Monday, September 13, 2021

Quad City Challenger II, N778H: Accident occurred September 11, 2021 at Presque Isle County Airport (KPZQ), Rogers City, Michigan

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

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan
Location: Rogers City, Michigan
Accident Number: CEN21LA420
Date and Time: September 11, 2021, 07:45 Local
Registration: N778H
Aircraft: Quad City Ultralight Challenger II
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 11, 2021, about 0745 eastern daylight time, a Quad City Ultralight Challenger II experimental airplane, N778H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rogers City, Michigan. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The uncertificated pilot reported that about 100 ft into the takeoff roll on runway 27 the airplane began to swerve right, but before he could abort the takeoff he heard a bang and the airplane pitched up and rolled.

A witness reported that the airplane abruptly pitched up, rolled right, and impacted the ground in a left wing down attitude. The witness stated that the airplane had completed about 270° of right roll when the left wing impacted the ground.

Examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing's forward lift strut had separated from the fuselage longeron (Image 1). The channel bracket remained attached to the lift strut, but the AN4-24A bolt had pulled out of the fuselage longeron (Image 2). The ¼” AN365-248 nyloc nut that normally secured the AN4-24A bolt was not located during the investigation.

The pilot did not maintain maintenance records for the airplane, nor had the airplane undergone a condition inspection since the experimental airworthiness certificate was approved in 2007.




Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Quad City Ultralight
Registration: N778H
Model/Series: Challenger II NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: KPZQ,670 ft msl 
Observation Time: 07:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C /13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 200°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 10000 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Rogers City, MI 
Destination: Rogers City, MI

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: 45.407083,-83.812861 (est)

Beech 35-B33 Debonair, N8983M: Accident occurred September 11, 2021 in Baker, White Pine County, Nevada

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; Reno, Nevada

Location: Baker, NV
Accident Number: WPR21LA358
Date & Time: September 11, 2021, 13:00 Local
Registration: N8983M
Aircraft: Beech 35-B33 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 11, 2021, about 1300 Pacific daylight time, a Beech BE35-B33, N8983M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Baker, Nevada. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that before the flight, his mechanic replaced the exhaust push rod for the No. 1 cylinder. The engine was ground run at various power settings with no anomalies noted. The mechanic subsequently deemed the airplane safe to fly back to the pilot’s home airport.

The pilot reported that he departed from the dirt runway, and during the initial climb, he retracted the landing gear and the engine lost total power. The pilot stated that he was able to extend the landing gear and make a forced landing to the open desert terrain. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear and right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.

The airplane was recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N8983M
Model/Series: 35-B33
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: KELY,6262 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 38 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C /8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 7000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 12000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.26 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Baker, NV 
Destination: Henderson, NV (HND)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 39.083333,-114.06666 (est)

Rockwell Commander 112TC, N4565W: Incident occurred September 11, 2021 at Ocean City Municipal Airport (26N), Cape May County, New Jersey

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

Aircraft on landing caught a gust of wind and veered off runway nosing over between runway and taxiway.  


Date: 11-SEP-21
Time: 22:45:00Z
Regis#: N4565W
Aircraft Make: ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL
Aircraft Model: 112TC
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: OCEAN CITY
State: NEW JERSEY






A plane landed at the Ocean City Municipal Airport on Saturday night, just not on the runway.

At about 7 p.m., just as the 9/11 remembrance ceremony was ending at the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters, emergency vehicles headed to the airport at 26th Street and Bay Avenue for the accident.

The plane came to rest nose down in a grassy area near the runway. Chunks of dirt and grass littered the pavement.

The Rockwell Commander 112TC is registered to a George M. Abdelmalek, of Staten Island, New York, according to records with the Federal Aviation Administration.

A man was in the plane taking out luggage. He declined comment.

No injuries were reported.

Police officers were on scene. One officer was stationed in the airport parking lot to prevent onlookers from entering the runway area to see the plane.

Another officer stayed with the plane and assisted the man as he pulled belongings out of the aircraft.

Todd Dwyer, the airport manager, declined comment, but noted that the FAA would be responding to the scene.

Cessna 182Q Skylane, N735YJ: Incident occurred September 12, 2021 in New Underwood, Pennington County, South Dakota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota

Aircraft landed in a field. 

Duluth ANG Flying Club Inc 


Date: 12-SEP-21
Time: 19:00:00Z
Regis#: N735YJ
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 182
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: NEW UNDERWOOD
State: SOUTH DAKOTA

Cessna 175 Skylark, N9343B: Accident occurred September 10, 2021 at Hot Springs Municipal Airport (KHSR), Fall River County, South Dakota

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; Rapid City, South Dakota Location: Hot Springs, SD
Accident Number: CEN21LA416
Date & Time: September 10, 2021, 09:40 Local 
Registration: N9343B
Aircraft: Cessna 175 
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 10, 2021, about 0940 central daylight time, a Cessna 175 airplane, N9343B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hot Springs, South Dakota. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, during the landing rollout on the grass runway, the airplane turned hard to the right. The left wing impacted the terrain, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane came to rest upright with the left main landing gear partially separated. The airplane was modified to conventional landing gear through a supplemental type certificate kit in 2013.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the left wing was bent and the main landing gear box structure was wrinkled. An attachment bolt for the left main landing gear strut was found fractured and separated from the strut. The airplane and bolt were retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N9343B
Model/Series: 175 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: KCDR,3296 ft msl 
Observation Time: 09:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 39 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 250°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 8 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hot Springs, SD
Destination: Hot Springs, SD

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: 43.430346,-103.47618 (est)

Piper PA-44-180 Seminole, N740FT: Accident occurred September 12, 2021 in Magnolia, Montgomery County, Texas

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; Houston, Texas

Up and Up Aviation LLC


Location: Magnolia, Texas
Accident Number: CEN21LA418
Date and Time: September 12, 2021, 10:51 Local 
Registration: N740FT
Aircraft: Piper PA-44-180 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 12, 2021, at 1051 central daylight time, a Piper PA-44 airplane, N740FT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Magnolia, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that during the preflight inspection, the left fuel gauge indicated 17 gallons and the right gauge flickered between zero and 17 gallons. Upon visual inspection of the fuel tanks he confirmed that both tanks contained fuel. After takeoff, he climbed to 2,000 ft mean sea level (msl) and proceeded to the destination airport where he completed a full stop landing.

About 10 minutes into the return flight, the left engine experienced a loss of power, then 5 minutes later the right engine experienced a loss of power. The airplane collided with a tree during the forced landing.

The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. The fuel tanks were not breached during the accident sequence and neither tank contained evidence of fuel.
The airplane has been retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N740FT
Model/Series: PA-44-180 
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: KDWH,152 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: Navasota, TX (60R)
Destination: Houston, TX (DWH)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 30.174651,-95.701116 






The pilot in one incident is expected to be ok after both engines failed Sunday. Shortly after that incident, reports began to come in about smoke trailing behind another aircraft.

The pilot of a small aircraft was able to walk away from a crash Sunday after both engines failed.

It happened around 11 a.m. in the 29900 block of Post Oak Run near High Meadow Ranch Drive south of Magnolia.

The man was flying when he lost power in one of the engines and began looking for a place to land the aircraft, according to a man on the scene who said he was the pilot’s son.

As he descended, the second engine onboard the aircraft failed, the man said. That’s when the aircraft slammed into a tree before hitting the ground.

The pilot suffered a bump to his head but was able to walk away from the incident, his son said.

Meanwhile, crews were called about another aircraft that was allegedly having trouble in the skies over Montgomery County.

Dispatchers reported receiving multiple calls early Sunday afternoon about smoke coming from an aircraft flying in the area of Trero Lane outside of Willis.

DPS officials later confirmed there was no second aircraft down. Officials said they found a controlled burn near the airport.

Sproul 83K-16, N83KX: Accident occurred September 12, 2021 in Ryegate, Caledonia County, Vermont

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; Portland, Maine
Location: Ryegate, VT 
Accident Number: ERA21LA366
Date & Time: September 12, 2021, 09:27 Local
Registration: N83KX
Aircraft: SPROUL KEITH A 83K-16
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SPROUL KEITH A 
Registration: N83KX
Model/Series: 83K-16 
Aircraft Category: Balloon
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: KMPV,1121 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:51 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 19 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C /14°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots / 20 knots, 210°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.97 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

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: 44.187864,-72.151031 (est)

RYEGATE, Vermont — Federal transportation officials are investigating the crash of a hot-air balloon Sunday morning that had taken off from the Post Mills Airport.

Troopers were called to Farquharson Drive, which runs south of Route 302 in Ryegate, Vermont, around 8:30 a.m. and said the pilot and passenger were both uninjured.

Keith Sproul, 62, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, had taken off from the Post Mills Airport with passenger Olivia Miller, 20, of Tewskbury, Massachusetts and “attempted to slow the balloon by brushing the tops of trees,” according to a Vermont State Police news release.

The two-person “chariot-style” balloon had a bench seat, and when they made contact with the trees Sproul “was pushed forward from the seat and unable to control the balloon.” He then “talked Miller through landing the balloon into the trees which caused damage to the balloon, the news release said.

The Ryegate crash site is about 30 miles from the Post Mills Airport.

Both were evaluated by first responders at the scene and said they were uninjured. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

The Experimental Balloon and Airship Association was holding a meet this weekend at the Post Mills Airport, which was owned by the late Brian Boland, who was killed in Bradford, Vermont in July during a balloon crash near the Connecticut River. 


VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE

NEWS RELEASE  

CASE#: 21A405011     
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. J Lewis                             
STATION:  VSP St. Johnsbury                       
CONTACT#: 802-222-4680 

DATE/TIME: 9/12/2021 0830 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Farguharson Dr. Ryegate, Vermont

INCIDENT: Balloon Crash 

OPERATOR:   Keith Sproul

AGE: 62

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:  North Brunswick, New Jersey

PASSENGER: Olivia Miller

AGE: 20

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Tewksbury, Massachusetts
 
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On September 12th 2021 at approximately 0830 hours Troopers with the VT State Police responded to a balloon into the trees on Farguharson Dr. in Ryegate. Troopers arrived on scene and were advised the operator Keith Sproul and passenger Olivia Miller were uninjured. Troopers learned they had taken off from Post Mills Airport and were flying in the area of Farguharson Dr. in Ryegate when Sproul attempted to slow the balloon by brushing the tops of trees. The balloon was a 2 person chariot style with a bench seat and when they brushed the top of the trees Sproul was pushed forward from the seat and unable to control the balloon. Sproul talked Miller through landing the balloon into the trees which caused damage to the balloon. Both Sproul and Miller were evaluated by EMS and reported they were uninjured. This incident is being further investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.   

Cirrus SR22, N989HK: Incidents occurred September 10, 2021 and January 07, 2021

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Farmingdale, New York

September 10, 2021:  Aircraft landed long and crashed into a fence at East Hampton Airport (KHTO), Suffolk County, New York. 

Glacier Aircraft Leasing LLC


Date: 10-SEP-21
Time: 18:34:00Z
Regis#: N989HK
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SR22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: EAST HAMPTON
State: NEW YORK

Unhappy Landing

A first-time visitor to the East Hampton Airport had trouble landing his single-engine plane last Friday afternoon, crashing it through a security fence and onto Daniel's Hole Road. Police responded to the scene, blocking the road for some time, and the Federal Aviation Administration was contacted to investigate.

The skies were clear but the winds had kicked up by the time Jefferson McClane of Orlando, Fla., was attempting to land his Cirrus SR22, shortly before 3 p.m. According to a police report, both wings and the nose of the plane sustained damage, but there were no injuries to either the pilot or his passenger, who had taken off from a Norfolk, Va., airport at around 1 p.m.

Jim Brundige, the airport manager, said by email on Tuesday that "for some reason that has yet to be determined," the pilot was unable to make a full stop on the secondary runway, known as Runway 34.

"The physical damage does not appear to be significant," Mr. Brundige said. "The fenceposts are frangible. But with aircraft, the full extent of damage cannot be determined until there is a thorough mechanical inspection of the plane."

He said there were no fuel spills as a result of the accident. 





A small plane carrying a pilot and one passenger overshot the runway at East Hampton Airport on Friday afternoon, breaking through a wooden fence and coming to rest across Daniel’s Hole Road.

Jim Brundige, the airport’s director who was at the scene, said there were no injuries and the Cirrus SR22 was towed back to the hangar area.

Mr. Brundige said the plane was attempting to land on runway 34 when it got caught up in the gusty wind, and the pilot was unable to complete his landing safely.

The name of the pilot was not immediately available, although Mr. Brundige said the plane was from Orlando, Florida.

The East Hampton Fire Department responded to the scene, blocking off the road for about a half hour until the plane was towed back across the road and emergency vehicles cleared from the scene.


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

January 07, 2021:  Aircraft landed and veered off runway into the grass at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL), Orange County, Florida.

Glacier Aircraft Leasing LLC


Date: 07-JAN-21
Time: 16:46:00Z
Regis#: N989HK
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SR22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Robinson R22 Beta, N292DD: Fatal accident occurred September 10, 2021 in Mentone, Loving County, Texas

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; Lubbock, Texas

Concho Aviation LLC


Location: Mentone, TX
Accident Number: CEN21FA410
Date & Time: September 10, 2021, 09:00 Local
Registration: N292DD
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

On September 10, 2021, about 0900 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N292DD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mentone, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation (livestock gathering) flight.

The pilot departed the operator’s facility in Sterling City, Texas, about 0750. Ground support personnel arrived in the area about 0800. A witness observed the helicopter 6 times over the next 30 to 40 minutes. The wreckage was discovered about 0930 and local authorities were contacted. There were no known witnesses to the accident itself.

The accident site was located on a private ranch in an area of low scrub brush. The main wreckage was positioned about 50 ft from a set of power lines. The power line support poles extended to about 50 ft above ground level; the transmission lines were about 45 ft. agl. One power transmission line was separated and draped over the intact lines.

The helicopter sustained damage to the fuselage, tail boom and main rotor blades. The fuselage nose exhibited localized discoloration consistent with electrical arcing damage. Repetitive linear marks consistent with powerline contact were present aft of the arcing damage. The aft portion of the tail boom including the tail rotor assembly was separated and located near the main wreckage. Tail boom fragments in the area of the separation exhibited deformation and scuffing marks consistent with contact to a main rotor blade. Both main rotor blades and both tail rotor blades were damaged but remained secured to the respective rotor hubs.


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N292DD
Model/Series: R22 BETA
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
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: KINK,2807 ft msl
Observation Time: 08:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C /11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Sterling City, TX (PVT)
Destination: Mentone, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 31.855628,-103.49411 

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.

Jake Boney: Fatal accident occurred September 12, 2021 and Accident occurred September 03, 2020

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 Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania


Location: Rhine, GA
Accident Number: ERA21FA355
Date & Time: September 12, 2021, 09:30 Local
Registration: N390PE
Aircraft: AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8KCAB 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 12, 2021, about 0930 eastern daylight time, an American Champion Aircraft 8KCAB, N390PE, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rhine, Georgia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code
of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

A witness, who was a friend of the pilot reported that the pilot told him that he felt nauseous while practicing aerobatics earlier on the day of the accident. The pilot landed at a private airstrip and then subsequently departed to fly to a nearby field where the witness was located. While the witness was in the field, the pilot “buzzed” him and flew around for a second pass. During the second pass, the pilot descended the airplane below the tree line and started an aileron roll; however, about halfway through the roll the pilot stopped the maneuver, and the airplane flew straight into the trees at full engine power.

The airplane came to rest oriented on a magnetic heading 220° and all major components of the airplane were located at the accident site. The fuselage from the firewall to the empennage revealed accordion crush and impact damage. The instrument panel and cockpit were destroyed by impact damage. Both wings were separated from the fuselage, the horizontal stabilizers and vertical stabilizer remained attached to the empennage; however, they all displayed damage consistent with impact. Flight control continuity was observed from the flight control surfaces to the flight controls within the cockpit. Initial examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The propeller was splintered and broken. Fresh cuts consistent with propeller slash marks were noted on several trees at the accident site. The airplane was recovered for further examination. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
Registration: N390PE
Model/Series: 8KCAB
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: KEZM,303 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:30 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C /18°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.23 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Rhine, GA 
Destination: Rhine, GA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.000466,-83.179821 (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.


 Jake Boney


RHINE, Georgia — A sunflower field off of Highway 280 is where Sheriff Brian Robinson says Jake Boney took his final flight on Sunday night.

Robinson has been in office for almost a year now.

He says so far, a fatal plane crash from over the weekend is one of the toughest calls his crew has responded to.

Robinson says a friend identified the pilot as Jake Boney, a 30-year-old known widely in the area for flying his plane as well as a crop duster.

"I've known him since he was a child. He was an all-around good guy, he had way more friends than I probably will ever have, but he was just the type of person that he was charismatic, everyone wanted to be around him," he said. 

Robinson says hundreds of people showed up to the scene Sunday night, to comfort family.

He says Boney was involved in another crash last September in Hawkinsville.

"They just went through this last year about this time, he had a crash and he survived it. The family's reliving this and they're devastated."

Robinson says his office is cooperating with the FAA on their investigation. 


Jake Boney
~


RHINE, Georgia — The pilot killed in a plane crash in Dodge County late Sunday previously survived a crash in neighboring Pulaski County.

According to Dodge County Sheriff Brian Robinson, a single-engine plane crashed in a wooded area just outside of Rhine on Highway 280.

He identified the pilot as Jake Boney.

Boney crashed in Pulaski County almost a year ago to the day on September 3, 2020. In that crash, he was making a turn when the wing of his plane hit a tower.

Part of the tower came down and went down in a cotton field. He was airlifted from the scene.


Low Altitude Operation/Event: Ayres Thrush S2R-H80, N30529; accident  occurred September 03, 2020  in Hawkinsville,  Pulaski County,   Georgia














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; Atlanta, Georgia

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Dawson Brothers Spraying Service Inc


Location: Hawkinsville, Georgia
Accident Number: ERA20LA306
Date & Time: September 3, 2020, 08:46 Local
Registration: N30529
Aircraft: THRUSH S2R-H80 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial application
  
Analysis
  
The commercial pilot reported that, while spraying a field during his first agricultural application flight, he flew the airplane over the field east and west and was blinded by the sun. For the next application, he decided to fly north and south over the field, so the sun was not in his eyes. The airplane was operating normally, and he finished spraying the field. He remembered that he was supposed to spray another field to the east, but he could not remember anything after that. The airplane was found resting in the field. The airplane and a 150-ft-tall antenna tower located on the east edge of the field were substantially damaged, and a portion of the tower structure was found entangled with the right wing. The pilot was seriously injured. Review of astronomical data indicated that the sun at the time of the accident in relation to the tower location was almost due east. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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 from an antenna tower while maneuvering during an agricultural application flight while flying directly toward the sun.
  
Findings
  
Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Tower/antenna (incl guy wires) - Effect on operation
Environmental issues Glare - Effect on personnel

Factual Information
  
History of Flight
  
Maneuvering-low-alt flying Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)
  
Pilot Information
  
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 29,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: October 25, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: May 16, 2020
Flight Time: 2610 hours (Total, all aircraft), 200 hours (Total, this make and model), 2503 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 300 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 90 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)
  
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
  
Aircraft Make: THRUSH
Registration: N30529
Model/Series: S2R-H80
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special) 
Serial Number: H80-108
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 3, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 10500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 2884.99 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: General Electric
ELT: Not installed 
Engine Model/Series: H80-100
Registered Owner: R
ated Power: 800 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: K48A,270 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 08:55 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 45°
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: 260° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 35°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Hawkinsville, GA (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Hawkinsville, GA
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G
  
Wreckage and Impact Information
  
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.195278,-83.47583(est)

Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG, N2085Q: Fatal accident occurred September 12, 2021 near Lake Havasu City Airport (KHII), Mohave 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 traveled to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 
Textron - Cessna; Wichita, Kansas


Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Accident Number: WPR21FA340
Date & Time: September 12, 2021, 16:09 Local
Registration: N2085Q
Aircraft: Cessna 177RG 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 12, 2021, about 1609 mountain standard time, a Cessna 177RG, N2085Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lake Havasu Airport, Lake Havasu, Arizona. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot was planning on making a long cross-country to Reno, Nevada in the next several days and the purpose of the accident trip was for him to get fuel at Lake Havasu for the flight to Reno. The airplane was based in at Eagle Airpark in Bullhead City, Arizona and the pilot performed maintenance there earlier in the day including replacing the bushings on the nosewheel because he was experiencing a vibration on takeoff and landing. After finishing the maintenance, he departed about 1530 and landed at Lake Havasu about 1545. The pilot then purchased 24.8 gallons of fuel at the self-serve fuel tank which presumably topped-off the fuel tanks to full fuel onboard as he had intended.

Investigators reviewed video recordings, audio recordings, and flight track data covering the area of the accident during the time surrounding the accident using Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data. The airplane taxied to runway 14 and after performing a run-up, departed about 1608. Witnesses report that they observed the airplane
takeoff down the runway at a slow groundspeed and noted that the engine sounded rough as though it was making partial power. The airplane did not ascend as expected and veered to the right of the centerline reaching 100-150 feet agl. The ADB data shows the airplane accelerating down the runway up to a derived airspeed of 65 kts. 




The airplane then pitched up to a nose-high attitude and made an aggressive left bank consistent with pilot attempting to make 180-degree turn back to the runway. Witnesses observed the airplane’s wingspan turn nearly perpendicular to the horizon and then stall with the left wing dropping toward terrain.



At an undetermined time during the takeoff, the pilot made a transmission on the airport common frequency where he stated, “Lake Havasu traffic Cardinal 2085Q making a uh…” The next transmission was less than a second and all that could be heard is a high-pitch tone akin to a stall-warning horn.

The accident site was located in the desert terrain about 830 ft from the end of runway 14 at an elevation of 790 feel msl. In character, the terrain was composed of dry, soft dirt with sparse brush. The wreckage was found distributed over a 200 ft distance on a median magnetic bearing of about 60°. The main wreckage consisted of a majority of the airframe and engine, which had been consumed by fire with the exception of the right wing. The first identified points of contact consisted of disrupted dirt on the flat desert terrain making up the far east-southeast end of the debris field. The markings started as an indentation dirt with shards of red lens fragments imbedded within the soil consistent with the left-wing tip impacting first. The crater was continuous toward the main wreckage with the end of the crater having blue/green lens fragments imbedded. A larger center indentation was found in between the red lens fragments and the green/blue lens fragments and had a large arc-shaped disruption of dirt consistent with a rotating propeller blade.


As part of the post-accident examination, a majority of the engine and its respective components were completely disassembled. In pertinent part, the Nos. 1 and 4 top compression piston-rings were fragmented. On all the piston skirts there was evidence of corrosion and wear with light scuffs/grooves oriented from the base to the crowns. There was additionally evidence of blow-by with heat signatures on the piston skirts on all cylinders, but the least damage was on the No. 3 cylinder.



Separation of the crankcase halves revealed that there was severe spalling on the faces of all the intake lifters and the No. 3 exhaust lifter; there was also evidence of galling noted. On the remaining lifters there was evidence of wear with a circular pattern and pitting.  The camshaft revealed signatures of excessive wear on the cam lobes including rounding of the lobes, pitting and material deformation observed on the lobes. 



The lifter on the No. 4 exhaust valve had a tear in the base of the body, consistent with contact with the hydraulic socket; the pushrods did not show evidence of being bent. The bearings showed light wear and the crankshaft had light rotational scoring.

The pilot’s spouse stated that the pilot did a majority of his own maintenance and that he regularly flew the airplane since they purchased it in 2013. A review of the logbook revealed that the airplane had a total time of 3,487.3 hours and the engine had 1,219.4 hours since it was remanufactured at Lycoming.

The logbooks showed that the camshaft and lifters were replaced with new parts in December 2004, equating to 682 hours prior to the accident. The logbook indicated that the No. 1 cylinder was replaced with an overhauled assembly in March 2020, equating to 75.1 hours prior to the accident. The last recorded oil change was at the last annual inspection recorded as being completed on July 16, 2021, 25.7 hours prior the accident.

The pilot had sent samples of the engine oil for Spectrometer analysis on multiple occasions, the most recent of which was September 09, 2021 at an engine time of 1,216.7 hours equating to 3 days prior to the accident or 2.7 flight hours. The sample had not been run before the accident occurred; in pertinent part, it showed elevated levels of Aluminum, Chromium, Iron, Silicon and Nickel.

On the report prior to the most recent, taken in September 2019, the laboratory commented that there was elevated levels of metal. The report stated that if work had not been done recently on the engine, the amount of aluminum, chrome, and iron would indicate piston, ring, and steel wear. The analysis further stated that there was “even enough chrome to show a ring problem.”


Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N2085Q
Model/Series: 177RG
Aircraft Category: Airplane
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: KEED,914 ft msl
Observation Time: 15:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 44°C /4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots / , 190°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.77 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Destination: Bullhead City, AZ (A09)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 34.557952,-114.34983

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.

Gary L. Van Dyke
~

A pilot is dead this week after his single-engine aircraft crashed while taking off from Lake Havasu Municipal Airport on Sunday.

Federal Aviation Administration records show that the plane was registered to Gary L. Van Dyke, of Alvin, Texas. Van Dyke is identified on LinkedIn as a former corporate regional manager, and retired almost two years ago. A social media post Monday from Van Dyke’s sister, Lora Van Dyke, appeared to confirm that Van Dyke was the sole victim in Sunday’s crash.

According to flight-recording website Flightaware.com, the Cessna 177RG aircraft departed from the Needles area at 3:34 p.m. Sunday, and landed at Havasu Municipal Airport at 3:45 p.m. The crash was reported shortly after 4 p.m., when the plane went down over the desert area south of the airport, about 75 yards from Wheelan Drive.

Lake Havasu City officials said on Sunday that the plane was fully engulfed in flames when emergency first responders arrived. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within minutes, but the aircraft was entirely destroyed and its occupant was deceased.

Federal officials were notified of the crash on Sunday, and have been dispatched to the scene.