Monday, February 10, 2020

Cessna 182T Skylane, N14007: Incident occurred February 08, 2020 at San Carlos Airport (KSQL), San Mateo County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Jose, California

Aircraft struck a bird on takeoff.

Mewmew Investment LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N14007

Date: 08-FEB-20
Time: 19:50:00Z
Regis#: N14007
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 182T
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: SAN CARLOS
State: CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-23: Incident occurred February 09, 2020 at North Perry Airport (KHWO), Hollywood, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft landed and went off the end of the runway and struck a light.

Date: 09-FEB-20
Time: 21:15:00Z
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA23
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HOLLYWOOD
State: FLORIDA

Hawker 800XP, N312FU: Incident occurred February 09, 2020 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), Broward County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft on taxi to the ramp was struck by a tug.

N312FU LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N312FU

Date: 09-FEB-20
Time: 01:00:00Z
Regis#: N312FU
Aircraft Make: RAYTHEON
Aircraft Model: HAWKER
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 135
City: FORT LAUDERDALE
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 340A, N500CT: Incident occurred February 07, 2020 in Scott County, Kansas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita

Aircraft engine struck an unknown object.

Crotts Aircraft Service Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N500CT

Date: 07-FEB-20
Time: 16:30:00Z
Regis#: N500CT
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 340
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: SCOTT CITY
State: KANSAS

Collision During Landing: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, N988FX; accident occurred February 07, 2020 at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (KBWI), Maryland






Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland 
Federal Aviation Administration / Certificate Management Office; Las Vegas, Nevada

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://registry.faa.gov/N988FX

Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Accident Number: ERA20CA095
Date & Time: February 7, 2020, 04:15 Local
Registration: N988FX
Aircraft: Cessna 208
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled 

Analysis

The pilot was conducting an instrument landing system approach in night instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot was using the autopilot for the approach to the destination airport and disengaged it when he had the runway and airport lighting system in view. The pilot reported that, as he approached the runway, he heard a sound and thought the airplane had hit a bird. He felt the airplane pitch up, so he increased engine power and pitched down to reach the runway. After the pilot landed and taxied to the ramp, he saw that a large piece of an approach light was caught on the right main landing gear. Further examination revealed that the empennage, right horizontal stabilizer, right wing strut, and front cargo pod had sustained substantial damage. The operator reported that the airplane had struck four approach
light towers and a localizer antenna.

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 clearance from the approach lights during an instrument approach.

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Runway/taxi/approach light - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-IFR final approach Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 35,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 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 23, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 23, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2011 hours (Total, all aircraft), 400 hours (Total, this make and model), 1352 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 62 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 31 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N988FX
Model/Series: 208 B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 208B2400
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: November 26, 2019 AAIP 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 8752 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 97 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 3497.4 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Canada
ELT: C126 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-114A
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 675 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand air taxi (135)
Operator Does Business As: 
Operator Designator Code: MTNA

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument (IMC) 
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: BWI,143 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 04:30 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Unknown
Visibility: 1.8 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Unknown 
Visibility (RVR): 1600 ft
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.18 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: In the vicinity - None - Fog
Departure Point: Newark, NJ (EWR )
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Baltimore, MD (BWI )
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 04:03 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class B

Airport Information

Airport: Baltimore/Washington Intl Thur BWI
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 143 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 10 
IFR Approach: ILS
Runway Length/Width: 10503 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

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: 39.175834,-76.668891(est)

Beech 95-C55, N15A: Incident occurred February 08, 2020 at Richard L. Jones Jr Airport (KRVS), Tulsa County, Oklahoma

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City

Aircraft struck a light on taxi.

Doug Harris Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N15A

Date: 08-FEB-20
Time: 22:50:00Z
Regis#: N15A
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 95
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: TULSA
State: OKLAHOMA

Cessna TU206G, N756HU: Incident occurred February 09, 2020 at Atoka Municipal Airport (KAQR), Oklahoma

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City

Aircraft experienced engine failure and crashed short of the runway.

Cullen Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N756HU

Date: 09-FEB-20
Time: 21:05:00Z
Regis#: N756HU
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 206
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: ATOKA
State: OKLAHOMA

Beechcraft F33A Bonanza, N6665U: Fatal accident occurred February 08, 2020 near Granbury Regional Airport (KGDJ), Hood County, Texas

Aerial view of the accident airplane surrounded by trees.


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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Irving, Texas
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas 
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama 

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N6665U

Location: Granbury, TX
Accident Number: CEN20FA076
Date & Time: 02/08/2020, 1315 CST
Registration: N6665U
Aircraft: Beech 33
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 8, 2020, about 1315 central standard time, a Beech F33A airplane, N6665U, impacted trees and terrain near Granbury, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to B & J Aviation LLC and was operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed Mineral Wells Airport (MWL), Mineral Wells, Texas, about 1248.

A review of the recorded ADS-B data revealed that the airplane had approached Granbury Regional Airport (GDJ), Granbury, Texas, from the northwest about 1301 and overflew runway 14 at 900 ft above ground level (agl). After the runway overflight, it turned right toward the northwest on a wide downwind leg and gradually descended to about 400 ft agl. The airplane then made a right base turn and the final data point was at 13:05:07, about 440 ft agl, and 93 knots ground speed. The accident site was located 2.32 nautical miles north-northwest of the final recorded ADS-B location. Figure 1 shows the recorded flight track with the accident site and GDJ labeled.

Flight track in red with the accident site and GDJ airport labeled.

A further review of the ADS-B data showed that at least three other airplanes were also flying in the immediate GDJ airport environment at the same time as the accident airplane. One pilot stated that he landed before the accident airplane and did not hear any unusual calls on the radio. Another pilot stated that he was behind the accident airplane in the pattern and observed it land and taxi toward the hangars and fuel pump area. The GDJ airport manager stated that his employees did not see the accident airplane arrive that day.

The responding Federal Aviation (FAA) inspector talked to an MWL airport employee who fueled the accident airplane prior to the departure. She stated that the pilot requested fuel "to the slots" so she complied and added 13 gallons of fuel. The fuel filler port placards on the airplane wings state "CAP TO TAB SLOT 35 GAL (32 USABLE)."

The accident site was located in an area of flat, rocky terrain about 3.75 nautical miles northwest of GDJ at 830 ft msl. The airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude, estimated about 45° down, and was oriented on a 068° true heading. The empennage was bent upward and the elevators rested on a tree. The airplane remained situated on top of the initial ground impact marks. Figure 2 shows an aerial view of the accident airplane where it came to rest surrounded by trees.

A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the leading edges of both wings were breached at the rivet lines and were split open. The fuel bladders in each wing had ruptured and were significantly damaged. A large portion of the right main fuel bladder and the entire fuel transmitter assembly had ejected and were found about 10 ft in front of the wing. The fiberglass wing tip tanks sustained impact damage and large portions of the tanks were fractured and displaced forward and outward. The dirt and organic debris in front of the wings was displaced forward. The fuel selector handle was positioned to the left main tank. The flap actuator revealed that the flaps were retracted during the impact and the landing gear were extended.

The engine remained partially attached to the airframe through wires, hoses, and cables. The firewall and a portion of the airframe had wrapped around the back of the engine. There were no holes in the crankcase and all six cylinders remained attached; most of the impact damage was sustained to the bottom of the engine. When manually rotated, the crankshaft was continuous from front to back and the camshaft operated normally. Five of six cylinders produced suction and compression and the sixth cylinder had damage to the intake pushrod. The inside of each cylinder was examined with a lighted borescope; they displayed normal operating signatures with no anomalies noted. The top spark plugs were examined after removal and the bottom spark plugs were examined using a borescope. The electrodes all displayed normal wear and operating signatures. The fuel manifold valve remained attached to its installation point and was undamaged. The fuel line from the fuel flow transducer and the manifold valve was disconnected from the transducer and a small amount of liquid was drained. The liquid odor was consistent with fuel, was clear in color, and tested negative for water contamination.

The propeller assembly was found in the initial impact crater, embedded in the ground under the engine, and was separated from the engine crankshaft. Two of the propeller blades remained attached to the hub; one blade was mostly straight and unremarkable and the other was bent slightly forward. The third blade was separated from the hub; it was found directly under the engine and was bent aft about mid-span. This blade also exhibited scratches and superficial damage near the blade sleeve which extended outward about 1 ft.

The pilot recently completed a flight review with a certified flight instructor on January 7, 2020. The flight was a 1.2 hour round trip (MWL-GDJ-MWL) and included steep turns, slow flight, stalls, cross country navigation, preflight planning, autopilot use, and 3 takeoffs and landings. The instructor stated that from 2014 to 2016 he completed numerous instrument training flights with the pilot, but eventually stopped because the pilot did not want to pursue an instrument rating any longer.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N6665U
Model/Series: 33 F33A
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: KGDJ, 778 ft msl
Observation Time: 1315 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / -1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / 14 knots, 130°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.17 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Mineral Wells, TX (MWL)
Destination: Granbury, TX (GDJ) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.444444, -97.816944 (est)

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.


James Barrie Coffield Jr.
December 17, 1948 - February 08, 2020

James Barrie Coffield, Jr., 71, of Weatherford, Texas, was in a fatal airplane accident on February 8th, 2020, while doing what he loved to do.

Graveside service:  2:00 p.m., Friday, February 21st, 2020 at Elmwood Cemetery, 1115 E. Nelson St., Bowie, Texas 76230.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 5:00 p.m. at Joe T. Garcia's Restaurant, 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth, Texas 76164.

Memorials:  Cal Farley's Boys Ranch or your charity of choice.

James was born Dec. 17, 1948 in Bowie, Texas and graduated from Bowie High School in 1967.  He attended the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Arlington, earning degrees in Business Administration and Political Science.  He worked in the oil and gas industry for 44 years and served on the Board of Directors for Legend Bank in Bowie for 25 years.  James greatly enjoyed the outdoors.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter, taking many trips, not only in the U.S., but several in Africa.  Other interests included flying his plane and reading books by his favorite authors.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Barrie Coffield, Sr. and Dorothy Jackson Coffield.


Survivors:  Brother, John Whit Coffield and his wife, Pam; niece, Jenna Loeffelholz and her husband, John, and their daughters, Anna and Grace; niece, Kaley Coffield; nephew, Adam Coffield; and many wonderful cousins.
====

The pilot from last weekend's Beechcraft F33A Bonanza plane crash has been identified. 

The body of James B. Coffield Jr., 71, of Weatherford, Texas was found in the wreckage on Black Diamond H Ranch northwest of Granbury Sunday morning, according to the highway patrol. 

Coffield was flying from Mineral Wells to the Granbury Regional Airport when his plane went down. 

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

GRANBURY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — An investigation is underway after a fatal plane crash in Granbury Saturday.

At approximately 11:10 a.m. February 9th, Highway Patrol Troopers were called to the wreckage site of a plane crash north of FM 4 and west of CR 2580. When troopers arrived, they found a Beechcraft F33A Bonanza with the sole occupant dead inside.

Officials said the accident is suspected to have occurred Saturday because that is when the pilot — who has not been identified — had filed a flight plan from Mineral Wells to Granbury.

The Federal Aviation Administration as well as the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the crash.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://dfw.cbslocal.com

Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow II, N66JJ: Incidents occurred February 08, 2020 and June 22, 2018 in Houston, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas

February 08, 2020: Aircraft landed gear up.

Up and Up Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N66JJ

Date: 08-FEB-20
Time: 02:55:00Z
Regis#: N66JJ
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28R
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HOUSTON
State: TEXAS

June 22, 2018:  Aircraft landed on uncharted grass strip, gear collapsed.

Date: 22-JUN-18
Time: 15:56:00Z
Regis#: N66JJ
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 28R 200
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HOUSTON
State: TEXAS

Eurocopter AS.350-B3, N350AM: Incident occurred February 09, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

Rotorcraft encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and landed in a field.

Air Methods Corp

https://registry.faa.gov/N350AM

Date: 09-FEB-20
Time: 14:05:00Z
Regis#: N350AM
Aircraft Make: EUROCOPTER
Aircraft Model: AS350
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: AMBULANCE
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 135
City: LUBBOCK
State: TEXAS

Aviastroitel AC-4C Russia, N912ES: Fatal accident occurred February 09, 2020 near Front Royal-Warren County Airport (KFRR), Virginia

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Washington, District of Columbia 

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N912ES

Location: Front Royal, VA
Accident Number: ERA20FA097
Date & Time: 02/09/2020, 1320 EST
Registration: N912ES
Aircraft: Aviastroitel AC 4C
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 9, 2020, about 1320 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Aviastroitel AC-4C glider, N912ES, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain while maneuvering to land at the Front-Royal Warren County Airport (FRR), Front Royal, Virginia. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed FRR about 1225.

The pilot was a member of the Skyline Soaring Club, which was based at FRR. According to a club member, most glider activity did not occur until March but due to nice weather they scheduled an "Ad Hoc" day. The club member said he helped the pilot assemble his glider and complete a comprehensive flight control check. The club member said the flight control check (which included the divebrakes) was normal. The pilot told him that he planned to practice "speed control" in the traffic pattern. The glider's panel mounted radio was not working, so the pilot had to use a handheld radio. However, the club member, who was monitoring the airport's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that afternoon, did not hear the pilot make any radio calls prior to the accident.

Another club member said that he and a passenger were flying in another glider when they caught up with the accident pilot while airborne. About 10-15 minutes prior to the accident, they few a thermal together before the club member and his passenger returned to FFR. The club member said he encountered "a huge updraft" when he made a right turn from the downwind leg to base leg of the traffic pattern for runway 28. He said the updraft, which he estimated was about 10 knots, caught him off guard, but he was able to correct for it and land uneventfully. Once the club member exited his glider, he saw the accident glider in the traffic pattern. It was midfield on the right downwind leg for runway 28. He said the glider appeared to have a nose-up attitude and was moving "slower than normal." The club member thought that the pilot was flying at "minimum sink" speed, which he said was not unusual in the traffic pattern. At this time, another club glider had just executed a practice premature termination of tow (PTT) maneuver from runway 28 and was landing in the opposite direction on runway 10. The club member thought that the accident pilot had slowed down to wait for that glider to clear the runway, and he made a comment to his passenger, that the accident pilot might fly over the top of them and land. The club member turned his attention away from the accident glider and when he looked back up, the glider was no longer in the traffic pattern.

The flight instructor that had just completed the PTT maneuver said that they had just finished their landing roll-out on runway 10 when he looked up to his left and saw a "white glider" in a fully involved spin toward the ground. He did not see the impact and was unsure what direction it was spinning. The flight instructor said that he did not hear any radio communications from the pilot prior to the accident.

The soaring club's tow pilot flew over the area where the spinning glider was last observed and located it in the woods about a 1/2 mile northwest of the airport.

On-scene examination revealed the glider came to rest upright on rolling terrain at the base of a cluster of trees. The cockpit area was displaced to the right. Several broken tree branches were on top of and around the main wreckage. All major components of the glider were accounted for at the accident site. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage, and the tail section had separated but remained attached via control cables. A portion of the left wing's wing tip was located about 20 ft southwest of the main wreckage. Several broken pieces of the Plexiglas canopy were found around the main wreckage.

The right wing exhibited some impact damage, but the aileron was secure and undamaged. The divebrake was extended and was being held up by tree branches that had lodged under it consistent with impact. When the branches were removed, the divebrake fully retracted into its wing box.

The left wing exhibited more impact damage than the right wing. There was a large gash in the leading edge of the left wing and the top of the wing was fractured back to the aileron's inboard attach point. The aileron was separated from the inboard attach point but remained attached to the outboard attach point. The aileron was also fractured mid-span. The trailing edge of the left wing at the wing root was crushed and appeared to be slightly pulled away from the fuselage. The divebrake was fully retracted in its respective wing box.

Flight control continuity was established for the ailerons, the rudder and the divebrakes from the cockpit to the flight control surfaces. The divebrake handle in the cockpit was found in the forward and unlocked position. The divebrake's aluminum control rod aft of the handle was bent about 30° consistent with impact damage. When the divebrake handle was pushed aft, both divebrakes simultaneously extended. The trim was set in the second notch position.

The elevator did not move when the flight control stick was moved. Further examination revealed that that the elevator control tube rod end that attached to the elevator bell crank located directly below the control stick was impact damaged and fractured. When the fractured elevator control tube was manually moved, the glider's elevator moved freely.

An index card was found in the wreckage that contained several flight speeds written on it. According to the card, the glider's minimum sink speed was calculated to be 39 knots and the stall speed was 37 knots.

The pilot's handheld radio was found in a storage pouch that was attached to the right side of the cockpit wall. The radio exhibited some impact damage to the battery section and could not be turned on.

The pilot held an airline transport certificate with a rating for airplane multiengine land. He also held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land and glider. The pilot held numerous type ratings in large transport category airplanes including the B-727, B-737, B-757, B767, B-787, and L-300. His last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first-class medical was issued on October 11, 2019. At that time, he reported a total of 18,800 flight hours. A review of the pilot's glider logbooks revealed he had a total of about 95.8 hours in gliders, of which, about 17.5 hours were in the accident glider (make/model).

Weather reported at FRR, at 1335 included wind from 250° at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles and clear skies.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aviastroitel
Registration: N912ES
Model/Series: AC 4C No Series
Aircraft Category: Glider
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: FRR, 703 ft msl
Observation Time: 1335 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C / -3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 250°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.41 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Front Royal, VA (FRR)
Destination: Front Royal, VA (FRR) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.550000, -78.140000

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.



Authorities say a Clarke County man died Sunday when his glider crashed near the Front Royal-Warren County Airport on Stokes Airport Road.

Peter C. Maynard, 65, of Lander Lane, Berryville, was killed in the crash at 1:37 p.m. Sunday, according to information provided Monday by Virginia State Police Sgt. Brent Coffey and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Senior trooper R. Riggs responded to the report of a plane crash in Warren County shortly after the incident, according to information from Coffey. Maynard died at the scene as a result of his injuries, according to police information. No one else was injured. State police notified the FAA and the NTSB of the crash. 

A preliminary investigation into the crash indicates the pilot tried to land or take off and then hit several trees, according to police information.

Maynard was the newly elected president of the Skyline Soaring Club, according to the club's online newsletter. The club, based at the Front Royal-Warren County Airport, is dedicated to the sport of "soaring" in gliders, some of which have engines and some of which do not. About a hundred people belong to the group, which operates on weekends, weather permitting.

Shane Neitzey, one of the club's founders, declined to talk about the crash, but he said Maynard was a well-liked, active member of the group and that he was "very safety conscious."

"He was loved, and he's going to be missed," Neitzey said in a phone interview. "It hurts us all."

According to Neitzey, Maynard joined the Skyline Soaring Club in 2015. The group owns and operates five gliders, plus two tow planes. About 20 gliders are privately owned. Maynard owned his glider, Neitzey said.

In the club's February newsletter, Maynard introduced himself, telling members he was a recently retired United Airlines pilot, having spent 35 years with the company, in addition to having extensive military experience. He added that he was married with two grown daughters. Maynard stressed the importance of safety, saying there is "never a reason to compromise" it.

Maynard also served on the Clarke County Planning Commission. He was appointed to the panel on April 16, 2019.

"We are shocked and saddened by this news," Clarke County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Weiss said in a statement. "Pete approached life with vitality, and his energy invigorated everyone around him. He will be missed by all of us in Clarke County. We send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family and friends."

The Federal Aviation Administration provided more details about the crash in a statement issued Monday afternoon. An AviaStroiel AC4 Model C, taildragger-style glider crashed into a field while on approach to the airport at 1:37 p.m. Sunday, according to FAA information.

Investigating agencies did not provide information on a tow plane that would have pulled the glider.

The FAA referred the media to local authorities for information on the pilot. The FAA is investigating the crash and the NTSB will determine the probable cause of the crash.

An investigator with the NTSB has responded to the crash, Terry Williams, a public affairs officer with the agency, said by phone Monday. The investigation could take more than a year to complete, Williams said. The agency has entered the on-scene or early fact-gathering phase of the investigation. The investigator first documents where the glider crashed and came to rest and looks at the site and the aircraft, Williams explained.

“The aircraft will be moved to a more secure location for further examination and we’re gonna be looking at the engine as well as ... the aircraft itself and damage to the aircraft and so forth,” Williams said.

NTSB investigators will examine the aircraft and its maintenance records; the environment, including the weather conditions at the time of the crash; and the pilot’s records and training, Williams said.

A plane crash killed a pilot near the Warren County-Front Royal Airport in early October 2017. The operator of a tow plane pulling a glider crashed on private property near the facility and caught fire, according to police information released after the incident. Authorities identified the tow plane pilot as Steven B. Zaboji, 76, of Reston, who was towing a glider for a student’s introductory flight. The glider landed safely at the airport. The NTSB released its final report on the crash last spring but did not identify a specific cause for the incident.

The report indicates that investigators found no sign of mechanical failure in Zaboji’s plane nor did he have medical complications during the flight. The agency report indicates that the glider instructor turned away from Zaboji’s plane, which delayed Zaboji’s timing on releasing the tow rope that contributed to the crash.

Original article can be found here ➤  https://www.nvdaily.com

WARREN COUNTY, Virginia (WHSV) — A Shenandoah Valley man is dead after a plane crash in Warren County Sunday afternoon, according to police.

Virginia State Police say 65-year-old Peter C. Maynard, of Berryville, was attempting to land or take off in a small glider when the plane collided with several trees at 1:37 p.m. in the 400 block of Stokes Airport Road.

That's not far from the Front Royal-Warren County Airport.

Maynard died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

According to police, both the FAA and NTSB were notified of the crash.

No one on the ground was injured.

Police continue to investigate the crash.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.whsv.com



FRONT ROYAL (WINA) – State Police report a glider pilot from Berryville is dead after a crash into some woods in Warren County. The FAA and NTSB have been called in for investigation, but a state trooper responded around 1:30 Sunday afternoon to the 400 block of Stokes Airport Road near the Front Royal-Warren County Airport for a report of an aircraft crash.

A preliminary investigation found a glider that was attempting to land, and collided with several trees — bringing it down. 65-year old Berryville resident Peter Maynard — the only person aboard the glider — died at the scene.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://wina.com