Thursday, July 23, 2020

Diamond DA40 Diamond Star, N313AF: Incident occurred July 18, 2020 at Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ), Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale

Aircraft nose gear collapsed and incurred propeller strike on landing.

K2 Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N313AF

Date: 18-JUL-20
Time: 16:40:00Z
Regis#: N313AF
Aircraft Make: DIAMOND
Aircraft Model: DA40
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MESA
State: ARIZONA

Piper PA-44-180 Seminole, N836AT: Incident occurred July 20, 2020 at Coolidge Municipal Airport (P08), Pinal County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale

Aircraft landed gear up.

DOT Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N836AT

Date: 20-JUL-20
Time: 00:45:00Z
Regis#: N836AT
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA44
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: COOLIDGE
State: ARIZONA

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna Ector 305A, N86WM; accident occurred July 17, 2020 at Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport (KGWS), Garfield County, Colorado



Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Glenwood Springs, CO
Accident Number: CEN20CA289
Date & Time: 07/17/2020, 0800 MDT
Registration: N86WM
Aircraft: CESSNA 305
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The airline transport pilot reported he was on a cross-country flight with a passenger. On approach, he followed an airplane established on a left downwind for the runway. The pilot extended the airplane's downwind to allow space for the landing airplane to clear the runway. The pilot elected to use the paved runway instead of the 800-ft grass landing area adjacent to the paved runway because of the clearing airplane. He subsequently lost directional control during the landing and the airplane exited the paved surface. A "juggle" of the pilot's feet on the rudder pedals occurred during the excursion, which resulted in "overbraking" and the airplane subsequently nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial fuselage and empennage damage. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight and his safety recommendation was, "Never underestimate a tailwheel airplane!"

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/07/2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/31/2019
Flight Time: 7857 hours (Total, all aircraft), 750 hours (Total, this make and model), 6782 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 47 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N86WM
Model/Series:305 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:1967
Amateur Built:No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number:2017
Landing Gear Type:Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/17/2020, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6248 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: PPA-O-470-50
Registered Owner: Pangaea Air Services Inc
Rated Power: 275 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: KEGE, 6535 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:0756 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 64°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.41 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Aspen, CO (ASE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Glenwood Springs, CO (GWS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0730 MDT
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: GLENWOOD SPRINGS MUNI (GWS)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5916 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 32
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3305 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

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: 39.506111, -107.309167 (est)

Glenwood Springs Fire Department
July 17th
PRESS RELEASE

Glenwood Springs, Colorado – Around 7:49 a.m. this morning, Glenwood Springs Fire Department was called to an aircraft accident at Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a two person aircraft that had left the runway. Firefighters evaluated the two occupants and determined there were no injuries. Firefighters then inspected the aircraft and confirmed there was no risk for fire, and no fluids leaking from the engine.

Incident Commander, Doug Gerrald, said, “We are very thankful there were no injuries.”

The airport was temporarily shut down and has since been reopened.

Glenwood Springs Police Dept and Garfield County Sheriff's Office - Colorado also responded to this incident.

There will be no further information released.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado - No injuries were reported after a Cessna Ector 305A aircraft “left the runway” at Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport on Friday morning.

The Glenwood Springs Fire Department received a call around 7:49 a.m. of an aircraft accident, according to a news release from the city.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-person aircraft that had left the runway,” the release states. “Firefighters evaluated the two occupants and determined there were no injuries.”

Firefighters determined the aircraft was not leaking fluids and there was no risk of fire.

The airport was temporarily closed during the incident but has since reopened. Glenwood Springs Police Department and Garfield County Sheriff also responded to the incident. 

https://www.postindependent.com

Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG, N9758B: Incident occurred July 18, 2020 at Bradley International Airport (KBDL), Windsor Locks, Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Aircraft landed gear up.

Sherwood Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N9758B

Date: 18-JUL-20
Time: 14:50:00Z
Regis#: N9758B
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172RG
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WINDSOR LOCKS
State: CONNECTICUT

de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, N379PM: Incidents occurred July 17, 2020, May 23, 2018 and April 06, 2016 at Key West International Airport (KEYW), Monroe County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

July 17, 2020: Aircraft landed and gear collapsed. 

Single Otter Leasing LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N379PM

Date: 17-JUL-20
Time: 14:53:00Z
Regis#: N379PM
Aircraft Make: DEHAVILLAND
Aircraft Model: DHC3
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: KEY WEST
State: FLORIDA

May 23, 2018

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

May 23, 2018: Gear collapse on landing.

Date: 23-MAY-18
Time: 15:00:00Z
Regis#: N379PM
Aircraft Make: DEHAVILLAND
Aircraft Model: DHC 3
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 135
City: KEY WEST
State: FLORIDA

April 06, 2016

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

April 06, 2016: Aircraft on landing, float gear collapsed.

Date:  06-APR-16
Time:  21:55:00Z
Regis#:  N379PM
Aircraft Make:  DE HAVILLAND
Aircraft Model:  DHC3
Event Type:  Incident
Highest Injury:  None
Damage:  Unknown
Activity:  Other
Flight Phase:  LANDING (LDG)
FAA FSDO:  FAA Miami FSDO-19
City:  KEY WEST
State:  Florida

Hard Landing: Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N1655V; accident occurred July 19, 2020 at Wellington Aero Club Airport (FD38), Palm Beach County, Florida






Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Miramar, Florida 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Wellington, Florida
Accident Number: ERA20CA256
Date & Time: July 19, 2020, 11:30 Local
Registration: N1655V
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

During a local flight, the pilot reported that the wind at the airport was light and variable. After flying a normal traffic pattern, she crossed the runway threshold on final approach and reduced the power to land. Upon touchdown, the airplane “was hit by a strong gust of wind.”  The airplane then pitched up to a “very high nose up attitude.” The stall warning horn activated and the pilot attempted to recover; however, the airplane impacted the runway in a nose low attitude, seriously injuring the pilot and substantially damaging to the forward portion of the airplane’s fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for a wind gust during landing.

Findings

Aircraft Pitch control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Gusts - Response/compensation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Other weather encounter
Landing-flare/touchdown Hard landing (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 36,Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 27, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 27, 2019
Flight Time: 72 hours (Total, all aircraft), 72 hours (Total, this make and model), 30 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1655V
Model/Series: 172 M 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17263704
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: February 11, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3824 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 150 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPBI,21 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 11:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 78°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2500 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 4900 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 25°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Wellington, FL (FD38)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wellington, FL (FD38)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 10:44 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Wellington Aero Club A/P FD38 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 20 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4055 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop;Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 26.646667,-80.294998(est)
 







WELLINGTON, Florida — Investigators have identified the pilot of a small plane that crashed near Greenbriar Blvd. in the Wellington Aero Club on Sunday morning.

On Monday, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office identified the woman as 36-year-old Elizabeth "Beth" Owens Poeschl who is from Loxahatchee Groves.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene at about 11:30 a.m.

First responders say the plane is a Cessna 172M Skyhawk.

The plane crashed into an asphalt runway. No nearby homes were damaged. The plane did not catch fire. 

According to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, only the pilot was onboard.

Poeschl was airlifted by TraumaHawk to St. Mary's Hospital with numerous bone fractures, none of them life-threatening.

“The aircraft went nose down so the front landing gear collapsed and there was some impingement into the cockpit area where the person was,” said Captain Albert Borroto, the Public Information Officer for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the plane was attempting to land at the time of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board says they are going to interview Poeschl and collect more evidence before moving forward in the investigation. Agency leaders expect to determine the cause of the crash in about a year and a half.

Poeschl declined WPBF 25 News' request for a comment on Monday.

https://www.wpbf.com

Beech A36TC Bonanza, N3699G: Incident occurred July 17, 2020 at Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB), Seminole County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Aircraft lost engine power after takeoff and returned landing short of the runway.

International Aerospace Solutions Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N3699G

Date: 17-JUL-20
Time: 20:20:00Z
Regis#: N3699G
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: A36
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 337G Super Skymaster, N53640: Incident occurred July 20, 2020 at North Perry Airport (KHWO), Hollywood, Broward County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft landed with gear up.

Pan Allen Air Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N53640

Date: 20-JUL-20
Time: 00:15:00Z
Regis#: N53640
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 337
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HOLLYWOOD
State: FLORIDA

Hard Landing: Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, N4365M; accident occurred July 18, 2020 in Lincolnville, Waldo County, Maine





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board
    
Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Lincolnville, Maine 
Accident Number: ERA20CA268
Date & Time: July 18, 2020, 12:30 Local
Registration: N4365M
Aircraft: Piper PA 12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

At the conclusion of a local flight with stops at several airports, the pilot was returning to the private grass runway. The pilot described that the final approach to the runway was “too fast,” and that when the airplane touched down on the soft turf it bounced. When the airplane touched down a second time, the landing gear collapsed. The fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent main landing gear collapse.

Findings

Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Hard landing (Defining event)
Landing Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial Age: 75, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 25, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 562 hours (Total, all aircraft), 36 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N4365M
Model/Series: PA 12 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 12-3303
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 3, 2019 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1700 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 15 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O290-0-2
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 135 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 280°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rockland, ME (RKD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lincolnville, ME (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 11:15 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Private PVT
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 386 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: UNKN
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1700 ft / 200 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 44.69429,-69.381042 (est)

Scoda Super Petrel LS, N999XX: Incident occurred July 18, 2020 on Androscoggin River, Livermore, Androscoggin County, Maine

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

Aircraft landed on the river with gear deployed causing damage to left wing.


Land On Water LLC


https://registry.faa.gov/N999XX


Date: 18-JUL-20

Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N999XX
Aircraft Make: SCODA AERONAUTICAL
Aircraft Model: SUPER PETREL LS
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LIVERMORE
State: MAINE

LIVERMORE — A amphibious airplane landed on the Androscoggin River near Livermore on Saturday with its landing gear deployed.

The Scoda Super Petrel LS aircraft touched down on the river at about 3 p.m., according to Arlene Salac of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The pilot Myron Stock, 55, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was the only person onboard and was not injured, Livermore Falls Police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. said. The plane was damaged.

Stock had taken off from the Bowman Field airport on River Road in Livermore Falls, he said Monday. 

The plane is registered to Land On Water LLC of Dover, New Hampshire, according to the registration listed on the FAA site.

The Maine Warden Service responded to the crash, and the FAA is investigating.

https://www.sunjournal.com

Cessna T206H Turbo Stationair, N188AG: Incident occurred July 19, 2020 at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN), Gallatin County, Montana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana

Aircraft landed and veered off runway striking a runway light.

Next Frontier Air LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N188AG

Date: 19-JUL-20
Time: 20:18:00Z
Regis#: N188AG
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: T206
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: BOZEMAN
State: MONTANA

Cirrus SR22, N324BR: Incident occurred July 18, 2020 at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY), Atlantic County, New Jersey

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Aircraft struck a military arresting cable on landing causing damage to nose gear.

Brady Risk Holdings LLC

Nassau Flyers

https://registry.faa.gov/N324BR

Date: 18-JUL-20
Time: 16:05:00Z
Regis#: N324BR
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SR22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ATLANTIC CITY
State: NEW JERSEY

Beech M35 Bonanza, N45JT: Incident occurred July 17, 2020 at Belen Regional Airport (KBRG), Valencia County, New Mexico

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Aircraft gear collapsed after landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N45JT

Date: 17-JUL-20
Time: 17:23:00Z
Regis#: N45JT
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 35
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: BELEN
State: NEW MEXICO

Controlled Flight Into Terrain: Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III, N417WT; fatal accident occurred November 03, 2018 in Uvalde, Texas


Mr. & Mrs. Byler


Gerald Green Lawrence


Craig Hatch, ICC
National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-In-Charge (IIC) Craig Hatch speaks during a briefing held November 5th, 2018 at the Uvalde County Office of Emergency Management.



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

Additional Participating Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas
Federal Aviation Administration Rotorcraft Standards; Fort Worth, Texas
Bell Helicopters; Fort Worth, Texas
Rolls-Royce Corporation; Indianapolis, Indiana

Aviation Accident Final 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/N417WT 

Location: Uvalde, TX
Accident Number: CEN19FA024
Date & Time: 11/03/2018, 2347 CST
Registration: N417WT
Aircraft: Bell 206
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot and two passengers onboard the turboshaft-powered helicopter departed from a private ranch on a night cross-country flight in visual meteorological conditions. Video evidence from witnesses who observed the departure showed that bright flood lights were shown directly at the helicopter during the departure. The helicopter impacted terrain shortly after takeoff about 100 ft below the top of a 1,500-ft hill and about 5 miles east of the departure point.

An automated weather station, located 13 miles southeast of the departure site, at 0015 recorded, clear skies, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inHg. A review of weather information about the time of the accident revealed a small area of cloud ceilings east of the departure point. Based upon the helicopter's recorded route of flight, it is unlikely that the helicopter encountered this area of reduced visibility/ceilings.

Examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Data from the helicopter's flight displays revealed that the helicopter's altimeter was set at 30.05 inches of mercury (inHg); The altimeter setting at the station nearest the accident site was 29.97 inHg. This difference would have resulted in the helicopter's altimeter indicating a higher altitude than the helicopter's actual altitude. The display's data also indicated the helicopter's flight path towards its destination airport. The flight display's last indicated altitude was 1,538 ft, which would have only provided marginal obstacle clearance.

Additionally, the helicopter terrain avoidance and warning system low altitude alerts were set to "inhibit", or turned off; therefore, the pilot would not have received a terrain warning message. Flight information from the displays did not record any evasive maneuvering, and it is likely that the pilot did not see the terrain before impact.

Autopsy and toxicology testing of the pilot did not reveal evidence of incapacitation. A review of the pilot's medical information indicated that he had been diagnosed with early cataracts; the pilot first reported cataracts to the FAA in 2005, and it is possible that they could have increased in severity enough to have compromised his night vision and contributed to his difficulty avoiding the hill. Additionally, the pilot's eyesight may not have adjusted to the night conditions after being exposed to bright lights during departure. However, the severity of his cataracts at the time of the accident is unknown, and whether visual limitations from cataracts or bright lights contributed to the accident, could not be determined.

The accident is consistent with control flight into terrain during dark night conditions

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's controlled flight into terrain during night visual meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot improper decision to inhibit the helicopter's terrain warning systems and flight at low altitude.

Findings

Aircraft
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Ground proximity system - Not used/operated (Factor)

Personnel issues
Lack of action - Pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Dark - Effect on operation (Cause)
Mountainous/hilly terrain - Awareness of condition (Factor)
Mountainous/hilly terrain - Contributed to outcome (Factor)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event) 

On November 3, 2018, about 2347 central standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N417WT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Uvalde, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

A review of data from the helicopter's primary and multifunction display units revealed that the helicopter departed a private ranch about 2341 and proceeded east toward San Antonio, Texas. The data showed that the helicopter reached an altitude of 1,900 ft before beginning a gradual descent, until the final barometric altitude of 1,538 ft (indicated altitude on the display) and 74 knots airspeed. The altimeter was set for a barometric pressure of 30.05 inHg. The data did not reveal any extreme changes in pitch, bank, or airspeed. The flight display also retained the last GPS altitude, which was 1,422 ft. Additionally, the terrain awareness warning system (TAWS) and helicopter TAWS low altitude alerts were set for 140 ft above ground level; however, terrain alerts were set to "inhibit."


Figure 1. Helicopter departure with flood lights shining on helicopter (Video screenshot from KSAT and Jason Martinez).

The Uvalde County Sheriff's Office was notified of a possible downed aircraft northwest of Uvalde, Texas. A search effort of authorities and local volunteers found the wreckage about daybreak the following morning.

The helicopter impacted the side of a hill about 5 miles east of the departure point and about 71 miles west of San Antonio International Airport. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial
Age: 76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied:
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/26/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 23400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 400 hours (Total, this make and model)

A review of previous aviation medical examinations noted a diagnosis of early cataracts; however, there was no additional information regarding the severity of the condition.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N417WT
Model/Series: 206 B
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4591
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/11/2018, AAIP
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:  1953 Hours
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time:  as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT:  C126 installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 250-C20J
Registered Owner: W T Byler Co Inc
Rated Power:
Operator: W T Byler Co Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KUVA
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0515 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 316°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Private Ranch, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: San Antonio, TX (SAT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1145 CDT
Type of Airspace: 

A review of weather information about the time of the accident revealed a small area of cloud ceilings east of the departure point. This area of clouds dissipated and moved eastward over time. There was no indication of low-level wind shear or clear air turbulence.

There was no record of the pilot receiving a weather briefing before departure.

Moonrise occurred at 0343 and moonset at 1642 with about 19% disk illuminated. At the time of departure and the accident, the moon would have been below the horizon. 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 29.368056, -99.923889 (est) 

The helicopter impacted about 100 ft below the apex of a hill that measured about 1,500 ft mean sea level (see figure 2). A wreckage path about 75 to 100 yards long was distributed along the hillside leading to the main wreckage. There was no post-crash fire.

Figure 2. Wreckage at the accident site (Courtesy of FAA)

The hazardous terrain at the accident site precluded an on-scene examination of the helicopter; the wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for examination.

All major components of the helicopter were located at the accident site. The forward portion of the cabin/cockpit area was largely destroyed by impact. The tail boom remained attached to the fuselage but was twisted and damaged due to the impact. The fuel bladder remained in the fuselage and contained an undetermined quantity of fuel. The tail rotor gearbox was found several feet away from the tail boom. Both tail rotor blades were bent near the doubler but remained attached. The tail rotor was rotated by hand with no binding or anomalies noted with the tail rotor gearbox. Oil was present in the tail rotor gearbox. The tail rotor gearbox's magnetic chip detector was removed and no particles were observed.

The main rotor hub and blade assembly had separated from the main rotor mast below the main rotor hub. The main rotor mast exhibited a fracture consistent with mechanical overload. The two main rotor blades were fractured outboard of the doublers and located near the wreckage path.

Main rotor drivetrain continuity was established by rotating the input drive by hand and observing the rotation of the mast. No abnormalities were noted when the transmission was rotated by hand. The transmission chip detectors were removed and no particles were observed.

The components of the hydraulic system, including the hydraulic pump, sustained various degrees of impact damage. A small amount of hydraulic fluid was present in the hydraulic oil reservoir. The three servo actuators remained attached to the roof structure, and movement was noted when manipulated by hand. No preimpact abnormalities were noted with hydraulic system. Flight control continuity could not be established due to impact damage; however, no anomalies were noted with the collective, cyclic and anti-torque pedals.

No evidence of pre-impact abnormalities were noted during the airframe examination.

The engine was removed from the airframe and transported to an overhaul facility for a detailed examination. The engine was placed on a stand and disassembled. Continuity through the accessory section was established. Foreign object damage was noted to the leading edges of the intake compressor blades; also "metal spray" was noted on the turbine compressor wheel. The engine bleed valve and fuel nozzle were bench tested. The power turbine governor and fuel control units were sent to another facility and tested. No engine abnormalities were noted that would have restricted normal operation of the engine. 

Medical And Pathological Information

The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office, San Antonio, Texas, conducted an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was determined to be "multiple blunt force injuries."

The FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory conducted toxicological testing of the pilot. The specimens were not tested for cyanide and carbon monoxide. The test was negative for ethanol; desmethylsildenafil was detected in the muscle and liver. Desmethylsildenafil is an active metabolite of sildenafil, which is not considered to be impairing.






























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