Friday, August 21, 2020

Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, N7750Y: Accident occurred August 02, 2020 at Shelby County Airport (KEET), Alabaster, Alabama

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; Birmingham, Alabama

https://registry.faa.gov/N7750Y

Location: Alabaster, AL
Accident Number: ERA20LA272
Date & Time:08/02/2020, 1010 CDT
Registration:N7750Y
Aircraft: Piper PA 30
Injuries:2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

On August 2, 2020, about 1010 central daylight time, a Piper PA-30, N7750Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Shelby County Airport (EET), Alabaster, Alabama. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor reported that he was providing instruction to a commercial pilot for a multiengine rating. They briefed the procedures for a simulated short field takeoff. The student taxied onto runway 16, applied brakes, then applied full power. Following an uneventful takeoff roll, the student rotated and raised the landing gear selector. The airplane then yawed to the right toward a line of trees. The instructor took the controls and attempted to correct with left rudder and aileron inputs; however, altitude could not be maintained and the airplane descended to the ground. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest against a fence and trees.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He reported that there was structural damage to the airplane's wings, fuselage, and empennage.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7750Y
Model/Series: PA 30 No Series
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: KEET, 565 ft msl
Observation Time: 1053 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 280°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:None
Deeparture Point: Alabaster, AL (EET)
Destination: Alabaster, AL (EET)

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: 33.178333, -86.783333 (est)

Bell 206B Jetranger II, N137HS: Incident occurred August 06, 2020 in Paris, Edgar County, Illinois

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Springfield, Illinois

Rotorcraft struck powerlines during aerial application.

Helicopter Services of Illinois LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N137HS

Date: 06-AUG-20
Time: 22:30:00Z
Regis#: N137HS
Aircraft Make: BELL
Aircraft Model: 206
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: AERIAL APPLICATION
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 137
City: PARIS
State: ILLINOIS

Piper PA-28R-200, N55660: Incident occurred August 13, 2020 at Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF), Collier County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft landed gear up.

https://registry.faa.gov/N55660

Date: 13-AUG-20
Time: 16:15:00Z
Regis#: N55660
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: 28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: NAPLES
State: FLORIDA

Mooney M20J 201, N201XH: Incident occurred August 13, 2020 in Bellville, Richland County, Ohio

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

Aircraft made emergency gear up landing in field.

Homers Investments Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N201XH

Date: 13-AUG-20
Time: 23:30:00Z
Regis#: N201XH
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: 20J
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EMERGENCY DESCENT (EMG)
Operation: 91
City: BELLVILLE
State: OHIO

Collision During Landing: Cessna 182N Skylane, N92403; accident occurred August 13, 2020 at Sulphur Creek Ranch Airport (ID74), Cascade, Idaho






Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Cascade, Idaho
Accident Number: WPR20CA269
Date & Time: August 13, 2020, 09:06 Local 
Registration: N92403
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 73,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
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: June 23, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 7, 2019
Flight Time: 630 hours (Total, all aircraft), 150 hours (Total, this make and model), 556 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N92403
Model/Series: 182 N 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1969 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 18260186
Landing Gear Type:
Tricycle Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 11, 2020
Annual Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2348 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4953 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-470 SERIES
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 230 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: MYL,5024 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 39 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:51 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 306°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility 6 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts:/ 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: N/A - None - Haze
Departure Point: Johnson Creek, ID (3U2)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cascade, ID (ID74)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 08:30 Local 
Type of Airspace: Unknown

Airport Information

Airport: Sulphur Creek Ranch Airport ID74
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf; Gravel
Airport Elevation: 5835 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 10 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3300 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 44.535278,-115.350555(est)

Piper PA-28-180, N42675: Incidents occurred August 20, 2020 and December 30, 2015

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

August 20, 2020: Aircraft missed taxiway while clearing the runway and went into the grass.

Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR), Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida

908 Flying Club Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N42675

Date: 20-AUG-20
Time: 16:43:00Z
Regis#: N42675
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FORT PIERCE
State: FLORIDA

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

December 31, 2015: Aircraft on landing sustained a birdstrike to the wing.

Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR), Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida

Date: 30-DEC-15
Time: 20:03:00Z
Regis#: N42675
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: FORT PIERCE
State: Florida

Air Tractor AT-502: Incident occurred August 19, 2020 in Belle Glade, Palm Beach County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft had mechanical issues and landed on a road.

Date: 19-AUG-20
Time: 14:72:00Z
Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR
Aircraft Model: AT502
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: AERIAL APPLICATION
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 137
City: BELLE GLADE
State: FLORIDA


BELLE GLADE, Florida — An agricultural plane made an emergency landing Wednesday morning on a Belle Glade highway.

The single-engine crop duster landed on U.S. Highway 98 near Hatton Highway about 10:30 a.m. after the pilot reporter a mechanical problem, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said.

She said the pilot was the only person onboard.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the pilot wasn't injured.

The FAA is investigating the incident.

https://www.wptv.com

Diamond DA20-C1, N327PC: Incidents occurred August 20, 2020 and May 20, 2019

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Louis, Missouri

August 20, 2020: Aircraft struck a bird on takeoff.

St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS), Cahokia, St. Clair County, Illinois

Saint Louis University

https://registry.faa.gov/N327PC

Date: 20-AUG-20
Time: 13:00:00Z
Regis#: N327PC
Aircraft Make: DIAMOND
Aircraft Model: DA20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: CAHOKIA
State: ILLINOIS

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Louis, Missouri

May 20, 2019:   Aircraft landed runway 30R with nose wheel missing. 
St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS), Cahokia, St. Clair County, Illinois

Date: 20-MAY-19
Time: 21:26:00Z
Regis#: N327PC
Aircraft Make: DIAMOND
Aircraft Model: DA20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Aircraft Operator: PARKS COLLEGE
City: CAHOKIA
State: ILLINOIS

Air Tractor AT-602, N604MG: Accident occurred August 20, 2020 in Inverness, Sunflower County, Mississippi

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; Jackson, Mississippi
Air Tractor; Olney, Texas
Pratt & Whitney Canada
Transportation Safety Board of Canada

https://registry.faa.gov/N604MG


Location: Inverness, MS
Accident Number: CEN20LA353
Date & Time: 08/20/2020, 0900 CDT
Registration: N604MG
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR AT602
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On August 20, 2020, about 0900 central daylight time, an Air Tractor 602 airplane, N604MG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Inverness, Mississippi. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

In a statement provided by the pilot, he was on short final to land at the private strip. He required more engine power to make the runway so he attempted to advance the power lever, but it would not move. The pilot made a forced landing in a field short of the runway and the airplane came to rest upright.

An initial examination of the power lever revealed that it was stuck near the idle position and could not be moved. The airplane has been retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR
Registration: N604MG
Model/Series: AT602
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Gary Flying Service
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGLH, 128 ft msl
Observation Time: 0853 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 40°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Inverness, MS (MS21)
Destination: Inverness, MS (MS21)

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: 33.336944, -90.581389 (est)

Consolidated Aeronautics Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer, N67C: Incident occurred August 20, 2020 at Skyhaven Airport (KDAW), Rochester, Strafford County, New Hampshire

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

Aircraft landed gear up and skidded off runway into the grass.

https://registry.faa.gov/N67C

Date: 20-AUG-20
Time: 18:00:00Z
Regis#: N67C
Aircraft Make: CONSOLIDATED AERONAUTICS
Aircraft Model: LAKE LA4
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ROCHESTER
State: NEW HAMPSHIRE

Cessna 177A Cardinal, N30404: Incident occurred August 20, 2020 in West Jefferson, Madison County, Ohio

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

Aircraft made an emergency landing on a highway due to fuel exhaustion.

Cardinal Flyers LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N30404

Date: 20-AUG-20
Time: 22:28:00Z
Regis#: N30404
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 177
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: WEST JEFFERSON
State: OHIO

Just JA30 SuperSTOL, N146BB: Accident occurred August 15, 2020 in Clover, York County, South Carolina

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; Columbia, South Carolina 

Acme Aero LLC


Location: Clover, SC
Accident Number: ERA20LA286
Date & Time: August 15, 2020, 16:00 Local 
Registration: N146BB
Aircraft: McSwain JA 30
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 15, 2020, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a McSwain PA30 Superstol, N146BB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at a private airstrip near Clover, South Carolina. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he landed at a private, grass airstrip during the flight from York Airport (01SC), York, South Carolina to Gastonia Municipal Airport (AKH), Gastonia, North Carolina. He landed uneventfully and taxied for a takeoff to the northwest. During the initial climb, he noted that the airplane was not climbing as he expected. He maneuvered to avoid some trees; however, the airplane contacted the trees and he was unable to maintain control. The airplane crashed in a wooded area and he was met by first responders.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He reported that there was structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. There was no fire.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: McSwain
Registration: N146BB
Model/Series: JA 30 Superstol
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAKH,797 ft msl
Observation Time: 20:42 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /23°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 110°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2100 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.81 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: York, SC (01SC)
Destination: Gastonia, NC (AKH )

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: 35.108333,-81.175277 (est)

CLOVER, South Carolina (WBTV) - A man was taken to the hospital after a small plane he was piloting crashed in Clover, South Carolina on Saturday, according to officials.

The crash took place near Bate Harvey Road and Jackson Lake Lane, which is off of Hwy 55 just down the road from Griggs Elementary School.

According to a report by York County Sheriff’s Office, pilot Matthew McSwain had taken off from an airstrip on Bate Harvey Road and was unable to clear the tree line. The crash occurred after his propeller clipped a tree.

When the sheriff’s office arrived on scene, McSwain had already exited the plane. He was transported to a hospital by EMS. There is no word on his current condition.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash.

https://www.wbtv.com

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 182B Skylane, N710NA; accident occurred August 20, 2020 at Odessa Airport-Schlemeyer Field (KODO), Ector County, Texas
















 


Aviation Accident Finall Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Odessa, Texas
Accident Number: CEN20CA355
Date & Time: August 20, 2020, 09:50 Local 
Registration: N710NA
Aircraft: Cessna 182 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
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 during the landing roll out, the airplane swerved left, so he added control inputs to stop the swerve. The airplane continued to turn 300°, experienced a ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground. A small fire erupted near the fuel selector which the pilot was unable to extinguish. The airplane was destroyed after the fire consumed most of the airplane. There were no reports of any pre-accident 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 failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.

Findings

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Post-impact Fire/smoke (post-impact)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 55
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: July 31, 2020
Flight Time: 1530 hours (Total, all aircraft), 799 hours (Total, this make and model), 1439 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 45 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 16 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N710NA
Model/Series: 182 B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 52297
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 4, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2348 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4681.9 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
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: KODO
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 16:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 170° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Gainesville, TX (KGLE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Odessa, TX (ODO)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 07:10 Local
 Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Odessa Airport-Schlemeyer ODO
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3003 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5003 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 31.922222,-102.384719(est)

Lancair Super ES, N997S: Fatal accident occurred August 20, 2020 near Ely Municipal Airport (KELO), St. Louis County, Minnesota

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; Minneapolis

St. Croix Aviation of Woodbury LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N997S

Location: Ely, MN
Accident Number: CEN20LA354
Date & Time: 08/20/2020, 2306 CDT
Registration: N997S
Aircraft: Lancair LANCAIR SUPER ES
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On August 20, 2020, about 2306 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Lancair Super ES airplane, N997S, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Ely, Minnesota. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

N997S arrived at Ely Municipal Airport (ELO), Ely, Minnesota, about 1200, and the pilot was given a minivan to use. The pilot returned to the airport 1600-1700 and asked airport personnel if he could continue to use the minivan. The fixed base operator at ELO closed at 1700. The pilot was waiting for the destination weather at Grand Marai, Minnesota, which was fogged in, to clear.

The pilot had not filed a flight plan and there was no record he obtained weather through an automated flight service station. There was no air traffic control contact with N997S for the accident flight.

Two witnesses at White Iron Beach Resort stated they had gone out to sit on the end of the dock for the evening and star gaze. They had been out on the dock for about an hour and a half. When they first sat down, the sky was clear, and they could see the stars. However, a cloud layer began to develop, and they could not see the stars anymore. They continued to have very good lateral visibility and could see the island out in front of them from the dock. All was quiet while sitting on the dock. Then they heard the noise of an airplane, looking out past the island and to the left of it, they saw an airplane diving down toward the water; they could see lights from the airplane and its silhouette. The airplane then climbed up and disappeared into the clouds. The airplane then came back down through the clouds and was aimed right at them on the dock. The airplane noise had been loud the entire time. They thought the airplane was going to hit the water in front of the dock, but one wing was lower than the other, and the airplane pulled up just in front of them, turned left and climbed back into the clouds, disappearing from their view in a steep, straight-up climb. Seconds later, the airplane came down in a straight down nosedive followed by a "boom" and immediate silence. They immediately called 911 at 2306. From the first time they heard and saw the first dive, to the third impact dive, less than three minutes had passed. The airplane noise was loud through the entire time they had witnessed the airplane with no popping or sputtering.

The airplane impacted White Iron Lake, and the wreckage was about 25 ft under water, and about 5.5 nautical miles northeast of the ELO.

At 1945, the National Weather Service (NWS) Aviation Weather Center issued an Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) SIERRA advisory for instrument flight rule (IFR) conditions in mist and fog, ceilings below 1,000 ft, visibility below 3 statute miles due to mist/fog, for an area that included the accident location. This AIRMET was valid at the accident time.

At 1956, the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Duluth, Minnesota, issued an Aviation Forecast Discussion (AFD) that included a synopsis and forecast for aviation-specific weather for the region. The "Aviation section of that AFD, which was originally issued at 1645, stated:

Mainly VFR conditions were in place around the terminals this evening aside from low IFR conditions at DLH. A back door cold front was sliding to the southwest and moved through the Twin Ports late this afternoon, allowing the marine layer to move inland and bring low IFR ceilings and visibilities to DLH. Expect this activity to oscillate over the next few hours as waves of cloud cover move up over the hill. Heading into the overnight hours, temperatures are expected to cool and with a moist airmass in place, this will lead to the development of fog at all the terminals. Expecting IFR or low IFR ceilings and visibilities to affect DLH (Duluth, Minnesota), INL (International Falls, Minnesota), HIB (Hibbing, Minnesota) and HYR (Hayward, Wisconsin) in the hours around sunrise with marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions before then. Periods of very low IFR conditions cannot be ruled out as well. Have added a period of marginal VFR visibilities at BRD (Brainerd, Minnesota), but they could go even lower if temperatures are able to cool more than expected overnight. Improving conditions to VFR are expected by mid to late morning, although the lower ceilings may stick around a bit longer. Chances for showers and a few thunderstorms will arrive during the afternoon hours, but the best chances look to hold off until very late in the period or into the next period, so have held off mention at this point and have focused on the tonight's fog potential.

Figure 1 – Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) forecast imagery depicted sky condition and icing and mountain obscuration Graphical - AIRMETs. Issued about 2000 and valid for 2200. This GFA forecast imagery depicted few or scattered to broken sky conditions near the accident site with a point to the south of the accident site identifying overcast clouds at 1,800 ft above ground level (agl) and layered to 8,000 ft agl. The accident location is located within the red circle.

The ELO Automated Weather Observing System recorded at 1135: visibility - 10 statute miles, ceiling - broken at 700 ft agl, temperature and dewpoint - both 16 degrees Celsius.

Dark night conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. According to the pilot's business partner, the pilot received instrument airplane instruction in preparation for an instrument airplane examination that he planned to undertake in the Fall of 2020.

Post-accident examination of recovered airplane components revealed that the flight control cables exhibited features of overstress. The engine and propeller were not recovered.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Lancair
Registration: N997S
Model/Series: LANCAIR SUPER ES No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:Yes
Operator: Pilot
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: ELO, 1456 ft msl
Observation Time:2315 CDT
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 16°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3200 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 140°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 4100 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Ely, MN (ELO)
Destination: Grand Marais, MN (CKC)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 47.894167, -91.771389 (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.


Dr. Kyle Edlund found productive use of his extra time, volunteering his piloting/ co-piloting skills with Wings of Mercy Inc.

Authorities say a man was killed following a plane crash in Lake County Thursday night. 

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said first responders were called just after 11 p.m. on the report of a plane that had crashed on White Iron Lake.

The pilot had left Ely Airport after 9 p.m. and was headed toward Grand Marais. 

The sheriff's identified the victim as a 58-year-old man from Woodbury. A letter from Woodbury Dental Care to patients identified the man as Dr. Kyle Edlund. They say he was flying his plane to his cabin in Grand Marais, alone, to spend the weekend there with his son and friends. 

The sheriff's office confirmed his identified later Friday.

"We are going to take some time to process this devastating loss to our Woodbury Dental Care family," the letter said, in part.

The Minnesota Wild also issued a statement on the incident, as Dr. Edlund was their team dentist. 

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Kyle R. Edlund," the Minnesota Wild said in a statement Friday. "Kyle was a fantastic human being that positively impacted so many people during his life. His smile will be greatly missed at Woodbury Dental Care, at the hockey rink, and by all his family and friends. We offer our sincere condolences to the Edlund family and his loved ones."   

https://kstp.com


Dr. Kyle Edlund








At approximately 2308 hours on August 20th, Lake County Dispatch received a call reporting a possible plane crash on White Iron Lake.

The pilot, and only occupant, left the Ely Airport shortly after 9:00 pm and ended up crashing into White Iron Lake.

The plane was heading towards the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport from the Ely Airport.

Responders found the victim, a 58-year old male from Woodbury, Minnesota, died on impact.

Responding to the scene were the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Rescue Squad, Morse-Fall Lake Fire Department and Ely Ambulance.

This accident is still under investigation.


The plane is in about 28 feet of water about 400 yards from White Iron Beach Resort.

Kerry Davis of White Iron Beach Resort reports debris from last night’s plane crash is being brought to shore by Lake and St. Louis County rescue squads and sheriff’s departments.