Saturday, August 07, 2021

Aviat A-1C-180 Husky, N298WY: Accident occurred August 10, 2020 in Grover, Lincoln County, Wyoming






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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Aviat Aircraft Inc


Location: Grover, WY
Accident Number: WPR20CA266
Date & Time: August 10, 2020, 13:18 Local 
Registration: N298WY
Aircraft: Aviat A-1C-200
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Flight test

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aviat
Registration: N298WY
Model/Series: A-1C-200 Husky 
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: KAFO,6221 ft msl
Observation Time: 18:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /10°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 320°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: N/A
Latitude, Longitude: 42.791667,-110.936668 (est)

Aviat Aircraft
On Monday August 10th, 2020 at approximately 1:30 PM, an Aviat Aircraft Inc, A-1C-200 was lost in an accident involving experimental flight testing. The pilot of the aircraft was forced to bail out and deployed his emergency parachute that resulted in a safe landing. Aviat Aircraft Inc is fully cooperating with the FAA and NTSB in their investigations into the incident. Aviat Aircraft Inc is also conducting an investigation into the event and will release more details at a later date.






Head Balloons AX8-88, N45303: Accident occurred August 03, 2020 in Jackson, Teton County, Wyoming




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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Jackson, WY
Number: WPR20CA262
Date & Time: August 3, 2020, 08:13 Local
Registration: N45303
Aircraft: Head AX8 88 
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Head
Registration: N45303
Model/Series: AX8 88 No Series 
Aircraft Category:
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held:
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: 
Aircraft Damage:
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire:
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion:
Total Injuries: N/A 
Latitude, Longitude: 43.469562,-110.760322 (est)

Lindstrand 310A, N971LB: Accident occurred August 03, 2020 in Jackson, Teton County, Wyoming






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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Wyoming Balloon Co


Location: Jackson, WY
Number: WPR20CA263
Date & Time: August 3, 2020, 08:13 Local 
Registration: N971LB
Aircraft: Lindstrand 310A
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Lindstrand
Registration: N971LB
Model/Series: 310A No Series
Aircraft Category:
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held:
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:
Aircraft Damage:
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire:
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:
Total Injuries: N/A
Latitude, Longitude: 43.469963,-110.759757 (est)
 

William “Bill” Jensen: Fatal accident occurred December 02, 2021 and Accident occurred August 04, 2020

Sport Copter Vortex, N425RD: Fatal accident occurred December 02, 2021 near Lampson Field Airport (1O2), Lakeport, Lake 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 traveled to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California 


Location: Lakeport, California
Accident Number: WPR22FA053
Date and Time: December 2, 2021, 11:15 Local
Registration: N425RD
Aircraft: RUSSELL W DYER VORTEX 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 2, 2021, about 1115 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built, Vortex gyrocopter, N425RD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lakeport, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The gyrocopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. 

Two witnesses, located about 2 miles west of the accident site, observed the gyrocopter in level flight, and then saw it tumble tail over nose, three times before they lost sight of it behind a tree line.

The gyrocopter came to rest on its left side on flat open terrain covered with brush. Except for a propeller blade tip that had separated and was not located during a search of the area; the wreckage was confined to the accident site.

Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to the tail section. The engine crankshaft was rotated by hand with no restrictions using the propeller blades. The main rotor blades were rotated with no binding. The fuel tank was breached; however, the smell of fuel was present at the accident site.

The gyrocopter was recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: RUSSELL W DYER 
Registration: N425RD
Model/Series: VORTEX
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
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: KUKI, 601 ft msl
Observation Time: 10:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /5°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Lakeport, CA 
Destination:

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: 39.027041,-122.90724 (est)

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.

LAKEPORT, California — It was business as usual, plane mechanic Chad Parlee thought, when he saw the  experimental amateur-built Vortex gyrocopter operated by William “Bill” Jensen, going up and down the runway as it prepared to take off from Lampson Field Airport on the morning of December 2, 2021. “Everything was routine,” Parlee said. Little did Parlee know that day would be the last time he would see the 68-year-old Hidden Valley resident in the  experimental amateur-built Vortex that usually was kept in a hangar across from where he worked.

The  experimental amateur-built Vortex gyrocopter crashed into a marshy area of Clear Lake near South Lakeport shortly after 11 a.m. Witnesses contacted the Sheriff’s Dispatch to report hearing a loud noise and seeing an aircraft going down in the direction of the Konocti Vista Casino but they were unsure whether it hit land or water, according to Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin, the first on the scene. Emergency crews responded by airboat and by foot to access the crash site estimated at the time to be about a mile from the shoreline where thick tule reeds blocked the shallow water, said Lakeport Fire Protection District’s Capt. Jordan Mills. An hour after the accident was reported, emergency personnel found the aircraft operator dead at the scene and the gyrocopter totally destroyed, Martin said. Jensen’s body was recovered from the lake at 4:12 p.m. A volunteer firefighter for the LFPD, Pardee said he also got his boat out to try and help with the search but by then, Jensen’s body had been found.

The fatal crash was reported to both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The FAA Registry identifies the 2019 rotorcraft as an experimental Vortex N425RD, a kit model from Sport Copter Inc.  NTSB spokesperson Jennifer Gabris said NTSB is the lead investigative agency. “Once on scene, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft,” Gabris told the Record-Bee. “Part of the investigation will be to request radar data, weather information, air traffic control communication, aircraft maintenance records and the pilot’s medical records. NTSB will look at the human, machine and environment as the outline of the investigation.”

Gabris added that since the investigation is at an early stage, NTSB does not state a cause but will provide factual information when available. “Investigations involving fatalities and other major investigations currently take between 12 and 24 months to complete,” she said.

Reports indicate Jensen had previously been involved in an accident while operating an experimental two-seater Cavalon gyrocopter N635BC in August 2020. Jensen and his passenger sustained injuries when his gyrocopter fell through some trees to the ground, landing flat with the fuselage fully intact in Upper Lake, off Clover Valley Road and Bambi Lane.

The fatal crash on the lake has prompted questions about gyrocopters. The FAA refers to gyrocopters, autogyros or rotoplanes as gyroplanes and most are classified as light sport aircraft to be flown by licensed operators. The gyroplane is believed to have been invented in 1923 by Spanish engineer, Juan de la Cierva, as a means of flying safely at low speeds. While an engine powers a helicopter’s spinning rotor blades, an engine powers a gyroplane’s back propeller to move the aircraft forward. The forward motion causes air to pass through the rotor blades, which then lifts the aircraft. The way it works is much like a pinwheel which only needs air to rotate. The faster the blades spin, the more lift they create. For those who wonder what a gyroplane looks like, variations of such an aircraft have been used in feature films like the James Bond movie, “You Only Live Twice” and the Mad max movie, “Road Warriors.” In April 2015, a gyrocopter landed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. The operator, Douglas Hughes, wanted to deliver 535 letters to the members of Congress protesting what he perceived as government corruption and dysfunction.


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the cause of a fatal experimental amateur-built Vortex gyrocopter crash on Thursday is underway and being led by federal aviation officials.

William “Bill” Jensen, 68, of Hidden Valley Lake, was the pilot who died in the crash, said Lauren Berlinn, the sheriff’s office’s public information officer.

Berlinn said the cause of the crash is pending an investigation that’s being led by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Jensen was piloting the aircraft which witnesses saw going down over Clear Lake shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday.

A search with ground and air resources began immediately, and the aircraft was located just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday in tules along the shoreline, between Konocti Vista Casino and the city of Lakeport, according to radio traffic.

Jensen was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.

Sheriff Brian Martin had told Lake County News on Thursday that rescue personnel were challenged in reaching the site.

Part of the issue was the low water, which meant sheriff’s Marine Patrol boats could not reach the downed craft, according to reports from the scene. During the search an air boat responded to help with the recovery.

The Federal Aviation Administration accident and incident notification on the Thursday crash identified the aircraft Jensen was flying as an experimental Gyrocopter Vortex, registered to an owner in Grass Valley.

The notification’s description of the incident states, “Aircraft crashed into marshy area due to unknown circumstances.”

In August 2020, Jensen had been involved in a gyrocopter crash near Upper Lake.
Both Berlinn and NTSB records confirmed that the aircraft involved in the August 2020 crash was not the same as the one that crashed this week. The gyrocopter in the earlier incident belonged to Jensen, according to federal records.

In the 2020 crash, Jensen had a male passenger from Windsor riding with him as they were flying over the Clover Valley area in his two-seat 2017 Autogyro Cavalon.

His own narrative of the flight explained that he had dropped down for a closer look while passing over a ranch belonging to an old flying friend when, as he was making a pass, he looked backward and accidentally pulled the stick backward as well, causing the aircraft to slow down and drop altitude.

The account said the gyrocopter fell through the trees and hit the ground. While the fuselage remained intact, much of the rest of the aircraft was destroyed.

The sheriff’s office reported at the time that both Jensen and his passenger were conscious and alert, and later airlifted out of the county for medical treatment.

Federal aviation investigations can take months to complete, so a finding on the Thursday crash’s cause is not expected immediately.

Meantime, the sheriff’s office said it is conducting a coroner’s investigation.


Low Altitude Operation/Event:  Cavalon, N635BC; accident occurred August 04, 2020 in Upper Lake, Lake County, California













Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Upper Lake, California 
Accident Number: WPR20CA253
Date and Time: August 4, 2020, 09:30 Local 
Registration: N635BC
Aircraft: Robert D Carr Jr Cavalon 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event 
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the gyroplane reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude over a friend’s property, he looked down and backwards to the ground and inadvertently pulled back on the control stick, slowing the gyroplane to about 20 mph. He attempted to correct by applying full engine power and descending to reestablish airspeed. Concerned the gyroplane would impact trees, he flared just above a wooded area. The gyroplane fell through the trees to the ground substantially damaging the tail section.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane 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 distraction and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low altitude maneuver, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues Task monitoring/vigilance - Pilot
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Airspeed - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)
Emergency descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Gyroplane
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None None 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 853.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 71.8 hours (Total, this make and model), 803.3 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 71.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 24.8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate:
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Second
Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Robert D Carr Jr 
Registration: N635BC
Model/Series: Cavalon
Aircraft Category: Gyroplane
Year of Manufacture: 2017
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental light sport (Special)
Serial Number: VO0320
Landing Gear Type: 
Tricycle Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 15, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1234 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 272 Hrs 
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C126 installed 
Engine Model/Series: 914 UL
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 115 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: KUKI, 617 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 74 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 
Direction from Accident Site: 265°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility 50 miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / Terrain-Induced
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  / Light
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Lakeport, CA (1O2) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Upper Lake, CA 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 08:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 39.163612,-122.88277

Preventing Similar Accidents

Manage Risk: Good Decision-making and Risk Management Practices are Critical

Although few pilots knowingly accept severe risks, accidents can also result when several risks of marginal severity are not identified or are ineffectively managed by the pilot and compound into a dangerous situation. Accidents also result when the pilot does not accurately perceive situations that involve high levels of risk. Ineffective risk management or poor aeronautical decision-making can be associated with almost any type of fatal general aviation accident.

By identifying personal attitudes that are hazardous to safe flying, applying behavior modification techniques, recognizing and coping with stress, and effectively using all resources, pilots can substantially improve the safety of each flight. Remember that effective risk management takes practice. It is a decision-making process by which pilots can systematically identify hazards, assess the degree of risk, and determine the best course of action. Pilots should plan ahead with flight diversion or cancellation alternatives and not be afraid to change their plans; it can sometimes be the difference between arriving safely late or not arriving at all.

See http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/documents/SA_023.pdf for additional resources.

The NTSB presents this information to prevent recurrence of similar accidents. Note that this should not be considered guidance from the regulator, nor does this supersede existing FAA Regulations (FARs). 

Hughes 369D, N104SU: Accident occurred August 05, 2020 in Delia, Jackson County, Kansas






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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Signature Property Holdings LLC


Location: Delia, KS
Accident Number: CEN20CA334
Date & Time: August 5, 2020, 17:45 Local
Registration: N104SU
Aircraft: Hughes 369 
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Hughes
Registration: N104SU
Model/Series: 369 D Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Operator Designator Code: 5U2L

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTOP, 885 ft msl
Observation Time: 17:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C /15°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 120°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Delia, KS 
Destination: Delia, KS

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries:
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: N/A 
Latitude, Longitude: 39.259998,-95.988609

Loss of Control in Flight: Beech A36 Bonanza, N312LC; accident occurred August 06, 2020 at Kyle-Oakley Field Airport (KCEY), Murray, Kentucky





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Louisville, Kentucky

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

BenAir LLC


Location: Murray, Kentucky
Accident Number: ERA20CA283
Date & Time: August 6, 2020, 08:15 Local
Registration: N312LC
Aircraft: Beech 36 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor and private pilot were practicing a steep spiral that would terminate with a power-off landing. The instructor stated that the pilot had added "quite a bit" of elevator noseup trim to maintain best glide speed during the spiral maneuver. Right before touchdown, the pilot sensed the airplane had a normal than higher descent rate and increased engine power. When power was added, the airplane’s nose pitched up and the airplane rolled “violently” to the left. The airplane’s left wing struck the runway, substantially damaging it. The flight instructor then assumed control of the airplane and reduced the engine power to idle as it departed the left side of the runway. The pilot subsequently taxied the airplane to the ramp uneventfully. Both pilots reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of 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 failure to maintain control of the airplane during the simulated power off landing, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of control and the airplane’s left wing striking the ground.

Findings

Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot
Personnel issues Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Abnormal runway contact
Landing-flare/touchdown Runway excursion

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor 
Age: 64,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 16, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 1, 2019
Flight Time: 3337 hours (Total, all aircraft), 29.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 3234 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 42.2 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 32,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: July 17, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: May 22, 2020
Flight Time: 488 hours (Total, all aircraft), 250 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N312LC
Model/Series: 36 A36
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: E-3560
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle 
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: October 11, 2019 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3651 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 968 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-B
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: CEY,577 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 350° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Murray, KY (CEY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Murray, KY (CEY)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 07:00 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Kyle-Oakley Field CEY
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 577 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 23
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6202 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Simulated forced landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 36.664443,-88.372779 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Wag-Aero CUBy, N30492; accident occurred August 06, 2020 at St, Clair County Airport (KPLR), Pell City, Alabama








Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Birmingham, Alabama 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Pell City, Alabama
Accident Number: ERA20CA293
Date & Time: August 6, 2020, 10:22 Local
Registration: N30492
Aircraft: WAG AERO CUBBY 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor was providing initial flight training to the non-certificated student pilot in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The flight instructor reported that while the student pilot was landing the airplane it began veering left immediately after touchdown. The flight instructor attempted to correct the yaw and applied the brakes, but the airplane continued off the left side of the runway with the tailwheel still in the air. The airplane impacted some dirt, which resulted in a nose over and substantial damage to the airplane’s left wing, empennage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the flight instructor reported that the student pilot had accumulated about 2 hours of flight experience at the time of the accident and described that she, “…was showing great aptitude with landings but I should have delayed her attempting to do so to further in her training.”

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action following the student pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose over.

Findings

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Monitoring other person - Instructor/check pilot
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing-landing roll Runway excursion
Landing-landing roll Nose over/nose down

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Airline transport
Age: 51,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 18, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 24, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 12500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 30 hours (Total, this make and model), 22 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student pilot Information

Certificate: None 
Age: 18, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None 
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: WAG AERO
Registration: N30492
Model/Series: CUBBY
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: 9740
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 2, 2020 Condition 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1220 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 268 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C-65
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 65 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: PLR,485 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 10:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
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: 30.03 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 26°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Pell City, AL (PLR)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Pell City, AL (PLR)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 09:20 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: St Clair County PLR 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 485 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 03
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5001 ft / 80 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Stop and go; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.558887,-86.249168(est)

Nose Over: CubCrafters CC11-160 Carbon Cub SS, N321C; accident occurred August 09, 2020 at Rostraver Airport (KFWQ), Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania








Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board
     
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Pittsburg, Pennsylvania 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Monongahela, Pennsylvania 
Accident Number: ERA20CA280
Date & Time: August 9, 2020, 14:43 Local 
Registration: N321C
Aircraft: CUBCRAFTERS INC CC11-160 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was performing a wheel landing to the turf adjacent to an asphalt runway. Prior to the tailwheel contacting the ground, the pilot moved his toes to top the rudder pedals and inadvertently applied the brakes. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the left-wing strut. 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 premature application of brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over event.

Findings

Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Aircraft Surface speed/braking - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Nose over/nose down (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Sport Pilot 
Age: 74,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport pilot
None Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 2798 hours (Total, all aircraft), 101 hours (Total, this make and model), 1567 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CUBCRAFTERS INC 
Registration: N321C
Model/Series: CC11-160 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental light sport (Special)
Serial Number: CC11-00407
Landing Gear Type: 
Tailwheel Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 4, 2020 Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 455.1 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Titan
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: OX-340CC-B3J4
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 180 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: KAGC,1273 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 18:40 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 334°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 270° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 16°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Irwin, PA (31D) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Monongahela, PA (FWQ) 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:23 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: ROSTRAVER FWQ 
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1228 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 40.210834,-79.828613(est)