Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Loss of Engine Power (Partial): Champion 7EC Traveler, N9891B; accident occurred July 03, 2020 in Port O'Connor, Calhoun County, Texas




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; San Antonio, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

  
Location: Port O'Connor, Texas 
Accident Number: CEN20LA260
Date & Time: July 3, 2020, 12:15 Local
Registration: N9891B
Aircraft: Champion 7EC
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot departed on a local flight along the coastline. About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine lost power. The airplane would not hold altitude and impacted terrain and brush about 400 yards from the coastline and a small postcrash fire developed in the engine compartment. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the wing struts and bottom fuselage.

Examination of the engine found that the No. 3 intake valve was stuck in the open position. A reason for the stuck valve was not identified. It was also noted that the valve springs on all the cylinders were weak; however, it could not be determined if this was due to heat from the engine compartment fire. No other pre-impact abnormalities were found.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The loss of engine power due to a stuck intake valve.

Findings
Aircraft Recip eng cyl section - Malfunction

History of Flight

Enroute-cruise Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail
Enroute-cruise Loss of engine power (partial) (Defining event)

Factual Information

On July 3, 2020, about 1215 central daylight time, a Champion 7EC airplane, N9891B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Port O'Connor, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, after adding fuel to the airplane, he departed from the Calhoun County Airport (KPKV) and flew along the coastline. About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine lost power. He established best glide airspeed and turned the airplane towards land. The airplane would not hold altitude and impacted terrain and brush about 400 yards from the coastline.

A small post-crash fire developed in the engine compartment; substantial damaged was noted to the wing struts and bottom fuselage. Damage was also found on the main landing gear and propeller. The wreckage was recovered to a hangar and an engine examination was conducted. The examination found that the No. 3 intake valve was stuck in the open position. A reason for the stuck valve was not identified. It was also noted that the valve springs on all the cylinders were weak; however, it could not be determined if this was due to heat from the post-crash engine compartment fire. No other pre-impact abnormalities were found.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 37
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Gyroplane; Helicopter
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: January 28, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: December 5, 2018
Flight Time: 1061 hours (Total, all aircraft), 41 hours (Total, this make and model), 925 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Champion 
Registration: N9891B
Model/Series: 7EC No Series 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1958 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 211
Landing Gear Type: 
Tailwheel Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: September 24, 2019 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3026 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-200
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: KPKV 
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 12:15 Local
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3700 ft AGL 
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / Turbulence Type
Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 230° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 26°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Port Lavaca, TX (KPKV) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Port O'Connor, TX
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 28.445278,-96.441108(est)

McDonnell Douglas 369E, N90TG: Accident occurred January 22, 2021 in Queen Creek, 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 Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona
MD Helicopters; Mesa, Arizona 
 
Peoples Properties LLC


Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Accident Number: WPR21LA093
Date & Time: January 22, 2021, 09:30 Local 
Registration: N90TG
Aircraft: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
HELICOPTER 369E 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
  
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
  
Aircraft Make: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER
Registration: N90TG
Model/Series: 369E 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None
Operator Designator Code:
  
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
  
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KIWA,1394 ft msl
Observation Time: 08:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /9°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / ,
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 7000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Scottsdale, AZ (SDL) 
Destination: Kearney, AZ (E89)
  
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: 33.32,-111.48 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna A185E Skywagon, N3086W; accident occurred July 02, 2020 at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF), San Diego 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; San Diego, California

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: San Diego, California
Accident Number: WPR20CA204
Date & Time: July 2, 2020, 13:30 Local
Registration: N3086W
Aircraft: Cessna A185 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was landing with a left crosswind. As the airplane was slowing, the left wing dropped and the airplane veered to the left. He attempted to correct the movement with full right aileron control, but the airplane continued to the left. The pilot reported that he then applied the brakes too hard, the airplane nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing with a crosswind and excessive braking action, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Brake - Incorrect use/operation
Environmental issues Crosswind - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Nose over/nose down
Landing-landing roll Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 36,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: December 7, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 15, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1400 hours (Total, all aircraft), 65 hours (Total, this make and model), 1350 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 110 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 60 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N3086W
Model/Series: A185 E
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18502042
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 2, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3350 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 35 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 7200 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONTINENTAL
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-520
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 275 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: KMYF,417 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 12:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 66°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 230° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Murrieta/Temecula, CA (F70 )
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: San Diego, CA (MYF) 
Type of Clearance: VFR flight following
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Montgomery-Gibbs Executive MYF 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 427 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28L 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3401 ft / 60 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop;Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.815834,-117.139442(est)


Robinson R44, N7511D: Accident occurred July 02, 2020 in Welsh, Jefferson Davis Parish, 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


Location: Welch, LA
Accident Number: CEN20LA286
Date & Time: July 2, 2020, 10:00 Local
Registration: N7511D
Aircraft: Robinson R44
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted
Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 2, 2020, about 1000 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N7511D, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Welsh, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the helicopter was recently purchased in mid-May 2020 and had about 9 hours of flight time since the annual exam was completed on June 1, 2020. He said he was flying to a friend's house about 5 miles away to wash the helicopter. He departed from Welsh Airport and was flying about 100 ft agl. He made it about halfway to his friend's house when the low rotor RPM horn began to sound; then the helicopter began to lose power. The pilot made the decision to land the helicopter. The pilot explained he did not conduct an autorotation because the helicopter still had partial power. About 3-4 ft above the ground, the helicopter started to spin to the right. The pilot attempted to arrest the spin with a control input of left pedal, and he rolled the throttle to the detent, but nothing happened. The helicopter impacted the ground and came to rest on its left side (see Figure 1). The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft and tail boom. 

Figure 1: Photograph of Helicopter After the Accident (Courtesy of Pilot)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Robinson
Registration: N7511D
Model/Series: R44 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Operating Certificate(s)
Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCWF,17 ft msl 
Observation Time: 14:50 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 300°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Welsh, LA (6R1)
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 31.169389,-91.86827 (est)

Beech E18S, N21011: Incident occurred January 24, 2021 at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF), San Diego, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Diego, California

Aircraft on landing veered off runway and struck a runway sign. 


Date:  24-JAN-21
Time: 00:30:00Z
Regis#: N21011
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: E18S
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SAN DIEGO
State: CALIFORNIA

Airbus A321, N103DY: Incident occurred January 23, 2021 at Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), Florida

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

Aircraft struck a bird. 

Delta Air Lines


Date: 23-JAN-21
Time: 19:40:00Z
Regis#: N103DY
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A321
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: DELTA AIRLINES
Flight Number: DAL1497
City: SARASOTA
State: FLORIDA