Friday, August 06, 2021

Air Tractor AT-502, N1519U: Accident occurred August 04, 2021 in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio

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; Cleveland, Ohio

Carlson Production Services LLC


Location: Wooster, Ohio
Accident Number: CEN21LA354
Date and Time: August 4, 2021, 11:25 Local
Registration: N1519U
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N1519U
Model/Series: AT-502 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137) 
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 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 40.8051,81.9351 (est)





GREEN TOWNSHIP, Wayne County — A Minnesota pilot was injured Wednesday morning when his crop duster plane crashed along Bechtel Road in Green Township of Wayne County.

Tyler James Vold, 24, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, was taken to Wooster Community Hospital for minor injuries, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post in Wooster. 

An OSHP press release said Vold was the only person on board the plane, an Air Tractor AT-502, and that he was crop dusting when it struck a wire and he lost control. The plane crashed into several power lines and utility poles until coming to a stop in a yard next to a garage.

“There were no injuries to anyone on the ground or near the residences,” the news release said. 

An OSHP trooper said Vold called police at 10:28 a.m. The trooper said it was too early to know if the pilot was impaired or not.

He said the Federal Aviation Administration was on the scene as of 2:15 p.m. to investigate the crash.

Authorities said electric and cable lines were damaged in the crash. Crews from American Electric Power and MCTV, an internet service provider, were on scene to restore service. 

According to AEP's outage map, 1,733 customers were without power as of 2:30 p.m. 

It was unclear how many MCTV customers experienced an outage.

Other agencies on scene Wednesday included the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and Central Fire Department. 

Departments on scene: Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post, Reconstruction Unit and Aviation. Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and Central Fire Department.



Cessna 172F Skyhawk, N53350: Accident occurred August 03, 2021 at Tucson International Airport (KTUS), Pima County, Arizona

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; Scottsdale, Arizona


Location: Tucson, AZ
Accident Number: WPR21LA322
Date & Time: August 3, 2021, 07:15 Local 
Registration: N53350
Aircraft: Cessna 172F 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N53350
Model/Series: 172F 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTUS,2555 ft msl 
Observation Time: 06:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C /19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

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: 32.125275,-110.9467 (est)

Lake LA-4, N7615L: Accident occurred August 03, 2021 in Lake Isabella, Kern County, California

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; Fresno, California


Location: Lake Isabell, CA
Accident Number: WPR21LA312
Date & Time: August 3, 2021, 14:20 Local 
Registration: N7615L
Aircraft: Lake LA-4 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Lake
Registration: N7615L
Model/Series: LA-4 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBFL,492 ft msl
Observation Time: 14:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 33 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 36°C /7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 290°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 7 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 35.66476,-118.44093

Cessna 172: Incident occurred July 24, 2021 at Ford Airport (KIMT), Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan

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

Aircraft was taxiing and jet blast caused the aircraft to tip over damaging propeller, left wing, left main wheel and rudder. 

Date: 24-JUL-21
Time: 16:20:00Z
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: IRON MOUNTAIN
State: MICHIGAN

Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga, N232TS: Incident occurred August 03, 2021 at Wiley Post Airport (KPWA), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Aircraft gear collapsed on landing. 

Two Tango Sierra LLC


Date: 03-AUG-21
Time: 20:48:00Z
Regis#: N232TS
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA32R
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OKLAHOMA

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N351ME: Incidents occurred August 03, 2021 and March 17, 2019

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

August 03, 2021:  Aircraft struck a bird on landing leaving a small dent in the leading edge of right wing at Waukesha County Airport (KUES), Wisconsin. 

Spring City Aviation East LLC


Date: 03-AUG-21
Time: 21:10:00Z
Regis#: N351ME
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WAUKESHA
State: WISCONSIN

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

March 17, 2019:   Veered off the runway and struck runway light at Timmerman Airport (KMWC), Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Spring City Aviation East LLC

Date: 17-MAR-19
Time: 22:10:00Z
Regis#: N351ME
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172S
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MILWAUKEE
State: WISCONSIN

Stinson 108-1, N8656K: Accident occurred August 02, 2021 in Sterling, Alaska

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; Juneau, Alaska

Stinson Aviation Company LLC


Location: Sterling, AK
Accident Number: ANC21LA068
Date & Time: August 2, 2021, 14:58 Local
Registration: N8656K
Aircraft: Stinson 108-1 
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 2, 2021, about 1458 Alaska daylight time, a Stinson 108-1 airplane, N8656K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sterling, Alaska. The private pilot and three passengers were uninjured. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the takeoff roll took longer than normal, however, the airplane seemed to climb normally with one notch of flaps until about 100 ft above ground level (AGL). The pilot said that at that point, the airplane would no longer climb and it began a descent toward trees located off the departure end of the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted the trees and came to rest at an estimated 45° angle and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

A video of the takeoff from witnesses near the runway showed the airplane from the start of the takeoff roll until just before impact. The video showed the airplane lift off from the runway in a 3-point attitude, with the main wheels becoming airborne just prior to the tailwheel. The airplane entered a nose high attitude, and ascended to about tree top level. About 6 seconds after takeoff, the airplane began to descend, while still in a nose high attitude until the recording stopped. The sound of the engine was consistent throughout the length of video, with no audible anomalies noted. Additionally, the windsock indicated a slight right quartering tailwheel at the time of takeoff. 


The airplane was equipped with a Franklin 150-B4 engine.

A detailed engine examination is pending.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Stinson 
Registration: N8656K
Model/Series: 108-1 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PASX,113 ft msl
Observation Time: 14:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /14°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots / , 250°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Sterling, AK 
Destination: Sterling, AK

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 60.528637,-150.82989

Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser, N44245: Accident occurred August 02, 2021 in Amado, Santa Cruz County, Arizona

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; Scottsdale, Arizona

Location: Amado, AZ
Accident Number: WPR21LA301
Date & Time: August 2, 2021, 09:25 Local 
Registration: N44245
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-140 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 2, 2021, about 0925 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N44245, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Amado, Arizona. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that while in level flight, about 6,000 ft above ground level, the airplane developed a sudden and severe vibration. After about 4 to 5 seconds, the pilot reduced the throttle setting and the engine shut down. Immediately thereafter, the pilot initiated a forced landing. The pilot stated his approach was too fast and opted to land in a field on the other side of a tree line and fence. The airplane’s right wing clipped one of the trees and subsequently landed hard, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

Examination of the accident site revealed substantial damage to the right wing. The midsection of the right wing had impact marks and tree twigs were imbedded in openings in the leading edge. The right wing main spar separated at the wing root and the rear spar remained partially attached. The propeller remained attached to the engine and one blade was missing about two-thirds of the blade.

The wreckage was relocated to a secured facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N44245
Model/Series: PA-28-140 
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: KOLS,3932 ft msl
Observation Time: 08:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Amado, AZ 
Destination: Amado, AZ

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 31.65156,-111.04788 (est)

Cessna 182Q Skylane, N759YX and Robinson R44 Raven II, N624WC: Incident occurred August 01, 2021 at Oceano County Airport (L52), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Jose, California

Aircraft was taxiing and struck Robinson R44 Raven II, N624WC, damaging vertical stabilizer. 


Date: 01-AUG-21
Time: 23:45:00Z
Regis#: N759YX
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 182
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: OCEANO
State: CALIFORNIA

Rotorcraft was struck by Cessna 182Q Skylane, N759YX.

RS Aviation Services 


Date: 01-AUG-21
Time: 23:45:00Z
Regis#: N624WC
Aircraft Make: ROBINSON
Aircraft Model: R44
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: SIGHT SEEING
Flight Phase: STANDING (STD)
Aircraft Operator: ORBIC AIR
City: OCEANO
State: CALIFORNIA

Beech S35 Bonanza, N6115V: Incident occurred August 02, 2021 at Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL), Orange County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Long Beach, California

Aircraft struck approach light on landing. 


Date: 02-AUG-21
Time: 21:09:00Z
Regis#: N6115V
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: S35
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FULLERTON
State: CALIFORNIA

Cozy Mark IV, N1361S: Accident occurred August 02, 2021 in Rushville, Sheridan County, Nebraska

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; Lincoln, Nebraska


Location: Rushville, NE
Accident Number: CEN21LA351
Date & Time: August 2, 2021, 15:54 Local
Registration: N1361S
Aircraft: LARRY H SLIGAR COZY MK IV
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 2, 2021, about 1554 mountain daylight time, a Cozy MK IV airplane, N1361S, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Rushville, Nebraska. The commercial pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a
Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that after takeoff, he noticed that all four cylinder head temperatures (CHT) were higher than they should have been as indicated on the engine monitoring device. He noticed that the CHT never stabilized and never decreased in temperature after the takeoff. The outside air temperature was 91° F and the airplane was traveling about 130 kts after the takeoff. The pilot attempted to reduce the high CHT with the throttle and mixture and the CHT kept rising. The pilot decided to return to the departure airport. During the flight back to the airport, the CHT still kept rising, and the engine ceased producing power.

The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to an open grass field surrounded by rolling prairie and trees. During the forced landing, the nose wheel and the main landing gear collapsed from impacting the field, and the airplane came to rest on the fuselage. The pilot and passenger were able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported the airplane was “about topped off” with fuel prior to the cross-country flight. The airframe was equipped with a parachute, which was not activated during the emergency sequence. The wreckage is pending recovery for a future examination of the airframe and the Lycoming O-360-A1D engine.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: LARRY H SLIGAR
Registration: N1361S
Model/Series: COZY MK IV NO SERIES 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KIEN,3331 ft msl 
Observation Time: 15:52 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 35°C /4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 9 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.08 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Gordon, NE (GRN)
Destination: Lander, WY (LND)

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: 42.846558,-102.51894 (est)

Cessna 210N Centurion, N52MM: Accident occurred August 02, 2021 at Somerset Airport (KSMQ), New Jersey

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; Allentown, Pennsylvania

Happy Sky LLC


Location: Somerville, NJ
Accident Number: ERA21LA315
Date & Time: August 2, 2021, 08:35 Local
Registration: N52MM
Aircraft: Cessna 210N 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N52MM
Model/Series: 210N 
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: KSMQ,105 ft msl
Observation Time: 08:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C /16°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 310°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 8 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

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: 40.625981,-74.670032

Nanchang CJ-6, N2184Z: Incident occurred August 02, 2021 in Columbia, South Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina

Aircraft landed gear up. 

Lang Aviation Support Services LLC


Date: 02-AUG-21
Time: 12:45:00Z
Regis#: N2184Z
Aircraft Make: NANCHANG CHINA
Aircraft Model: CJ6
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: COLUMBIA
State: SOUTH CAROLINA

Blackshape S.p.A. BS 115, N323HG: Incident occurred August 03, 2021 at Fond Du Lac County Airport (KFLD), Wisconsin

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

Aircraft lost the canopy and returned to airport. 


Date: 03-AUG-21
Time: 02:10:00Z
Regis#: N323HG
Aircraft Make: BLACKSHAPE SPA
Aircraft Model: BS115
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: FOND DU LAC
State: WISCONSIN

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N805CP: Accident occurred July 31, 2021 at Eastern WV Regional Airport (KMRB), Martinsburg, West Virginia

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; Baltimore, Maryland

Civil Air Patrol


Location: Martinsburg, WV 
Accident Number: ERA21LA311
Date & Time: July 31, 2021, 18:18 Local
Registration: N805CP
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N805CP
Model/Series: 172S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Unknown
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 39.402357,-77.982999 (est)

Clyde Esplin: Federal Aviation Administration looks into ’near miss’ at Ontario Municipal Airport (KONO); pilot still able to fly during investigation

ONTARIO, Oregon — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating an incident described as a “near miss” on the runway of the Ontario Municipal Airport on July 19, in which airport officials, including the airport manager and the fixed-base operator owner have said safety was compromised. An initial check-in with the city’s attorney over how to ban the pilot came back as not possible, stating that Clyde Esplin, the pilot in question, was entitled to due process, according to an email update from City Manager Adam Brown on August 3.

“He still owns a hangar at the airport and is entitled to use it to fly his aircraft,” the city manager wrote in an email to the Argus on Tuesday. “We just hope everyone is a little more aware and safety conscious as a result of the incident. We will let [the investigation] run its course.”

Due to the FAA stepping in to investigate the incident, Airport Manager Erik Hartley was unable to comment further on the matter on August 3, however, details about the incident that he sent Brown, and which were subsequently forwarded to Ontario City Council members have recently come to light. Former City Councilor Freddy Rodriguez, who was in his final days of office when learning of the incident, forwarded the information he had received to the newspaper in hopes of finding out what was being done about the incident.

A July 19 email from Hartley to City Attorney Larry Sullivan, in which Brown and HR Manager Peter Hall were cc’d, says that Esplin was given a chance to be used as a fill-in pilot by the Farmer’s Co-Op for its agriculture spraying operations.

“Here is a result of that mistake,” he says, then goes on to describe an attached video in which he says Esplin “can be seen not paying attention and nearly killing a man.”

Hartley told Sullivan there were multiple reports that Esplin was seen making confrontational faces at Frazier, and as a result did not see a refueling aircraft at the pump. After the incident, airport officials say Esplin did not acknowledge the pilots, who could be seen running away from the aircraft as the plane Esplin is flying rapidly approaches, getting closer and closer before hitting the brakes.

“HE IS DONE AT OUR AIRPORT,” Hartley’s email reads. “Section Two gives me the authorization to ban him. I’m at that point.”

Upon receiving Hartley’s email, Brown forwarded it to members of the Ontario City Council.

“Council, You need to see this near miss accident with Clyde Esplin that happened yesterday,” he wrote. “We will probably show it at the airport committee tonight so they, too, are aware of what went on. I’m OK with Erik banning him, but we want to make sure we have legal council approval and Larry is not in town until Friday.”

Brown told the newspaper on Tuesday that it was good they waited for advice from the attorney.

“Our initial reaction was an emotional one, but waiting on the attorney’s opinion was the right thing to do,” he wrote in an email.

Frazier, who has a tentative agreement to sell the fixed-based operation to Caldwell-based Silverhawk Aviation, with closing expected by the end of August.

He said Esplin’s recent behavior has “absolutely nothing” to do with him giving up the fixed-base operation there, clarifying that was based on his age and health-related issues.

However, Frazier noted, “right and wrong around airport safety is something you can’t even put a value on because people’s lives are at stake.”

He added that he has been “pretty vocal about a couple-three incidents over the years.” These have included issues with radio communications and almost colliding with aircraft, and while Frazier doesn’t manage the airport, many pilots who know him because of the fixed-base operation go see him first. As a result, he says, he becomes the “bad guy” in relaying those events to officials.

While Esplin had been potentially already banned from the airport at that time, he did go on to work for Farmers Co-Op.

In the incident on July 19, Frazier said, an aircraft that had just fueled up had taxi’d out to the runway where it was waiting for Esplin to come in. But when Esplin came in, Frazier said, “he had to make a point of coming by with the aircraft and showing me, ‘Look, I’m back on the airport.’”

Initially, Frazier said Esplin “went by the first plane on the wrong side of the plane to make a point.”

“He saw me walking back from fueling up,” Frazier said. “He was going too fast, watching me instead and not seeing the airplane that was sitting right dead ahead. Had they not seen him coming and started yelling and running off toward the sides of the plane, he would have ran right over top of them.”

Frazier estimated he was about 10 seconds away from hitting the plane before he slammed on his brakes “hard enough to lift the tail off the ground.”

As pointed out by Hartley, Frazier said Esplin did not make contact afterward with the pilots he nearly missed.

“He had no remorse about that whatsoever,” Frazier said, adding that Esplin “didn’t even stop and apologize.”

Esplin was one of four candidates who applied to fill the open seat on the Ontario City Council in October, after Dan Capron had left.

Councilor John Kirby who serves on the Airport Committee told Hartley during a council meeting on July 27 that when it comes to the airport “the ag community depends on us.” He furthermore asked whether there was a statement in the master plan that says “we’re ag friendly.”

“It’s very important that we have that,” Kirby said. “The airport is an important cog in the future and development of the city. We’ve got to maintain that friendliness.”

It’s unclear whether the incidents surrounding Esplin were related to those comments.

Hartley told Kirby that there was no interest in driving away agricultural interests. He also noted that those operations weren’t where the bulk of revenue was coming from nowadays, as there were currently only two aerial applicators at the airport.

However, Kirby emphasized, “we can’t turn our back on ag.”



Low Altitude Operation/Event: Robinson R44, N775AK; accident occurred August 04, 2021 in Waukon, Allamakee County, Iowa



















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; Ankeny, Iowa

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Waukon, Iowa 
Accident Number: CEN21LA350
Date and Time: August 4, 2021, 08:15 Local
Registration: N775AK
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis

The pilot was conducting an agricultural application pass when the helicopter struck a powerline crossing the cornfield being sprayed. He did not see the line until exiting the helicopter after the accident. Earlier in the morning he had surveyed the area for obstacles but did not observe any lines crossing the field. The pilot commented that his initial survey pass was completed toward the east with the sun “low in the sky and in [his] eyes.” He noted that there were no issues with the helicopter before contacting with the power line. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, and the empennage.

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 adequate clearance from a powerline during an agricultural application pass.

Findings

Environmental issues Wire - Awareness of condition
Aircraft Altitude - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 66, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: September 24, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: March 15, 2021
Flight Time: 27652 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3015 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N775AK
Model/Series: R44 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special) 
Serial Number: 1875
Landing Gear Type: Skid 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 10, 2021 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 187.9 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1973.5 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed 
Engine Model/Series: O-540-F1B5
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 260 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: DEH,1158 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 07:55 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 273°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 7 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 0 knots / 0 knots 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Waukon, IA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 43.261185,-91.375664


WAUKON, Iowa (WKBT) — An Alaska man was injured after crashing a helicopter over a corn field Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at 8:07 a.m. Kurt M. Lepping, 66, of Wasilla, Alaska, had been operating the helicopter over a cornfield, applying chemicals, when he hit a power line and crashed into the field, located near the intersection of Elon Drive and Scenic Valley Road.

Lepping was taken by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service to the hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

The incident remains under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the incident.

The Waukon fire and police departments also assisted at the scene.


WAUKON, Iowa (KWWL)-- One man was released from the hospital after a helicopter crash east of Waukon on Wednesday.

Kurt Lepping was a operating helicopter over a cornfield spraying chemicals when the helicopter ran into an electrical line, prompting its crash in the field.

Lepping suffered non-life threatening injuries, and The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.