Friday, June 25, 2021

Chennault International Airport (KCWF) breaks ground on new air cargo facility

Mitch O'Neal,  Director of Operations at Chennault International Airport



Lake Charles, Louisiana (KPLC) - Chennault International Airport.

It’s been making history in the lake area for decades, and now they are continuing to do just that.

“I kind of woke up today and said, I can’t believe this is actually happening,” said Denis Rau, president of the board of commissioners at Chennault.

It’s breaking ground for its new ten-thousand-square-foot air cargo facility.

“So many people have worked hard to make it happen over decades, and it will offer growth, it will offer all new kinds of opportunities that we’ve never seen here,” she said. “It’s a new line of business.”

And opportunities it will bring, principal for the DVW aviation advisor David Whitaker says this is an economic initiative for the city of Lake Charles.

“Landing fees would be generated by the activity that comes here, there are jobs associated with the activity that we’re pursuing, and a number of ripple-down effects with this activity,” he said. “So it’s an economic move.”

Costing about four million dollars, he says it’s a great time for Chennault to get into the air cargo industry.

“There are not enough airplanes in the world actually right now to move all the air cargo and meet the demand,” he said. “So airplanes sitting in the desert have been resurrected. Companies are looking to buy new planes, all to move cargo.”

Denise Rau says they started talking about air cargo back in 2012.

“We have talked at conferences and all of these places with industry leaders about why Lake Charles should be a place for air cargo,” she said. “It just makes sense, you know, Houston’s a busy, busy airport, and they fly around in a queue for a while trying to get that cargo down here,” she said. Here you buzz in, buzz out.”

And while the facility is expected to take about a year to complete, Whitaker says it might take a little longer due to a shortage of supplies following the pandemic.

Wynnae Dyess, formerly a competitive ice-skater, now teaches people how to fly at the Baker City Airport (KBKE)

Wynnae Dyess 


Wynnae Dyess feels the most free in flight.

The 28-year-old flight instructor, who works for Baker Aircraft, the fixed base operator at the Baker City Airport, earned her pilot’s license in Driggs, Idaho, when she was just 17.

Originally from Jackson, Wyoming, Dyess lived in Idaho and at Mesa, Arizona, before moving to Baker City in June 2020.

“Going into school, I thought I was probably going to be an airline pilot,” Dyess said. “But now coming here to Baker, I’ve realized I really liked the small airplane general aviation stuff and the more personal connections I make.”

Growing up, Dyess said she was always around military aircraft, going to air shows and the Air Force Museum with her family, where she fell in love with vintage military aircraft.

She was also a competitive figure skater, and one day Dyess’ friend, who is a pilot, asked her if she would like to take a “Young Eagles” flight to Utah for a skating event.

“She let me take the controls and fly and I fell in love with it,” Dyess said. “And I just knew I wanted to keep pursuing that.”

As an instructor with Baker Aircraft, Dyess helps people who want their private pilot’s license learn the ins and outs of aviation. Every day she comes to work, meets her students and makes a game plan for the day.

She starts by teaching student pilots how to pre-flight an airplane — making sure the craft is airworthy.

They then fly for about an hour and work on whatever maneuvers are needed for a certain certificate or rating.


Some days Wynnae will take her students on flights to John Day or Pendleton. The training takes anywhere from 50 to 60 hours, depending on how quickly students digest the information and hone their skills until they’re ready for their initial solo flight.

“It’s so rewarding because you get to see the students’ first time soloing an aircraft by themselves,” Dyess said. “When they take those controls, it’s a very proud moment as an instructor, to see them meet those accomplishments.”

Dyess’ favorite part of flying is seeing the country from an entirely different perspective than the ground. Sometimes the job is hard, she said, but it never feels like work because she loves flying so much.

On days when Dyess doesn’t have a student pilot to work with, she pursues another goal — obtaining her airplane mechanic’s license.

Dyess also wants to learn to fly helicopters and to further her education by learning everything she can about aviation.

No prior knowledge is needed for those who want to learn how to fly, she said. The most important attributes are a willingness to learn and to review the concepts over and over again to avoid mistakes. There are several factors that keep pilots on their toes, such as weather, landings and different air spaces.

A long-term goal for Dyess is to fly internationally in Africa and help deliver medical supplies. She also wants to do more charter and backcountry flights.

“I really love the freedom of flying,” she said. “It reminds me a lot of skating. You just go out there and you’re in your own little world. It’s a freeing experience.”



Lear 35A, N95JN: Hammond North Shore Regional Airport (KHDC), Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

 Leonard Lopez 






HAMMOND - A private plane loaded with marijuana was seized at a small airport in Tangipahoa Parish after it made a stop in the middle of its cross-country flight.

The Hammond Police Department said the aircraft landed at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport Wednesday evening. The department said it had received a tip that the plane was heading from California to Miami with a load of illegal drugs. 

Police surveilled the landing strip and moved on the private jet after it stopped to fuel up. After getting permission to search the aircraft, officers found duffel bags and suitcases full of suspected marijuana, marijuana vape cartridges and pre-rolled marijuana cigars.

The department estimated the street value of the drugs to be around $750,000 in total. The plane, a Learjet 55, was also seized by the district attorney's office and is pending forfeiture. The total value of the seized items was said to be more than $1.6 million. 

A passenger, identified as 40-year-old Leonard Lopez of Miami, was arrested. The two pilots of the aircraft were interviewed and released. 

Cessna 172C Skyhawk, N8366X: Incident occurred June 24, 2021 near Apple Valley Airport (KAPV), San Bernardino County, California

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

Aircraft ran out of fuel and landed in a river bed.  


Date: 23-JUN-21
Time: 23:30:00Z
Regis#: N8366X
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: APPLE VALLEY
State: CALIFORNIA



APPLE VALLEY, California (VVNG.com) — A small plane made an emergency landing in the Mojave riverbed near the community of Spring Valley Lake after running out of fuel.

At about 4:20 pm, on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, Apple Valley Fire Protection District firefighters were dispatched to reports of an aircraft down.

Steve Colucci, heard about the crash on Facebook and rode his bike along the Mojave River trail to get a closer look at the Cessna 172 in the sand. When he arrived the male pilot and male passenger were already walking towards him.

“He and a passenger were in route to Oceanside from Las Vegas when they started running out of fuel just north of the mountains. He turned around and tried to make it to Apple Valley but ran out of fuel,” stated Steve. “He turned into the wind and landed safely with the only apparent damage being a bent propeller.”

Steve said there was an element of irony. “I asked how they were going to get it out of there and with a puzzled look of frustration, he responded, I have no idea.”

A group of local residents that are part of a Facebook group called Desert Recovery SOS accepted the challenge to help the owner remove the plane from the riverbed. No injuries or damages were reported as a result of the incident.

Loss of Control in Flight: Piper PA-28-180, N9277J; accident occurred June 24, 2021 near Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL), Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado















Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Iron Sights Aviation LLC 


Location: Loveland, Colorado
Accident Number: CEN21LA291
Date and Time: June 24, 2021, 18:45 Local
Registration: N9277J
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-180 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor reported that he was conducting practice maneuvers with a student in the local area when he observed virga developing in the distance. He decided to return to the airport and assumed control of the airplane. During the landing, the airplane encountered a “strong right-to-left wind” gust and began to drift off the runway centerline. The instructor decided to execute a go-around and “quickly advanced to full throttle.” The airplane yawed to the left and continued to drift until it was no longer over the runway. The left wing impacted the ground in the grassy area adjacent to the runway, and the airplane cartwheeled before coming to rest near the parallel taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the instructor pilot was landing on runway 15 with wind from 200° at 20 knots. The flight instructor reported that he was aware of a convective SIGMET for thunderstorms and there were thunderstorms in the vicinity at the time.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The flight instructor’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing flare and subsequent attempted go-around with a strong quartering crosswind. 

Findings

Personnel issues Identification/recognition - Instructor/check pilot
Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Instructor/check pilot
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Instructor/check pilot
Environmental issues Thunderstorm - Contributed to outcome
Environmental issues Gusts - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Windshear or thunderstorm
Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor 
Age: 33, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: September 28, 2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 19, 2021
Flight Time: 388 hours (Total, all aircraft), 118 hours (Total, this make and model), 317 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student pilot Information

Certificate: Student 
Age: 30, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: None, None 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 8 hours (Total, this make and model), 0 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N9277J
Model/Series: PA-28-180 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-3356
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 10, 2021 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 85 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4278 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A3A
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 180 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FNL,5016 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0.5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 18:38 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 330°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 1200 ft AGL
Visibility 8 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7000 ft AGL 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 16 knots / 30 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 260° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Heavy - Thunderstorm - Rain
Departure Point: Loveland, CO (FNL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Loveland, CO
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 18:17 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Northern Colorado Regional KFNL
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5016 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 15
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8500 ft / 100 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Go around; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: Aircraft
Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 40.451827,-105.01133 (est)

Yakovlev Yak-52, N2208Z: Incident occurred June 24, 2021 in Waianae, Honolulu County, Hawaii

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Honolulu, Hawaii

Aircraft lost power and made emergency landing in the water. 

Affordable Casket Outlet LLC


Date: 24-JUN-21
Time: 19:15:00Z
Regis#: N2208Z
Aircraft Make: YAKOVLEV
Aircraft Model: YAK 52
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: WAIANAE
State: HAWAII

The Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders assisted Claus Hansen after he ditched his plane Thursday in the ocean off of Maili Point.

The Yakovlev Yak-52 is seen in flight this morning.



A 57-year-old pilot who swam safely to shore Thursday after ditching his private plane said he was mostly disappointed that he lost his single-engine aerobatic aircraft.

Honolulu’s first responders assisted the pilot, whose plane lost power and landed in the ocean off of Maili Point on Oahu.

The emergency call came in just after 9:10 a.m. for the downed plane and pilot.

Honolulu Ocean Safety, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and the Honolulu Fire Department responded to the call. Although lifeguards paddled out and responded by personal watercraft, the man was able to swim to shore on his own.

HFD said the plane initially floated, then sank in an area about 10 feet deep and about 50 yards offshore.

EMS evaluated the man on shore and found he had no injuries. He declined further medical treatment.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane involved is a two-seat Yakovlev Yak-52. The FAA is investigating the incident.

The U.S. Coast Guard will work with the pilot on salvaging the plane.

KITV news identified the pilot as Claus Hansen of Makiki, ex- husband of KITV anchor Diane Ako.

Hansen told the TV station he was doing aerial stunts and had just finished a loop when he felt something go wrong.

“I lost partial power. I kept trying to nurse the throttle. I radioed, then looked for a place to set down. I spotted a big field but it had antennae and wires,” Hansen said.

Hansen said he decided the safest place to come down was in the water. “The prop that hit the water first split apart. As far as I can tell, the airplane was intact.”

“I opened the canopy, stepped out, stood on the wing. It was sinking. I stepped into the water, away from the airplane,” Hansen said. “I’m bummed more than anything else that it happened.”

Hansen’s plane was manufactured in 1982. The Yakovlev 52 was developed in the Soviet Union before its production was transferred to Romania, according to RED Aircraft GmbH, an aviation engine manufacturer in Germany.

“The Yak 52 was developed as a basic training aircraft for pilots in the former Warsaw Pact countries,” RED Aircraft said.

The aircraft is the descendant of a long line of radial- engine aerobatic trainers used to train Soviet pilots for nearly 50 years, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said in a past feature on the plane.

“It’s a big Russian Bear of an airplane, a ‘get out of my way’ heavy-gauge aluminum brute that is almost truck-like in sound, ride and power,” AOPA said, adding that “raw power, a warbird ambiance and crisp aerobatic performance are all hallmarks of the Yak 52.”

Airbus A321, N926UW: Accident occurred June 25, 2021 near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (KMSY), Louisiana

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; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

American Airlines Inc


Location: New Orleans, LA
Accident Number: DCA21LA164
Date & Time: June 25, 2021, 01:31 UTC
Registration: N926UW
Aircraft: Airbus A321-231
Injuries: 1 Serious, 8 Minor, 185 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 121: Air carrier - Scheduled

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Airbus
Registration: N926UW
Model/Series: A321-231 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Flag carrier (121)
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:  (DFW) 
Destination: (TMP)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor, 4 None 
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 7 Minor, 181 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 8 Minor, 185 None
Latitude, Longitude: 27.598704, -89.948252 

Piper PA-28-161 Warrior II, N2143G: Accident occurred June 24, 2021 near Easton Airport (KESN), Talbot County, Maryland

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; Baltimore, Maryland
Piper Aircraft Inc; Vero Beach, Florida 
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

Trident Aircraft Inc


Location: Easton, MD 
Accident Number: ERA21LA267
Date & Time: June 24, 2021, 11:15 Local
Registration: N2143G
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-161
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On June 24, 2021, about 1115 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N2143G, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Easton Maryland. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to the student pilot, he conducted a preflight inspection before he and his instructor completed the engine run-up and takeoff roll with no anomalies noted. They stayed in the pattern conducting three takeoffs and landings before stopping to let the instructor out so the student pilot could attempt three solo take-off and landings.

After the second take-off the student pilot was turning onto the downwind leg of the traffic pattern when he heard a reduction in engine power and could see the propeller slowing down. He was at an altitude of about 700 ft on downwind and had to pitch the airplane forward so it would not stall. The pilot did not think he could make it back to the airport, so he picked a field and set up for a forced landing. He made one last turn before landing with an airspeed of about 60 knots at touch down and then recalled striking a pile of metal on the ground.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after the accident and confirmed that the airplane had been consumed by a post-impact fire.

The was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N2143G
Model/Series: PA-28-161
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot school (141)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: ESN,72 ft msl
Observation Time: 11:13 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C /10°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 6000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / 14 knots, 100°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.4 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Easton, MD
Destination: Easton, MD

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 38.813886,-76.065659







EASTON — A small airplane crashed in an open field Thursday morning as it was departing from Easton Airport.

The pilot, a Naval Academy midshipman who was conscious upon landing, suffered a severe leg injury but was able to extricate himself from the burning plane. Two employees from Barkers Landing Corporation, who were working on a construction site further down Technology Drive, rushed to the crash area and carried the pilot to safety.

With a belt, the workers, Robert Bridge and Derek Hoffman, then applied a tourniquet to the pilot’s leg before he was airlifted to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

The plane was executing a test flight as part of the Naval Academy’s Powered Flight Program – a summer program conducted by Trident Aircraft that provides prospective naval aviators the opportunity to learn how to fly prior to beginning Naval Flight School.

According to a press release from the Naval Academy, participants in the Powered Flight Program undergo weeks of intensive training, memorization, and instructor-led flights. If qualified, midshipmen may fly solo.

The Naval Academy did not identify the midshipman in the Easton crash, but did confirm that there were no other persons in the plane.

The single-engine PA-28 model plane left Easton Airport shortly after 11 a.m. on June 24. According to Easton Airport manager Micah Risher, the facility was notified of the emergency landing at approximately 11:15 a.m.

Three fire and one rescue engines dispatched by the Easton Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the scene at 11:20 a.m., and the flames were extinguished less than five minutes after that, 3rd Lt. Justin Jones said.

According to Hoffman, who overheard the pilot’s call to 911, the plane had lost power before crashing. Neither Hoffman or Bridge saw smoke coming from the aircraft as it was coming down, though they described its flight as “wobbly.”

After hearing the crash, both men ran all the way down Technology Drive. The plane landed just past the end of the road in a field littered with steel beams.

Hoffman and Bridge found the pilot, who had managed to exit the cockpit, sitting on the ground next to the plane. He was on the phone with 911.

“He was well aware of what was going on,” Hoffman said of the pilot.

Without the patient’s name, the Shock Trauma Center was unable to provide an update on his condition at this time.

The crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Flight Standards Office in Linthicum Heights. Further investigations will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Easton Airport, as well as the airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower, which will run through its own list of investigative procedures.

Loss of Control on Ground: Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, N110ST; accident occurred June 24, 2021 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (KSTL), St. Louis County, Missouri















Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; St. Ann, Missouri

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Accident Number: CEN21LA312
Date and Time: June 24, 2021, 13:17 Local
Registration: N110ST
Aircraft: Piper PA 46-350P 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that while landing on a wet runway and as he applied brakes during the landing roll, the airplane began to hydroplane, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane veered left and exited the side of the runway coming to a stop in the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of the airplane’s maintenance records revealed that Piper Aircraft Service Bulletin (SB) 1103F (a recurring inspection of the engine mount for cracks every 100 hours) was complied with only once in the airplane’s service history, which was about 437 hours before the accident occurred. Based on the available information, it was undetermined if any preexisting defects in the engine mount contributed to nose landing gear collapse. The pilot reported the accident could have been prevented by “not applying brakes” and allowing a “continued roll out.”

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 the landing roll with hydroplaning conditions.

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Braking capability - Attain/maintain not possible
Environmental issues Wet surface - Contributed to outcome
Environmental issues Wet surface - Ability to respond/compensate

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Abnormal runway contact
Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Runway excursion
Landing-landing roll Landing gear collapse

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 16, 2021
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: February 11, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 6057 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1346 hours (Total, this make and model), 6000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N110ST
Model/Series: PA 46-350P 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2005 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 4636373
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle 
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: October 16, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4340 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1814 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming Engines
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: TIO-540-AE2A
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 350 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As: None 
Operator Designator Code: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSTL,531 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:25 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 295°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 13000 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 12 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 240° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Blountville, TN (TRI) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: St. Louis, MO
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 12:00 Local
Type of Airspace: Class B

Airport Information

Airport: ST LOUIS LAMBERT INTL STL 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Concrete
Airport Elevation: 618 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Wet
Runway Used: 12L/30R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 9003 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 38.745331,-90.353213 (est)

Airborne Australia XT582, N8003K: Accident occurred June 24, 2021 in Carson City, 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. 

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

Location: Carson City, NV
Accident Number: WPR21LA246
Date & Time: June 24, 2021, 08:30 Local 
Registration: N8003K
Aircraft: AIRBORNE AUSTRALIA XT582 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AIRBORNE AUSTRALIA 
Registration: N8003K
Model/Series: XT582 
Aircraft Category: Weight-shift
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: 39.192306,-119.73258 (est)

Loss of Control in Flight: Grumman American AA-1B, N9261L; fatal accident occurred June 24, 2021 in Cleburne, Johnson County, Texas

Nick Duran, left, and Felipe Lopez 
~
 







































Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Lindberg, Joshua

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Arlington, Texas
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Cleburne, Texas
Accident Number: CEN21FA290
Date and Time: June 24, 2021, 17:14 Local
Registration: N9261L
Aircraft: American Aviation AA-1A 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 24, 2021, at 1714 central daylight time, an American Aviation AA-1A airplane, N9261L, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cleburne, Texas. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Flight track data showed that the airplane departed Cleburne Regional Airport (CPT), Cleburne, Texas, about 1658 and flew south then northeast toward Keene, Texas. After the airplane made a tight left 360° turn over Keene, it proceeded west and overflew CPT. The airplane continued west at an altitude about 2,600 ft msl for another 3 miles. During the last 10 seconds of the recorded data, the flight track showed a hard right turn, immediately followed by a left spiraling descent toward the ground (see figure). There were no recorded air traffic control communications during the flight.

A witness, who was located about 1/2 mile south of the accident site, stated that he observed the airplane “going straight down,” but he did not see it impact the ground. An in-flight video from the passenger’s cell phone was uploaded to his social media account.  The video started by showing the airplane’s left wing, then panned right to show the front of the cockpit, then showed the pilot in the right seat. The pilot had his left hand on the control yoke, a tablet connected to the yoke, and a cell phone in his right hand. The canopy was open about 8 to 10 inches. Based on the cockpit instruments, the airplane was about 1,960 ft above mean sea level (msl) and climbing about 400 to 500 ft per minute. The airspeed indicator showed about 100 to 105 knots. Based on the geographical landmarks, the video was recorded about 6 minutes after takeoff and 10 minutes before the accident, as the airplane was headed northeast toward Keene.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 18, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: June 1, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 197.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 140.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 133.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 36 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate: 
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Seat
Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): 
Restraint Used: None
Instrument Rating(s): 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: American Aviation
Registration: N9261L
Model/Series: AA-1A 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1971 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility 
Serial Number: AA1A-0161
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 15, 2021 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 11.6 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320-D3G
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 150 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The accident airplane was equipped with a plexiglass and aluminum sliding canopy, which has inner tracks that slide on outer tracks with Teflon runners. The tracks allow the canopy to be slid forward and aft and provide access to the cabin. The left-side outer track features a placard that indicates the ½ open canopy point and states “130 MPH MAX WITH CANOPY ½ OPEN. NO FLIGHT WITH CANOPY FULL OPEN.”

A Grumman Pilot’s Association representative stated that the airplane would still fly with the canopy fully open, but there would be a significant increase in drag.

After the accident, the pilot’s father stated that the pilot flew with the canopy open when warm temperatures required additional airflow into the cockpit. If it was cold outside, then he did not open the canopy. The canopy was frequently opened while on the ground to get more airflow. The pilot would always manipulate the canopy by himself and did not request assistance from the passenger. The cockpit was small enough that the pilot could reach over and easily move the canopy by himself. The pilot liked to do this himself to make sure equal pressure was applied to both sides and the canopy would move smoothly. If there was unequal pressure applied, then the canopy could jam on one side. The pilot was reportedly always in control of manipulating the canopy and never appeared to have any issues with it moving backward inflight. The pilot’s father had noticed that the canopy would sometimes move forward during flight, and the pilot would have to adjust it aft as necessary. He would adjust the black screw knob lock to help keep the canopy in place.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCPT,854 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 17:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 88°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 16 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 170° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 35°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Cleburne, TX (CPT) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cleburne, TX 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 16:58 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: CLEBURNE RGNL CPT
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 854 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.352429,-97.493799(est)

The airplane came to rest in a rural field and partially on a gravel road. The initial impact point was identified by an impression in the dirt, which contained red glass near the outboard tip consistent with the left wing. The empennage was distorted to the left and the accident site showed signs of minimal forward momentum. All major components of the airplane were found at the accident site with the main wreckage.

The sliding canopy frame had separated from the fuselage and was found on the forward right side, in front of the right wing; the plexiglass had shattered and was dispersed around the accident site. The left side of the canopy frame was bent inboard about 30 inches from the aft end. The left side canopy track was separated from the fuselage. It contained a screw knob lock, which was mostly unscrewed, or loosened. The lock was screwed through its full range with no anomalies noted.

The left rear fuselage, under the left rear window, contained impact witness marks and damage similar to the shape of the lower canopy frame and inner tracks. An exemplar AA-1A airplane was examined to compare to the accident airplane canopy damage and witness marks. When the canopy was positioned full aft, the frame and inner tracks aligned with the rear fuselage underneath the rear window and above the accent paint line. When the canopy was slightly opened, the inner tracks did not extend back to the rear fuselage. The were no other preimpact anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The engine remained partially attached to the airframe and sustained significant impact damage. The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange via two bolts. The propeller blades exhibited damage and scoring on the blade faces. One blade was bent aft about mid span with no leading edge damage. The other blade was mostly straight and exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches near the tip. Examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. 

The airplane was equipped with a JPI engine monitor, and data from the accident flight was extracted. During the accident flight between 1659 and 1709, the data appeared normal with no abnormalities. At 1709:40, the exhaust gas temperatures (EGT), cylinder head temperatures (CHT), oil pressure, engine rpm, manifold pressure, fuel flow, and horsepower all decreased slightly for about 40 seconds. The shock cool rate increased from 0°/min to 25°/min, then back to 0°/min after 48 seconds. This timeline corresponded to the flight track data where the airplane made a tight left 360° turn over Keene, Texas. At 1710:50, all parameters appeared to level off and were normal, albeit slightly lower than before the previous maneuver. At 1713:30, the data showed a significant reduction in engine power evidenced by a simultaneous rapid decrease in EGT, CHT, oil pressure, rpm, manifold pressure fuel flow, and horsepower. The shock cooling rate again rapidly increased from 0°/min to 42°/min. This timeline corresponded to the end of the flight track data where the airplane descended in a left spiral toward the ground.

Of interest was the manifold pressure data after 1713:30, which depicted a much lower barometric pressure, which was consistent with a closed throttle plate. Additionally, the fuel pressure value throughout the flight remained nominal. The engine data before 1713:30 was nominal.


Location: Cleburne, TX
Accident Number: CEN21FA290
Date & Time: June 24, 2021, 17:14 Local
Registration: N9261L
Aircraft: American Aviation AA-1A
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 24, 2021 at 1714 central daylight time, an American Aviation AA-1A airplane, N9261L, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cleburne, Texas. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Preliminary radar and ADS-B data showed that the airplane departed Cleburne Regional Airport (CPT), about 1658 and proceeded south, then northeast toward Keene, Texas. After the airplane made one full circle over Keene, it proceeded west and overflew CPT. The airplane continued west about 2,600 ft mean sea level (msl) for another 3 miles. During the last 10 seconds of the recorded data, the flight track showed a hard right turn followed by a left descending spiral toward the ground.

A witness who was located about 1/2 mile south of the accident site, stated that he observed the airplane “going straight down,” but he did not see it impact the ground.

The airplane was located in a field next to a gravel road as seen in Figure 1. 


All major components of the airplane were found at the accident site with the main wreckage.

The engine remained partially attached to the airframe and sustained significant impact damage. The propeller remined attached to the crankshaft flange via two bolts. The propeller blades exhibited damage and scoring on the blade faces. One blade was bent aft about mid span with no leading edge damage. The other blade was mostly straight and exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches near the tip. The sliding canopy frame was found separated from the fuselage and the plexiglass was fractured and scattered around the area.

An engine data monitor was retained for data extraction and analysis.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: American Aviation 
Registration: N9261L
Model/Series: AA-1A
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: KCPT,854 ft msl
Observation Time: 17:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 35°C /21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 16 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Cleburne, TX (CPT)
Destination: Cleburne, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.352429,-97.493799 (est)




The two men killed in Thursday’s plane crash have been identified as Cleburne High School graduates.

Nick Duran, 20, and Felipe Lopez, 20, were the pilot and passenger in the plane.

Bono firefighters responded at 9:29 p.m. to reports of a plane down, Bono Fire Chief Ralph Vaquera said.

Vaquera said the plane — an American Aviation AA-1A owned by Duran — apparently went down earlier in the day but was not reported for several hours.

Bono firefighters traveled county roads 1123 and 1124 looking for the plane. A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper who was also helping in the search found the crashed plane near a private oil field road. The plane crashed about a mile from County Road 1123, Vaquera said.

Vaquera added that the plane sustained heavy damage but did not catch fire.

Duran was a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. He obtained his pilot’s license in 2020.

“The impact of losing Nick has been felt throughout our Academy,” USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Clark said. “He was our brother — a friend, teammate, and classmate — and will always be a part of USAFA. I am so proud of how our cadets have leaned on each other and honored Nick’s life.

“While words cannot lessen the loss felt by his family, we want to send our heartfelt condolences to Nick’s family and friends — you are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Duran played baseball for Cleburne High School from 2015-18. He was the 2018 All-Johnson County defensive player of the year and the 2018 District 9-5A defensive player of the year.

Lopez played soccer and participated in cross country and track for Cleburne High School from 2015-18. He was a two-time all-district and All-Johnson County selection in soccer and also a key part of the Yellow Jackets’ cross country program.

As a senior in 2018, Lopez served as a team captain for Yellow Jacket soccer, earning first-team all-district honors and first-team All-Johnson County recognition that season. Lopez helped Cleburne cross country win the 2017 district championship as he finished 14th overall at the district meet.

“Our teachers, coaches and administrators who had the opportunity to know Nick Duran and Felipe Lopez are deeply saddened by the loss of these two remarkable young men and Cleburne High School graduates of 2018,” Cleburne ISD Director of Community Relations Lisa Magers said. “Both competed for the Jackets as student athletes. 

“It was wonderful to see Nick achieve his dream of continuing his baseball career at the college level — and not just any college — the US Air Force Academy. Nick was also an academic leader among his classmates, graduating in the Top Ten. 

“We were so proud to see Felipe experience the international spotlight for his vocal talents, which were truly amazing. Whether in the classroom, on the cross country course or the soccer field, on the job — or on the stage — his work ethic and dedication to giving his best were always present. 

“Those of us who knew Nick, Felipe — or both — remember students who were bright, polite and respectful, friendly and very generous with their smiles. Our thoughts and prayers for their families will continue.”

GoFundMe pages have been set up for both of the men. Duran’s, which was created by Alyssa Naused on behalf of Cadet Squadron 29, had raised almost $10,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

“Nick was passionate in all aspects of his life,” Naused said. “He worked ceaselessly towards earning his private pilot’s license and aspired above all to be an Air Force pilot upon graduation from USAFA. As dedicated as Nick was to his dreams, he was more passionate towards his commitment to those around him, especially his family.”

Naused said that Duran was described to be “the most positive cadet I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.”

“Nick was a brother, exuding constant joy and bearing an infectious smile, eager to share his love with everyone around him,” she said. “He cared for those around him in action and word, regardless of whether he knew them. He was a catcher for the Air Force Baseball Team where he impacted not just his friends, but every individual with whom he interacted. 

“To describe Nick as inspiring would be an understatement; Nick was one of the best. It was easy to see how much the underclassmen of CS-29 looked up to and respected Nick. He consistently checked in with cadets who were struggling and used what he learned during his time as a cadet to help others be their best.”

Funds raised will be used to create a gift for Duran’s family, create a memorial case to be built at the squadron and go towards the CS-29 support fund.

Lopez was a talented singer who recently appeared on the Spanish musical competition “Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento.”

He began singing as a teenager, inspired by his dad, who also loved to sing and bought him a karaoke machine. He was multi-faceted, able to sing everything from opera and R&B to reggaeton and mariachi.

He won second and third place at La Gran Plaza’s annual singing contest.

Lopez’ GoFundMe was created by Edalia Aguilar to help with funeral expenses.

“Felipe, lovingly known as Pancho, graduated from Cleburne High School in 2018,” Aguilar said. “Felipe was as talented as he was kind. He played soccer and ran cross country for CHS, and was pursuing his lifelong dream of a career in music. 

“In 2020, Felipe competed in several episodes of ‘Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento,’ a popular Spanish singing competition TV show. 

“Felipe is deeply loved and missed by his family, his friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Lopez’ cross country coach, Alicia Johnson, said he was an amazing human being with a beautiful soul.

“Felipe was on the varsity cross country team, and qualified for regionals individually and helped lead his team to qualifying for regionals as a team,” she said. “He was naturally gifted in all he did and was an exceptionally gifted runner.

To donate, visit Duran’s page at gofund.me/578d03d0 or Lopez’ page at gofund.me/741b4554.


CLEBURNE, Texas -- An U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was one of two people killed in the crash of a small plane south of Fort Worth, Texas, this week, a military official said.

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, said on Twitter that Nick Duran, a junior, died in the crash Thursday while home in Texas on leave.

“He was our brother — a friend, teammate, and classmate — and will always be a part of USAFA,” Clark said. “I am so proud of how our cadets have leaned on each other and honored Nick’s life.”

The Tarrant County medical examiner's office said Duran, who was 20, died of blunt force injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the wreckage of the Grumman American AA-1B with two people aboard was found Thursday near Cleburne after it had been declared missing.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said two people were confirmed dead. DPS said the plane was located just west of Cleburne Regional Airport.

Cleburne is located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Fort Worth.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident.


Air Force cadet Nick Duran died in the crash of a Grumman American AA-1B south of Fort Worth, Texas, on June 24, 2021.