Thursday, July 01, 2021

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


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


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:


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


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 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. 


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. 


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
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:

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


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.