Monday, March 09, 2020

Unknown or Undetermined: Eurocopter AS 350B3 AStar, N910S; fatal accident occurred October 29, 2018 in Odanah, Ashland County, Wisconsin

Dean Bass  
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada 
 Dean Bass age 64, passed away suddenly on October 29th, 2018 in a tragic accident while doing what he loved best - flying. Throughout a career that spanned over 40 years and several countries, Dean spent countless hours flying helicopters and living life to its fullest.

Tree knocked down by helicopter

Burnt Helicopter Wreckage

Main Wreckage – Rotor mast

Tree with impact damage

Cell phone, displaying helicopter’s last known position

Engine inlet compressor

Tree cut/slice

Cut tree – likely from the main rotor blade

Module 5, Slippage marks 
Airbus

Location Overview 


 Photo of damaged Appareo Vision 1000 unit.

Internal memory chips


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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Safran helicopter engines; Grand Prairie, Texas
Airbus Helicopters; Grand Prairie, Texas
Enbridge, Superior, Wisconsin

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/N910S


Location: Odanah, WI
Accident Number: CEN19FA018
Date & Time: 10/29/2018, 1345 CDT
Registration: N910S
Aircraft: EUROCOPTER AS350
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation 

On October 29, 2018, about 1345 central daylight time, a Eurocopter (Airbus) AS350 B3 helicopter, N910S, impacted terrain near Odanah, Wisconsin. The pilot was fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation fight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight departed Gogebic-Iron County Airport (IWD), Ironwood, Michigan, about 1300 and was en route to Madison, Wisconsin.

The flight was scheduled as a routine pipeline patrol flight. Two pipeline employees who were working on the pipeline about 2 to 3 miles from the accident site reported seeing the helicopter flying overhead. One of the employees, who had seen pipeline helicopters flying overhead numerous times, stated that he saw "nothing unusual about the helicopter" and heard "no unusual sounds coming from the helicopter."

When the pilot did not arrive at his intended destination, an alert notice was issued for the overdue helicopter. The pilot had not been in contact with air traffic control during the flight, and there was no record of a distress call from the pilot.The helicopter wreckage was subsequently located about 22 miles west of IWD in a remote wooded area and about 200 yards north of the east-west pipeline.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot was a Canadian citizen and held a Canadian commercial pilot certificate with helicopter and instrument ratings. He also held a Canadian private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and instrument ratings and a US private pilot certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating (based on the pilot's Canadian license). The pilot held a Canadian category 1 medical certificate that was issued on March 12, 2018.

The operator reported that the pilot had 16,894 hours of total flight experience with 16,535 hours in helicopters, 693 hours of which were in the AS350. The pilot had flown 208 hours in the AS350 during the preceding 90 days before the accident.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350 B3 (present designation: Airbus H125), had a three-bladed main rotor system that rotated in a clockwise direction, with the three main rotor blades attached to a Starflex rotor head. The helicopter was powered by a (Safran) Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine. Although the helicopter was equipped with a long-range fuel cell, it was not connected to the helicopter's fuel system. The helicopter received 120 gallons of fuel before departing IWD. The helicopter was also equipped with an Appareo Vision 1000 cockpit image and flight data monitoring system.

The helicopter was maintained under the manufacturer's maintenance inspection program. A review of the maintenance records revealed the helicopter's last inspection was completed on October 26, 2018, with a total airframe time of 2,965.7 hours. At the time of the inspection, the engine had accumulated 2,965.2 total hours and 1,483 cycles. 

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

At 1356, the automated weather observing system at IWD recorded wind from 300° at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility, overcast sky at 1,600 ft, temperature 41°F, dew point 36°F, and altimeter setting 30.02 inches of mercury. 

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The helicopter impacted trees and terrain before it came to rest in an upright position within the trees. Several trees at the crash site showed cuts, and one tree with a diameter of about 10 to 12 inches was completely severed in half. Except for small fragments of plexiglass, the helicopter wreckage was confined to the impact/resting site.The front of the cabin and the cockpit area were mostly destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The major helicopter components were located at the accident site.

The helicopter was examined on scene by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, and technical representatives from the engine and airframe manufacturers. The flight control continuity inspection was limited due to fire damage, but the bolt connections to the actuators were confirmed. The tail rotor pitch control moved freely: the tail rotor flex cable was attached and ran forward and under the fire-damaged cabin floor. The cyclic and anti-torque pedals were connected to their respective tubes beneath the floor but were destroyed under the cabin area.

The helicopter's Appareo Vision system was located within the wreckage; however, the unit was badly fire damaged, and no data could be retrieved from the unit.

The engine received extensive fire and impact damage. The engine 's intake axial compressor blades exhibited damage near the outer tips, and the module 5 torque nut had a slippage of about 1/16 to 1/8 inch (2 to 4 millimeters), consistent with engine power at the time of impact. The digital engine control unit and engine data recorder were removed and sent to a laboratory for download. However, no data could be extracted from the units because they were badly fire damaged.

The tail rotor blades were broken but remained attached; paint transfer and impact scars were consistent with the tail rotor blades impacting the stabilizer. The three main rotor blades remained with the wreckage and exhibited impact and fire damage.

Though the examination was limited by thermal and impact damage to the helicopter, no preimpact abnormalities were noted during the airframe or engine examinations.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy on the pilot was performed by the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office, Ramsey, Minnesota. The pilot's cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. The autopsy noted moderate to severe coronary artery disease scarring of the heart muscle from a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack), and changes in the blood vessels of the liver that were indicative of congestive heart failure

Toxicology testing performed at the Federal Aviation Administration Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for carbon monoxide, ethanol and all tested drugs. 
Dean Bass, left, is shown in August 2018 with Evelyn Alemanni and Jim Baird. He took them for a helicopter flight as part of their visit to Sarnia. Bass, a helicopter pilot with Enbridge, died October 29th, 2018 in a helicopter crash in a remote area of Wisconsin during a routine pipeline monitoring and inspection flight.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied:
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/12/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  16894 hours (Total, all aircraft), 693 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: EUROCOPTER
Registration: N910S
Model/Series: AS350 B3
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 7446
Landing Gear Type: High Skid
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/26/2018, AAIP
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 2965.7 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Turbomeca (Safran)
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: Arriel 2D
Registered Owner: Enbridge Energy Co Inc
Rated Power:
Operator: Enbridge Energy Co Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft External Load (133)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: IWD
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1856 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 90°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1600 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 300°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 5°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ironwood, MI (IWD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Madison, WI (MSN)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1300 CDT
Type of Airspace:

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: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 46.527222, -90.602500 (est)  

Additional Information

An iPhone and iPad were recovered from the accident site and sent to the NTSB's Vehicle Recorder Division for download of non-volatile memory (NVM). Both units were damaged, and no information could be gleaned from the iPad. Information about text and e-mail messages, photographs, and telephone calls was found on the iPhone. Several photos were recovered from the iPhone that had been taken earlier in the day. The photos indicated the pilot photographed ground activity near the pipeline and of routine engine power checks,but none of the information was pertinent to the accident.

Loss of Control on Ground: de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter, N72GC; accident occurred March 06, 2020 at Boulder City Municipal Airport (KBVU), Clark County, Nevada






















Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas, Nevada

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://registry.faa.gov/N72GC

Date & Time: March 6, 2020, 11:15 Local
Registration: N72GC
Aircraft: De Havilland DHC6 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

An operator's pilot was conducting training for a newly hired pilot for a first officer position in the twin-engine airplane. After accomplishing air work, the pilots returned to the airport to practice landings and takeoffs. According to both pilots, the first approach was normal, and the airplane touched down slightly right of the runway centerline. The trainee pilot stated that, after touchdown, the airplane began drifting further right and that he was unable to correct the deviation. The trainer pilot reported that, when directional control became unstable, he told the trainee, "I have the controls." The trainer pilot saw that the trainee pilot released his hands from the engine power levers and the yoke, but the airplane continued to deviate to the right, contrary to his control inputs and his addition of asymmetric power to the engines. The trainer pilot realized that, based on his inputs, the airplane should have returned to the centerline but that it did not and that it was behaving as if the trainee pilot was applying some braking.
At that point, the trainer pilot again told the trainee pilot to release the controls, and he used the brakes, which he reported applied and released normally. Subsequently, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and impacted a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The trainer pilot and the operator reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The trainer pilot reported that he believed the trainee pilot's feet were either on the brakes or interfered with his brake and/or rudder application attempts. The trainee pilot reported that he could not recall the position of his feet after he relinquished airplane control to the trainer pilot.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The trainee pilot's loss of directional control during landing and his subsequent unintentional control interference with the brakes and/or rudder during the trainer pilot's attempted remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a ditch.

Findings

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Student/instructed pilot
Aircraft Brake - Unintentional use/operation
Aircraft Rudder control system - Unintentional use/operation
Environmental issues Sloped/uneven terrain - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing-landing roll Runway excursion
Landing-landing roll Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Airline transport
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 25, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 22, 2019
Flight Time: 23500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 20000 hours (Total, this make and model), 18500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 75 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 28 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private 
Age: 52, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 17, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: September 26, 2018
Flight Time: 583 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4 hours (Total, this make and model), 539 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: De Havilland 
Registration: N72GC
Model/Series: DHC6 300 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1969 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 264
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 21
Date/Type of Last Inspection: September 25, 2019 Continuous airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 12500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 2 Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 50964 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commercial air tour (136)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BVU,2200 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 11:15 Local
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Boulder City, NV (BVU) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Boulder City, NV (BVU) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 10:05 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Boulder City BVU
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2200 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 27
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4803 ft / 75 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 35.947223,-114.864723(est)

Location: Boulder City, NV
Accident Number: WPR20CA112
Date & Time: 03/06/2020, 1115 PDT
Registration: N72GC
Aircraft: De Havilland DHC6
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries:2 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

The newly hired pilot was being trained for a First Officer position in the twin-engine airplane by one of the operator's trainer pilots. After accomplishing air work, the flight returned to practice landings and takeoffs. According to both pilots, the first approach was normal, and the airplane made a normal touchdown, just slightly right of the runway centerline. The trainee pilot stated that after touchdown, the airplane began drifting further to the right, and that he was unable to correct that deviation. The trainer pilot reported that when directional control became unstable, he told the trainee "I have the controls". The trainer pilot observed that the trainee released his hands from the engine power levers and the yoke, but the airplane continued to deviate to the right, contrary to his control inputs. He added asymmetric power to the engines to help regain the centerline, without success.

The trainer pilot realized that based on his inputs, the airplane should have returned to the centerline but did not, and that the airplane was behaving as if the trainee pilot was applying some braking. At that point, the trainer pilot "clearly shouted a second time" for the trainee to release the controls. The airplane then exited the right side of the runway and collided with a ditch. During that rollout, the trainer pilot used the brakes, which he reported applied and released normally.

The trainer pilot reported that it was his opinion that the trainee pilot's feet were either on the brakes or interfered with his brake and/or rudder application attempts. The trainee reported that he could not recall the position of his feet after he relinquished airplane control to the trainer pilot.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

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

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/25/2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/22/2019
Flight Time:  23500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 20000 hours (Total, this make and model), 18500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 75 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 28 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private
Age: 52, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:No 
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/17/2020
Occupational Pilot:Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/26/2018
Flight Time:  583 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4 hours (Total, this make and model), 539 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: De Havilland
Registration: N72GC
Model/Series: DHC6 300
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 264
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats:21 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/25/2019, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 12500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 50964 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: Monarch Enterprises Inc
Rated Power:
Operator: Grand Canyon Airlines
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commercial Air Tour (136)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BVU, 2200 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1115 PST
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Boulder City, NV (BVU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Boulder City, NV (BVU)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1005 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Boulder City (BVU)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2200 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 27
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4803 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 35.947222, -114.864722 (est)

Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 210 Centurion, N81KD; fatal accident occurred November 02, 2018 in Bradley, Clark County, South Dakota

Cabin Area

Accident Site 

John Shoemaker

 Propeller 

Engine 

Attitude Indicator Gyro 

Wreckage Diagram


Accident Flight Track 
Air Traffic Control Information 

Previous Flight Track from FSD to 1D7 with Divert to 8D7 



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

Additional Participating Entities: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama

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/N81KD


Location: Bradley, SD
Accident Number: CEN19FA021
Date & Time: 11/02/2018, 1130 CDT
Registration: N81KD
Aircraft: Cessna 210
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 2, 2018, about 1136 central daylight time, a Cessna T210N airplane, N81KD, was destroyed after impacting terrain near Bradley, South Dakota. The 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. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed about 1115 from Clark County Airport (8D7), Clark, South Dakota, and was destined for Sigurd Anderson Airport (1D7), Webster, South Dakota.

According to air traffic control data, the pilot conducted an earlier flight on the morning of the accident. The pilot departed Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a planned destination of 1D7. Due to poor weather conditions at 1D7, the pilot diverted to 8D7 and landed there about 0940. 8D7 was located about 35 miles southwest of 1D7.

At 1108, while taxiing for takeoff from 8D7, the pilot called a friend to ask about weather conditions at his location, which was closer to 1D7. The pilot's friend told him that "pretty low clouds" existed at his location. During a postaccident interview, the friend reported that he expected the pilot to remain below the clouds and "scud run" from 8D7 to 1D7.

Radar data did not capture the airplane's departure from 8D7, which was consistent with the airplane flying at a low altitude. The airplane reached an altitude of 800 ft above ground level (agl) at 1132 and was midway between 8D7 and 1D7. During the last minute of data, the airplane turned left about 90°, climbed from 1,000 to 2,100 ft agl, and decelerated from a groundspeed of 144 to 106 knots. Radar data ended at 1135:05, and airplane wreckage was located less than one nautical mile from the last radar point.

A witness near the accident site heard what seemed to be the sound of an airplane climbing and descending twice, which was followed by a "loud bang." The airplane impacted terrain in a rural area in a steep nose-down angle, and a postcrash fire ensued.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 47, Male
Airplane Rating(s): 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:Yes 
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/12/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/22/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 150 hours (Total, all aircraft), 60 hours (Total, this make and model) 

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. On April 12, 2018, the pilot received a special issuance third-class medical certificate (as a result of his obstructive sleep apnea) with a limitation to wear corrective lenses.

The pilot started flight training for his private pilot license at the end of March 2018 and completed the training in May 2018; afterward, he purchased the accident airplane. According to his flight instructor, the pilot was "conscientious" and had planned to start instrument flight training soon.

Another friend of the pilot who flew frequently with him described the accident pilot's personality as "gung-ho" and indicated that he was sometimes in a "go-go-go" mode. The pilot's friend (who was also a pilot) thought the accident pilot was "very knowledgeable" operating the accident airplane with the autopilot on but was not as skilled when hand flying the airplane. The pilot's friend reported that, during a flight in September 2018, the accident pilot climbed through a cloud deck with the autopilot on and flew in instrument meteorological conditions even though he did not have an instrument rating.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N81KD
Model/Series: 210 N
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 210-64484
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/30/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3803 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3930 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-520 SER
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 310 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The airplane was manufactured in 1981 and was equipped with a Continental TSIO-520-R5A engine, serial number 522181, and a McCauley three-blade metal propeller. The airplane's last annual inspection before the accident was on January 30, 2018.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KATY, 1748 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 26 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1053 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 118°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 600 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 60°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Clark, SD (8D7)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Webster, SD (1D7)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1115 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

At 1053, the meteorological aerodrome report from Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), Watertown, South Dakota, located 26 miles southeast of the accident site reported wind from 060° at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility or greater, overcast ceiling at 600 ft agl, temperature 2°C, and dew point 2°C. At the same time, Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR), located 37 miles northwest of the accident site, reported wind calm, 4 miles visibility, mist, overcast ceiling at 500 ft agl, temperature 5°C, and dew point 4°C.

At 1153, ATY reported wind from 090° at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility or greater, scattered clouds at 600 ft agl, overcast ceiling at 1,900 ft agl, temperature 3°C, and dew point 2°C. At the same time, ABR reported wind calm, 5 miles visibility, mist, overcast ceiling at 500 ft agl, temperature 6°C, and dew point 4°C.

The closest National Weather Service Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler to the accident site was at ABR. The radar imagery indicated no precipitation targets above the accident site about the time of the accident. AIRMETs Sierra and Zulu were valid for the accident site at the accident time and during the previous flight on the morning of the accident (FSD to 8D7). The AIRMETs, which were issued at 0345 and 0945, indicated that instrument flight rules conditions existed due to mist and fog.

The pilot did not request a weather briefing through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight service contractor, and a search of archived ForeFlight information found no evidence indicating that the pilot requested or reviewed any of the company's weather information. The available evidence did not indicate if the pilot checked or received weather information from another source before or during the accident flight. 

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: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 45.108611, -97.694444 

The airplane impacted terrain in a nose-down, left-wing-low attitude, and a postimpact fire consumed the cabin. The wreckage path extended about 270 ft on an easterly heading, and soot was observed on multiple pieces of the wreckage debris.

The engine was inverted near the impact crater. The six cylinders, which remained attached to the crankcase with varying degrees of impact damage, were inspected with a lighted borescope and no preimpact anomalies were noted. The crankshaft propeller flange was fractured from the crankshaft and remained attached to the propeller hub.

The propeller separated from the engine, and all three blades exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches. One blade was broken out of the hub and was bent aft from the root to the tip. The other two blades remained in the hub and exhibited S-shaped bending.

The fuel pump was disassembled; the shear shaft was intact, and no preimpact anomalies were noted. The magnetos had separated due to impact and could not be functionally tested. The fuel screen had no obstructions.

Control cable continuity was established for the aileron, rudder, elevator, and elevator trim. The instrument panel was fragmented and destroyed by postimpact fire. The pilot-side attitude indicator gyro rotor showed evidence of rotational scoring. The postaccident examinations of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Sanford Health Pathology Clinic, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, performed an autopsy on the pilot. His cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for drugs and ethanol.