Saturday, January 30, 2021

Loss of Control on Ground: Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking, N224HW; accident occurred June 19, 2020 in Martinton, Iroquois County, Illinois












Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Springfield, Illinois

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Martinton, Illinois 
Accident Number: CEN20CA236
Date & Time: June 19, 2020, 17:40 Local 
Registration: N244HW
Aircraft: Bellanca 1730A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 78, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied:
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: July 25, 2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 3600 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bellanca 
Registration: N244HW
Model/Series: 1730A 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 30317
Landing Gear Type: 
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines:
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT:
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
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: 
Distance from Accident Site: 50 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 17:45 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 10°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.35 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: St. Louis, MO
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: 
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 40.95972,-87.760559(est)

Visual Flight Rules encounter with Instrument Meteorological Conditions: Beechcraft 77 Skipper, N3815Z; accident occurred June 20, 2020 in Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee







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; Nashville, Tennessee

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: ELIZABETHTON, Tennessee 
Accident Number: ERA20CA222
Date & Time: June 20, 2020, 08:00 Local
Registration: N3815Z
Aircraft: Beech 77
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: VFR encounter with IMC 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The student pilot and his passenger departed on a visual flight rules cross country flight and entered instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot decided to continue climbing, and when the airplane exited the clouds, the student pilot saw the top of a mountain and trees directly in front of him. He “stalled” the airplane to reduce speed and the airplane impacted trees at a speed of about 60 knots before it descended to the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, but the student pilot and the passenger were uninjured. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane what would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further stated that he made a mistake and took full responsibility for the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's decision to continue from visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and mountainous terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Student/instructed pilot
Environmental issues Clouds - Decision related to condition

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute-cruise VFR encounter with IMC (Defining event)
Enroute-cruise Aerodynamic stall/spin
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student 
Age: 24, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 None
Last FAA Medical Exam: June 3, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 150 hours (Total, all aircraft), 40 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N3815Z
Model/Series: 77 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: WA-219
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 24, 2019 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6547.4 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: O-235 L2C
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 115 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument (IMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: A09,1592 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 245°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2100 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Morristown, TN (MOR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Newport News, VA (PHF)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 07:00 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class C

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: 36.406944,-82.02111(est)

Preventing Similar Accidents

Reduced Visual References Require Vigilance

About two-thirds of general aviation accidents that occur in reduced visibility weather conditions are fatal. The accidents can involve pilot spatial disorientation or controlled flight into terrain. Even in visual weather conditions, flights at night over areas with limited ground lighting (which provides few visual ground references) can be challenging.

Preflight weather briefings are critical to safe flight. In-flight, weather information can also help pilots make decisions, as can in-cockpit weather equipment that can supplement official information. In cockpit equipment requires an understanding of the features and limitations. 

We often see pilots who decide to turn back after they have already encountered weather; that is too late.

Pilot's shouldn't allow a situation to become dangerous before deciding to act. Additionally, air traffic controllers are there to help; be honest with them about your situation and ask for help.

Even when flying at night, visual weather conditions can also be challenging. Remote areas with limited ground lighting provide limited visual reference cues for pilots, which can be disorienting or render rising terrain visually imperceptible. Topographic references can help pilots become more familiar with the terrain. The use of instruments, if pilots are proficient, can also help pilots navigate these challenging areas.


The NTSB presents this information to prevent recurrence of similar accidents. Note that this should not be considered guidance from the regulator, nor does this supersede existing FAA Regulations (FARs).

Loss of Control on Ground: Great Lakes 2T-1A, N856L; accident occurred June 20, 2020 at Cambridge Municipal Airport (KCDI), Guernsey County, Ohio









Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Cambridge, Ohio
Accident Number: CEN20CA238
Date & Time: June 20, 2020, 10:44 Local 
Registration: N856L
Aircraft: Great Lakes 2T 1A 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation

Analysis

The pilot reported that after landing the tailwheel equipped airplane, he applied brake during the landing roll and the airplane started to turn. He applied rudder to correct but overcorrected and the airplane oscillated and then went off the left side of the runway. The airplane subsequently struck a ditch next to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right lower wing and the right horizontal tail and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact 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 during landing, which resulted in the airplane exiting the runway and striking a ditch.

Findings

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing Collision during takeoff/land

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 51, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Rear
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 
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 21, 2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 458 hours (Total, all aircraft), 99 hours (Total, this make and model), 358 hours (Pilot In
Command, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Great Lakes
Registration: N856L
Model/Series: 2T 1A Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1930
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 117
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: November 16, 2019 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1422 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-B1E
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: CDI, 1798 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:15 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Cambridge, OH (CDI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cambridge, OH (CDI)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 08:50 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Cambridge Municipal Airport CDI
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1798 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 22
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4298 ft / 75 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Traffic pattern

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: 39.974998,-81.577499(est)

Former Federal Aviation Administration employee sentenced for severing air traffic communications

HONOLULU, Hawaii – A federal judge today sentenced Joelyn DeCosta, 48, of Honolulu, Hawaii, to two years of probation and a $5000 fine for willfully and maliciously interfering with the working and use of a communication system operated and controlled by the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1362.

According to documents and information presented in court, DeCosta was an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration, and had worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for approximately 26 years. On January 4, 2019, she willfully and maliciously severed communications between Air Traffic Control in Honolulu and aircraft flying in U.S. airspace above and around Honolulu, in an area known as Sector 4, which covers flights between Oahu and Maui, Lanai, Moloka’i, Kaho’olawe, and the Big Island. The main and standby communication lines between Hawaii Air Traffic Control and pilots of approximately six planes during one incident and approximately four planes during a second incident were affected by the outages. In total, pilots could not hear instructions from Air Traffic Control for a total of two minutes, as a result of the outages caused by the defendant.

The defendant had previously pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement. As part of her plea agreement, she resigned from the Federal Aviation Administration before sentencing. As a result, she lost her retirement benefits, which were estimated to have been worth in excess of $500,000.

One of the pilots of an aircraft affected by the outage spoke as a victim at the sentencing. He emphasized the danger to himself and the 40 passengers onboard his aircraft posed by the outage.

“The United States Attorney’s Office takes any threat to the safety of the air travelling public very seriously, and will vigorously enforce federal criminal laws against any federal employee who abuses their position and, in doing so, puts air travelers in harm’s way,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price.

“Employees of the Federal Aviation Administration are entrusted with safely overseeing the busiest and most complex air transportation system in the world. Key to that trust is maintaining an uncompromising level of integrity in their work, which many Federal Aviation Administration personnel do,” said Cissy Tubbs, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General - Investigations. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to detect and prevent those willing to compromise the safety of the National Airspace System and the traveling public.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc A. Wallenstein.

Doug Routt: Young Air Force Pilots Restore My Faith

Doug Routt
I had an opportunity recently to go to Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma and watch my granddaughter proudly receive her USAF silver pilot wings. She becomes thethird generation Routt to become an Air Force pilot and I was extremely proud of her. But perhaps even more than familial pride was a rekindling of the faith and promise that the youth of this country provide.

 The trip on airplanes to Oklahoma City naturally involves   transfers in Chicago and lots of crowds and masks and Covid restrictions and instructions and isn’t much fun. From Oklahoma City to Vance is another hour-and-a-half drive through wind-swept countryside that is dotted with giant windmills and oil pumps and huge grain silos.

As you approach Vance AFB you start to see all kinds of jets buzzing around the sky. There are small single engine turboprops that the students fly first. From there they either go to a T-38 an old, albeit still cool looking, little fighter jet or a small twin engine business jet to train for either fighters, or bombers or cargo or any of the myriad types of jets that our Air Force flies.

However, it wasn’t the flying or the planes that most impressed me. It was the dedication and effort that these young people had to their mission of getting their wings. Air Force pilot training is one of the most rigorous endeavors that one can take on.

To be admitted you must pass an extensive physical and take a few flights just to see if you may have the aptitude to complete the program. Once enrolled you endure 13 months of arduous training in which you are judged in virtually everything that you attempt. Academic classes and tests are every day, and you must become intimately familiar with meteorology, aerodynamics, hydraulics, airplane systems and numerous other subjects. You are constantly graded and tested and if you don’t meet standards you are washed out.

Flying is also a daily occurrence and you go to the flight line where you are made to stand up and recite any and all emergency procedures relevant to the aircraft that you are flying. Then you will go up with an instructor pilot and he or she will critique every move you make during the flight. You will receive a grade sheet for every flight and if you bust too many you go for an elimination ride. Fail that and you are gone.

Physical standards must also be met, and you are graded on your condition and whether you are in shape. It is one of the toughest years that anyone would endure. Yet here were these young, clean-cut kids busting their hump to do the very best that they can. There is no “Whatever,” or “I don’t feel like it” or “ask me later, I’m on my phone.” These are dedicated young men and women with a goal and a dedication that is truly inspirational.

Everybody is rushing everywhere, there is precious little down time and between studying, working out, flying, and grabbing a bite to eat there doesn’t seem to be enough time in a day. Couple that with the omnipresent grading and critiquing and evaluating and one can lose any confidence they may have had when they first arrived.

But these kids are all enduring extremely difficult times and reveling in the competition. They hold their heads high and meet the challenges with eagerness and whatever confidence they may have left after being graded every day. They are our future tip of the spear and I loved it.

Doug Routt was proud as his granddaughter earned her wings.

In Memoriam: Jay Vance Barker

Jay Vance Barker
~

Jay Vance Barker was born July 29, 1936, in Foard County, Texas. His parents, J.M. and Sara Ethel (Johnson) Barker, were farmers and custom harvesters.

Jay attended Southwestern Bible College in Waxahachie, Texas, where he met and married Corine Delores Edwards. The two began their ministry lives in Spearman, Texas, pastoring Spearman First Assembly of God Church. In 1965, the family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Jay began working for the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. Jay worked for the association as a Regional Representative until 1986, traveling much of the Southern United States.

In 1968, Jay earned a Private Pilot’s License and began a love affair with aviation, a fascination of his since boyhood. Throughout Jay’s fifty-year experiences with civil aviation, he earned every Federal Aviation Administration certification available to a pilot but one. Jay enjoyed flying as a second career, and later as a primary career, until November 2018. He logged over 35,000 hours of flight time as a pilot and flight instructor in Single Engine, Multi-Engine, instrument instruction, Airline Transport Pilot, and Sea Plane among others. Jay finished out his 20-year full-time flying career as a pipeline patrol pilot. Jay taught most of his family members to fly, including his father, brother and son.

Jay met and married KayLynn Philip during their work together as pipeline pilots. The two shared common interests of farming and ranching, aviation, ocean cruising, horseback riding and travel. While the two never shared a common household; Jay on the family farm in Texas and KayLynn on the Philip Ranch in Kansas, they shared a uniquely successful marriage with daily electronic contact and years of commuting between both states. The arrangement served them well!

Moving back to hometown Crowell, Texas, in 1998 was a lifelong goal. He has since enjoyed the rural lifestyle and lived the life of which he dreamed for many years.

He is survived by wife, KayLynn Philip of Hays, KS; brother, Dwight Keaton (Sue) Barker of Lakewood, CO; son Vick, daughter-in-law Coleen, and grandson Jarod, of Jenks, OK.

Jay Vance Barker passed to Heaven peacefully in Crowell Nursing Center on Sunday, January 24, 2021, during rehabilitation following a sudden critical illness. Jay’s final resting place will be among the trees of the Barker Home Place near the burial site of his beloved horse, Driftwood. His desire was to share an intimate gathering of friends and family upon the scattering of his urn, which has yet to be scheduled.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.

Loss of Control on Ground: Kitfox Super Sport, N338RW; accident occurred June 22, 2020 at Stanford Field Airport (U12), St. Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Bushwhacked LLC


Location: St Anthony, Idaho
Accident Number: WPR20CA231
Date & Time: June 22, 2020, 21:00 Local
Registration: N338RW
Aircraft: CHAD LEWIS KITFOX SUPER SPORT 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
  
Analysis
  
The tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the right and exited the side of the runway into an alfalfa field during an attempted takeoff. The airplane subsequently went through the airport perimeter fence, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage and left wing. 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 directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion, contact with the airport perimeter fence, and subsequent nose over.
  
Findings
  
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information
  
History of Flight
  
Takeoff Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
  
Pilot Information
  
Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 56,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: July 2, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 2, 2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 5233 hours (Total, all aircraft), 185 hours (Total, this make and model), 31 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 18 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
  
Passenger Information
  
Certificate: 
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Page 3 of 5 WPR20CA231
  
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
  
Aircraft Make: CHAD LEWIS 
Registration: N338RW
Model/Series: KITFOX SUPER SPORT 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2013 
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special) 
Serial Number: KA09119159
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: February 26, 2020 Continuous airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 49 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 309 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Installed, activated
Engine Model/Series: 912 ULS
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 100 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
  
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
  
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Dawn
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRXE,4862 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 217°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 130° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: St Anthony, ID (U12)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: St Anthony, ID (U12) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 20:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information
  
Airport: Stanford Field U12
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4966 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 22
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4500 ft / 50 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: None
  
Wreckage and Impact Information
  
Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 43.946666,-111.692222(est)

Aerodynamic Stall / Spin: Rans S-6ES Coyote II, N7764W; accident occurred June 23, 2020 in Pisgah, Harrison County, Iowa




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Pisgah, Iowa 
Accident Number: CEN20CA244
Date & Time: June 23, 2020, 14:19 Local
Registration: N7764W
Aircraft: COYOTE S-6ES
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The uncertificated pilot reported he had been studying an on-line course with the intent of pursuing a sport pilot certificate in the future. He purchased the airplane about a month prior to the accident, and the accident flight was his first flight in the airplane. He stated he was aware of a cross wind coming from his right at his airstrip, and the ground dropping away into the adjacent bean field at the end. He planned to get airborne and then as the ground dropped away into the field, he would turn right into the wind and climb. He said that the airplane climbed faster than anticipated, and the wind turned the airplane toward the left. He stated that he did not remember much after that, other than some of the postcrash events in the field. The pilot stated he had seen a video the accident, and it appeared the left wing stalled, and the airplane spun into the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage that included damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated there was no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The uncertificated pilot's failure to attain/maintain a proper angle-of-attack during an initial climb that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.

Findings

Aircraft Angle of attack - Capability exceeded
Personnel issues Qualification/certification - Pilot
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Initial climb Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: None 
Age: 45, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: COYOTE 
Registration: N7764W
Model/Series: S-6ES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special) 
Serial Number: 1095888ES
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 9, 2020 Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines:
Airframe Total Time: 430.5 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: 
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner:
Rated Power:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

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: Visibility
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Pisgah, IA (None)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Pisgah, IA (None)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: PVT None
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1060 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

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: 41.83139,-95.925552(est)

Landing Gear Not Configured: Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman, N59262; accident occurred June 27, 2020 in Erie, Michigan










Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Belleville, Michigan

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Erie, MI
Accident Number: CEN20CA254
Date & Time: 06/27/2020, 1700 EDT
Registration:N59262 
Aircraft: Volmer VJ22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot reported he had departed from a paved runway in his amphibious airplane. After takeoff, he was momentarily distracted by communications with air traffic control and did not ensure the landing gear was retracted. After a short local flight, he prepared to make a water landing on a lake. However, he was unable to locate the water landing checklist in the airplane and completed the checklist from memory. During the process, he inadvertently "skipped over" verifying the landing gear was retracted. When the airplane touched down on the water, he was unable to prevent it from nosing over. Photographs of the airplane taken during recovery from the lake showed substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that could have contributed to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to ensure that the amphibious airplane’s wheels were retracted before attempting a water landing, resulting in a nose over during touch down. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a checklist available to the pilot.

Findings

Aircraft Main landing gear - Incorrect use/operation
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Personnel issues Use of checklist - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Landing gear not configured (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 50, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; 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: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/21/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/02/2019
Flight Time: 789 hours (Total, all aircraft), 102 hours (Total, this make and model), 703 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Volmer
Registration: N59262
Model/Series: VJ22 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane 
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Amateur Built: Yes 
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: F-2
Landing Gear Type: Amphibian; Hull
Seats:2 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/25/2020, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 1 Hours
Engines:1 Reciprocating 
Airframe Total Time: 274 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed 
Engine Model/Series: O-290-D2
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 135 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: TOL
Distance from Accident Site: 80 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1500 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 10°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Toledo, OH (TOL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Erie, MI (None)
Type of Clearance: None 
Departure Time:1635 EDT 
Type of Airspace: Class G 

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: 41.776389, -83.446944

Aerospatiale SA-342J Gazelle, N342J: Accident occurred June 21, 2020 at the Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV), Douglas County, Nevada

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; Reno, Nevada
Airbus Helicopters; Grand Prairie, Texas
Safran Engines; Grand Prairie, Texas
Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety Aerospace; le Bourget


Location: Minden, NV 
Accident Number: WPR20LA189
Date & Time: June 21, 2020, 13:30 Local 
Registration: N342J
Aircraft: Aerospatiale SA342J 
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 21, 2020, about 1330 Pacific daylight time, an Aerospatiale SA-324J helicopter, N342J, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at the Minden-Tahoe Airport (MEV), Minden, Nevada. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he had filled the helicopter with fuel and operated the helicopter for about 1 hour 15 minutes. During the flight the pilot noticed the engine exhaust gas temperature at about 50° higher than usual. During the approach, on the return flight to the airport, he descended to about 50 ft above ground level (agl) and continued to his intended touchdown point. While over a level area, at about 25 ft agl and at 10 to 15 knots indicated airspeed, he lowered the collective to initiate the landing. Immediately after lowering the collective, the engine lost all power. The pilot entered a hovering autorotation and applied collective pitch to cushion the landing. The helicopter struck the ground hard and a postcrash fire ensued. The occupants egressed the helicopter unassisted.

A witness stated that he was at the airfield outside of his hangar. He noticed the helicopter depart the airport. About two hours later, he heard the helicopter approaching the airport and watched it until it was about 60 ft agl approaching to land. The witness walked inside his hangar and from inside, he heard three or four pops in rapid succession followed by a louder, deeper sound. He then heard the helicopter hit the ground with a loud impact. He went to the door to observe the helicopter on fire. He then ran to the helicopter to render aid to the two occupants exiting the helicopter.

The helicopter came to rest on the airport, about one quarter mile northwest of the approach end of runway 34, at an elevation of about 4700 ft above mean sea level (msl). All major components were located in an area of about 50 x 50 square feet. A postimpact fire consumed the fuselage and the tail boom. The engine, transmission, main rotor blades and the fenestron anti-torque system were recovered to a secure facility for further examination 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aerospatiale
Registration: N342J
Model/Series: SA342J 1708 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMEV,4724 ft msl 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C /-4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 260°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches 
Hg Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Carson City, NV (CXP)
Destination: Minden, NV (MEV)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 38.996944,-119.754997

Controlled Flight Into Terrain: Schweizer 269C, N298TH; accident occurred June 21, 2020 in Sheffield, Pecos 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; Lubbock, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Sheffield, TX
Accident Number: CEN20CA240
Date & Time: 06/21/2020, 0815 CDT
Registration: N298TH
Aircraft: Schweizer 269C
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Injuries:1 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was hovering low to the ground, near a fence line, inspecting water and grass on his property. The helicopter drifted during the hover and right skid struck the fence. The helicopter rolled to the right and impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage to main rotor blades, main rotor drive system, windshield, and door post.

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 adequate clearance from a fence while hovering.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Fence/fence post - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-hover Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Schweizer
Registration: N298TH
Model/Series: 269C Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number:S1758 
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/29/2020, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 14 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1440.3 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: HIO-360-D1A
Registered Owner: Dutton Snubber Inc
Rated Power: 190 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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts:
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Sheffield, TX (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: Sheffield, TX (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G  

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: 30.653889, -101.787500