defining event)

Pilot Information
Certificate: Private 
Age: 53,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 4-point
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: December 1, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: July 21, 2018
Flight Time: 1647 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1556 hours (Total, this make and model), 1604 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 4.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans 
Registration: N519RV
Model/Series: RV 10 No Series 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006 
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: 40250
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 1, 2019
Condition Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2900 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1236 Hrs 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: IO540
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 260 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGDJ,778 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 21:55 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 298°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 18 knots 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: Unknown / Unknown
Wind Direction: 320° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: Unknown / Unknown
Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / -5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Granbury, TX (66TE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: GRANBURY, TX 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:30 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.365554,-97.644996(est)

Ground Handling Event: Cessna 182F Skylane, N3473U; accident occurred December 29, 2019 at Nueces County Airport (KRBO), Robstown, Texas

Damaged airplane’s underbelly. 
Federal Aviation Administration

Damaged step and credit card machine. 
Federal Aviation Administration 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas

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/N3473U


Location: Robstown, TX

Accident Number: CEN20CA047
Date & Time: 12/29/2019, 1820 CST
Registration: N3473U
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground handling event
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that he was on a return flight back to his home airport. He turned on the airplane's cabin lights, and they seemed a bit dim. He decided to stop and troubleshoot the lighting issue and refuel, so he would have full fuel tanks for the night flight. He parked the airplane in front of the fuel pump and refueled both wing tanks, before pushing the airplane back. He added that he planned on checking to see if the battery would charge before continuing the flight. The propeller turned slow and the engine did not start, so he elected to hand prop the airplane. The pilot stated that he set the throttle, mixture, and parking brake, and after several attempts the engine started. He added that the engine appeared to be at idle, and then the rpm's increased. The airplane moved forward and impacted the fuel station's credit card machine before he could enter and stop the airplane.

An examination of the airplane noted substantial damage to the airframe's belly/bottom firewall area. Additionally, there was minor damage to the airplane's cowling, propeller, and nosewheel pant. There was also damage to the fuel pump's credit card machine and a set of steps.

An inspection of the airplane by the responding Federal Aviation Administration Inspector found that the throttle's friction lock was working; however, a check of the airplane's parking brake found that even after application of the brake, the airplane would move and the brakes did not function as intended. Though the specific problem with the brakes were not identified.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private
Age: 
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: None
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/13/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/14/2019
Flight Time:  1055 hours (Total, all aircraft), 41.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 1055 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 101.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 58 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N3473U
Model/Series: 182 F
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built:No 
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18254873
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/26/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3474 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470 R
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 230 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Harlingen, TX (KHRL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Marion, TX (1TE4)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1620 CST
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Nueces County Airport (RBO)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 80 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 27.778611, -97.690833 (est)

Mooney M20F, N6996V: Incident occurred December 30, 2019 at Georgetown Municipal Airport (KGTU), Williamson County, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas

Aircraft doing pattern work and gear collapsed after landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N6996V

Date: 30-DEC-19
Time: 00:55:00Z
Regis#: N6996V
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20F
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: GEORGETOWN
State: TEXAS

Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, N43866: Accident occurred December 30, 2019 at Miley Memorial Field (KBPI), Sublette County, Wyoming

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

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

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


https://registry.faa.gov/N43866

Location: Big Piney, WY
Accident Number: WPR20LA054
Date & Time: 12/30/2019, 1445 MST
Registration: N43866
Aircraft: Mitsubishi MU2B
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 30, 2019, about 1445 mountain standard time, a Mitsubishi MU-2-60 airplane, N43866, was substantially damaged during a runway excursion at the Miley Memorial Field Airport (BPI), Big Piney, Wyoming. The private pilot and 3 passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to Pickett Aviation, LLC. and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the cross country flight which departed the North Platte Regional Airport Lee Bird Field (LBF), North Platte, Nebraska, at 1245.

The pilot reported that the approach was normal, and he did not experience any issues when the airplane made contact with the runway. However, as he moved both throttles to the beta position, it appeared that the left propeller went to beta position while the right one did not. This resulted in a course deviation about 30°- 35°. An attempt to correct the drift with the nose gear control was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the runway and began to turn which led to the right main landing gear separation, collision of the right wing with terrain and the right wing tip separation. The airplane came to rest left of the runway with the nose of the airplane oriented towards the approach end. The airplane was relocated to a secure facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mitsubishi
Registration: N43866
Model/Series: MU2B 60
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:No 
Operator:On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:  
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: North Platte, NE (LBF)
Destination: Big Piney, WY (BPI)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude: 42.582222, -110.108889 (est)

Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet, N52CV: Accident occurred December 27, 2019 at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO), California

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 traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles, California
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota

Location: Santa Monica, CA
Accident Number: WPR20FA051
Date & Time: 12/27/2019, 1145 PST
Registration: N52CV
Aircraft: Cirrus SF50
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On December 27, 2019, about 1145 Pacific standard time, a Cirrus Design Corporation SF50 (Vision Jet), N52CV, caught fire prior to departure from Santa Monica Municipal Airport, Santa Monica, California. The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was privately owned and being operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the cross-country flight destined for McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad.

Upon arrival at the airplane, the pilot began to perform preflight checks and completed a walkaround. After boarding and closing the cabin door, he continued with the checks and observed haze in the cabin accompanied by a faint smell of smoke. He continued to follow the checklists and after starting the engine, the smoke smell became stronger, and he decided to terminate flight preparations, and have a mechanic examine the airplane.

After completing the engine shutdown, he opened the main cabin door, and began to see smoke issue from the armrest area of the number 5 (right center) passenger seat (Photo 1). A mechanic arrived at the airplane with a fire extinguisher within a few minutes, however the smoke had become dense, and was now streaming out of the cabin door. A few minutes later, flames began to emerge from the cabin, and by 1155 the cabin was completely engulfed. The fire department arrived at 1202, and the fire was extinguished.

The airplane sustained extensive thermal damage, with fire consuming the cabin roof and destroying the cabin contents from the aft wall of the parachute (CAPs) enclosure through to the engine inlet nacelle, with fire damage more extensive on the right side of the airframe. Fire had consumed the lower right walls of the cabin down to the wing root, with only composite cloth remaining. The right wing was intact, but sustained thermal damage to the upper skin from the root outboard about 4 ft short of the tip. The left wing, and lower left exterior skins of the cabin were largely free of fire damage.

The airplane remained on its main landing gear, and was able to support its own weight without significant structural deformation. The tail assembly aft of the pressure bulkhead, along with the engine and engine compartment were essentially undamaged.


Photo 1 – Smoke in the Area of Seat 5

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cirrus
Registration: N52CV
Model/Series: SF50 No Series
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: SMO, 170 ft msl
Observation Time: 1951 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 5°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 210°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Santa Monica, CA (SMO)
Destination: Carlsbad, CA (CRQ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.013333, -118.452222


The Santa Monica Fire Department was investigating after a small plane registered to a company in Utah went up in flames at the Santa Monica Airport Friday afternoon. No injuries were reported.

Story and video ➤ https://losangeles.cbslocal.com

Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, N7741P: Incident occurred December 27, 2019 at Monticello Sky Ranch Airport (GA06), Jasper County, Georgia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

Aircraft landed gear up.

https://registry.faa.gov/N7741P

Date: 27-DEC-19
Time: 22:01:00Z
Regis#: N7741P
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA24
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MONTICELLO
State: GEORGIA