Friday, September 18, 2020

Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, N9467J: Accident occurred November 17, 2021 and Incident September 13, 2020









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; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Red Rock Flying School LLC


Location: Farmington, New Mexico
Accident Number: WPR22LA041
Date and Time: November 17, 2021, 10:44 Local 
Registration: N9467J
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-180 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N9467J
Model/Series: PA-28-180 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFMN,5502 ft msl
Observation Time: 10:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C /-8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 270°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Mesa, AZ (FFZ) 
Destination: Farmington, NM

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Unknown
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 36.738851,-108.20743 






FARMINGTON, New Mexico — A small airplane crashed in a dirt lot in a Farmington neighborhood this morning. The pilot was treated for minor injuries

The Farmington Police Department was dispatched around 10:44 a.m. on November 17 to West Mojave Street on reports of a small airplane which had crashed, according to Farmington police spokesperson Nicole Brown.

One person was in the airplane and was treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to Brown and a Farmington police social media post. She added that the pilot exited the plane and was walking around the scene.

Brown said police are investigating a report of a power line "clipped" by the airplane, but had no other reports of potential property damage as of 11:50 a.m. She added the investigation into the crash was still ongoing.

A small plane crashed on Mojave Street Wednesday resulting in a minor injury, according to the Farmington Police Department.

West Mojave Street was closed to vehicle traffic when The Daily Times arrived on scene as interested neighbors were walking on the street to take a look at the crash.

The airplane crashed into a dirt lot on the north side of West Mojave Street, which only had a small storage shed.

Kelly Calder was inside her residence on the south side of the street when the airplane crashed.

She told The Daily Times she didn’t hear the crash and it was a neighbor who told her about the incident.

When Calder walked outside, she was surprised to see the airplane from her backyard.

Farmington police were waiting for a response from the Federal Aviation Administration as to how the federal agency is going to respond to the incident.


Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

September 13, 2020:  Aircraft landed and veered off runway incurring a propeller strike at Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ), Mesa, Arizona.

Red Rock Flying School LLC


Date: 13-SEP-20
Time: 20:20:00Z
Regis#: N9467J
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MESA
State: ARIZONA

Collision with Object: Champion 8KCAB, N81BH; accident occurred September 11, 2020 at Byrd's Backcountry Airstrip (51AR), Ozark, Franklin County, Arkansas











Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://registry.faa.gov/N81BH

Location: Ozark, Arkansas
Accident Number: CEN20CA391
Date & Time: September 11, 2020, 14:00 Local 
Registration: N81BH
Aircraft: Champion 8GCBC 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the turn from base to final, the left wing struck a wire and the airplane rotated and hit the ground. The airplane's wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. He also stated that he should have maintained clearance from the obstructions.

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 clearance from a wire during final approach to landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Incorrect action performance - Pilot
Aircraft Altitude - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Wire - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 59,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Front
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: December 11, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 2, 2020
Flight Time: 2271.2 hours (Total, all aircraft), 235 hours (Total, this make and model), 2184.6 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 26.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15.1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Champion 
Registration: N81BH
Model/Series: 8GCBC No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2011
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 542-2011
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 1, 2019 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 425 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-360-G1G
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: KFYV,1251 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 29 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 313°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1700 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ozark, AR (51AR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Ozark, AR
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 13:45 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Byrd's Backcountry Airstrip 51AR 
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 800 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 20
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 900 ft / 50 ft VFR 
Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 35.677501,-93.732223(est)

Van's RV-9A, N4889R: Fatal accident occurred September 13, 2020 in Steinhatchee, Taylor County, Florida

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Tampa, Florida

Location: Steinhatchee, FL
Accident Number: ERA20LA315
Date & Time: September 13, 2020, 12:15 Local 
Registration: N4889R
Aircraft: Vans RV9
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 13, 2020, about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Van’s RV-9A, N4889R, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Steinhatchee, Florida. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were presumed to be fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The flight departed Jack Edwards Airport, Gulf Shores (JKA), Florida about 0903 central daylight time under an instrument flight rules flight plan with the destination of Ocala International Airport (OCF), Ocala, Florida. During the cruise portion of the flight, the pilot requested to divert to Cross City Airport (CTY), Cross City, Florida due to weather. He was cleared for the RNAV-A approach to CTY. About 25 miles west-northwest of CTY, the airplane turned left into an area of precipitation. Radar and radio contact was lost, and a search was initiated for the airplane.

The wreckage was located in shallow water, about 1 mile offshore, and about 22 miles west-northwest of CTY. Both wings were found separated from the fuselage and the empennage was fragmented. At the time of this report, the airplane’s occupants had not been located.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans Registration: N4889R
Model/Series: RV9 A Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: IMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: CTY,42 ft msl
Observation Time: 12:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C /24°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots / 19 knots, 120°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Gulf Shores, AL (JKA) 
Destination: Cross City, FL (CTY)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 29.7,-83.51667 (est)

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.


Taylor County Sheriff's Office Inv. Bryan Hayden swims back to the boat with a piece of the Van's RV-9A he recovered diving in the murky and choppy Gulf waters this week. 

TCSO Sheriff Wayne Padgett looks on as Inv. Bryan Hayden (center) and volunteer Jody DeVane work to winch a section of landing gear from the Van's RV-9A that crashed off the Taylor County coast here Sunday aboard a boat borrowed from Benjye Tuten.


Two men remain missing after a single-engine plane crash on Sunday, despite a multi-agency search by local law enforcement officials and private volunteers who continue to battle blustering winds and storm-tossed waves.

While most of the amateur-built Van’s Aircraft RV-9 had been recovered as of press time on Thursday, the occupants — Haram Patrick Yu of Tampa and Roman Scarfo of Sarasota — have not yet been located.

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) began the search for Yu and Scarfo on Sunday, September 13th, after being contacted by the Federal Aviation Administration, who reported they lost radar contact with the plane.  

Federal Aviation Administration officials reported a Van's RV-9A experimental aircraft descended rapidly and disappeared from radar off Taylor County coast during a flight from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Ocala International Airport.

"We met a fisherman at Sea Hag and got his statement," TCSO Undersheriff Marty Tompkins said.  "He said he heard what sounded like an airboat or airplane engine falling out of the sky and saw something dropping in the water like a waterspout."

Tompkins said the charter captain took deputies back to the area he was fishing along with Sea Tow and other volunteers.

"That is where we located the landing gear sticking out of the water,"  Tompkins said.  "We have had divers in the water every day since.  Unfortunately, the weather has been horrible.  It is white-capping in the Steinhatchee River.  Divers have had zero visibility Wednesday and Thursday, and they are basically feeling along the bottom."

The search has proven difficult, as rain bands and wind gusts spinning off of Hurricane Sally battered local search teams, many of whom took to the tumultuous Gulf in small skiffs, airboats, and larger boats owned by volunteers.

"Deteriorating weather conditions have had a negative effect on the search," TCSI Capt Gina Deeson said.

The Federal Aviation Administration stated the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation, however National Transportation Safety Board is not participating in the search efforts due to COVID-related travel restrictions, according to local authorities.

"We are collecting everything we can, from Global Positioning System coordinates to recovered pieces of the plane.  The data collected by TCSO and volunteer search teams will be sent to the National Transportation Safety Board, who will then conduct an investigation based on what we have collected," TCSO Capt. Gina Deeson said.

On Thursday, TCSO personnel were still leading a search in the murky and choppy waters just off the Dallus Creek. Volunteers and other agencies were providing aerial assistance. 

"TCSO appreciates the assistance provided by the Florida Forest Service, Dixie County Sheriff's Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Madison County Sheriff's Office, Perry Police Department, Georgia - Florida Aviation Search Team and other private individuals, such as Mike Williams, Jody Devane, Benjye Tuten and Posada Aviation," Deeson said in a statement to Perry Newspapers.

After five (5) days without any sign of the missing pilot and co-pilot, the search efforts are at risk of being called off.  

"The Sheriff said unless we find something substantial between now and then, we will end our search at 5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday)," Tompkins added. 


Roman Scarfo

Haram Patrick Yu

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida (WFLA) – Yeni Montoya is doing her best to stay positive as crews 250 miles away from Sarasota search for her husband-to-be, Roman Scarfo.

The 42-year-old vanished after his Van's RV-9A experimental aircraft crashed off the coast of Florida Sunday morning. Montoya is seven months pregnant with their first child.

Scarfo and another man departed from Jack Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores, Alabama just after nine a.m. on Sunday. They were scheduled to land in Ocala, but diverted to Cross City mid-flight.

“The weather was bad,” said Montoya.”They were flying back and once they got close to Cross City, Florida, they realized they needed to land and they contacted the Cross City airport tower, and the tower lost signal with them right as they were over the water on the Gulf of Mexico shore,” she continued.

Montoya tells 8 Your Side, Scarfo was wrapping up requirements for his pilot’s license, something he’s dreamed of his entire life.

“He always told me his passion was to be a pilot, to finish his pilot license and on his time off, just take me flying and just fly and just have fun like that. That was what made him happy,” said Montoya.

Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett tells 8 On Your Side crews with the sheriff’s office, the local fire department, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have been searching around the clock for any signs of the two men on board the plane. The plane’s fuselage was pulled from the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday afternoon.

Multiple volunteers joined in on the search efforts including a pilot from Tampa. Nicolas Posada flew up Monday to help with the search efforts. He knows both victims.

“Family members want to know more than just there are pieces of aircraft in the water. To be able to achieve that, we need more help,” said Posada.

The local pilot says more air power would be helpful, especially helicopters. “All day Monday, there was nothing but volunteers in the afternoon after 11 a.m. Aircrafts will have to make circles, there is not a single helicopter that we have seen around here. It surprises me because we are supposed to see the Coast Guard, first responders, emergency responders out here instead of volunteers first and then officials showing up later two or three days later,” said the pilot.

8 On Your Side reached out to the FAA and NTSB regarding the crash. Officials with the NTSB said, ‘the NTSB is investigating this accident. Currently, the wreckage recovery is ongoing’.

The FAA sent 8 On Your Side this statement:

Local authorities notified the FAA yesterday that they discovered the wreckage of a Van’s RV-9 in the Tide Swamp Wildlife Management Area in Taylor County, Fla. Two people were aboard. The FAA issued an Alert Notice (ALNOT) on September 13 to public safety agencies, pilots and airports to alert them about the missing aircraft. The flight departed Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores, Ala., and was headed to Ocala International Airport in Florida. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. Neither agency identifies people involved in aircraft accidents. The FAA will release the aircraft tail number once investigators verify it at the scene. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and all updates.

Montoya admits communication has been limited since the crash happened Sunday morning. Most of the information she received early on was from volunteers.

“I am hoping at this point that they find them. Any news…” she said with tears in her eyes. “I keep hoping for the best. I understand that we could hear anything bad, but I am hoping that they could find him finally with the help and give me some news,” she continued.

Montoya says she wants information and closure. “The main concern with my family is my pregnancy because they are trying to keep me as healthy as possible and they know that all of this stress and the more it elongates, the more my health deteriorates,” said the expectant mother.

“I want to say thank you to the crew that is helping. It is hard because we are not there, but I want to say thank you. Please keep searching and if you need help, if you are lacking boats, if you are lacking more help from the air, please ask for it. If we can send more volunteers, more friends, and they need to allow it, please let them come and help so we can get some closure,” said Montoya.

Loss of Control on Ground: Cub Crafters CC11-160 Carbon Cub, N682CC; accident occurred September 11, 2020 at Big Creek Airport (U60),Valley County, Idaho





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board
   
Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Big Creek, Idaho 
Accident Number: WPR20CA307
Date & Time: September 11, 2020, 16:00 Local
Registration: N682CC
Aircraft: Cub Crafters CC11-160 
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 the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after the main landing gear touched down, the airplane veered to the right side of the grass runway. The pilot applied left rudder control without affect. The airplane continued to track to the right and the right wing was substantially damaged when it struck a tree. After the pilot exited the airplane, he reported that there was a significant gusting wind from the north. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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 failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a gusting wind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a tree. 

Findings
  
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Gusts - Effect on equipment
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Effect on equipment

Factual Information
  
History of Flight
  
Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
  
Pilot Information
  
Certificate: Private 
Age: 67,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Unknown
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: January 3, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: January 7, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1221 hours (Total, all aircraft), 83 hours (Total, this make and model), 1121 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 60 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cub Crafters 
Registration: N682CC
Model/Series: CC11-160 100 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2017 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental light sport (Special)
Serial Number: CC11-00421
Landing Gear Type:
Tailwheel Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: September 4, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 468 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 28.5 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: OX-340CC-B3J3N4
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: KMYL,5013 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 36 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 15:51 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 246°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 20 knots 
Turbulence Type
Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / -7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mc Call, ID (MYL) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Big Creek, ID (U60)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 15:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Big Creek U60 
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 5743 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 19 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3550 ft / 110 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Traffic pattern

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: 45.133243,-115.32177(est)

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N52700: Accident occurred September 13, 2020 in Stanley, Custer County, Idaho

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; Boise, Idaho

https://registry.faa.gov/N52700

Location: Stanley, ID
Accident Number: WPR20LA330
Date & Time: September 13, 2020, 12:10 Local 
Registration: N52700
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N52700
Model/Series: 172 P 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:
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: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 44.888611,-116.10166 (est)

Eurocopter EC120B , N453F: Incident occurred September 12, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

Rotorcraft made a precautionary landing in Patterson Park due to altitude and radio issues.  

Baltimore City Aviation Unit 


Date: 12-SEP-20
Time: 21:50:00Z
Regis#: N453F
Aircraft Make: EUROCOPTER
Aircraft Model: EC120
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PUBLIC USE
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
City: BALTIMORE
State: MARYLAND


BALTIMORE, Maryland (WJZ) — A Baltimore Police Department's “Foxtrot” made a precautionary emergency landing at Patterson Park on Saturday evening after a warning light came on, according to police.

Police said the rotorcraft landed safely in Patterson Park and there were no injures reported.

Mechanics were at the scene to assess the rotorcraft.

The Foxtrot and responding officers eventually left the scene safely.

Witnesses told WJZ Baltimore Police patrol vehicles drove into the park to set a perimeter for the Foxtrot to safely land.

“They indicated where the chopper was so nobody could go near there,” a witness told WJZ.

On August 11, another Baltimore Police Foxtrot was forced to make an emergency landing.

There is no word yet on what caused the warning light to come on.



A Baltimore Police helicopter made an emergency landing in Patterson Park shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday after the rotorcraft “indicator warning light” came on, a police spokesperson said.

There were no injuries on the scene, said police spokeswoman Lindsey Eldridge in an email. At the time, there was a pilot and two observers on board. The landing was made “out of an abundance of caution,” Eldridge wrote.

Mechanics were called to the scene to evaluate the engine and warning light, Eldridge said. “At no time” did the helicopter lose power during the flight or landing, Eldridge wrote, nor did the pilot lose control of the rotorcraft.

Piper PA-28-181 Archer III, N635KC: Incident occurred September 13, 2020 at Jefferson City Memorial Airport (KJEF), Callaway County, Missouri

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Kansas City, Missouri

Aircraft bounced on landing and the nose gear collapsed. 

MV Aviation LLC


Date: 13-SEP-20
Time: 18:45:00Z
Regis#: N635KC
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: OZARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Flight Number: OZT635
City: JEFFERSON CITY
State: MISSOURI



JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri - A plane landed in Jefferson City Sunday afternoon after its nose gear collapsed.

One man was inside the aircraft, but he did not get hurt. The plane skidded to a stop on the runway at Jefferson City Memorial Airport, according to the airport's manager Eric Bowers. 

The Jefferson City Fire and Police Departments responded to the incident, alongside Cole County and Callaway County Emergency Medical Services. 

The Jefferson City Fire Department confirmed that there were no hazardous materials left behind on the runway or outside the aircraft.

Bowers said the next step is to remove the airplane from the runway and open the runway back up. Then, an investigation will happen into why the plane's landing gears failed. 

Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, N7602Y: Accident occurred September 12, 2020 near Billings Logan International Airport (KBIL), Yellowstone 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


Location: Billings, MT
Accident Number: WPR20LA308
Date & Time: September 12, 2020, 11:43 Local 
Registration: N7602Y
Aircraft: Piper PA 30 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 12, 2020 about 1143 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-30 airplane, N7602Y, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near the Billings Logan International Airport (BIL). The airline transport pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The airplane departed Lake Elmo Airport (21D), St. Paul, Minnesota and was destined for BIL. According to the FAA, the pilot contacted the BIL air traffic control tower asking for clearance to land on runway 28. In addition, the pilot mentioned that the airplane had one engine “out,” but did not share details, nor did he declare an emergency. As the airplane was on short final, the pilot made another radio call to tower indicating that he lost the second engine. The airplane landed short of the runway against a cliffside.

The airplane has been recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N7602Y
Model/Series: PA 30 No Series 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BIL,2662 ft msl
Observation Time: 11:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C /0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 210°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: St. Paul, MN (21D)
Destination: Billings, MT

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 45.649333,-108.38076 (est)




A plane crashed at the base of the Rims near North Park late Saturday morning, putting its pilot in the hospital but causing no harm otherwise.

Billings Fire Department engines and American Medical Response arrived at the scene around 11:45 a.m. after witnesses saw the plane drop at the northern end of Vuecrest Drive, just yards away from the nearest house.

“So far, we have no details on what caused the crash,” said BFD Battalion Chief Ed Regele.

Regele said the pilot, who was the only person on board, was in communication with air traffic controllers at Billings Logan International Airport when the plane fell off the radar. The landing bent the wings and twisted the tail of the Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, but caused no fire.

The pilot has been taken to the hospital to be treated for lacerations and probable head trauma, according to Regele, but was conscious when emergency crews extracted him from the plane.

Ryan Mershon, who lives nearby, said he didn’t hear or see anything until fire engines drove onto Vuecrest Drive. He said a neighbor out walking his dog saw the plane fall before texting him.

“I just can’t believe nobody was killed,” he said.

Regele said the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified, but will not be investigating the crash. Billings Police officers will take photographs of the site crash, which will be sent to the U.S. Flight Standards District Office in Helena. Ultimately, it will be the Federal Aviation Administration that determines what caused the emergency landing.

Mooney M20A, N6053X: Incident occurred September 11, 2020 at Cavern City Air Terminal (KCNM), Carlsbad, Eddy County, New Mexico

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

Aircraft gear collapsed on landing. 


Date: 11-SEP-20
Time: 01:02:00Z
Regis#: N6053X
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CARLSBAD
State: NEW MEXICO