Tuesday, April 06, 2021

Cessna 150M, N9420U: Judge to consider dismissing the case of pilot Christopher Wilkinson

Christopher Wilkinson, 33
~


Youngstown, Ohio - The Springfield Township pilot accused of flying a private plane flew too close to the press box of a Youngstown State University home football game more than three years ago found himself in jail this weekend.

Christopher Wilkinson, 33, was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct on Friday according to jail records.

It was November 2, 2022 that Youngstown Municipal Judge Carla Baldwin issued a warrant for Wilkinson's arrest after he failed to appear in court for a trial on those charges, as well as a misdemeanor charge of unsafe operation of an aircraft.

At the time, Wilkinson's attorney told judge Baldwin that his client didn't appear because they needed more time to discuss the case since another lawyer who was acting as co-counsel withdrew from the case.  Judge Baldwin said that the discussion should have taken place before the scheduled trial date.

In November 2019, authorities charged Wilkinson after he allegedly flew a single-engine Cessna close to the press box and Stambaugh stadium lights while fans were watching the September 28 game against Robert Morris.

Prosecutors say Wilkinson flew well below 1000 feet above ground level.

Wilkinson's lawyer has claimed that it should have been up to the Federal Aviation Administration to prosecute Wilkinson, not the city.  Judge Baldwin denied that claim earlier.


Judge Carla Baldwin is considering a motion by the Springfield, Ohio pilot's attorney to throw the case out.

 

Christopher Wilkinson appeared back in Youngstown Municipal Court Tuesday afternoon, where his attorney tried to dismiss his client on all charges.

Wilkinson was charged with inducing panic and disorderly conduct back in November of 2020 after the Springfield man allegedly flew a single-engine Cessna close to the press box and stadium lights while fans were watching the September 28 game against Robert Morris.

According to Federal Aviation Administration records, Wilkinson is a commercial pilot licensed to fly private planes and land multi-engine aircraft.

His attorney argued the case should be thrown out because the elevation Wilkinson flew at during the game wasn't in the jurisdiction of those that arrested him and pressed charges. 

The prosecuting attorney argued that the pilot flew well below 1000 feet above ground level. 

Judge Carla Baldwin instructed both attorneys to file post-hearing briefs by April 20 and then she would make a decision by May 4 on whether the case will be dismissed or move forward. 



A Springfield Township, Ohio, man has been accused of flying a small, private plane close to Stambaugh Stadium during a Youngstown State University football game.

Christopher Wilkinson appeared for arraignment Friday in Youngstown Municipal Court on charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct.

YSU Police filed the charges after Wilkinson allegedly flew a Cessna 150M close to the press box and stadium lights while fans were watching the September 28th game against Robert Morris.

Youngstown State University police notified the Federal Aviation Administration immediately who then launched an investigation on who it was and why they did it.

The owner of the plane told 21 News he was not flying the plane but rented it out to a man he says usually flies jets for a living.

According to Federal Aviation Administration records, Wilkinson is a commercial pilot licensed to fly private planes and land multi-engine aircraft,

Wilkinson pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 7th.

Story and video ➤ https://www.wfmj.com


New Middletown, Ohio, pilot arraigned in Youngstown State University fly-by: Charged with inducing panic, disorderly conduct


November 5th, 2019

YOUNGSTOWN — A New Middletown pilot has been charged in the September 28th incident where a small plane flew too close to Stambaugh Stadium, alarming spectators at a Youngstown State University football game.

Christopher Wilkinson, 30, 9211 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Road, New Middletown, pleaded not guilty Friday in Youngstown Municipal Court to charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct.

According to court records, YSU police filed the charges after the police investigation into why a Cessna 150M flew close to the press box and stadium lights on the east side of Stambaugh Stadium during the September 28th football game between YSU and Robert Morris.

According to Federal Aviation Administration records, Wilkinson received his commercial pilot’s license on March 21st, 2018, and is certified to fly and land single- and multi-engine craft with instruments.

The charges are first- and fourth-degree misdemeanors, and Wilkinson is scheduled to appear January 7th, 2020, before Municipal Judge Carla Baldwin for a pre-trial hearing.

Reports indicate the small plane was circling the stadium several times at low altitudes near the lights and the press box during the late-afternoon game in which the Penguins defeated Robert Morris University, 45-10, for the team’s fourth victory of the year.

Initial reports said the incident had disturbed many people in the stands.

An attempt to contact Wilkinson was unsuccessful.

Chris Tornello of Youngstown said he is the one who owns the Cessna 150 aircraft and had said the plane was used by an experienced pilot who has regularly flown jets.

“This is unfortunate. We haven’t had this type of incident before,” Tornello said. “This pilot just made a mistake, but he is very experienced.”

Tornello said Wilkinson had flown the plane out of Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Vienna and the flight records were provided to the FAA for its investigation.

According to YSU police Chief Shawn V. Varso, the FAA investigation– which is separate from the YSU investigation — is ongoing.

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



Federal Aviation Administration says probe will take months

October 1st, 2019 

YOUNGSTOWN — The Federal Aviation Administration will take several months to find out why a small plane flew low over Stambaugh Stadium on Saturday, startling gridiron fans during the Youngstown State University football game.

Elizabeth Isham Cory, public affairs spokeswoman for FAA’s Great Lakes Region, said her agency does not discuss open investigations. Cory said the FAA only has authority to level civil penalties against the pilot of the aircraft, while criminal charges, if any, have to be filed by law enforcement.

Reports indicate the small plane was circling the stadium several times at low altitudes near the lights and the press box on the east side of the stadium during the early-evening game in which the Penguins defeated Robert Morris University, 45-10, for the team’s fourth straight victory.

Initial reports said the incident had disturbed many people in the stands.

Chris Tornello of Youngstown said he owns the Cessna 150M and did not fly the plane Saturday. He said the plane was used by an experienced pilot who has regularly flown jets.

“This is unfortunate. We haven’t had this type of incident before. We are trying to get this under control,” Tornello said. “This pilot just made a mistake, but he is very experienced.”

Tornello said the information from the flight tower at the Youngstown Warren Regional Airport will be forwarded to FAA’s Flight District Standards office in Cleveland for the investigation.

The Cleveland office will determine the sanctions against the pilot, whom Tornello chose not to name.

Ron Cole, communications director with YSU, said the YSU Police Department handled the initial investigation, but a police spokesman on Monday referred all questions to Cole, who could not be reached by the newspaper.

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



Owner says pilot rented plane that flew over Youngstown State University game

The Federal Aviation Administration is leading an investigation after a small plane was flown around Stambaugh Stadium at low altitudes several times during the Penguin's game against Robert Morris on September 28th.

The owners of a plane that flew over Youngstown State University's football game Saturday night say they were not the ones in the cockpit. 

Chris Tornello and his wife Roberta tell 21 News they were in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday night in another plane they own. They say they had rented the plane to an experienced pilot, but don't want to give out that pilot's name at this point. 

Chris Tornello tells 21 News the person who had the plane is an experienced pilot who has flown jets and is only a few training hours shy of being able to pilot commercial aircraft. 

The Federal Aviation Administration is leading an investigation after the small plane was flown around Stambaugh Stadium at low altitudes several times during the Penguin's home football game against Robert Morris Saturday afternoon. 

21 News was at the game and captured video of the incident. In that video, you can see the plane appear to fly extremely close to the press box, and stadium lights as the game is going on.

A spokesperson for the FAA told 21 News the agency is conducting an independent investigation involving the report of a low-flying aircraft in Youngstown and will take several months. 

According to the FAA, the regulatory agency cannot file criminal charges but can take civil action.

Local law enforcement is the only agency able to file criminal charges in investigations such as this. 

YSU Spokesman Ron Cole said YSUPD is in contact with the FAA to find out what happened and what options they have to proceed with the investigation.

At that point, they will confer with the prosecutor's office to determine if criminal charges are warranted. 

Cole said this would determine what YSUPD will do next in coordination with the Youngstown Police Department and the university.

Story and video ➤ https://www.wfmj.com

Piper PA-32RT-300, N31609: Incident occurred April 03, 2021 at J. Lynn Helms Sevier County Airport (KDEQ), De Queen, Arkansas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas

Aircraft made a gear up landing.  

KBB Aviation LLC


Date: 03-APR-21
Time: 18:00:00Z
Regis#: N31609
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA32
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: DE QUEEN
State: ARKANSAS

Glasair GS-2 Sportsman, N715PS: Incident occurred April 03, 2021 at San Carlos Airport (KSQL), San Mateo County, California

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

Aircraft landed and veered off runway and hit a taxiway sign. 


Date: 03-APR-21
Time: 18:30:00Z
Regis#: N715PS
Aircraft Make: GLASAIR
Aircraft Model: SPORTSMAN GS2
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SAN CARLOS
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 180K Skywagon, N4802: Accident occurred April 02, 2021 near Platte Valley Airpark (18V), Hudson, Weld County, Colorado







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; Denver, Colorado

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Denver, CO 
Accident Number: CEN21LA182
Date & Time: April 2, 2021, 12:15 Local
Registration: N4802
Aircraft: Cessna 180K 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N4802
Model/Series: 180K NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDEN,5414 ft msl
Observation Time: 11:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C /-13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

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: 39.7901,-104.5497 (est)

Game Composites GB1 GameBird, N169GC: Incident occurred April 02, 2021 near Pontiac Municipal Airport (KPNT), Livingston County, Illinois

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Springfield, Illinois

Aircraft after departure experienced mechanical issue and landed on a road. 

Game Composites LLC 


Date: 02-APR-21
Time: 16:43:00Z
Regis#: N169GC
Aircraft Make: GAME COMPOSITES
Aircraft Model: GB1
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: PONTIAC
State: ILLINOIS

Mooney M20C Ranger, N2953L: Accident occurred April 03, 2021 and Incident occurred January 13, 2020

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; Linthicum Heights, Maryland 
Green Airplane LLC


Location: College Park, MD 
Accident Number: ERA21LA170
Date & Time: April 3, 2021, 12:48 Local 
Registration: N2953L
Aircraft: Mooney M20C
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 3, 2021, about 1248 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N2953L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near College Park, Maryland. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14?Code of Federal Regulations part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that previously they had found water in the fuel tanks, which necessitated him and the other co-owner replacing the o-rings of each fuel cap as part of preventative maintenance, and also purchasing covers to protect the fuel caps. When he arrived at the airport for his flight, the covers were not on the wings; they had been left off. During his preflight inspection he found a piece of orange paint in the sample of fuel taken from the right fuel tank and, “a bunch of water” in the left fuel tank. He sumped the left tank 5 times before he got all the water out of it. He then dried his collection tube and sumped the left tank twice more reporting the sample was clear with no water. He did not drain the selector valve sump drain as part of his inspection, and for safety concerns placed the fuel selector to the left tank where it remained the entire time. After engine start he taxied to the approach end of the runway where he performed an engine run-up, which he reported was normal, though because the fuel pressure indication was too high with the auxiliary fuel pump on, he turned it off and it remained off for the takeoff. He then taxied onto the runway and initiated takeoff rotating at 83 mph. He then began to climb and while over the runway the engine began to “cough/sputter.” He looked to his left but continued straight ahead. The next thing he knew was a loud sound from ground contact. The airplane came to rest upright near the departure end of the runway.

A pilot-rated witness at the airport reported when the flight was about ½ way down the runway while still on the ground, he noted an engine problem first develop which he described as, “really running rough….” He clarified that the engine was rapidly losing power, running rough, and surging to higher rpm. He then noticed the elevator made a nose-up deflection after the abnormal engine sound occurred.

Following recovery of the airplane from the runway, an examination of the fuel supply system revealed water in the flexible fuel hose from the firewall fitting to the engine-driven fuel pump inlet. About 5 ounces of fluid was drained from the carburetor bowl; it was about equal parts water and fuel.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mooney 
Registration: N2953L
Model/Series: M20C NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: KCGS,50 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C /-13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / 14 knots, 270°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.4 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: College Park, MD
Destination: Tangier Island, MD (TGI)

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: 38.982155,-76.924116 (est)

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

January 13, 2020: Aircraft gear collapsed on landing at Tipton Airport (KFME), Fort Meade, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Date: 13-JAN-20
Time: 13:50:00Z
Regis#: N2953L
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20C
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FORT MEADE
State: MARYLAND


January 13, 2020

FORT MEADE, Maryland — An aircraft skidded off the runway at Tipton Airport in Fort Meade, Maryland on Monday morning.  The Mooney M20C Ranger is registered to Green Airplane LLC out of Kensington, Maryland. 

https://www.wusa9.com

Robinson R22 Beta, N74347: Incident occurred April 03, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baltimore, Maryland

Rotorcraft experienced a tail rotor strike during hover maneuvers. 

Spitzer Helicopter LLC


Date: 03-APR-21
Time: 19:20:00Z
Regis#: N74347
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON
Aircraft Model: R22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 91
City: BALTIMORE
State: MARYLAND

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N733LS: Incident occurred April 04, 2021 at Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM), Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aircraft struck a bird on departure damaging leading edge and wing tip.

Research Flight Inc


Date: 04-APR-21
Time: 01:42:00Z
Regis#: N733LS
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: MINNEAPOLIS
State: MINNESOTA

Aviat Husky A-1C-200, N13SN: Incident occurred April 03, 2021 at Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV), Douglas County, Nevada

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

Aircraft landed hard due to a gust of wind. 


Date: 03-APR-21
Time: 19:45:00Z
Regis#: N13SN
Aircraft Make: AVIAT
Aircraft Model: A1C
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MINDEN
State: NEVADA

Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3, N971TB: Incident occurred April 05, 2021 at Danbury Municipal Airport (KDXR), Fairfield County, Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Aircraft struck a bird on departure. 

TBAC LLC


Date: 5-APR-21
Time: 12:38:00Z
Regis#: N971TB
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 525
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 135
Aircraft Operator: RELIANT AIR CHARTER
Flight Number: RLI971
City: DANBURY
State: CONNECTICUT

Cessna T210L Turbo Centurion, N1181Q: Incident occurred April 04, 2021 at Danbury Municipal Airport (KDXR), Fairfield County, Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Aircraft encountered a crosswind on departure and veered off runway into the grass.

Fly 4 Food Inc


Date: 04-APR-21
Time: 20:55:00Z
Regis#: N1181Q
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 210
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: DANBURY
State: CONNECTICUT

Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG, N2768V: Incident occurred April 05, 2021 at New Castle Airport (KILG), Wilmington, Delaware

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Aircraft landed in the grass adjacent to runway due to an ability to deploy and lock the landing gear. 


Date: 05-APR-21
Time: 19:40:00Z
Regis#: N2768V
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 177RG
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WILMINGTON
State: DELAWARE

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N97650: Incident occurred April 05, 2021 at Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB), Seminole County, Florida

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

Aircraft landed and veered off runway into the grass. 

UpDraft LLC


Date: 05-APR-21
Time: 16:35:00Z
Regis#: N97650
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Robinson R44 Astro, N8348X: Accident occurred April 05, 2021 in Johnson, Stanton County, Kansas

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; Wichita, Kansas Location: Johnson, KS
Accident Number: CEN21LA184
Date & Time: April 5, 2021, 17:00 Local 
Registration: N8348X
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 5, 2021, at 1700 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, N8348X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Johnson, Kansas. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to statements provided by the pilot and pilot-rated passenger, they were using the helicopter to check their wheat fields. The wind was from about 180° at 10 knots and the helicopter was flying south into the wind. The pilot executed a hover maneuver close to the ground and experienced a sudden yaw to the left. The helicopter completed more than one full rotation to the left, then landed hard in the field and rolled onto its left side. The pilot later stated that he did not know if there were any mechanical malfunctions but that “something felt wrong” as he transitioned into the hover.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. The pilot transported the helicopter to a barn, and it has been retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER 
Registration: N8348X
Model/Series: R44
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSPD,4383 ft msl
Observation Time: 16:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 38 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /-7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 29.64 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Johnson, KS 
Destination: Johnson, KS

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 37.667167,-101.988 (est)

Beech B200 Super King Air, N200DA: Incident occurred April 05, 2021 near Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (KJAN), Mississippi

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Jackson, Mississippi

Aircraft struck a bird leaving a dent in the wing. 

Sad Monkey Aviation LLC


Date: 05-APR-21
Time: 16:20:00Z
Regis#: N200DA
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 200
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: JACKSON
State: MISSISSIPPI

Denney Kitfox 4-1200 (Classic IV), N318VK: Incident occurred April 05, 2021 near Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (KSPA), South Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina

Aircraft landed in a field for unknown reasons.


Date: 05-APR-21
Time: 19:50:00Z
Regis#: N318VK
Aircraft Make: KITFOX
Aircraft Model: KITFOX IV
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: SPARTANBURG
State: SOUTH CAROLINA

Robinson R66 Turbine Marine, N577DD: Accident occurred April 03, 2021 at Reigle Airport Field (58N), Palmyra, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

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; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Location: Palmyra, PA
Accident Number: ERA21LA171
Date & Time: April 3, 2021, 16:30 Local
Registration: N577DD
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 3, 2021, about 1630 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R66 helicopter; N577DD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. The pilot was seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

On the day of the accident, the pilot had picked up the helicopter at Fredrick Municipal Airport (FDK), Fredrick, Maryland where an annual inspection had just been completed on the helicopter. The pilot then flew it to Double D Ranch Heliport (70PA), Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania to pick up a package that he wanted to deliver in the Hershey, Pennsylvania area. He then flew direct to Reigle Field Airport (58N) Palmyra, Pennsylvania.

While enroute he “picked up” up the weather, and upon arriving in the area of 58N, entered the traffic pattern for runway 31. His intended landing point was the grassy area just to the east of runway 31.

According to the pilot, on touchdown, the helicopter was on a slight downhill slope. He felt a dynamic rollover starting, so he pulled up on the collective control stick and his right foot slipped off the right tail rotor control pedal and got stuck behind it. The helicopter then impacted the ground in a left turn from a low hover.
According to a witness, who worked at 58N, during the helicopter’s approach for landing, the helicopter flew towards her office from the runway, closer than the witness had every seen happen at the airport, and it was right next to the picnic table (which was close to the building she was in). She stated that the helicopter was “really wobbly.” Then when it came down, it bounced gently off the ground, flew up rather quickly, and did a tailspin in the other direction away from the office and crashed.

According to another witness, who was riding in a vehicle at the time, he observed the nose of the helicopter go down, then the main rotor hit the ground and the helicopter instantly crash into the ground.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO
Registration: N577DD
Model/Series: R66 
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: KMDT,312 ft msl 
Observation Time: 16:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C /-11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 300°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 22000 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Mechanicsburg, PA (70PA)
Destination: Palmyra, PA (58N)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 40.286767,-76.576988 (est)

Evolution Revolt, N565PK: Fatal accident occurred April 05, 2021 in Seminole, Gaines County, Texas

Peter Klassen, 44
Seminole, Texas


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; Lubbock, Texas 
Location: Seminole, TX 
Accident Number: CEN21LA181
Date & Time: April 5, 2021, 19:39 Local
Registration: N565PK
Aircraft: EVOLUTION AIRCRAFT INC REVOLT
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 5, 2021, about 1939 central daylight time, an Evolution Revolt weight-shift trike, N565PK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Seminole, Texas. The student pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to a witness who knew the pilot and had seen the pilot flying on other occasions, the airplane was flying at a lower altitude than usual and then made a sharp low turn. She stated that the wind picked up right at that time and caught the wing. She saw the pilot try to recover, but the airplane struck the ground. She stated that one wing and the area where the pilot footrest is located hit the ground first.

FIGURE 1. Photograph of an exemplar airplane of the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Photo courtesy of Evolution Aircraft.

The airplane used a high-mounted, strut-braced wing attached to a suspended frame which housed the pilot and one passenger in a tandem seating arrangement. The front seat position was used for piloting the airplane and the engine and flight controls were accessible from this seat. The airplane had a tricycle landing gear arrangement and was powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine that had been modified from its original configuration with the addition of larger pistons and cylinders to increase the displacement of the engine. The increased displacement raised the power output of the engine to about 115 horsepower.

The recorded weather at the Gaines County Airport, Seminole, Texas, about 10 miles east-southeast, recorded wind about the time of the accident from 160° at 12 knots gusting to 18 knots.

Based on impact signatures, the airplane impacted in a nose-low, left wing low attitude consistent with the witness description. The left-wing leading-edge spar was broken 4 ft. from the wing tip. The forward portion of the airframe cage exhibited rearward crushing damage, and the left landing gear was bent upward and rearward. All 5 propeller blades were fractured at their roots and the blade roots remained attached to the carbon fiber propeller hub. The hub was attached to the engine with a carbon fiber extension which was found separated around its circumference. The ballistic parachute was out of its housing and lying on the ground adjacent to the airplane, but the rocket motor had not been fired. A witness reported that the parachute came out after the aircraft impacted the ground.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: EVOLUTION AIRCRAFT INC 
Registration: N565PK
Model/Series: REVOLT 
Aircraft Category: Weight-shift
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: GNC,3315 ft msl 
Observation Time: 19:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots / 18 knots, 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.82 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Seminole, TX (GNC)
Destination: Seminole, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.73507,-102.80049

Peter Klassen

Funeral services for Peter Klassen of Seminole were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday April 9, 2021 at the Gospel Mission Church with Rev. Bill Wiebe and Peter Thiessen officiating, under the direction of Ratliff Funeral Home of Seminole.

Peter Friesen Klassen was born on July 20, 1976 in Riva Palacio Chihuahua, Mexico and passed away on April 5, 2021 at 7:31 p.m. in Seminole. He lived to be 44 years, 8 months and 15 days. His parents were Martin and Sara Klassen.

Peter lived in Mexico in his early childhood and made his way to Seminole, where he met his beautiful wife and they began a new chapter of their lives. He was baptized at the Reinlaender Mennonite church on June 4, 1995 by Heinrich Reimer. He married Helena Penner on July 2, 1995. This marriage union gave them 25 years 9 months and 3 days. This marriage also gave them one son and one daughter. Both grew up and live here in Seminole.

In his early years, Peter worked on the farm and moved into the construction industry in his early 20’s. He had an ambitious dream of owning a widely successful construction company. He started his business, PK Construction, with his wife, Helena, and they worked tirelessly together for many years, rain or shine they always showed up to get the job done. Peter and Helena would often bring their daughter Annie with them to the job sites. Annie grew up learning everything about the company, from installing with her mom or dad, to working as the secretary. Peter was incredibly proud to have her working beside him. He always had big goals and high expectations of his company. His dreams always kept him motivated and driven. Peter loved his employees, he always took the time to get to know everyone on a personal basis.

He had a story he used to tell often about how he first started his business. He and his wife would load up a sample window and drive to Lamesa to any open lot and wait for someone to stop so they could show them what they did.

Peter was an extraordinary man, he never met a stranger in his life, he was genuinely a happy man. His humor shined through under any circumstance of conversation. He was a very dependable, reliable, and a loyal man. He was always willing to help a friend in need, and never expected anything in return. He was so humble and didn’t care what he or anyone else had. As long as they were willing to listen, he would talk to anyone. He had a personality so huge it could only be summed up by one word “extraordinary.”

Peter never cared too much about going to church but he had a strong one on one relationship with God. He would talk about the good Lord often. In recent months he would talk about his peace with God and the assurance of his salvation.

Peter was a music man. He was very passionate about all kinds of music, from Spanish to classic country. He enjoyed playing the drums. He would play with his friends at fundraisers and at church. Playing the drums was a passion he shared with his son Corey. They spent countless nights outside in the shop working on light shows and playing songs. He always talked and dreamed about Corey further pursuing his skill set with his drums.

Peter loved going to concerts, whether it was to watch a show by one of his favorite artists, being a part of the band or the production. He was always looking forward to the next vacation. His favorite was to go on cruises with his friends and family. His favorite destination was Jamaica and he had the privilege of going multiple times.

Last but not least, his ultimate dream and passion was to fly and own his very own plane. He went flying every chance he got, and when the weather permitted. He died doing what he loved the most...flying, and he will continue to fly high with the angels in heaven.

He is preceded in death by his father Martin Klassen (June 7, 2016).

Peter is survived by his wife Helena of Seminole, a son Corey Klassen of Seminole, a daughter Annie Klassen of Seminole, mother Sara Friesen of Seminole, two brothers Martin and Jacob Klassen also of Seminole, three sisters Elizabeth Wieler, Aganetha Fehr, and Sara Froese along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

We would have loved to have Peter around longer, but he is now at peace and relieved of the darkness of the world.

Peter, we are going to miss your jokes, your smile, your stories, and your personality. Thank you for everything you have given us and left us here below. We are going to continue your legacy and make you proud. We love you and can’t wait to see you again soon.

Cessna 180, N1522C: Accident occurred April 03, 2021 at Lake Lawn Airport (C59), Delavan, Walworth County, Wisconsin







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; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Delavan, WI
Accident Number: CEN21LA180
Date & Time: April 3, 2021, 10:30 Local
Registration: N1522C
Aircraft: Cessna 180 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1522C
Model/Series: 180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KJVL,808 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:45 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C /-1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 15 knots / 21 knots, 240°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 42.651908,-88.643094 (est)

Piper PA-23-250 Aztec C, N5018Y: Accident occurred April 05, 2021 at Springfield Robertson County Airport (M91), Tennessee

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; Nashville, Tennessee
Piper; Vero Beach, Florida 
Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania  

Highland Rim Aviation LLC


Location: Springfield, TN 
Accident Number: ERA21LA173
Date & Time: April 5, 2021, 09:50 Local
Registration: N5018Y
Aircraft: Piper PA-23-250 
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On April 5, 2021, about 0950 central daylight time, a Piper PA-23-250, N5018Y, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Springfield, Tennessee. The flight instructor and the commercial-rated student pilot were seriously injured. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The flight was operated by Highland Rim Aviation, LLC, and the purpose of the flight was to conduct multi-engine training in the twin-engine airplane. The local visual flight rules instructional flight departed from Springfield-Robertson County Airport (M91), Springfield, Tennessee about 0947.

According to witnesses, their attention was drawn to the airplane during its takeoff roll from runway 22 due to its “unusual” sound that was inconsistent with takeoff power. One witness said he could not discern if one engine or both engines were making “continuous sputtering/backfiring” sounds. He said the “obviously abnormal sound drew the attention of many of us out to observe the airplane struggle into the air.” The witness, an airline transport pilot and airframe and powerplant mechanic, stated the airplane “didn’t climb much above 100[ft] agl” while on runway heading and that the landing gear remained extended until the departure end of the runway. Shortly thereafter, the airplane entered a shallow turn to its left until the airplane disappeared behind a tree line.

Another witness described “popping, sputtering, and crackling noises” and said that the airplane was “clearly struggling to climb” when it disappeared from her view. A preliminary review of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and radar data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the airplane departed from runway 22. The airplane achieved a groundspeed of 86 knots about midfield, and once off the ground, slowed, and then never achieved a groundspeed above 80 knots. The track depicted a shallow climb for about 1 mile, where about 200ft agl the track depicted a descending, decelerating turn to the left. The radius of the turn tightened until the last target was recorded in the vicinity of the accident site, about ground level, at 59 knots groundspeed. 

The airplane was examined and photographed by two FAA aviation safety inspectors. Examination of the photographs revealed that the cockpit and cabin areas were destroyed by impact and came to rest inverted. The wings were mostly separated but remained attached by cabling and sheet metal. The engines were in their nacelles, and the propeller blades of the left engine appeared undamaged and in what approximated a feathered position. The propeller blades of the right engine displayed similar twisting, bending, leading edge gouging, chordwise scratching and tip curling. 

The airplane and its engines were recovered from the accident site and retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N5018Y
Model/Series: PA-23-250
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: M91,706 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:50 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -7.2°C /-13.3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Springfield, TN 
Destination: Springfield, TN

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 36.536694,-86.921167 (est)

Cessna 172B, N7616X: Accident occurred April 03, 2021 at Sandpoint Airport (KSZT), Bonner County, Idaho

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; Spokane Location: Sand Point, ID
Accident Number: WPR21LA153
Date & Time: April 3, 2021, 11:22 Local
Registration: N7616X
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N7616X
Model/Series: 172 B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: SZT
Observation Time: 11:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0.5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C /0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Sand Point, ID
Destination: Sand Point, ID

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 48.299528,-116.56013 (est)