Sunday, November 29, 2020

Fuel Starvation: Piper PA-22-150 Caribbean, N4816A; accident occurred July 18, 2020 in Loveland, Clermont County, Ohio






Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Cincinnati, Ohio

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Loveland, Ohio 
Accident Number: CEN20LA290
Date & Time: July 18, 2020, 17:30 Local
Registration: N4816A
Aircraft: Piper PA22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel starvation 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal Factual Information

Analysis

Before the pilot's departure on a cross-country flight, he added 7.5 gallons of fuel to each wing fuel tank. The pilot reported that before adding fuel, both fuel gauges read ¼ tank. About an hour and half after departure, the engine lost power, had a momentary gain of power, and then lost power again. The pilot selected a road for a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane impacted several mailboxes and a light pole before coming to stop in a residential yard.

Examination of the airplane found substantial damage to the left wing, damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, and right-side engine cowling. The right-wing fuel tank was then drained and about 5.5 gallons of fuel was recovered, the left-wing fuel tank did not contain any useable fuel. The left fuel gauge read about ¼ and the right fuel gauge read zero. The examination did not confirm the accuracy of the gauges or if the wires were swapped from the left and right fuel tanks. Fuel was added to right wing fuel tank, and the engine started. The engine was operated from idle, to a high power setting, with no abnormalities noted.

The pilot reported on the NTSB Form 6120.1, that he thought the reason for the engine failure was due to fuel exhaustion.

With fuel remaining in the right-wing fuel tank, the loss of engine power is consistent with fuel starvation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Findings

Personnel issues Fuel planning - Pilot
Aircraft Fuel - Fluid management
Aircraft Fuel indication system - Not specified

Factual Information

On July 18, 2020, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-22 airplane, N4816A, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Loveland, Ohio. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, before adding fuel, both fuel gauges read ¼ tank and he added about 7.5 gallons to each tank, for an additional 15 gallons of fuel. He then departed the Wadsworth Municipal Airport (3G3), Wadsworth, Ohio, en route to the Cincinnati Municipal Airport-Lunken Field (LUK), Lunken, Ohio. About an hour and half after departure, the engine lost power, had a momentary gain of power, and then lost power again. The pilot selected a road for a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane impacted several mailboxes and a light pole before coming to stop in a residential yard.

The pilot reported that he typically switches fuel tanks every 10-15 minutes but did not recall if he did it on this flight. He also did not switch fuel tanks after the initial loss of engine power.

Examination of the airplane found substantial damage to the left wing, damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, and right-side engine cowling. The fuel selector was in the off position. The right-wing fuel tank was then drained and about 5.5 gallons of fuel was recovered, the left-wing fuel tank did not contain any useable fuel. The carburetor float bowl was checked and no contaminates were found. The left fuel gauge read about ¼ and the right fuel gauge read zero. The examination did not confirm the accuracy of the gauges or if the wires were swapped from the left and right fuel tanks.

During the examination, fuel was added to right wing fuel tank, and the engine started. The engine was operated from idle to a high power setting with no abnormalities noted.

The pilot reported on the NTSB Form 6120.1 that he thought the reason for the engine failure was due to fuel exhaustion.

History of Flight

Enroute Fuel starvation (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Collision during takeoff/land

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 31
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 1, 2016
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 30, 2019
Flight Time: 528 hours (Total, all aircraft), 168 hours (Total, this make and model), 383 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N4816A
Model/Series: PA22 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 22-3969
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 4, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: 
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A2B
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 150 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: KLUK
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 16:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 7 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 5500 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 230° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Wadsworth, OH (3G3)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: Lunken, OH (KLUK) 
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 14:50 Local
Type of Airspace:

Airport

Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation:
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 39.267501,-84.26583(est)  
 










Nose Over: Cessna 180, N2929C: Accident occurred July 19, 2020 in Bear Valley, Alaska





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Bear Valley, AK
Accident Number: WPR20CA233
Date & Time: 07/19/2020, 1930 AKD
Registration: N2929C
Aircraft: Cessna 180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after landing on a gravel runway, he was taxing with speed to the turnaround point. He applied brakes, the tail of the airplane came up and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer.

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 22, 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: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/11/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/01/2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 637 hours (Total, all aircraft), 152 hours (Total, this make and model), 583 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 42 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N2929C
Model/Series: 180 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 30829
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/29/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5689 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-520
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 265 hp
Operator:On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Unknown
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAMR, 138 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:0153 UTC 
Direction from Accident Site: 339°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 4000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 12000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 270°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.81 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Girdwood, AK (AQY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Anchorage, AK (MRI)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0700 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Bear Valley (PVT)
Runway Surface Type: Gravel
Airport Elevation: 2200 ft
Runway Surface Condition:Dry 
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
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: 61.057500, -149.730000 (est)

Low Altitude Operation/Event: Robinson R44 Astro, N570WH; accident occurred July 20, 2020 in Dickeyville, Grant County, Wisconsin



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

MF Helicopters LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N570WH

 Location: Dickeyville, Wisconsin
Accident Number: CEN20CA300
Date & Time: July 20, 2020, 13:40 Local 
Registration: N570WH
Aircraft: Robinson R44 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis

The pilot reported that while performing an aerial application flight at low altitude, the helicopter impacted wires between two poles. He stated the wires were higher than he expected due to the change in terrain contours relative to the poles, and he did not see the wires until just before impact. He then performed a precautionary landing to an adjacent waterway. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot 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 did not maintain clearance from wires during an aerial application flight.

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Wire - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)
Maneuvering-low-alt flying Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 42, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter 
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
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: October 23, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: May 19, 2020
Flight Time: 7700 hours (Total, all aircraft), 380 hours (Total, this make and model), 6100 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 145 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 107 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Robinson 
Registration: N570WH
Model/Series: R44 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1998 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 0538
Landing Gear Type: N/A; Skid 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: September 13, 2019 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 86 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4581 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: O-540-F1B5
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 235 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PVB,1024 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 30°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 6000 ft AGL
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots / Turbulence Type
Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 310°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Dickeyville, WI 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Dickeyville, WI
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport

Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 42.625278,-90.587776 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 170B, N8193A; accident occurred July 20, 2020 at Monroe County Airport (KBMG), Indiana




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN20CA296
Date & Time: July 20, 2020, 15:23 Local
Registration: N8193A
Aircraft: Cessna 170B 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor 
Age: 61,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 27, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 8, 2019
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8193A
Model/Series: 170B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1952
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 25045
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: C145 SERIES
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 145 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: BMG,846 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 12000 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 310°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Noblesville, IN (I80)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Bloomington, IN (BMG) 
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 14:00 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Monroe County Airport BMG
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 846 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17 
IFR Approach: None 
Runway Length/Width: 6500 ft / 150 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 39.160556,-86.541389

Landing Gear Collapse: Cessna 182R Skylane, N9747H; accident occurred July 22, 2020 at Toketee State Airport (3S6), Clearwater, Douglas County, Oregon




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Hillsboro, Oregon

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

MashiAir LLC


Location: Clearwater, Oregon
Accident Number: WPR20CA254
Date & Time: July 22, 2020, 14:44 Local 
Registration: N9747H
Aircraft: Cessna 182 Aircraft 
Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear collapse 
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that he touched down on the rough, turf surface runway and utilized a soft-field landing technique. He recalled, that during the landing roll, he held the nose landing gear off the runway until the airplane's groundspeed decreased to 20 knots. Shortly after contacting the ground, the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane's aft fuselage was substantially damaged during the accident sequence.

The pilot reported that there were no 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 improper pitch attitude during the soft-field landing roll, which resulted in the tail striking the runway. 

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Pitch control - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Soft surface - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Miscellaneous/other
Landing-landing roll Landing gear collapse (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 42,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: July 18, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: June 17, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 487.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 316.3 hours (Total, this make and model), 390.7 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8.1 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8.1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N9747H
Model/Series: 182 R
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 18267992
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 2, 2019 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2950 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3372 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: O-470 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 250 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRBG,509 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 41 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 19:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 272°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 20° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Upper Lake, CA (1Q5)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Clearwater, OR (3S6)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 12:30 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: TOKETEE STATE 3S6 
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 3361 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough; Vegetation
Runway Used: 29
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5350 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 43.223331,-122.421112(est)

Fuel Exhaustion: Boeing N2S-3 Stearman, N2158P; accident occurred July 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Pulaski 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:

Aerial Ads Inc


Location: Jacksonville, AR
Accident Number: CEN20CA303
Date & Time: 07/22/2020, 1800 CDT
Registration: N2158P
Aircraft: Stearman N2S 3
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Banner Tow

Analysis

According to the pilot, the accident flight was the second flight of the day towing banners in his biplane. On the return leg, the engine lost all power and the pilot landed along a pipeline and impacted a post, which resulted in substantial damage to the upper and lower right wing. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he may have run out of gas. The inspector drained about 1 quart of fuel from the gascolator and "less than a tablespoon" from the sump drains. There was no evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks. The tanks were not breached and the fuel lines appeared to be intact with no evidence of fuel leaks.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to adequately monitor his fuel quantity during flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

Findings

Personnel issues Fuel planning - Pilot
Aircraft Fuel - Fluid level

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 50, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter; Instrument Helicopter
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Unknown
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/01/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Stearman
Registration: N2158P
Model/Series: N2S 3 N1
Aircraft Category:Airplane 
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number:75-6861 
Landing Gear Type:
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT:
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts:
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Jacksonville, AR (79AR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: Jacksonville, AR (79AR)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1500 CDT
Type of Airspace:Class E 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.856111, -92.081111 (est)


Incident occurred November 27, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Residents in Memphis got a scare Friday night when they heard and saw several explosions coming from a low-flying plane over their homes.

One person on Nextdoor reported seeing six to seven large fireballs from the plane as it approached from the south around 6:30. Others said the booms shook their houses.

FedEx Express confirmed Friday night that there was an issue just after takeoff on one of its flights headed to Minneapolis.

A company spokesperson said the plane turned back to the Memphis airport and landed without incident. There were no injuries.

Maintenance crews were checking the aircraft, the company said.

Alex Silvestri: A Young Pilot Takes Flight at East Hampton Airport (KHTO)

Alex Silvestri 

Alex Silvestri was just 17 years old when he got his pilot’s license. After convincing his mom and dad to let him take flying lessons at Sound Aircraft Services at East Hampton Airport, Silvestri trained under Peter Boody and got his license at the youngest legal age possible in New York State. Silvestri, now a student at Haverford College, talks about his love of flight, how he wants to use his gift of flight for good and more.

Talk about how you got started flying.

I started flying there when I was 15 and got my license at 17, and did all my flight training with Peter Boody. I absolutely loved it, it was something I wanted to do for a while. I was kind of waiting around to be old enough to start and when I finally was, I was super-excited and got into it as early as I could.

Why did you want to become a pilot?

It’s always an interesting question because truthfully, I could never pinpoint it exactly. It’s something to do with the idea I’ve kind of all loved it to a certain extent and at some point I realized I could actually do it. It was an interesting realization—oh, I can actually be a pilot and not just dream of it. That was probably early in middle school when I started to kind of get interested in doing research into how I could do it. Convincing my parents was a process in itself.

How did you convince your parents to let you fly?

There were a lot of presentations about why it was safe! Once they were fully on-board with it, it was very exciting.

Why did you and your parents choose East Hampton Airport?

Probably because it was the most convenient for us. We live in New York City and it’s hard to find anything convenient to the city. We were out in the Hamptons a good deal of time, summers, weekends, all throughout the year, really. It was better than doing it from an airport from the city.

What are some unique challenges a pilot faces?

I think the act of flying an airplane and being a pilot goes far beyond what people think the role really is. The act of keeping an airplane in the air when you’re flying around is not the hard part. There’s a lot more that goes into decision making and contingency planning and emergency preparation that is a little less obvious. That’s the difficult part. The actual cruising along is not that hard. It’s the whole process of having to be able to plan everything and understand what’s going on with the physical side of things.

What airplanes did you fly at East Hampton Airport?

They were more lateral movements. I’ve flown three airplanes—two were Cessna 172s and one was a Piper and all three were similar but different. They’re all small, four-seat, single-engine airplanes.

Do you want to fly commercially?

I don’t think I want to be a commercial pilot, I’m studying physics right now. I think I want to continue flying for most of my life. I want to find a good use for my pilot’s license, if that makes sense—whether it be volunteer work or commercially, but I don’t think I want to fly commercially.

Why do you think East Hampton Airport is important to the community?

From one perspective, it does provide another means of transportation to enter the community, and with the flight school, it provides people within the community the opportunity to book a flying lesson to see what it’s like. It’s a great activity.

Why do you love to fly?

It’s nothing specific but once I’m up in the air, the busy part of the flight has been completed, we’re all set up for the cruise, I get a second to look around me and see how incredible it is to be up in the air and look down at everything beneath us.

https://www.danspapers.com

Loss of Lift: Van's RV-6, N327WB; accident occurred July 25, 2020 in Imperial, Chase County, Nebraska





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lincoln, Nebraska

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Imperial, NE

Accident Number: CEN20CA307
Date & Time: 07/25/2020, 1249 MDT
Registration: N327WB
Aircraft: Vans VANS RV 6
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of lift
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot stated that this was his third passenger carrying flight of the day and he determined his takeoff weight was about 146 lbs below max gross weight. For the takeoff from the grass strip, he elected not to utilize flaps or the full length of the runway, leaving about 100-200 ft behind him. During the takeoff roll, the pilot had the sense that the roll was taking longer than normal, and he began to be concerned about powerlines at the end of the runway. When about 10-25 ft above the ground, he began a shallow bank turn to the right. Immediately after starting the turn, he flew over a corn field and experienced a loss of lift. The airplane then impacted the corn, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot noted that he listened to the density altitude reported on the Automated Weather Observing System for a nearby airport but did not process the effects it would have on the accident flight. The density altitude was about 6,184 ft.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's inadequate preflight performance planning and his decision not to utilize all available runway during high density altitude operations which led to an inflight loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues Performance calculations - Pilot
Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot
Aircraft Climb capability - Not specified

Factual Information

History of Flight

Initial climb Loss of lift (Defining event)
Initial climb Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information


Certificate: Private

Age: 66, 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: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/20/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/22/2019
Flight Time: 247 hours (Total, all aircraft), 58 hours (Total, this make and model), 247 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Vans

Registration: N327WB
Model/Series: VANS RV 6 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 24169
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/07/2020, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 20 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 754 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:Lycoming 
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-H2AD
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:160 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: KIML, 3273 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1053 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 359°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Imperial, NE (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Imperial, NE (IML)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1145 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information


Airport: PRIVATE (PRIV)

Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 3460 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach:None 
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 Minor

Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.406944, -101.617500