Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Cessna 182K Skylane, N2601Q: Fatal accident occurred September 22, 2020 in Lincolnton, Georgia

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

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Continental Aerospace Technologies; Mobile, Alabama


National Transportation Safety Board
Aviation Accident Preliminary Report
Location: Lincolnton, GA 
Accident Number: ERA20LA329
Date & Time: September 22, 2020, 17:12 Local 
Registration: N2601Q
Aircraft: Cessna 182 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under:

On September 22, 2020, at 1712 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182 airplane, N2601, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Lincolnton, Georgia. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tracking data revealed that the pilot departed Cherokee County Regional Airport (CNI), Canton, Georgia about 1530. He flew to Barrow County Regional Airport (WDR) Winder, Georgia, and remained there for about 30 minutes. He then departed for his home airport, a private field in Lincolnton, Georgia, at 1638.

About 1710, the airplane approached a field and pond located on land owned by the pilot’s family, about 3 miles south of the private airport. A witness who was mowing the grass surrounding the pond reported that the airplane flew “low” towards him and then over the pond in the pilot’s “standard ‘I’m home’ fly by.” Another witness who was also mowing around the pond, reported that the airplane “buzzed the pond” at an altitude of less than 60 ft above the ground. The airplane then “pulled up to normal flying altitude” and circled in a left turn before it approached the pond a second time. The witness estimated that as the airplane approached the pond its altitude was less than 50 ft above the ground. At one point, the airplane flew between two groups of trees with its right wing pointing “almost straight up in the air.” The airplane struck the ground at the edge of the pond, and briefly became airborne again before it impacted the water and came to rest partially submerged. The second witness did not observe the impact due to trees obstructing his view, however he reported that the sound of the engine was “steady” until he heard a “thump” followed by a “shoosh” which he surmised was the impact with the ground and then the water.

Examination of the accident site by two FAA inspectors revealed that the airplane sustained severe impact and crush damage forward of the empennage. Both wings were separated from the fuselage and sustained leading edge damage. The engine remained attached to the fuselage. The propeller assembly (both blades and hub) was separated from the flange. One propeller blade was twisted and bent about mid span, the other blade was slightly bent near the root and slightly twisted near the tip. 

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna Registration: N2601Q
Model/Series: 182 K Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
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: IIY,645 ft msl 
Observation Time: 17:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C /11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Winder, GA (WDR)
Destination: Lincolnton, GA (PVT)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.789493,-82.469268 (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.

Colen Floyd Mattison
June 13th, 1996 ~ September 22nd, 2020 



Colen Floyd Mattison, 24, of Lincolnton, Georgia died Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020, as a result of injuries sustained in a plane crash.  Affectionately known as “Cole Baby” to his community, Cole graduated as an honor graduate from Lincoln County High School in 2014.   While in high school he was a member of the golf and the baseball teams.  His abilities on the baseball field allowed him to play in many positions, but friends and family seemed at peace when they saw him on the pitcher’s mound.  Cole was able to control a baseball field with his calm demeanor and smart thinking.  He spent many weekends traveling across the southeast with travel ball teams during his middle and high school years. Cole was a member of Lincolnton Baptist Church and accepted Christ in February 2007.  

Cole graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2020 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, an ideal marriage of his perfectionism and innate math skills. He was hired by Lead Edge Design Group as a design engineer just a week after graduation – allowing him to combine his education, his pilot’s license, and his love for anything-aviation.  While Cole had dreams of taking over the business he watched his daddy grow from the time he was a little boy, Mattison and Associates Land Surveyors, his newfound affinity for the application of surveying within the airport design and economic development realm meant that he had truly found his passion.

On weekends Cole could be found on the lake with a boat full of friends, at his farm where people of any age were welcomed, or flying in his plane and living life to the fullest.  He never went anywhere that he didn’t know someone or that he left without making a new friend.  

Cole is survived by his father and mother, James Frank Mattison, IV, and Janice Floyd Mattison, and sister Julianne, his grandmothers Jane Guillebeau Mattison and Rose Mock.  Cole was predeceased by grandfathers Colen Floyd “PaPa” and James Frank Mattison, III, “Butch”.  He is also survived by a special friend of the family, Thomas Garnett “Poonk”.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends are celebrating his life and how his infectious smile had a way of touching the hearts of everyone he encountered.   

Friends and loved ones are asked to join the family as they remember this precious life that God allowed them to be a part of for twenty-four years on the airstrip of his farm at 1324 Elberton Highway at 6:00 PM Sunday, September 27, 2020. A private memorial service will be held with immediate family at the church preceding his celebration of life.

November-Two-Six-Zero-One-Quebec is flying high and is forever in our hearts.

Beggs Funeral Home 200 May Ave., Lincolnton, Ga. is saddened to announce the death of Colen Floyd Mattison.

Air Tractor AT-802A, N836MM: Fatal accident occurred September 22, 2020 in Emmett, Gem 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 Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boise, Idaho
Air Tractor; Olney, Texas
Trotter Controls Inc; Fort Worth, Texas
Aero Seat Inc; Sterling, Colorado 


Location: Emmett, ID 
Accident Number: WPR20LA315
Date & Time: September 22, 2020, 18:30 Local
Registration: N836MM
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT-802A
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Firefighting

On September 22, 2020, about 1830 mountain daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-802A, N836MM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Emmett, Idaho. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial firefighting flight.

Witness conducting firefighting operations, adjacent the accident site, reported that the accident airplane, a single engine air tanker (SEAT), descended and made an approach similar to the previous SEATs that were dropping fire retardant. The witnesses said the airplane passed over the top of the ridge and descended into the valley, however, the pilot did not drop the fire retardant as previous SEATs did. The witnesses stated he heard a brief application of engine power as the airplane began to ascend over rising terrain at the pilot’s 12 o'clock position. The airplane subsequently impacted rising terrain near the peak of the ridgeline.

A video provided by a witness captured the accident sequence. The recording showed the airplane descend over an intermediate ridgeline and into a valley. About 3 seconds later, the airplane momentarily returned to level flight before it pitched to a nose-high attitude. The airplane subsequently impacted rising terrain approximately 80 feet below the ridgeline.

Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane impacted rising terrain. The wreckage debris path continued from the initial impact point over the top of a ridgeline, and extended into a small ravine. The airplane came to rest approximately 100 yards from the initial impact pointe on a heading of 040 degrees. All major structural components of the airplane were located throughout the wreckage debris path. The wreckage was recovered for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Air Tractor 
Registration: N836MM
Model/Series: AT-802A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand air taxi (135)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMAN,2537 ft msl
Observation Time: 00:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C /5°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 9 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Ontario, OR (ONO) 
Destination: Emmett, ID

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: Unknown
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 43.843334,-116.41166 (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.
 
Ricky Fulton 

EMMETT, Idaho (CBS2) — A tanker plane crashed Tuesday while fighting a bush fire near Emmett.

The pilot, Ricky Fulton, passed away following the crash.

The plane was owned by Aero S.E.A.T. Incorporated and was on an on-call contract with BLM Fire and Aviation at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. The FAA says Fulton was flying an AT-802.

Firefighters gave Fulton medical attention and called for Life Flight, but his injuries were too severe.

The DOI Office of Aviation Services, along with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, is investigating the accident.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the pilot lost in this tragic accident," said Tanya Thrift, acting Boise District manager. "This reminds us of the inherent risks involved in wildland firefighting and the gratitude we owe to the courageous and committed men and women who serve willingly to protect lives, property, and natural resources.”

Governor Brad Little said Wednesday that he's ordered flags to be flown at half-staff.

“Tragically, a firefighter died when the single engine air tanker he was flying crashed during initial attack operations on the Schill Fire near Emmett Tuesday. Our hearts are heavy."

"The death of a firefighter is felt deeply and emotionally in the firefighting community. Pray for comfort for the pilot's family and colleagues, and please do your part to prevent needless wildfires. I am ordering American flags and State of Idaho flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the brave firefighter who lost his life protecting others.”

The 30-acre fire, labeled the Schill Fire, was contained by 10 p.m. It started at 4:30 p.m. and ran in grass and brush in steep terrain.

Cessna 172RG Cutlass, N6330V: Accident occurred September 21, 2020 and Incidents occurred October 12, 2019 and May 17, 2014

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. 


Location: Lafayette, IN 
Accident Number: CEN20CA416
Date & Time: September 21, 2020, 15:06 Local
Registration: N6330V
Aircraft: Cessna 172RG
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N6330V
Model/Series: 172RG No Series 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot school (141)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLAF,606 ft msl 
Observation Time: 13:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C /6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 26 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Lafayette, IN
Destination: Lafayette, IN

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 40.419727,-86.89064 (est)

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis 

October 12, 2019:  Aircraft lost power and made a forced landing in a field -  
Lafayette,  Tippecanoe County, Indiana.

Date: 12-OCT-19

Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N6330V
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172RG
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: LAFAYETTE
State: INDIANA


Cessna 172RG Cutlass, N6330V
May 17, 2014: Nose gear collapse at Purdue University Airport (KLAF), Lafayette, Indiana