Friday, September 11, 2020

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


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:

Aerial Banners North Inc


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


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://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


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

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


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.