Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Pitts S-1 Special, N23RS: Incident occurred September 14, 2020 at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB), DeKalb County, Illinois

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greater Chicago, Illinois

Aircraft was departing and went off the runway damaging gear and incurred a propeller strike.

55 BT 75 LLC

Date: 14-SEP-20
Time: 17:25:00Z
Regis#: N23RS
Aircraft Make: AVIAT
Aircraft Model: PITTS SPECIAL S-1
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: DEKALB
State: ILLINOIS

Unknown or Undetermined: Cessna 172I Skyhawk, N8488L; fatal accident occurred September 13, 2020 in Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota

Lucas James Knight

Lawrence "Larry" John Schlichting

Grace Addae













Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 
Textron; Wichita, Kansas

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

Harrier Aviation LLC


Location: Cottage Grove, Minnesota 
Accident Number: CEN20LA392
Date and Time: September 13, 2020, 14:32 Local 
Registration: N8488L
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined 
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 13, 2020, at 1432 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N8488L, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The flight instructor and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to the operator, the accident flight was a “discovery flight” arranged by the passenger for his girlfriend. Discovery flights typically included 1/2 hour of ground training and a preflight inspection of the airplane, followed by the flight, during which the front-seat passenger operated the controls to the extent possible. The male passenger was seated in the right rear seat, the female passenger was seated in the left front seat, and the flight instructor was seated in the right front seat.

According to Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data, the airplane departed about 1428 and proceeded southbound until it crossed the Mississippi River, then it turned to a southeast heading. The last return from the airplane was at 1432, over Lower Grey Cloud Island at an altitude of about 1,900 ft and speed of 101 mph. The flight profile view revealed a sharp descent followed by a sharp ascent as the airplane approached Lower Grey Cloud Island; the airplane subsequently entered a steep descent that continued until impact. An aircraft performance study based on the ADS-B information indicated that the airplane lost over 1,000 ft of altitude in seven seconds: a descent rate of over 8,000 ft per minute, before impact.

The pilot of another airplane, inbound to the departure airport, had a Go-Pro video camera operating in the cockpit and captured the accident airplane as it descended. Although eagles or geese were seen in the area, there was no evidence to indicate that the accident airplane collided with any of these birds. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor 
Age: 23, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: October 22, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 300 hours (Total, all aircraft), 300 hours (Total, this make and model), 47 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N8488L
Model/Series: 172I
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1968 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 17256688
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 17, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3343 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 160 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: SGS,821 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 335°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: South St, Paul, MN (SGS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: South St, Paul, MN (SGS)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:28 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: So. St. Paul Municipal SGS
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 821 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 44.810981,-92.919792(est)

The wreckage was located in 70-foot-deep water and was examined at a secure facility following recovery. All control cables failed at or near their cockpit connections and the failures were consistent with overload. The cables were traced from the cabin area to their respective flight control surfaces.

Both wings displayed accordion-type compression damage aft to the main spar, consistent with highspeed impact. The left horizontal stabilizer had more impact damage than the right horizontal stabilizer.

The vertical stabilizer, although straight, was impact damaged, but the anticollision light on top of the tail was intact, consistent with the airplane being upright upon impact. The damaged propeller blades were bent aft into the engine compartment. The examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.

Medical and Pathological Information

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner performed the CFI’s autopsy; cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries, aircraft accident, and his manner of death was accident. The Federal Aviation Administration Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified ethanol at 0.051 g/dL in cavity blood and did not detect ethanol in urine.

===========

Location: Cottage Grove, MN
Accident Number: CEN20LA392
Date & Time: 09/13/2020, 1432 CDT
Registration:N8488L 
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries:3 Fatal 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 13, 2020, at 1432 central daylight time, a Cessna 172I airplane, N8488L was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

Radar data showed the airplane depart SGS at 1428, climbing to about 1,800 ft mean sea level, and proceed southbound before it turned southeast-bound over Upper Grey Cloud Island. At 1432, over Lower Grey Cloud Island, the target disappeared. Another airplane, inbound for landing at SGS, captured N8488L in a video and still photographs as it descended. Examination of the photographs indicated the airplane appeared to be intact.

Some wreckage was located and recovered on September 14, 2020. The majority of the wreckage (about 90 percent) was recovered on September 19, 2020. The wreckage has been taken to a secure location where it will be further examined. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8488L
Model/Series:172 I 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Harrier Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: SGS
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 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:

The name of the third and final occupant of the plane that crashed in a water-filled quarry last week on Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove has been released.

According to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, Grace “Gracy” Addae, 30, Eden Prairie, died in the fatal crash.

Addae was in the airplane with Larry Schlichting, 60, of Eagan, and Lucas Knight, 23, of North Mankato, Minn. All three died in the crash.

The three were reportedly on a “discovery flight” Sept. 13 from Fleming Field Municipal Airport in South St. Paul, a flight designed to provide a prospective aviation student a chance at the controls.

Addae, who was born and raised in Ghana, emigrated to Minnesota about a decade ago, said her friend, Leah Chepkwony, of Eden Prairie. She was a certified nursing assistant and was studying nursing, according to Chepkwony, who said Addae lived with her at her house in Eden Prairie for almost a year, but had moved out in late July.

Chepkwony believes Addae met Schlichting in August when Addae was “sent by an agency to take care of Larry’s mom,” she said. The two later collaborated on YouTube projects, according to social-media posts.

Schlichting was a senior technical writer for MTS Systems in Eden Prairie.

Knight worked as a flight instructor for Air Trek North at Fleming Field. Originally from Coon Valley, Wis., Knight had been a licensed commercial pilot since June 2019. He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in December 2019 with a degree in aviation and a concentration in professional flight. “His roommates dubbed him a nerd due to the amount of time spent reading about aviation and studying his note cards,” his obituary states.

“Lucas loved being outdoors and being active, whether it was going for a run, bicycling, riding his motorcycle, or being on the water with friends,” his obit states. “He loved trying new foods, was considered an expert by many on being able to pull off a smorgasbord of innocent pranks and was absolutely ga-ga over Teslas.”

Knight, the eldest of three children, attended school in Westby, Wis., graduating from high school in 2015. He was actively involved in cross-country and band and had also wrestled and run track, according to his obituary.

He worked at Shopko while in high school and at the Ace Hardware Distribution Warehouse after graduation. During college, he worked at Best Buy, and he had recently started a part-time job driving for FedEx in the Owatonna area.

Knight loved making new friends, electronic devices and reading, according to his obituary. “He was an avid reader from an early age and the sense of taking him on vacation was at times questioned since he always had a book to his nose,” his obit states.

Lucas Knight, 23, of North Mankato, died in a plane crash on Sept. 13, 2020.


“Lucas had a million-dollar smile and it would be his earnest desire for those saddened by his departure from this earth to improve yourself, inspire others, and keep moving forward,” his obit states. “The family would like to thank law enforcement and the search-and-rescue teams for their dedicated work, and to family, friends and the community for their outpouring of love and support.”

Knight is survived by his parents, Dennis and Lisa Knight, and his siblings, Dani and Ryan.

A memorial visitation will be noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Coon Valley, Wis., American Legion Hall. Attendees are asked to wear a mask. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is handling the arrangements.

According to FlightAware.com, a service that tracks flights, a single-engine Cessna Skyhawk took off from Fleming Field at 2:28 p.m. on Sept. 13. It was last seen four minutes later.

Officials were notified that the plane was missing around 8 p.m. They found the first sign of wreckage — a tire from the airplane — around 11 p.m. in the quarry on Lower Grey Cloud Island. The pit is operated by Aggregate Industries.

Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry said the search was difficult because the plane was found more than 70 feet underwater. Dive teams recovered the bodies of Knight and Schlichting on Tuesday; Addae’s body was recovered Thursday.


Minnesota officials identified the third occupant of the plane that crashed September 13 on an island in the Mississippi River.

Three people were onboard a small plane that crashed in a water-filled quarry on Grey Cloud Island in Washington County. All three people died in the crash. 

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner identified the third occupant as 30-year-old Grace Addae of Eden Prairie. The other two occupants were identified as Larry Schlichting, 60, of Eagan and Lucas Knight, 24, of North Mankato. 

Authorities said the Cessna 172I Skyhawk left Fleming Field Municipal Airport in South St. Paul on the afternoon of Sept. 13. The plane lost radar contact, and by the evening, the airport had reported it missing. 

Crews had focused their search for the plane on a deep, water-filled quarry and located some of the wreckage from the plane more than 70 feet below the surface. Dive teams recovered two occupants Tuesday and the third occupant Thursday night.

Washington County Sheriff's Office
-Update on Plane Crash-
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Commander Kyle Schenck
Date: 09/15/2020
ICR Number: WC20041232

The Washington County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Cottage Grove Police Department, Hennepin and Dakota Sheriff's Office Dive Teams, recovered two of the three occupants onboard the aircraft. 

Search conditions continue to be difficult due to the depth and debris from the wreckage. 

Identification information will not be provided until next of kin notifications have been completed. 

The incident is still under investigation with assistance from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office and the Federal Aviation Administration.  

No additional information available at this time.

Press Release Prepared By: Cmdr. Kyle Schenck

The bodies of two of the three people onboard a plane that crashed on Grey Cloud Island in south Washington County on Sunday have been recovered.

The bodies were recovered on Tuesday from a water-filled quarry by divers from local law enforcement agencies. 
Names of those who died will not be released until next of kin have been notified, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

A statement by the agency stated that “search conditions continue to be difficult due to the depth (of the water) and debris from the wreckage.”

Three people were in the Cessna 172I Skyhawk aircraft when it left Fleming Field Municipal Airport in South St. Paul sometime after 2 p.m. Sunday. Officials were notified that the plane was missing 8 p.m. Sunday night and found the first sign of wreckage — a tire from the airplane — three hours later in the gravel-rock pit on Lower Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove. The pit is operated by Aggregate Industries.

According to FlightAware.com, a service that tracks flights, a Cessna Skyhawk took off from Fleming Field at 2:28 p.m. It was last seen four minutes later.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Cottage Grove Police Department and the Hennepin County and Dakota County Sheriff’s Office Dive Teams, are working at the scene.

The incident is still under investigation with assistance from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Federal Aviation Administration, the sheriff’s office said.

https://www.twincities.com

Taylorcraft F-19 Sportsman, N19TE: Incident occurred September 06, 2020 in Anchorage, Alaska

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

Aircraft landed and ground looped.

https://registry.faa.gov/N19TE

Date: 06-SEP-20
Time: 16:40:00Z
Regis#: N19TE
Aircraft Make: TAYLORCRAFT
Aircraft Model: F19
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ANCHORAGE
State: ALASKA

Eurocopter AS350 B3, N354PA: Accident occurred September 06, 2020 in Fort Greely, Alaska

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; Anchorage, Alaska


Location: Fort Greely, AK
Accident Number: ANC20LA089
Date & Time: 09/06/2020, 1000 AKD
Registration: N354PA
Aircraft: EUROCOPTER AS 350
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business 

On September 6, 2020, about 1000 Alaska daylight time, a Eurocopter AS350 B3, N354PA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Greely, Alaska. The pilot and one crew member were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight.

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, at about 700 ft agl and 110 kts, a sudden loud bang and associated left yaw was experienced as the left passenger door departed the helicopter. According to the pilot, the left passenger door, which was closed, went from "fully secured to gone instantly." The passenger door subsequently impacted a main rotor blade during the separation sequence, which resulted in substantial damage. Subsequently an emergency landing was made to a nearby grass area with no further incident. The pilot added that the left passenger sliding door had not been used other than to check it for security during the preflight, and it was checked by both himself and the mechanic before flight.

The helicopter and passenger door have been recovered and a detailed examination is pending. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: EUROCOPTER
Registration: N354PA
Model/Series: AS 350 B3
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Pathfinder Aviation LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)

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: Company VFR
Departure Point: Delta Junction, AK
Destination: Anchorage, AK (MRI)

Wreckage and Impact Information

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

Loss of Control on Ground : Cessna 208B Caravan, N186GC; accident occurred September 07, 2020 at Grand Canyon Bar 10 Airport (1Z1), Whitmore, Mohave County, Arizona








Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas

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

Zuni LLC


Location: Whitmore, Arizona
Accident Number: WPR20CA298
Date & Time: September 7, 2020, 13:00 Local
Registration: N186GC
Aircraft: Cessna 208
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 8 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Scheduled

Analysis

The pilot reported that during the landing ground roll, the airplane started to veer left. He applied right rudder input, but the airplane continued to “drag” left. As the pilot repositioned his feet from the pedals to the brakes, the airplane continued to veer left, exited the runway, and impacted terrain. The right wing was substantially damaged.

An examination of the left wheel and tire assembly revealed no anomalies. The operator’s Director of Maintenance reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.

Findings

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: April 30, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 25, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1460 hours (Total, all aircraft), 600 hours (Total, this make and model), 1210 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 216 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 70 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N186GC
Model/Series: 208B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2009 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 208B2161
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 10
Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 22, 2020 AAIP 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 8750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 35.8 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 8044.3 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Canada
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-114A
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 675 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand air taxi (135)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAZC,4874 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 43 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 12:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 14°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 14 knots 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 39°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Boulder City, NV (KBVU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: Whitmore, AZ
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 12:10 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Grand Canyon Bar Ten Airstrip 1Z1
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4100 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 34
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4600 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 7 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 8 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 36.256389,-113.23083 (est)

Beechcraft V35B Bonanza, N818S: Fatal accident occurred September 04, 2020 in Three Rivers, Tulare County, California

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; Fresno, California


Location: Three Rivers, CA
Accident Number: WPR20LA295
Date & Time: 09/04/2020, 1148 PDT
Registration: N818S
Aircraft: Beech 35
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 4, 2020, about 1148 Pacific daylight time, a Beechcraft 35 airplane, N818S was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Three Rivers, California. The pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

After family members of the pilot became concerned when he did not arrive at his intended destination, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an alert notice (ALNOT) for the airplane. The wreckage was discovered in mountainous terrain in Sequoia National Park early morning on September 5, 2020. According to first responders, a postcrash fire ensued following the impact.

Preliminary radar data depicted a primary target consistent with the accident airplane depart Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS), Visalia, California, about 1125 and flew east on a 1200 non-discreet code. The airplane flew toward rising terrain south of Silver City, California, and the last recorded radar target was about 1148.

The pilot was flying in an area of reduced visibility due to smoke from nearby wildfires.

There were no reported witnesses to the accident sequence. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N818S
Model/Series: 35 V35B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
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 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 36.401944, -118.613333

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. 






Garry Zinger had an infectious smile.

If you needed a lift, Zinger was there.

"I met him when I was 21," Darrell Tunnell said. "He was a lot older than I was but considered we were the same age. He had a youthful personality."

Tunnell was a mechanic at the Visalia Municipal Airport and Zinger was a pilot, who also had his aircraft mechanic license. Tunnell now owns and operates Aircraft Mechanical Services at the airport and hosted Saturday's celebration of life for Zinger, 82. 

Hundreds gathered in Tunnell's hangar to pay their respects and share stories about the Visalia legend. A Missing Man Formation flyover was held in Zinger's memory and a flag dedication was presented at Congressman Devin Nunes' office. 

"I had so many good times with him," Tunnell said. "He was a fixture and a staple of Visalia airport." 

The men maintained their friendship for 39 years. 

Makenzie Zinger — Garry's granddaughter — also shed light on who her grandfather was. Her grandfather had the "heart and soul of a young boy" and was "pretty legendary."  

He taught Makenzie how to fly and "live life on the edge," she said. 

"My grandpa was one of a kind," she said. "He'd do anything to help a friend or stranger in need." 

Garry was born on July 10, 1938, in Swan Lake, Manitoba, Canada. He moved to Visalia in 1973 and later started work as a pilot for Security Transport. 

"If you never took a ride with my grandpa, I guarantee he would have offered you one," Makenzie said. 

Garry died alongside Brian Christopher Nepinsky, 45, on September 4th in an airplane crash near Sequoia National Park. 

The plane, according to airport officials, left Visalia Municipal Airport that morning on its way toward Needles, near the Nevada border and Mojave Desert. Nepinsky and Zinger were supposed to arrive the same day.

Radar tapes showed last location to be near the Upper Horse Creek drainage in Mineral King wilderness. Both men were experienced pilots. Tunnell estimated Zinger began flying when he was 15 years old.

When asked what Tunnell wanted people to know about his longtime friend, Tunnell simply said: "His generosity."

Before rental cars were a staple at the airport, anyone who landed at the airport in need of a vehicle, Garry would offer them his truck. He'd then ask Tunnell for a ride home. 

"I don't think someone ever didn't gas it up before bringing it back," Tunnell added. 

That generosity was expressed by numerous people who attended Garry's celebration of life. 

Carlos Lopez was working at Alejandra's Restaurant in downtown Visalia when he met Garry — a regular. One day, Garry offered to give Lopez a ride in his plane. 

"He was very welcoming," Lopez said. "He gave me that first experience." 

Their friendship spanned for more than seven years and multiple airplane rides. Four years ago, Lopez moved to Las Vegas. Whenever Garry would fly in the city the two would go out to dinner and grab a margarita, or two. 

"I was devastated when I heard the news," Lopez said. 

The pilot community is a close-knit group, according to Kryss Crocker of Santa Cruz.

Crocker has been a private pilot for 20 years. She met Garry roughly 12 years ago through her sister, who is also a pilot.  

"We went flying with him on occasion," she said. "He was always an upbeat guy. He always had a good attitude... he's going to be very missed." 

Kevin Mizner, a retired captain for the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, went on several adventures with Garry during his time with the department.

A flight from Visalia to Arizona was particularly memorable for Mizner. 

At the time, whenever the department was in need of a pilot, Garry was often requested. Mizner and another deputy were asked to tour a jail facility in Arizona. 

Garry was to fly the men and a state official to the facility.

When they left Visalia the weather was clear, however, when they arrived in Sacramento to pick up the state official, they'd encountered a bad storm. 

"I looked at Garry and said, 'We're probably going to be sitting here for a bit,'" Mizner said. 

Garry informed the deputy that as soon as he got the "all clear" they would be back in the air. Not long after, Garry and his passengers were soaring through the storm. 

"Garry looked like he did it with the ease of the moment," Mizner said. "It was a cakewalk for him... I always felt we were in good hands." 


Brian Christopher Nepinsky
JULY 27, 1975 – SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

Brian Christopher Nepinsky passed away tragically on September 4th, 2020. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 14 years and children, as well as his parents and many brothers who were like family to him. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, loved to scuba dive, ski and go boating. He cherished every day with his wife and daughters. He leaves behind so many dear friends and we all will miss his quick smile, adventurous spirit and fun personality. A memorial Open House and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 3:00-6:00pm at Summerlin Ranch 28962 Road 168 Visalia, CA. 93292. Our Chaplain will have remarks at 4:00 followed by the sharing of memories of Brian by family and friends.

FAMILY
Valerie Nepinsky, Wife
Karis Nepinsky, Daughter
Kyndell Nepinsky, Daughter

The two men who were killed in an airplane crash over Sequoia National Park have been officially identified.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office identified the crash victims as Brian Christopher Nepinsky, 45, and Garry William Zinger, 82.

Witnesses at the airport said that Zinzer was the pilot but the plane belonged to Nepinsky.

The crash was reported just after 4 a.m. on Saturday. Deputies were told that the plane left Visalia Municipal Airport around 11 a.m. Friday on its way toward Needles, near the Nevada border and the Mojave Desert.

Nepinsky and Zinger were supposed to arrive early Friday afternoon. However, they never arrived.

Deputies eventually found the plane and the victims near Eagle Lake in Sequoia National Park.

Radar tapes showed the last location to be near the Upper Horse Creek drainage in Mineral King wilderness — not far from the now 68,000-acre Sequoia Complex Fire burning in the forest.

It's possible that smoke from the nearby fires in Sequoia National Forest impaired visibility.

"It is...in the vicinity of the SQF Fire Complex in an area impacted by smoke," said Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, spokeswoman for Sequoia National Forest.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

Cessna Ector 305A, N1832: Accidents occurred September 03, 2020 and April 09, 2018







Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside, California 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Amboy, CA
Accident Number: WPR20CA296
Date & Time: 09/03/2020, 1530 PDT
Registration: N1832
Aircraft: Cessna Ector 305A
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, he was making a precautionary landing to an old gravel and sand runway. During the landing roll, he lost directional control and the airplane ground looped. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during a precautionary landing which resulted in a ground loop.

Findings

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Landing gear collapse
Landing-landing roll Dragged wing/rotor/float/other

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 77, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s):None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification:BasicMed 
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/30/2019
Flight Time:  670.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 103.9 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna Ector
Registration: N1832
Model/Series: 305A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2004
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/11/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2270 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 9805.91 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470-J
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 225 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: KNXP, 2051 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 26 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2256 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 233°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 42°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Santa Paula, CA (SZP)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lake Havasu, AZ (HII)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1400 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 34.559722, -115.746944 (est)




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

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: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Accident Number: GAA18CA209
Date & Time: 04/09/2018, 1645 PDT
Registration: N1832
Aircraft: CESSNA ECTOR 305A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis

According to the flight instructor in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot receiving instruction was on the flight controls during the landing roll. Near the end of the roll, the tail began to swerve, and the airplane ground looped to the right. The airplane exited the right side of the runway, and the left wing struck the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar and aileron.

The pilots reported that there were no 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 pilot receiving instruction failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

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

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/18/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/06/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 8074.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 62.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 7936.1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 34.9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 35 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 74, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/27/2017
Flight Time: (Estimated) 435.1 hours (Total, all aircraft), 32.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 279.6 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 52.2 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 35.1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA ECTOR
Registration: N1832
Model/Series: 305A NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2004
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 9262.2 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-470
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 225 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: KTVL, 6314 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 3°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: South Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: South Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1230 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: LAKE TAHOE (TVL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 6268 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8541 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 38.893889, -119.995278 (est)