Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Controlled Flight Into Terrain: Cessna 172F Skyhawk, N817PS; accident occurred February 06, 2020 in Palmer, Alaska



Additional Participating Entity: Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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/N817PS

Location: Palmer, AK

Accident Number: ANC20CA018
Date & Time: 02/06/2020, 1230 AKS
Registration: N817PS
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

According to the pilot, while conducting a low altitude pass over a frozen, snow-covered lake in his wheel-equipped airplane, he misjudged the airplane's height above the ground. The airplane's landing gear contacted the snow and the airplane descended. Subsequently, the left wing and propeller struck the ground and the airplane came to rest upright on the snow-covered terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had done a better job of evaluating the flight scenario and had properly addressed the risks involved with low level flight over a snow covered landscape. In addition to, the visual illusions associated with those conditions.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 33, 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): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/14/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/03/2020
Flight Time:  714 hours (Total, all aircraft), 180 hours (Total, this make and model), 619 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 80 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 21 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N817PS
Model/Series: 172F
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17252705
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/28/2020, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-300 SER
Registered Owner: Alaska-Yukon Aviation Ministries Inc
Rated Power: 145 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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 2153 UTC
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 4800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 AST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

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:  61.410278, -148.086667 (est)

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Navion G, N1011M; accident occurred February 09, 2020 at Fort Smith Regional Airport (KFSM), Sebastian County, Arkansas






Fuel Selector Valve Visual
Valve was in the “Main” position when IIC arrived on scene. Signs of leaking prevalent inside the cabin upon removal of interior components, and in nose gear well as depicted in the above images.


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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas

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/N1011M 

Location: Fort Smith, AR
Accident Number: CEN20LA078
Date & Time: 02/09/2020, 1500 CST
Registration: N1011M
Aircraft: Navion NAVION
Aircraft Damage:Substantial 
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 9, 2020, about 1500 central standard time, a Navion G airplane, N1011M, impacted terrain during a forced landing near Fort Smith, Arkansas. The pilot, and two passengers sustained minor injuries, one passenger sustained serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff about 300 ft above ground level, the engine lost partial power. The pilot lowered the airplane nose and the engine continued to operate. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power. The pilot activated the electric fuel boost pump and engine power resumed; however, the engine lost power again within a few seconds. The pilot executed a forced landing to a grass area on airport property. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted terrain and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and a mechanic revealed that the fuel selector valve exhibited blue staining on and around the fuel selector valve area. The fuel selector valve was removed for further examination. No fuel was found in any fuel lines or components from the firewall forward to the engine. About 20 gallons of fuel were removed from the airplane fuel tanks during recovery.

A review of the aircraft records showed that an annual inspection was completed and airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-05-14, an inspection of the airplane fuel system, was complied with on February 7, 2020, at a total tachometer time of 224.25 hours. The airplane had accumulated 18.2 hours since the inspections.

The FAA inspector examined the fuel selector valve and performed vacuum tests on the valve, in accordance with Navion Service Bulletin (SB) No. 106 A, Fuel System - Inspection of the fuel system continued safe operation. Visual examination of the fuel selector valve showed blue staining, consistent with fuel, near the valve stem and inside the airplane were the fuel selector valve was mounted. Multiple vacuum tests, performed to check external and internal leakage, failed the required leak checks per the SB. The AD referred directly to the SB and stated that the fuel selector valve should be repaired or replaced if it failed the tests. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial; Private
Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/21/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/28/2019
Flight Time:  3302 hours (Total, all aircraft), 18 hours (Total, this make and model), 3091 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 74 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 35 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 18 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Navion
Registration: N1011M
Model/Series: NAVION G
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: NAV-4-2470
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/07/2020, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3877 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-550N2
Registered Owner: Clear Blue Sky, LLC
Rated Power: 310 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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 3500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Fort Smith, AR (FSM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fort Smith, AR (FSM)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1430 CST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 469 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 33.336389, -94.367500 (est)

Location: Fort Smith, AR
Accident Number: CEN20LA078
Date & Time: 02/09/2020, 1551 CST
Registration: N1011M
Aircraft: Navion NAVION
Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On February 9, 2020, about 1551 central standard time, a Navion G airplane, impacted terrain during a forced landing near Fort Smith, Arkansas. The pilot, and two passengers sustained minor injuries, one passenger sustained serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. 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 at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff about 500 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot activated the electric fuel boost pump, and engine power resumed; however, the engine lost power again within a few seconds. The pilot executed a forced landing to a grass area on airport property. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a mechanic revealed the fuel selector valve showed visual signs of blue staining on and around the selector valve area. The selector valve was removed for further examination. No fuel was found in any fuel lines or components from the firewall forward to the engine fuel components. About 20 gallons of fuel were removed from the airplane during recovery.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Navion
Registration: N1011M
Model/Series: NAVION G
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: James Kelly
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
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: None
Departure Point: Fort Smith, AR (FSM)
Destination: Fort Smith, AR (FSM)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 33.336389, -94.367500 (est)




A small-engine aircraft crashed on takeoff Sunday at the Fort Smith Regional Airport but no serious injuries were reported.

Airport Director Michael Griffin said the aircraft landed on the north-south runway and did not affect the main runway.

“It was a general aviation plane with four people on board,” Griffin wrote in an email. “Two of them had minor injuries, but nothing too serious.”

Pam Kelly, a passenger on the plane, said engine power was lost on takeoff. Kelly said, the pilot crashed the plane trying to miss the fire station and a Delta flight.

Griffin noted the Federal Aviation Administration was onsite Monday investigating and he could not provide any other details at this time.

According to the FAA’s database, the aircraft N1011M is a 1962 Navion G registered to Clear Blue Sky LLC in Fort Smith and was previously owned by a man in Miami Springs, Fla.

Clear Blue Sky LLC is registered in good standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State to James Kelly. According to its website, Clear Blue Sky is a residential management company with “intrinsic knowledge of the Orlando rental market.”

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

Rutan Long-EZ, N91CX: Incident occurred February 08, 2020 at Livermore Municipal Airport (KLVK), Alameda County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oakland

Aircraft landed and went off runway.

https://registry.faa.gov/N91CX

Date: 08-FEB-20
Time: 00:50:00Z
Regis#: N91CX
Aircraft Make: RUTAN
Aircraft Model: LONG-EZ
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LIVERMORE
State: CALIFORNIA