Monday, February 01, 2021

Low Altitude Operation/Event: Ayres S2R-T34 Thrush, N40226; accident occurred June 12, 2020 in Lenore, Nez Perce County, Idaho






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; Helena, Montana

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

CJ Air LLC


Location: Lenore, Idaho
Accident Number: WPR20CA179
Date & Time: June 12, 2020, 15:00 Local 
Registration: N40226
Aircraft: Ayres S2R 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis

The pilot reported that prior to conducting an aerial application on a field, he circled the field twice to look for obstacles. As he completed his first aerial application pass, he observed power lines that he did not previously see. Being too close to climb above them, the pilot chose to fly underneath the power lines. The airplane subsequently struck a guy wire and impacted terrain. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight, which resulted in a wire strike.

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Wire - Awareness of condition

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)
Maneuvering-low-alt flying Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Center
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 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: July 9, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: July 26, 2018
Flight Time: 9693 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4000 hours (Total, this make and model), 9693 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 395 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 326 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Ayres 
Registration: N40226
Model/Series: S2R T34
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special) 
Serial Number: T34-046DC
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6-34AG
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 750 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLWS, 1436 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 20:56 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 257°
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: 29.84 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Craigmont, ID (S89) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Craigmont, ID (S89)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 13:45 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 46.454723,-116.524169(est)

Hard Landing: Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N738VY; accident occurred June 12, 2020 at Reedsburg Municipal Airport (C35), Sauk County, Wisconsin

 







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; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

RPM Aero LLC


Location: Reedsburg, Wisconsin 
Accident Number: CEN20CA257
Date & Time: June 12, 2020, 16:00 Local 
Registration: N738VY
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The student pilot was conducting his third solo flight. He took off for a short local flight and subsequently returned to the departure airport to land. During the final approach, the student pilot stated he set 30° of flaps and was "carrying a little more airspeed than he likely should have." As he leveled out over the runway, the nose dropped before he began to flare, and the airplane began to porpoise. After three hard bounces, he was able to settle the airplane onto the runway. He taxied the airplane back to the hangar and noticed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the firewall and forward fuselage. The student pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precludded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted a hard, bounced landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot
Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Hard landing (Defining event)

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 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 7, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 80 hours (Total, all aircraft), 70 hours (Total, this make and model), 10 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 19 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N738VY
Model/Series: 172 N 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17270283
Landing Gear Type: 
Tricycle Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-320-H2AD
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 160 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDLL,976 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 20:55 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 93°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 15 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 60° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Reedsburg, WI (C35)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Reedsburg, WI (C35) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 15:00 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: REEDSBURG MUNI C35
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 906 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36 
IFR Approach: None 
Runway Length/Width: 4840 ft / 75 ft VFR 
Approach/Landing: 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: 43.528888,-89.983055(est)

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N65773: June 12, 2020, December 03, 2018 and May 31, 2018



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; St. Louis, Missouri

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Bowling Green, Missouri 
Accident Number: CEN20CA241
Date & Time: June 12, 2020, 16:30 Local
Registration: N65773
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that on two landing attempts, the airplane touched down hard and bounced multiple times. After the second landing attempt, the pilot aborted the landing and diverted to another airport. Five flight-legs later, the pilot returned to the airplane's rental location and noticed that the tail tie down fell off when he attempted to tie down the airplane. Further examination revealed substantial damage to the tail. The pilot did not report any 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 improper flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Hard landing (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 26,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
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 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: April 9, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: May 30, 2020
Flight Time: 145 hours (Total, all aircraft), 44 hours (Total, this make and model), 35 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N65773
Model/Series: 172 P 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:
Normal Serial Number: 17275876
Landing Gear Type: 
Tricycle Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 21, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 57 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 14559 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 180 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHAE,770 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 24 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 334°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
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: 30.1 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Olathe, KS (IXD) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Columbus, OH (LCK)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 15:30 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Bowling Green Muni H19
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 886 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 31 IFR
Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3203 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

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: 39.369998,-91.219169(est)
 
December 03, 2018





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Location: Monroe, NC
Accident Number:GAA19CA087 
Date & Time: 12/03/2018, 1805 EST
Registration: N65773
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that, upon touchdown, he maintained aft pressure on the control yoke to keep the nose landing gear (NLG) off the runway, but the airplane bounced. The main landing gear touched down again hard, followed by the NLG, which then collapsed, and the left wing impacted the grass adjacent the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The student 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 student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and nose landing gear collapse.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Landing gear collapse
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 23, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
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: 09/19/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 15 hours (Total, all aircraft), 15 hours (Total, this make and model), 1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N65773
Model/Series: 172 P
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 17275876
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner: Aerowood Aviation
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Aerowood Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KEQY, 679 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2253 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 123°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.82 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Monroe, NC (EQY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Monroe, NC (EQY)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1715 EST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: CHARLOTTE-MONROE EXECUTIVE (EQY)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 682 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 23
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7001 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; 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: 35.017500, -80.621944 (est)

May 31, 2018: Aircraft landed in a field.

Date: 31-MAY-18
Time: 17:15:00Z
Regis#: N65773
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172P
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MOUNT CROGHAN
State: SOUTH CAROLINA

Loss of Control on Ground: Waco YMF-F5C, N323TX; accident occurred June 13, 2020 at Kline Kill Airport (NY1), Ghent, Columbia County, New York







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; Albany, New York

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Kinderhook Aviation LLC


Location: Ghent, New York
Accident Number: ERA20CA214
Date & Time: June 13, 2020, 09:30 Local
Registration: N323TX
Aircraft: Waco YMF F5C 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped bi-plane was performing practice takeoffs and landings on a 75-foot-wide turf runway following an uneventful local flight. During the fourth takeoff, the airplane accelerated down the runway and after the pilot raised the tailwheel off the ground, the airplane suddenly drifted toward the left side of the runway. The left-wing tip contacted trees and brush near the runway's left edge, and pivoted the airplane left into the trees. Both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that "modest but variable and gusty winds" prevailed at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A loss of directional control on takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

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)
Takeoff Collision during takeoff/land

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 69, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 5-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 19, 2019
Occupational Pilot: UNK 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 17, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1150 hours (Total, all aircraft), 16 hours (Total, this make and model), 960 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 35 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 19 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate:
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 5-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:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Waco 
Registration: N323TX
Model/Series: YMF F5C No Series 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2011 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: F5C-8-124
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 3
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 14, 2019 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2950 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 24 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 296.7 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: Jacobs
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: R755A2M
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 300 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: PSF, 1188 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 09:54 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 73°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 4000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 270° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ghent, NY (NY1)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Ghent, NY (NY1)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 09:00 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Kline Kill NY1 
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 386 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used: 01
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 75 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: 42.347221,-73.635559(est)



Collision During Takeoff: Van's RV-8, N836JC; fatal accident occurred June 13, 2020 at Mandan Municipal Airport (Y19), Morton County, North Dakota


Joel Todd Pfliger











Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fargo, North Dakota 
Van's Aircraft; Aurora, Oregon
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

Investigation Docket - National Transportat
ion Safety Board:


Location: Mandan, North Dakota
Accident Number: CEN20LA227
Date & Time: June 13, 2020, 14:00 Local
Registration: N836JC
Aircraft: Vans RV8
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 13, 2020, about 1400 central daylight time, a Vans RV8 airplane, N836JC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Mandan, North Dakota. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

One witness had a meeting with the pilot and others just before the accident flight. The witness walked over to the airplane after the meeting and noticed that the aft cockpit seatbelt was strapped around the control stick. The pilot said that this was done to hold the airplane's flight controls while parked with windy conditions present. This witness reminded the pilot to remove the belt from around the rear seat controls before departure. The witness walked away from the parking area on the ramp and saw the pilot turn around while in the cockpit, but could not see what he was doing. The witness noticed that the airplane's elevator was up as the airplane departed. The airplane became airborne quickly, flew straight up, rolled left, and then went straight down before impacting the ground; a fire ensued. The witness observed that the elevator was in an up position at the accident site and slowly lowered as the fire continued.

Another witness stated that it was very "windy," and he noticed that the wind swung the airplane around during its taxi for departure. The pilot continued a 360° turn on the ramp and then taxied the airplane to the runway for departure. The witness noticed that the airplane's elevator was up during this time and it stayed up throughout the takeoff. Upon lifting off the runway, the airplane "immediately" went straight up to about 50 ft above the ground, entered a left bank, then entered a nose-down, vertical descent to impact. The witness along with another witness tried to pull the pilot out, but the airplane was engulfed in flames.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 24, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 23, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1022 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans 
Registration: N836JC
Model/Series: RV8 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: 81012
Landing Gear Type: 
Tailwheel Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: November 21, 2019
Condition Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 694.9 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-A1B6D
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 200 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The airplane was a low-wing, tailwheel-equipped airplane with a tandem seating configuration. Both forward and aft seating positions were equipped with seatbelts and flight controls.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KY19,1946 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:55 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 100°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 18 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 130° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mandan, ND (Y19) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Stanton, ND (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:00 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: MANDAN MUNI Y19
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 1944 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 13 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4399 ft / 75 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: Aircraft
Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 46.768054,-100.89444(est)

Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined and documented the wreckage site. The inboard portions of both wings, the engine, and sections of the fuselage were thermally damaged consistent with a postimpact fire. A ground scar was present south of the wreckage. 

Linear gouges were observed within the ground scar. The propeller blades exhibited leading edge nicks and chordwise abrasion. The trim tab on the left elevator was displaced downward, consistent with nose-up trim. The cockpit interior was discolored, deformed, and charred. The seatbelt webbing was not identified.

Additional Information

The airplane kit manufacturer had a stated policy in place for all its company pilots that only the pilot’s stick is to be wrapped around the control stick whenever an airplane's controls are secured by wrapping. The copilot/passenger stick is not to be used to secure the controls under any circumstances.

Medical and Pathological Information

The North Dakota Department of Health State Forensic Examiner conducted an autopsy on the pilot and took toxicological samples. The cause of death was listed as blunt head and chest injuries with burning by fire.

Toxicology testing performed at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for carboxyhemoglobin, ethanol, and drugs of abuse.

Mooney M20C Ranger, N9400V: Incident occurred January 28, 2021 at Clearwater Air Park (KCLW), Pinellas County, Florida

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

Aircraft sustained hard landing causing damage to propeller. 

Wings West LC


Date: 28-JAN-21
Time: 18:30:00Z
Regis#: N9400V
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: MO20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CLEARWATER
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 172R Skyhawk, N997MC: Accident occurred January 28, 2021 at Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field (KLZU), Lawrenceville, Georgia

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; Atlanta, Georgia

AeroVentures Flying Club Inc


Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Accident Number: ERA21LA119
Date & Time: January 28, 2021, 10:45 Local
Registration: N997MC
Aircraft: Cessna 172R
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N997MC
Model/Series: 172R 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: KLZU,1061 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:46 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 0°C /0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / 18 knots,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.39 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Lawrenceville, GA (GMU)
Destination: Lawrenceville, GA (LZU)

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: 33.978076,-83.962377 (est)

Beech B300 King Air 350, N217US: Accident occurred January 28, 2021 at Davenport Municipal Airport (KDVN), Scott County, Iowa

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; Ankeny, Iowa

Location: Davenport, IA
Accident Number: CEN21LA118
Date & Time: January 28, 2021, 16:10 Local 
Registration: N217US
Aircraft: Beech 300 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N217US
Model/Series: 300 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter air carrier (135)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDVN 
Observation Time: 16:10 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point: -6°C /-13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 70°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.59 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Davenport, IA
Destination: Davenport, IA

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: 41.614972,-90.587418 




UPDATE: Officials have released more information about the plane crash at the Davenport Municipal Airport.

The small corporate plane, being used in a training exercise, slid off the runway as it was in the process of landing when a wing clipped a snow berm next to the runway.

Two individuals were onboard the plane and didn’t appear injured. They both declined treatment at the scene.

Carver Aero, the airport’s fixed-base operator, is currently dealing with leaking fuel on the runway.

The FAA has been notified for investigation of the accident.

Both the Davenport Police and Fire Department responded initially to the accident.




EARLIER UPDATE: A plane slid off the runway crashing into something at the Davenport Municipal Airport on Thursday.

It happened around 4:15 p.m.

The plane was surrounded by multiple emergency vehicles, resting on its tail.

The cabin is still intact, but there is some debris around it.

The tail number is N217US. It’s a turboprop plane, which can fit about six to eight people.

It’s registered to MM Air LLC out of California.

According to flightaware.com, it last flew into this airport January 20 and regularly flies in and out of there.




EARLIER UPDATE: Emergency crews are responding to a plane crash at the Davenport Municipal Airport.

The plane crashed around 4:15 p.m. Thursday.

The airport is located at East 90th Street and North Harrison Street in Davenport.

A Local 4 News crew at the scene showed the plane’s cabin still intact. There was no evidence of a fire.

No injuries are being reported at this time.