Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Man Arrested and Charged for Attempted Theft of Airplane at Hilo International Airport (PHTO)

Gabriel Arjona Molina


Hawai‘i Police Department
Criminal Investigations Division – Area I
Captain Reed K. Mahuna
Phone: (808) 961-2251
Report No.: 21-11270

Media Release

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 24-year-old Gabriel Arjona-Molina of Venezuela with attempted theft and other related offenses after he attempted to take an aircraft from the Hilo International Airport.

On Friday August 27, 2021, around 1:30 p.m., a South Hilo patrol officer was flagged down by a witness who stated that a vehicle crashed through the fence at the Hilo International Airport. The vehicle driver then parked next to a fixed-winged single engine aircraft, exited the vehicle, and attempted to manually spin the aircraft’s propeller. 

The suspect, later identified as Arjona-Molina, then approached a Beechcraft King Air C90A aircraft parked on the ramp. He gained access to the aircraft via the pull-down hatch and entered the cockpit where he was able to start both engines before exiting the plane. Officers arrested him at the scene shortly thereafter and transported him to the Hilo police station. 

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation and the suspect was subsequently charged with attempted theft in the first degree, criminal property damage in the first degree, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, and criminal trespassing in the first degree. Arjona-Molina’s bail was set at $37,000. The value of the King Air C90A is approximately $1,500,000.

Arjona-Molina is a Venezuelan national who has been on Hawai‘i Island for approximately two months.

Arjona-Molina’s initial court appearance was today where his bail was maintained and he is currently being held at Hawaii Community Correctional Facility. 

United Jets With Engines in Denver Incident May Not Fly Until Next Year

Federal regulators are weighing additional safeguards for some of the airline’s Boeing 777s after a February engine incident over Colorado



The Wall Street Journal 
By Andrew Tangel
August 30, 2021 5:30 am ET


Dozens of United Airlines Holdings Inc. jets like the one that lost an engine cover over Colorado in February aren’t expected to fly until early next year, as federal regulators weigh additional safeguards, people briefed on the matter said.

United had hoped to resume flying the wide-body jets this summer. Returning the planes to service has taken longer than expected as federal regulators consider potential new requirements for certain Boeing Co. 777 jets powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, before they again carry passengers, these people said. United has 52 such jets in its fleet.

U.S. air-safety regulators are considering an additional type of engine-blade inspection and a proposed Boeing modification aimed at preventing engine covers from ripping off should an engine fan blade break during flight, these people said.

The Federal Aviation Administration hasn’t yet determined what additional safeguards it might require before the aircraft return to service. An agency spokeswoman declined to comment on any proposals, saying the agency’s work was continuing. The FAA could make a decision in coming weeks, according to people familiar with the agency’s deliberations.

The United 777 incident in February occurred shortly after takeoff from Denver. Investigators determined a fan blade in one of the plane’s two engines fractured, leading the engine’s cover to rip off midair and rain down parts on the ground below.

No one was injured, and the Hawaii-bound flight returned safely to the Denver airport. It was the third such incident in recent years and prompted the FAA to effectively ground United’s Pratt & Whitney-powered 777 jets until the planes’ engine fan blades could undergo immediate inspections for potential cracks. United had two dozen of the planes in service at the time; the rest were in storage because of the pandemic’s travel slump.

As air traffic picked up along with Covid-19 vaccinations, United had hoped to resume flying the jets this summer. In July, the airline estimated the planes’ grounding would in part contribute to a 6-percentage-point increase in nonfuel costs in the third quarter.

The unavailable planes have limited potential service to Hawaii and between major hubs, Andrew Nocella, United’s chief commercial officer, said in July. The situation has also hindered United’s ability to fly cargo-only flights as it has needed its in-service fleet to meet increasing passenger demand. “We just have less flexibility on this front,” he said.

In addition to mandating immediate inspections, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson has told U.S. lawmakers the agency would require the plane and engine makers to strengthen the engine covers.

A Boeing spokeswoman said the plane maker was working closely with the FAA, the engine maker and its customers to safely return the 777s to service. She said the company is completing design changes, which require FAA approval.

As Boeing has been developing a fix for engine covers, United has been working with Pratt & Whitney on an additional way to inspect engines’ blades using ultrasonic technology, said people familiar with the proposed method. Pratt & Whitney is a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp.

United has found the method to be highly accurate and able to be used frequently, some of these people said. The airline has been setting up stations for the additional inspections at certain locations, including at San Francisco’s airport.

In Memoriam: Robert Frum

Robert C. Frum
November 22, 1932 - August 29, 2021
~


Robert Frum, 88, of Vienna, West Virginia, passed away Sunday, August 29, 2021. He was born in Williamstown, West Virginia, to the late Carl and Mary Frum. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his wife, Ginny, his brother, Bill, and sisters and brothers-in-law Betsy & Wade and Barbara & Tom. He is survived by his children, R.B. (Hope), Stacie and Sallie (Finbarr); his grandsons, Oliver (Hilary) and Casey; his great granddaughters, Piper and Saroya, as well as his sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Jeanne and Jennifer and dear friend, Thelma. He loved and enjoyed each of his nephews and nieces.

Bob honorably served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and from that experience began a lifelong love of flying. He was a private pilot, natural athlete, accidental gardener and could fix anything - never encountering an obstacle he could not figure out. He loved trucks and antique Oldsmobiles, motorcycles, music, pizza, pie and cherry nut ice cream and the many friends he had over the course of a long and full life. His goal in life was to get a smile out of everyone he encountered. His love of helping others endured to the very end.

We are grateful for the kind and compassionate care Dad received from the Arbors, Marietta Home Health & Hospice, The Wyngate, Marietta Memorial Hospital and Comfort Keepers.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will be observed with private burial to be in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wood County Senior Citizens (914 Market St, Ste 106, Parkersburg, WV 26101) or Marietta Home Health & Hospice (450 Pike St, Ste 11, Marietta OH 45750) or the Williamstown Fire Department (411 W 5th St, Williamstown, WV 26187).

You are forever loved and forever missed.

Online condolences may be made at www.hadleyfh.com.

Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, N7677C: Fatal accident occurred July 25, 2020 in West Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah

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; Salt Lake City, Utah 

Living Evergreen LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N7677C

Location: West Jordan, UT
Accident Number: WPR20LA238
Date & Time: 07/25/2020, 1345 MDT
Registration: N7677C
Aircraft: Piper PA32R
Injuries: 4 Fatal, 2 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On July 25, 2020, about 1345 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300R, N7677C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near West Jordan, Utah. The pilot, two passengers, and one person on the ground received fatal injuries, two passengers received serious injuries, one passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.


A South Valley Regional Airport (U42) security camera recorded the accident airplane takeoff from runway 16, a 5862 ft long and 100 wide runway. The airplane appeared to become airborne abeam taxiway K2, about 3700 feet from the beginning of runway 16. See figure 1. The airplane remained in a shallow climb until the airplane was no longer visible in the security video. About 75 seconds after lifting off, a large plume of black smoke was visible in the distance south east. Figure 2 shows N7677C as it lifts off near taxiway K2.

Multiple witnesses reported they observed the airplane at a very low altitude, banking or "teetering" before it descended to the ground. Numerous first responders reported hearing a loud explosion followed by observing a house, garage and wreckage of the airplane engulfed in flames.

Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest in the backyard of a residential home about 1.5 miles southeast of U42. The fuselage came to rest on its left side, and all major structural components of the airplane were found within 40 ft of the main wreckage. A post-impact fire consumed portions of both wings and forward portion of the fuselage.


The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.


Figure 1. Overhead view of U42, showing distance of runway used during the takeoff.

Figure 2. View of N7677C as it lifts off abeam taxiway K2.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Piper

Registration: N7677C
Model/Series: PA32R 300
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
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: U42, 4606 ft msl
Observation Time: MDT
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 150°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: West Jordan, UT (U42)
Destination: Page, AZ (PGA)

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal

Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal, 2 Serious, 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Fatal, 2 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.618333, -111.988889 (est)

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email witness@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290.

Lee & Coral Wyckoff


Mary Quintana


Attorneys for a teenage girl who survived a 2020 plane crash in West Jordan — which killed her mother, the pilot, his infant child, and a woman whose house was hit — have filed a lawsuit saying the aircraft shouldn’t have taken off that day.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in 3rd District Court, alleges the plane was either overweight, overloaded or the pilot, Lee Wyckoff, didn’t consider or properly calculate the elevation and temperature, or otherwise flew the plane when conditions were unsafe.

Wyckoff, his 9-month-old daughter Coral, and passenger Milda Shibonis all died when the plane crashed into a home in West Jordan on July 25, 2020. The homeowner, 72-year-old Mary Quintana, also died after a few days in the hospital. She was outside on her porch when the aircraft crashed.

Shibonis’ daughter, Veda Sheperd, then 12, survived. Rebecca Wyckoff, the pilot’s wife and the baby’s mother, also survived. So did their then-2-year-old son Cody.

The National Transportation and Safety Board hasn’t yet concluded its investigation into the crash. A preliminary report states the plane crashed a little more than a minute after takeoff. The board hasn’t issued a final report.

Witnesses told investigators the plane was flying “very low” and teetered or banked before it crashed.

The report states that Wyckoff had filed an instrumental flight rules plan, used when weather doesn’t allow for the pilot to navigate with visual cues.

FOX 13 reported that Wyckoff had received an instrument flight rules certification less than two weeks before the flight.

Edward Havas, an attorney for the teen’s representative, said Shibonis and her daughter knew Wyckoff and were flying with him to sightsee.

Havas said that while the transportation and safety board hasn’t yet determined the plane crashed because of “density altitude” issues, the allegations in the lawsuit “are inferences based on several factors,” including the temperature and airport elevation, the number of people aboard, and that the plane crashed so soon after takeoff.

Density altitude is a calculation that pilots use to determine how high or low temperatures, elevation and humidity could impact how the plane flies. A higher density altitude decreases a plane’s performance, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Hot, high, and humid weather conditions can cause a routine takeoff or landing to become an accident in less time than it takes to tell about it,” the FAA said.

Wyckoff lived in Virginia, according to his obituary, but grew to love Utah after working here as the state’s first inspector general.

The Tribune was unable to contact the named defendants, Wyckoff’s business Living Evergreen LLC, and his wife, Rebecca, because their attorney information wasn’t listed in court records.

The wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit is seeking more than $300,000 in damages.



KUTV obtained a photograph from a flight school in North Carolina that was posted on July 17, 2020 showing Wyckoff standing next to the Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, N7677C.

Robinson R44 II, N779DZ: Accident occurred August 30, 2021 in Pelican, Alaska

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; Juneau, Alaska 
Location: Pelican, AK
Accident Number: ANC21LA080
Date & Time: August 30, 2021, 17:30 Local
Registration: N779DZ
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Positioning

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N779DZ
Model/Series: R44 II
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133), On-demand air taxi (135)
Operator Designator Code: 1TQC

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAEL,20 ft msl
Observation Time: 16:51 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 270°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1000 ft AGL
Visibility: 20 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

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: 58.0903,-136.41332 

Robinson R44 II, N878CB: Accidents occurred August 30, 2021 and July 10, 2020

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; Juneau, Alaska

Helicopter Air Alaska LLC


Location: Pelican, AK 
Accident Number: ANC21LA079
Date & Time: August 30, 2021, 13:15 Local
Registration: N878CB
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 133: Rotorcraft ext. load

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N878CB
Model/Series: R44 II 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133), On-demand air taxi (135)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAEL,20 ft msl
Observation Time: 12:45 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /10°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 20 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Pelican, AK 
Destination: Pelican, AK

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: 58.0903,-136.41332

July 10, 2020
July 10, 2020




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; Juneau, Alaska

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Helicopter Air Alaska LLC


Location: Ketchikan, AK 
Accident Number: ANC20CA068
Date & Time: July 10, 2020
Registration: N878CB
Aircraft: Robinson R44
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Robinson
Registration: N878CB
Model/Series: R44 II 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held:
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAKT, 80 ft msl 
Observation Time: 18:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 26 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1800 ft AGL 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / , 140°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2300 ft AG
L Visibility: 5 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Neets Bay, AK
Destination: Ketchikan, AK

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries:
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: N/A 
Latitude, Longitude: 55.766944,-131.416946 (est)

Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, N2579M: Accident occurred August 27, 2021 in Nikolai, Alaska

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; Anchorage, Alaska


Location: Nikolai, AK
Accident Number: ANC21LA077
Date & Time: August 27, 2021, 19:30 Local 
Registration: N2579M
Aircraft: Piper PA-12
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N2579M
Model/Series: PA-12
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
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: PAFS,414 ft msl 
Observation Time: 19:01 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 52 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C /-1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 4900 ft AGL 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 300°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 6500 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Nikolai, AK
Destination: Nikolai, AK

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: 63.01,-152.48 (est)

Aero Commander 500-B, N501TC: Incident occurred August 29, 2021 at Columbia Airport (O22), Tuolumne County, California

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

Aircraft landing gear collapsed while taxiing. 

View From Above Inc


Date: 29-AUG-21
Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N501TC
Aircraft Make: AERO COMMANDER
Aircraft Model: 500
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: COLUMBIA
State: CALIFORNIA

Collision During Landing: Piper PA-24 Comanche 400, N8501P; accident occurred August 30, 2021 at Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL), Orange County, California








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; Long Beach, California

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


Location: Fullerton, California
Accident Number: WPR21LA343
Date and Time: August 30, 2021, 13:40 Local 
Registration: N8501P
Aircraft: Piper PA-24-400 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land 
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while accomplishing a straight in approach to land, he was slowing the airplane down, and was not paying attention to an obstacle ahead when he extended the landing gear and flaps at the last moment. The airplane subsequently struck the airport perimeter fence and then collided with terrain before coming to rest on the runway. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to monitor the environment and maintain a proper glidepath on approach which, resulted in a collision with the airport perimeter fence.

Findings

Aircraft Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Fence/fence post - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 90, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 12, 2020
Occupational Pilot: 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 28, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 3834 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2805 hours (Total, this make and model), 3733 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Other flight crew Information

Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Unmanned (sUAS)
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): 
Airplane Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): 
Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Unknown 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: UNK
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N8501P
Model/Series: PA-24-400
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1964 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 26-81
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 11, 2021 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3653 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-720
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 400 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: KFUL,96 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 12:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 91°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 7000 ft AGL
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.78 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chino, CA (CNO)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fullerton, CA 
Type of Clearance: VFR;Traffic advisory; VFR flight following
Departure Time: 12:30 Local 
Type of Airspace: Air traffic control; Class B;Class C

Airport Information

Airport: FULLERTON MUNI FUL
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 96 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 06/24
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3121 ft / 75 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.872014,-117.97978 (est)




A plane struck a chain-link fence while attempting to land at Fullerton Municipal Airport Monday afternoon, August 30, sending the two people aboard to the hospital.

A pilot and one passenger were aboard the Piper PA-24 Comanche 400 that came to rest on its belly on the runway at about 1:55 p.m., said Brendan O’Reilly, the airport manager. They were able to communicate with paramedics.

“It looks like they just came in too low on approach and hit the perimeter fence around the airport,” O’Reilly said.

Part of the aircraft landing gear was left detached, several feet away from the rest of the aircraft. Two blades on the propeller were bent and the plane’s front end partially crushed.

The crash resulted in the closure of the airport’s runway, O’Reilly said, projecting that it would take several hours before it could reopen.



Airbus A320: Incident occurred August 30, 2021 at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles, California

Aircraft at gate, jet bridge operator was attempting to move the jet bridge away from the aircraft and struck the #1 engine. 

Date: 31-AUG-21
Time: 03:01:00Z
Regis#: VIR024
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A320
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: STANDING (STD)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Flight Number: VIR024
City: LOS ANGELES
State: CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-28-161 Warrior, N864LM: Accident occurred August 30, 2021 in Grant-Valkaria, Brevard County, 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

Growl Aircraft Inc


Location: Grant-Valkaria, Florida
Accident Number: ERA21LA349
Date and Time: August 30, 2021, 08:19 Local 
Registration: N864LM
Aircraft: PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-161
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 30, 2021, about 0819 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N864ZLM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Grant-Valkaria, Florida. The private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the preflight, departure, and climb phases of flight were normal and uneventful. She leveled off at 7,500 feet and began to lean the mixture. While leaning, the engine rpm dropped below 1,000. She responded by increasing the mixture to full rich and applying full throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The airplane began to lose altitude rapidly and she tried to restart the engine to no avail. She declared an emergency and air traffic control provided radar vectors to Valkaria Airport (X59), Valkaria, Florida. Unable to make the airport, she force-landed the airplane in a farm field. The airplane collided with a fence and a ditch before coming to a stop. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane and were met by first responders.

Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. Both wings and the fuselage received substantial damage. There was no fire. The right wing fuel tank contained about 17-18 gallons of fuel and the left tank was empty; however, the left tank was compromised by impact forces.

The wreckage was recovered to an aircraft salvage facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER AIRCRAFT INC
Registration: N864LM
Model/Series: PA-28-161 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
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: MLB,27 ft msl 
Observation Time: 08:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /24°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Merritt Island, FL (COI)
Destination: Marco Island, FL (MKY)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 27.93975,-80.860111 (est)

Piper PA-23-250 Aztec, N6011Y: Incident occurred August 30, 2021 at Treasure Coast Airpark (FL37), Port St. Lucie, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida

Aircraft landed gear up. 

TAB Associates Inc doing business as Island Tyme 


Date: 30-AUG-21
Time: 22:15:00Z
Regis#: N6011Y
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA23
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: PORT ST LUCIE
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 150M, N6188K: Incident occurred August 30, 2021 in Hollis, Harmon County, Oklahoma

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Aircraft made an emergency landing in a field. 


Date: 30-AUG-21
Time: 19:34:00Z
Regis#: N6188K
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 150
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: HOLLIS
State: OKLAHOMA

Piper PA-28-181, N164G: Incident occurred August 30, 2021 in Dallas, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

Aircraft struck a bird on landing and post flight inspection revealed damage to leading edge of right wing. 

ATP Aircraft 9 LLC


Date: 30-AUG-21
Time: 16:35:00Z
Regis#: N164G
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: DALLAS
State: TEXAS

Monday, August 30, 2021

Maule MXT-7-180, N32566: Accident occurred August 28, 2021 at Troy Municipal Airport (KTOI), Pike County, Alabama

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; Vestavia Hills, Alabama


Location: Troy, AL
Accident Number: ERA21LA345
Date & Time: August 28, 2021, 13:05 Local
Registration: N32566
Aircraft: Maule MXT-7-180
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Maule
Registration: N32566
Model/Series: MXT-7-180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: TOI,397 ft msl 
Observation Time: 13:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C /22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3400 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 31.867336,-85.969651 (est)

Grumman G-44A Widgeon, N86609: Incident occurred August 26, 2021 in Columbiana, Shelby County, Alabama

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Alabama and NW Florida

Aircraft landing on Lay Lake and struck an unknown object damaging left horizontal stabilizer. 

WaterWings Seaplanes LLC


Date: 26-AUG-21
Time: 16:30:00Z
Regis#: N86609
Aircraft Make: GRUMMAN
Aircraft Model: G44
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: COLUMBIANA
State: ALABAMA

Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, N82064: Accident occurred August 28, 2021 in Kenai, Alaska

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; Anchorage, Alaska

Location: Kenai, AK
Accident Number: ANC21LA076
Date & Time: August 28, 2021, 15:40 Local 
Registration: N82064
Aircraft: Piper PA-18-150
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N82064
Model/Series: PA-18-150 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
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: PAEN,92 ft msl 
Observation Time: 15:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 23 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 280°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

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: 60.77425,-151.89859

Steen Skybolt, N24SB: Incident occurred August 28, 2021 in Surprise, Maricopa County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Aircraft experienced engine issues and landed on a road. 


Date: 28-AUG-21
Time: 14:00:00Z
Regis#: N24SB
Aircraft Make: STEEN AERO LAB
Aircraft Model: SKYBOLT
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: SURPRISE
State: ARIZONA

Robinson R44 Raven II, N544SH: Accident occurred August 28, 2021 in Camp Verde, Yavapai County, Arizona

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; Scottsdale, Arizona

Yavapai County


Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Accident Number: WPR21LA341
Date and Time: August 27, 2021, 18:30 Local 
Registration: N544SH
Aircraft: Robinson R44 
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Public aircraft - local

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Robinson
Registration: N544SH
Model/Series: R44
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Unknown
Passenger Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 34.296111,-111.79194 (est)

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N881LA: Incident occurred August 28, 2021 at Scottsdale Airport (KSDL), Maricopa County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Aircraft landed and veered off runway striking lights. 

Panther Leasing LLC


Date: 28-AUG-21
Time: 18:30:00Z
Regis#: N881LA
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SCOTTSDALE
State: ARIZONA

Piper PA-28-235, N9242W: Incident occurred August 29, 2021 at Tucson International Airport (KTUS), Pima County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Aircraft propeller struck a fire hydrant. 


Date: 29-AUG-21
Time: 14:30:00Z
Regis#: N9242W
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: TUCSON
State: ARIZONA

Rockwell 114 Commander, N4847W: Incident occurred August 29, 2021 at Buchanan Field Airport (KCCR), Concord, Contra Costa County, California

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

Aircraft shortly after takeoff roll, aborted the takeoff due to engine cowling being loose. 


Date: 29-AUG-21
Time: 22:56:00Z
Regis#: N4847W
Aircraft Make: ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL
Aircraft Model: 114
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: CONCORD
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 400 Corvalis TT, N522LG: Accident occurred August 27, 2021 at Granby-Grand County Airport (KGNB), Colorado

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; Denver, Colorado


Location: Granby, Colorado
Accident Number: CEN21LA449
Date and Time: August 27, 2021, 13:39 Local 
Registration: N522LG
Aircraft: COLUMBIA AIRCRAFT MFG LC41-550FG 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: COLUMBIA AIRCRAFT MFG 
Registration: N522LG
Model/Series: LC41-550FG 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Dawn
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGNB,8203 ft msl
Observation Time: 13:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 8500 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots / 17 knots, 260°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.26 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: 
Destination:

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: 40.089829,-105.91598 

Luscombe 8A, N675GD: Incident occurred August 29, 2021 in Monticello, Jasper County, Georgia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

Aircraft crashed in a field for unknown reasons. 


Date: 29-AUG-21
Time: 21:17:00Z
Regis#: N675GD
Aircraft Make: LUSCOMBE
Aircraft Model: 8A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: MONTICELLO
State: GEORGIA

Robinson R22 Beta, N827SH: Accident occurred August 27, 2021 in Arnaudville, Louisiana

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; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

1 Acadiana Helicopters Company LLC


Location: Arnaudville, LA
Accident Number: CEN21LA389
Date & Time: August 27, 2021, 07:15 Local
Registration: N827SH
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Positioning

On August 27, 2021, about 0715 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 helicopter, N827SH, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Arnaudville, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight.

According to the pilot, while attempting to land at his staging location for a planned aerial application flight, the helicopter began to rotate to the right. The pilot was unable to regain control, the helicopter skids impacted a dirt field, and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its main rotor blades and fuselage. While disassembling the helicopter for recovery, the tail rotor output shaft was found fractured. The shaft was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N827SH
Model/Series: R22 BETA 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLFT,42 ft msl 
Observation Time: 06:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 40°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 7 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Arnaudville, LA
Destination: Arnaudville, LA

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: 30.395296,-91.934586 (est)

Piper PA-28-235, N9057W: Incident occurred August 29, 2021 at Harford County Airport (0W3), Churchville, Maryland

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

Aircraft landed and gear collapsed. 

Wright Laine Properties LLC


Date: 29-AUG-21
Time: 19:45:00Z
Regis#: N9057W
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CHURCHVILLE
State: MARYLAND

Piper PA-28-181, N495LA: Incident occurred August 27, 2021 at New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB), Bristol County, Massachusetts

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Boston, Massachusetts

Aircraft landed and veered off runway striking runway edge lights.

Piper Aircraft Inc


Date: 27-AUG-21
Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N495LA
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: NEW BEDFORD
State: MASSACHUSETTS