Friday, February 07, 2020

Cessna 182T Skylane, N60381: Fatal accident occurred February 06, 2020 in Chatham, Jackson Parish, Louisiana

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; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas 

https://registry.faa.gov/N60381

Location: Chatham, LA
Accident Number:CEN20FA075 
Date & Time: 02/06/2020, 1413 CST
Registration: N60381
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

On February 6, 2020, about 1413 central standard time, a Cessna 182 airplane, N60381, registered to an LLC, impacted the ground in Chatham, Louisiana. The commercial pilot and 2 passengers sustained fatal injuries. Marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated at 1307 from the Jackson-Hawkins Field Airport (HKS), Jackson Mississippi, and was enroute to its intended destination of Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), Shreveport, Louisiana.

Preliminary radar data showed the airplane was enroute to its planned destination (SHV), about 6,000 ft when the pilot reported to Monroe Air Traffic Control (ATC) that he was encountering rime ice and requested a lower altitude. About 1350, ATC cleared the airplane to descend to 4,000 ft. The pilot queried ATC on the chances of being cleared to 2,000 feet and was advised 3,000 ft was the lowest he could be cleared to.

About 1355 the pilot requested and was cleared to 3,000 ft. The pilot then asked ATC to divert into Ruston Regional Airport (RSN) to remove ice off of the airplane. ATC vectored the airplane to the RNAV GPS 36 approach to RSN with a clearance to 2,000 ft until established on the approach. Radar contact was lost prior to the airplane reaching the initial approach fix (IAF) for the approach. Preliminary ADS-B data showed the airplane's ground speed slowing and a rapid descent before the radar contact was lost. Other than the report of ice, no distress calls were received from the pilot.

The airplane impacted a parking area surrounded by commercial buildings. Several workers in the building heard the impact. A first responder reached the accident site minutes after the impact, and shortly after his arrival, a post-impact fire ensued.

Examination of the airplane showed that it impacted the ground in a near vertical nose down attitude on a southerly heading next to a commercial building. The engine separated from the fuselage and was laying next to the initial impact crater. Both left and right wing leading edge impressions were present in the soft dirt on either side of the impact crater. According to a first responder, the airplane initially came to rest with the left wing against the building and the airplane sitting tail high. Subsequently, a post-impact fire occurred which consumed a majority of the fuselage and the left wing.

Both wing leading edges were crushed aft to the forward spar. All of the flight control surfaces remained attached to the aircraft, and no anomalies other than impact and fire damage were observed on the flight control cables to the ailerons and rudder. All flight instruments were consumed by the post-impact fire and Garmin G1000 data cards were not found. The engine was examined for drive continuity and compression and no pre-impact anomalies were discovered. All engine accessories that could be examined did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

A preliminary weather study of the area revealed that several other aircraft that were operating in the area reported ice at various altitudes near the accident location. The nearest weather reporting facility (RSN), located about 14 miles northeast of the accident site, reported the cloud ceiling in the area at 1,100 ft overcast. The temperature was 2 degrees C, and dew point -1 degrees C.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N60381
Model/Series: 182 T
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: RSN, 311 ft msl
Observation Time: 1215 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / -1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 290°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1100 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.7 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Jackson, MS (HKS)
Destination: Shreveport, LA (SHV)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.314444, -92.440556 

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.



"Bob"
William Robert Gilliam III

William Robert Gilliam III, known to his friends as Bob, was born January 26th, 1959 in Columbus, Georgia and died unexpectedly in Chatham Louisiana on February 6th, 2020. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Erin Soleto-Gilliam, daughters Kelsey Elise Gilliam and Kailey Alaina Gilliam, his father William Robert Gilliam Jr, sister, Laura Gilliam Bryant and husband Carl, nephews James (JC) Bryant and spouse Kaylee and Jacob Bryant. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Murrell Gilliam Lampkin and step-father Frank M. Lampkin. 

Bob grew up in Shreveport- Bossier City. He traveled after College, was a proud veteran of the United States Army and a long-time resident and active community member of Minden Louisiana. Bob developed a love for flying as a child.  He was a skilled A&P licensed aircraft mechanic and pilot, and he was passionate about his flying career. Bob enjoyed hobbies that included many sport cars, riding motorcycles and road trips with his “buddies.” Being with family was what Bob loved most — grilling burgers, traveling, going on runs, filming recitals and soccer matches and any event that included cheese! His proudest accomplishment was being the father of his two beautiful daughters. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A reception celebrating his life will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Orleans on Main 518 Main Street, Minden LA 71055 from 1-3 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you direct any donations to Minden High School, The Bob Gilliam Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 838, Minden, LA  71055.


Wade Williams
 Northwestern State University 2009-12



Wade Williams, a former Northwestern State football player and team captain, was recently promoted to chief operating officer at Rehabilitation Services. He was pursuing a PhD. in counseling psychology at Louisiana Tech while studying sleep disorders, assessment, and psychotherapy.

Williams, 29, lived in Bossier City with his wife Amanda and a daughter Rosalie.

He played football at Northwestern State from 2009-12. In 2012, he earned the team's Latino Award. The award is given to the player who shows exceptional effort, unselfishness, leadership and character. The award is given in honor of the school's late Lester Latino, a two-time all-conference player.

As a defensive lineman, Williams was a two-time All-Southland Conference honorable mention (2010, 2012) selection.  He made the SLC's All-Academic team in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He was Northwestern State's Male Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2011-12. He was also the school's Jack Clayton Award winner in 2012. The Jack Clayton Award goes to a senior who is dedicated to academics and show coach Clayton's trademark characteristics of leadership, integrity and work ethic.

"We had a different relationship,'' said Jay Thomas, who was Williams' defensive line coach at NSU. "It wasn't player-coach. It was more like a brother relationship. Really close. Very sad. I'm heartbroken. It's hard to talk about.''

Thomas praised Williams for his intelligence, his humor and his passion.

"I think we had one of our longest conversations back during football season,'' Thomas said. "He was driving somewhere and I was driving to Tennessee. We stayed on the phone for an hour and a half. The conversation went from religion to football to his work, my work, the whole nine yards.''

Said former Northwestern State sports information director Doug Ireland, "My first recollection is not about Wade Williams the football player or teammate -- and he was a great teammate and great leader. But it would be the man, the husband, the father, the Christian. There was just not a more pure person, pure goodness than I saw in him.

"He and his wife Amanda were a spectacular couple. He had so much to give this world. It's just a tragic loss.''

Christopher Quentin Mudd


Bossier City - Christopher Quentin Mudd, 35 passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M., with the funeral directly following at 12:30 P.M. on Wednesday, February 12th at St. Marks Cathedral.

Chris Mudd was a native of Benton, Louisiana and a resident of Bossier City, Louisiana. Chris was the CEO of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, which he took great pride in. Although Chris was early in his career, he became a significant mover and shaker in the world of behavioral health. His unique blend of vision, innovation, brilliant business acumen and his unrelenting advocacy for those struggling with behavioral health issues is what made him a force of nature. Chris has been instrumental in providing quality behavioral health services in Louisiana and Mississippi. His contribution to changing the face of behavioral health care is enormous. Chris has served as consultant to many health care organizations, advocacy groups, public institutions, legislators and providers to help lead and transform care for those who struggle with mental health issues. His footprint is large personally and professionally. As an avid tennis player, Chris was an active member of the Shreveport-Bossier tennis community. Chris is widely known throughout the state of Louisiana for his fierce competitive nature and no apologies attitude on and off of the tennis courts. He was the captain of many local teams who won the Louisiana State Tournament and advanced to Sectionals. Chris was easily recognized by his choices of clothing. The only thing brighter than the outfits he wore was his personality.

Chris is proceeded in death by his maternal grand-father, Donald C. Whitehead, his paternal grand-mother, Kathryn Faye Mudd, and his paternal grand-father, Francis Lee Mudd.

He is survived by his wife, Lauryn Mudd. Parents Vicki W. Mudd and David Quentin Mudd. Sons Braylen Sterling Mudd and Chanler Phillips Mudd. Favorite uncle Donald L. Whitehead and maternal uncle Michael Whitehead. Brother-in-law Tyler Semmes and Sister-in-law Kari Anne Semmes.

The family requests that in Lieu of flowers donations be made to Home Federal Bank of Shreveport, Louisiana in Braylen and Chanler's name to go towards their education. Chris was a large advocate for education and his son's educations were of the upmost importance to him.

The family would like to express the sincere appreciation from the bottom of our hearts to all of the friends who are family that have stood by us and cared for us through this difficult time. A special thank you to Chip Bordelon, Billy Means, and Matthew St. Amant for everything.



Jackson Parish Sheriff's Department
February 6th, 2020

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office received two 911 calls this afternoon around 2:11 PM, that a small plane had crashed just outside of the city limits of Chatham, La on Louisiana Hwy 34.

Monroe Regional Airport confirmed that they lost a plane on radar at that same time. The plane was traveling from Jackson – Hawkins Airport out of Jackson, MS and enroute to Shreveport Regional Airport in Shreveport, La.

The plane was a Cessna 182T Skylane with three occupants onboard. All three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene by the Jackson Parish Coroner’s Office. The Coroner’s Office will send them off for autopsy.

At this time names of the occupants will not be released until all family members can be notified.

The reason for the plane crash is still under investigation and will continue to be investigated by the FAA.















CHATHAM, Louisiana — Investigators scoured the wreckage and ground here Friday searching for clues to what caused Thursday's deadly plane crash in Jackson Parish that killed all three aboard the Cessna 182T Skylane bound for Shreveport.

But a National Transportation Safety Board spokesman told USA Today Network it could take as long as two years — and no sooner than a year — before a final report and answer are posted.

Chris Mudd and Wade Williams, both of Shreveport-Bossier and both executives of Rehabilitation Services of Northwest Louisiana, and Minden pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden died in the crash.

All three leave behind families and children.

"It's just a terrible tragedy," said Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown, who turned over the investigation to NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration officials Friday morning after securing the accident scene overnight after recovering the victims Thursday.

The impact occurred in a small area between a building and trees without room to have skidded very far.

"It looks like it just fell out of the sky," Brown said Thursday and again Friday.

The Cessna 182T Skylane was owned by Matthew St. Amant of Shreveport-Bossier, who owns Rehabilitation Services.

Mudd was the chief executive officer and Williams had recently been promoted to chief operating officer, said St. Amant's brother-in-law state Sen. Jay Luneau of Alexandria.

The men were flying from Jackson, Miss., to Shreveport, when the airplane crashed about 2:13 p.m., grazing David Greer's logging company, on Louisiana 34.

Though nobody witnessed the crash, Brown said one witness saw the plane descending to a level he thought was dangerously low.

Greer's employees were less than 25 yards from impact and heard a startling explosion soon after the crash. "It was loud and terrible," Leroy Stubblefield said.

Original article ➤ https://www.thenewsstar.com

9 comments:

  1. Tragic. The tail pointed one way and the remaining left wing the other way and the engine embedded into the ground. Obviously that means no forward velocity which means stall/spin with nose first impact. If there were anyone in that modular home or warehouse their lives were spared.

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  2. The aircraft has a very interesting track on flightaware. Though there are several altitude steps downs, it appears stable until the very end. However directionally there are periods during the flight where the aircraft wanders off in completely different directions, particularly towards the end. Where was it going, and why? Appears to be an IFR flight, are their ATC recordings? Was this a medical event? Carbon Monoxide?

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  3. I read on another site that icing may be a factor.

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  4. As above I have read of another GA pilot that canceled a flight going through this general area After checking the weather he decided that the system was very likely to produce possible icing conditions. With low ceilings and higher cloud tops there probably was no escape route if moderate or severe icing was encountered. Surface temp was 36 degrees which would make the freezing level to low to get below it It would be unadvisable to launch into those conditions in a aircraft with no deice capabilities

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    1. NTSB preliminary report out. Probable cause ICING. Pilot was at 6000 ft and requested lower because he was picking up ice. Cleared down to 3000, but requested 2000. He was informed by ATC that 2000 was below their coverage for that area. Pilot was attempting to divert to Ruston Regional (RSN)

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    2. If you needed 2000 to get out of the ice, declare an emergency.

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  5. The two relatively straight propeller blades in the photos above suggest that the engine might not have been running upon impact.

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  6. Yes, should have declared an emergency and came down to whatever altitude would help. The pilot knew he was in a bad way. When you get enough ice built up there is no longer any control. I never want to find out.

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  7. My son is working on his private pilot license and just took a trip with his instructor who owns a fraction in a Skylane. Son is 20 and was reading up on the performance on the Skylane and saw this report fairly close to where we live.
    He commented to me on the photos and said Dad the one photo with the older man holding the fire hose on the wreckage appears to have one of the victims in the right seat. I read the report, appears as it said just an iced up flat spin, crazy.
    Has a final report been issued on this accident?

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