Friday, May 21, 2021

Piper PA-31P-425 Pressurized Navajo, N575BC: Fatal accident occurred May 21, 2021 near Myrtle Beach International Airport (KMYR), Horry County, South Carolina

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.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina
Piper Aircraft; Vero Beach, Florida 
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 
 

Location: Myrtle Beach, SC 
Accident Number: ERA21FA224
Date & Time: May 21, 2021, 18:14 Local
Registration: N575BC
Aircraft: Piper PA-31P
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 21, 2021, at 1814 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-31P, N575BC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The flight was the airplane’s first flight after maintenance was performed and prior to the flight, the airplane was fueled with 167.5 gallons of 100 low lead aviation fuel.

The airplane departed Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at 1812 with the intended destination of Grand Strand Airport (CRE), North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. According to preliminary ADS-B and air traffic control radio communications data, prior to takeoff the pilot established communications and reported that he was ready for departure from runway 18. He was instructed to fly runway heading, climb to 1,700 ft, and was cleared for takeoff. Once airborne, the controller instructed the pilot to turn left; however, the pilot stated that he needed to return to runway 18. The controller instructed the pilot to enter a right closed traffic pattern at 1,500 ft. As the airplane continued to turn to the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, it reached an altitude of about 1,000 ft mean sea level (msl). While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the airplane descended to 450 ft msl, climbed to 700 ft msl, and then again descended to 475 ft msl prior to the loss of radar contact. About 1 minute after the pilot requested to return to the runway, the controller asked if any assistance was required, to which the pilot replied, “yes, we’re in trouble.” There were no further radio communications from the pilot.

The airplane impacted in a field about .1 mile beyond the last radar return, at an elevation of 20 ft. A postimpact fire ensued, and the debris field was about 400 ft long by 150 ft wide. All major components of the airplane were located in the vicinity of the main wreckage. Each engine came to rest in about a 5 ft crater and remained attached to the fuselage.

The left engine crankcase was impact damaged in multiple locations. The gearbox was impact separated. All valve covers remained intact and attached to the cylinders. The valve covers were removed an no anomalies were noted. Crankshaft and camshaft continuity were confirmed by using a lighted borescope to examine the internal components of the engine. In addition, the cylinders were examined using a lighted borescope and no anomalies were noted. All engine accessories were impact separated and fragmented. The left engine turbocharger was impact separated, would bind when it rotated, and scoring was noted on the casing.

The right engine crankcase was impact damaged in multiple locations. All valve covers remained intact and attached to the cylinders. The valve covers were removed an no anomalies were noted. Crankshaft and camshaft continuity were confirmed by using a lighted borescope to examine the internal components of the engine. In addition, the cylinders were examined using a lighted borescope and no anomalies were noted. All engine accessories were impact separated and fragmented. The oil suction screen was removed was not occluded. The right engine turbocharger was impact separated and would bind when it rotated.

The left propeller was impact separated from the engine. Two of the three blades were separated from the hub. All blades exhibited polishing. One blade was bent forward, one exhibited tip curling, and the last blade was bent aft. The blade that was bent aft remained attached to the propeller hub.

The right propeller was impact separated from the right engine. Two of the three blades were impact separated from the hub. All blades exhibited polishing. One blade was bent forward, one blade was bent aft, and one blade remained straight. The straight blade remained attached to the propeller hub.

Flight control cable continuity was established from all flight control surfaces to the cockpit through multiple overload breaks in the cables. A majority of the wings and fuselage were consumed by fire. The remaining skin and structure exhibited accordion-like impact damage that was symmetrical on both wings.  The landing gear was in the extended position. The flaps were in the retracted position. The empennage was separated from the fuselage and located about 50 ft from the main wreckage. The top section of the vertical stabilizer and the rudder were impact crushed downward. The elevator remained attached to the right horizontal stabilizer. The right trim tab remained attached to the right elevator, was deflected up, but was impact separated from the connecting rod. The left trim tab remained attached to the left elevator, the connecting rod remained attached to the flight controls, and it was deflected up.

Further examination of the elevator trim tabs revealed that they were installed upside-down and reversed. The connecting rod that attached the trim tab to the trim drum that should be located on the top of the trim tab was located on the bottom side.

The airplane’s most recent annual inspection was completed on May 19, 2021. Maintenance performed at that time included removing, repainting, and reinstalling the primary and secondary flight control surfaces.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N575BC
Model/Series: PA-31P
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: MYR,25 ft msl
Observation Time: 17:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C /18°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 110°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.4 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
Destination: North Myrtle Beach, SC (CRE)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.685597,-78.968609 

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.

James Marklin "Mark" Harper

James Marklin "Mark" Harper

James Marklin "Mark" Harper
January 3, 1961 - May 21, 2021


James 'Mark' Harper, born January 3, 1961, in Clarksville, Tennessee, aged 60, was tragically lost to us on May 21, 2021, as a result of a mechanical failure during a private plane flight over Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While he did not survive the crash, he was hailed a hero for avoiding homes and power lines by guiding the plane to the only open land for miles around.

Mark started his lifelong 'affair' with aviation with a 1979 Seminole High School graduation present from his parents of a private pilot's lesson. This was followed by a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics and Aviation from Embry-Riddle University in 1983.

During his early career he built up his flight hours by flying commercial freight for AmeriJet based in Ft. Lauderdale. This led to a 30-year career with US Air and American. Mark finished his career as Captain "Mark" flying American A321 commercial jets with over 35,000 accumulated flight hours.

During his off-hours, Mark was known for his entrepreneurial spirit by building Imperial Homes and Imperial Aviation of Mooresville from the ground up.

Mark was known for his unbridled energy, his love of all things that go on land, sea, or air. But most importantly, Mark was known for his love of family and his selfless attitude. He was always willing to lend a hand, teach a skill or offer support anyway he could.

Mark is survived by his children Bradley and Olivia Harper of Statesville, NC, his parents Kaye and Sidney Harper of Largo, FL and his brother Todd Harper of Belleair Beach, FL.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00pm on June 4, 2021, at Heritage House of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home located at 494 E Plaza Dr Mooresville NC 28115. For those who are unable to attend the Celebration of Life service, you may go to the following link for the live stream https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC864hAs96dTRLVVL1la0Qlw/videos?view=2&flow=list

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mr. Harper. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.



A 60-year-old Horry County man has been identified as the pilot who died in a Socastee plane crash Friday.

James Marklin Harper, who lived in the North Myrtle Beach area, died from injuries sustained in the crash, Horry County Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler said in a news release Saturday night. The crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and local authorities.

The crash happened around 6:15 p.m. in an open field at 3833 Socastee Boulevard, authorities said.

The FAA told myhorrynews.com's news partner WMBF that the Piper PA-31P-425 Pressurized Navajo departed Myrtle Beach International Airport and was heading to Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach. The pilot, who was the only person in the plane, was trying to return to the Myrtle Beach airport when the plane crashed. 

Neighbors described hearing a loud boom and seeing large cloud of thick smoke when the plane went down. 

Some people who were near the crash site, including an off-duty county police officer, rushed to the scene to try to help. An explosion after the initial impact caused minor injuries to some of those trying to render aid, including the officer.

"We are incredibly proud of our officer’s actions, our community’s response, and of all the first responders on scene, and at the dispatch center, who responded yesterday," Horry County Police Chief Joe Hill said in a news release Saturday.  "Our officers run toward danger every day, and we remain grateful for their commitment to service and to the people of Horry County. As we celebrate the heroic actions of these first responders, we mourn the loss of the pilot. Our hearts are with this family during an incredibly difficult time."




A man from North Myrtle Beach died in a Friday evening plane crash near Myrtle Beach, the Horry County coroner announced Saturday.

James Marklin Harper, 60, who lived near North Myrtle Beach, died on scene from multiple injuries received in the crash.

The plane went down around 6:15 p.m. Friday. Around 7:15 p.m. the remains of the small aircraft were still smoldering in a clearing off of Socastee Boulevard near Buck Hill Drive. Dozens of spectators were gathered in the parking lot of Thai Palms Restaurant.

A handful of people saw the plane go down and rushed to help, including an off duty Horry County policeman. The plane exploded as they ran towards it and a few people had minor injuries.

The death is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board and Horry County authorities.



HORRY COUNTY, South Carolina  (WMBF) - The pilot who died in a deadly plane crash in Horry County has been identified.

Horry County Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler said 60-year-old James Marklin Harper, died after his plane crashed along Socastee Boulevard Friday night.

Fowler added that Harper was from the North Myrtle Beach area.

First responders were called to the 3800 block of Socastee Boulevard, near Highway 17, at around 6:15 p.m. Friday where the plane went down in a field.

The FAA said the Piper PA-31P-425 Pressurized Navajo departed from the Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Harper was intending to go to the Grand Strand Airport but was trying to return to MYR before the crash happened.

He was the only person on board, officials said.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are both investigating.



SOCASTEE, South Carolina (WBTW) — One person was killed Friday evening in a plane crash in Socastee that also injured an off-duty Horry County police officer who witnessed the crash and tried to help, authorities said.

In a Twitter post, HCPD Chief Joseph Hill said the officer, who hasn’t been identified, was knocked off his feet when the aircraft exploded. He was resting at home Saturday morning after being taken to the hospital. Hill called him a “true hero.”

“Our officers run toward danger every day, and we remain grateful for their commitment to service and to the people of Horry County,” Hill said. “As we celebrate the heroic actions of these first responders, we mourn the loss of the pilot. Our hearts are with this family during an incredibly difficult time.”

The pilot killed in the crash will be released after relatives are notified, according to Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler said, adding that it could take a few days.

The plane crash was reported in the 3800 block of Socastee Boulevard, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.

The plane was registered to PJS, LLC based in North Myrtle Beach, according to FlightAware. The website shows the plane is a Piper PA-31P-425 Pressurized Navajo. Data from FlightAware shows the plane took off from Myrtle Beach International Airport at 6:12 p.m. and shows a flight path that ends near the location of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it is investigating the crash and an investigator is expected to arrive on scene Saturday.

Two witnesses told News13 they saw the plane going down and went over to help.

“We saw this plane going super low overhead, heard a noise like a bang or a pop and just ran over across the street through the traffic seeing if we could help, seeing what happened,” Sarah Ortega said.

“It come right above the trees and you could see it dropping, so I grabbed my cell phone and called 911 and told them that a plane was going down,” Yana Mintz said. “I heard someone say they smelled gas. I was too busy trying to find somebody, and then it just exploded.”

“I’m just thankful it’s in an open field,” Ortega said. “I can’t believe how they didn’t hit any of these wires and luckily none of these houses, the restaurants.”

Socastee Boulevard was closed for some time but has since reopened. No other information was immediately available.



Horry County Police Department

Update from Chief Hill on yesterday’s plane crash:

An Horry County Police Officer, while off duty, witnessed yesterday’s plane crash near Socastee Blvd. and ran to see how he could help. As the officer approached the smoking aircraft, the plane exploded knocking the officer off his feet. He suffered injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital by Horry County Fire Rescue. He is now at home resting. This officer is a true hero.

He was not alone in his actions. Other nearby community members also rushed in to see how to help. In this community, we lift each other up and we answer the call to serve our neighbors.

We are incredibly proud of our officer’s actions, our community’s response, and of all the first responders on scene, and at the dispatch center, who responded yesterday.

Our officers run toward danger every day, and we remain grateful for their commitment to service and to the people of Horry County.

As we celebrate the heroic actions of these first responders, we mourn the loss of the pilot. Our hearts are with this family during an incredibly difficult time.






























Eyewitnesses Yana Mintz (sunglasses) and Sara Ortega


HORRY COUNTY, South Carolina (WPDE) — One person is dead after a small plane crash in Horry County, according to Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler of Horry County.

Horry County Fire Rescue responded to the crash in the area of 3833 Socastee Boulevard Friday at 6:16 p.m.

A release from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a twin-engine Piper PA-31 crashed in a field about 2.5 miles north of Myrtle Beach International Airport around 6:25 p.m.

The plane left from Myrtle Beach for Grand Strand Airport, and the pilot was the only person on board, according to FAA.

The pilot was trying to return to the departure airport when the crash occurred, the FAA said.

The FAA will release the tail number of the aircraft after investigators verify it at the incident location.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates.

The FAA said that this information is preliminary and may change as a result of the investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board said they are investigating the plane crash and an investigator is expected to arrive on the scene by Saturday.

ABC15 reporters on scene confirmed that Socastee Boulevard is back open for traffic.

One woman on scene recounted what she saw shortly after the crash. She said she could smell fumes from the crash but wasn't thinking it would explode.

"If he hadn't said there's fuel, we need to move, we need to get out of here, I wouldn't have run."

She said she was in shock and remembers saying "where is the rest of it?"

Another woman on the scene said she was kneeling and praying after witnessing the crash.

"Praying was the most I could do to help."

Federal Bureau of Investigation searches for pilot of drone that buzzed near Customs and Border Protection helicopter



TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking to identify who is responsible for illegally flying a drone near a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter on February 9.

At 10:30 p.m., CBP employees informed the Tucson Police Department that a drone was flying too close to their helicopter. Multiple law enforcement agencies worked to locate the drone’s operator but were unsuccessful. Officials say the drone appeared to launch from an area about five miles south of Tucson and flew across Tucson and north over Marana. No one was injured and no other similar incidents have been reported involving this specific drone, officials say.

In 2018, The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act included 18 USC 39B, which federally criminalizes “Unsafe Operation of Unmanned Aircraft,” meaning knowing or reckless interference or disruption of a manned aircraft, and the operation of unmanned aircraft in close proximity to airports is considered illegal. While the drone did not come into direct contact with an airplane or cause a pilot to make an evasive maneuver, officials say the actions are against the law and extremely dangerous.

Anyone flying a drone illegally can face federal criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment.

Officials say it is possible the drone operator(s) were not aware they were violating the law, however, anyone with information to assist in this investigation is asked to contact the FBI at 623-466-1999. Tips can also be reported to tips.fbi.gov.

Meet ALTIUS-600, the newest member of the Hurricane Hunters team: This new drone could send hurricane forecasting into the future







LAKELAND, Florida  – Over the years, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists have experimented with different weather instruments and technology, but this hurricane season, a new drone could have the opportunity to propel hurricane research into the future.

Lt. Cmdr. Adam Abitbol is a test pilot for NOAA and has flown into hurricanes for years. This season, he’ll be flying alongside a new member, a drone named ALTIUS-600.

“It will be a new first for us here at NOAA and we’re excited about it for the season,” Abitbol said while standing in the hangar at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland.

Hurricane Hunters are a team of pilots and meteorologists who fly into the eye of a storm. Right now, Hurricane Hunters rely on dropsondes, small, one-pound cylinder instruments that collect data while freefalling out of the WP-P3 Orion Hurricane Hunter.

ALTIUS weighs about 25 pounds and has a wingspan of 8 feet after it is deployed out of the hurricane hunter.

Dr. Joseph Cione, a lead meteorologist at the NOAA, is no stranger to hurricane-hunting drones. In 2014, Cione led his team to deploy the first drone, named Coyote, into a tropical system.

“We’re going (to) the next level. You still want dropsondes on occasion, because you don’t want to always drop a drone, but using drones is going to get us to beyond a dropsonde,” Cione said.

This new uncrewed aerial system, UAS, was created by Area-I, a private company specializing in drone technology. Lindsey Carroll, an Area-I engineer, explained why the drone does beyond a dropsonde.

“We actually integrated the same pressure, temperature and humidity sensor that is in the dropsonde, onto (the) nose of ALTIUS. In addition to that, we also added other sensors to add more data that they can collect from a hurricane,” Carrol explained.

One of the new, exciting sensors monitors sea surface temperatures underneath the storm. This will help meteorologists pinpoint how warm or cool the waters have become, helping in the track and intensity forecasting.

Although ALTIUS-600 is new to the hurricane-hunting world, it’s capabilities and skills surpass its predecessor, Coyote. This new version can fly for several hours and travel 200 miles away from the P3 while continuously streaming in data.

“The drone can last up to four hours collecting data and give us that continuity data in the boundary layer, which is really where our heavy level of interest is right now on trying to refine that track and intensity forecast,” Abitbol said.

The boundary layer is a very complex zone near the surface, known for its abrupt turbulence and towering waves.

This concerned Cione.

“We live near the surface, so we want to know what the winds are, we want to know what this thing is doing right at the surface, and that’s also where a storm feeds itself, so we want to get down there but it’s too dangerous,” he said.

Since this area is too dangerous for hunters to fly into, forecasters are left relying on dropsondes, which only last about three minutes in this crucial zone before crashing into the ocean, limiting their knowledge and data -- that was, until now.

“We are obviously not going to risk human life but we still want to measure down there, so we get these drones and get them in these areas and when we lose them, it’s not a big deal. They give us the data we need, and we’re safe,” Cione said.

The air-launched drone will also have its own set of preloaded missions, essentially becoming its own separate mini hurricane hunter.

“It will eject out of the aircraft. Once cleared of the aircraft, it will deploy its flight services and begin flying, so we can almost do two independent missions of data collection. As you can imagine, this is a force multiplier in the storm,” Abitbol said.

The vital data that is collected by ALTIUS will be sent back to the hurricane hunter aircraft, which will then be delivered to hurricane forecasters and researchers back at the National Hurricane Center.

Cione said that could impact forecasting for years to come.

“This helps us in a real way, in a real world, in an economically viable way, to do this. It also allows us to understand the storm from a science standpoint. So we’re improving things immediately. Do we get out of harm’s way? And later, better forecasts. So, it’s a win-win for everyone,” he said.

Just like dropsondes, the drones will also be expendable. Meaning, once the mission is completed, ALTIUS will terminate in the open ocean.

ALTIUS has a few more tests to complete before it is used on an official mission. If all stays on course, NOAA hopes to start trying ALTIUS this hurricane season.

“It’s a really new and exciting environment we’re going to take into the 2021 season,” Abitbol said.

Beech B200 Super King Air, N678SS: Incident occurred May 20, 2021 at Lake Havasu City Airport (KHII), Mohave County, Arizona

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

Aircraft nose gear did not lower during landing. 

RCA Aviation 1 LLC


Date: 20-MAY-21
Time: 16:40:00Z
Regis#: N678SS
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 20
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LAKE HAVASU CITY
State: ARIZONA








The Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport is back up and running, after closing its runway and terminal following a plane crash on the runway Thursday morning. Although the plane experienced extensive damage, the pilot and all eight passengers were reportedly uninjured and no damage was reported to airport property.

According to Airport Supervisor Damon Anderson, the pilot of the Beech B200 Super King Air registered to RCA Aviation of Phoenix, noticed a mechanical issue with their front landing gear and was able to contact the airport by radio shortly after 9 a.m. to make a plan for how to minimize the risks of landing.

The Lake Havasu City Fire Department quickly responded to the scene with two fire engines, two command officers, and the department’s Aircraft Rescue Firefighting vehicle. Desert Hills Fire also responded with a fire engine and two ambulances from AMR were on scene with a third en route and more available if needed. The emergency personnel was in place at the airport when the landing was made.

Anderson and Fire Chief Peter Pilafas said the situation could have ended much worse, given the mechanical issues with the plane, were it not for the textbook execution of the landing by the pilot. The pilot’s name was not immediately available.

A website for Retinal Consultants of Arizona says the company uses two planes to transport staff, equipment and medicine to locations outside of Phoenix on a daily basis.

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N738BJ: Incident occurred May 20, 2021 in Denver, Colorado

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Aircraft reported engine failure and made emergency landing in field. 

G&M Aircraft Inc


Date: 20-MAY-21
Time: 18:21:00Z
Regis#: N738BJ
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EMERGENCY DESCENT (EMG)
Operation: 91
City: DENVER
State: COLORADO

Piper PA-34-200 Seneca, N33300: Incident occurred May 20, 2021 at Groton - New London Airport (KGON), New London County, Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Aircraft was taxiing on runway when nose gear collapsed. 

Upgrade Incorporated 


Date: 20-MAY-21
Time: 15:00:00Z
Regis#: N33300
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA34
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: GROTON
State: CONNECTICUT

Van's RV-4, N92CT: Incident occurred May 20, 2021 at Windham Airport (KIJD), Willimantic, Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Aircraft ground looped during landing and went into the grass and the landing gear collapsed. 


Date: 20-MAY-21
Time: 20:30:00Z
Regis#: N92CT
Aircraft Make: VAN
Aircraft Model: RV4
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WILLIMANTIC
State: CONNECTICUT

Mooney M20K 231, N9514R: Accident occurred May 20, 2021 in Dawson, Terrell County, Georgia

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia 


Location: Dawson, GA 
Accident Number: ERA21LA222
Date & Time: May 20, 2021, 10:30 Local 
Registration: N9514R
Aircraft: Mooney M20K
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 20, 2021, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20K, N9514R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dawson, Georgia. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he had recently purchased the airplane. He conducted a preflight inspection with no anomalies noted and departed Orlando Apopka Airport (X04), Apopka, Florida, about 0815 for a flight to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), Birmingham, Alabama. About 90 minutes into the flight the engine began “making noises and started rumbling.” The pilot checked the instruments but did not note anything abnormal. Within 1 minute the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and diverted to the nearest airport according to his GPS, which was Dawson Municipal Airport, Dawson, Georgia. During the descent, the pilot operated the engine controls with no response from the engine. The pilot realized that the airplane would not reach the airport and he elected to land on a road with the landing gear and flaps up. After the
airplane came to rest, rescue personnel helped the pilot and passenger out of the airplane.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings and the aft fuselage. The inspector further noted that the top of the engine crankcase was fractured.

The airplane was recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mooney
Registration: N9514R
Model/Series: M20K 
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: ABY,193 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C /16°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 17 knots / 23 knots, 110°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.31 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Apopka, FL (X04) 
Destination: Birmingham, AL (BHM)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 31.771412,-84.50667 




DAWSON, Georgia (WALB) - A small private plane made a crash landing on a highway Thursday morning in Terrell County.

It happened near US Highway 82, also known as Graves Highway, near Dawson.

Terrell County Sheriff John Bowens said a man and wife were on the plane and were conscious. Bowens said they were taken to Phoebe but didn’t have a current update on their conditions.

The extent of injuries of the pilot or anyone else aboard is not known right now.

Bowens said because the plane landed on a road, one of its lanes will be closed for a while.

The call came in between 9:45-10 a.m.

First responders are on the scene. The sheriff said his office is working to get in touch with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Internet data shows the plane, a Mooney M20K 231, is owned by BFC Enterprises, of Carson City, Nevada. It departed from Orlando-Apopka Airport about 8:30 Thursday morning, but its destination was not shown by Flight-Aware.com.

Ayres Thrush S2R-G1, N4090W: Incident occurred May 20, 2021 in Hoxie, Sheridan County, Kansas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas

Aircraft crashed into pasture and rolled off embankment due to unknown circumstances. 

Mauck Flying Service LLC


Date: 20-MAY-21
Time: 19:10:00Z
Regis#: N4090W
Aircraft Make: AYRES
Aircraft Model: S2R-G1
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: AERIAL APPLICATION
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 137
City: HOXIE
State: KANSAS

Just Highlander JA20, N743BT: Accident occurred May 20, 2021 in Central City, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

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; Louisville, Kentucky


Location: Central City, KY
Accident Number: ERA21LA228
Date & Time: May 20, 2021, 13:00 Local
Registration: N743BT
Aircraft: ROBERT TREMBLY JA20 HIGHLANDER
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBERT TREMBLY
Registration: N743BT
Model/Series: JA20 HIGHLANDER 
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:
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: 37.2939,87.1233 (est)

Pilatus B4-PC11, N65317: Incident occurred May 20, 2021 at Sterling Airport (3B3), Worcester County, Massachusetts

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Glider struck trees while attempting to land. 

Greater Boston Soaring Club Inc


Date: 20-MAY-21
Time: 20:30:00Z
Regis#: N65317
Aircraft Make: PILATUS
Aircraft Model: B4-P11
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: STERLING
State: MASSACHUSETTS

Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N13450: Incident occurred May 20, 2021 at Hickory Regional Airport (KHKY), Catawba County, North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

Aircraft nose gear collapsed when landing. 

Wilkes Flying Club Inc


Date: 20-MAY-21
Time: 19:45:00Z
Regis#: N13450
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HICKORY
State: NORTH CAROLINA

Loss of Control on Ground: Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser, N15033; accident occurred May 20, 2021 at Fayette County Airport (I23), Washington Court House, Ohio








Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Location: Washington Court House, Ohio
Accident Number: CEN21LA229
Date & Time: May 20, 2021, 19:45 Local 
Registration: N15033
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-140 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was performing a soft-field takeoff in preparation for his upcoming private pilot checkride when after the nose wheel lifted off the runway, the airplane yawed to the left. He applied right rudder in an attempt to maintain control; however, when a runway excursion seemed imminent, he applied full brake pressure on both pedals. The airplane veered “sharply” to the left, exited the runway, and impacted a ditch before coming to rest in an adjacent field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that attempting to steer the airplane back toward the runway centerline and not applying the brakes might have prevented the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a soft field takeoff. 

Findings

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

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Takeoff Runway excursion

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 38,Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 Waiver time limited special
Last FAA Medical Exam: September 24, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 22, 2021
Flight Time: 47 hours (Total, all aircraft), 47 hours (Total, this make and model), 10 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 24 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N15033
Model/Series: PA-28-140 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-7225556
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: February 19, 2021 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 47 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 7785 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E3D
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 150 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: I23,980 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0.5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 19:44 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 9 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 180° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.5 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Washington Court House, OH (I23)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Washington Court House, OH
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 19:45 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Fayette County I23
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 980 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 23 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5097 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

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: 39.5704,-83.4172

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported aircraft mishap at the Fayette County Airport on Old State Route 38 on Thursday, May 20. The incident was reported at 7:56 p.m.

During the preliminary investigation, the pilot, identified as Justin T. Fry, 38 of Cincinnati, was maneuvering the aircraft when the Piper PA 28-140 that he was piloting skidded off the runway, striking a small ditch and rotated, coming to rest in a grass area adjacent to runway. Fry sustained minor injuries in the mishap and was transported from the scene by Fayette County EMS to Adena-Fayette Medical Center for treatment.

Crash reconstruction personnel from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene and are continuing their investigation of the mishap, working collaboratively with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The cause of the mishap has not been identified at this time. The aircraft remained at the mishap location overnight as investigators returned Friday morning to conduct further investigation during the daylight hours.



FAYETTE COUNTY, Ohio (WCMH) — Officials are trying to determine what caused a small airplane to skid off the runway at the Fayette County Airport on Thursday, injuring the pilot.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident at Old State Route 38 just before 8 p.m.

Officials say 38-year old Justin T. Fry, of Cincinnati, was maneuvering the Piper PA 28-140 when it left the runway and struck a small ditch. The plane rotated and came to rest in the grass next to the runway, investigators said.

Fry suffered minor injuries and was transported to Adena-Fayette Medical Center for treatment.

Local officials are working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the crash.