Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Midair Collision: Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros, N139UK and Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros, N139PJ; accident occurred September 14, 2018 near Reno Stead Airport (KRTS), Washoe County, Nevada



   
Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude. 

Reality Czech, piloted by Nathan Harnagel of Friendswood, Texas.
September 14th, 2018.

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

N139UK Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

N139UK Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


https://registry.faa.gov/N139UK

Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: WPR18LA267A
Date & Time: 09/14/2018, 1004 PDT
Registration: N139UK
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L39
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, a Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane, which originated from RTS at 0950.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 13 reported that he was observing the pilot of race 37 flying a tight line on the course and he was observing his line throughout the race, and announced on the race frequency that he was passing race 37 on the right. The pilot said that he had sight of race 37 at all times and that during the 5th lap, in an area of pylon 4, he thought the pilot of race 37 may have rolled right prior to the collision. Following the collision, the pilot of race 13 declared an emergency and landed uneventfully.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 37 reported that during the 4th lap, while passing pylon 7, he recalled hearing the pilot of race 13 state that he was on his right. The pilot said that during the 5th lap, as he was passing pylon 4, it felt like a car crash and that he never saw race 13. Shortly after, he heard the pilot of race 13 declare a mayday and he decided to declare mayday as well, while noting sluggish control responsiveness. The pilot of race 37 was able to land uneventfully.

Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude.

Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Balloon; Glider; Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Glider; Helicopter; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/20/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  4137 hours (Total, all aircraft), 50 hours (Total, this make and model), 3835 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 51 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 14 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Vodochody
Registration: N139UK
Model/Series: L39 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 031822
Landing Gear Type: Retractable -
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10028 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Turbo Fan
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Ivencheko
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AI-25-TL
Registered Owner: Black Rock Aero LLC
Rated Power: 3792 lbs
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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 189°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / -6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0950 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: RENO/STEAD (RTS)
Runway Surface Type:N/A 
Airport Elevation: 5050 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: Minor
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 39.713889, -119.866389 (est)


Race 37, piloted by Alexandre Eckmann of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
September 14th, 2018.


N139PJ Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

N139PJ Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N139PJ

Location: Reno, NV
Accident Number: WPR18LA267B
Date & Time: 09/14/2018, 1004 PDT
Registration: N139PJ
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L 39
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show 

On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, a Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane, which originated from RTS at 0950.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 13 reported that he was observing the pilot of race 37 flying a tight line on the course and he was observing his line throughout the race, and announced on the race frequency that he was passing race 37 on the right. The pilot said that he had sight of race 37 at all times and that during the 5th lap, in an area of pylon 4, he thought the pilot of race 37 may have rolled right prior to the collision. Following the collision, the pilot of race 13 declared an emergency and landed uneventfully.

During an in person interview, the pilot of race 37 reported that during the 4th lap, while passing pylon 7, he recalled hearing the pilot of race 13 state that he was on his right. The pilot said that during the 5th lap, as he was passing pylon 4, it felt like a car crash and that he never saw race 13. Shortly after, he heard the pilot of race 13 declare a mayday and he decided to declare mayday as well, while noting sluggish control responsiveness. The pilot of race 37 was able to land uneventfully.

Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude.

Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 44, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
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: 03/27/2018
Occupational Pilot:Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/18/2018
Flight Time:  6100 hours (Total, all aircraft), 70 hours (Total, this make and model), 4000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 55 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 24 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Vodochody
Registration: N139PJ
Model/Series: L 39
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 232226
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/02/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  Turbo Fan
Airframe Total Time: 2296.3 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Ivchenko
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AL25TL
Registered Owner: MPE ENTERPRISES CORP
Rated Power: 3800 lbs
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: KRTS, 5053 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 189°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / -6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:None 
Destination: Reno, NV (RTS)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0950 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: RENO/STEAD (RTS)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 5050 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: 39.713889, -119.866389 (est)

8 comments:

  1. Why would the NTSB waste time, effort and a lot of taxpayer money investigating a collision that occurred during an air race? That would be like calling the police to do a report on an accident that occurred during a NASCAR race. Our tax dollars at work, how about a little oversight?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Right on, the NTSB is wasting taxpayers' money just like the police and all the traffic signs and signals on the streets are by making sure people don't drive like NASCAR.
    But glad you asked - the NTSB's budget is about $110 Million/year and since we are talking aviation, fun fact about Air Force One: $110 Million happens to be just about the same amount of taxpayers' money for presidential golf and family trips with the necessary entourage since 2017. It's just money.

    And, um, comparing NASCAR and car collisions to (air race) flying? Watch and hold my beer. And read about me right here on Kathryn's Report.

    1. That's how the USA (its congress?) set it up, kinda "It's the law.":
    The Safety Board’s mission is to determine the probable cause of:• all U.S. civil aviation accidents and certain public-use aircraft accidents [...].
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/documents/whatisntsb0091710.pdf

    2. Expert reports for insurance claims? The five Ws. Someone has to pay for the damages.
    I guess in NASCAR there are a few more cameras showing exactly all of the five Ws in HD.

    3. Learn from it and change things if necessary - even air races.

    Be safe up there.

    ReplyDelete
  3. "But glad you asked - the NTSB's budget is about $110 Million/year and since we are talking aviation, fun fact about Air Force One: $110 Million happens to be just about the same amount of taxpayers' money for presidential golf and family trips with the necessary entourage since 2017. It's just money."

    Question: did you say the same thing when the Obamas vacationed with Michelle and her entourage flying in a SEPARATE aircraft behind AF1? Or the same when Slick Willy flew around the meet interns?

    What's that, no? Yeah that's what I thought. More TDS spamming up this place. Good luck with your rage with #45 wins another four years. Disgusting hypocrite.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Take your motherloving politics elsewhere please - if I want to see garbage, I can go to the kitchen and look in the trash can - I don't have to visit this website. I (and maybe even other people) come here to read about aviation, not fake popularity contests and the bile and vitriol they inspire in people.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Who let the angry bird in? Isn't KR about aviation safety? I know nothing about about airodieanamiks and wondering if the rear trailing a/c was caught up in the vortex air wash or some other flight dynamics other than plane pilot error. I can always find polarizing 'discussions' about america anywhere else. Here, I'm interested in reading about aviation issues, not who's on first........

    ReplyDelete
  6. I only hope those getting bent out of shape, hyperventilating and resorting to whataboutism devoid of any concrete facts about a little fun/sad fact about waste of taxes in a post that was first and foremost a respectful response to an unsubstantiated rant with factual information about the (safety critical) role of the NTSB, aren't allowed anywhere near an aircraft - let alone be PIC, as in "in control".

    How about something constructive, enlightening or myth-dispelling supported by facts and concise explanations in a forum to learn from?

    ReplyDelete