Cessna A185F Skywagon 185, N185DK: Accidents occurred September 04, 2020 and August 21, 2016

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N185DK 

Location: Bellaire, Michigan 

Accident Number: CEN20CA382

Date & Time: September 4, 2020, 18:35 Local 

Registration: N185DK

Aircraft: Cessna A185 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of control on ground

Injuries: 4 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that he flew a normal approach to runway 20 and bounced on the main landing gear. During the landing roll, as he reduced power, the airplane yawed to the left and he was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane slid, exited the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no anomalies or mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

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

The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

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

Landing-landing roll Runway excursion

Landing-landing roll Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 

Age: 68, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 

Seat Occupied: Left

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: 4-point

Instrument Rating(s): None 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): None 

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 

Last FAA Medical Exam: November 19, 2019

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 3, 2020

Flight Time: 2535 hours (Total, all aircraft), 240 hours (Total, this make and model), 2481 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 34 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate: 

Age: Male

Airplane Rating(s): 

Seat Occupied: Right

Other Aircraft Rating(s): 

Restraint Used: 4-point

Instrument Rating(s): 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): 

Toxicology Performed:

Medical Certification: 

Last FAA Medical Exam:

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent:

Flight Time:

Passenger Information

Certificate: 

Age: Female

Airplane Rating(s):

Seat Occupied: Rear

Other Aircraft Rating(s): 

Restraint Used: Lap only

Instrument Rating(s): 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): 

Toxicology Performed:

Medical Certification:

Last FAA Medical Exam:

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent:

Flight Time:

Passenger Information

Certificate: 

Age: Female

Airplane Rating(s): 

Seat Occupied: Rear

Other Aircraft Rating(s): 

Restraint Used: Lap only

Instrument Rating(s): 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): 

Toxicology Performed:

Medical Certification: 

Last FAA Medical Exam:

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent:

Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 

Registration: N185DK

Model/Series: A185F 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 

1979 Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: 

Normal Serial Number: 18503808

Landing Gear Type: 

Tailwheel Seats: 6

Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 5, 2020 Annual

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3350 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 19 Hrs

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 7220 Hrs at time of accident

Engine Manufacturer: Continental

ELT: Installed, not activated 

Engine Model/Series: IO-500-D

Registered Owner:

Rated Power: 280 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: KACB,620 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 18:35 Local

Direction from Accident Site: 232°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Visibility: 10 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: 30.02 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 7°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Curtice, OH (PRI)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Bellaire, MI (ACB) 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 15:58 Local 

Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Antrim County ACB 

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation: 622 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 20 

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 5003 ft / 100 ft 

VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 3 None 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A Aircraft

Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 4 None 

Latitude, Longitude: 44.988609,-85.198333

August 21, 2016

August 21, 2016 

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee 

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

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

Location: Fayetteville, TN

Accident Number: GAA16CA438

Date & Time: 08/21/2016, 1200 CDT

Registration: N185DK

Aircraft: CESSNA A185

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of control on ground

Injuries:1 None 

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll with a crosswind the airplane drifted to the left. He further reported that he "applied some right rudder," but the airplane weathervaned into the wind and departed the runway to the right. During the runway excursion, the airplane ground looped and the left wing and elevator were substantially damaged after an impact with terrain.

An automated weather observing system near the time of the accident 12 nautical miles south of the airport recorded the wind at 250 degrees true at 7 knots. The pilot reported he landed on runway 20.

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction or failure 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 during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.

Findings

Aircraft

Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues

Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues

Crosswind - Ability to respond/compensate

Terrain - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing

Other weather encounter

Landing-landing roll

Loss of control on ground (Defining event)

Runway excursion

Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private

Age: 49, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land

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: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam:04/20/2016 

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/15/2015

Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 600 hours (Total, this make and model), 1000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA

Registration: N185DK

Model/Series: A185 F

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1979

Amateur Built: No

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal

Serial Number: 18503808

Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel

Seats: 4

Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/02/2016, Annual

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3350 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection:

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 6900 Hours at time of accident

Engine Manufacturer: Continental

ELT: C91 installed, not activated

Engine Model/Series: IO-550-D

Registered Owner: On file

Rated Power: 300 hp

Operator: On file

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KMDQ, 763 ft msl

Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 1655 UTC

Direction from Accident Site: 180°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2000 ft agl

Visibility:  10 Miles

Lowest Ceiling:

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None

Wind Direction: 250°

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A

Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg

Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 19°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Fayetteville, TN (FYM)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Fayetteville, TN (FYM)

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time:1030 CDT 

Type of Airspace:Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: FAYETTEVILLE MUNI (FYM)

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation:983 ft 

Runway Surface Condition:Dry 

Runway Used: 20

IFR Approach:None

Runway Length/Width: 5900 ft / 100 ft

VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

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: 35.063333, -86.563056 (est)

Piper PA-36-285, N57607: Accident occurred August 18, 2020 in Ord, Valley County, Nebraska

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; Lincoln, Nebraska

https://registry.faa.gov/N57607

Location: Ord, NE 

Accident Number: CEN20LA381

Date & Time: August 18, 2020, 11:00 Local

Registration: N57607

Aircraft: Piper PA36 Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On August 18, 2020, about 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-36-285 airplane, N57607, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ord, Nebraska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight.

The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with 40 gallons of fuel and 155 gallons of chemical for the local aerial application flight. The pilot stated that engine start-up was normal and that the surface wind condition was calm. The pilot reported that he initially noticed some dark/black engine exhaust when he cycled the propeller during his before takeoff engine runup; however, he completed another engine runup and recycled the propeller for a second time and did not observe any anomalies with engine operation or the engine exhaust.

The pilot proceeded with a takeoff on runway 31. He stated that the takeoff roll was uneventful, and that after liftoff he kept the airplane in ground effect while accelerating to a normal climb airspeed. The pilot reported that the initial climb was uneventful until he made his first turn toward the west, at which time he noticed a decreasing airspeed despite the engine and propeller operating normally at a normal takeoff power setting. The pilot stated that the airspeed continued to decrease closer to an aerodynamic stall speed, but he chose not to dump the chemical load because he felt it could have a negative affect on airplane control and cause the airplane to enter an aerodynamic stall. The pilot reported that the airplane's right wing dropped shortly before impact, which was consistent with the airplane at or near aerodynamic stall. The airplane then collided with terrain in a right wing down attitude.

The pilot reported that the weather conditions earlier in the morning at Evelyn Sharp Field Airport (ODX), Ord, Nebraska, had included some rain showers associated with the passage of a weather front; however, at the time of the accident, the winds were calm and there was no precipitation. The airplane was partially disassembled and recovered from the accident site before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were advised of the accident. The airplane and its engine will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper

Registration: N57607

Model/Series: PA36 285 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)

Operator Designator Code: 8GMG

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: ODX,2070 ft msl

Observation Time: 10:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C /18°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 320°

Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 11000 ft AGL

Visibility: 7 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Ord, NE (ODX) 

Destination: Ord, NE (ODX)

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: 41.623611,-98.951942 (est)

Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, N6852P: Incident occurred September 08, 2020 at Minot International Airport (KMOT), Ward County, North Dakota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fargo, North Dakota

Aircraft landed gear up.

https://registry.faa.gov/N6852P

Date: 08-SEP-20
Time: 02:14:20Z
Regis#: N6852P
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA24
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MINOT
State: NORTH DAKOTA

Boeing A75N1(PT17), N510N: Incident occurred September 06, 2020 at Red Stewart Airfield (40I), Waynesville, Warren County, Ohio

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

Aircraft while taxiing struck a parked vehicle.

Stewarts Aircraft Service Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N510N

Date: 06-SEP-20
Time: 16:15:00Z
Regis#: N510N
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: A75
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: WAYNESVILLE
State: OHIO

Cessna 172R Skyhawk, N9200B: Incident occurred September 05, 2020 and Accident occurred June 22, 2019

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

September 05, 2020:  Aircraft while landing, porpoised and incurred a propeller strike.

Christiansen Aviation Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N9200B

Date: 05-SEP-20

Time: 15:20:00Z

Regis#: N9200B

Aircraft Make: CESSNA

Aircraft Model: 172

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: UNKNOWN

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)

Operation: 91

City: STILLWATER

State: OKLAHOMA

June 22, 2019

June 22, 2019

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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

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

Location: Tulsa, OK
Accident Number: GAA19CA368
Date & Time: 06/22/2019, 1500 CDT
Registration: N9200B 
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during a touch-and-go landing in gusting crosswind conditions, after landing, he reached to retract the flaps and added power when the left wing rose. He reduced power and added rudder and aileron to lower the wing. The airplane veered left, and the left main landing gear exited the runway into the grass. The pilot stated that the airplane "tipped to the left," that he "steered into the grass," and that the right horizontal stabilizer impacted a taxiway sign. The pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the wind was variable from 140° to 190° at 14 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 160° at 10 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 19L.

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 while landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a taxiway sign.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation
Crosswind - Effect on operation
Sign/marker - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 45, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/26/2018
Occupational Pilot:No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/17/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 226.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 81.6 hours (Total, this make and model), 168.7 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N9200B
Model/Series: 172 R
Aircraft Category:Airplane 
Year of Manufacture:2012 
Amateur Built:No 
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17281620
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: Christiansen Aviation Inc
Rated Power:
Operator: Christiansen Aviation Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRVS, 638 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 200°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.85 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 24°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Tulsa, OK (RVS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:None 
Destination: Tulsa, OK (RVS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1430 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: RICHARD LLOYD JONES JR (RVS)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 637 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry 
Runway Used: 19L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4208 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries:1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.041111, -95.983056 (est)

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N172HR: Incidents occurred September 07, 2020 and February 28, 2019

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

September 07, 2020:  Aircraft landed and veered off runway striking a taxiway sign at McNary Field Airport (KSLE), Salem, Marion County, Oregon

Arlington Flyers Club

https://registry.faa.gov/N172HR

Date: 07-SEP-20

Time: 18:15:00Z

Regis#: N172HR

Aircraft Make: CESSNA

Aircraft Model: 172

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: MINOR

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)

Operation: 91

City: SALEM

State: OREGON

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Seattle, Washington

Went off the runway and struck a fence at Arlington Municipal Airport (KAWO), Snohomish County, Washington.

Date: 28-FEB-19
Time: 19:30:00Z
Regis#: N172HR
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172N
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SNOHOMISH
State: WASHINGTON

Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, N41989: Incident occurred September 05, 2020 near Dee Jay Airport (8PA1), Ono, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

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

Aircraft crashed into a field on takeoff.

https://registry.faa.gov/N41989

Date: 05-SEP-20
Time: 18:30:00Z
Regis#: N41989
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: ONO
State: PENNSYLVANIA

Nose Over: Maule MX-7-180A Sportplane, N897DC; accident occurred September 07, 2020 in Brazoria, Texas

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston,Texas 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

Pullen Endeavors LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N897DC

Location: Brazoria, Texas 

Accident Number: CEN20CA388

Date & Time: September 7, 2020, 09:30 Local 

Registration: N897DC

Aircraft: Maule MX7 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Nose over/nose down

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was attempting an off-airport landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane to a location that he had not previously landed. He stated that just prior to touchdown he realized it was not a suitable landing area and he initiated a go-around. During the go around, the airplane touched down on soft ground and tall grass, which caused the airplane to sink into the ground and nose over. The right lift strut was substantially damaged.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

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

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a go-around from unsuitable terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Environmental issues Rough terrain - Decision related to condition

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-aborted after touchdown Nose over/nose down (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private

Age: 62, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 

Seat Occupied: Left

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None

Restraint Used: Unknown

Instrument Rating(s): None 

Second Pilot Present: No

Instructor Rating(s): None

Toxicology Performed: No

Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: April 6, 2020

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 2, 2019

Flight Time: 287 hours (Total, all aircraft), 26 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Maule

Registration: N897DC

Model/Series: MX7 180A

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1993

Amateur Built: No

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 

Serial Number: 20012C

Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel

Seats:

Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 1, 2020 Annual

Certified Max Gross Wt.:

Time Since Last Inspection: 6 Hrs 

Engines: Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time:

Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming

ELT: Installed, not activated

Engine Model/Series: O-360

Registered Owner:

Rated Power: 180 Horsepower

Operator: On file

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: 

Distance from Accident Site:

Observation Time: 15:53 Local

Direction from Accident Site:

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2300 ft AGL 

Visibility:  10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 100° 

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

Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 25°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Houston, TX (LVJ)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Houston, TX (LVJ) 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 07:30 Local

Type of Airspace: Class D

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: 29.177499,-95.200279

HOUSTON — A pilot walked away from a crash after he says he misjudged how tall grass was while he was landing in Brazoria County on Monday.

The plane – a single-engine fixed wing aircraft -- landed in wildlife refuge field off FM 2004 and Chocolate Bayou. A photo from the Texas Department of Public Safety showed the aircraft upside down.

The pilot was the only person onboard.

DPS officials say they’re waiting on a heavy-duty wrecker to pull the plane out so they can investigate if mechanical failure had anything to do with the accident.

https://www.khou.com

Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga SP, N3576X: Accident occurred September 07, 2020 near Jones Field Airport (F00), Bonham, Fannin County, Texas

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; Dallas, Texas

4D Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N3576X

Location: Bonham, TX

Accident Number: CEN20LA384

Date & Time: 09/07/2020, 0810 CDT

Registration: N3576X

Aircraft: Piper PA32R

Injuries: 2 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 7, 2020, about 0810 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32R airplane, N3576X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bonham, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the airplane was on its first flight after maintenance work was completed, which included the replacement of the engine exhaust. Shortly after departure, the pilot noted high TIT and CHT temperatures. The pilot then decided to return to the airport; however, about 2 miles short of the airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. During the forced landing the landing gear collapsed in the soft terrain. An initial inspection of the airplane found substantial damage to the right wing, the landing gear had collapsed, and the propeller blades were bent.

The airplane and engine were recovered and will be examined.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper

Registration: N3576X

Model/Series: PA32R 301T

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No

Operator: 4D Aviation LLC

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:

Condition of Light:

Observation Facility, Elevation:

Observation Time:

Distance from Accident Site:

Temperature/Dew Point:

Lowest Cloud Condition:

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:

Lowest Ceiling:

Visibility:  

Altimeter Setting:

Type of Flight Plan Filed:

Departure Point:

Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 None

Latitude, Longitude:

An investigation is underway after the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was notified of a plane crash that occurred on Monday morning.

“The crash occurred September 7th at 11 a.m., however, DPS wasn’t notified until Tuesday morning,” said Patrol Sgt. Mark Tackett. 

According to reports, the Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga SP took off from Jones Field and for an unknown reason crashed half a mile east of the airstrip. 

Tackett said the pilot, Christopher Davis nor the passenger Steven Hale reported the crash. 

“The crash was reported by a witness and as far as we are aware there were no injuries,” added Tackett. 

The incident is under investigation. 

http://myparistexas.com

Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III, N362AE: Accident occurred September 04, 2020 at San Antonio International Airport (KSAT), Texas

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; San Antonio, Texas

Ameriflight
UAS Transervices Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N362AE

Location: San Antonio, TX

Accident Number: CEN20LA440

Date & Time: September 4, 2020, 20:02 Local 

Registration: N362AE

Aircraft: Swearingen SA227

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

On September 4, 2020, about 2005 central daylight time, a Swearingen SA227-AC airplane, N362AE, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), San Antonio, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 cargo flight.

According to the pilot, the airplane yawed right while on final approach to runway 13L, but he was able to regain control of the airplane with a right rudder input and continued with the landing approach. The airplane’s wings remained level, the nose aligned with the runway heading, and on a normal glidepath to the runway until the airplane crossed over the runway threshold. Shortly after the pilot began reducing engine power for a landing, the airplane began to roll right wing down and that the roll became more pronounced as the landing flare continued. The pilot stated that he was unable to regain control of the airplane before it landed hard on the right main landing gear with the airplane banked about 20° right wing down. The airplane departed off the right side of the runway where the nose landing gear collapsed. The lower fuselage and forward pressure bulkhead were substantially damaged during the hard landing.

The extent of the airplane damage sustained during the hard landing was not reported to the National Transportation Safety Board until February 10, 2021. The airplane was retained for additional examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Swearingen 

Registration: N362AE

Model/Series: SA227 AC 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter air carrier (135)

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Dusk

Observation Facility, Elevation: SAT,809 ft msl

Observation Time: 20:11 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C /21°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 4400 ft AGL

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 40°

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7000 ft AGL

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR

Departure Point: Del Rio, TX (DRT) 

Destination: San Antonio, TX

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: 29.533958,-98.469057 (est)

Lancair 360, N195DW: Incident occurred September 06, 2020 at Ogden-Hinckley Airport (KOGD), Weber County, Utah

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

Aircraft landed and gear collapsed.

https://registry.faa.gov/N195DW

Date: 06-SEP-20
Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N195DW
Aircraft Make: LANCAIR
Aircraft Model: 360
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: OGDEN
State: UTAH

Enstrom 480, N480EH: Incident occurred September 04, 2020 in Spanish Fork, Utah County, Utah

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

Rotorcraft governor failed and made a hard landing.

Ranch Properties LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N480EH

Date: 04-SEP-20
Time: 20:30:00Z
Regis#: N480EH
Aircraft Make: ENSTROM
Aircraft Model: 480B
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: SPANISH FORK
State: UTAH

Cessna 172H Skyhawk, N3720R: Fatal accident occurred September 12, 2020 near Seeley Lake Airport (23S), Powell County, Montana

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; Helena, Montana 

https://registry.faa.gov/N3720R

Location: Seeley Lake, MT 

Accident Number: WPR20LA304

Date & Time: September 12, 2020, 22:00 Local Registration: N3720R

Aircraft: Cessna 172

Injuries: 2 Fatal, 1 Serious

Flight Conducted Under:

On September 12, 2020, about 2200 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N3720R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Seeley Lake, Montana. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, and one passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

Several witnesses reported that the airplane's engine "sputtered" prior to the airplane's impact with terrain. Local law enforcement and a Federal Aviation Administration inspector responded to the accident site. The site was located in heavily forested terrain. A survey of the accident site revealed that all major components of the airplane necessary for flight were located and that there was no post impact fire.

Reduced visibility was present due to forest fires, at the time of the accident.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for future examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna

Registration: N3720R

Model/Series: 172 H

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No

Operator:

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:

Condition of Light: Night

Observation Facility, Elevation: KMSO,3189 ft msl

Observation Time: 09:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 31 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C /3°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility: 6 miles

Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed:

Departure Point: 

Destination: Seeley Lake, MT (23S )

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 Fatal, 1 Serious 

Latitude, Longitude: 47.197223,-113.44555

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.

 

Charles and Peggy Wolff

The Green Valley man who died when the small plane he was piloting crashed in Seeley Lake, Montana, late Saturday left behind a legacy of mentorship and helping others in the communities where he lived.

Charles E. Wolff, 67, of Green Valley, and Wayne D. Cahoon, 59, of Seeley Lake, Montana, died when the Cessna 172H Skyhawk went down north of Seeley Lake Airport. Wayne’s son, Christian Cahoon, survived and on Monday made it through the first of what is expected to be many surgeries at a Seattle hospital, according to Charlie’s wife, Peggy.

The Cahoons were family friends and have been “rooted in the [Seeley Lake] community forever,” Peggy said at her Green Valley home Tuesday. Wayne ran a log home business and just three weeks ago helped one of Peggy's sisters move one onto her property.

Charlie grew up on a farm, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked at Boeing for 30 years in Seattle managing design engineers. He retired 12 years ago and he and Peggy moved to Green Valley.

The couple would spend their Christmases golfing in Phoenix. Peggy had been reading about Green Valley and on a whim suggested they drive down one Christmas Eve to check it out. They bought their house the day after Christmas.

“We just knew,” Peggy said. “People here are so friendly. We just had a strong sense of people our age enjoying life." 

“He’s a loss to this community, the Seeley Lake community, his family in Wisconsin... friends in Seattle,” she said, sitting with sisters who flew from Montana to be by her side.

They all agreed. Charlie was a “uniter of people” who loved to bring out the best in others.

The couple never had children of their own but Uncle Charlie held a special place in the lives of all his nieces and nephews, the sisters said. He would bring out the best in them through mentorship and encouragement.

One of her sisters shared the story of a nephew getting called into the office of a professor this week who’d lost his wife in an accident, knowing the young man was struggling with his uncle’s death. He told the nephew to “take something of Charlie’s life that he gave you and make it part of your legacy.” She said it’s something they all want to do now.

Peggy comes from a family of eight sisters and two brothers; Charlie is survived by two sisters and a brother who live in Wisconsin.

Charlie was president of the Seeley Lake Flying Club, a six-handicap golfer, an active member at American Legion Post 66, and he led an investment group for the Green Valley Computer Club. He was also a monitor at the GVR woodworking shop and former president of the Soledad Homeowners Association. He also chaired the Green Valley Council’s Road Committee.

“He was pretty damn perfect,” Peggy said. “Except he was messy, he was my little piglet. But that was OK.”

Tony Day, Charlie’s neighbor and best friend, developed a bond with Charlie he said he’d only had with two other people in his life.

The two were known for helping neighbors with household projects. “No job too big or too small,” said Day, a former contractor. They would install towel holders, fans, microwaves; anything that needed to be done they took on.

When neighbors started offering money for their services the men donated it to kids who another neighbor worked with at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Pima County. They also donated proceeds to Continental School families for supplies and summer school tuition. Neighbors would give more than the going rate knowing it would be going to a good cause, Day said.

When the two golfed (Charlie was the better golfer), Charlie was known to hand out candy to golf course employees, his own way of reaching out and getting to know them better.

Day called Antonio, a groundskeeper from Torres Blancas, Tuesday and broke the news to him; Antonio arrived at the Wolff’s house 15 minutes later. When Antonio saw Peggy he gave her a hug and they cried together, Antonio in disbelief. He said Charlie was a good man.

Day shared a theory he had about Charlie, that Charlie “changed when he came here.”

“I think when he was young he was just a scallywag... and then the last years of his life he was close to perfect. Nobody could maintain that level of perfectness for 67 years, impossible!” Day said.

But Day’s theory was “blown up” when he met some of Charlie’s older friends and found out he was pretty much the same Charlie his whole life.

”The greatest man I ever knew,” Peggy said.

https://www.gvnews.com

Wayne Cahoon’s Memorial Fund 

https://www.gofundme.com

Donations have surged for the father who died and son who survived in a plane crash near Seeley Lake on Saturday.

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office on Sunday identified Charles Wolff, 67, and Wayne Cahoon, 59, as the two who died in the crash shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday when the plane piloted by Wolff wrecked north of the Seeley Lake Airport. 

A GoFundMe page set up on Sunday has identified the second passenger who survived as Christian Cahoon, Wayne Cahoon's son. By late Monday afternoon, 159 people had poured $21,750 into the $30,000 fundraiser page titled "Christian Cahoon's Medical Relief Fund."

"Wayne Cahoon's Memorial Fund," also on GoFundMe, had likewise raised nearly $3,000 of its $10,000 goal since it launched Monday morning.

"An amazing man, but if you met Wayne, you already knew that," the page reads. "He touched the lives of so many people, and brought so much joy to everyone around him."

Seeley Lake Search and Rescue, along with the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, the Powell County Sheriff's Office, and scores of volunteers, sprang into the woods Saturday night after a report at 10 p.m. of a downed plane north of the Seeley Lake airport.

The Seeley Swan Pathfinder reports more than a dozen search and rescue volunteers, law enforcement and civilians assisted in the search through the night. The plane was found near 1 a.m. Sunday just north of the Seeley Lake airstrip, the Pathfinder reported.

Allen Kenitzer, a spokesman with the Federal Aviation Administration, said Monday the plane crashed 1.5 miles north of the airport shortly before 10 p.m. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, Kenitzer said. The NTSB will lead the investigation and determine the probable cause of the accident, he said.

Wayne Cahoon had been the Seeley-Swan High School Head Golf Coach, and was named Class C Golf Coach of the year in 2017, 2015 and 2014, according to the Pathfinder. 

https://missoulian.com

Two Bear Air Rescue preparing to land at the north end of the Seeley Lake Airport airstrip Sunday morning around 1:15 a.m. Seeley Lake ambulance crew received the patient and transported them to Missoula.

SEELEY LAKE, Montana – Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue and local law enforcement assisted Powell County Saturday, September 12th after a Cessna 172 was reported downed north of the Seeley Lake Airport. Pilot Charles Wolff, 67 of Green Valley, Arizona and part-time Seeley Lake resident, and Seeley Lake resident Wayne Cahoon, 59, died in the crash. The Seeley Lake Fire Department transported the other passenger to Missoula via ambulance with severe injuries since Life Flight was unable to fly. The patient was later flown to Washington.

Just before 10 p.m. Saturday night, the Sheriff’s Office received two reports regarding suspicious activity north of the airport. The first called reported a plane sputtering and they thought they heard a crash. A separate caller reported hearing an airplane crash into the woods.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center in Florida received notification from a plane’s Emergency Locator Transmitter that provided a rough GPS location for the plane. Local pilots also received notification of the emergency beacon.

Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue was dispatched at 9:50 p.m. U.S. Forest Service Federal Officer Tyler Robinson was already searching the area. Local pilots Mike Lindemer and Kal Kovatch used electronic tracking to hone in the search area. More than a dozen search and rescue volunteers, law enforcement and civilians assisted in the search.

Incident Commander Missoula County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Bob Parcell requested Two Bear Air Rescue out of Kalispell but they asked local resources respond first. After learning that Life Flight would not fly due to the heavy smoke, Two Bear Air agreed to assist with the search.

Sunday at 12:52 a.m., as Two Bear Air arrived in the area, Robinson and his ground crew found the aircraft just north of the Seeley Lake airstrip.

“It was a really thick area. You had to be right up on it to see [the aircraft],” said Parcell. “It was pitch black on top of that.”

One passenger was found conscious but severely injured. Two Bear Air landed at the site, loaded the passenger and flew to the north end of the airstrip. Seeley Lake Volunteer Fire Department assumed care of the patient. The patient was transported via ambulance to Missoula and has since been flown to Washington for further treatment.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends during this very difficult time,” wrote the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office in a press release.

Parcell added, “I’m very proud of our responders and how they went about their job, how fast they got it done and how professional they were. They were the only bright spot out of this whole tragedy. The community can be very proud of them in this kind of situation.”

https://www.seeleylake.com

UPDATE- The Missoula County Sheriff's Office confirmed the plane was found just before 1 a.m. Sunday morning.

The pilot, 67-year-old Charles Wolff, and one passenger, 59-year-old Wayne Cahoon died in the crash. the other passenger survived the crash and was transported to Harborview Hospital in Seattle and is in critical condition.

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office said Sunday a pilot and passenger died in a plane crash reported late Saturday.

At approximately 9:50 p.m. Saturday, Florida Air Refuge Center reported the possible plane crash.

The location was quickly identified as north of the Seeley Lake Airport.

Missoula County Deputies and Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue quickly mobilized to assist Powell County Sheriff’s Office to locate the plane, according to a news release from the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

The plane was located at 12:52 a.m. on September 13th.

The pilot and one passenger died in the crash, according to the news release; they have been identified as Charles E. Wolff, 67 of Green Valley, Arizona, and Wayne D. Cahoon, 59 of Seeley Lake, Montana.

The second passenger survived the crash and was transported to a hospital in Washington State, the Sheriff's Office said.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends during this very difficult time," said the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

https://missoulian.com

MISSOULA, Montana — One man from Seeley Lake and another from Arizona died in a plane crash reported Saturday night north of Seeley Lake Airport.

Missoula County Sheriff's Office reports that Charles E. Wolff, 67, of Green Valley, Arizona, and Wayne D. Cahoon, 59, of Seeley Lake, died in the crash. A press release states that the pilot and one passenger died, but it does not state which man was piloting the plane.

Another passenger survived and has been transported to a hospital in Washington state.

Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue and Powell County Sheriff’s Office worked together to find the plane at 12:52 a.m.

The crash was originally reported at 9:50 p.m. by Florida Air Refuge Center.

https://nbcmontana.com