Alaska Seaplanes starts daily flights between Juneau and Petersburg

Alaska Seaplanes pilot John Cahill flew the company’s first flight to Petersburg Monday, April 5 on a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.

A new daily airline connection between Juneau and Petersburg started up Monday. Alaska Seaplanes is flying its nine-passenger planes twice a day into James A. Johnson Airport and held a ribbon cutting ceremony there to mark the start of that service.

Shortly after the first flight landed, staff and community members crowded into the Alaska Seaplanes office for cake and a ribbon cutting.

Their office is in the former site of Pacific Wings, which closed last year. Alaska Seaplanes offers commuter service from its hub in Juneau to communities around Southeast along with Whitehorse in the Yukon.

Company co-owner Mike Stedman noted his family’s long ties to Petersburg.

“So it’s real special like I say for us to start service to Petersburg and help connect the communities of Southeast here,” Stedman said. “You know we’ve had a lot of people ask us over the years, when are we going to start going to Petersburg, when are you going to start going to Wrangell. Here we are, first day, first flight into Petersburg and it’s a real nice moment for us. So I really appreciate you guys showing up here.”

His cousin and Sitka Republican state senator Bert Stedman was on the inaugural flight from the capital city. He said the new connection will help in a region that has felt the state’s budget crunch for ferries and airports.

“We keep a pretty good eye on the airport funding and the amount of people coming and going in all the airports,” Senator Stedman said. “So it’s very nice to see additional trips with seaplanes into Petersburg, that all counts for people coming in and out and how we allocate dollars around airports, so it doesn’t all end up up north. It’s going to make it a real nice enhancement to get from Petersburg and Juneau and back, for more commerce and then those that have family in Juneau, or like myself in Sitka where my sister could make it easier to come over and see our mom in the Pioneer Home which is very difficult.”

Stedman also noted the expansion of the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium hospital in Sitka, where Native health patients from around the region receive their services. This twice-a-day link to Juneau will make for a quicker connection between Petersburg and Sitka compared to the longer layover required on Alaska Airlines. Petersburg also has twice-a-day jet service from that larger airline.

Other companies have tried the daily connection between Petersburg and Juneau but haven’t seen the passenger demand.

Alaska Seaplane’s first Petersburg flight Monday was on a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. They’ll also be using Cessna caravans. All can carry up to nine passengers.

Pilot John Cahill said it wasn’t his first time landing in Petersburg.

“I’ve been here a couple of times doing training and otherwise, yeah not too challenging, it actually reminds me a lot of Juneau just with the terrain and stuff,” Cahill said. “You just got to keep track of what’s going on and get to the runway safely.”

Those flights go from Juneau to Petersburg and back twice a day, landing in Petersburg around 9:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. and departing about 15 minutes later.

Petersburg still has local travel mandates in place for screening and COVID-19 testing. The emergency operation center is looking into what it can do for incoming passengers from this new service.

https://www.ktoo.org

Cessna 177B Cardinal, N24RG: Fatal accident occurred April 07, 2021 at Great Valley Airport (N56), Cattaraugus County, New York

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; Rochester, New York

Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas

Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

https://registry.faa.gov/N24RG

Location: Great Valley, NY

Accident Number: ERA21FA178

Date & Time: April 7, 2021, 14:08 Local

Registration: N24RG

Aircraft: Cessna 177B 

Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 7, 2021, about 1408 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 177B airplane, N24RG, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Great Valley, New York. The pilot was seriously injured, and the pilot-rated passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot, who owned the airplane, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. Earlier that day, the pilot and his passenger had flown from the Ledgedale Airport (7G0), Brockport, New York, to Great Valley Airport (N56), Great Valley, New York, and met with another pilot for lunch. After lunch, the other pilot departed runway 24 without incident. He stated that there may have been a slight tailwind on takeoff, but it was not strong enough to move the windsock. Another pilot based at the airport described the weather as “an absolute perfect day to fly.”

A witness was outside across the street from the runway and saw the first airplane depart. He then heard the accident airplane’s engine “rev” up and begin its takeoff roll. When the witness made eye contact with the airplane it was in a 90-degree bank. He told a co-worker that he was concerned about the airplane, so he got in his truck and drove to the airport. When he arrived, he saw that the airplane had crashed and was engulfed in flames.

Another witness, who lives adjacent to the runway, had a full view of the runway from her living room and saw the accident airplane taking off. She said the airplane bounced a couple times before it became airborne. The airplane climbed to about 20 ft above the ground when it made a hard left bank, and she could see the tops of both wings. The witness said the left wing impacted the ground and it “crumbled” and then the airplane “collapsed.” She said that she watches airplanes takeoff and land all the time, and by the time they come by her home, they typically are already airborne. She said that she did not see or hear anything unusual with the airplane or engine prior to the accident, except that it was “low” and “late” taking off. As the witness was on the phone with 911, she observed black smoke coming from the wreckage.

The airplane departed runway 24 (an approximate 3,800-foot-long by 90-foot-wide turf runway). Ground scars at the accident site and damage to the airplane were consistent with the airplane impacting terrain in a left-wing-low, nose-down flight attitude. The airplane came to rest about 2,250 ft down and about 50 ft left of the approach end of the runway. The left and right wings came to rest upright. The engine, fuselage, and tail were inverted. A postimpact fire consumed the fuselage, inboard left wing, left flap, and the outboard half of the left stabilator. The right wing also sustained fire damage.

All major components of the airplane were located at the accident site. Flight control continuity was established for all flight controls to the cockpit area. The only break in the flight controls was observed to the right aileron control cable. The fractured ends of the cable were frayed, consistent with overload. Examination of the flap jackscrew revealed the flaps were fully retracted at the time of impact.

The fuel selector was not located in the wreckage, but continuity of the fuel system to the fire wall shut off valve and fuel strainer was established. The fuel strainer bowl was breached from impact and empty of fuel. The fuel strainer was absent of debris.

The engine remained attached to the airplane and the two-blade propeller remained attached to the engine. Both blades were curled/twisted and exhibited chordwise scoring. When the engine was rotated manually via the propeller, compression and valve train continuity was established on each cylinder.

The top and bottom spark plugs were removed and all, but the No. 2 and No. 4 top plugs appeared gray in color consistent with normal wear per the Champion Check-A-Plug chart. The No. 2 and No. 4 top plugs were oil soaked due to the position of the engine after impact.

The dual magneto was removed and when rotated, spark was observed at each ignition lead.

The carburetor remained attached to the engine, but the main inlet fuel line was broken due to impact. The carburetor was disassembled, and a small amount of yellowish colored fluid was observed in the bowl. Water finding paste confirmed the fluid was water. Based on the position of the engine and carburetor along with the impact broken inlet fuel fitting, water most likely entered the carburetor during postaccident fire suppression efforts.

The oil pan was intact, and the oil suction screen was absent of debris. The oil filter was removed, and the element was also absent of debris.

Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna

Registration: N24RG

Model/Series: 177B 

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: OLE,2135 ft msl 

Observation Time: 14:15 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles 

Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C /10°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4100 ft AGL 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 360°

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 5000 ft AGL 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Great Valley, NY 

Destination: Brockport, NY (7G0)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 

Aircraft Damage: Destroyed

Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal

Aircraft Fire: On-ground

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious

Latitude, Longitude: 42.205064,-78.647251 

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov.

William H. Mandelare

Albion, New York

May 20, 1940 - April 7, 2021

William H. Mandelare, age 80, died suddenly April 7, 2021 as a result of an aviation accident.

He was born May 20, 1940 in Holley to Dominic and Anna (Paduano) Mandelare and had lived in the WNY area most of his life. 

Bill was a US Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War and retired from the Greece Central School District as an Industrial Arts Teacher.

He was a private pilot and flight instructor who held multiple flight ratings and was also a certified aircraft mechanic.

He was a former member of the Model A Restorers Club, CORSA and was an avid shooting enthusiast, having won several awards in shooting competitions. 

He was always polite, courteous, gentle and was a person with absolute perfect manners. Mr. Mandelare was predeceased by his parents and his brother, John.

He is survived by his son: Daniel Mandelare of Lockport, his former wife and mother of his son: Polly-Ann Mandelare-Lewis, two nieces: Diana Mandelare-Au, Patricia Mandelare, and 2 great nieces: Paige and Lyndsey.

A Celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date. Private Entombment will be in St. Mary’s Mausoleum-Holley.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Genesee Country Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford, NY, 14511.

https://www.tributearchive.com

The Key to Safe Airflow for Planes Before Takeoff

The best way airlines can prevent coronavirus spread on board is through their ventilation systems ... but on the ground they don’t always run at full power

The Wall Street Journal 

By Scott McCartney

April 7, 2021 8:56 am ET

Airflow limits coronavirus transmission inside an airplane. So what happens if the air isn’t flowing?

There are rare times when air circulation is off and passengers are on board, and experts say they may be dangerous, though masks offer additional protection.

As crowds return to the skies and cabins again get more packed, it’s important for passengers to pay attention to the temperature and noise of the cabin. If it’s unusually quiet and the air feels stuffy, you should avoid taking masks off, even for a sip of coffee or water, and complain to flight attendants quickly.

I found myself in this situation on my first flight of 2021, a March trip on American Airlines. We were sitting for what turned out to be about a 20-minute delay for an air-conditioning repair, and the cabin grew warm and musty. Nothing was coming out of the air gasper—that nozzle next to your overhead light. People started fanning themselves even though it was 11 a.m.

I asked a flight attendant if she could ask the pilots to turn on air circulation. She replied that the ground crew “didn’t hook up the yellow tube.” I pointed out that ventilation is very important these days; the woman in the seat next to me chimed in that she was uncomfortable, too.

Soon, pilots started the auxiliary power unit—an engine in the tail of every passenger jet commonly called the APU—and air started flowing.

In flight, the plane’s main engines power cabin ventilation. Cabin air flows into the system from vents at floor level and passes through hospital-grade filters capable of eliminating virus. It’s mixed with fresh air and sent back into the cabin through vents in the ceiling. The flow downward keeps viral particles from moving horizontally to other passengers, and the flow of air is considerable. In normal operation, cabin air is exchanged with a mixture of fresh and filtered air every two to three minutes, far faster than in buildings. (Of course, people on airplanes are much closer together than they are in offices.)

On the ground, there are two ways to keep air flowing when engines are shut down. One is the APU; the other is air pumped in from an air compressor at the gate through a big flexible yellow tube. In both cases, air is run through the airplane’s High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, and cabin air is refreshed every five to six minutes—slower than in the sky. Air pumped in from a ground compressor sometimes flows at slower rates than the APU system.

Commercial airliners have elaborate ventilation systems that limit the spread of viruses and other contagions, as explained in this graphic. But when the systems are off, passengers remain in close contact with little protection.

Near the start of the pandemic, Boeing issued an advisory to airlines to use onboard APU power to run ventilation at full strength on the ground to avoid stretches of no airflow. Pre-pandemic, airlines typically used ground air to save the expense of burning jet fuel to run the APU.

In July, United changed its procedures so that APU-powered airflow was run at maximum strength during boarding and deplaning, increasing airflow over ground systems.

Many airlines say they still use a combination, typically running the APU until the aircraft is parked, then switching to air pumped in from the ground.

To avoid prolonged gaps in the transition from one system to the other, Southwest requires captains “to remain in place on the flight deck until a visual signal from the ground operations team is observed confirming that [ground] air is connected,” spokesman Brian Parrish says.

The Federal Aviation Administration has few ventilation requirements in cabins, generally deferring to requirements from manufacturers. This has been an issue in the past, when cabins were left without ventilation for long periods with passengers on board. The FAA has issued guidance to airlines recommending passengers be taken off planes if cabin ventilation is shut down for more than 30 minutes, an FAA spokeswoman says.

Leonard Marcus, the director of Harvard’s Aviation Public Health Initiative, says that researchers have found that it’s important to have ventilation running full force on the ground.

“The risk of transmission is increased when people are walking up and down the aisle, when they are putting their luggage in the overhead, when they are breathing on top of one another,” Dr. Marcus says. “So to compensate for that, you have to keep the airflow moving, which is true for all communicable diseases of this nature.”

American says its procedures call for the use of ground air while at the gate and during boarding. Spokeswoman Sarah Jantz says captains have discretion to turn on the APU “if the flow of preconditioned air is not sufficient” or not cooling the aircraft enough. American didn’t change procedures during the pandemic, but did provide additional education to crews “to ensure optimal ventilation,” she says.

Regarding my flight, Ms. Jantz says maintenance was working on the airplane’s air-conditioning system after pilots from the previous flight reported a potential issue. The plane used ground air during boarding, as is standard, she says. The crew switched to the APU once maintenance was finished, and that “can temporarily affect the airflow.” The maintenance pushed departure 20 minutes late.

Ms. Jantz says American is “reiterating our procedures with our crews, especially as we head into warmer months.”

Studies have shown that cabin ventilation systems do mitigate the spread of viruses, including respiratory diseases like coronavirus. But when infected people are on board, the passengers at most risk are usually the ones seated in a “hot zone” of two rows in front and two rows behind the infected passenger.

Airline claims about the safety of travel are predicted on functioning ventilation systems. An October study from Harvard University’s School of Public Health, funded by the airline industry, used mathematical models and found a low risk of coronavirus transmission on airplanes because of a layered approach, including aircraft ventilation and masks.

The study, directed by Dr. Marcus, did recommend extending “in-flight level of ventilation while on the ground.” It didn’t estimate the risk of being in an airplane with even brief periods of little or no ventilation.

https://www.wsj.com

Arrests made after rental cars stolen from Elmira Corning Regional Airport (KELM)

HORSEHEADS, New York (WETM) – Three people have been arrested in connection to stolen rental cars from companies at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2021, at 7:05 am Deputies from the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office responded to the airport for a suspicious person. Deputies arrested 33-year-old Justin Smith of Horseheads after he was allegedly found stealing property from behind rental car company counters.

The investigation revealed that Smith allegedly stole keys from drop boxes at the car companies, and was attempting to steal a car.

Smith was charged with Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony.

During the investigation, it was discovered that rental car companies at the airport were missing other vehicles.

On Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 7:03 am Deputies located 21-year-old Michelle Simons of Erin operating a vehicle in the City of Elmira that had been stolen from Hertz Rental Car Company within the airport.

Simons has been charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony.

A passenger in the vehicle Cody Husner, 26, of Elmira was found to be in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine. Husner was charged by Deputies with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Smith was arraigned in the Town of Big Flats Court and released per the New York State Bail Reform Laws. Simons and Husner were released on appearance tickets and will appear in the City of Elmira Court at a later date.

https://www.mytwintiers.com

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N678WW and Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N172FK: Incident occurred April 06, 2021 at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (KDVT), Maricopa County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Aircraft during taxi, left wing struck rudder of Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N172FK. 

A & L Leasing #2 LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N678WW

Date: 06-APR-21

Time: 14:10:00Z

Regis#: N678WW

Aircraft Make: CESSNA

Aircraft Model: 172

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: UNKNOWN

Activity: INSTRUCTION

Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)

Operation: 91

City: PHOENIX

State: ARIZONA

Aircraft rudder was struck by left wing of Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N678WW.  

Gray Haven LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N172FK

Date: 06-APR-21

Time: 14:10:00Z

Regis#: N172FK

Aircraft Make: CESSNA

Aircraft Model: 172

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: UNKNOWN

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: STANDING (STD)

Operation: 91

City: PHOENIX

State: ARIZONA

Piper PA-24-250, N7821P: Incident occurred April 06, 2021 at Rickenbacker International Airport (KLCK), Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio

Aircraft landed and gear collapsed.

Tucker Engineering Associates Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N7821P

Date:  06-APR-21

Time: 17:52:00Z

Regis#: N7821P

Aircraft Make: PIPER

Aircraft Model: PA24

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: MINOR

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)

Operation: 91

City: COLUMBUS

State: OHIO

Boeing 737-823, N980AN: Incident occurred April 06, 2021 at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW), Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

Aircraft pushed back from gate and right winglet struck horizontal stabilizer of AAL2518 (N865NN) parked at gate. 

American Airlines Inc 

https://registry.faa.gov/N980AN

Date: 06-APR-21

Time: 21:38:00Z

Regis#: N980AN

Aircraft Make: BOEING

Aircraft Model: 737

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: UNKNOWN

Activity: COMMERCIAL

Flight Phase: PUSHBACK/TOWING (PBT)

Operation: 121

Aircraft Operator: AMERICAN AIRLINES

Flight Number: AAL1011

City: DALLAS FORT WORTH

State: TEXAS

Maule MT-7-235, N811SG: Accident occurred April 05, 2021 in Jewett, Leon County, 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; Houston, Texas

https://registry.faa.gov/N811SG

Location: Jewett, TX 

Accident Number: CEN21LA183

Date & Time: April 5, 2021, 16:00 Local 

Registration: N811SG

Aircraft: Maule MT7

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Maule

Registration: N811SG

Model/Series: MT7 235 

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:

Condition of Light:

Observation Facility, Elevation:

Observation Time:

Distance from Accident Site: 

Temperature/Dew Point:

Lowest Cloud Condition: 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,

Lowest Ceiling: 

Visibility:

Altimeter Setting:

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: 31.3616,-96.1441 (est)

Piper PA-28-181, N697CA: Incident occurred April 06, 2021 near Gillespie Field Airport (KSEE), San Diego County, California

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

Aircraft struck a bird.

Financial Pacific Leasing Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N697CA

Date: 06-APR-21

Time: 19:51:00Z

Regis#: N697CA

Aircraft Make: PIPER

Aircraft Model: PA28

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: MINOR

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)

Operation: 91

City: EL CAJON

State: CALIFORNIA

Beech A36 Bonanza, N709MA: Incident occurred April 06, 2021 near Silver Springs Airport (KSPZ), Lyon County, Nevada

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

Aircraft unable to climb sufficiently after takeoff, landed in a field and nose gear collapsed. 

Zephyrus Flyers LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N709MA

Date: 06-APR-21

Time: 17:59:00Z

Regis#: N709MA

Aircraft Make: BEECH

Aircraft Model: A36

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: MINOR

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)

Operation: 91

City: SILVER SPRINGS

State: NEVADA

SILVER SPRINGS, Nevada  (News 4 & Fox 11) — No injuries were reported after a small plane crash at Silver Springs Airport Tuesday morning.

Authorities say two certified pilots were doing routine training around 11 a.m. when they had trouble with power and crash landed at the end of the runway.

The Beech A36 Bonanza has nose and propeller damage but no injuries were reported by the pilots.

The Federal Aviation Administration was notified and they are investigating the crash.

https://mynews4.com

Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, N18394: Accident occurred April 06, 2021 near Arcadia Municipal Airport (X06), DeSoto County, Florida

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; Tampa, Florida 

394 LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N18394

Location: Arcadia, FL

Accident Number: ERA21LA174

Date & Time: April 6, 2021, 11:10 Local 

Registration: N18394

Aircraft: Beech A36 

Injuries: 1 Serious

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 6, 2021, about 1110 eastern daylight time, a Beech A36, N18394, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Arcadia, Florida. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, after takeoff about 800 ft mean sea level (msl), he reduced engine rpm to 2300. Several minutes later he noticed that the engine rpm had risen to 2500 and the oil pressure was zero. The pilot attempted to return to the airport; however, the engine “locked and the propeller stopped turning.” The airplane was at an altitude of 1,700 ft msl and the pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site, the airplane’s right wing and cowling were substantially damaged.

The airplane and engine were recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 

Registration: N18394

Model/Series: A36

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: KPGD,25 ft msl 

Observation Time: 10:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C /12°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 150°

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Venice, FL (KVNC) 

Destination: Arcadia, FL (KXO6)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Serious 

Latitude, Longitude: 27.176616,-81.826713 (est)

NOCATEE, Florida — A single-engine airplane crashed in a field off of S.W. County Road 760 in Arcadia around noon Tuesday.

Authorities said the pilot was experience engine problems but was able to land the plane safely.

Both DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and DeSoto County Fire Rescue responded to the call.

Fire Chief Chad Jorgensen said the pilot had flown into the Arcadia Municipal Airport that morning.

After leaving the airport, he started experiencing engine problems.

“He was attempting to make it back to the airport,” Jorgensen said. “He ultimately lost oil pressure and his engine locked up.”

The pilot was airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in stable condition. There were no other passengers in the plane.

County spokesperson Tara Poulton said Federal Aviation Administration representatives are on their way to investigate.

https://www.yoursun.com

ARCADIA, Florida – A single-engine plane crashed near SW County Road 760 in Arcadia on Tuesday, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office.

The Beechcraft A36 Bonanza crashed around noon in a field four miles southwest of the airport, the Federal Aviation Administration reported.

The pilot left the Arcadia Municipal Airport and hadn’t been in the air very long when his engine locked up, DeSoto County Public Safety Director Chad Jorgensen said. He was about 1,700 feet from the ground when he knew he needed to find a place to land.

“He did a very good job. His comment to me was ‘I wanted to make sure no one got hurt.’ He didn’t want to hurt anybody when he landed,” Jorgensen said.

The pilot was airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition.

Even though he was injured, he was still able to help crews on scene shut down the rest of the plane.

“The plane landed without the gear down, so it was damaged to the front and both sides. We were concerned for a fuel leak. And we didn’t have fire hoses with us. We had walked an eighth of a mile to him back through the woods,” he said.

Jorgensen said no animals were injured in the crash either.

“In my humble opinion, he’s a very lucky man,” he said.

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the crash.

https://abc-7.com