Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Coot-A, N771JL: May 25, 2021, April 27, 2021 and April 07, 2021 at Morristown Municipal Airport (KMMU), New Jersey

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Teterboro, New Jersey

May 25, 2021:  Aircraft landed and gear collapsed. 


Date: 25-MAY-21
Time: 13:00:00Z
Regis#: N771JL
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: COOT-A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MORRISTOWN
State: NEW JERSEY

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Teterboro, New Jersey 

April 27, 2021:  Aircraft declared an emergency due to right door falling off. 

Date: 27-APR-21
Time: 12:47:00Z
Regis#: N771JL
Aircraft Make: COOT
Aircraft Model: TAYLOR COOT A
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: MORRISTOWN
State: NEW JERSEY

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Teterboro, New Jersey

April 07, 2021:  Aircraft landed gear up.

Date: 07-APR-21
Time: 12:15:00Z
Regis#: N771JL
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: COOT-A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MORRISTOWN
State: NEW JERSEY

Cessna TR182 Turbo Skylane RG, N6449T: Incident occurred May 24, 2021 at San Bernardino International Airport (KSBD), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Riverside, California

Aircraft landed gear up.  


Date: 24-MAY-21
Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N6449T
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 210
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SAN BERNARDINO
State: CALIFORNIA

Texas Sport TX-11C, N752T: Accident occurred May 24, 2021 at Vance Brand Airport (KLMO), Longmont, Boulder 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
 
Location: Longmont, CO
Accident Number: CEN21LA236
Date & Time: May 24, 2021, 10:45 Local
Registration: N752T
Aircraft: BERRY DAN TX-11C
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BERRY DAN 
Registration: N752T
Model/Series: TX-11C 
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: 40.16438,-105.16363

Dassault Mirage F1M, N567EM: Fatal accident May 24, 2021 near Nellis Air Force Base (KLSV), Las Vegas, Nevada

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; Las Vegas, Nevada
Draken International; Las Vegas, Nevada  


Location: Las Vegas, NV
Accident Number: WPR21FA203
Date & Time: May 24, 2021, 14:17 Local
Registration: N567EM
Aircraft: DASSAULT AVIATION MIRAGE F-1 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Public aircraft

On May 24, 2021, about 1417 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Dassault Aviation Mirage F-1 Turbo-jet, N567EM, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Nellis Air Force Base, (LSV), Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a public-use aircraft in support of the United States Air Force’s simulated combat training.

According to the pilot of the number 2 airplane in the formation, the accident airplane was the lead of a flight of two aggressors, which returned to LSV after completion of their Weapons School support flights in the Nevada Test and Tactics Range. The number 2 airplane in the formation recovered before the lead airplane since it reached its briefed fuel status first. About 15 minutes later, the lead airplane recovered single ship. While enroute to LSV and about several minutes out, the lead pilot reported that the airplane was “code 1,” signifying that the airplane had no maintenance discrepancies.

The lead airplane entered the traffic pattern and reported initial for runway 03R. Shortly after the break, and approaching the final turn, the pilot reported that he would be accomplishing a low approach and then proceeding to Flex (LSV 338/04). The pilot started the final turn and then reported that he had a flap issue and when asked if he was declaring an emergency, he responded “affirm.” Shortly thereafter, while still in the final turn, the airplane descended, and the pilot ejected. Subsequently, the airplane stuck terrain in a residential area about 1 1/2 miles south of the approach end of the runway. The wreckage was consumed by a post-crash fire.

A witness reported that he observed the airplane low in the pattern and sinking like it was “falling out of the sky.” Subsequently, he observed the pilot eject.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: DASSAULT AVIATION 
Registration: N567EM
Model/Series: MIRAGE F-1 
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: KLSV,1870 ft msl
Observation Time: 14:32 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /-4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Military VFR
Departure Point: Las Vegas, NV
Destination: Las Vegas, NV

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 36.200883,-115.05419 (est)

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.

Nicholas Hunter Hamilton
MARCH 23, 1978 – MAY 24, 2021


On the early afternoon of 24 May, Nicholas Hunter Hamilton, “Nick” to his family and “Scooter” to his military family, was lost in a tragic accident near Nellis AFB NV. There are never adequate words to express the depth of loss we feel with his passing, but it’s our hope that these few words might shed a little light into the incredible husband, father, son, brother and friend that Nick was.

Nick was born in Reno, Nevada to Gail and Stephen Hamilton. The second of three children and the only son, he was a blessing and a gift. Nick was a steadfast and loyal brother and would have done anything for his sisters. He was a brilliant and charismatic child, making many life-long friends. This gift of learning and charisma carried through into his adult years.

Nick held a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and was an accomplished violinist. He was a graduate of the USAF Academy, where he earned a degree in Astronautical Engineering. He continued that pursuit of knowledge at George Washington University where he attended on a NASA scholarship, and earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Nick was a gifted pilot. He had over 2500 hours flying supersonic aircraft that included the T-38, F-16, and most recently, the Mirage F-1. He served several combat tours, and his 20-year career took him across the globe, including Del Rio, TX, Misawa, Japan, and Kunsan Korea. Korea was an especially good deal for him, as it is where he met the love of his life, Suhyun An. He would finish his career as an elite member of the 64th Aggressor Squadron where his colleagues were quick to learn of his enormous brain, and love of flying.

There wasn’t a person more willing to help someone out, than Nick. He had a sarcastic wit that melded well into any conversation. He would often joke around with a dry sense of humor that was only second to his infectious smile.

While he was an incredible friend and pilot, the title he cherished most was that of husband and father. Nick leaves behind his wife, Suhyun, and two sons, Odin and Ashur. Odin is 15, and a gentle giant who loves playing hockey. Odin has autism, and certainly is dealing with the loss of his dad in a way none of us can quite understand. Ashur, like his dad, is wicked smart. He also plays the violin and loves a variety of sports. Ashur is only 11 years old.

Words can not express our loss. We will all miss Nick. It still feels surreal that he is gone. His legacy will live on. He is a true Hero, the kind most only get to read about in stories. We are all so blessed to have had Nick in our lives, if only for such a short time.

Nick is survived by his Wife, Suhyun An, two sons, Odin and Ashur, mother Gail, father Stephen (Donna), two sisters, Heather (Aaron) and Alexandra (Adam), a niece and nephews, Greta, Benjamin, and August, a large extended and military family, and close friends.

In leu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Honor of Nick’s Memory and in support of his family to the Fallen Wings Foundation, www.fallenwingsfoundation.org.

Nick Hamilton, left, with his two sons. Hamilton, 43, died on May 24, 2021 after taking off in in DassaultMirage F1M from Nellis Air Force Base and crashing in a Las Vegas residential area. 



LAS VEGAS — Nicholas Hunter Hamilton was a man of few words who wielded an infectious laugh that could light up a room.

That's how family remembers the jet fighter pilot and Reno native who died Monday after taking off from Nellis Air Force Base and crashing in a Las Vegas neighborhood.

"Nick was a devoted, kind husband, father, son, and brother," said Aaron Damon, a family spokesman, in a statement. "His death has left a large void in our lives, and we are all shocked and heartbroken."

The Clark County Medical Examiner on Tuesday identified Hamilton as the lone pilot in the contractor aircraft that crashed around 2:30 p.m. Monday near Christy Lane, south of the air base. He was 43.

Hamilton graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2000 and became a fighter pilot for the Air Force, serving for 20 years — a career that included multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He retired from the Air Force in March 2020 to fly privately for Draken International, a Florida company contracted to provide “adversary air support” during aerial war games flown from Nellis into restricted airspace over central Nevada.

Born and raised in Reno, Hamilton earned a master’s degree in astronautical engineering from George Washington University and a 3rd-degree black belt in taekwondo. He was also an accomplished violinist.

Hamilton leaves behind his wife and their two young sons, as well as his father, mother, two sisters, a large extended family, and many friends.

"His dedication to his family and his country will never be forgotten," the family statement said.  "Words cannot express our loss. A nickel on the grass. We need time to mourn this great loss and appreciate the respect given to our privacy in this tragic time."

Investigation begins into crash

Military and federal authorities said Tuesday they were probing the cause of a Dassault Mirage F1M crash that killed the civilian pilot but did not injure anyone on the ground. 

The Dassault Mirage F1M that crashed Monday afternoon was owned and operated by a Draken US. Hamilton was the only person aboard the French aircraft, which records show was built in 1982.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and families affected by this event,” the company said a statement.

Police closed off the area about 7 miles northeast of downtown Las Vegas, while some news crews reported that an aircraft had crashed.

Neighbors posted online images of a plume of smoke not far from a fence to the base, fire crews arriving and a helicopter circling the area.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak commented on the incident on Twitter Monday.

"Kathy and I are praying for all those involved in today's incident — especially the men and women of [Nellis Air Force Base] and the first responders on the scene," he wrote. 

The incident is under investigation, according to Nellis authorities. 

Nellis known for training exercises 

Nellis is best known internationally as host of periodic training exercises where U.S. and allied pilots conduct mock battles over a restricted military reserve in central Nevada that is half the size of the state of New Jersey. 

Aircraft based at Nellis include F-16 Falcon and F-22 Raptor fighter jets and A-10 Warthog attack jets. The base also is home to the elite Thunderbirds flight demonstration team.

The crash was the first out of Nellis since Thunderbirds pilot Maj. Stephen Del Bango of Valencia, California, died in April 2018 during a training flight over the Nevada Test and Training Range. In September 2017, an Air Force pilot died after a crash about 100 miles (160.93 kilometers) northwest of Nellis.

Luscombe 8A, N1331K: Accident occurred May 24, 2021 at Skaneateles Aerodrome (6B9) Onondaga 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 Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rochester, New York


Location: Skaneateles, NY 
Accident Number: ERA21LA231
Date & Time: May 24, 2021, 14:00 Local
Registration: N1331K
Aircraft: Luscombe 8A 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Luscombe
Registration: N1331K
Model/Series: 8A 
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: KSYR,417 ft msl
Observation Time: 13:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 19 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5500 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 40°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Skaneateles, NY
Destination: Seneca Falls, NY (0G7)

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: 42.91359,-76.44076 (est)





Skaneateles, New York — An 87-year-old pilot suffered minor injuries when an airplane overturned trying to take off at the Skaneateles Aerodrome on Monday afternoon.

Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office deputies and rescue personnel responded to the airport off Benson Road at approximately 1:44 p.m., said Sgt. Jon Seeber, sheriff’s office spokesman.

The Luscombe 8A was attempting to take off when the pilot lost control of the aircraft, Seeber said. The plane overturned, landing just off the runway, he said.

The pilot, the only person on the plane, was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

Deputies, along with members of the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the crash.

Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N12860: Incident occurred May 23, 2021 at Fairfield County Airport (KLHQ), Lancaster, Ohio

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

Aircraft struck a bird damaging the leading edge on the right wing. 

In Plane Sight LLC


Date: 23-MAY-21
Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N12860
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: LANCASTER
State: OHIO