Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Cessna 441 Conquest II, N44776: Fatal accident occurred February 07, 2021 in Belvidere, Franklin County, Tennessee

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; Nashville, Tennessee

BCD Aviation LLC


Location: Belvidere, TN 
Accident Number: ERA21LA124
Date & Time: February 7, 2021, 16:48 Local 
Registration: N44776
Aircraft: Cessna 441 
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On February 7, 2021, about 1648 central standard time, a Cessna 441, N44776, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Belvidere, Tennessee. The airline transport pilot and a commercial pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to preliminary radar and communications information obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot took off from Thomasville Regional Airport (TVI), Thomasville, Georgia about 1527 with a destination of Winchester Municipal Airport (BGF), Winchester, Tennessee. As the airplane was descending to 4,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the pilot established contact with the Bowling Green, Kentucky radar controller. The flight was then cleared for the RNAV runway 36 approach. As the airplane descended through 2,300 ft, the radar target disappeared, which was normal due to the radar coverage in the area. About 3 minutes later, the controller attempted to contact the pilot with no response. There was no further communication with the pilot.

Later that evening, the wreckage was found about 6 miles south of BGF. The wreckage path was about 500 ft in length, and oriented on a northerly heading. A large portion of the fuselage and both wings were consumed by a postimpact fire.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N44776
Model/Series: 441 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: IMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: BGF,978 ft msl 
Observation Time: 16:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 0°C /-1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 30°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Thomasville, GA (TVI) 
Destination: Winchester, TN (BGF)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 35.086901,-86.072045 (est)

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

Joseph Leonard Mackey
June 13, 1962 - February 7, 2021
~

Joseph Leonard Mackey, 58, of Estill Springs, Tennessee, died suddenly in a tragic plane crash on February 7, 2021 on Keith Springs Mountain, Tennessee. Joe was a living legend who embraced life to the fullest. He was literally larger than life and at 5’19” tall, he was looked up to by just about everyone. Each time someone asked if he played basketball, his comeback would be “No, Do you play mini-golf?”

Joe was quick-witted, entertaining, well-rounded, opinionated, passionate, competitive, dependable, generous, an inspiring role model, ring leader, renegade, true friend, honest brother, fun uncle, loving father, devoted husband and also a prankster.

Joe was born in Morristown, New Jersey on June 13, 1962 to the late Joseph E. and Janice P. (DeBoer) Mackey. He left behind his devoted wife and life-long business partner of 36 years, Sandra L. (Evans) Mackey, his talented son, Joseph Richard Mackey, Breckenridge, CO, his precious daughter, Sarah (Austin) Kinney, Phoenix, AZ and Smokey and the Bandit, their dogs. Surviving are his brother, Robert D. (Melissa) Mackey, Dallas, PA, sister Judith (James) DeBoer, Livingston, NJ, Aunts: Catherine Mackey, Ironia, NJ and Margaret Vanderkooi, Lincoln Park, NJ, Father & Mother-in-law: Richard D. & Dorothy Evans, Wilkes-Barre, PA, sisters-in-law: Bonnie & Dirk Hough, Chambersburg, PA, Lorrie & Jeff Mull, Mountaintop, PA, and Kellie & David Reinert, also W-B, PA and so many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and a boatload of friends.

He was a graduate of Hanover Park High School in E. Hanover, NJ and attended The King’s College in Briarcliff Manor, NY and East Stroudsburg University, PA. Joe started out as a computer programmer but became excited about building houses. He and Sandi owned and operated J&S Custom Homes, Target Homes and Choice Rentals & Property Management in The Poconos area of Pennsylvania for nearly three decades. He held many positions in Monroe County, but most notably, he served as President of the Pocono Builders Association and then had the honor of serving statewide as President of the Pennsylvania Builders Association.

He loved a good debate and would often kick up the heat by presenting opposing views. He liked to win and ‘he was always right’. His personality was captivating, he didn’t put up with excuses and you knew you were doing something wrong if he cleared his throat.

Joe was absolutely passionate about flying airplanes and took any opportunity to be up in the air. Friends would be taken on tours, long distance family were visited often, and new maneuvers and drills were learned and practiced regularly, his favorite being spin training and chandelles. He continually challenged himself through avid studying and enjoyed the camaraderie with his fellow pilots. Joe recently received his certification as a Flight Instructor. If he had two wishes, it would be to travel back in time and to go to Mars.

Joe loved that there was no traffic in the air, but he was widely known for getting pulled over by the police. It all started in college speeding around town in his ‘73 Mustang Mach 1 with those dark tinted windows. He once hit a turkey that was tossed back onto the windshield of a police car that was following him. He got pulled over for ‘flipping him the bird’. On another unfortunate occasion, there was a near miss as a pig darted across the road. He was pulled over… again. “But officer, how did you know it was me?” “Simple, the pig squealed.” Sandi had heard these jokes a million times but played along as Joe knew how to captivate his audience. He was always up to some antics with his friends and has been known to drive a mean snow plow truck.

Joe was a MacGyver; he could construct, troubleshoot and fix anything. He was a master craftsman and his attention to detail was exquisite. He gave much credit for his success to the high caliber of people that he sought out and surrounded himself with. He learned from their work ethic, gift of story-telling and vast life experiences. In return, Joe mentored many others. He was most proud of his son and daughter, Joe and Sarah. He enjoyed having them tag along on business trips, putting them to work on the rentals, picking up rocks or shoveling snow, and challenging them to Scrabble or Rummikub. Most of all, he loved to see them smile and grow up to be the people they are today. Sandi has been an integral part of Joe’s life and supported all his interests and ambitions.

Joe’s idea of relaxing, was WORK, yet his favorite saying was ‘every day is Saturday’. He dabbled in excavation work, a few remodeling projects and a complete renovation of their TN home in his retirement. He loved classic cars, planes, being at the airport, scuba diving, boating, reading, camping, traveling, Star Trek, Sci-fi, games, wood working, watching the news and playing Frisbee with Bandit. He was known as ‘Pocono Joe’ to his new TN friends.

The family will have memorial services to celebrate Joe’s life in the late spring in Winchester, TN as well as in Northeast PA and Morris County, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations in his honor to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation for students to gain training in the building trades (www.mikeroweworks.org/donate).

Joe expressed many times that he had done everything he ever wanted do in life and had no regrets. His love for racing cars at 100+ mph on the drag strip and flying planes and jets at over 240 knots may have pressed his foot on the accelerator of his timeline and resulted in his early departure from this earth. He has created a giant black hole in the hearts of all that loved and knew him. Keep your wings level, adjust your attitude, engage...warp speed. Until we meet again. Beam me up, Scotty!  Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398,  www.moorecortner.com

Carl Cleveland Spray
October 17, 1942 - February 7, 2021
~

Carl Cleveland Spray, age 78, of Estill Springs, passed from this life on February 7, 2021, in an aircraft accident enroute to the Winchester Airport.  He was born on October 17, 1942, in Franklin County, to the late James C. and Lois (Roggli) Spray. 

Carl loved God, family, friends and flying.  His talents were flying and an ability to repair and refurbish any aircraft and machinery.  He managed the family farm after his parents passed. 

Carl served his country in the United States Air Force for four years and began his dream of becoming a pilot soon after. He was employed as a Tennessee State Trooper and Washington State Game Warden, and then worked at ARO as an Instrument Technician at Arnold Air Force Base for 10 years.  He then joined Farmers Bank in Winchester as a loan officer and pilot. 

In 1979, Carl started his air charter service and was a flight instructor to many people over the years.  His first love was flying and he excelled.  He was a dedicated member of the Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Helen Lappin; brother-in-law, Stanley Gipson; and nephews, Jason Lappin and Michael Spray.  He is survived by his loving wife, Betty (Lappin) Spray of Estill Springs; children, Lisa (Chris) Kelley of Estill Springs, and Steven Spray of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Gracen, Colson, and Declan Kelley of Estill Springs; sister, Clarice Gipson of Winchester; brother, Don (Rosaline) Spray of Tullahoma; sister-in-law, Cindy Marshall of Decherd; brother-in-law, Benny (Kim) Lappin of Bryant, Alabama; and nieces and nephews, Lora (Jeremy) Frost, Monica Spray, Marlene (David) Wright, Michelle Cox, Matt Lappin, Becca Yates, Misti Edwards, and Adam Marshall, and their families.  Visitation was held on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in Winchester.  Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at 1 p.m. in the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home chapel with Dr. Rev. Michael Clark officiating. Private burial will be held at Franklin Memorial Gardens. The family requests that all attendees please wear a mask and practice social distancing, and they understand if anyone doesn’t feel comfortable attending during the current health pandemic. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 1st Ave. NW, Winchester, TN 37398, www.moorecortner.com.

20 comments:

  1. 20 minute descending from FL 220 to a point less than 10 miles due south of KBGF, Elevation: 978.8 ft. Elevations in the crash locale are in excess of 1,600 ft, with tops of over 1,800 ft.
    35.0190 -86.0670 ↑ 6° 114 131 2,900 -667 Descending FlightAware ADS-B (KLUG)
    Sun 17:45:06 35.0284 -86.0648 ↑ 355° 119 137 2,700 -176 Descending FlightAware ADS-B (KLUG)
    Sun 17:45:22 35.0359 -86.0657 ↑ 9° 111 128 2,800 182 Climbing FlightAware ADS-B (KLUG)
    Sun 17:45:39 35.0461 -86.0652 ↑ 1° 116 133 2,800 -341 Descending FlightAware ADS-B (KLUG)
    Sun 17:46:50 35.0736 -86.0711 ↑ 1° 113 130 2,300 -423 Descending

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That last ADS-B data point is about one mile before the crash location described in news reports (see pinned map link below). The aircraft was returning to the operator's home airport (KBGF) on a leg from Thomasville, Ga.

      Mapped ADS-B data point:
      http://maps.google.com/maps?t=k&q=loc:35.0736+-86.0711

      Full 3 leg flight track:
      https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a5680a&lat=33.962&lon=-86.418&zoom=5.9&showTrace=2021-02-07

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    2. Elevation: 558m / 1831 feet
      closest address Hickory Ridge Rd, Belvidere, TN 37306, USA
      Lng:-86.0696123
      Lat:35.0748891
      per https://elevation.maplogs.com/

      Delete
  2. Belvidere, TN Elev 1024 ft, 35.14 °N, 86.17 °W (weather station KTNBELVI4)
    1/7/21 @ 5:44 PM 31.5 F 29.2 F 91 % NE 2.0 mph 3.7 mph 30.22 in. Precip rate 0.00 total in 0.20 in 0 w/m²

    ReplyDelete
  3. Daytime arrival of the ATP certified pilot at his home base airport, but terrain was subject to obscuration by overcast according to METARs from the accident period.

    KBGF 072215Z AUTO 04005KT 9SM OVC009 00/M01 A3014 RMK A01
    KBGF 072235Z AUTO 03007KT 9SM OVC008 00/M01 A3013 RMK A01
    KBGF 072255Z AUTO 03006KT 10SM OVC010 00/M01 A3014 RMK A01

    ReplyDelete
  4. Puzzling time mismatch between the FAA AIN accident time of 01:23:00Z on UTC day 08 February (which is 7:23 PM CST on calendar day 07 February) and the observed ADS-B data that places the aircraft over Hickory Ridge shortly before 5 PM CST. Sheriff's Facebook press release says they responded 10 PM.

    https://www.asias.faa.gov/apex/f?p=100:96:12989129369461::::P96_ENTRY_DATE,P96_FATAL_FLG:08-FEB-21,YES

    https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10159444424688826&id=355197263825&__tn__=-R

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. 07-FEB-2021 Time: 16:48 Local Time (CST) @ aviationsafety.net/wikibase/247600
      Sun 17:45:39 EST 35.0461 -86.0652 ↑ 1° 116 133 2,800 -341 Descending
      Sun 17:46:50 EST 35.0736 -86.0711 ↑ 1° 113 130 2,300 -423 Descending FlightAware ADS-B (KLUG) @ flightaware

      Delete
  5. https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2101/06187R36.PDF

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The last ping on ads-b is at 22:44:15 (16:44:15 local CST) @ 3300' MSL descending @ -832 ft/min speed is 108 knots heading 010.7 squawk is 3015
      position is 35.003 -86.073 Info from ADS-B exchange 02/07/2021

      https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a5680a&lat=35.026&lon=-86.116&zoom=12.1&showTrace=2021-02-07

      Delete
  6. 'Spatial disorientation' AOPA https://tinyurl.com/cxnqqspt

    ReplyDelete
  7. A simple comparison of as-flown ADS-B track log data to the GPS approach profile using waypoints from the KBGF RW36 GPS approach plate is offered below, including links that allow verification.

    Although the aircraft correctly began descent from 4000' at a position of 34.9720, -86.0746 which aligns well with the YOKUS waypoint coordinates of 34.9704, -86.0737, the 2,300' ADS-B altitude recorded at the last data point shown in FlightAware's track log is well below the 3000' called out for the WETSO waypoint.

    The reported aircraft position of 35.0736, -86.0711 when the track log ends with the 2,300' altitude reading is about 1/2 nautical mile south of the WETSO position coordinates of 35.083128, -86.069597.

    The WETSO location is on Hunter Ridge, viewable as pinned here:
    http://maps.google.com/maps?t=k&q=loc:35.083128+-86.069597

    KBGF RW36 GPS approach plate:
    https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2101/06187R36.PDF

    FAA Waypoint lookup:
    https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/aero_data/Loc_ID_Search/Fixes_Waypoints/

    Convert degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal:
    https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/dms-decimal

    Distance between GPS locations:
    https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gccalc.shtml

    Track log:
    https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N44776/history/20210207/2115Z/KTVI/KBGF/tracklog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ^^ Typo fix: Hickory Ridge, not Hunter Ridge.

      Delete
    2. Descending too steeply after correctly starting down from 4000' at the YOKUS waypoint suggests hand flown instead of autopilot coupled approach.

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  8. option for Distance between GPS locations: https://www.mapdevelopers.com/mileage_calculator.php

    ReplyDelete
  9. Joe's obit was the best ever. RIP to Joe and Carl. Flying is dangerous. Flying IMC is even more dangerous. Fly safe out there.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Flying (or even flying IMC) is not dangerous. It is unforgiving.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Walked to crash site a couple of days ago. Evident from the way trees were hit that plane was headed north, i.e. toward Winchester airport. Plane came to rest apparently (wreckage has been removed) in the middle of Hickory Ridge Road, less than a half mile south of Hwy.16.

    ReplyDelete