Saturday, November 28, 2020

Globe GC-1B Swift, N3318K: Accident occurred November 28, 2020 in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas

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. Administrative Information  

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas
Location: Ottawa, KS 
Accident Number: CEN21LA069
Date & Time: November 28, 2020, 13:16 Local 
Registration: N3318K
Aircraft: Globe GC1A
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Globe
Registration: N3318K
Model/Series: GC1A 
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: 38.549767,-95.249129 (est)

Piper PA-28-160 Cherokee, N5242W: Accident occurred November 28, 2020 at French Lick Municipal Airport (KFRH), Orange County, Indiana

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;Plainfield, Indiana 

Location: French Lick, IN
Accident Number: CEN21LA068
Date & Time: November 28, 2020, 13:37 Local
Registration: N5242W
Aircraft: Piper PA28 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N5242W
Model/Series: PA28 160 
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: KHNB,529 ft msl
Observation Time: 14:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C /-3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 250°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: French Lick, IN (FRH)
Destination: French Lick, IN

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: 38.504267,-86.6526 (est)

(FRENCH LICK) – A pilot escaped injury during a plane crash Saturday afternoon near the French Lick airport.

According to the Indiana State Police Jasper Post, on Saturday at approximately 1:37 p.m., a Celestine man crashed a single-engine plane just west of the French Lick Airport.

The crash was first reported around 2:09 p.m. when the Orange County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call by neighbors who heard the plane go down in woods near their home.

The pilot then radioed a nearby pilot telling them where he was located and that he was not injured according to reports.

When Orange County Emergency Response personnel arrived, they confirmed the plane crash and requested assistance from the Indiana State Police in Jasper. 

According to an Indiana State Police report, the preliminary investigation reveals that a 1962 Piper Cherokee single-engine fixed wing airplane, piloted by 70-year-old Johnnie Bush, of Celestine, crashed when approaching to land on Runway 8 at French Lick Airport.

Bush reported he had experienced engine trouble prior to the crash. Investigators do not yet have a cause for the crash. 

Bush was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft and was uninjured during the incident.  

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been contacted and are expected to arrive on Sunday to further the investigation.

Assisting at the scene were the Orange County Sheriffs Department, French Lick Airport Management, French Lick Fire Department, and several neighbors from the area, French Lick Police, Orange County Rural District 1, and IU Health Ambulance Service Orange County.

Great Bend Municipal Airport (KGBD) earns Kansas Department of Transportation funding


Great Bend Municipal Airport is one of 32 improvement projects to receive Kansas Department of Transportation funding, according to an announcement by KDOT Tuesday.

The airport is scheduled to receive $148,950 in state funding for mill and overlay of 2,000 feet of Taxiway A.

“Part of that taxiway is not eligible with federal distance guidelines,” said airport Manager Martin Miller, who noted that the Great Bend Airport operates a longer runway than what the FAA recognizes. 

“KDOT Aviation has been a big help with funding the maintenance of our runways and taxiways,” he said. Martin added that the work on the airport’s taxiway could possibly begin sometime in the beginning or middle of next year. 

“It depends on when they (KDOT) release the funds,” said Martin. “They also have to send us a grant offer that we have to execute and that could be either in the spring or summer.” 

According to KDOT, the 32 projects have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public use general aviation airports. KAIP receives $5 million annually through the IKE transportation program and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying a minimum of five percent of the total project.

“Aviation currently represents $20.6 billion in total economic impact for the State of Kansas,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “Working together, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and local communities are enhancing the safety of our transportation infrastructure and expanding this economic impact.” 

KDOT said the selection board prioritized airport improvements that deliver the most significant impact across the entire state. Most of these projects contribute to flight safety and/or positive economic impact for their region.   

“Aviation is a particularly important mode of transportation for Kansas industry and the delivery of healthcare services and disaster relief,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower aviation economic growth across our entire state.” 

“KDOT’s Division of Aviation reviewed 93 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $27 million,” said Bob Brock, director of aviation. “The 32 projects we’ve selected will have positive impacts on the health, safety and economy of our state.”

Steve Vogt hands over Bonne Terre Municipal Airport (1BT) operations to Chris and Gina Harbison

Steve Vogt say's it's been a good run, but he's ready to retire and he's turning over the reins of Bonne Terre Municipal Airport to a couple from Potosi.


After years of making improvements large and small to the airport located on 53 acres on the fringes of Bonne Terre, Steve Vogt is moving on.

City Administrator Shawn Kay has confirmed that Vogt, who has overseen operations at the city-owned Bonne Terre Airport for more than seven years, has indicated he has subleased the operations. Vogt said he is handing over the reins to Chris and Gina Harbison of Potosi.

“We received a letter saying he was going to sublease the airport, the council was briefed on it in the last council meeting, and we hope we can get Mr. Vogt, as well as the new sublease, to the next meeting and go from there,” Kay said.

The next council meeting is December 14th.

“It’s been a good relationship between the city and Mr. Vogt,” Kay said. “Under the agreement, he has the right to sublease, and he seems to be looking forward to traveling in retirement.

"We sure wish him well and thank him for the wonderful things he’s done out there. There have been a lot of upgrades. It’s been a good agreement for the city.”

Kay said as Vogt hands over the keys, the airport is actually close to having another upgrade completed. For the first time ever, the 2,800-foot-long runway will be lit, a project funded by a Missouri Department of Transportation grant.

It’s an asphalt runway Vogt said he had to mow when he first arrived, the grass had grown so densely through the cracks.

“When we started in 2013, there was nothing there but a runway and a ramp. There was a lot of clearing of brush, cutting trees down,” Vogt said. “We built five new hangars which are occupied, built a new office building. Got a grant to re-asphalt, stripe and number the runway.

"We’ve done four air festivals, one during the eclipse, and we had a lot of fun doing them.”

Vogt said airport traffic has slowed to about four or five airplanes a month, but pre-COVID they regularly had double the planes flying in and out of the field. But planes aren’t the only activity at the airport since several groups also regularly meet there: a HAM radio club, Mineral Area Search and Rescue, and Civil Air Patrol, which counts Vogt as a member.

“Civil Air Patrol uses the airport for missions and meetings,” Vogt said. “I’m a member, I’m the director of emergency services for Missouri Wing for the entire state. We’re the people who, if you lose your airplane in the middle of the night, we’re the nice people who come and look for you, among other things.”

Still, it’s time to move on, he said.

“I just turned 69 two weeks ago, which is 23 for the third time,” he joked. “For me, enough’s enough. I wasn’t looking to get out of the business, I was perfectly happy doing what I was doing, but this gentleman made me the right offer, and you know how that works.”

Vogt said he signed over the lease this past Saturday. He and his wife, Terry Scott, got married a couple years ago and they plan to travel around the country in a new RV he just bought, seeing the sights and giving Terry, a photographer, a chance to capture all the memories they make.

“She takes amazing photographs and has won some awards, so we’ll be going places she can see, get photographs of, and I’m going to keep my head down and smile a lot,” he said. “This is my fifth time trying to retire.”

Vogt said he was a broadcast engineer for about 30 years in the De Soto area.

“We’ve tried to make the airport where it was community-oriented, support the north end of the county, and I think we succeeded in what we did,” he said.

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna T206H Turbo Stationair, N829PA; accident occurred August 01, 2020 at Bentonville Municipal Airport (KVBT), Benton 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:

Summit Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N829PA

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas
Accident Number: CEN20CA349
Date & Time: July 31, 2020, 20:00 Local
Registration: N829PA
Aircraft: Cessna T206 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported landing "flat" and the airplane "bounced." After a second "bounce" the pilot initiated a go-around. However, when the nose landing gear contacted the runway a third time, the nose wheel "blew out." The airplane veered to the left, exited the runway pavement, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot observed no anomalies during the preflight inspection. A flight instructor who witnessed the accident stated that the airplane remained in a "nose down pitch attitude" until the nose wheel contacted the runway which caused the airplane to "bounce." After the third bounce, the nose wheel "blew out sending white smoke into the air."

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's misjudgment of the landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Abnormal runway contact
Landing-aborted after
touchdown
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-aborted after
touchdown
Runway excursion
Landing-aborted after
touchdown
Nose over/nose down
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private Age: 40,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 28, 2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: December 20, 2019
Flight Time: 162.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 11.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 54 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 20.3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N829PA
Model/Series: T206 H 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: T20608950
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 20, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 62 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 731.5 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: TIO-540-AJ1A
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 310 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: VBT,1298 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 19:56 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 300° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Branson, MO (PLK)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Bentonville, AR (VBT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 19:30 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Bentonville Muni/Louise M Thad VBT
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1298 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4426 ft / 65 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go around; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 36.345275,-94.219444(est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna A185F Skywagon 185, N60934; accident occurred August 01, 2020 at Spaulding Airport (1Q2), Susanville, Lassen County, California




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Oji Brothers Farm Inc


Location: Susanville, California 
Accident Number: WPR20CA275
Date & Time: August 1, 2020, 12:00 Local
Registration: N60934
Aircraft: Cessna A185 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, the winds at the time of takeoff were about 17 mph from the east. After he departed a runway from the southeast, the airplane weathervaned into the wind and was pushed to the left side of the runway. The pilot quickly corrected the movement, but in doing so the airplane's right main landing gear impacted the runway surface hard. Seconds later after he departed, the pilot flew low over the runway for ground observers to inspect the landing gear, but they reported no abnormalities. The pilot returned to the departure runway, but shortly after landing, the right main landing gear separated. The right wing was substantially damaged.

The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that could 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 takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear.

Findings
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Tailwind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Attempted remediation/recovery
Takeoff Other weather encounter
Takeoff Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing Collision during takeoff/land
Landing Part(s) separation from AC

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
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 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/29/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/12/2020
Flight Time: 9889 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3111 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N60934
Model/Series: A185 F
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18504079
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/16/2020, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 1391 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3111 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: IO-550D3B
Registered Owner: Oji Bros Farm Inc
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: Oji Bros Farm Inc
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: , 4149 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1155 PDT
Direction from Accident Site: 180°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 240°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / -14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Yuba City, CA (O52)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Susanville, CA (1Q2)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Spaulding (1Q2)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5115 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4600 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 40.650278, -120.768611

Runway Excursion: Cessna A185F Skywagon 185, N185GK; accident occurred August 03, 2020 in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana


Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana

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


Location: Kalispell, MT
Accident Number: WPR20CA250
Date & Time: 08/03/2020, 0837 MDT
Registration: N185GK
Aircraft: Cessna A185
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while on finial approach to land, the approach speed was too fast. During the landing roll on a wet 1,500 ft long grass runway, braking action was poor, and the pilot was unable to stop the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane overran the departure end of the runway and impacted a fence.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

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

Pilot Information


Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 65, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/02/2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/07/2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 24500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1000 hours (Total, this make and model), 13000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 150 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N185GK
Model/Series: A185 F
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18503687
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/01/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3350 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2580 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-520-FCD
Registered Owner:On file 
Rated Power:300 hp 
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGPI, 2973 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1455 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 347°
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: 60°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Stevensville, MT (32S)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Kalispell, MT (PVT)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 0745 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information


Airport: PVT (PVT) 
Runway Surface Type:Grass/turf 
Airport Elevation: 2963 ft
Runway Surface Condition:Wet 
Runway Used: 12
IFR Approach:None 
Runway Length/Width: 1500 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 48.167222, -114.215000 (est)

Hard Landing: Hughes OH-6A, N911EP; accident occurred August 06, 2020 at Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS), Chesterfield, Missouri





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Louis, Missouri

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

St. Louis County Police Department


Location: St Louis, MO
Accident Number: CEN20CA326
Date & Time: 08/06/2020, 1515 CDT
Registration:N911EP 
Aircraft: Hughes 369A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Public Aircraft 

Analysis

The instructor reported that during the instructional flight, he was manipulating the controls and accepted the option to land on the taxiway; he decreased the throttle for a full touchdown auto rotation. About 50 ft above the ground (agl), he flared the helicopter and leveled off about 5 to 10 ft agl. The instructor reported that everything seemed "normal" at this point. He then raised the collective, but the descent was not arrested, so he raised the collective full up. The helicopter landed hard and shook violently. The instructor closed the throttle to which stopped the fuel supply. The tailboom was substantially damaged.

The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

The instructor added that he felt a slight tailwind after exiting the helicopter and that the tail wind caused a "vortex ring state" which stalled the main rotor blades.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The flight instructor's failure to maintain helicopter control which resulted in a hard landing while preforming a practice autorotation.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Instructor/check pilot
Aircraft Descent rate - Capability exceeded
Environmental issues Tailwind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Other weather encounter
Landing Attempted remediation/recovery

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 51
Airplane Rating(s): None
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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/22/2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 
Flight Time: 6814 hours (Total, all aircraft), 6814 hours (Total, this make and model), 6338 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 39
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 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/29/2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/18/2020
Flight Time: 635 hours (Total, all aircraft), 91 hours (Total, this make and model), 585 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Hughes
Registration: N911EP
Model/Series: 369A No Series
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built:No 
Airworthiness Certificate:
Serial Number: 591176
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/04/2020, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 1229.4 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 250-c20C
Registered Owner: St Louis County Police Department
Rated Power:
Operator: St Louis County Police Department
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1454 CDT
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 25000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: St Louis, MO (KSUS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: St Louis, MO (KSUS)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: CDT 
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Spirit of St Louis Airport (KSUS)
Runway Surface Type: Unknown
Airport Elevation: 463 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Simulated Forced Landing

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: 38.663611, -90.644722 (est)



Nose Over: Dakota Cub S18-160, N811RD; accident occurred August 07, 2020 at Old Orchard Airpark (2NK9), Modena, Ulster County, New York



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Latham, New York

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Modena, NY
Accident Number: ERA20CA279
Date & Time: 08/07/2020, 1410 EDT
Registration: N811RD
Aircraft: DAKOTA S18-160
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

According to the pilot, he was landing after a local flight with a passenger seated in the rear seat of the tail-wheel equipped airplane. During touchdown the airplane started to nose over, and the pilot realized that the passenger had his feet on the brakes. He yelled at the passenger to get his feet off the brakes, but it was too late to prevent the airplane from nosing over. The airplane flipped over inverted and came to a complete stop. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the vertical stabilizer was buckled. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact 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 passenger's inadvertent application of the rear brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.

Findings

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Passenger
Aircraft Brake - Unintentional use/operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Miscellaneous/other
Landing-landing roll Nose over/nose down (Defining event)

Pilot Information


Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 82, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider; Gyroplane; Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Glider; Helicopter; Instrument Airplane; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/16/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/16/2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 16000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 32 hours (Total, this make and model), 14000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft) 

Passenger Information

Certificate:
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s):
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: DAKOTA
Registration: N811RD
Model/Series: S18-160
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2019
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 2018-001
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/01/2020, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 110 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: YO 360 EXP-91
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 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: POU, 163 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 90°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 4300 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Unknown
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Modena, NY (2NK9)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Modena, NY (2NK9)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1340 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Old Orchard Airpark (2NK9)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 660 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2800 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 41.657222, -74.077222 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow, N4964S; accident occurred August 08, 2020 at Centennial Airport (KAPA), Arapahoe County, Colorado





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Edge Aircraft LLC


Location: Englewood, Colorado
Accident Number: CEN20CA332
Date & Time: August 8, 2020, 11:00 Local 
Registration: N4964S
Aircraft: Piper PA28R
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor was demonstrating a short approach and touch-and-go landing to the student pilot in a complex airplane. During the final approach, the flight instructor was unable to correct for a quartering tailwind and the airplane landed sideways on the left main landing gear. The flight instructor stated that
"[the landing] felt a bit unusual, but the approach had been stable and the landing wasn't that bad..." The airplane took off and the landing gear would not retract. After troubleshooting the problem and declaring an emergency, the flight instructor landed the airplane with an unsafe landing gear indication. After touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the flight instructor lost directional control. The airplane impacted taxiway lights and came to rest upright adjacent to the runway. Postaccident examination showed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. Further examination of the left main landing gear and wing revealed overload damage to the landing gear wing attachment. The flight instructor 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 flight instructor did not maintain a proper approach path and landing flare during a landing with a tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing and damaged landing gear. During the subsequent landing with damaged landing gear, the flight instructor lost directional control which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with objects.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Instructor/check pilot
Aircraft Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained
Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Tailwind - Effect on operation
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Runway/taxi/approach light - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final Other weather encounter
Landing-flare/touchdown Hard landing
Landing-flare/touchdown Landing gear collapse
Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Runway excursion
Landing-flare/touchdown Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 43, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/01/2019
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/15/2020
Flight Time: 1428 hours (Total, all aircraft), 140 hours (Total, this make and model), 1381 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 371 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 104 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: None
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/05/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 230 hours (Total, all aircraft), 0 hours (Total, this make and model), 136 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 67 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 27 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N4964S
Model/Series: PA28R 200
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28R-35684
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/11/2020, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 28 Hours
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3816 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-C1C
Registered Owner: Edge Aircraft Llc
Rated Power: 200 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: APA, 5885 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0853 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 240°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / -4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Englewood, CO (APA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Englewood, CO (APA)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0952 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Centennial Airport (APA)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5885 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 10001 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go

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: 39.574444, -104.852222 (est)

Controlled Flight into Terrain/Object: Aviat A-1C-200 Husky, N327MN; accident occurred August 08, 2020 in Kernville, California




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Vlok Aviation LLC


Location: Kernville, California
Accident Number: WPR20CA261
Date & Time: August 8, 2020, 10:45 Local 
Registration: N327MN
Aircraft: Aviat A1 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj
(CFIT) Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during short final, just before he initiated a landing flare, he lost sight of the dirt airstrip and initiated a go around. Shortly after, the pilot turned right, but he quickly realized that he would not be able to outclimb several treetops, so he lowered the nose attitude. Subsequently, the right wing struck a tree, the airplane impacted the ground at a steep angle and came to rest inverted. The airplane's wings and fuselage were substantially damaged.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine 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 clearance from trees during a go-around, which resulted in an impact with terrain. 

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Aircraft Altitude - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR go-around Miscellaneous/other
Approach-VFR go-around Attempted remediation/recovery
Approach-VFR go-around Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 47,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Front
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 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: April 29, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: May 5, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1481 hours (Total, all aircraft), 40 hours (Total, this make and model), 1304 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aviat 
Registration: N327MN
Model/Series: A1 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2015
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 3241
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 14, 2019 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2250 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 39 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 170 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C126 installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-A1D6
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 200 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: KPTV,442 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 31 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 17:56 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 243°
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: 200° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Santa Ana, CA (SNA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Kernville, CA (PVT) 
Type of Clearance: VFR flight following
Departure Time: 08:45 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: PVT Burnt Corral Meadow PVT
Runway Surface Type: Dirt
Airport Elevation: 6300 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Soft
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Go around;Traffic pattern; Valley/terrain following

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 36.224166,-118.497779(est)