Aerodynamic Stall / Spin: Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N1126U; accident occurred February 16, 2020 at Greater Rochester International Airport (KROC), New York

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rochester, New York

Location: Rochester, NY
Accident Number: ERA20CA102
Date & Time: 02/16/2020, 1130 EST
Registration: N1126U
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, while on approach to landing, the airplane was hard to control, so he elected to troubleshoot the control issue in the air and initiated a go-around. The airplane lifted off the runway and began a climb, but rapidly rolled to the right, then left and impacted terrain. The pilot further described that the right rudder pedal was not functioning properly prior to the flight during taxi and that he had difficulty maintaining directional control during the approach. In addition, the pilot stated he lost directional control due to a rudder anomaly during a flight in the airplane that occurred several weeks prior.

A Federal Aviation Administrator inspector examined the airplane after the accident and confirmed that the airplane's wings had been substantially damaged during the accident. A postaccident examination of the rudder control system revealed no evidence of a pre accident mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/21/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:01/14/2020 
Flight Time: 3307 hours (Total, all aircraft), 250 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1126U
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17266855
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/14/2020, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 58 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 14958 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 -E2D
Registered Owner: Schubert Brothers Aviation Inc
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: Schubert Brothers Aviation Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: Rochester Air Center
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: ROC, 558 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1152 EST
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 250°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / -2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rochester, NY (ROC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Rochester, NY (ROC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1040 EST
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: Greater Rochester Intl (ROC)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 558 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 25
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.119167, -77.671944 (est)

Rochester, New York (WHAM) – A small airplane crashed after landing at the Greater Rochester International Airport on February 16th.

At 9:50 a.m., a Cessna 172M Skyhawk bounced and spun around after landing, according to Monroe County Director of Communications Julie Philipp.

The two people on board the plane were uninjured. The plane received damage to the propeller and wings.

The aircraft was operated by the Rochester Air Center at the airport. Commercial traffic was not interrupted, according to Philipp.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://13wham.com

Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N5185R; accident occurred February 17, 2020 at Grays Creek Airport (2GC), Fayetteville, North Carolina

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Hicks, Ralph

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

Additional Participating Entity

Corey Paczkowski; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N5185R

Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina 

Accident Number: ERA20LA105

Date and Time: February 17, 2020, 13:35 Local

Registration: N5185R

Aircraft: Cessna 172

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of control in flight

Injuries: 4 Serious 

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor was taking three local community college students on an orientation flight. The passenger in the front left seat was on the controls with the instructor during the takeoff. Witnesses observed the airplane pitch up aggressively during the takeoff, approaching a near vertical attitude before stalling and impacting the ground adjacent to the runway. The engine continued to run normally during the event. A rear seat passenger reported that the flight instructor told the passenger to let go of the controls, but that the passenger continued pulling back. The front seat passenger stated that after the airplane “tilted too far back” during the takeoff, he kept his hands on the yoke for several seconds before he eventually let go. Due to the extent of his injuries, the flight instructor did not recall the event. All four occupants sustained serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly.

Given this information, it is likely that the front seat passenger who was manipulating the controls with the pilot applied excessive back pressure on the yoke, resulting in an over rotation, aggressive initial climb, and subsequent aerodynamic stall. The flight instructor’s remedial actions were not sufficient to prevent the stall, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The passenger’s excessive control application during the takeoff and the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Findings

Aircraft Pitch control - Not attained/maintained

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Passenger

Personnel issues Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot

Factual Information

On February 17, 2020, about 1535 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5185R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fayetteville, North Carolina. The flight instructor and three passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to information provided by the operator and witness statements, the purpose of the flight was to orient local community college students with general aviation. The pilot, who was also a flight instructor, was seated in the right cockpit seat. The passengers occupied the other three seats. During the takeoff, the passenger in the left seat was on the flight controls with the instructor. Witnesses watching the takeoff (some of whom were flight instructors), described that as soon as the main wheels left the runway, the airplane pitched up aggressively. The airplane pitched up to a higher-than-normal pitch attitude, stalled, then collided with terrain adjacent to the runway. They also reported that the engine continued to run normally during the accident sequence.

The evening of the accident, one of the flight instructors employed by the operator visited the hospital and spoke to the passengers. She reported that one of the rear seat passengers described to her that during the takeoff the flight instructor called out for the passenger to let go; however, the passenger did not relinquish the controls. She further described that she started screaming as the airplane descended toward the ground.

In a deposition taken after the accident, the front seat passenger stated that before the takeoff, the flight instructor provided him with instructions on when to initiate the takeoff. He recalled that between a speed of 70 to 80 mph, the flight instructor would tell him to either “push in or pull out” the airplane’s control yoke. The passenger could not recall which direction he moved the yoke during the takeoff but stated that when the airplane reached about 75 mph the instructor told him to rotate the airplane slowly. After lifting off, the airplane “tilted too far back” and the passenger was only able to see the sky out of the airplane’s windscreen. He stated that the airplane, “started going straight up” and “…I was kind of, you know, freaking out…” As the airplane lifted off, his hands were still on the yoke. As the airplane pitched up, he took his hands off the yoke. He estimated that he kept his hands on the yoke after liftoff for a “couple of seconds.” He also stated that no one told him to take his hands off the yoke before he took his hands off the yoke. The flight instructor called out that he was trying to regain control and not to touch anything. The airplane began descending as “alerts” were going off in the cockpit, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The propeller separated from the engine. They reported that their examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly. They also calculated the airplane’s estimated weight and balance at the time of the accident, finding that the airplane was below its maximum gross weight and within center of gravity limits. The operator also reported that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident.

The flight instructor, due to the severity of his injuries, did not recall the event.

History of Flight

Initial climb Loss of control in flight (Defining event)

Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor

Age: 19, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 

Seat Occupied: Right

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: 3-point

Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: March 3, 2016

Occupational Pilot: Yes

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 7, 2019

Flight Time: 533 hours (Total, all aircraft), 187 hours (Total, this make and model), 393 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 46 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 43 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 

Registration: N5185R

Model/Series: 172 M

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1974

Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility 

Serial Number: 17263402

Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 

Seats: 4

Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 6, 2020 100 hour 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 98 Hrs 

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 6863 Hrs at time of accident 

Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming

ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident

Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D

Registered Owner: 

Rated Power: 150 Horsepower

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KFAY, 186 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 14:21 Local

Direction from Accident Site: 343°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 90° 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A

Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg

Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 7°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Fayetteville, NC (2GC) 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Fayetteville, NC (2GC)

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 13:35 Local 

Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Grays Creek 2GC

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation: 160 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 35 

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 3500 ft / 30 ft

VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 3 Serious 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 4 Serious 

Latitude, Longitude: 34.893611,-78.843612(est)

Location: Hope Mills, NC
Accident Number: ERA20LA105
Date & Time: 02/17/2020, 1350 EST
Registration: N5185R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 4 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On February 17, 2020, about 1350 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5185R, was substantially damaged during takeoff in Hope Mills, North Carolina. The commercial pilot and three passengers sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to information provided by the operator, the purpose of the flight was to orient local youth with general aviation. The commercial pilot, who was also a flight instructor, was seated in the right cockpit seat. The passengers occupied the other three seats. During the takeoff, the passenger in the left seat reached for the control yoke and pulled back on the controls. The flight instructor called out for him to let go; however, the passenger did not relinquish the controls. The airplane pitched up to a near vertical position, stalled, then collided with terrain adjacent to the runway. Witnesses watching the takeoff reported that the engine continued to run normally during the accident sequence.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The propeller separated from the engine. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N5185R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:No 
Operator: Cape Fear Aviation Maintenance Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFAY, 186 ft msl
Observation Time: 1421 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)
Destination: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Serious
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 34.893611, -78.843611 (est)

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina — An unlicensed pilot might have been at the controls before a plane crashed off the end of a runway at a Cumberland County airport on February 17th.

Three students participating in an event showcasing careers in aviation and a Cape Fear Aviation flight instructor were injured when the Cessna 172M Skyhawk went down at Gray's Creek Airport, off Butler Nursery Road.

Vanessa Leal, 18, of Falcon, said Thursday that she was sitting in the back seat of the plane with Dominique Northcutt, 23, of Fayetteville. The instructor, Jake Parsons, 19, was in front with Justin Elliott, 24, of Linden, Leal said.

"I think it was whenever we started taking off that stuff went wrong," Leal said in an exclusive interview with WRAL News.

"I just remember screaming because I knew something was wrong because we weren't supposed to be that way in the air ... like tilted," she said.

Leal indicated that the nose of the plane suddenly shot up during takeoff.

"I just know that the pilot that has his license said to the other one to let him take over, and I knew it was too late by then," she said.

She said she passed out during the incident and doesn't remember the crash itself, only waking up as she was being put into an ambulance.

Cape Fear Aviation declined to comment Thursday when asked if students were allowed to fly the planes during Monday's event.

The event, sponsored by Cumberland County Workforce Development, allowed registered attendees to learn about careers as airplane mechanics or pilots, jobs expected to be in high demand in coming years.

Parsons' grandfather, Joe Marsh, chief of the Gray's Creek Fire Department, responded to the crash. Marsh is a pilot himself, and he said it appeared the plane stalled during takeoff.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

Leal remains at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, recovering from abdominal surgery, broken bones in her feet and injuries to her face and left hand. She said she forgives both Parsons and Elliott for the crash.

"I wasn't upset with either of them for the accident," she said, noting that she texted Parsons.

Leal said she had never flown before Monday. She was enthralled with an earlier flight and decided to go up a second time, but she said she now isn't sure if she will ever get on another plane.

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

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- A small plane crashed at an airport in Fayetteville on February 174th, injuring a total of four people.

It happened at Gray's Creek Airport on Butler Nursery Road at 1:50 p.m. According to a news release from the State Highway Patrol, the plane crashed into a field next to the runway shortly after take-off.

Gray's Creek Fire Chief Joe Marsh said his grandson was on the  Cessna 172M Skyhawk aircraft when it crashed. He was taken to the hospital with a broken ankle and facial injuries.

In total, a pilot and three other young adults were injured, according to a Cumberland County spokesperson. The state highway patrol said all four had serious injuries.

Tuesday, the State Highway Patrol identified those involved in the crash as 19-year-old Jacob Parsons, 23-year-old Dominique Northcutt, 24-year-old Justin Elliot and 18-year-old Vanessa Leal. Parsons, Marsh's grandson, was the pilot of the plane.

"I ran to him first and the other guys started going to the other patients," Marsh said in a phone interview. "I stayed with him and one of my other guys came up and helped with him, which you just try to focus on your job."

Family members of Dominique Northcutt said she is in critical condition as neurosurgeons perform life-saving surgery to stop bleeding in her brain.

Northcutt's aunt, Nell Rhodes, said her niece has extensive injuries including broken bones, cuts on her legs and injuries to her neck, spine and face.

When Deirdre Diamond-Martinez received a phone call about the crash, she was in disbelief.

"I didn't think it was real because I just initially thought my son was flying paper airplanes."

According to a county press release, several young adults were spending the day at the Grays Creek Airport for an Aviation Career day, hosted by the Cumberland County Workforce Development. Several people, including 14-year-old Patrick Martinez, were going to learn about airplane mechanics and pilot careers.

Martinez, one of the teenagers in the program, said he had flown earlier in the day. He said his instructor was on the plane when it crashed.

"I'm just still shocked," he said.

"It's hard because my son, you know, he's not really feeling this flying thing, but he'll still work with the program," Martinez's mother said.

Martinez says her son has been a part of the N.C. Works program for nearly two years now.

"I kept calling him over and over again, sometimes the calls didn't go through," his mom Deirdre Diamond-Martinez said. "Eventually he called me and said he was okay."

Original article can be found here ➤ https://abc11.com

The North Carolina Highway Patrol has identified the four people who were injured in a plane crash on February 17th at Gray’s Creek Airport south of Fayetteville during an aviation career day for students.

They are Jake Parson, 19, of the 5300 block of Butler Nursery Road; Dominique Northcutt, 23, of the 9400 block of Gooden Drive; Justin Elliott, 24, of the 9100 block of Colliers Chapel Church Road; and Vanessa Leal, 18, of the 6500 block of Northwest Drive.

Leal is listed in good condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Information on the condition of the other passengers was not released.

A  Cessna 172M Skyhawk crashed just before 2 p.m. Monday with three students and the pilot on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause.

The students on the plane were taking part in the aviation career day as part of the Cumberland County Workforce Development program.

The program was held at Cape Fear Aviation, 7154 Butler Nursery Road. An announcement of the program by Cumberland County said it was designed for students to learn about airplane mechanic and pilot careers.

The NC Works Career Center sponsored the program, according to the county. Airline pilots and airplane mechanic jobs are expected to be in high demand in coming years, according to the county news release.

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

CubCrafters PA18-150, N65EJ: Incident occurred February 14, 2020 in Salem, Marion County, Oregon

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Oregon

Aircraft nosed over during taxi.

https://registry.faa.gov/N65EJ

Date: 14-FEB-20
Time: 22:59:00Z
Regis#: N65EJ
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA18
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: SALEM
State: OREGON

Piper J3C-65, N3340N: Incident occurred February 15, 2020 at Madison Municipal Airport (KMDS), Lake County, South Dakota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota

Aircraft on taxi the main strut broke.

https://registry.faa.gov/N3340N

Date: 15-FEB-20
Time: 19:53:00Z
Regis#: N3340N
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: J3
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: MADISON
State: SOUTH DAKOTA

Experimental 190A, N2561: Incident occurred February 17, 2020 at Granbury Regional Airport (KGDJ), Hood County, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

Aircraft flipped over on landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N2561

Date: 17-FEB-20
Time: 19:40:00Z
Regis#: N2561
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: 190A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: GRANBURY
State: TEXAS

Piper PA-44-180 Seminole, N805AT: Incident occurred February 14, 2020 in Dallas, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

Aircraft landed gear up.

Flight School of Texas LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N805AT

Date: 14-FEB-20
Time: 17:24:00Z
Regis#: N805AT
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA44
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: DALLAS
State: TEXAS

Rockwell International 112A Commander, N1355J: Incident occurred February 13, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft N1355J struck a parked aircraft N2977R due to brake lock after engine start.

Grey Knight Holdings LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N1355J

Date: 13-FEB-20
Time: 15:15:10Z
Regis#: N1355J
Aircraft Make: ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL
Aircraft Model: 112A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: WEST PALM BEACH
State: FLORIDA

Mooney M20J 201, N1149T: Fatal accident occurred February 13, 2020 near Bartow Executive Airport (KBOW), Polk County, Florida -and- Incident occurred March 24, 2016 at Spruce Creek Fly-In Airpark (7FL6), Port Orange, Volusia County, Florida

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida
Lycoming Engine; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 
Mooney International Corporation; Kerrville, Texas

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N1149T

Location: Bartow, FL
Accident Number: ERA20FA101
Date & Time: 02/13/2020, 1125 EST
Registration: N1149T
Aircraft: Mooney M20J
Injuries:2 Fatal 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On February 13, 2020, at 1125 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20J, N1149T, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach to Bartow Executive Airport (BOW), Bartow, Florida. The private pilot and a passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by OR & WIL LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the cross country 4-airplane formation flight that originated at 1045 from Spruce Creek Airport (7FL6), Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to flight-lead of the four-airplane formation flight, the accident pilot and his wife joined the flight at the last minute and were assigned the No. 4 position in the formation. The 4 airplanes (RV-9, RV-6A, RV8, and the accident airplane) flew in formation to BOW. Approaching BOW, the BOW air traffic tower controller instructed the formation flight to enter the right downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 23. The formation flew about 3 miles northwest of BOW and the flight-lead instructed the other pilots in the formation to "Go extended trail." All complied and were in-trail behind the flight lead. The formation flight was cleared to land on runway 23 shortly after the lead airplane entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, and the other airplanes entered the traffic pattern in trail. The lead airplane made a short base turn and it was expected that each airplane would make a later turn onto the base leg than the previous airplane, thereby further increasing the spacing between the airplanes. Airplanes Nos. 1, 2 and 3 made turns to the base and final legs of the airport traffic pattern. The pilot of airplane No. 3 stated that he maintained 70 knots on final approach. The 3 airplanes landed and waited for the accident airplane, which had already impacted terrain unbeknownst to them.

A witness working the ground control position at the BOW tower at the time of the accident reported that she looked up from her station and saw airplane No. 1 on short final, and airplanes Nos. 2, 3, and 4 (the accident airplane) were "very close" also on short final. From her perspective, airplanes No. 2, 3, and 4 appeared to be in a triangle formation; however, the accident airplane was inverted and descended straight down to the ground.

A witness on the ramp at BOW was watching the airplanes on final approach and observed what he thought was a "flight of 3." When he first observed the airplanes, they were lined up on final approach in trail of each other: airplane No. 1 was ready to touch down, airplane No. 2 was "a few hundred yards" in trail, and airplane No. 3 was over the airport property boundary. He watched airplane No. 1 "land long" then airplane No. 2 "land short." He then observed the accident airplane approaching airplane No. 3, which was on final approach, from the right at a 30-45° angle. The accident airplane's right wing "dipped severely attempting to avoid" airplane No. 3, followed by a steep left bank and then a vertical descent to the ground. He stated that the accident airplane was "closing in on airplane No. 3" and made a "sharp right turn to avoid a midair." A second witness at the airport reported a similar account and stated that the accident airplane was "going faster than the others."

A dashcam video from a vehicle traveling toward the final approach path of runway 23 captured airplane No. 3 established on final approach and the accident airplane in trail, in a right bank then steep left bank before it entered a nose down attitude and descended toward the ground.

A witness who resided near the accident location stated that she was inside her residence when she heard an airplane that "sounded different" and too low. She stated that the engine made "no noise, then sputtered twice," then "revved up" before she heard the impact.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airmen records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He also held a repairman experimental aircraft builder certificate. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued May 14, 2019, at which time he reported 1,580 total flight hours. Examination of pilot's logbooks revealed 45 flight hours in the previous 90 days and 16 hours in the previous 30 days, 3 hours which were in the accident airplane.

Examination of the accident site and wreckage revealed that the airplane impacted a large tree before impacting terrain at a private residence about .6 statute mile from runway 23 at BOW. Branches of the tree displayed signs of impact directly above an impact crater in the concrete driveway. A ground scar associated with the left wing was oriented on a magnetic heading of about 090°, and the fuselage came to rest upright oriented on a magnetic heading of about 046°. All major airplane components were located on site. Both wings were impact-crushed aft, and there was no evidence of fire on any portion of the airplane. The left fuel tank was impact breached. The landing gear was determined to be in the UP position and the flaps were selected to 10°.

The engine and its accessories were examined. The engine was rotated using a tool inserted in the vacuum pump drive pad. Continuity of the crankshaft to the rear gears and to the valve train was confirmed. Compression and suction were observed from all four cylinders. The left and right magnetos were removed, and sparks were observed on all towers when each magneto was rotated by hand. Examination of the engine's cylinders with a lighted borescope revealed no anomalies.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mooney
Registration: N1149T
Model/Series: M20J
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: BOW, 124 ft msl
Observation Time: 1055 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / 20 knots, 180°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Daytona Beach, FL (7FL6)
Destination: Bartow, FL (BOW)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:  N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 27.954167, -81.771389

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. 

 
Lynn Spencer, Air Safety Investigator 
 National Transportation Safety Board

  

BARTOW — The Mooney M20J 201 plane that crashed into a northeast Bartow neighborhood on February 13th, claiming the lives of both occupants, belonged to the Spruce Creek Flying Club in the Daytona area, according to the National Safety Transportation Board.

“I want to express my condolences to the friends and family of those who were involved in yesterday’s accident here,” said Lynn Spencer, a National Transportation Safety Board investigator who briefed the media February 14th after arriving at the 4612 Weston Road crash site from her office in Washington, D.C.

Killed in the crash were the Port Orange couple of Bonnie and Dennis Powell, ages 73 and 76, respectively.

Noting the agency is in the “preliminary fact-finding investigation,” Spencer said the aircraft will be taken to a facility in Jacksonville for further examination by the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration and Lycoming Engines.

It appeared to be part of a four-aircraft formation flying into Bartow Executive Airport, Spencer said. She added that witnesses near the airport saw the formation and observed the Mooney M20J 201 nose-down in the final moments of the flight while still in formation with the two trailing aircraft.

“The aircraft impacted the ground in near-vertical altitude. We have located all four corners of the aircraft. We don’t believe weather played a role, but will be looking at that in our investigation,” she said.

A preliminary report will be finished in about 10 days, followed by a final report in 18 to 24 months, according to Spencer.

“The National Transportation Safety Board does investigate every civil aviation accident in the United States,” she said. “Our hope is that we can determine what happened so that we can perhaps prevent it from happening again and increase aviation safety in the United States.”

Spencer said that one of the things investigators will look at is how common it is to have that type of four-plane formation locally.

“We do know that some airplanes associated with the Spruce Creek Flying Club do this kind of formation flying,” she said, adding that the National Transportation Safety Board will also look at Federal Aviation Administration  regulations concerning such formations to make sure that it was a “legal” flight.

The flight’s lead aircraft was in communication with air traffic control at the Bartow airport, she said.

Around 11 a.m. Thursday, aircraft number one landed, followed by aircraft two and three. “They waited for aircraft number four. It had crashed,” Spencer said.

Another area of the investigation, according to Spencer, is the entirety of the aircraft’s history.

“We look at the man, the machine and the environment,” she said.

Spencer said it doesn’t appear at this point that the Powells’ plane touched any of the other aircraft in the formation before it crashed less than one mile from the airport.

She noted that key elements of the investigation will be interviews with witnesses, video footage that was provided and fuel stainage on lawns.

When asked if the Mooney M20J 201 has a flight or cockpit recorder, Spencer said that aircraft isn’t equipped with one, but investigators did retrieve equipment that will provide information as to the speed, the bank and the operation of the aircraft and the engine. The equipment will be taken to the National Transportation Safety Board recorders laboratory in Washington for examination.

Crash investigators and other officials used a crane to extract the remains of the plane wreckage and load it for transport to Jacksonville.

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

Incident occurred March 24, 2016 at Spruce Creek Fly-In Airpark (7FL6), Port Orange, Volusia County, Florida 

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. —A lawn care worker was clipped by a plane as it took off at a Port Orange fly-in community. The private plane hit the worker shortly after 10:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

The man was struck by the plane's right wing as it was taxiing through the Spruce Creek neighborhood, deputies said. The man was taken to a local hospital after complaining of back pain. His injuries are non-like-threatening. The plane sustained minor damage to the wing.

Story and video:  http://www.wesh.com

Incident occurred March 24, 2016 at Spruce Creek Fly-In Airpark (7FL6), Port Orange, Volusia County, Florida 

(WESH) - A Florida man is recovering after he was struck by a landing plane. Part of the single-engine plane's wing was visibly damaged by the accident Thursday at Spruce Creek Fly-In Airpark near Port Orange.

Larry Kooney said his son, Larry Kooney, II, 42, is still in the hospital, recovering from the injuries. "He came and said, 'Larry just got hit by a plane,' and as a father, you know, my reaction was pretty distraught at the time," the elder Kooney said.

Kooney said there was no warning and that his son, who had his back to the plane and was wearing ear protection, never saw or heard the plane coming. He said he is thankful his son is alive. "There were several pieces of plexiglass on the ground which came off. That's how hard the plane hit him. It actually broke pieces of the plane," Kooney said.

Original article can be found here: http://www.witn.com 

Incident occurred March 24, 2016 at Spruce Creek Fly-In Airpark (7FL6), Port Orange, Volusia County, Florida

A landscape contractor working near a taxiway at Spruce Creek in Port Orange was taken to the hospital Thursday after being clipped by a plane, Spruce Creek Property Owners Association said.  The contractor was wearing a headset at the time, the Association said in an email to residents.

“SCPOA greatly urges all to stop, look, listen and be sure all is clear when near the taxiways,” the email said. “Please, please, please do not wear ear buds, earplugs, headsets or anything else that may impact your ability to hear aircraft.”  The contractor was unable to move after being hit and was taken to the hospital, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.  His condition was not immediately available.

Original article can be found here: http://www.wftv.com