Friday, April 30, 2021

Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, N83359: Accident occurred April 18, 2021 Wilsall, Park County, Montana

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; Helena, Montana


Location: Wilsall, MT 
Accident Number: WPR21LA163
Date & Time: April 18, 2021, 11:30 Local 
Registration: N83359
Aircraft: Piper PA-18-150 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N83359
Model/Series: PA-18-150 
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: 
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 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 4603,-1041.12 (est)

Rans S-12XL, N906CW: Incident occurred April 29, 2021 near Ukiah Municipal Airport (KUKI), Mendocino County, California

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

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances into a lake. 


Date: 29-APR-21
Time: 17:00:00Z
Regis#: N906CW
Aircraft Make: RANS
Aircraft Model: S-12XL
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: UKIAH
State: CALIFORNIA



An ultralight crashed into Lake Mendocino in Ukiah at about 10 a.m. Thursday. The pilot, male and 71, suffered only minor injuries, but the plane is submerged in 15-30 feet of water and will be recovered, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and other federal and local authorities.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, which is overseeing the investigation, said deputies responding to the scene found the pilot about 600 yards east of the south boat ramp on exposed land. The pilot had taken off from the Ukiah Municipal Airport with a destination of Potter Valley, where he lives, at about 9:50 a.m., said Mendocino County Sgt. Richard Van Baren.

About 10 minutes after takeoff, the plane began having engine trouble, which caused the plane to lose power. The pilot eventually crash-landed in the lake. He was able to escape the sinking plane and refused medical aid.

County fire officials plan a salvage dive Friday when the plane will be raised with floats, then taken to the south boat ramp, according to a report from Lake Mendocino park rangers issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The owner of the plane will use a trailer to remove the Rans S-12XL, said Wade Eakle, a Santa Rosa private pilot and ecologist with the Corps of Engineers.

“The lake has receded so far out they are going to have to figure out the logistics,” he said.

Poppy Lozoff, operations project manager with the U.S. Army Corps for Lake Mendocino, said the plane had a small, sealed fuel tank and there was no indication of fuel leakage into the water. Along with the larger Lake Sonoma, Lake Mendocino supplies drinking water to about 600,000 North Bay residents spread among three counties.

“Quite a few agencies are working together to retrieve the plane,” Lozoff said.

The FAA will investigate the crash, according to Ian Gregor, public affairs officer with the agency. The agency does not release the names of private plane pilots.

Piper PA-28-161, N271SG: Accident occurred April 29, 2021 in Okeechobee, Florida

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; Orlando, Florida

American Air Academy Inc


Location: Okeechobee, FL
Accident Number: ERA21LA213
Date & Time: April 29, 2021, 10:52 Local 
Registration: N271SG
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-161
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 29, 2021, about 1052 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N271SG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Okeechobee, Florida. The private pilot was seriously injured, and the student pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the private pilot, the purpose of the cross-country flight was for both pilots to build-up flight time. The airplane was at an altitude about 5,500 ft mean sea level (msl), when the engine began running rough. The private pilot applied carburetor heat, but the engine continued to lose power, followed by a sudden drop in rpm. He noticed a drop in fuel pressure and turned on the fuel pump, but engine power was not restored. When the airplane was about 2,000 ft msl, the student pilot assumed control of the airplane and she subsequently performed a forced landing to a field.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site, the airplane came to rest in a muddy ditch and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The airplane and engine were recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N271SG
Model/Series: PA-28-161 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot school (141)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: OBE,33 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / , 180°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Immokalee, FL (KIMM)
Destination: Merritt Island, FL (KCOI)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude:  27.240701,-80.965417 (est)




Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office
April 29, 2021

At approximately 11:02 a.m., Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office received a 911 transfer from Highlands County Sheriff's Office from a pilot who had just made an emergency crash landing somewhere thought to be in our county between SR 78 and Hwy 70 West. 

Simultaneously OCSO Communications were also receiving notifications through Federal Aviation Administration Miami and the United States Airforce Command that a small passenger plane went down near the boundaries of our county. 

After searching several areas, the aircraft was found in a cow pasture roughly 1500 feet off of SR 70 in Glades County. 

The pilot and only passenger survived the landing but were flown from the scene by trauma alert due to their injuries sustained. 

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

Beech C18S, N9109R: Incident occurred April 29, 2021 at Rosecrans Memorial Airport (KSTJ), St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Kansas City, Missouri

Aircraft gear collapsed on landing.  

Bobby Younkin Airshows and Sales Inc


Date: 29-APR-21
Time: 22:35:00Z
Regis#: N9109R
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 18
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: AIR SHOW
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: ST JOSEPH
State: MISSOURI



The Beech C18S had a malfunction with its landing gear and was only able to get one wheel down. 

The pilot balanced the plane temporarily and slid off the runway into the grass.

No fire was caused in the accident, however the fire department responded in under 60 seconds since they were aware that the controlled crash was taking place.

Military officials on the base reported the pilot was not injured.




(ST. JOSEPH, Missouri) No injuries were reported after a controlled crash at Rosecrans Memorial Airport Thursday evening.

According to airport officials, the pilot of the Beech C18S radioed the control tower that one of the landing gear was not extending and requested to make an emergency landing.

The plane touched down on the only functioning landing gear and went off the runway into the grass.

The aircraft was in St. Joseph for the Sound of Speed airshow this weekend.

Crews utilized a crane in order to remove the aircraft from the side of the runway.

Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, N15349: Fatal accident occurred April 29, 2021 near Del Norte International Airport, Nuevo León, Mexico

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Dallas International Field Office

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances.  

TRN Aviation LLC


Date: 29-APR-21
Time: 14:10:00Z
Regis#: N15349
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA32
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 6
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: MONTERREY
State: NUEVO LEON
Country: MEXICO











Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, N125RJ: Accident occurred April 29, 2021 at Corvallis Municipal Airport (KCVO), Oregon

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; Portland, Oregon

American Aircraft Brokers LLC


Location: Corvallis, OR
Accident Number: WPR21LA179
Date & Time: April 29, 2021, 17:00 Local 
Registration: N125RJ
Aircraft: Piper PA-30 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N125RJ
Model/Series: PA-30 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: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 44.496876,-123.28945 (est)

Airbus A321, N661NK: Incident occurred April 30, 2021 in Abilene, Texas

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

Aircraft encountered moderate turbulence. 

Spirit Airlines Inc


Date: 30-APR-21
Time: 04:55:00Z
Regis#: N661NK
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A321
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SPIRIT AIRLINES
Flight Number: NKS208
FAA FSDO: LUBBOCK FSDO
City: ABILENE
State: TEXAS

Cessna 150J, N5578G: Accident occurred April 28, 2021 in Madison, St. Francis County, Arkansas

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; Little Rock, Arkansas Location: Madison, AR
Accident Number: CEN21LA231
Date & Time: April 28, 2021, 12:30 Local
Registration: N5578G
Aircraft: Cessna 150J
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 28, 2021, about 1230 central daylight time, a Cessna 150J, N5578G, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Madison, Arkansas. 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, while on a local flight the engine power reduced to idle. He noted that the engine was running but he was unable to get it above idle power and was forced to land in a field. During the forced landing, the airplane’s nose landing gear sunk in the soft ground and the airplane nosed over. 

The airplane incurred substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the right wing.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N5578G
Model/Series: 150J 
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: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KUTA
Observation Time: 12:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C /20°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2600 ft AGL 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots / , 190°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Forrest City, AR (FCY)
Destination: Madison, AR

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 34.978386,-90.723025 (est)

Curtiss-Wright Travel Air 4000, N8700: Incidents occurred April 28, 2021 and March 13, 2021 at Zamperini Field Airport (KTOA), Torrance, Los Angeles County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Long Beach, California 

April 28, 2021:  Aircraft landed, ground looped and hit a taxiway sign.


Date: 28-APR-21
Time: 19:47:00Z
Regis#: N8700
Aircraft Make: CURTISS WRIGHT
Aircraft Model: TRAVEL AIR
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: TORRANCE
State: CALIFORNIA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Long Beach, California

March 13, 2021:  Aircraft landed, lost directional control damaging the wing and landing gear assembly.


Date: 13-MAR-21
Time: 19:58:00Z
Regis#: N8700
Aircraft Make: CURTISS WRIGHT
Aircraft Model: TRAVEL AIR
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: TORRANCE
State: CALIFORNIA

Beech C23 Sundowner, N6009U: Fatal accident occurred April 28, 2021 and Accident occurred September 09, 2019

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 traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida
Lycoming; Atlanta, Georgia 
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas 


Location: Middleburg, FL
Accident Number: ERA21FA194
Date & Time: April 28, 2021, 09:00 Local
Registration: N6009U
Aircraft: Beech C23 
Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 28, 2021, about 0900 eastern daylight time, a Beech C-23, N6009U, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Middleburg, Florida. The pilot, pilot-rated passenger, and one passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A witness described that around 0840, he heard what he thought was the accident airplane departing from the Spencer’s Airpark (FL13), Middleburg, Florida. Shortly thereafter he heard the sirens of first responders as they proceed toward the accident site.

The accident site was located in a heavily wooded area about 800 ft beyond the departure end of runway 27 at FL13. Multiple tree branches that displayed angular cuts were found along a path that stretched from the trees near the departure end of the runway to where the wreckage came to rest.

The fuselage came to rest upright oriented on a heading of 180 degrees magnetic. The airplane was partially consumed by a postaccident fire. The engine remained attached to the firewall through the tubular engine mount and was heavily fire damaged. The propeller remained attached to the engine crankshaft flange and the spinner and one propeller blade were embedded in the soft earth. The engine oil sump, carburetor, and the lower portion of the accessory case were consumed in the post-impact fire. The engine-driven fuel pump, the vacuum pump, and both magnetos were heavily fire-damaged. The cabin and instrument panel were also consumed by the postimpact fire. The wings sustained tree impact damage and were partially separated from the fuselage. Both wings came to rest in front of the engine and sustained significant postimpact fire damage. The right flap was separated from the wing and remained in one piece. A small fragment of the left flap was found forward of the engine. The tail sustained minimal impact damage; however, it was thermally damaged. Flight control cable continuity was established for all tail control surfaces. Aileron and flap continuity were partially established due to multiple separations that displayed signatures consistent with overload separation and postimpact fire damage. The manual flap handle ratchet plate was loose; and the position of the flaps could not be determined. The stabilator trim was found in a position that correlated to approximately 8° tab trailing edge down. 

The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

The airport was located at an elevation of 150 ft, and its single turf runway was 3,800 ft-long by 75 ft-wide and oriented in a 9/27 configuration. Runway 27 sloped downward with an elevation change between the runway ends of about 40 ft. Trees that were an estimated 70 to 80 ft tall were present beyond the departure end of runway 27.

A witness, who arrived at the airport about 30 minutes after the accident, stated that at that time the wind was coming from the east (tailwind for runway 27) at an estimated velocity of 15 knots, straight down runway 27.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N6009U
Model/Series: C23
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: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHEG,87 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /18°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 140°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 5 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Middleburg, FL
Destination: Middleburg, FL

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 30.062274,-81.974963 (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. 



MIDDLEBURG, Florida – One of the three people killed Wednesday when a small plane went down in Middleburg was a loving father and grandfather who would take the shirt off his back for anyone, his family told News4Jax on Thursday.

Carl “CJ” Powell was among the three victims who died Wednesday morning, his family said. They said he was flying with two friends the day of the crash.

Powell’s wife and daughters said Thursday described him as invincible and they still feel like he’ll walk through the door at any moment.

The family told News4Jax they don’t know much about the crash but they will cherish the loving person they lost.

Powell, who was 76, owned the Beech C23 Sundowner,  had flown planes for many years, but the family said a second person aboard also knew how to fly, so it’s unclear who was at the controls when the plane went down.

In a statement about the crash, the FAA said the plane crashed about 9 a.m. Wednesday in a wooded area off Violet Way shortly after departure from Spencer’s Airpark.

All three people aboard died at the scene, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that afternoon.

The crash is being investigated by the NTSB, which said a preliminary report can take up to 12 days and up to two years for a full investigation.

Powell’s family described him as a wonderful father and grandfather who would always check with each member of the family to make sure they were OK. His daughter says he was adventurous and would go skiing, boating and sky diving.

Powell’s wife says he retired from the Jacksonville Police Office reserve, flew helicopters and loved working with Pilots and Paws, a nonprofit that coordinates volunteer pilots and plane owners willing to assist with transporting animals being rescued, sheltered or adopted.

They said Powell died doing something he loved.

“It would initially appear the airplane in the process of taking off either didn’t get airborne or did not achieve enough height to clear the trees at the end of the runway,” aviation expert Ed Booth told News4Jax on Wednesday.

Booth said it appears this plane was flying without logging a flight plan first, which FHP confirmed, which is not unusual for flights of small planes making local flights.

“You are taught that when you’re operating off of grass it takes longer to accelerate primarily. You have to use some care on a soft surface like that. But this is a long enough runway for any properly loaded aircraft,” Booth said.

Booth said the plane was flying around 10 miles southwest of Cecil Field and could have requested guidance from the tower there. He also wonders whether there was too much weight in the small plane for takeoff.

“They will look at the airplane loading. Three people and some baggage can exceed the weight limits of many 4 passenger airplanes,” Booth said.

Firefighters contained a small brush fire at the crash scene at 9:22 a.m.




MIDDLEBURG, Florida — Family members of one of the three people killed in a small plane crash in Clay County Wednesday have identified the victims to First Coast News.

Amanda Gordon said her father, Carl "CJ" Powell, died in the crash. He had 20 years of experience flying planes, she said.

Powell's friends, Jeff Thomas and another woman, were the other two victims in the crash, Gordon said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Beech C23 Sundowner crashed into a heavily wooded area shortly after taking off around 9 a.m. under unknown circumstances. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

Gordon said her father was an adventurous person who liked to run and go skydiving. He enjoyed spending time on his boat and flying his plane. Powell called the plane "Miss Anne," and his wife, Billie Powell, joked that it was his girlfriend.

CJ Powell's family said he built their brick house from scratch in a year.

Powell volunteered as an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office as well as with the nonprofit animal rescue organization Pilots N Paws. 

Gordon shared several photos of her father along with his wife and three grandsons, as well as a photo of his plane, with First Coast News. Scroll down to view a gallery of the photos.

“He was really a nice neighbor," Charles Watson said. “Anytime I was out and about and he was out and about, he was friendly and always willing to converse with you.”

Charles Watson lives across the street from the Powell's.

“It’s nothing but sadness. I feel for the family. I hope he was right with God, and he’s alright, but the family’s going to miss him, and it’s going to be a sad time for a long time," Watson said.

 
September 09, 2019
View of damage to the left wing.




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Keystone Heights, FL
Accident Number: GAA19CA585
Date & Time: 09/09/2019, 0900 EDT
Registration: N6009U
Aircraft: Beech 23
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, after landing on runway 11, he realized runway 5/23 was being used as a taxiway so he back taxied onto runway 23. He saw another airplane taxiing toward him and made several CTAF transmissions to the pilot but received no response. Not knowing the taxiing airplane's intentions, he maneuvered his airplane to the left side of runway 5, and the left wing struck a construction sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a construction sign during taxi operations.

Findings

Environmental issues Sign/marker - Effect on equipment
Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi Miscellaneous/other (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 75, 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: BasicMed With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/05/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/05/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 820.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 518 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration:N6009U 
Model/Series: 23 C23
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:1978 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: M-2088
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/01/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2450 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3320 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360
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: K42J, 197 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1335 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 303°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  9 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 11000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Middleburg, FL (FL13)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Keystone Heights, FL (42J)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0840 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Keystone Airpark (42J)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 196 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 05
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5046 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 29.844722, -82.047500 (est)

Zenair STOL CH-701, N959CW: Incident occurred April 28, 2021 in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana

Aircraft experienced control issues and landed in a field. 


Date: 28-APR-21
Time: 20:45:00Z
Regis#: N959CW
Aircraft Make: ZENITH AIRCRAFT
Aircraft Model: CH701
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: KALISPELL
State: MONTANA

Stinson 108-1 Voyager, N9176K: Incident occurred April 28, 2021 in Drummond, Granite County, Montana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana

Aircraft experienced engine issues and landed in a field. 


Date: 28-APR-21
Time: 22:47:00Z
Regis#: N9176K
Aircraft Make: STINSON
Aircraft Model: 108
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: DRUMMOND
State: MONTANA

Mooney M20C Ranger, N6448U: Accident occurred April 28, 2021 near Warwick Municipal Airport (N72), Orange County, New York

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; Saddlebrook, New Jersey 

Location: Warwick, NY 
Accident Number: ERA21LA199
Date & Time: April 29, 2021, 12:17 Local 
Registration: N6448U
Aircraft: Mooney M20C 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mooney 
Registration: N6448U
Model/Series: M20C
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: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMGJ,365 ft msl
Observation Time: 11:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C /11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.82 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Warwick, NY (N72)
Destination: Warwick, NY

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 41.278003,-74.294983 



On Friday, June 11, employees from Holly Tree Service removed the wing of an airplane that had been stuck in a tree at Wickham Woodlands since April 28 when a small airplane crashed shortly after taking off from the Warwick Municipal Airport. The pilot, Andrew Bender, of Greenwood Lake, was not injured in the crash.




WARWICK, New York — A pilot was injured when his small plane crashed near Wickham Lake on Wednesday.

The Mooney M20C Ranger went down in Warwick at 12:14 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

Warwick police Lt. John Rader said the crash took place at Wickham Woodlands Park, which is on State School Road along the banks of Wickham Lake. It is about two miles away from Warwick Municipal Airport.

The pilot was the only person on board, he said. The man was conscious when he was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, Rader said.

The Warwick Fire Department said in a Facebook post that the pilot got out of the plane on his own and that he had minor injuries.

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash. The FAA said it is investigating, along with the National Transportation Safety Board.






WARWICK, New York (CBSNewYork) — A small plane crashed Wednesday in Warwick, New York.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Mooney M20C Ranger went down shortly before 12:15 p.m. near the intersection of State School Road and Kings Highway.

The FAA said only the pilot was on board. It’s unclear if anyone was injured.

Bell 429 GlobalRanger, N53DE: Fatal accident occurred April 28, 2021 in Eden, Rockingham County, North Carolina

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.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina
Transportation Safety Board of Canada; Gatineau
Pratt & Whitney Canada
Bell Flight Safety; Ft Worth, Texas
Duke Energy Aviation; Charlotte, NC

Duke Energy Business Services LLC


Location: Eden, NC 
Accident Number: ERA21FA195
Date & Time: April 28, 2021, 13:24 Local 
Registration: N53DE
Aircraft: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA 429 
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

On April 28, 2021, about 1324 eastern standard time, a Bell 429 helicopter, N53DE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Eden, North Carolina. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and two passengers were seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 powerline patrol.

Preliminary Federal Aviation Administration Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS–B) data indicated the helicopter departed the steam station patrolling the transmission powerlines to the north, then returned on the west side of the powerlines heading south. As the helicopter approached the intersection of the north/south and east/west powerlines the pilot began to reverse course by turning to the right. As the helicopter turned right, witnesses reported hearing a “pop” followed by the helicopter descending until it impacted a tree.

A lineman onboard the helicopter seated in the forward left seat recalled that the pilot was reversing course and the helicopter was in a banking turn to the right, when he heard a very loud noise, “almost cannon like, very deep, within a second or two we were heading into the trees.”

The accident flight was witnessed by bystanders located near the steam station. One witness driving west bound observed the helicopter cross the road heading south bound flying low over the trees along the powerlines. The helicopter made a right turn before it disappeared behind trees. Two other witnesses observed the helicopter flying from east to west over the trees before making a steep left turn. The witnesses stated they could see the underside of the helicopter and skids before it “slid at an angle downward and disappeared into the woods.”

The helicopter came to rest on the right side of the fuselage about 393 ft from the powerlines, at an elevation of about 570 ft. All major components of the helicopter were accounted for at the accident site.

The debris path was about 183 ft long on a 245° heading. Flight control continuity was not confirmed due to a postcrash fire that consumed the cockpit of the helicopter. Remnant carbon fiber layup was present in the area of the upper cowlings, fuselage skin, and doors. The cockpit, cabin floor, and the transmission and engine deck were present but sustained heavy thermal damage. The avionics and wiring were strewn outside the nose section, with pieces of wood branches embedded within the wiring.

The main rotor hub remained attached to the main rotor mast. The two yoke assemblies remained installed with the mast nut intact. The main rotor blades remained installed to their respective grips via blade pins. All blade attachment hardware was present and secured. All four blade tips exhibited impact damage and their spars exhibited a broomstrawed appearance. Three separated leading edge pieces near the tip end, including the tip cap lap joint, were found in the debris field (surrounding the main wreckage). All four main rotor blade pitch horns remained intact, and all four pitch change links were connected to their respective pitch horns and the rotating swashplate. The main rotor gearbox was partially separated from the airframe due to impact and thermal damage.

The tail rotor was hanging to one side of the gearbox due to fracturing of the output shaft and bending of the pitch control rod. The two tail rotor yokes remained installed on the tail rotor output shaft and were whole. The tail rotor blades remained installed on the yokes. Each blade’s entire span was present. The yaw hydraulic actuator remained attached to both the airframe and its control bellcrank within the tailboom. The control tube (aft of the yaw hydraulic actuator) was fractured in multiple locations. The forward tail rotor drive shaft assembly was continuous to the cooler fan shaft. The cooler fan remained attached to the airframe but was crushed from impact. The tail rotor drive train was fractured in multiple locations aft of the cooler fan.

The helicopter was configured with only the pilot flight controls installed in the right cockpit seat.

Various thermally degraded control clevis connections and bellcranks were found in the main wreckage site, but the majority of the cockpit flight control system was consumed by the postcrash fire.

The left and right hydraulic pumps were found separated from the main gearbox and were thermally damaged.

The helicopter was equipped with two Pratt and Whitney PW207D1 engines, both of which remained installed on the engine deck.

The engine data monitors, electronic engine controls and health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) units were recovered and retained for data download.

The helicopter wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA
Registration: N53DE
Model/Series: 429 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
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: SIF,693 ft msl
Observation Time: 13:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /15°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 220°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Danville, NC (DAN)
Destination: Burlington, NC (BUY)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 2 Serious
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 36.497132,-79.718455 (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.

Shane 'Cookie' Keebler 


Shane said good bye to his wife Joni, his sons Mason and Reese, for the final time on Wednesday Morning,  April 28th, 2021.  Shane was fatally injured after the helicopter he was piloting crashed while conducting aerial power line inspections.  His family; Joni, Mason, and Reese were his life and their happiness and security was paramount to him.  To help lift them up and provide the needed financial support during this dark time, we started this support page.  Your generous gift will provide financial security for the day to day expenses for Joni and her two sons.

Prior to his early departure for Heaven, Shane spent over 21 years in the United States Military.  Enlisting first in the United States Navy, serving 9 years as a Navy Diver.  He transitioned over to the United States Army where he learned the skill of flying helicopters.  He brought that skill to Duke Energy in 2016 and was responsible for “Keeping the Lights On” year after year as well as quick response flights in support of Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Michael, and Hurricane Dorian, just to name a few.  Though he had thousands of flight hours and held the highest level of FAA qualifications, one would never know.  His humility was one of the many great traits Shane held dear.  

As outstanding a pilot as he was, he was a far better man. A family man first, he would always lead conversations with his wife and boys, how they were, and what they were up to. He was a ‘give the shirt off his back’ type guy.  The type of guy that showed up early, stayed late if it meant he could help the family, his friends, and the crew.   He was kind beyond measure, extending courtesies no matter how tired he may have been.   He was understanding and empathetic no matter the circumstances.  He found the good in everyone and went out of his way to tell you what your strengths were.  He was direct and to the point.  One might say "Shane kept it real".
-Fair Winds and Following Seas Shane-

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.




EDEN, North Carolina — Duke Energy officials identified Shane Keebler as the pilot killed in the helicopter crash in Eden on Wednesday. Officials said two other passengers were injured in the crash. 

Duke Energy released the following statement on Keebler's death: 

“Our hearts are broken by the loss of our teammate, Shane,” said Donna Council, Duke Energy senior vice president of administrative services. “This tragic event is deeply saddening for us, particularly for his team who flew alongside him day in and day out. We are keeping Shane’s family, friends, co-workers and community in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, as well as his teammates and their families while they recover.”

The Duke Energy helicopter crashed after 1 p.m. near the Duke Energy plant and off South Edgewood Drive. 

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Bell 429 helicopter crashed while the pilot was conducting power line work near Rosewood Lane. There were three people on board, the FAA said. The helicopter and crew were employed by Duke Energy and were surveying power lines at the time of the crash.

Two passengers escaped the flames and the crash wreckage. One man was transported to UNC-Rockingham hospital and the other airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist Health Care. Emergency services said the two men were able to communicate and were conscious. 

The FAA and NTSB were at the scene of the wreckage on Thursday to begin investigating what caused the crash. A preliminary report could come out in a couple of weeks, but a full report could take several months or a full year. 

Emergency crews said the crash resulted in a fire in a wooded area. There was a heavy fuel load and crews worked to extinguish the fire. Emergency responders located the pilot who was found dead after extinguishing the fire at the crash site.

Initial reports were that the helicopter crashed into a house but those reports were not confirmed, according to Rockingham County Emergency Services. They also said, the entire crash site was located in the woods and no residences were impacted. No power outages occurred as a result of the crash.

The FAA will be joined by the National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday as they help to investigate and remove the wreckage. 

"The FAA will release the tail number of the aircraft after investigators verify it at the accident site. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates. Neither agency identifies people involved in aircraft accidents," the agency said in a news release. 

An environmental cleaning agency will assist with any environmental impacts from the crash.

Duke Energy released the following earlier Wednesday afternoon:

Shortly after 1 p.m. today, we received word of an incident near the Dan River Combined Cycle Station involving a Duke Energy helicopter. We are currently investigating the incident and are working with local emergency management officials. We will provide additional information as appropriate.

Multiple agencies helped in the response including Rockingham County EMS, Eden Rescue Squad, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Eden Fire, Draper Fire, Leaksville Fire, Shiloh Fire who responded with fire suppression foam, Virginia Air Life, Wake Forest Air Care, Eden Police, NCSHP, Rockingham County Emergency Management, Rockingham County Fire Marshal’s Office, NC Emergency Management and the FAA.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.