Piper PA-28-161, N631FT: Incident occurred June 30, 2021 at Melbourne International Airport (KMLB), Brevard County, Florida

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

Aircraft skidded off runway and into the grass.  

F I T Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N631FT

Date: 30-JUN-21

Time: 12:52:00Z

Regis#: N631FT

Aircraft Make: PIPER

Aircraft Model: PA28

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: NONE

Activity: FAR 141 PILOT SCHOOL

Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)

Operation: 91

Aircraft Operator: FLORIDA TECH

City: MELBOURNE

State: FLORIDA

Piper PA-23-250 Aztec, N1715Y: Occurrence June 30, 2021 at Kona International Airport, Hawaii

National Transportation Safety Board occurrence number: ANC21LA049 

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

Aircraft on taxi struck N917JF that was parked.

Pacific Fleet Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N1715Y

Date: 30-JUN-21

Time: 18:45:00Z

Regis#: N1715Y

Aircraft Make: PIPER

Aircraft Model: PA23

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: UNKNOWN

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)

Operation: 91

City: KAILUA

State: HAWAII

Collision During Takeoff: Cessna 150L, N1972L; accident occurred June 30, 2021 at Mud Lake Airport (1U2), Terreton, Jefferson County, Idaho

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; Salt Lake City

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N1972L

Location: Terreton, Idaho 

Accident Number: WPR21LA255

Date and Time: June 30, 2021, 12:20 Local 

Registration: N1972L

Aircraft: Cessna 150 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land 

Injuries: 2 Serious

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that, he had just landed when he thought that he saw a crop duster airplane descending for a short base for landing on the opposite runway. The pilot initiated a go around with the flaps still extended and with a high-density altitude. The airplane attained an altitude of about 50 to 100 ft above ground level when the airplane stalled, and the left wing dropped. The pilot attempted to recover but did not have enough altitude before the airplane collided with the ground. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical

failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. 

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot

Aircraft Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Environmental issues High density altitude - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-aborted after touchdown Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor; Private

Age: 51, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land

Seat Occupied: Right

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: Lap only

Instrument Rating(s): Airplane

Second Pilot Present:

Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane

Toxicology Performed:

Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: April 26, 2021

Occupational Pilot: Yes

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: June 19, 2021

Flight Time: (Estimated) 12960 hours (Total, all aircraft), 500 hours (Total, this make and model), 10730 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 185 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 46 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna

Registration: N1972L

Model/Series: 150L 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1972 

Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: Utility 

Serial Number: 15073272

Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 

Seats: 2

Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 16, 2021 Annual 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1500 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 2.5 Hrs

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 7135.9 Hrs as of last inspection

Engine Manufacturer: Continental

ELT: Installed

Engine Model/Series: O-200-A

Registered Owner: 

Rated Power: 100 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: KRXE,4862 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 30 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 11:10 Local 

Direction from Accident Site: 92°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Visibility:

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A

Altimeter Setting: 30.23 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 10.6°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Terreton, ID 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Terreton, ID 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 

Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: MUD LAKE/WEST JEFFERSON COUNTY/ 1U2

Runway Surface Type: Asphalt

Airport Elevation: 4794 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 02/20

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 3300 ft / 40 ft 

VFR Approach/Landing: Go around; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries:

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 Serious 

Latitude, Longitude: 43.850944,-112.50136(est)

Landing Gear Not Configured: Aero Commander 500S, N9038N; accident occurred June 25, 2021 at Jennings Airport (3R7), Louisiana

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; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

ASH Industries Inc

https://registry.faa.gov/N9038N

Location: Jennings, Louisiana

Accident Number: CEN21LA298

Date and Time: June 25, 2021, 14:30 Local

Registration: N9038N

Aircraft: Aero Commander 500S 

Aircraft Damage: Unknown

Defining Event: Landing gear not configured 

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Executive/Corporate

Analysis

The pilot reported that as he was landing from a visual approach at his destination airport, he realized he had failed to extend the landing gear and the airplane landed with the landing gear retracted. The airplane skidded down the runway, departed the runway surface and hit a berm and fence before it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. After the accident, the pilot stated that despite hours of operation, always use a paper or electronic written checklist.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Use of checklist - Pilot

Personnel issues Forgotten action/omission - Pilot

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot

Aircraft Gear extension and retract sys - Not used/operated

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Landing gear not configured (Defining event)

Landing-landing roll Runway excursion

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 

Age: 56, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea

Seat Occupied: Left

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: Lap only

Instrument Rating(s): Airplane

Second Pilot Present:

Instructor Rating(s): None

Toxicology Performed:

Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: January 6, 2021

Occupational Pilot: No

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: January 6, 2020

Flight Time: 1356 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1356 hours (Total, this make and model), 1822 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 45 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 28 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Commander 

Registration: N9038N

Model/Series: 500S 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1969 

Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal

Serial Number: 3050

Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle

Seats: 7

Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 9, 2020 Annual 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 6750 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 

Engines: 2 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 8765 Hrs at time of accident 

Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming

ELT: C126 installed, not activated 

Engine Model/Series: IO-540-1B5

Registered Owner: 

Rated Power: 300 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: K3R7, 68 ft msl

Distance from Accident Site:

Observation Time: 15:55 Local

Direction from Accident Site:

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3500 ft AGL 

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 140° 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A

Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg

Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 28°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Alabaster, AL (EET)

Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR

Destination: Jennings, LA

Type of Clearance: IFR

Departure Time: 13:22 Local

Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Jennings Muni 3R7 

Runway Surface Type: Concrete

Airport Elevation: 23 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 26

IFR Approach: Visual

Runway Length/Width: 5002 ft / 75 ft

VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Unknown

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None

Latitude, Longitude: 30.24507,-92.66506

Aeronca 15AC Sedan, N1175H: Accident occurred June 30, 2021 at Hastings Airport (9D9), Barry County, Michigan

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; Grand Rapids, Michigan

https://registry.faa.gov/N1175H

Location: Hastings, MI

Accident Number: CEN21LA303

Date & Time: June 30, 2021, 18:03 Local 

Registration: N1175H

Aircraft: Aeronca 15AC 

Injuries: 2 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On June 30, 2021, about 1803 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 15AC airplane, N1175H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near the Hastings Airport (9D9), Hastings, Michigan. The pilot and flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The pilot reported that about 45 minutes into the flight, the engine lost power following a practice goaround while conducting pattern work. After the loss of power, the flight instructor took control of the airplane and executed a forced landing to a grass area on airport property. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

The airframe sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left wing strut, and rudder.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aeronca

Registration: N1175H

Model/Series: 15AC 

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: GRR,794 ft msl 

Observation Time: 17:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /18°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4400 ft AGL

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / , 270°

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Hastings, MI (9D9) 

Destination: Hastings, MI

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: 42.66739,-85.35251

Enstrom 280FX, N1225D: Incident occurred June 30, 2021 in Sherman, Grayson County, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

Rotorcraft made a forced landing in a field. 

https://registry.faa.gov/N1225D

Date: 30-JUN-21

Time: 20:31:00Z

Regis#: N1225D

Aircraft Make: ENSTROM

Aircraft Model: 280FX

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: UNKNOWN

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)

Operation: 91

City: SHERMAN

State: TEXAS

Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG, N6284R: Incident occurred June 30, 2021 at Cheboygan County Airport (KSLH), Michigan

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Aircraft landed gear up. 

https://registry.faa.gov/N6284R

Date: 30-JUN-21

Time: 16:20:00Z

Regis#: N6284R

Aircraft Make: CESSNA

Aircraft Model: 172

Event Type: INCIDENT

Highest Injury: NONE

Aircraft Missing: No

Damage: MINOR

Activity: PERSONAL

Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)

Operation: 91

City: CHEBOYGAN

State: MICHIGAN

Loss of engine power (partial): Christen A-1 Husky, N9609H; accident occurred June 30, 2021 in Twin Falls, Idaho

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; Boise, Idaho

https://registry.faa.gov/N9609H

Location: Twin Falls, Idaho

Accident Number: WPR21LA264

Date and Time: June 30, 2021, 20:45 Local

Registration: N9609H

Aircraft: CHRISTEN INDUSTRIES INC A-1

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was practicing basic flight maneuvers at an altitude of about 3,500 ft agl during a short uneventful local flight. He then reduced engine power to idle and initiated a descent back to the private dirt airstrip with the intention of first performing a low pass to confirm the runway was clear, and then landing. As he flew past the runway, he applied full throttle, but the engine did not respond. He then performed a forced landing into an adjacent wheat field, where the airplane nosed over during the ground roll. The pilot stated that he had not used a checklist during the descent and forgot to apply carburetor heat. The wing lift struts, and the vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The carburetor icing chart from FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 “Carburetor Icing Prevention” indicated a potential for serious icing at glide power for the temperature and dew point depicted at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

Partial loss of engine power during a low pass, due to carburetor icing and the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat during the landing approach.

Findings

Personnel issues Use of checklist - Pilot

Personnel issues Forgotten action/omission - Pilot

Aircraft Intake anti-ice, deice - Not used/operated

Environmental issues Conducive to carburetor icing - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying Loss of engine power (partial) (Defining event)

Landing-landing roll Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private

Age: 49, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 

Seat Occupied: Front

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: 5-point

Instrument Rating(s): None

Second Pilot Present:

Instructor Rating(s): None 

Toxicology Performed:

Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations

Last FAA Medical Exam: May 26, 2020

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent: May 29, 2020

Flight Time: (Estimated) 750 hours (Total, all aircraft), 145 hours (Total, this make and model), 675 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 70 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 16 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CHRISTEN INDUSTRIES INC

Registration: N9609H

Model/Series: A-1

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1990 

Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 

Serial Number: 1167

Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 

Seats: 2

Date/Type of Last Inspection: November 27, 2020 Annual 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection: 27 Hrs

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 572.2 Hrs at time of accident 

Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING

ELT: Installed, not activated 

Engine Model/Series: O-360-C1G

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: Dusk

Observation Facility, Elevation: KTWF, 4151 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 20:53 Local

Direction from Accident Site: 71°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /

Wind Direction: 180° 

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /

Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 8°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Hollister, ID (PVT) 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Twin Falls, ID 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 20:30 Local

Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 42.39,-114.57 (est)

Landing Area Overshoot: Cessna 180J, N42084; accident occurred June 30, 2021 in Tyler, Smith County, Texas

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; Irving, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

https://registry.faa.gov/N42084

Location: Tyler, Texas

Accident Number: CEN21LA308

Date and Time: June 30, 2021, 19:20 Local 

Registration: N42084

Aircraft: Cessna 180J

Aircraft Damage: Unknown

Defining Event: Landing area overshoot

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that while on approach to land at his private grass airstrip, he realized that his airspeed was faster than it should have been and landed the airplane long down the airstrip. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced and skidded off the mowed part of the airstrip into high grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing, left-wing strut, and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.

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 proper airspeed on approach resulting in an extended touchdown, bounced landing, and runway excursion.

Findings

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot

Aircraft Airspeed - Not attained/maintained

Environmental issues Rough terrain - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Landing area overshoot (Defining event)

Landing Abnormal runway contact

Landing-landing roll Runway excursion

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline transport

Age: 79, Male

Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land

Seat Occupied: Left

Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 

Restraint Used: 3-point

Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 

Second Pilot Present:

Instructor Rating(s): None 

Toxicology Performed:

Medical Certification: None, None 

Last FAA Medical Exam:

Occupational Pilot: No 

Last Flight Review or Equivalent:

Flight Time: (Estimated) 26000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1000 hours (Total, this make and model), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna

Registration: N42084

Model/Series: 180J

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Year of Manufacture: 1973

Amateur Built:

Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 

Serial Number: 18052309

Landing Gear Type: Tricycle

Seats: 6

Date/Type of Last Inspection: Annual 

Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs

Time Since Last Inspection:

Engines: 1 Reciprocating

Airframe Total Time: 

Engine Manufacturer: Continental

ELT: Installed, not activated 

Engine Model/Series: O-470

Registered Owner: 

Rated Power: 230

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KTYR,544 ft msl 

Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles

Observation Time: 21:53 Local 

Direction from Accident Site: 273°

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Visibility: 10 miles

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility (RVR):

Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /

Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None

Wind Direction: 140°

Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A

Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg 

Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 23°C

Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation

Departure Point: Rusk, TX (RFI) 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Destination: Tyler, TX 

Type of Clearance: None

Departure Time: 19:00 Local

Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Private, None 

Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf

Airport Elevation: 544 ft msl 

Runway Surface Condition: Dry

Runway Used: 180 

IFR Approach: None

Runway Length/Width: 3000 ft / 75 ft

VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Unknown

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries:

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None

Latitude, Longitude: 32.349998,-95.300003 (est)

Earthstar Gull 2000, N1712L: Fatal accident occurred June 30, 2021 in Curtiss, Clark County, Wisconsin

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

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

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

https://registry.faa.gov/N1712L

Location: Curtiss, WI

Accident Number: CEN21FA297

Date & Time: June 30, 2021, 04:50 Local 

Registration: N1712L

Aircraft: Earthstar Aircraft Gull 2000

Injuries: 1 Fatal

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 30, 2021, about 0450 central daylight time, an Earthstar Aircraft Gull 2000 experimental lightsport airplane, N1712L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Curtiss, Wisconsin. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

An individual who was interested in purchasing the airplane stated that the pilot had offered to fly the airplane to New Richmond Regional Airport (RNH), New Richmond, Wisconsin, where he could examine the airplane. The individual had suggested to meet about 1200 at RNH, but the pilot subsequently requested to meet at 0600. The individual agreed to meet at 0600 believing that the pilot had to return for work after their meeting.

According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, there was a witness near the private airstrip who had seen and heard the airplane operating between 0430 and 0500. The witness reported hearing the airplane’s engine as it departed the private airstrip. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident. The last cellular activity for the pilot’s mobile phone was recorded about 0447.

There were multiple reports by sheriff deputies that the early morning weather near the accident location included heavy fog with limited surface visibility. The visibility on the roadways near the accident location were 20-100 ft and required the use of windshield wipers while driving. Additionally, on the morning of the accident, a semi-trailer truck had inadvertently departed the side of Wisconsin State Highway 29 because the driver reportedly could not see the road in the heavy fog.

At 0400, the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in La Crosse, Wisconsin, issued a Dense Fog Advisory for an area that included the accident location, which called for locally dense fog that reduced visibilities to 1/2 mile or less.

At 0435, the weather at Taylor County Airport (MDZ), about 10 miles northeast of the accident location, included a calm surface wind, ¼ mile surface visibility with fog, and 500 ft vertical visibility. At 0455, the weather at MDZ had improved to 5 miles visibility with mist and clear skies.

A postaccident review of weather radar data was clear of meteorological targets over the accident location. Civil twilight began at 0442, and sunrise occurred at 0519.

The pilot did not possess an instrument rating for flight in instrument meteorological conditions. He had logged 3.0 hours of simulated instrument flight before he took his regulatory checkride for his private pilot certificate on March 14, 2020. His last recorded instrument time was accumulated during his private pilot checkride.

The airplane crashed in a wooded area about 1/3 mile southwest of the west end of the departure airstrip. Based on damage to trees at the accident site, the airplane had descended into trees on a south heading while in an approximately 30° nose-down pitch attitude. The airframe parachute rocket had deployed due to impact forces. The left wing had separated during impact. The right wing and tailboom remained attached to the fuselage. Flight control system continuity could not be determined; however, all observed flight control separations were consistent with impact related damage or were cut to facilitate recovery of the wreckage. The fuel tank contained fuel and there was evidence of a fuel leak at the accident site. There was no evidence of a mechanical engine failure, and both carburetors contained uncontaminated fuel.

A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation during the flight. The airplane was not equipped for instrument flight. The damaged components of an electronic engine monitor and an electronic artificial horizon device were retained for possible data download.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Earthstar Aircraft 

Registration: N1712L

Model/Series: Gull 2000 

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: IMC 

Condition of Light: Dawn

Observation Facility, Elevation: MDZ,1478 ft msl 

Observation Time: 04:35 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /14°C

Lowest Cloud Condition:

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,

Lowest Ceiling: 

Visibility: 0.5 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Curtiss, WI (PVT) 

Destination: New Richmond, WI (RNH)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Fatal

Latitude, Longitude: 44.984025,-90.461475

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email witness@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290.