Thursday, August 20, 2020

Cessna 140A, N140MQ: Incident occurred August 17, 2020 in Kotzebue, Alaska

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska

Aircraft landed on a sandbar on the Wulik River and nosed over.

https://registry.faa.gov/N140MQ

Date: 17-AUG-20
Time: 01:00:00Z
Regis#: N140MQ
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 140
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: KOTZEBUE
State: ALASKA

Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, N92544: Incident occurred August 18, 2020 and Accident occurred March 19, 2017

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska

August 18, 2020: Aircraft on takeoff struck a tree.


https://registry.faa.gov/N92544


Date: 18-AUG-20

Time: 04:00:00Z
Regis#: N92544
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA12
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: HUSLIA
State: ALASKA

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms




Location: Palmer, AK
Accident Number: GAA17CA193
Date & Time: 03/19/2017, 1320 ADT
Registration: N92544
Aircraft: PIPER PA 12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, he added full power, applied right rudder, and "pushed [the] stick forward to lift [the] tail off the ground." He added that the tail came back onto the ground and that the airplane veered to the right. He further added that he overcorrected to the left and that the airplane ground looped; subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and elevator impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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 failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a ground loop.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Incorrect action performance - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 53, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/03/2015
Occupational Pilot:No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:02/16/2012
Flight Time: (Estimated) 600 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model), 500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N92544
Model/Series: PA 12 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built:No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 12-73
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/30/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1873 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAAQ, 230 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 216°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 6000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 20000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.74 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -7°C / -14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Palmer, AK (PAQ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: FAIRBANKS, AK (FAI)
Type of Clearance:None
Departure Time: 1320 ADT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: PALMER MUNI (PAQ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 241 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6009 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 61.599444, -149.086667 (est)

Bell UH-1H Iroquois, N711GH: Fatal accident occurred August 19, 2020 near New Coalinga Municipal Airport (C80), Fresno County, California

Michael John Fournier


This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fresno, California 
Cal Fire; Sacramento, California 
Guardian Helicopters; Van Nuys, California 
Honeywell; Phoenix, Arizona 


Location: Coalinga, CA 
Accident Number: WPR20LA280
Date & Time: August 19, 2020, 09:45 Local
Registration: N711GH
Aircraft: Arrow-Falcon Exporters, Inc. UH1H 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Public aircraft

On August 19, 2020 about 0945 Pacific daylight time, an Arrow-Falcon Exporters, Inc. UH-1H, N711GH, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Coalinga, California. The pilot, the sole occupant was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a public use firefighting flight.

The accident flight was the pilot's first day working the Hills Fire, which had started four days prior. The pilot departed at 0846 followed by another pilot that was flying a Bell 212 helicopter for another operator.

Investigators reviewed flight track data covering the area of the accident during the time surrounding the accident. Additionally, the Bell 212 pilot had an app recording his track that he provided to investigators. After departure, both helicopters flew south until reaching a small lake/reservoir (the dip site) to fill up the external load buckets attached to their respective helicopters (bambi buckets). Thereafter, they flew to a predetermined areas and began to unload their water on the fire. After releasing the water, they would return back to the dip site. After the accident pilot delivered about two buckets of water to a division he moved to another division delivering about five buckets of water.

The Bell 212 pilot recalled that after he departed the dip site with a bucket of water, he heard the accident pilot communicate over the air-to-air radio that he felt "abnormal noises and vibrations" and that he was going to make a precautionary landing. The Bell 212 pilot dumped his water and then caught up to the accident helicopter with the intention of assisting the pilot find a good area to land; he remained a few hundred feet behind and above the accident helicopter. The accident helicopter was about a 1,000 ft above ground level (agl) and maneuvering at an airspeed between 60 to 70 kts. The accident pilot then stated that the helicopter's "temps and pressures are good." A few seconds later the accident pilot stated "it's my hydraulics." The Bell 212 pilot relayed that that he should make a right turn and fly down the ravine to less mountainous terrain (the flats). 

The helicopter started to make a right turn and then banked back to the left while losing airspeed. The Bell 212 pilot noticed the helicopter still had its 100 ft longline and bambi bucket attached and told the accident pilot to "release your long line and get forward airspeed," The accident pilot then stated "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday." The left turn steepened remaining in a level pitch attitude, and the helicopter began to make three or four 360° rotations (rapidly swapping the front and back), while drifting north-east. The helicopter then pitched in a nose-low, near vertical attitude and collided into terrain. A fire immediately erupted and the Bell 212 pilot made multiple trips to the dip site to fill his bucket and drop water on the accident site. 

The helicopter came to rest on a 35° slope with the main wreckage about 25 yards downslope from the initial impact. A majority of the wreckage was consumed by fire; the tail rotor assembly was intact. The tail rotor blades were intact, with no evidence of rotational scoring. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further investigation.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Arrow-Falcon Exporters, Inc.
Registration: N711GH
Model/Series: UH-1H 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133), On-demand air taxi (135), Agricultural aircraft (137)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time: 09:00 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 3 miles
Altimeter Setting: 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Coalinga, CA (C80) 
Destination: Coalinga, CA (C80)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 35.969165,-120.322502 (est)

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.
 
Michael John Fournier

A pilot from Rancho Cucamonga fighting one of hundreds of wildfires in the state was killed Wednesday, August 19th, when his helicopter crashed near Coalinga in the Central Valley, authorities said.

The pilot, identified by the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner Office on Thursday as Michael John Fournier, 52, a husband and father of two teen-aged girls, was contracted by Cal Fire to work a water-dropping mission on the Hills Fire in western Fresno County, according to Cal Fire.

The Hills Fire has been active for four days and as of early Thursday, had grown to 1,500 acres and was 35% contained, said Emily Harlow, spokesperson for Cal Fire.

The pilot was working with Guardian Helicopters, based in Fillmore, which had a contract with the state fire agency, Cal Fire, to provide emergency services on a call-when-needed basis, said Zoe Keliher, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board.

Fournier’s Bell UH-1H helicopter crashed in rugged terrain around 10 a.m. Wednesday, about 9 miles south of the city of Coalinga, said Fresno County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Botti on Thursday, Aug. 20.

A 14-member search-and-rescue team spent more than six hours and used bulldozers in order to reach the crash site, west of Highway 33. The pilot was the only person on board the helicopter, Cal Fire reported.

The sheriff’s team draped the body with an American flag, Botti said. “Even for contracted pilots, we wanted to pay our respects to him so we put a flag over him,” he said.

Fournier was remembered Thursday by friends as a cross-fit athlete and former football star and coach from Charter Oak High School in Covina. He played on the 1985 CIF-SS championship team.

The news of his death was circulating Thursday among friends, teachers and coaches who are affiliated with the school district in the San Gabriel Valley.

“Everybody is super devastated for the family,” said Steve Smith, 51, a member of the championship team who like many on the squad, remained friends with Fournier 35 years later. “He has a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old,” Smith said, his voice trailing off.

Donations, as well as comforting posts to Fournier’s family, have been filling a GoFundMe page organized by his wife, LeAnne Fournier. The page says Mike Fournier was in a fatal helicopter crash on Aug. 19 and the funds will be used to support his wife and two daughters. As of 2 p.m. Thursday, donations reached $37,500.

“He was loved and liked by everyone who met him; it was impossible to resist his kindness and warmth,” posted Olivia Anderson. Friends and former colleagues called him “a true hero” and a “brave man.”

Craig Evans, 52, who also played football with Fournier at Charter Oak High and currently teaches physical education at Royal Oak Middle School in Covina, said his friend shared with him his passion to become a helicopter pilot when they were in high school.

Evans said Fournier, a professional helicopter pilot for more than 20 years, had worked for utility companies, hoisting workers to tops of electrical towers. He recently began contracting with Cal Fire to fight wildfires.

In a phone conversation just two weeks ago, Evans said, Fournier was excited about working on wildfires.

“He was telling me how he was moving into firefighting. He knew the risks of flying. He flew all the way until he couldn’t fly anymore,” Evans said on Thursday.

https://www.dailybulletin.com

Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six, N4089R: Accident occurred August 19, 2020 at Tallahassee International Airport (KTLH), Leon County, Florida

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

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

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


https://registry.faa.gov/N4089R

Location: Tallahassee, FL
Accident Number: ERA20LA290
Date & Time: 08/19/2020, 1215 EDT
Registration:N4089R
Aircraft: Piper PA32
Injuries: 1 Minor, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On August 19, 2020, about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, N4089R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), Tallahassee, Florida. The private pilot incurred minor injuries and the two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane with no anomalies noted and loaded the airplane for the flight. He knew that the airplane had about 60 gallons of fuel on board, since he flew a trip the previous week and used the fuel out of the left main tank, he performed the engine run-up and takeoff with the right main fuel tank selected. The engine started up, ran without issue, until the engine run-up when it "backfired." The pilot continued to perform the engine run-up by checking the magnetos and letting the engine continue to run, and no other issues were noted.

The pilot took the runway and increased the engine power to the takeoff setting, the airspeed increased to 70 mph and he pulled back on the yoke to takeoff. After the airplane departed the runway, the pilot noticed that the engine did not indicate full rpm. He also noted that the engine was not producing any power. Since the airspeed was slow and close to the stall speed, the pilot attempted to descend in order to increase the airspeed, however, the airplane was "already stalling." It "pancaked" onto the runway and veered off the right side striking the visual approach lighting system with the right wing. During the accident sequence, the right wing incurred substantial damage.

After the accident, the pilot provided a weight and balance calculation for the flight, which revealed that the airplane was within load limits for the flight.

The airframe and engine were recovered and will be examined.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N4089R
Model/Series:PA32 300
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: TLH, 68 ft msl
Observation Time:1153 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 24°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5000 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm / ,
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 20000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:IFR
Departure Point: Tallahassee, FL (TLH)
Destination: Fort Pierce, FL (FPR)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 30.409444, -84.358333 (est)


TALLAHASSEE, Florida (WCTV) - A small private aircraft skidded off the runway when departing from the Tallahassee International Airport Wednesday afternoon. There were three people on board; none were injured. The initial notification was received at 12:26 p.m., according to city officials.

The Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six was departing runway 3-6 when it exited the runway and came to rest just off the paved surface on the east side, Deputy Director of Aviation Jim Durwin says.

That runway is currently closed, but other runways remain open and in use. There was no impact to airport operations, Durwin says.

The incident did not result in any fire or fluid leaks.

Airport personnel and the Tallahassee Fire Department, are on scene to ensure safety, the city says. The time to reopen that runway is still to be determined.

The Tallahassee International Airport is in the process of making notification to NTSB and FAA about the incident.

https://www.wctv.tv

Loss of Control on Ground: Maule M-5-235C Lunar Rocket, N386X; accident occurred August 19, 2020 at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC), Olathe, Kansas






Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Kansas City, Kansas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://registry.faa.gov/N386X


Location: Olathe, KS
Accident Number: CEN20CA356
Date & Time: 08/19/2020, 1816 CDT
Registration: N386X
Aircraft: Maule M5
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the airplane touched down on the runway without incident. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane encountered a sudden wind gust and turned to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with aileron and rudder input. However, the airplane continued to turn left about 180° and came to rest upright. He stated that his aileron input was incorrect and exaggerated the left turn. In addition, he reported he was an inexperienced tailwheel pilot and the accident was "100% a case of pilot error." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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 loss of directional control during landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Other weather encounter
Landing-flare/touchdown Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control on ground (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 42, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/23/2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/21/2019
Flight Time: 471 hours (Total, all aircraft), 11 hours (Total, this make and model), 410 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Maule
Registration: N386X
Model/Series: M5 235C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 7029C
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/10/2020, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 1 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 988 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-540-51ASD
Registered Owner: Matthew Verley
Rated Power: 235 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: OJC, 1096 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1853 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 130°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Olathe, KS (OJC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Olathe, KS (OJC)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Johnson County Executive (OJC)
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 1096 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4098 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries:1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 38.847222, -94.737778 (est)

Cirrus SR20, N94RS: Incident occurred August 19, 2020 at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field (KBTL), Calhoun County, Michigan

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Aircraft made a hard landing and veered off runway.


Western Michigan University


https://registry.faa.gov/N94RS


Date: 19-AUG-20

Time: 19:35:00Z
Regis#: N94RS
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SR20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: BATTLE CREEK
State: MICHIGAN



BATTLE CREEK, Michigan — Battle Creek police are headed to the location of an emergency landing.

An emergency call came about 3:45 p.m. August 19th, 2020, after a small plane made an emergency landing near South Airport Road at the Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field.

Preliminary reports state the landing gear to a plane flown by a Western Michigan University aviation student collapsed during a landing.

Plane was pulled from the runway to a hangar at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation.

The student was on a solo flight.

The investigation will be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Police said no one was injured.

https://wwmt.com


Battle Creek police and firefighters were called to Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field at 3:36 p.m. Wednesday after officers said a single-engine plane that was landing bounced on the runway and began leaking fuel. The 20-year-old female pilot from Western Michigan University School of Aviation was uninjured.

https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com

Collision with Object (Non-Controlled Flight into Terrain): American Champion 8GCBC Scout, N133PJ; accident occurred August 19, 2020 at Three Rivers Municipal Dr. Haines Airport (KHAI), St. Joseph County, Michigan







Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

American Liquid Concentration Operations LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N133PJ


Location: Three Rivers, Michigan 
Accident Number: CEN20CA358
Date & Time: August 18, 2020, 22:00 Local
Registration: N133PJ
Aircraft: Champion 8GCBC
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was in a hurry after landing and exited the runway early (before the taxiway). He stated that he was not paying attention and the airplane collided with a taxiway sign. The airplane nosed over, substantially damaging the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies 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 failure to maintain clearance from a taxiway sign after landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Sign/marker - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi Miscellaneous/other
Taxi-from runway Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)
Taxi Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 54, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 None
Last FAA Medical Exam: April 30, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 867 hours (Total, all aircraft), 47 hours (Total, this make and model), 829 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Champion 
Registration: N133PJ
Model/Series: 8GCBC No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 486-2006
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-360
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 180 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: HAI
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:15 Local 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Mendon, MI 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Three Rivers, MI (HAI)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Three Rivers Muni Dr Haines HAI
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 822 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Unknown

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 41.958889,-85.592224(est)

Cessna 340A, N114BH: Incidents occurred August 19, 2020 and March 20, 2017

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

August 19, 2020: Aircraft landed gear up.

SP Aircraft LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N114BH

Date: 19-AUG-20
Time: 21:05:00Z
Regis#: N114BH
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 340
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WINNEMUCCA
State: NEVADA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

March 20, 2017: Aircraft reported a lost propeller while climbing through 14,800'.

Date: 20-MAR-17
Time: 13:23:00Z
Regis#: N114BH
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 340
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: INITIAL CLIMB (ICL)
City: PRAIRIE
State: IDAHO

Agusta A-109E , N95RZ: Incident occurred August 19, 2020 in Wauseon, Fulton County, Ohio

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Cleveland, Ohio

Rotorcraft struck a light with tail rotor on landing.

St Vincent Mercy Medical Center

https://registry.faa.gov/N95RZ

Date: 19-AUG-20
Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N95RZ
Aircraft Make: AGUSTA SPA
Aircraft Model: A109E
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: AMBULANCE
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 135
City: WAUSEON
State: OHIO

Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse, N976PA: Accident occurred March 26, 2022 and Incident occurred August 19, 2020










Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Spanish Fork, Utah 
Accident Number: WPR22LA131
Date and Time: March 26, 2022, 13:01 Local
Registration: N976PA
Aircraft: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA20- C1 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, following 2 aborted landings, he attempted a third landing. Shortly after the initial touch down, the airplane encountered a wind gust, which lifted the left wing. The pilot applied left aileron input and initiated a go-around; however, the right wing struck the runway, which rotated the airplane to the right. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway surface, impacted a ditch, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported at the time of the accident, he was landing on runway 30, and the wind was from 240° at 8 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with gusting wind.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Gusts - Effect on operation
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 22, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: October 5, 2021
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 25, 2022
Flight Time: 81.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 81.8 hours (Total, this make and model), 19.4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 22.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12.4 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC
Registration: N976PA
Model/Series: DA20-C1
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: C0376
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: February 2, 2022 100 hour Certified 
Max Gross Wt.: 1764 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 36.5 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 7079.2 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-240-B
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 125 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: KSPK,4529 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility:
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 17 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 240°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23.9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Spanish Fork, UT
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Spanish Fork, UT 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Spanish Fork Municipal Airport SPK
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4529 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 30 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6500 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go around; Traffic pattern
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 40.145153,-111.66523(est)




SPANISH FORK, Utah — Two men in their 20s were transported to a hospital with minor injuries after a small airplane crashed at the Spanish Fork Airport on Saturday.

The Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse plane was caught in a crosswind when landing, causing it to leave the runway, Spanish Fork police Lt. Cory Slaymaker said. The airplane then hit a ditch and flipped, he added.

The Spanish Fork Airport is coordinating cleanup. The runway is currently closed for several hours, according to Slaymaker.

The identities of those involved were not released.










SPANISH FORK, Utah — A small airplane crashed while attempting to land at the Spanish Fork Municipal Airport Saturday, but the occupants were not seriously injured.

According to Spanish Fork Police, the single-engine plane was landing on the runway when it got caught in crosswinds. It went off the runway and into a ditch, where it flipped over.

The two occupants, both men in their early 20s, were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The plane had originally taken off from the same airport where it was attempting to land.

Police alerted the Federal Aviation Administration of the crash, but it is not yet known if they will conduct an investigation.


Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah

August 19, 2020:  Aircraft made an emergency landing in a field near Spanish Fork Airport (KSPK), Utah County, Utah.

Date: 19-AUG-20
Time: 21:00:00Z
Regis#: N976PA
Aircraft Make: DIAMOND
Aircraft Model: DA20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: PAYSON
State: UTAH







PAYSON, Utah, Aug. 19, 2020 (Gephardt Daily) — A single-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Spanish Fork Airport Wednesday, and landed in a field near a trail in Payson.

The incident happened at about 2:30 p.m., and the small craft attempted an emergency landing in a field just off Arrowhead Trail, Sgt. Noemi Sandoval, Payson Police Department, told Gephardt Daily.

The people in the plane were not injured, she said.

“It landed safely, but there was some damage to the landing gear,” Sandoval said. “The FAA and NTSB have been contacted to investigate.”

https://gephardtdaily.com