Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Loss of Control in Flight: Flight Design CTLS, N771TX; accident occurred October 17, 2019 at Monument Valley Airport (UT25), San Juan County, Utah

 





Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah


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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
  
https://registry.faa.gov/N771TX

Location: Monument Valley, UT
Accident Number: GAA20CA032
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1045 MDT
Registration:N771TX 
Aircraft: Flight Design CTLS
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and as soon as the wheels lifted off, the airplane's tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings-level flight; however, the airplane continued drifting left. The pilot reported that, due to the tailwind and high altitude, the airplane was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently impacted a sandy berm off the left side of the runway. 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 lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.

Findings

Aircraft
Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation (Cause)
Tailwind - Effect on operation (Cause)
Object/animal/substance - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Other weather encounter
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Loss of lift
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 73, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/13/2018
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 201 hours (Total, all aircraft), 116 hours (Total, this make and model), 143 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Flight Design
Registration: N771TX
Model/Series: CTLS Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental Light Sport
Serial Number: F-10-01-03
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/01/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 756.3 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 912 ULS
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 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: KBDG, 5865 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 48 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site: 45°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Monument Valley, UT (UT25)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Page, AZ (PGA)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0730 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Monument Valley (UT25)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5192 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 34
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing:None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries:1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 37.016667, -110.200556 (est)

Loss of Engine Power (Total): Ercoupe 415-C, N2585H; accident occurred October 17, 2019 near Pearland Regional Airport (KLVJ), Brazoria County, Texas

 


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

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

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N2585H

Location: Alvin, TX
Accident Number: GAA20CA031
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1012 CDT
Registration: N2585H
Aircraft: Ercoupe 415
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, before departure, he fueled the airplane to full capacity (24 gallons). He added that, about 3 hours 36 minutes into the flight, upon descending to 2,000 ft, the engine began to run roughly. He reported that, for about 5 minutes, the engine fluctuated between running roughly and intermittently before quitting entirely. He decided to land in a subdivision. During the "high speed flare," he observed the left wing was approaching a light pole, so he "drove the yoke right." The airplane landed hard, and he applied hard braking. The right wheel hit the curb, and the right wing impacted a fence. He saw another light pole and added left yoke input. The airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that he examined the fuel tanks and found no visible signs of fuel.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and an off-airport landing, during which the airplane landed hard and then ground looped. 

Findings

Aircraft
Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)

Personnel issues
Fuel planning - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Pole - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Fuel exhaustion
Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)

Landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/02/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 314.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 62.4 hours (Total, this make and model), 314.9 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 20.3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Ercoupe
Registration: N2585H
Model/Series: 415 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2721
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/01/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1260 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3021.6 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:Continental 
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: A&C75
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 85 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: KLVJ, 44 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 38°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 50°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Sonora, TX (SOA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Houston, TX (LVJ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0636 CDT
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: 29.451389, -95.302500 (est)

Ground Collision: Kitty Hawk Heaviside 2, N221HV; accident occurred October 17, 2019 in Tres Pinos, San Benito County, California

 


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: Tres Pinos, CA
Accident Number: DCA20CA003
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1342 PST
Registration:N221HV 
Aircraft: Kitty Hawk Heaviside 2
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Ground collision
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Flight Test

Analysis 

On October 17, 2019, at 1342 pacific daylight time (PDT), a Kitty Hawk Corporation Heaviside 2 unmanned aircraft system, N221HV, was substantially damaged during a manual precautionary landing in a field on the manufacture's test site. There were no injuries. The aircraft, which was performing an unmanned developmental test flight at the time of the accident, was operating as a Public Aircraft with an FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), under the oversight of the FAA Northern Plains Test Site. The aircraft was using developmental software, with a new version in development at the time of the accident.

According to the operator/manufacturer, approximately ten minutes into the test flight the aircraft encountered an anomaly while in conventional wing-borne flight at 2000 ft msl (approximately 700 ft agl). The ground station operator notified the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) that multiple flight computer limits were exceeded. The PIC took manual control of the aircraft and began descending the aircraft in preparation for an immediate landing. The PIC stated that he felt the aircraft had degraded control, and because the location on the test site was a large open field that allowed for a land out maneuver in any direction, he made the decision to perform a conventional landing into the wind. Once the aircraft approached the intended landing zone, the PIC slowed the aircraft by transitioning the aircraft towards a hover configuration until he felt there was additional risk to aircraft control if he transitioned further, and the aircraft landed with approximately 37 kts forward airspeed, 20 degrees nose down pitch, and 20 degrees left roll. The aircraft landed in a field of tall grass and suffered substantial damage.

The aircraft, which was not designed to land with forward velocity on unimproved surfaces, was substantially damaged during the landing. The canopy was separated from the fuselage and was laying on the ground on the right side of the aircraft. The nose section had also separated from the fuselage and was laying on the ground on the left of the aircraft pointing towards the empennage. The left canard was separated from the nose section near the canard root while the right canard remained attached to the nose section. The motors and propellers remained attached to their respective sections of the canard.

The fuselage demonstrated cracking on the lower left side just below and aft of the cockpit area. The landing gear and tail skeg were damaged and separated from the aircraft. The primary wing remained mostly intact; however, damage was noted to the left and right outboard motor fairings and the left outboard motor propeller was detached. There was no evidence of fire.

The accident aircraft was a Kitty Hawk Corporation Heaviside 2 unmanned aircraft system, serial number H2.2-003. The aircraft was in the developmental stage, and was intended to be an all electric single-seat aircraft that can operate like a conventional airplane in wing-borne flight with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. It consists of a center fuselage, main wing, canard, and traditional airplane empennage with an elevator and rudder. The main wing contains ailerons and six (three on each side of the fuselage) VTOL electric motors with pusher type propellers. The canard also has two (one on each side of the fuselage) VTOL electric motors with pusher type propellers. The aircraft was being controlled and monitored from a ground station in a large tent structure on site, linked to the aircraft via a 2.4gHz radio connection.

The pilot was an FAA certified commercial airplane pilot, and reported 237 hours total time at the time of the accident. The test flight was also supported by a visual observer who was stationed near the pilot and one team member who was located inside the ground control station. There were no communication difficulties reported with the accident flight. The pilot, visual observer, and ground control station operator used hands free headsets to maintain communication during the entire event.

The Kitty Hawk test site is a privately owned ranch near Tres Pinos, CA. The ground is mostly natural with large areas of field and tall grass. Two paved 30x30 ft asphalt pads provide a surface for vertical take-off and landings. Per the COA, Kitty Hawk is authorized to fly in two areas (one 3 NM radius and one 5 NM radius) up to 5000 ft MSL at this test site location.

At 1340 PDT the weather at Hollister Municipal Airport (KCVH), approximately 12 miles from the test site, was reported as clear with winds from 330 degrees at 14kts gusting to 20kts.

A review of the recorded data by the operator/manufacturer revealed that a software timing error occurred which affected the controllability of the aircraft. The software timing error was caused by a battery charging script that, due to operator error, was not properly terminated at the ground station prior to the test flight. The improper termination resulted in the battery charging script running in an error state when it was not intended to be running, and the priority associated with the script allowed for the script to utilize significant processing resources. The manufacturer confirmed both the cause and effects of this timing error by recreating the sequence of events using a hardware in the loop simulator.

To address the anomaly encountered in this test flight, the manufacturer stated that they are making improvements to ground station and support equipment procedures. They further stated that future software versions will address processor priority issues to prevent similar timing errors from occurring. Finally, following the completion of these corrective actions, the manufacturer stated they intend to have their corrective actions validated by an external party review. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
a software timing error initiated by a battery charging script that was not properly terminated prior to the test flight due to operator error. 

Findings

Aircraft
Flight controller - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)

Personnel issues
Use of equip/system - Ground crew (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Ground collision (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 30
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied:
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/02/2018
Flight Time: 237 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Kitty Hawk
Registration: N221HV
Model/Series: Heaviside 2
Aircraft Category:Airplane 
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:
Serial Number: H2.2-003
Landing Gear Type: Skid; Tailwheel
Seats: 0
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 826 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 8 Electric
Airframe Total Time: 4.7 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: Kitty Hawk Corporation
Rated Power:
Operator: Kitty Hawk Corporation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCVH
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 2040
Direction from Accident Site: 295°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 330°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Tres Pinos, CA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Tres Pinos, CA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1332 PST
Type of Airspace:Class G  

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: N/A
Latitude, Longitude: 36.812500, -121.185833

Hard Landing: Robinson R22 Beta, N4066S; accident occurred October 17, 2019 in Overton, Clark County, Nevada


Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas, 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

https://registry.faa.gov/N4066S

Location: Overton, NV
Accident Number: GAA20CA035
Date & Time: 10/17/2019, 1620 PDT
Registration: N4066S
Aircraft: Robinson R22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis 

The flight instructor reported that he told the pilot receiving instruction in the helicopter to shoot an approach to a sandbar in a riverbed. The pilot approached to the south, and the wind was between about 20 to 25 knots from the south. About 20 ft above ground level, the instructor took the flight controls due to a steep and fast approach and initiated a go-around. He performed a climbing left turn to the north, and subsequently the helicopter descended, and he was unable to maneuver it into the wind. The helicopter landed hard, bounced, and yawed right. The helicopter contacted the ground again and rolled onto its left side. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the tailboom separated. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach and the flight instructor's subsequent failure to maintain an adequate climb rate during an attempted go-around in gusting tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and dynamic rollover.

Findings

Aircraft
Climb rate - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Airspeed - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation (Cause)
Tailwind - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Hard landing (Defining event)

Takeoff
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Landing
Dynamic rollover

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 35, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/25/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/06/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1845 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1450 hours (Total, this make and model), 1700 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 120 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/18/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 120 hours (Total, all aircraft), 120 hours (Total, this make and model), 60 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Robinson
Registration: N4066S
Model/Series: R22 BETA
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture:1990 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1508
Landing Gear Type: Skid;
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/14/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1730 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 14600 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: O-320-B2C
Registered Owner: California Aviation Services Inc
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: California Aviation Services Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLSV, 1870 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 35 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2358 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 244°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 16 knots / 22 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.53 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Bullhead City, AZ (IFP)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Overton, NV (U08)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1430 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 36.510000, -114.375833 (est)

Aerodynamic Stall/Spin: Piper PA-18-150, N2894P; accident occurred October 16, 2019 in Gerlach, Washoe County, Nevada

 




Additional Participating Entity: 
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

https://registry.faa.gov/N2894P 

Location: Gerlach, NV
Accident Number: GAA20CA030
Date & Time: 10/16/2019, 1600 PDT
Registration:N2894P 
Aircraft: Piper PA18
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during approach to land on a dirt field, about 10 ft above ground level, the airplane yawed right, and the right wing aerodynamically stalled and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. 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 exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. 

Findings

Aircraft
Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/07/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/07/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 627 hours (Total, all aircraft), 153 hours (Total, this make and model), 575 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 71 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N2894P
Model/Series: PA18 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:Normal 
Serial Number: 18-4492
Landing Gear Type:Tailwheel 
Seats:2 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/13/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2188.08 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A2A
Registered Owner:On file 
Rated Power: 150 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: KSVE, 4149 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 31 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2255 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 275°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / -8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Calneva, CA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Calneva, CA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:1600 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: 40.335000, -119.908056 (est) 

Douglas C54E-DC (DC-4), N96358: Accident occurred October 10, 2020 at Yakataga Airport (0AA1), 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; Juneau, Alaska 

Alaska Air Fuel Inc 


Location: Yakataga, AK 
Accident Number: ANC21LA001
Date & Time: October 10, 2020, 15:25 Local 
Registration: N96358
Aircraft: Douglas C54
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Douglas 
Registration: N96358
Model/Series: C54 EDC 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s)Held: Other operator of large aircraft
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: Kenai, AK (PAEN) 
Destination: Yakataga, AK

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 59.9935,-141.84587 (est)
 

A plane overran a runway at Cape Yakataga on Saturday, October 10th, said Federal Aviation Administration airway transportation systems specialist Rick Sudano.

Images of the scene show damage to the Douglas DC-4 cargo plane’s nose, with the front landing-gear wheel detached and lying on the grass nearby. Although the plane was carrying fuel, there was apparently no fuel spillage as a result of the accident. 

On October 6th, after the unpaved airstrip was damaged in a separate event, the FAA issued a notice warning pilots against landing at a weight of over 5,000 pounds and without high-flotation landing gear suitable for use on soft surfaces. Under these conditions, an aircraft that would have been capable of landing at the Cape Yakataga airstrip under normal conditions could end up running off the runway due to being too heavily laden.

Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, N32RK: Accident occurred October 09, 2020 in Parker, La Paz County, Arizona

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; Riverside, California 


Location: Parker, AZ
Accident Number: WPR21LA013
Date & Time: October 9, 2020, 11:54 Local 
Registration: N32RK
Aircraft: Ralph C Kimball Sea Rey
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Ralph C Kimball 
Registration: N32RK
Model/Series: Sea Rey 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
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: HII,783 ft msl 
Observation Time: 11:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point: 33°C /0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 190°
Lowest Ceiling: 
None Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 28 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Parker, AZ 
Destination: Parker, AZ

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: 34.278776,-114.13713 (est)

North American T-6G Texan, N821DS: Incident occurred October 11, 2020 at Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ), Mesa, Arizona

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

Aircraft landed and gear collapsed. 


Date: 11-OCT-20
Time: 21:00:00Z
Regis#: N821DS
Aircraft Make: NORTH AMERICAN
Aircraft Model: T6
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MESA
State: ARIZONA

Cessna 172S Skyhawk, N912JR: Incident occurred October 10, 2020 at Fort Smith Regional Airport (KFSM), Sebastian County, Arkansas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas

Aircraft taxiing struck a taxiway light. 

Andrade Holdings LLC


Date: 10-OCT-20
Time: 17:51:00Z
Regis#: N912JR
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: FORT SMITH
State: ARKANSAS

Cessna 150, N22963: Accident occurred October 11, 2020 near Eastern Sierra Regional Airport ((KBIH), Bishop, Inyo 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; Reno

DK Futures LLC


Location: Bishop, CA 
Accident Number: WPR21LA012
Date & Time: October 11, 2020, 14:30 Local
Registration: N22963
Aircraft: Cessna 150 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna Registration: N22963
Model/Series: 150 H Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
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 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 37.3409,-118.3571 



Over the weekend, a small private plane fell about one mile short of the southern approach to runway 3 – 5 at the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop over the weekend.

The single pilot, Jeff Thompson, of Bishop,  walked away from the crash on LADWP open land. He walked to the airport, where his car was parked. He drove home and contacted the FAA . Thompson, realizing how lucky he was to survive the crash, heard a rumor yesterday at the airport that he had a heart attack. “The only result was a scratched knuckle,” Thompson told KIBS/KBOV News.

Thompson said the plane’s engine just stopped running short of the runway. “I found a nice flat spot,” he said.

An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board was reportedly on site Monday, October 12, according to Bishop Volunteer Fire Chief Joe Dell.

The Cessna 150, built in 1968, is owned by David Bartlett out of Reno , NV.  He had loaned the plan to Thompson several months ago.

A representative from the NTSB said the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Cessna 170A, N1371D: Incident occurred October 09, 2020 at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF), San Diego, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California

Aircraft on landing lost control and veered off runway.  


Date: 09-OCT-20
Time: 20:51:00Z
Regis#: N1371D
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 170
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SAN DEIGO
State: CALIFORNIA

Pietenpol Air Camper, N1279Z: Incident occurred October 10, 2020 in Murrieta, Riverside County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside, California

Aircraft lost control on takeoff and ground looped. 


Date: 10-OCT-20
Time: 17:29:00Z
Regis#: N1279Z
Aircraft Make: PIETENPOL
Aircraft Model: AIR CAMPER
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: MURRIETA
State: CALIFORNIA

Bell UH-1F Iroquois, N3181F: Incident occurred October 09, 2020 in Willits, Mendocino County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oakland, California

Rotorcraft during pre-flight inspection damage was discovered to rudder and a missing bolt to tail boom.

Salmon River Helicopters Inc


Date: 09-OCT-20
Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N3181F
Aircraft Make: BELL
Aircraft Model: UH1
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PUBLIC USE
Flight Phase: STANDING (STD)
City: WILLITS
State: CALIFORNIA

Embraer ERJ-175, N722YX: Incident occurred October 09, 2020 at Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD)

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Washington, District of Columbia

Aircraft struck a bird on landing. 

Republic Airways Inc


Date: 09-OCT-20
Time: 20:05:00Z
Regis#: N722YX
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: ERJ170
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: REPUBLIC AIRLINES
Flight Number: RPA3435
City: WASHINGTON
State: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Velocity, N222RW: Incident occurred October 10, 2020 at Jacksonville Executive Airport at Craig (KCRG), Duval County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Aircraft landed gear up.


Date: 10-OCT-20
Time: 12:30:00Z
Regis#: N222RW
Aircraft Make: VELOCITY
Aircraft Model: VELOCITY
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: JACKSONVILLE
State: FLORIDA

Embraer EMB-145XR, N14174: Incident occurred October 10, 2020 at Jacksonville International Airport (KJAX), Duval County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Aircraft struck a fuel truck while taxiing to the gate. 

CommutAir
 
United Airlines Inc


Date: 10-OCT-20
Time: 17:33:00Z
Regis#: N14174
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: EMB145
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: COMMUTAIR
Flight Number: UCA4897
City: JACKSONVILLE
State: FLORIDA