Friday, January 01, 2021

Airlines Buckle Their Seat Belts for a Bumpy 2021

Some are cutting back schedules; others are buying planes and adding cities to their routes. When travel will fully recover is still anyone’s guess.


The Wall Street Journal 
By Alison Sider
January 1, 2021 9:00 am ET

Airlines are betting that coronavirus vaccines will reignite demand for travel this year. The question is when.

Delta Air Lines Inc. Chief Executive Ed Bastian expects improvement starting this spring. Alaska Airlines President Ben Minicucci said he hopes to get back to 80% of pre-pandemic capacity by summer. United CEO Scott Kirby, however, said travel may not start getting back to normal until vaccines are widely distributed—in late 2021.

“I recognize a lot of people are saying it’s going to happen faster, and I hope they’re right,” he said in a December interview. “This is one of those strange situations where I think we’re probably better at forecasting what’s going to happen a year from now than we are what’s going to happen next quarter.”

Their strategies for coping with the uncertainty are just as diverse. Airlines are shutting down some international markets and running reduced schedules while also buying new planes and adding new cities in an attempt to capture demand where it exists. United is returning to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in February after a five-year absence, while rival Southwest Airlines Co. plans to fly from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport for the first time ever in 2021. JetBlue Airways Corp. is also adding flights this year at Miami International Airport—the busiest U.S. airport it didn’t yet serve.

The coronavirus pandemic brought a travel boom to a crashing halt last spring as people stopped traveling for work and everything from weddings to funerals were held over Zoom. It wiped out over two-decades worth of growth in a matter of months, according to aviation data provider Cirium, sending global air traffic plummeting to levels last seen in 1999.

The fragility of any rebound became evident last month when a new, more infectious strain of the coronavirus emerged in the U.K., prompting a new wave of travel restrictions. That followed other such setbacks in the U.S. But the days just before and after Christmas were among the busiest in months, with airport security screenings nearing 1.3 million on Dec. 27—the highest level since March, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

“It’s a little bit of an emotional roller coaster,” said Mr. Minicucci, Alaska’s president.

Competition among airlines will likely be fierce in 2021 as they duke it out for shares of a smaller pie. International travel—a mainstay for legacy airlines like United, Delta, and American Airlines Group Inc. —could be slow to come back as international borders remain closed and travelers fear new lockdowns.

American Airlines recently said it would shutter operations in Prague, Manchester and Reykjavik, and said it would hold off on resuming flights to Venice—all routes that were scheduled to return this summer. A spokeswoman for American said the airline was adding flights to match demand in Latin America and the Caribbean, but planning a more muted trans-Atlantic schedule due to weak demand.

“Normally we would see bookings for these destinations, and we’re not seeing demand largely because of country restrictions that remain in place,” she said.

Some airlines are returning to strategies they put in motion before the pandemic. JetBlue aims to start flying to London in 2021, betting that it will be successful flying narrow-body jets with fewer seats to fill than the wide-bodies bigger competitors fly, according to airline President Joanna Geraghty.

Because New York-based JetBlue has strongholds in the Northeast, where the virus spread aggressively last spring, it learned to open new routes and cities more quickly and with less expense, she added. JetBlue has added dozens of new routes and recently announced service to new cities, including Miami and Key West.

“Everybody’s trying to look for where demand is,” she said.

Southwest is also being opportunistic by adding a dozen new cities as it looks to expand its reach. It is targeting airports such as Chicago’s O’Hare that were once too crowded with other carriers. It also recently announced new service to Fresno and Santa Barbara, Calif.—part of an effort to find untapped demand to put underutilized planes and staff to work bringing in revenue.

Another major carrier, Alaska, is pushing ahead with an order to replace most of its Airbus planes in the coming years with Boeing 737 MAX jets—a move that it says will make the airline more efficient. Doing the deal now helped the airline get the most favorable terms from Boeing, Mr. Minicucci said. “Even though there’s a huge cloud over everything, now is the time to make a deal like this,” Mr. Minicucci said.

China’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic could give some indication of how things will play out in the U.S. if vaccination becomes widespread. Domestic air traffic there is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels—down just 1.4% in October from the year-earlier period—as the economy improved and airlines offered deals, according to the International Air Transport Association. In the U.S., airline executives and industry observers say pent up demand for travel could be unleashed in a fury next summer when more people are expected to be inoculated.

“The surge in demand for air travel could be like nothing we have ever before experienced,” Deutsche Bank analyst Michael Linenberg wrote in December.

One potential development that could lift the industry is if younger people jump at the chance to visit elderly parents and grandparents once they have been inoculated, said Raymond James analyst Savanthi Syth. A federal advisory panel has recommended that people over 75, who are among the most vulnerable, be next in line for the vaccine.

“January is going to look terrible,” Ms. Syth said. But “you can start to see some trips coming back even sooner than you would expect.”

Analysts expect business travel will lag behind leisure in the recovery. That is bad news for big carriers that rely on business customers for large chunks of revenue but potentially less troubling for smaller carriers such as Allegiant Travel Co. , which mostly flies from smaller cities to sunny vacation destinations.

Many of Allegiant’s passengers still want to fly, according to the carrier’s research. In weekly surveys the airline has conducted since the start of the pandemic, 60% of Allegiant’s customers say they intend to travel by spring, and 70% say they’ll travel by summer. The airline typically publishes flight schedules six months into the future, but is considering extending its offerings through the rest of the year.

“Customers are already thinking about holiday travel in ’21,” said Greg Anderson, chief financial officer of Allegiant. “Leisure is the segment of the traveling public that’s going to come back the fastest,” he added. “We think all the other airlines will be vying for that segment.”

Loss of Control on Ground: Kitfox III, N4283V; accident occurred January 18, 2020 at Wauchula Municipal Airport (KCHN), Hardee County, Florida

 






Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Wauchula, Florida
Accident Number: ERA20CA083
Date & Time: January 18, 2020, 10:30 Local
Registration: N4283V
Aircraft: Denney Kitfox 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was conducting a crosswind landing. The airplane touched down, bounced slightly, settled, and it then veered off the right side of the runway onto grass, struck a light, flipped over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the fuselage forward of the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that a gusting crosswind existed during the touchdown.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose-over.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Crosswind - Effect on operation
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Other weather encounter
Landing-flare/touchdown Abnormal runway contact
Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Runway excursion
Landing-flare/touchdown Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Landing-flare/touchdown Nose over

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Sea
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: Sport Pilot
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  115 hours (Total, all aircraft), 42 hours (Total, this make and model), 61 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 42 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make:Denney 
Registration: N4283V
Model/Series: KITFOX III
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 770
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/09/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 528LC
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 65 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: SEF, 63 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 29 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1035 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 97°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3800 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.36 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Palmetto, FL (48X)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Wauchula, FL (CHN)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0930 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Wauchula Muni (CHN)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 107 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4005 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 27.515000, -81.880556 (est)

Mooney M20TN Acclaim, N728VM: Accident occurred December 30, 2020 at Holly Ridge/Topsail Island Airport (N21), Onslow 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. 

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina
   
Scientific Aviation Inc


Location: Holly Ridge, NC
Accident Number: ERA21LA097
Date & Time: December 30, 2020, 17:30 Local 
Registration: N728VM
Aircraft: MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORP M20TN 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORP
Registration: N728VM
Model/Series: M20TN NO SERIES 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: NCA,25 ft msl
Observation Time: 17:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /10°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 8000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 140°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 8000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.29 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Wilmington, NC (ILM)
Destination: Holly Ridge, NC

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: 34.487113,-77.52707 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Kitfox S7 Super Sport, N399A; accident occurred January 25, 2020 at Phoenix Goodyear Airport (KGYR), Maricopa County, Arizona



Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Accident Number: WPR20CA080
Date & Time: January 25, 2020, 08:50 Local
Registration: N399A
Aircraft: MERWIN Kitfox
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Gyroplane 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Gyroplane; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 2, 2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: February 22, 2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 14000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 5 hours (Total, this make and model), 15 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Pilot-rated passenger Information

Certificate: Private
Age:  76, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: January 25, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 302 hours (Total, all aircraft), 6 hours (Total, this make and model), 302 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MERWIN 
Registration: N399A
Model/Series: Kitfox S7 Super S 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2019 Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental light sport (Special)
Serial Number: KA12273245
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C91 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 100 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: KGYR,968 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:47 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 226°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 25000 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Goodyear, AZ (GYR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Goodyear, AZ (GYR) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 08:00 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Phoenix Goodyear GYR
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 969 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 21
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8500 ft / 150 ft VFR
Approach/Landing: Touch and go;Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.423332,-112.375274(est)

Beech G36 Bonanza, N36JZ: Incident occurred December 30, 2020 at Essex County Airport (KCDW), Caldwell, New Jersey

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Teterboro, New Jersey

Aircraft left runway surface after touching down and came to stop in grass.

JSZ Aviation LLC


Date: 30-DEC-20
Time: 21:33:00Z
Regis#: N36JZ
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 36
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CALDWELL
State: NEW JERSEY

Loss of Control on Ground: Powrachute Airwolf, N260AZ; accident occurred January 18, 2020 in Gold Canyon, Pinal County, Arizona



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Gold Canyon, Arizona 
Accident Number: WPR20CA070
Date & Time: January 18, 2020, 09:05 Local 
Registration: N260AZ
Aircraft: Powrachute AIRWOLF
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll in the powered parachute, the parachute "did not come up straight but to the side," so he aborted the takeoff. He reduced the throttle, but the powered parachute didn't slow down, and it pulled to the side of the runway. He tried applying brakes, but the front brake was on gravel and got locked up and would not turn the powered parachute, which then slid forward and hit a barricade. The steering bar and frame sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered parachute 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 directional control during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in collision with a barricade.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Wall/barricade - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff-rejected takeoff Miscellaneous/other
Takeoff-rejected takeoff Attempted remediation/recovery
Takeoff-rejected takeoff Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Takeoff-rejected takeoff Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 51,Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Powered-lift
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport pilot None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: Flight Time: (Estimated) 550 hours (Total, all aircraft), 190 hours (Total, this make and model), 550 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Powrachute
Registration: N260AZ
Model/Series: AIRWOLF 912
Aircraft Category: Powered parachute
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: A-053-ULS
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 7, 2019 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 290 Hrs
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: URL912
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 100 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: IWA,1384 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:50 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 265°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 130° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 32.27 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Gold Canyon, AZ 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Gold Canyon, AZ
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 33.306945,-111.406944(est)



Boeing 737-800, N73275: Incident occurred December 30, 2020 at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; International

Aircraft had lateral runway excursion upon landing sustaining damage to landing gear, engine cowling and runway lights. 

United Airlines


Date: 30-DEC-20
Time: 00:34:00Z
Regis#: N73275
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 737-800
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: UNITED
Flight Number: UA-1055
City: SAN JOSE
State: COSTA RICA

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 180A, N9729B; accident occurred January 27, 2020 at Eloy Municipal Airport (E60), Pinal County, Arizona



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Scottsdale, Arizona

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Eloy, AZ 
Accident Number: WPR20CA085
Date & Time: 01/27/2020, 1640 MST
Registration: N9729B
Aircraft: Cessna 180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while practicing landings, he completed one go-around and two landings without incident. On his next landing attempt, the airplane encountered a left crosswind during the landing flare. Despite his attempts to maintain directional control, the airplane ground looped and veered off the left side of the runway. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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 maintain directional control while landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground-loop.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Crosswind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing-flare/touchdown Runway excursion

The pilot reported that while practicing landings in the tail-wheel equipped airplane, he completed one go-around and two landings without incident. On his next landing attempt, the airplane encountered a left crosswind during the landing flare. Despite his attempts to maintain directional control, the airplane ground looped and veered off the left side of the runway.

The right wing was substantially damaged.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 59, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/01/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  315 hours (Total, all aircraft), 127 hours (Total, this make and model), 183 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 40 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N9729B
Model/Series: 180 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1957
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 50027
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/02/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2650 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 51 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2367 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-470-7-K
Registered Owner: Serenity Aero LLC
Rated Power: 230 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: KP08, 1574 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1640 MST
Direction from Accident Site: 46°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 15 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 300°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.92 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Coolidge, AZ (P08)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Eloy, AZ (E60)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1540 MST
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Eloy Muni (E60)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1511 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 02
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3901 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.803889, -111.588889

Taylorcraft BC12-D, N96540: Accident occurred December 30, 2020 at Hummel Field Airport (W75), Saluda, Middlesex County, Virginia

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 Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia
   

Location: Topping, VA
Accident Number: ERA21LA096
Date & Time: December 30, 2020, 12:00 Local 
Registration: N96540
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BC12 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Taylorcraft 
Registration: N96540
Model/Series: BC12 D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: KFYJ, 24 ft msl 
Observation Time: 11:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C /-2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 210°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.44 inches Hg
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: 37.602493,-76.446681 (est)

Loss of Control in Flight: Glasair II, N238SH; accident occurred January 26, 2020 at Majors Airport (KGVT), Greenville, Hunt County, Texas

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Irving, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Greenville, Texas
Accident Number: CEN20CA067
Date & Time: January 26, 2020, 16:40 Local
Registration: N238SH
Aircraft: GLASAIR 1 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The flight was the pilot's initial flight in the airplane make and model. The pilot reported that, during the landing, he had no forward visibility. About 10 ft above the runway, he was unable to arrest the descent rate even with the control stick full aft. The airplane touched down hard, and the pilot added power for a go-around. He felt the airplane accelerate and attempted to maintain the airplane in a level attitude; however, the airplane began an uncommanded left roll. The pilot could not regain control of the airplane and reduced power to idle before the airplane touched down again, this time off the edge of the runway. The main landing gear dug into the soft ground, and the airplane spun around backward. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Before the flight, the pilot adjusted the linkage of the elevator to match design specifications. During the flight, he tested the stall characteristics of the airplane. Each time, the airplane stalled about 40 knots. The pilot reported that, at the time of the accident, the airplane was flying about 60 knots.

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 a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing, and his subsequent loss of airplane control during an attempted go-around.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Descent rate - Not attained/maintained
Aircraft Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Soft surface - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Miscellaneous/other
Landing-flare/touchdown Hard landing
Landing-flare/touchdown Attempted remediation/recovery
Approach-VFR go-around Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Runway excursion
Landing-flare/touchdown Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 15, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 15, 2019
Flight Time: 230 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: GLASAIR 
Registration: N238SH
Model/Series: 1 TD
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2007 
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: 238
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 24, 2019 Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1900 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 500 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: ECI
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: OX-360
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 180 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: KGVT,535 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:30 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 169°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 2200 ftAGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Dallas, TX (ADS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Greenville, TX (GVT)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 16:20 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: MAJORS GVT
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 534 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35 IFR 
Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8030 ft / 150 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 33.069168,-96.065277(est)

Luscombe 8E Silvaire, N1811K: Incident occurred December 30, 2020 at Reno/Stead Airport (KRTS), Washoe County, Nevada

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

Aircraft experienced locked brakes after landing causing nose over and propeller strike. 


Date: 30-DEC-20
Time: 19:10:00Z
Regis#: N1811K
Aircraft Make: LUSCOMBE
Aircraft Model: L8E
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: RENO
State: NEVADA

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 185D, N1557F; accident occurred January 17, 2020 at Davis Airport (W50), Laytonsville, Montgomery County, Maryland




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Laytonsville, MD 
Accident Number: ERA20CA091
Date & Time: 01/17/2020, 1705 EST
Registration: N1557F
Aircraft: Cessna 185
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

After two uneventful circuits in the traffic pattern, the pilot aligned the airplane to the runway for another a touch-and-go landing. As he applied engine power, he used the right rudder to center the airplane on the runway. About 50 ft into the takeoff roll, the airplane veered left. The pilot applied right brake and right rudder to correct; however, the airplane became "momentarily airborne." He reduced the engine power, and as the airplane settled back onto the runway, it veered right. The pilot attempted to stop the airplane by applying the brakes; however, it continued off the right side of the runway and traveled through mud, and subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing, left elevator, and left horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest on the left side of the fuselage. The tailwheel attachment tube was separated from the empennage, but the tailwheel control cables remained attached.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of the tailwheel attachment tube during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and the left main landing gear collapsing.

Findings

Aircraft Nose/tail landing gear - Failure
Aircraft Directional control - Attain/maintain not possible

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Part(s) separation from AC
Takeoff Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Takeoff Attempted remediation/recovery
Takeoff Runway excursion
Takeoff Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information


Certificate: Private
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/01/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/04/2019
Flight Time: 1800 hours (Total, all aircraft), 900 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1557F
Model/Series: 185 D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 185-0928
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/19/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3197 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 14 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3697.3 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-470 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 265 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: GAI, 539 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1656 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 190°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 310°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 30.69 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Laytonsville, MD (W50)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Laytonsville, MD (W50)
Type of Clearance: Special VFR
Departure Time: 1705 EST
Type of Airspace: Class B

Airport Information


Airport: Davis (W50)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 609 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 08
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2000 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information


Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 39.243333, -77.150000 (est)

Piper PA-24-260 Comanche C, N33DN: Accident occurred December 30, 2020 at Brookhaven Airport (KHWV), Shirley, Suffolk County, New York

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; New York, New York

Aircraft landed with gear retracted while conducting practices approaches. 


Date: 30-DEC-20
Time: 17:20:00Z
Regis#: N33DN
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: 24
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SHIRLEY
State: NEW YORK

A Piper PA-24-260 Comanche C landed with its gear retracted around 12:20 p.m. at Brookhaven Airport in Shirley, an FAA spokesman said.

Two people were aboard, said the spokesman, Rick Breitenfeldt. The agency does not release the names of pilots or passengers, but the plane's tail number was registered to Yannick Aubry of Port Jefferson, according to the website FlightAware.

Suffolk police said the two people aboard the plane were not hurt but did not release their names.

Kevin Molloy, a Town of Brookhaven spokesman, said earlier that airport personnel had contacted and coordinated with local first responders, including the Mastic Fire Department.

Mastic firefighters did not respond to a voicemail left at the chief's office.


Beech 76 Duchess, N6630D: Accident occurred January 16, 2020 at St. Charles County Smartt Airport (KSET), Missouri





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Louis, Missouri

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: St. Charles, Missouri 
Accident Number: CEN20CA062
Date & Time: January 16, 2020, 12:45 Local Registration: N6630D
Aircraft: Beech 76 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The pilot receiving instruction and flight instructor were performing a zero-thrust, single-engine, fullstop landing when a sink rate developed on final approach. Subsequently, the instructor told the pilot to "add a small amount of power to the right operating engine." The pilot misunderstood the instruction as "abort" and added full power to the right engine to abort the landing. The airplane rolled left, and the instructor added right rudder to arrest the roll. The left wing hit the ground; the airplane rotated left, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing; and the landing gear collapsed. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident 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 receiving instruction's misunderstanding of the flight instructor's instruction and the pilot's and the instructor's insufficient use of rudder while adding power to the operating engine, which resulted in the airplane rolling left and the wing striking the ground. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Findings

Personnel issues Interpretation/understanding - Student/instructed pilot
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Student/instructed pilot
Aircraft Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Student/instructed pilot
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Instructor/check pilot
Aircraft Rudder control system - Incorrect use/operation
Personnel issues Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final Miscellaneous/other
Approach-VFR go-around Loss of control in flight
Approach-VFR go-around Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Landing Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 52, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-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: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: November 18, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 9, 2019
Flight Time: 461 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model), 406 hours (Pilot In
Command, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor 
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 17, 2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes Last Flight Review or Equivalent: February 2, 2019
Flight Time: 15788 hours (Total, all aircraft), 706 hours (Total, this make and model), 97 hours (Last 90
days, all aircraft), 41 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N6630D
Model/Series: 76 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: ME-221
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 6, 2020 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3900 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 10 Hrs
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 8478 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Engine Model/Series: Unknown
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 180 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held:Pilot school (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 280°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.75 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: St. Charles, MO (SET)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: St. Charles, MO (SET) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 11:00 Local Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: St Charles County Smartt SET 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 436 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3800 ft / 75 ft VFR
Approach/Landing: Full stop;Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 38.929164,-90.430831(est)