Sunday, March 07, 2021

Loss of Visual Reference: Aviat A-1B Husky, N166WW; fatal accident occurred March 06, 2021 in Berwyn, Nebraska













Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board
  
The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lincoln, Nebraska
Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Berwyn, Nebraska
Accident Number: CEN21FA150
Date and Time: March 6, 2021, 06:10 Local Registration: N166WW
Aircraft: Aviat A-1B
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of visual reference
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 6, 2021, about 0610 central standard time, an Aviat A-1B airplane, N166WW, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Berwyn, Nebraska. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The purpose of the flight was to fly from the pilot’s private runway to Holyoke, Colorado for an annual inspection. About 0555, primary radar first picked up the airplane about 1/2 mile south of the private runway. The airplane track proceeded generally west-southwest for about 11 miles when it made a left turn toward the south at a speed of about 88 knots. The track then made right 360-degree turn; during which, the speed of the airplane increased to about 114 knots. Followed by a tighter 360-degree turn at 49 knots and decreasing. The track then zig zagged at an average of 30 knots until 0609 when the track terminated about 1,000 ft from the accident site.

A GPS was recovered from the accident site; however, the unit and memory card exhibited extensive impact damage and data was unable to be extracted. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 74, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: BasicMed With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: June 26, 2020
Occupational Pilot: UNK
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2395 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2395 hours (Total, this make and model)

The pilot was issued a private pilot certificate on May 26, 1969. The pilot flew the accident airplane regularly over his land and pastures; and was used to maneuvering at low altitudes. It was not abnormal for him to takeoff before sunrise, especially if he needed to get somewhere and return in the same day.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aviat 
Registration: N166WW
Model/Series: A-1B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2372
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated 
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: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: BBW, 2546 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 05:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 325°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mason City, NE (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Holyoke, CO (HEQ) 
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time: 05:55 Local
Type of Airspace:

At the time of the accident the moon was 22.97 degrees above the horizon in third quarter phase. Its illumination was 45.1% of the moon’s full potential. There were no high-altitude cloud layers. Dawn started at 0636 and sunrise was at 0704.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 41.1965,-99.4836

The airplane impacted a field perpendicular to a gully in a very rural area; the debris field was about 300 ft long. The first identified point of impact was a long narrow area of disturbed dirt with the right wingtip nearby. Next were two slash marks consistent with propeller blade slices; followed by a large area of disturbed dirt with propeller blade fragments. The main wreckage came to rest at the bottom of the gully; the last major piece of debris was the engine.

The airframe came to rest in a ball and exhibited extensive thermal damage. The fabric was completely gone and only the frame remained. Flight control continuity was mostly established throughout the airframe. The rudder controls were untraceable within the cockpit area; they were in an area of melted material. Both composite propeller blades were fracture separated at the blade root, and one blade was also fractured midspan. Both blades exhibited chordwise scratching on the face and chamber sides.

The engine was found fracture separated from the airframe; it exhibited extensive thermal damage and there were no visual signs of catastrophic anomalies. The firewall was removed, and the engine was attached to an engine hoist for further examination. The spark plugs were removed and consistent with normal operations. The fuel flow divider was disassembled, and fuel residue was present. The fuel servo remained attached, but the engine controls were fracture separated consistent with impact damage. The valve covers were removed, and the valves were unremarkable. The crankshaft was rotated by the propeller hub and continuity was established to the accessory section. Thumb compression was established on all cylinders and the valves moved accordingly. The engine was borescoped; the cylinder walls, piston heads, and valves displayed normal operating signatures. Spark was obtained on the right magneto; the left magneto was unable to be rotated and exhibited heavy thermal damage. The ignition harness was unable to be functionally tested due to damage consistent with impact.

Medical and Pathological Information

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicology on specimens from the pilot with positive results for Diltiazem and Warfarin in the liver and muscle. 

Diltiazem is a prescription blood pressure medication that may also be used to treat fast heart rates associated with atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. Warfarin is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots in patients with previous ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, or other forms of blood clots. Neither are generally considered impairing. 

======

Location: Berwyn, NE 
Accident Number: CEN21FA150
Date & Time: March 6, 2021, 06:10 Local
Registration: N166WW
Aircraft: Aviat A-1B
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 6, 2021, about 0610 central standard time, an Aviat A-1B airplane, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Berwyn, Nebraska. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. 

The purpose of the flight was to fly from the pilot’s private runway to Holyoke, Colorado, for an annual inspection. About 0555, the airplane was first observed on primary radar about 1/2 mile south of the private runway. The airplane track proceeded generally west-southwest about 87 knots. About 11 miles from the runway, it made a left turn toward the south. The track then made right 360-degree turn and the speed of the airplane increased to about 114 knots. The track then made a second, tighter, 360-degree turn at 49 knots and decreasing. The track then zig zagged generally eastbound between 20-30 knots until the track terminated at 0609.

When the airplane did not arrive at its destination, an ALNOT was issued; shortly thereafter, it was located about 1,000 ft from the last radar point. The airplane impacted a field perpendicular to a gully in a very rural area; the debris field was about 300 ft long. The first identified point of impact was a long narrow area of disturbed dirt with the right wingtip nearby. Followed by two slash marks consistent with propeller blade slices, then a large area of disturbed dirt with propeller blade fragments. The main wreckage came to rest at the bottom of a gully, and the last piece of debris was the engine. There were no witnesses to the accident.

At the time of the accident the moon was 22.97 degrees above the horizon, and at third quarter phase. Its illumination was 45.1% of the moon’s full potential. There were no high-altitude cloud layers. Dawn started at 0636 and sunrise was at 0704.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aviat 
Registration: N166WW
Model/Series: A-1B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: BBW,2546 ft msl
Observation Time: 05:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C /-2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Mason City, NE (PVT)
Destination: Holyoke, CO (HEQ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 41.1965,-99.4836 


Keith Walker
July 02, 1946 - March 06, 2021


Keith Walker age 74 of Mason City, NE passed away March 6, 2021 in rural Custer County.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 15, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow, NE with Cole Leach officiating. Burial will be in the Mason City Cemetery with Military Honors in Mason City, NE. Memorials are suggested to Ansley Fire & Rescue or Homeward Trail Bible Camp. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed for words of encouragement or remembrance at www.govierbrothers.com

Keith Allan Walker was born July 2, 1946 to Gordon and Gertrude (Eastman) Walker in Ansley, Nebraska. Keith passed away on March 6, 2021. Keith married Sara Anthony on November 25, 1977 at Custer County Courthouse in Broken Bow Nebraska. Keith and Sara have one son, Chris Walker. Keith was especially fond of his son and grandchildren, Kylee, Kolten, Kenneth, and their mother, Kursten.

Keith lived on the Walker family ranch all his life. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1964.  Keith went to Kearney State College graduating in 1969 and then was drafted into the Army shortly thereafter. Keith’s military service was deployment to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Keith was a long-time member of American Legion in Mason City, Nebraska.

Upon return from the military, Keith stayed to help his dad on the family ranch and bought a few cattle. Gradually, his involvement increased, and he devoted his life to the Walker Cattle Company. He spent most of his days creating a successful ranch while remaining a conscientious steward of the land. He truly enjoyed his time in his plane, in his pastures, and with his grandchildren. There was not a day that Keith wouldn’t work.

Keith had an adventurous nature and loved to go water and snow skiing, fishing, on hiking and camping trips in the mountains with his friends. And, he always had stories to tell about it when he got back. He liked fishing near Pierre, South Dakota and planned to spend more time there.

Keith is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sara, son Chris and his family, nephews Scot, Jon, and Kevin and niece, Patricia, all living in Colorado. He leaves behind numerous friends and business associates.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Gertrude (Eastman) Walker, and a brother.



NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska (KNOP) - The pilot of a small single-engine plane was expected in Mason City Saturday morning but was found dead among the wreckage of his plane by local responders Saturday afternoon.

74-year old Keith A. Walker of rural Mason City was the pilot and the only occupant of the small single-engine plane discovered approximately seven miles southwest of Ansley.

A press release from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office reveals the office received a report at 1:09 p.m. of an overdue plane that left the Mason City area at approximately 6:30 a.m. en route to Holyoke, Colorado.

At 4:37 p.m. a report from the Civil Air Patrol advised the Custer County Sheriff’s Office that a small single-engine plane crash was located in a pasture approximately seven miles southwest of Ansley.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Ansley Fire and Rescue, Mason City Fire and Rescue, and Broken Bow Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, the plane was discovered destroyed by the crash.

At this time, the plane crash investigation has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

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