Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Man who attacked flight attendant will pay back nearly $50,000 for plane’s diversion to Anchorage

A man who attacked and threatened to kill a flight attendant last year was ordered Tuesday in federal court to repay the nearly $50,000 it cost to divert the plane to Anchorage and accommodate more than 200 passengers on board.

Seksan Kumtong — now 52 — had been acting strangely since boarding a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Narita, Japan, last February, Brenden Ryan, an FBI special agent in Anchorage, wrote in an affidavit supporting a criminal complaint. Crew members decided to cut him off from receiving alcoholic beverages and he fell asleep in his seat for a period of the flight, the affidavit said. After he awoke, he became agitated when he was denied another drink, according to the affidavit.

The agitation gave way to violence and the affidavit said Kumtong struck a flight attendant in the face and pulled them to the ground.

“I will kill you,” he shouted at the flight attendant, along with other obscenities, the affidavit said.

Kumtong, who is from North Hollywood, California, has suffered from uncontrolled diabetes for years, his attorney, assistant federal defender Sam Eilers, said in a sentencing memorandum. When combined with alcohol consumption, that can lead to “severe hypoglycemia and consequent combativeness,” Eilers wrote. He said the reaction in this case was not an excuse, but does partially explain why Kumtong acted so violently.

The flight was diverted to Anchorage and vouchers were provided for meals and hotel stays to the airplane staff and 214 passengers on board, according to a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charisse Arce. In total, the diversion cost $49,793.

During a sentencing hearing Tuesday morning, Judge Timothy Burgess said that “this is more than just an expensive inconvenience to everybody on that flight, but there’s actually a real victim in this case that has suffered physical consequences for his conduct.” The flight attendant has lasting medical conditions as a result of the assault, he said.

Kumtong pleaded guilty in November to a charge of interference with flight crew members and attendants.

As Burgess sentenced Kumtong to the five years of probation, he acknowledged the role the pandemic played in the decision: Kumtong is especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because of his diabetes, and serving a sentence in a prison would put him at risk because the virus spreads rapidly in congregate facilities and Alaska’s correctional facilities have been hit hard by the pandemic.

Kumtong will also pay back the $49,793 in restitution.

Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 170, N170RH; accident occurred February 16, 2020 near High Point Airport (3KS5), Valley Center, Sedgwick County, Kansas






Aviation Accident Factual 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; Wichita, Kansas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Valley Center, KS
Accident Number: CEN20TA088
Date & Time: 02/16/2020, 1502 CST
Registration: N170RH
Aircraft: Cessna 170
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Minor, 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Factual Information

On February 16, 2020, about 1502 central standard time, a Cessna 170 airplane, N170RH, impacted terrain during takeoff from runway 17 at the High Point Airport (3KS5), near Valley Center, Kansas. The airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries and the three passengers were uninjured. The fuselage was substantially damaged during the impact. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area about the time of the accident, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating from 3KS5 at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that he was taking off when the accident occurred. He conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane, and also determined the weight and balance of the airplane was within the airframe manufacturer's limits. He estimated that the takeoff ground run distance was about 1,400 ft, which was about 70% more than the owner's manual performance value for a normal takeoff with no wind using a level, paved runway. He walked some of the takeoff area and determined the grass runway was "wet, but a solid surface." The windsock indicated about 8 knots at 160°. With over 2,200 ft of runway available and a slight downhill gradient, he deemed the available runway length to be adequate. He held the brakes letting the airplane reach maximum power before he released the brakes.

The pilot reported that the aircraft was indicating 60+ mph with about 500 feet of runway left when he considered aborting the takeoff, but determined that was not safe due to the road that ran perpendicular to the end of the runway. He continued to accelerate and rotated at the end of the runway. The aircraft abruptly pitched up and the pilot lowered the nose. The aircraft began sinking and was not accelerating. the pilot determined the best course of action would be to land straight ahead in an open field. After touchdown the aircraft's right side spring landing gear broke and the spring leg dug into the ground. The airplane subsequently rotated, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the takeoff, and that the airplane had accelerated normally.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 44, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Unmanned (sUAS)
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/22/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/16/2019
Flight Time:  6200 hours (Total, all aircraft), 8 hours (Total, this make and model), 5000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 84 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 21 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N170RH
Model/Series: 170 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Amateur Built:No 
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18030
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/09/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3593.6 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: C145
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 145 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: KAAO, 1421 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1454 CST
Direction from Accident Site: 133°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Valley Center, KS (3KS5)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Valley Center, KS (3KS5)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1502 CST
Type of Airspace: Airport Information
Airport: HIGH POINT (3KS5)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1395 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Soft
Runway Used: 17
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2400 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 37.842778, -97.351389 (est)






Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N5185R; accident occurred February 17, 2020 at Grays Creek Airport (2GC), Fayetteville, North Carolina


















Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board


Investigator In Charge (IIC): Hicks, Ralph

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

Additional Participating Entity
Corey Paczkowski; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina 
Accident Number: ERA20LA105
Date and Time: February 17, 2020, 13:35 Local
Registration: N5185R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 4 Serious 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor was taking three local community college students on an orientation flight. The passenger in the front left seat was on the controls with the instructor during the takeoff. Witnesses observed the airplane pitch up aggressively during the takeoff, approaching a near vertical attitude before stalling and impacting the ground adjacent to the runway. The engine continued to run normally during the event. A rear seat passenger reported that the flight instructor told the passenger to let go of the controls, but that the passenger continued pulling back. The front seat passenger stated that after the airplane “tilted too far back” during the takeoff, he kept his hands on the yoke for several seconds before he eventually let go. Due to the extent of his injuries, the flight instructor did not recall the event. All four occupants sustained serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly.

Given this information, it is likely that the front seat passenger who was manipulating the controls with the pilot applied excessive back pressure on the yoke, resulting in an over rotation, aggressive initial climb, and subsequent aerodynamic stall. The flight instructor’s remedial actions were not sufficient to prevent the stall, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The passenger’s excessive control application during the takeoff and the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Findings

Aircraft Pitch control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Passenger
Personnel issues Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot

Factual Information

On February 17, 2020, about 1535 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5185R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fayetteville, North Carolina. The flight instructor and three passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to information provided by the operator and witness statements, the purpose of the flight was to orient local community college students with general aviation. The pilot, who was also a flight instructor, was seated in the right cockpit seat. The passengers occupied the other three seats. During the takeoff, the passenger in the left seat was on the flight controls with the instructor. Witnesses watching the takeoff (some of whom were flight instructors), described that as soon as the main wheels left the runway, the airplane pitched up aggressively. The airplane pitched up to a higher-than-normal pitch attitude, stalled, then collided with terrain adjacent to the runway. They also reported that the engine continued to run normally during the accident sequence.

The evening of the accident, one of the flight instructors employed by the operator visited the hospital and spoke to the passengers. She reported that one of the rear seat passengers described to her that during the takeoff the flight instructor called out for the passenger to let go; however, the passenger did not relinquish the controls. She further described that she started screaming as the airplane descended toward the ground.

In a deposition taken after the accident, the front seat passenger stated that before the takeoff, the flight instructor provided him with instructions on when to initiate the takeoff. He recalled that between a speed of 70 to 80 mph, the flight instructor would tell him to either “push in or pull out” the airplane’s control yoke. The passenger could not recall which direction he moved the yoke during the takeoff but stated that when the airplane reached about 75 mph the instructor told him to rotate the airplane slowly. After lifting off, the airplane “tilted too far back” and the passenger was only able to see the sky out of the airplane’s windscreen. He stated that the airplane, “started going straight up” and “…I was kind of, you know, freaking out…” As the airplane lifted off, his hands were still on the yoke. As the airplane pitched up, he took his hands off the yoke. He estimated that he kept his hands on the yoke after liftoff for a “couple of seconds.” He also stated that no one told him to take his hands off the yoke before he took his hands off the yoke. The flight instructor called out that he was trying to regain control and not to touch anything. The airplane began descending as “alerts” were going off in the cockpit, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The propeller separated from the engine. They reported that their examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly. They also calculated the airplane’s estimated weight and balance at the time of the accident, finding that the airplane was below its maximum gross weight and within center of gravity limits. The operator also reported that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident.

The flight instructor, due to the severity of his injuries, did not recall the event.

History of Flight

Initial climb Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 19, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 3, 2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 7, 2019
Flight Time: 533 hours (Total, all aircraft), 187 hours (Total, this make and model), 393 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 46 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 43 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N5185R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility 
Serial Number: 17263402
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 6, 2020 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 98 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6863 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 150 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: KFAY, 186 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:21 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 343°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Fayetteville, NC (2GC) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fayetteville, NC (2GC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 13:35 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Grays Creek 2GC
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 160 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3500 ft / 30 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Serious 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 34.893611,-78.843612(est)



Location: Hope Mills, NC
Accident Number: ERA20LA105
Date & Time: 02/17/2020, 1350 EST
Registration: N5185R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 4 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On February 17, 2020, about 1350 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5185R, was substantially damaged during takeoff in Hope Mills, North Carolina. The commercial pilot and three passengers sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to information provided by the operator, the purpose of the flight was to orient local youth with general aviation. The commercial pilot, who was also a flight instructor, was seated in the right cockpit seat. The passengers occupied the other three seats. During the takeoff, the passenger in the left seat reached for the control yoke and pulled back on the controls. The flight instructor called out for him to let go; however, the passenger did not relinquish the controls. The airplane pitched up to a near vertical position, stalled, then collided with terrain adjacent to the runway. Witnesses watching the takeoff reported that the engine continued to run normally during the accident sequence.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The propeller separated from the engine. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N5185R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:No 
Operator: Cape Fear Aviation Maintenance Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFAY, 186 ft msl
Observation Time: 1421 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)
Destination: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Serious
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 34.893611, -78.843611 (est)


FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina — An unlicensed pilot might have been at the controls before a plane crashed off the end of a runway at a Cumberland County airport on February 17th.

Three students participating in an event showcasing careers in aviation and a Cape Fear Aviation flight instructor were injured when the Cessna 172M Skyhawk went down at Gray's Creek Airport, off Butler Nursery Road.

Vanessa Leal, 18, of Falcon, said Thursday that she was sitting in the back seat of the plane with Dominique Northcutt, 23, of Fayetteville. The instructor, Jake Parsons, 19, was in front with Justin Elliott, 24, of Linden, Leal said.

"I think it was whenever we started taking off that stuff went wrong," Leal said in an exclusive interview with WRAL News.

"I just remember screaming because I knew something was wrong because we weren't supposed to be that way in the air ... like tilted," she said.

Leal indicated that the nose of the plane suddenly shot up during takeoff.

"I just know that the pilot that has his license said to the other one to let him take over, and I knew it was too late by then," she said.

She said she passed out during the incident and doesn't remember the crash itself, only waking up as she was being put into an ambulance.

Cape Fear Aviation declined to comment Thursday when asked if students were allowed to fly the planes during Monday's event.

The event, sponsored by Cumberland County Workforce Development, allowed registered attendees to learn about careers as airplane mechanics or pilots, jobs expected to be in high demand in coming years.

Parsons' grandfather, Joe Marsh, chief of the Gray's Creek Fire Department, responded to the crash. Marsh is a pilot himself, and he said it appeared the plane stalled during takeoff.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

Leal remains at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, recovering from abdominal surgery, broken bones in her feet and injuries to her face and left hand. She said she forgives both Parsons and Elliott for the crash.

"I wasn't upset with either of them for the accident," she said, noting that she texted Parsons.

Leal said she had never flown before Monday. She was enthralled with an earlier flight and decided to go up a second time, but she said she now isn't sure if she will ever get on another plane.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.wral.com





FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- A small plane crashed at an airport in Fayetteville on February 174th, injuring a total of four people.

It happened at Gray's Creek Airport on Butler Nursery Road at 1:50 p.m. According to a news release from the State Highway Patrol, the plane crashed into a field next to the runway shortly after take-off.

Gray's Creek Fire Chief Joe Marsh said his grandson was on the  Cessna 172M Skyhawk aircraft when it crashed. He was taken to the hospital with a broken ankle and facial injuries.

In total, a pilot and three other young adults were injured, according to a Cumberland County spokesperson. The state highway patrol said all four had serious injuries.

Tuesday, the State Highway Patrol identified those involved in the crash as 19-year-old Jacob Parsons, 23-year-old Dominique Northcutt, 24-year-old Justin Elliot and 18-year-old Vanessa Leal. Parsons, Marsh's grandson, was the pilot of the plane.

"I ran to him first and the other guys started going to the other patients," Marsh said in a phone interview. "I stayed with him and one of my other guys came up and helped with him, which you just try to focus on your job."

Family members of Dominique Northcutt said she is in critical condition as neurosurgeons perform life-saving surgery to stop bleeding in her brain.

Northcutt's aunt, Nell Rhodes, said her niece has extensive injuries including broken bones, cuts on her legs and injuries to her neck, spine and face.

When Deirdre Diamond-Martinez received a phone call about the crash, she was in disbelief.

"I didn't think it was real because I just initially thought my son was flying paper airplanes."

According to a county press release, several young adults were spending the day at the Grays Creek Airport for an Aviation Career day, hosted by the Cumberland County Workforce Development. Several people, including 14-year-old Patrick Martinez, were going to learn about airplane mechanics and pilot careers.

Martinez, one of the teenagers in the program, said he had flown earlier in the day. He said his instructor was on the plane when it crashed.

"I'm just still shocked," he said.

"It's hard because my son, you know, he's not really feeling this flying thing, but he'll still work with the program," Martinez's mother said.

Martinez says her son has been a part of the N.C. Works program for nearly two years now.

"I kept calling him over and over again, sometimes the calls didn't go through," his mom Deirdre Diamond-Martinez said. "Eventually he called me and said he was okay."

Original article can be found here ➤ https://abc11.com





The North Carolina Highway Patrol has identified the four people who were injured in a plane crash on February 17th at Gray’s Creek Airport south of Fayetteville during an aviation career day for students.

They are Jake Parson, 19, of the 5300 block of Butler Nursery Road; Dominique Northcutt, 23, of the 9400 block of Gooden Drive; Justin Elliott, 24, of the 9100 block of Colliers Chapel Church Road; and Vanessa Leal, 18, of the 6500 block of Northwest Drive.

Leal is listed in good condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Information on the condition of the other passengers was not released.

A  Cessna 172M Skyhawk crashed just before 2 p.m. Monday with three students and the pilot on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause.

The students on the plane were taking part in the aviation career day as part of the Cumberland County Workforce Development program.

The program was held at Cape Fear Aviation, 7154 Butler Nursery Road. An announcement of the program by Cumberland County said it was designed for students to learn about airplane mechanic and pilot careers.

The NC Works Career Center sponsored the program, according to the county. Airline pilots and airplane mechanic jobs are expected to be in high demand in coming years, according to the county news release.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.fayobserver.com



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


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

https://registry.faa.gov/N5185R

Location: Hope Mills, NC
Accident Number: ERA20LA105
Date & Time: 02/17/2020, 1350 EST
Registration: N5185R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 4 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On February 17, 2020, about 1350 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5185R, was substantially damaged during takeoff in Hope Mills, North Carolina. The commercial pilot and three passengers sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to information provided by the operator, the purpose of the flight was to orient local youth with general aviation. The commercial pilot, who was also a flight instructor, was seated in the right cockpit seat. The passengers occupied the other three seats. During the takeoff, the passenger in the left seat reached for the control yoke and pulled back on the controls. The flight instructor called out for him to let go; however, the passenger did not relinquish the controls. The airplane pitched up to a near vertical position, stalled, then collided with terrain adjacent to the runway. Witnesses watching the takeoff reported that the engine continued to run normally during the accident sequence.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The propeller separated from the engine. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N5185R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:No 
Operator: Cape Fear Aviation Maintenance Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFAY, 186 ft msl
Observation Time: 1421 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)
Destination: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Serious
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 34.893611, -78.843611 (est)

Two Longtime Boeing Board Members to Step Down: Plane maker’s board has undergone changes since the 737 MAX crashes in 2018, 2019



The Wall Street Journal
By Andrew Tangel and Emily Glazer
Updated February 17, 2021 6:02 pm ET

Boeing Co.said two longtime directors would step down as the aerospace giant’s board undergoes more changes in the wake of the 737 MAX crisis.

The Chicago-based plane maker said Wednesday that Susan Schwab and Arthur Collins would retire from the board and not stand for reelection at Boeing’s annual shareholder meeting April 20. The company didn’t immediately announce the nomination of new directors for the board.

Mr. Collins, who once led medical device-maker Medtronic PLC, has been a Boeing board member since 2007. Ms. Schwab, a former U.S. trade representative, has been on the board since 2010. The Wall Street Journal reported the planned departures earlier Wednesday.

“Boeing has benefited enormously from their committed and dedicated service,” Chairman Larry Kellner said in a statement.

The departures have been under consideration in recent weeks and are part of an effort following the MAX crisis to bring people with fresh perspectives onto the board, people familiar with the matter said. Four of Boeing’s 12 directors joined the board after the accidents.

Boeing’s board has faced scrutiny from investors and U.S. lawmakers ever since two of its 737 MAX jets crashed, in October 2018 and March 2019, claiming 346 lives. A year ago, the board added two new directors with safety and engineering experience, replacing two longtime members. Since the accidents, Boeing’s board has also created a permanent safety committee and split the roles of chairman and chief executive.

The accidents led to a nearly two-year grounding of the 737 MAX before U.S. regulators approved it to resume passenger flights late last year. The MAX crisis, which Boeing has estimated will cost it about $20 billion, has since been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and the blow it dealt to global air travel and demand for new passenger jets.

Current and former Boeing directors and executives during the MAX crisis are facing a shareholders’ lawsuit that alleges lax board oversight as developments about the crashes unfolded. The suit, filed in Delaware’s Court of Chancery, cites internal Boeing documents and in part claims the company’s board failed to challenge then-CEO Dennis Muilenburg on the 737 MAX’s safety. It also alleges current chief David Calhoun later exaggerated to journalists the extent of the board’s oversight between the two accidents as well as after.

The company is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, saying it lacks merit and “presents a misleading and incomplete picture” of Boeing’s actions and the board’s oversight. Boeing has said the lawsuit provides a distorted account of Mr. Calhoun’s interviews, saying the board’s extensive and active oversight was accurately explained during those media interviews.

Boeing’s board is a mix of long-serving directors and fairly recent additions. Mr. Calhoun, who became CEO early last year, has been a Boeing director since 2009. Mr. Kellner, a former airline executive, joined the board in 2011.

A year ago, Boeing added Akhil Johri, former finance chief at aerospace manufacturer United Technologies Corp. , and Steven Mollenkopf, chief executive of chip maker Qualcomm Inc. They succeeded longtime directors.

Since then, former U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, a director since 2017, has stepped down. She was succeeded by Lynne Doughtie, head of auditing firm KPMG’s U.S. operation. John Richardson, a retired Navy admiral, was named to the board in October 2019.

Two proxy advisory firms last year raised questions about board members’ oversight and recommended shareholders vote against some Boeing directors to protest their handling of the MAX crisis. Among the five board members who faced substantial opposition at last year’s annual meeting, Ms. Schwab and Mr. Collins secured backing from less than 60% of votes cast. They and the other directors overall won a majority in the shareholders’ election

Ms. Schwab has served on other corporate boards alongside fellow Boeing directors. She sits on the board of machinery maker Caterpillar Inc., where Mr. Calhoun is presiding director, according to a securities filing. Mr. Muilenburg previously served on Caterpillar’s board before his ouster as Boeing CEO in late 2019. Ms. Schwab also sits on the Marriott International Inc. board with Mr. Kellner, who is the hotel company’s lead director.

Loss of Control in Flight: Schweizer 269C-1, N731TA; accident occurred February 17, 2020 at Ormond Beach Municipal Airport (KOMN), Volusia County, Florida



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity:

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://registry.faa.gov/N731TA

Location: Ormond Beach, Florida 
Accident Number: ERA20CA104
Date & Time: February 17, 2020, 15:15 Local 
Registration: N731TA
Aircraft: Schweizer 269C 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The student pilot reported that, while on his first solo flight in a helicopter, the wind began to increase. Concerned the wind may become unsafe, he decided to make a full-stop landing and complete the flight. After coming in for landing and while hovering over the runway, an air traffic controller instructed the student to exit the runway via the nearest taxiway. As he made a right pedal turn onto the taxiway, the helicopter began to yaw aggressively right. Concerned the helicopter was encountering a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, he applied additional right pedal and forward cyclic to increase airspeed and abort the landing. The helicopter began to spin uncontrollably and gain altitude. He rolled off the throttle and pulled aft cyclic and full collective, the right skid impacted the ground, and the helicopter then rolled onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter 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 pedal and cyclic input while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Aircraft (general) - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-hover Other weather encounter
Maneuvering-hover Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Maneuvering-hover Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing Roll over

Student pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 39,Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Right
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: December 19, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 64.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 13.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 14 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7.6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Schweizer
Registration: N731TA
Model/Series: 269C 1
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 0236
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/03/2020, Continuous Airworthiness
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2717.5 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: HIO-360-G1A
Registered Owner: Tomlinson Aviation Inc
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Tomlinson Aviation Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KOMN, 29 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2050 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 171°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Atual: None / None
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ormond Beach, FL (OMN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Ormond Beach, FL (OMN)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:  EST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Ormond Beach Muni (OMN)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 27 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 09
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4005 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

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: 29.301111, -81.113889 (est)



Abnormal Runway Contact: Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG, N2763V; accident occurred February 18, 2020 at Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS), St. Louis County, Missouri













Aviation Accident Factual 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. Ann, Missouri 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://registry.faa.gov/N2763V


Location: Chesterfield, MO
Accident Number: CEN20LA095
Date & Time: 02/18/2020, 1850 CST
Registration: N2763V
Aircraft: Cessna 177RG
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

Factual Information

On February 18, 2020, about 1850 central standard time, a Cessna 177RG airplane, N2763V, sustained substantial damage during landing at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS), Chesterfield, Missouri. The student pilot and flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor reported the landing gear selector handle was down and the gear down indicator (green) light was illuminated on short final. The right main landing gear appeared to be fully extended when viewed out the right-side window. After the airplane touched down on the runway, the landing gear collapsed.

The student pilot reported the flight instructor stated "green clear to land" as the airplane crossed the airport perimeter fence on final approach. The student pilot completed a before landing "GUMPS" check and placed his hand on the landing gear handle to ensure it was in the down position. Landing touchdown was "soft;" however, the airplane started "sinking" during the rollout. The belly of the airplane subsequently contacted the ground.

A postaccident examination of the landing gear system was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector with assistance from a local maintenance facility. The airplane was placed on jacks and the landing gear was retracted and extended 5 times with no anomalies noted. The landing gear system functioned normally, locking in both the up and down positions. The cockpit gear position indicator lights operated normally. The landing gear was actuated using the emergency extension system with no anomalies observed.

The airplane sustained extensive scraping damage to the lower fuselage, which included the aft, exterior portion of the nose landing gear doors, and the forward, outboard portion of the steps installed on the main landing gear struts. The main wheel tires appeared to exhibit normal wear and without any transverse abrasion.

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 51, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/05/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  57 hours (Total, all aircraft), 48 hours (Total, this make and model), 14 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/25/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/01/2018
Flight Time:  4322 hours (Total, all aircraft), 11 hours (Total, this make and model), 4163 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 73 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 23 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N2763V
Model/Series: 177RG No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number:177RG0687 
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/15/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:2800 lbs 
Time Since Last Inspection: 56 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4231 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-A1B6D
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 200 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: SUS, 463 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1854 CST
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: 
Altimeter Setting: 30.37 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 3°C / -4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Chesterfield, MO (SUS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Chesterfield, MO (SUS)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1800 CST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Spirit of St. Louis (SUS)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 463 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 26R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5000 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 38.657222, -90.651111