Loss of Control in Flight: Exec 162F, N57AN; accident occurred September 10, 2020 in Kenansville, Osceola County, Florida

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:

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

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

Sarah Business LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N57AN

Location: Kenansville, Florida

Accident Number: ERA20CA319

Date & Time: September 10, 2020, 10:00 Local

Registration: N57AN

Aircraft: Rotorway EXEC 162F 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of control in flight

Injuries: 2 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built helicopter reported that during takeoff, when the left skid was coming off the ground, he felt a small jerk, so he moved the cyclic to the left and forward. When the cyclic moved it hit the passenger’s left knee. The passenger “jerked” and the cyclic moved back to the right and the helicopter “instantaneously” rolled over to the right side and struck the ground. The pilot and the passenger were not injured, and the helicopter’s main rotor and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the helicopter 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 control of the helicopter during takeoff.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Aircraft (general) - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Loss of control in flight (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 

Age: 57,Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land

Seat Occupied: Left

Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter

Restraint Used: 3-point

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: May 6, 2019

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: September 7, 2020

Flight Time: 2600 hours (Total, all aircraft), 450 hours (Total, this make and model)

Passenger Information

Certificate: 

Age: Male

Airplane Rating(s): 

Seat Occupied: Right

Other Aircraft Rating(s):

Restraint Used: 3-point

Instrument Rating(s): 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): 

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: 

Last FAA Medical Exam:

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent:

Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Rotorway 

Registration: N57AN

Model/Series: EXEC 162F 

Aircraft Category: Helicopter

Year of Manufacture: 2001

Amateur Built: Yes

Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special)

Serial Number: 6557

Landing Gear Type: Skid 

Seats: 2

Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 7, 2020 Annual 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1500 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 363.1 Hrs as of last inspection

Engine Manufacturer: Rotorway

ELT: Not installed 

Engine Model/Series:

Registered Owner:

Rated Power: 150 Horsepower

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KMLB,27 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 23 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 14:53 Local 

Direction from Accident Site: 53°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1600 ft AGL

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: Broken 

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /

Wind Direction: 70° 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /

Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 26°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Kenansville, FL 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Merritt Island, FL (COI)

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 10:00 Local

Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: Private Heliport PVT 

Runway Surface Type:

Airport Elevation: 65 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used:

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width:

VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 27.876388,-80.988334(est)

Fuel Starvation: Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee B, N7366Z; accident occurred September 10, 2020 in Destin, Okaloosa County, Florida

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Birmingham, Alabama

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

Aerial Banners North Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N7366Z

Location: Destin, Florida 

Accident Number: ERA20CA317

Date & Time: September 10, 2020, 14:30 Local

Registration: N7366Z

Aircraft: Piper PA25 Aircraft

Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Fuel starvation 

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Banner tow

Analysis

The pilot was conducting a routine banner tow flight in an airplane equipped with a main fuel tank as well as an auxiliary fuel tank that transferred fuel to the main fuel tank via a manually activated fuel pump. The pilot was distracted due to the air traffic control and the volume of air traffic in the area, and stated that he did not activate the auxiliary fuel tank transfer pump at the turnaround point where he typically would have during other banner tow flights. After about 3 hours of flight time, the engine lost power. The pilot was unsuccessful in his attempts to restart the engine, which included activating the fuel transfer pump during the descent. He subsequently ditched the airplane into the Gulf of Mexico, during which both of the airplane’s wings were substantially damaged.

Probable Cause and Findings

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

The pilot's failure to manage the available fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.

Findings

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot

Aircraft Fuel - Fluid management

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute-cruise Fuel starvation (Defining event)

Emergency descent Ditching

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 

Age: 36, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 

Seat Occupied: Left

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 2 Without waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: February 11, 2020

Occupational Pilot: Yes

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 11, 2019

Flight Time: 624.4 hours (Total, all aircraft), 273.7 hours (Total, this make and model), 182.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make:

Piper Registration: N7366Z

Model/Series: PA25 235 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1965 

Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 

Serial Number: 25-3320

Landing Gear Type:

Tailwheel Seats: 1

Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 22, 2020 100 hour

Certified Max Gross Wt.:

Time Since Last Inspection: 

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 8012.52 Hrs as of last inspection

Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming

ELT: Installed, not activated

Engine Model/Series: O-540-B2B5

Registered Owner: 

Rated Power: 235 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: DTS,22 ft msl

Distance from Accident Site:

Observation Time: 

Direction from Accident Site:

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2000 ft AGL

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: 

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 

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

Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg

Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 23°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Panama City, FL (ECP)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Panama City, FL (ECP)

Type of Clearance: VFR flight following

Departure Time: 11:35 Local 

Type of Airspace: Unknown

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None

Latitude, Longitude: 30.394721,-86.470275(est)

Kolb Mark III Classic, N8045B: Incident occurred September 09, 2020 at Noblesville Airport (I80), Hamilton County, Indiana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana

Aircraft experienced hard landing.

https://registry.faa.gov/N8045B

Date: 09-SEP-20
Time: 19:50:00Z
Regis#: N8045B
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: EXPERIMENTAL
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: NOBLESVILLE
State: INDIANA

Fairchild SA-227DC Metro 23, N882DC: Incident occurred September 10, 2020 at North Platte Regional Airport (KLBF), Lincoln County, Nebraska

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lincoln, Nebraska

Aircraft veered off runway during landing.

CBG LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N882DC

Date: 10-SEP-20
Time: 20:24:00Z
Regis#: N882DC
Aircraft Make: FAIRCHILD
Aircraft Model: SWEARINGEN METROLINER
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 135
Aircraft Operator: KEYLIME AIR
Flight Number: KEY LIME 414
City: NORTH PLATTE
State: NEBRASKA

Quad City Challenger II ELSA, N56906: Fatal accident occurred September 10, 2020 near West Wind Airpark (TN64), Sweetwater, Tennessee

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; Nashville, Tennessee

Rotax; Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

https://registry.faa.gov/N56906

Location: Sweetwater, TN

Accident Number: ERA20LA312

Date & Time: 09/10/2020, 1600 EDT

Registration: N56906

Aircraft: QUAD CITY CHALLENGER

Injuries: 1 Fatal

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 10, 2020, at 1600 eastern daylight time, an experimental, light-sport Quad City Challenger II, N56906, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from West Wind Airpark (TN64), Sweetwater, Tennessee. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to owner, the pilot taxied to the end of the runway and began the takeoff roll. As the airplane gained altitude it continued to fly straight and level with no airframe or engine anomalies. About 1/2 mile from the airport, the airplane nosed over and disappeared behind trees.

The airplane impacted terrain in the backyard of a residential property. The wreckage debris path was about 30 ft long and oriented on a magnetic heading of 180°. Ground scars at the accident site and damage to the airplane were consistent with the airplane impacting terrain in a nose-low attitude. A postimpact fire consumed most of the wreckage; all major structural components of the airplane were located within the debris field.

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector verified flight control continuity from the cockpit to all primary flight control surfaces. The engine crankcase was intact. Two of the propeller blades were bent aft, the other separated about midspan; all of the blades were thermally damaged.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: QUAD CITY

Registration: N56906

Model/Series: CHALLENGER II

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: KTYS, 980 ft msl

Observation Time: 1600 EDT

Distance from Accident Site: 30 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 21°C

Lowest Cloud Condition:Clear 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 10°

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility:  10 Miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Sweetwater, TN (TN64)

Destination: Sweetwater, TN (TN64)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries:N/A 

Aircraft Fire: On-Ground

Ground Injuries:N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Fatal

Latitude, Longitude: 35.555000, -84.519722

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.

Tim Williamson

July 19, 1967 - September 10, 2020

Timothy Wade Williamson, age 53 of Loudon, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2020 from injuries received in a flying accident.

Tim was born to Maurice Clair “MC” and Shirley May (Young) Williamson in Port Hueneme, CA. He served his country in the US Air Force. He was formerly employed with TECO Transport and Trade Company in Tampa as a Port Engineer. He was married to Laura Beth Sleeth Williamson for 22 years and they blended their family and enjoyed settling in East Tennessee.

Laura stated Tim cared about four things, God, Family, Friends and Flying. He became fascinated with flying at the early age of 15, hanging around the airstrips, catching a ride from whoever would give him one. From there he became determined to learn to fly himself. He piloted ultra-lite sport aircraft. He looked forward every year to the Sun & Fun air show in Lakeland, Florida where he had volunteered his time for the last 30 years.

Tim was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Williamson in June of 2020. He is survived by his wife, Laura Williamson, Loudon; children, Cassie Dishon, FL, Michael (Bridgett) Williamson, Madisonville and Wade Williamson, II, Loudon; father, M.C. Williamson, FL; grandchildren, Kaleb Andrew and Kayce Barrett Williamson; sister Kimberly Wilder (Scott), and Kevin Williamson (Paula) all of Florida; nieces and nephews, Cory, Chase and Claire Wilder, Ashleigh and Chloe Williamson; special aunts and uncles, Carol, Louise, Joy, Charlie and Alvin and a lot of best friends.

A gathering remembering Tim will be held October 3rd at 3:00 pm at the West Wind Airpark in Sweetwater, TN. Please come prepared to share a special memory. Light refreshments and fellowshipping will follow the time of sharing.

A service with full military honors will be held at the National Veterans Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida where his remains will be laid to rest at a later date.

 

Timothy Wade Williamson

NIOTA, Tennessee — A Loudon County man died after a small plane crashed in McMinn County Thursday afternoon.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a Quad City Challenger II plane crashed in a field in Niota around 4 p.m., killing the pilot.

Sheriff Joe Guy identified the pilot as Timothy W. Williamson.

“It appears the plane had taken off from a private airfield a few minutes before on County Road 322,” said Sheriff Guy.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

Hard Landing: Cessna 152, N946SF; accident occurred September 08, 2020 at Harvey Field Airport (S43), Snohomish, Washington

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

   

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Washington

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N946SF

Location: Snohomish, Washington

Accident Number: WPR20CA302

Date & Time: September 8, 2020, 14:15 Local

Registration: N946SF

Aircraft: Cessna 152 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Hard landing

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that during landing, upon touchdown, the airplane bounced. The student’s flight instructor, who was at a radio, instructed him to go around so the student pilot increased the engine power, maintained the flaps at 30º, and the airplane drifted left of runway centerline. As the student pilot reached about 10 ft above the ground in a nose up attitude, the flight instructor radioed him again to “pitch down.” The student pilot then lowered the nose, but the airplane continued to drift left, impacted the adjacent grass field, and came to rest nose down. The engine truss sustained substantial damage. The student pilot

reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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 solo student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent improper go-around, which resulted in an impact with terrain. 

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Student/instructed pilot

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot

Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained

Personnel issues Delayed action - Student/instructed pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Hard landing (Defining event)

Landing-flare/touchdown Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student 

Age: 16, Male

Airplane Rating(s): None 

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: September 17, 2019

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent:

Flight Time: (Estimated) 22 hours (Total, all aircraft), 22 hours (Total, this make and model), 1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 

Registration: N946SF

Model/Series: 152 No Series

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1978 

Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal

Serial Number: 15282353

Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 

Seats: 2

Date/Type of Last Inspection: September 6, 2020 Annual

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1670 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 896 Hrs

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 13464 Hrs as of last inspection

Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming

ELT: C91 installed, activated, aided in locating accident

Engine Model/Series: O-235=L2C

Registered Owner: 

Rated Power: 15 Lbs thrust

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand air taxi (135), Pilot school (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KPAE,23 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 13:53 Local 

Direction from Accident Site: 270°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Visibility: 9 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 360° 

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

Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg

Temperature/Dew Point: 24.4°C / -0.6°C

Precipitation and Obscuration:

Departure Point: Snohomish, WA 

Type of Flight Plan Filed:

Destination: Snohomish, WA

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time:

Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Harvey Field S43

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Grass/turf

Airport Elevation: 23 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 33R 

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 2672 ft / 36 ft

VFR Approach/Landing: Go around

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None

Latitude, Longitude: 47.904868,-122.10274 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 180C, N334SC; accident occurred August 25, 2020 in Givens Hot Springs, Owyhee County, 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: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N334SC

Location: Givens Hot Springs, Idaho 

Accident Number: WPR20CA297

Date & Time: August 25, 2020, 07:15 Local 

Registration: N334SC

Aircraft: Cessna 180

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of control on ground

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private

Age: 73,Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land

Seat Occupied: Left

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: BasicMed Without waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: November 27, 2017

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 11, 2019

Flight Time: (Estimated) 4656 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1475 hours (Total, this make and model), 4557 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 39 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 26 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna

Registration: N334SC

Model/Series: 180 C 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1960

Amateur Built: No

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal

Serial Number: 50691

Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel

Seats:

Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 14, 2020 Annual

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 3899 Hrs at time of accident 

Engine Manufacturer: Continental

ELT: Installed, not activated 

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: KMAN,2537 ft msl

Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 14:55 Local 

Direction from Accident Site: 39°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /

Wind Direction: 140° 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /

Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg

Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 7°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Givens Hot Springs, ID (ID40)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Yellow Pine, ID (3U2) 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 07:15 Local

Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: SUNRISE SKYPARK ID40

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation: 2240 ft msl

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 30 

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 2892 ft / 40 ft 

VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None 

Latitude, Longitude: 43.416389,-116.706665(est)

Zenith CH 750 Cruzer, N656BN : Fatal accident occurred September 10, 2020 in Boaz, 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 Entities:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Birmingham, Alabama

Air Accident Investigation Unit; Brussels

Zenith Aircraft Company; Mexico, Missouri

https://registry.faa.gov/N656BN

Location: Boaz, AL 

Accident Number: ERA20LA314

Date & Time: September 10, 2020, 12:43 Local 

Registration: N656BN

Aircraft: Zenair CH750 CRUZER

Injuries: 1 Fatal

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 10, 2020, about 1243 central daylight time, an experimental amateur built, Zenair CH750 Cruzer airplane, N656BN, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Boaz, Alabama. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

On the day of the accident, the pilot planned to fly from Tom B David Field Airport (CZL), Calhoun Georgia, to Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP), Tupelo, Mississippi, to Northeast Alabama Regional Airport (GAD), Gadsden, Alabama, and then return to CZL. According to a family member, this was a “test run” for a flight he planned to conduct on September 14, 2020 to Cantrell Field Airport (CXW), Conway, Arkansas.

The pilot had never flown to CXW, and the pilot thought the flight to TUP would be a good test, as the flight leg to TUP approximated half the distance to CXW. During the flight, the pilot texted a family member that he had reached TUP and was on his way back. She believed that the pilot texted her during the flight and that he had not landed at TUP.

Later that day, when the family member did not hear from the pilot and learned that the airplane had not returned, she asked the airport manager at CZL to call the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

At 1804 the FAA issued an alert notice for the overdue airplane. The airplane was subsequently located on September 12, 2020, about 1030, by a first responder.

Examination of preliminary radar and automatic dependent surveillance data by the NTSB revealed that about 0917 on the day of the accident, a target consistent with the airplane was first identified as it departed runway 25 at CZL, and then turned westbound until it was about 6 nautical miles (nm) east of Tupelo, Mississippi (around the area of Mooresville, Mississippi); the airplane then reversed course and flew east-southeast in the general direction of GAD at varying altitudes during cruise between about 2,500 to 5,400 mean sea level (msl). As it passed Nectar, Alabama, the airplane turned to the north, until reaching the area of Cleveland, Alabama, and then turned to the east-northeast in the direction of CZL. Then about 22 nm later, when the airplane was about 10 nm north-northwest of GAD (about 1.7 nm from the accident site) the airplane descended through 2,325 feet, and radar contact was lost. 

The pilot obtained a weather briefing the evening before the accident flight. He did not file a flight plan and there was no contact with air traffic control during the accident flight.

Examination of the accident site and wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane had impacted about 45° nose down, after striking treetops in a heavily forested area. There was no indication of an inflight fire or explosion. The left wing was bent downward at the wing root, and a corresponding bend was visible on the lift strut for the left wing. The right wing displayed crush and compression damage, and the right aileron was separated from its outboard attachment fitting but was still attached to the inboard attachment fitting. The engine was pushed back into the firewall. The throttle control was at idle, and the fuel selector was selected to the left tank.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Zenair

Registration: N656BN

Model/Series: CH750 CRUZER No Series 

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: Unknown

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: GAD,569 ft msl 

Observation Time: 12:56 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles 

Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /23°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 2100 ft AGL

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / ,

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2700 ft AGL

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Calhoun, GA (CZL)

Destination: Gadsden, AL (GAD )

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Fatal

Latitude, Longitude: 34.166942,-86.134445 

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. 

William E. McClain, a pilot killed in a plane crash in Etowah County, Alabama is shown in a photo released by the sheriff's office.

Search crews this morning found the body of 76-year-old pilot William Elliot McClain at the site of a plane crash in Etowah County, officials said.

McClain’s body was found at the crash site in a thick, wooded area off Old Baker Gap Road in the Aurora community, about 15 miles northwest of Gadsden. McClain was from Acworth, Georgia.

The crash will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. McClain’s body will be autopsied at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

“There does not appear to be (any) foul play and the incident appears to be a tragic accident,” Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton said in a press release.

McClain built the Zenith CH750 aircraft over the past couple of years and was certified to fly, his brother Gary told the authorities. McClain planned to fly from Georgia to visit his brother in Arkansas and celebrate their birthdays this week.

The plane went off radar Thursday afternoon in the west end of Etowah County in Alabama. The plane left Calhoun, Georgia earlier that day headed for Tupelo, Mississippi, where it was supposed to refuel. Instead, the plane circled the airport in Tupelo and headed back east.

The sheriff said McClain was doing a test flight to Tupelo — the halfway point between his departure point in Georgia and landing location in Arkansas.

Search teams and helicopter crews had been looking for the plane since Thursday evening near Aurora Lake. The area has rugged terrain with ridges, valleys and thick woods around various farms, ponds, lakes and homes, the authorities said.

The crash site was discovered around 10:30 a.m. today.

https://www.al.com

Etowah County Sheriff's Office
The Missing Aircraft was located this morning in a wooded area in the Aurora Community.  Many thanks to the countless organization and volunteers. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as it appears to be a tragic accident. Once family and appropriate notifications are made more information will be available.

North Alabama Authorities are searching for a missing plane in Etowah County.

According to a spokesperson with the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, a Zenith STOL CH750 disappeared from radar Thursday afternoon around 12:45 with one person onboard.

At 8:15 last night, the missing plane was reported to Etowah County authorities.

Search crews are focusing on a three mile radius in the area near Aurora Lake, along Lawson Gap Road and Baker Gap Road. That's about 6.5 miles northeast of Gadsden.

According to the flight plan, the pilot left Calhoun, Georgia and was headed to Tupelo, Mississippi for a fuel stop. A spokesperson for the Etowah County Sheriff's Office told WAAY 31, the pilot made it to Tupelo, circled the airport, but never landed and headed back.

Marshall County Sheriff's Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) deployed their helicopter to assist with search efforts. There are also a number of volunteer fire departments assisting on the ground.

https://www.waaytv.com

ETOWAH COUNTY, Alabama (WIAT) — On Friday morning, crews continued the search for a plane that disappeared from radar over Etowah County the night before.

Helicopters searched the Aurora community Friday. This is the area in which the pilot’s phone pinged before the plane went off the radar.

At this point, it has been confirmed there was one man on the plane. According to law enforcement, the plane was flying back to Calhoun, Georgia when it disappeared from the radar.

The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the pilot, an unnamed man from Mississippi, was flying an experimental plane that he had built.

https://www.wrbl.com

Van's RV-6A, N196DJ: Accident occurred September 11, 2020 in Melbourne, Brevard 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; Orlando, Florida

https://registry.faa.gov/N196DJ

Location: Melbourne, FL 

Accident Number: ERA20LA316

Date & Time: September 11, 2020, 09:15 Local

Registration: N196DJ

Aircraft: Vans RV6

Injuries: 2 Minor

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 10, 2020, at 0915 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Vans RV6, N196DJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Melbourne, Florida. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, on the day of the accident, he met with his friend and departed on a local flight to practice traffic pattern maneuvers. After the pattern maneuvers, the pilot departed the area and proceeded to an offshore practice area to continue flight maneuvers. Suddenly, the engine started running “very rough” and the pilot increased the mixture. The engine shuddered and came to a “hard stop,” and the propeller was not windmilling. The pilot attempted an engine restart and was able to get about one full propeller rotation before the engine “locked up.” The pilot made a forced landing on a beach and the airplane came to rest inverted, damaging the vertical stabilizer.

The airplane was recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans

Registration: N196DJ

Model/Series: RV6 A 

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: X26,21 ft msl

Observation Time: 08:10 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /25°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2000 ft AGL

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 5°

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 4900 ft AGL

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Valkaria, FL (X59)

Destination: Valkaria, FL (X59 )

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 Minor 

Latitude, Longitude: 28,-80 (est)

 

One person was taken to the hospital after an experimental aircraft crashed in Melbourne Beach Friday morning, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue. 

Emergency responders arrived at the beach near Cove Road and State Road A1A around 9:30 a.m. to find the airplane flipped upside down on the beach. 

Of the two people inside the plane, one was taken to a local hospital with injuries while the other declined to be treated. 

The exact cause of the crash and nature of the person's injuries were not immediately known. 

https://www.floridatoday.com