Monday, August 09, 2021

Gulfstream IV, N297PJ: Incident occurred August 07, 2021 at Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS), Las Vegas, Nevada

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Las Vegas, Nevada

Aircraft taxied to the ramp where the crew had to extinguish a main landing gear fire at Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS), Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pontiac Aviation LLC 


Date: 07-AUG-21
Time: 20:33:00Z
Regis#: N297PJ
Aircraft Make: GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE
Aircraft Model: G-IV
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Flight Crew: 2
Pax: 13
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 135
Aircraft Operator: JOURNEY AVIATION
Flight Number: JNY297
City: LAS VEGAS
State: NEVADA

Piper PA-28-140, N5511F: Accident occurred August 08, 2021 at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (KJQF), Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

Aircraft experienced a birdstrike before landing a post flight inspection revealed damage to the rudder at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (KJQF), Cabarrus County, North Carolina.


Date: 08-AUG-21
Time: 18:15:00Z
Regis#: N5511F
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA-28-140
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CONCORD
State: NORTH CAROLINA

Piper PA-28-140, N4524R: Incident occurred August 05, 2021 at Parr Airport (42I), Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio

Aircraft nose gear and propeller were damaged during soft field operations at Parr Airport (42I), Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio.


Date: 05-AUG-21
Time: 23:45:00Z
Regis#: N4524R
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28-140
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ZANESVILLE
State: OHIO

Collision During Takeoff: Piper J3C-65 Cub, N6018H; accident occurred August 04, 2021 in Woodburn, Marion County, Oregon

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; Hillsboro, Oregon

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Twin Oaks Airpark Inc


Location: Woodburn, Oregon
Accident Number: WPR21LA306
Date and Time: August 4, 2021, 17:10 Local
Registration: N6018H
Aircraft: Piper J3C-85
Aircraft Damage: None
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land 
Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while taking off from a gravel bar, as the airplane became airborne over the river, he felt a bump. The passenger reported that they hit something, however the pilot stated that he never say anyone until he continued the climbed and circled over the area, where he noticed a kayaker on the river. He elected to land on a gravel bar near the kayaker, render first aid, and call for medical assistance.

The kayaker reported that, while on the Willamette River, she and her mother stopped and rested near the Lower Lamber Bar area, where they observed an airplane on one of the sand bars. After resting, they continued traveling down the river. While paddling in the kayak, she turned towards the sand bar and observed the airplane approaching her. Shortly thereafter, the front tire of the airplane hit her head and overturned the kayak. The kayaker sustained a serious broken leg. The airplane was not damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident 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 failure to maintain clearance during takeoff from a person on the ground who sustained a serious injury as a result of the collision. 

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Person - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 69, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 19, 2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: July 19, 2021
Flight Time: (Estimated) 5900 hours (Total, all aircraft), 800 hours (Total, this make and model), 5800 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N6018H
Model/Series: J3C-85 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 19158
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 21, 2021 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1220 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 3 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5180 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: C-85-12F
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 85 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: KUAO,200 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 62°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 30° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 36°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Hillsboro, OR (7S3) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: McMinnville, OR 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 16:00 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: 
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation:
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 45.16105,-123.00217






Yamhill County Sheriff's Office

On August 4, 2021 at about 5:08 pm Yamhill Communications received a 911 call regarding an injured kayaker on the Willamette River in the area of Lower Lambert Bar between Dayton and the Wheatland Ferry.  

A Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office marine patrol boat responded along with a water rescue boat from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and land-based rescue and ambulance personnel from Dayton Fire District and McMinnville Fire Department. 

The patient is a 42-year-old female from McMinnville who was recreating on the river in a kayak along with another adult female, age 68, in a separate kayak.  

Deputies arrived on scene and located the injured kayaker, as well as a Piper J3C-65 Cub plane on a gravel bar. 

The water rescue boat from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue transported the patient to the waiting ambulance at the end of SE Green Acres Road in rural Dayton.  

The preliminary investigation revealed that the plane was taking off from a gravel bar when the kayaker was struck by the plane. 

The pilot returned to the scene and has cooperated with the investigation.  

The involved plane is equipped with tundra tires allowing for takeoff and landing in this area, and the pilot reports having previously landed and taken off from this area approximately 50 times.

Ultralight: Incident occurred August 07, 2021 at Finleyville Airpark (G05), Washington County, Pennsylvania

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Allegheny, Pennsylvania

Aircraft struck two landing lights on approach to Runway 14 at Finleyville Airpark (G05), Washington County, Pennsylvania.


Date: 07-AUG-21
Time: 20:15:00Z
Regis#: N580A
Aircraft Make: ULTRLIGHT
Aircraft Model: UNK
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FINLEYVILLE
State: PENNSYLVANIA

CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS, N825ME: Accident occurred August 06, 2021 near Springfield Robertson County Airport (M91), Tennessee

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; Nashville, Tennessee

Plane Company LLC


Location: Springfield, Tennessee
Accident Number: ERA21LA321
Date and Time: August 6, 2021, 16:20 Local
Registration: N825ME
Aircraft: CUBCRAFTERS INC CC11-160
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 6, 2021, about 1620 central daylight time, an Cubcrafters, CC11-160, N825ME, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Springfield, Tennessee. The airline transport 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 stated that after refueling with 18 gallons of aviation fuel, they took off from Springfield Robertson County Airport (M91) Springfield, Tennessee, and flew to a private airport about 10 nautical miles southeast. The airplane was performing well and there were no indications or anomalies observed during the flight. After landing and coming to a full stop at the airport, they conducted another takeoff, flew a normal traffic pattern, then conducted a touch-and-go. During the subsequent climb, about 400 ft above ground level, the engine suddenly stopped producing power; “there was no sputter or indication, it just stopped.” There was little time to troubleshoot as they were descending “quickly” and performed a forced landing in a field. Upon landing, the airplane struck a fence then touched down, which collapsed the landing gear before coming to rest.

Examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector (FAA) revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The fuel tank contained aviation fuel that was clean and free of debris. There was oil in the engine reservoir and no debris or metallic material in the oil filter. The electronic ignition system produced spark on all spark plug electrodes. The FAA inspector performed a download of the Electronic Flight Instrument System. A preliminary review of the engine and performance data indicated that at an altitude of about 1,000 ft mean sea level, while climbing about 1,000 ft per minute at a groundspeed of 80 kts, the engine rpm, oil pressure, and exhaust gas temperatures suddenly decreased, followed shortly by a decrease in fuel flow. There were no associated crew-alerting system alerts recorded during the flight.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CUBCRAFTERS INC
Registration: N825ME
Model/Series: CC11-160
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
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: CKV,551 ft msl 
Observation Time: 15:52 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 24 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /17°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 250°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Springfield, TN 
Destination: Springfield, TN

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: 36.536694,-86.921167 (est)

Airbus A319, N521NK: Incident occurred August 08, 2021 at George Bush Intercontinental (KIAH), Houston, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas

Aircraft panel (12" X 18") fell off during departure on Runway 8R. 

Spirit Airlines Inc


Date: 08-AUG-21
Time: 23:14:00Z
Regis#: N521NK
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A-319
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SPIRIT AIRLINES
City: HOUSTON
State: TEXAS

Beech C90A King Air, N4488L: Incident occurred August 06, 2021 at Georgetown Municipal Airport (KGTU), Williamson County, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Austin, Texas

Aircraft struck a bird while landing damaging the tail beacon. 

Buena Vista Aviation N4488L LLC


Date: 06-AUG-21
Time: 20:00:00Z
Regis#: N4488L
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: C90A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: GEORGETOWN
State: TEXAS

Landing Gear Not Configured: Piper PA-34-200T, N8011F; accident occurred August 08, 2021 at Navasota Municipal Airport (60R), Grimes 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; Houston, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Navasota, Texas
Accident Number: CEN21LA366
Date and Time: August 8, 2021, 15:40 Local
Registration: N8011F
Aircraft: Piper PA-34-200T 
Aircraft Damage: Unknown
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor reported that while in the traffic pattern for landing, he and the student became distracted while trying to avoid another aircraft and they failed to extend the landing gear before landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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 extend the landing gear before landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Forgotten action/omission - Pilot
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Aircraft Gear extension and retract sys - Not used/operated
Personnel issues Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot
Personnel issues Monitoring other person - Instructor/check pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

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

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline transport 
Age: 30, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 1, 2021
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Student pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): 
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: December 1, 2016
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N8011F
Model/Series: PA-34-200T
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 34-7770080
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 7
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-360
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power:
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: KCLL, 328 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 315°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5500 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Navasota, TX 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Navasota, TX 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Unknown

Airport Information

Airport: NAVASOTA MUNI 60R 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 229 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17/35
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5003 ft / 75 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

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: 30.373155,-96.113308

Boeing 787-8, N811AB: Incident occurred August 08, 2021 at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW), Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

Aircraft passenger sustained burns due to a liquid spill while inflight.  

American Airlines Inc


Date: 08-AUG-21
Time: 05:22:00Z
Regis#: N811AB
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 787
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: AAL 1219
City: DALLAS FORT WORTH
State: TEXAS

Mooney M20K, N252XM: Incident occurred August 08, 2021 at Arlington Municipal Airport (KAWO), Washington

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Seattle, Washington

Aircraft landed gear up. 


Date: 08-AUG-21
Time: 22:20:00Z
Regis#: N252XM
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20K
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ARLINGTON
State: WASHINGTON

Cessna 170A, N5459C: Accident occurred August 06, 2021 at Sullivan Lake State Airport (09S), Metaline Falls, Pend Oreille County, Washington

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; Spokane, Washington


Location: Metaline Falls, WA
Accident Number: WPR21LA307
Date & Time: August 6, 2021, 11:00 Local 
Registration: N5459C
Aircraft: Cessna 170A 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N5459C
Model/Series: 170A 
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: K63S,1888 ft msl
Observation Time: 10:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 35 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 180°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.92 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Metaline Falls, WA (09S)
Destination: Deer Park, WA (DEW)

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: 48.845747,-117.27904 (est)



RotorWay Exec 162F, N162KJ: Fatal accident occurred August 07, 2021 near Argyle Airport (1C3), Washington County, New York

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; Albany, New York 

Craig E. Seeley


Location: Argyle, NY 
Accident Number: ERA21FA317
Date & Time: August 7, 2021, 18:00 Local 
Registration: N162KJ
Aircraft: Rotorway Exec 162F
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Posted on Kathryn's Report
On August 7, 2021, at 1810 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Rotorway Exec 162F, N162KJ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Argyle, New York. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A witness located about ½-mile north of the accident site observed the helicopter flying southbound at an estimated altitude of 50-75 ft above the ground. He stated that he believed the helicopter was “having issues, as (it) could not stay up in the air, it was almost like it was bouncing.” Just after the helicopter flew over a tree line, he heard a “loud sound” and “watched the [rotor] just stop.” The helicopter then “fell straight down.”

Examination of the accident scene revealed a debris path that was about 400 ft-long and oriented on a heading of 210° magnetic. It began in an open field of 4-ft-tall grass, with a 4-inch by 4-inch fractured piece of aluminum skin from the right side of the tailboom, just forward of the tail rotor arc. A portion of the helicopter’s registration number was visible on the piece. The right horizontal stabilizer was located 156 ft along the wreckage path, 70 ft left of the path centerline. The left horizontal stabilizer was located about 10 feet further along the path, and 205 ft left of the path centerline. A 4-ft-long section of the aft end of the tailboom, including the vertical stabilizer, the tail rotor gearbox (with one tail rotor blade attached) was located 30 ft further down the path, 10 ft left of centerline, just after the path transitioned from the grass field through the tree line into a wooded area. An impact mark on the right side of the tailboom section, near the fractured forward end, was consistent in size and shape with the profile of the main rotor blade. The wreckage path continued for another 200 ft through the woods, down a steep hill, with numerous fragments of clear plastic canopy along, and left and right of the path. The main wreckage was located at the end of the path and came to rest on its right side and top, almost completely inverted. The wreckage was largely consumed by a postimpact fire. Molten aluminum remnants were present at several locations beneath the main wreckage. There were no ground scars leading up to the main wreckage, and there was no damage to trees or foliage along the wreckage path, with the exception of some broken branches directly above, and immediately surrounding the main wreckage. 

Two pairs of push-pull control cables were continuous from their mounts (one on the right side fuselage tubing, the other on the cyclic control cross tube) in the cockpit area to fractured segments of control arms near the main rotor head. The left cyclic stick was not found, the right cyclic stick remained attached to its fitting on the cross tube, with no control rods found attached. The collective stick and collective cross tube were relatively intact. The throttle control torque tube remained intact: however, none of the linkage components remained attached to the torque tube. The collective cross tube weldment fittings remained in place; however, no attachment fittings or control rods remained attached at the weldment. The single push pull control cable from the left side anti-torque pedals was continuous from the pedals to the section of tailboom that remained attached to the fuselage. All of the small diameter wire elements were separated from the terminal fitting at the pedals, the single large diameter wire remained attached to the fitting. Both main rotor blades were intact, exhibited downward bending damage in several locations, and remained attached to the blade grips. The teetering hinge attach point was fractured on both sides of the main mast. One rotor blade had leading edge damage and gouging about 1-2 ft inboard of the blade tip. Both pitch change links were fractured at their upper (blade end) rod ends and both remained attached to fractured segments of their lower control horns. The tail rotor actuator linkage and pitch change links remained attached to the separated portion of the tailboom, all operated normally and smoothly. The tail rotor shaft rotated smoothly. The terminal end of the control cable remained attached to the control arm, no remnants of the cable remained connected to the terminal fitting.

The engine crankshaft would not rotate when a lever was applied by hand to the flywheel. One spark plug was removed from each cylinder, all electrodes were tan in color, the insulators were white, and the plugs were free from debris or contamination with the exception of the No. 3 spark plug which was oil-soaked. The rocker arm cover for the Nos 1 and 2 cylinder bank was removed, all rocker arms, pushrods, valve springs and stems were in place and intact. The Nos. 3 and 4 cylinder bank was inaccessible due to the wreckage orientation. All exhaust tubes were intact and undamaged. Both intake manifolds were fracture separated from their respective cylinder bank. The Nos 1 and 2 fuel injectors were separated from the intake manifold and found loose on the ground. The Nos 3 and 4 fuel injectors remained in the manifold. No lines remained attached to any of the injectors. A borescope examination of all cylinders revealed no anomalies to the piston tops or walls, and little or no buildup of carbon on the piston tops. The spin-on engine oil filter was opened an no debris was found in the filter element.

Fragments of rubber belts were found between engine pully assembly and secondary drive unit (which houses the sprag clutch) and between the secondary drive unit and the idlers and main sprocket. Most of the belts were consumed by fire. The secondary drive unit could not be rotated by hand. The main sprocket and engine pully assembly each had a single impact mark on the lower and upper edge, respectively, with no rotational scoring found around the circumference of either edge. The tail rotor drive belt was broken in several places, all tail rotor pulleys remained in place and intact. 

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land. He did not possess a rotorcraft-helicopter rating. The pilot was the registered owner and builder of the helicopter, which was completed in May 2003.
Posted on Kathryn's Report

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Rotorway
Registration: N162KJ
Model/Series: Exec 162F 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: Yes
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: DDH,826 ft msl 
Observation Time: 17:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 9000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 210°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Argyle, NY 
Destination: Argyle, NY

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 43.210144,-73.506795 

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.

Craig E. Seeley
October 30th, 1964 - August 7th, 2021
~


Craig E Seeley of Argyle, New York passed away on August 7, 2021. Craig and his oldest daughter Katie Marie Seeley passed away together in a tragic accident.

Craig was born to Charles and Barbara Seeley of Greenfield Center, NY on October 30, 1964, in Glens Falls Hospital.

The oldest of three siblings, Craig had two sisters, Robin and Audrey. He was an adventurous child, which carried on into adulthood. With a love for speed, if it moved fast, Craig was in it or on it. Everything from cars to boats, bikes and motorcycles, jet skis and aircrafts. He started out racing BMX bikes, later participating in motocross and racing cars. At 16, he spontaneously entered his first car race where he won 1st place against a Shelby Mustang in his 280Z Datsun! Flying is what Craig loved most of all. His wife and children loved to watch him enjoy all these exciting hobbies, especially water skiing.

Craig attended Glens Falls High School and dual enrolled in BOCES, graduating in 1982 with a certificate in machining, where he found his niche. This skill served him well as President and Owner of Seeley Machine Inc. His parents were involved in the business and partnered together with Craig for many years. The company is still in operation today in Queensbury, NY. Craig was incredibly smart and talented, and he could fix or build most anything. His family meant everything to him, including all 8 of his dogs.

He had a home in Florida that he would escape to for some downtime and sunshine, which is where he met and later married his loving wife, LaRee Seeley. Craig and LaRee were married just under 10 years.

He is survived by his parents Charles and Barb; sisters, Audrey Seeley and Robin Yeckley; nieces, Nikki, Kristina, and Eilish; his youngest daughter, Jacquelyn Creeden (husband PJ); grandchildren, Preston, Max and Joanie Creeden, Charlotte Nichols, and Matthew Ryan; stepdaughter, Meghan Noll; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, plus extended 'family' Anthony Nichols and CJ Sullivan.

Friends and family may call from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home 136 Main St. South Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a trust fund for Katie’s children, Charlotte, and Matthew, at Hudson River Community Credit Union. Craig and Katie were loved by many and will be missed greatly.

Katie Marie Seeley
December 18th, 1987 -  August 7th, 2021
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It is with great sadness that we share the news of Katie Marie Seeley, 33, passing away on August 7, 2021, with her father doing one of the things they loved, flying. She was her father’s daughter. They shared their adventurous spirit whether it be racing on any toy with a motor, flying high in the sky, waterskiing, snowmobiling, or deciding to build their dream homes on their own terms.

Kate was a mom to two beautiful children Charlotte and Matthew. She loved them so much and was very proud of them. She taught them the love of nature and animals and the responsibilities of caring for both. Even as a single mom she made sure their time together was adventurous, exploratory, creative, and fearless. They played hard and laughed hard.

She had an overwhelming love for nature and animals. She was traveling home from North Carolina when she made it to Virginia to find out about a dog that was abandon. She right then turned around and headed to Kentucky to bring home her new dog Annie. She later became a certified wildlife rehabilitator. She was going to rescue them all one day. She was working on becoming certified in falconry. Her dream was to have an owl.

From a young age she was a thrill seeker. She was on waterskies by 6 years old followed by dirt bikes, snowboarding, and flying with her dad. She has been flying with her dad for over 20 years.

Katie made quite the entrance wherever she went, like the time she rode her motorcycle to senior ball in her dress. She liked putting on a show on the motorcycle doing stoppies, wheelies, the highchair and many more with Neil.

Kate was a true friend. If you were her friend, you better be ready for an honest friendship. She pulled no punches and didn’t sugar coat things. Like it or leave, love her or not, she was unapologetically herself.

One thing is for sure, Kate knew exactly who she was and how she wanted to live her life, with things that only brought her joy. Kate didn’t have time for things that didn’t have a soul. She lived purposefully each day. She truly was a modern-day Dorothy Do It All with a little sass, class and badass!

She was very thoughtful with her time, the people she surrounded herself with and she truly was living her best life.

Katie was predeceased by Matt Ryan, Her Maternal grandparents: James and Joan Marchese.

Katie is survived by her Children: Charlotte Nichols and Matthew Ryan; Mom and Bonus Dad, Denise and Gary Ganotes; Bonus Mom LaRee Seeley; Sister and brother in-law, Jacquelyn and PJ Creeden and their children: Preston, Maddox, and Joanie (Bestie) Mae; Bonus Sister Meghan Noll; Grandparents, Charles and Barbara Seeley; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also survived by Anthony Nichols and her best friend CJ Sullivan; and her fur babies Annie(bananie), Gus Gus (fat man), Buck(bucky-boo) and Hazel (Noodle).

Friends and family can call from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at M.B Kilmer Funeral Home 136 Main St. South Glens Falls, NY 12803.

Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a trust fund for Katie’s children, Charlotte, and Matthew, at Hudson River Community Credit Union.


New York State police on the scene of the crash.


ARGYLE — Two Argyle residents were killed when their helicopter crashed in a wooded area of Argyle early Saturday evening.

The crash happened at about 6:30 p.m. in an area off West Valley Road.

State police said the preliminary investigation determined that 56-year-old Craig E. Seeley and his daughter, 34-year-old Katie M. Seeley, were on board a civilian helicopter when it crashed.

No one on the ground was injured.

There was no information about a cause. The National Transportation Safety Board is handling the investigation.

NTSB spokesman Keith Holloway said one of the investigators’ main priorities will be to document the scene and examine the rotorcraft.

“Part of the investigation will be to request radar data, weather information, air traffic control communication, helicopter maintenance records and the pilot’s medical records,” he said in an email.

Holloway anticipated that a preliminary report would be available in about 12 business days and posted on the NTSB’s website. Determining a cause and issuing a final report can take one to two years, he said.

Argyle firefighters and EMS staged on West Valley Road, south of the crash site. The site was not visible from the road.

Cossayuna firefighters were also on the scene.

This is believed to be the first fatal aviation crash in the area in recent memory.

This is the second aviation-related crash in Argyle in the last few months.

David L. Klingebiel, 80, of Bunker Hill Road in Salem, was flying his fixed-wing, single-engine plane on June 17 when he crashed just after 11 a.m. Klingebiel survived the crash, but had head, chest and leg injuries. That crash remains under investigation.