Saturday, February 01, 2020

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 140, N4098N; accident occurred December 16, 2019 at General William J. Fox Airfield (KWJF), Lancaster, Los Angeles County, California

Airplane wreckage.

Damaged vertical stabilizer. 

Damaged propeller and right wing tip. 


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Van Nuys, California

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/N4098N


Location: Lancaster, CA
Accident Number: WPR20CA045
Date & Time: 12/16/2019, 1445 PST
Registration: N4098N
Aircraft: Cessna 140
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

The flight instructor and the student pilot who was on the controls, were taxiing for departure when the airplane started to veer to the right of the taxiway centerline. In an attempt to correct the directional movement, the student pilot applied the brakes quickly. The flight instructor reported that he could not intervene quick enough before the airplane nosed-over and came to rest inverted on the taxiway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage the right wing and vertical stabilizer.

The flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 23, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/20/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/06/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/27/2019
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 9840 hours (Total, all aircraft), 11 hours (Total, this make and model), 8962 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 65 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 40 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N4098N
Model/Series: 140 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 13556
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/19/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1451 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5197.3 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-200-A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As:
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: WJF
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1354 PST
Direction from Accident Site: 
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 12 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 50°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.32 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Lancaster, CA (WJF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lancaster, CA (WJF)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  PST
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: General Wm J Fox Airfield (WJF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2350 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 06
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7201 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 34.738611, -118.216389 (est)

Collision During Landing: Barrows Bearhawk, N719JS; accident occurred December 16, 2019 at Nampa Municipal Airport (KMAN), Canyon County, Idaho

View of Accident Airplane.
Federal Aviation Administration

View of Accident Airplane from Right Wing.
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

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/N719JS


Location: Nampa, ID
Accident Number: WPR20CA043 
Date & Time: 12/16/2019, 1230 MST
Registration: N719JS
Aircraft: JOHN Sample BEARHAWK
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

According to the pilot, after an uneventful flight, he verified the current weather conditions about 10 miles from the airport and subsequently entered the airport traffic pattern, at which point he elected to conduct a "grass landing." The airplane touched down normally, but during the landing roll he observed an obstacle in the middle of the "runway." The pilot was unable to react before the right main landing gear impacted a knoll and the airplane ground looped. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing was substantially damaged.

The airplane landed on an area of grass between the runway and taxiway when it impacted the grassy knoll. According to the airport manager, pilots are advised to land and takeoff on published runways only as prescribed under the airport policy page of the airport's website. This information is not available in the airport's chart supplement.

The pilot indicated that he checked the chart supplement for pertinent airport information, which did not include any restrictions about landing on the grass area between the taxiway and runway.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 37, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/12/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/01/2019
Flight Time:  583 hours (Total, all aircraft), 39.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 504.6 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 4.9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: JOHN Sample
Registration: N719JS
Model/Series: BEARHAWK No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental; Normal
Serial Number: 050-91/92-796
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/16/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 34 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 678.1 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming Engines
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-54-B485
Registered Owner: DMC Air LLC
Rated Power: 260 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: , 2537 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1235 MST
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 20°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.5 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / -3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Nampa, ID (MAN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Nampa, ID (MAN)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1120 MST
Type of Airspace:Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Nampa Muni (MAN)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 2537 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough; Vegetation
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.580000, -116.520000 (est)

Parsons Two Place #1, N446PS: Accident occurred December 08, 2019 in Naguabo, Puerto Rico

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; San Juan, Puerto Rico

Location: Naguabo, PR
Accident Number: ERA20LA051
Date & Time: 12/08/2019, 1405 AST
Registration: N446PS
Aircraft: PARSONS Two Place #1
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On December 8, 2019, about 1405 Atlantic standard time, an experimental amateur built Parsons Two Place #1 gyroplane, N446PS, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Naguabo, Puerto Rico. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The gyroplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight originated from Jose Aponte De La Torre Airport (RVR), Ceiba, Puerto Rico, about 1350.

According to the pilot, about 10 minutes after departure while cruising 55-60 mph, he began to feel a vibration in the airframe and an "abnormal drag." He reduced the engine power, and about that time, he felt the propeller severe the rudder cables. As he looked back, he saw the rudder separate from the airframe and the gyroplane began to spin. The pilot shutdown the engine to reduce the torque and attempted to maintain control as the gyroplane rapidly descended until it impacted the ground.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness records, the gyroplane was manufactured by the pilot in 2013. It was a two place, open cockpit, gyroplane, equipped with a Rotax 912 S2 engine. According to the airframe maintenance records, the most recent condition inspection was completed on June 23, 2019, at a total time of 62.0 hours. At the time of the accident, the Hobbs meter indicated 66.8 hours.

Examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that the gyroplane came to rest on the right side. The main rotor blades were impact damaged and cut branches were located nearby. The propeller blades remained attached to the engine and the engine remained attached to the airframe. The rudder was not located after the accident.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PARSONS
Registration: N446PS 
Model/Series: Two Place #1
Aircraft Category: Gyroplane
Amateur Built: Yes
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: TJNR, 38 ft msl
Observation Time: 1353 AST
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 60°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Ceiba, PR (RVR)
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 18.240833, -65.696944

Van’s RV-6, N616RV: Accident occurred December 05, 2019 in Pima, Graham County, Arizona

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; Scottsdale, Arizona

Location: Pima, AZ
Accident Number: WPR20LA040
Date & Time: 12/05/2019, 1520 MST
Registration: N616RV
Aircraft: Vans RV 6
Injuries:2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On December 5, 2019, about 1520 mountain standard time, an experimental Dunlap RV-6 airplane, N616RV, experienced a total loss of engine power and executed a forced landing onto a field about 2 miles from Pima, Arizona. The private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries; and the airplane's empennage exhibited substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 Personal Flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight departed from the Safford Regional Airport (SAD), Safford, Arizona at about 1500.

The pilot reported that while cruising westbound at 1,100 feet above ground level the engine stopped without warning. The propeller continued to windmill, but there was no power from the engine. He initiated a 180 degree turn back toward the airport and attempted to restart the engine, but to no avail. The pilot landed the airplane onto a cotton field; when the airplane touched down the landing gear sunk into the soft dirt and flipped over onto its back.

The airplane has been recovered for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Vans
Registration: N616RV
Model/Series: RV 6 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
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: SAD, 3179 ft msl
Observation Time: 1551 MST
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 300°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Safford, AZ (SAD)
Destination: Safford, AZ (SAD)

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: 32.901944, -109.786667 (est)

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)

Grumman American AA-5A Cheetah, N26455: Fatal accident occurred December 29, 2019 near College Park Airport (KCGS), Prince George's County, Maryland


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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; College Park, Maryland
Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N26455

Location: College Park, MD
Accident Number: ERA20FA060
Date & Time: 12/29/2019, 1448 EST
Registration: N26455
Aircraft: American Aviation AA5
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Doug Brazy 
National Transportation Safety Board


On December 29, 2019, at 1448 eastern standard time, a Grumman American Aviation AA-5A, N26455, was destroyed when it impacted terrain and houses shortly after takeoff from College Park Airport (CGS), College Park, Maryland. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which departed CGS at 1445, and was destined for Westchester County Airport (HPN), White Plains, New York.

Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the pilot contacted Leidos flight service and received a standard weather briefing that included pertinent weather information along the route. The pilot received his instrument departure clearance while on the ground prior to takeoff and was instructed to maintain runway heading until reaching controlled airspace (750 ft mean sea level (msl)), then turn to 050° and climb to 2,000 ft.

Radar data revealed the airplane departed Runway 15 and maintained an approximate heading of between 140° and 150° and climbed for about 1 mile as it tracked slightly right of the extended runway centerline. When the airplane reached an altitude of about 1,200 ft the pilot established communication with air traffic control and was instructed to climb to 5,000 ft and turn to a 310° heading once the airplane climbed above 1,700 ft.

The airplane entered a right turn and climbed to about 1,900 ft before entering a right spiraling descent. The controller issued a low-altitude alert as the airplane descended through 700 ft before radar and voice communications were lost. At 1447, the final radar target was about over the accident site at an altitude of 525 ft and 153 knots groundspeed.

Multiple witnesses near the accident site described hearing the airplane's engine noise, but they did not witness the accident. One witness said the sound of the engine was "loud" prior to impact. Another witness said he heard the airplane travel "directly over the house." He further stated that the airplane was not visible due to weather conditions at the time which were "serious IFR." He said the sound of the airplane's engine was continuous until it "suddenly cut off." Two witnesses reported hearing the engine "sputter."

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on August 27, 2019, and he reported 2,100 total hours of flight experience on that date.

The two-seat airplane was manufactured in 1978. It was equipped with a Lycoming O-320 series, 150-horsepower engine.

At 1448, the weather recorded at CGS included wind calm, visibility 2 statute miles, overcast ceiling at 500 ft, temperature 10°C, dew point was 9°C and an altimeter setting of 30.03 inches of mercury.

The airplane impacted in a residential neighborhood. The wreckage was examined at the accident site and all major components were accounted for at the scene. The wreckage path was about 170 ft long, oriented about a 250° magnetic heading, and debris was spread between two houses, across a street, and into the driveway and carport of a third house. All three houses were damaged.

The initial impact point was in trees, where multiple branches displayed angular cuts. Several pieces of angularly cut branches were found along the wreckage patch. The main wreckage was about 50 ft along the wreckage path, where the fuselage and the empennage were largely consumed by fire. Flight control continuity was confirmed, through several breaks, from all flight control surfaces to the cockpit controls. All breaks displayed features consistent with overload failure.

The main spar was separated from the airframe and fractured into several pieces. The left wing was partially consumed by fire, the left flap and aileron were separated and located along the debris path. The right wing, aileron, and flap were found separated along the debris path. The rudder remained attached to the empennage structure, the vertical stabilizer was separated. The right horizontal stabilizer remained attached, the left horizontal stabilizer was separated. Both elevators were separated from the empennage.

The fuel selector was found in the "RIGHT" position. The electric fuel pump was separated from its mount and punctured. The engine driven fuel pump was separated from the engine and not located.

The engine was impact separated and located at the end of the debris path. The crankcase appeared intact. The cylinders were examined with a borescope. No anomalies were observed on the visible portions of the pistons, cylinder walls, or valves. The No. 1 cylinder was displaced aft but remained attached to the crankcase, the flange was bowed. The Nos. 1 and 2 cylinders had bent pushrods. When actuated by hand through and accessory drive pad, the engine would not rotate.

The rocker box covers were removed; the valve springs and rocker assemblies were all intact with no anomalies observed. The top spark plugs were removed from the engine for inspection. The electrodes were new to slightly worn and light gray in color when compared to a Champion Check-A-Plug chart. The No. 1 spark plug ceramic insulator was fractured.

The carburetor was separated from the intake manifold and was impact and heat damaged, the control cables were not attached to their respective arms.

The propeller and hub were separated from the engine crankshaft consistent with impact damage. One propeller blade was mildly bent aft with no noticeable twist and exhibited leading edge gouging and chordwise scratches. The other propeller blade was bent aft at the mid-span with a slight twist. It exhibited chordwise scratches and leading-edge gouging, with streaks of missing white paint, and the tip was separated by impact.

The directional gyro was removed from the wreckage and disassembled. Rotational scoring was present on the spinning gyro and its housing. The vacuum pump was removed from the engine and disassembled. The rotor displayed several fractures that were consistent with impact damage, and the vanes were undamaged.

The wreckage was retained for further examination. 


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: American Aviation
Registration: N26455
Model/Series: AA5 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCGS, 50 ft msl
Observation Time:1948 EST 
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 9°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm / ,
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 500 ft agl
Visibility:  2 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: College Park, MD (CGS)
Destination: White Plains, NY (HPN)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-Ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.971389, -76.893056

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.