Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Piper PA-24-260 Comanche B, N9126P: Fatal accident occurred October 13, 2021 near Blairsville Airport (KDZJ), Union County, Georgia

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 
Piper Aircraft; Vero Beach, Florida 
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

Mike Collins & Associates


Location: Blairsville, GA
Accident Number: ERA22FA014
Date & Time: October 13, 2021, 08:16 Local
Registration: N9126P
Aircraft: Piper PA-24-260 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 13, 2021, about 0816 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260, N9126P, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Blairsville, Georgia. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The instrument-rated pilot, who owned the airplane, filed an instrument flight rules flight plan from Blairsville Airport (DZJ) to Sebring Regional Airport (SEF), Sebring, Florida. According to preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data, the pilot took off on runway 8 about 0815 and immediately commenced a left turn to the northwest to a heading of about 300° at which point the airplane began a right turn before the ADS-B data ended. The airplane impacted trees and terrain on a heading of 090° about 1.5 nautical miles north of the departure end of runway 8.

Takeoff minimums and obstacle departure procedures for DZJ (an uncontrolled airport) required pilots to climb in visual conditions to cross the airport at or above 4,500 ft msl before proceeding on course. Weather minimums for the climb in visual conditions were 2,700 ft ceiling and 3 miles visibility. The DZJ weather at 0815 included a ceiling of 200 ft overcast with ¼ mile visibility in fog. Witnesses and first responders reported heavy fog conditions at the accident site.

Initial examination of the accident site and wreckage revealed that all major structural components of the airplane were accounted for. The airplane struck trees before colliding with terrain on the banks of Nottely Lake. The measured descent angle from the tree breaks to the initial impact crater was 22°.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N9126P
Model/Series: PA-24-260 
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: IMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDZJ,1909 ft msl 
Observation Time: 08:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /14°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 100°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 200 ft AGL 
Visibility: 0.25 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Blairsville, GA 
Destination: Sebring, FL (SEF)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.88107,-83.99402 (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.

Michael J. Collins


Collins was 71 years old and is survived by his wife, Kym.

Michael Collins, a former South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board member, has died after his plane crashed Wednesday morning in Georgia.

Collins took off in heavy fog to head back to Florida and was the only person on board. Police say the plane clipped several trees on its way down before crashing, though authorities have not yet directly tied the foggy conditions to the crash.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush appointed Collins to the SFWMD Governing Board, which helps set water policy in 16 counties across the southern portion of Florida. Collins was sworn in as a member in 1999 and served on the body for just over a decade.

After his time with the water district, Collins created the Water Resources Advisory Council (WRAC) to help guide the water management district on water issues and increase public participation in the policy decision-making process. Collins remained active in water policy discussions in the years after he left the SFWMD Governing Board, writing several pieces responding to ongoing policy debates.

Collins was also a former Wall Street banker who then worked as a fishing guide in Islamorada and led the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association.

Additional reporting on the crash from North Georgia News says Collins flew from Florida Tuesday into the Blairsville Municipal Airport. Collins hails from Islamorada in the Keys, though he also owned a home in Morganton, Georgia, near Georgia’s northern border.

Collins was flying near Lake Nottely on his way home to Florida when the plane went down, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Multiple witnesses say they heard the crash before calling it in shortly after 8 a.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the precise cause of the crash.

Collins was 71 years old. He is survived by his wife, Kym.



Michael J. Collins, 71, has been identified as the pilot who died in the Oct. 13 morning plane crash on the shores of Lake Nottely, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. 

Next of kin have been notified. 

Collins is from Islamorada, Florida, and owns a home in Morganton, where he had been staying for the summer.

He had just taken off from the Blairsville Municipal Airport on a business trip to Florida when the crash occurred, roughly a quarter after 8 a.m. Wednesday about 2 miles north of the airport, according to the Sheriff’s Office. 

Multiple witnesses reported hearing the crash, including a homebuilder inside The Grove at Highland Park who was working outside at the time, according to the Sheriff’s Office. 

The homebuilder said the plane flew directly over his position, and though it was too foggy for him to see the accident, he heard the plane’s engine sputtering before it impacted several trees and then the bank of a nearby cove on Lake Nottely, according to the Sheriff’s Office. 

Witnesses called the accident in to 911 at 8:17 a.m., not long after sunrise. 

A heavy fog blanketed Blairsville that morning, though it is too early to say what role, if any, the fog played in the accident, especially considering witness reports that the airplane appeared to be experiencing some sort of mechanical issue immediately preceding the crash. 

The cause of the crash is currently being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Robinson R44 Raven II, N555EL: Accident occurred October 10, 2021 in Palmer, Alaska

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

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Pollux Aviation Ltd


Location: Palmer, AK
Accident Number: ANC22LA001
Date & Time: October 10, 2021, 13:20 Local
Registration: N555EL
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled - Sightseeing

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N555EL
Model/Series: R44 II 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133), Commuter air carrier (135), Agricultural aircraft (137)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAAQ,230 ft msl 
Observation Time: 00:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 4°C /3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 70°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2500 ft AGL 
Visibility: 7 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.69 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Palmer, AK
Destination: Palmer, AK

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude: 61.40406,-148.60457 (est)

Stinson 108, N677JD: Accident occurred October 08, 2021 in Wildwood, Lonoke County, Arkansas

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; Little Rock, Arkansas


Location: Wildwood, AR 
Accident Number: CEN22LA012
Date & Time: October 8, 2021, 13:25 Local
Registration: N677JD
Aircraft: Stinson 108 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 8, 2021, about 1325 central daylight time, a Stinson 108 airplane, N677JD, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Wildwood, Arkansas. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to a family member of the pilot, he reported that the fuel tanks had been topped off before the flight from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Searcy, Arkansas. While enroute, and about 10 minutes after switching fuel tanks, the engine began to sputter and subsequently lost all power. During a forced landing to a golf course, the airplane impacted a tree, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.

A post-accident examination is pending.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Stinson 
Registration: N677JD
Model/Series: 108
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: KLRF,311 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C /15°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 220°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Arkadelphia, AR
Destination: Searcy, AR

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: 35.017152,-92.070303 


Dragonfly Mark IIH, N186JB: Accident occurred October 10, 2021 at Camarillo Airport (KCMA), Ventura County, California







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

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 
Location: Camarillo, CA
Accident Number: WPR22LA006
Date & Time: October 10, 2021, 10:30 Local
Registration: N186JB
Aircraft: BEVILACQUA JEFFREY L DRAGONFLY MKIIH 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEVILACQUA JEFFREY L 
Registration: N186JB
Model/Series: DRAGONFLY MKIIH 
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: 
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: Camarillo, CA 
Destination: Camarillo, CA

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: 34.21375,-119.09436 (est)

Schweizer SGS 2-32 , N87R: Accident occurred October 09, 2021 in Hollister, San Benito County, California













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

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Hollister Soaring Center LLC


Location: Hollister, California
Accident Number: WPR22LA007
Date and Time: October 9, 2021, 14:45 Local 
Registration: N87R
Aircraft: Schweizer SGS 2-32
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Schweizer
Registration: N87R
Model/Series: SGS 2-32
Aircraft Category: Glider
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

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

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 36.893347,-121.41027 (est)

Beech B36TC Bonanza, N7220B: Accident occurred October 09, 2021 near Los Banos Municipal Airport (KLSN), Merced County, California

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

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fresno, California Location: Los Banos, California
Accident Number: WPR22LA005
Date and Time: October 8, 2021, 19:00 Local Registration: N7220B
Aircraft: Beech B36TC Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted
Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 8, 2021, about 1900 Pacific daylight time, a Beech B36TC airplane, N7220B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Los Banos, California. 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 he flew to Paso Robles Municipal Airport (PRB), Paso Robles, California, where he refueled and was on his return flight to Gnoss Field Airport (DVO), Novato, California. He was about 10,000 ft mean sea level, when the engine lost oil pressure and the manifold pressure dropped. He immediately diverted to Los Banos Municipal Airport (LSN), Los Banos, California.
While in the descent to LSN, the engine momentarily produced partial power, but then serious vibrations were experienced and subsequently the engine lost all power. During this time, the cockpit filled with smoke and fire, and sparks were observed emanating from the engine cowling.

The pilot attempted to make the runway but then elected to conduct a forced landing on a road near the approach end of runway. The pilot opined that he struck an object during the landing roll which resulted in substantial damage to the wings.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for future examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N7220B
Model/Series: B36TC 
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: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCVH,237 ft msl
Observation Time: 19:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 28 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 5000 ft AGL 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / 14 knots, 230°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Paso Robles, CA (PRB)
Destination: Novato, CA (DVO)

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: 37.042261,-120.86175 (est)

CZAW SportCruiser, N107BK: Incident occurred October 09, 2021 at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO), California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles, California

Aircraft struck a runway sign after landing damaging the wing.  

Santa Monica Flyers


Date: 09-OCT-21
Time: 16:35:00Z
Regis#: N107BK
Aircraft Make: CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT
Aircraft Model: SPORTCRUISER
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SANTA MONICA
State: CALIFORNIA

Slepcev Storch, N156BP: Incident occurred October 10, 2021 at Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL), Orange County, California

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

Aircraft landed Runway 24 and the main landing gear collapsed. 


Date: 10-OCT-21
Time: 18:44:00Z
Regis#: N156BP
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: STORCH
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: FULLERTON
State: CALIFORNIA

Tucano Replica, N929XR: Incident occurred October 11, 2021 at San Gabriel Valley Airport (KEMT), El Monte, California

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

Aircraft experienced an engine failure while on approach to Runway 19 and landed in a river wash parallel to the airport. 


Date: 11-OCT-21
Time: 00:08:00Z
Regis#: N929XR
Aircraft Make: EXPERIMENTAL
Aircraft Model: TUCANO REPLICA
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EMERGENCY DESCENT (EMG)
Operation: 91
City: EL MONTE
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 150G, N6305S: Incident occurred October 09, 2021 in Ellicott, El Paso County, Colorado

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Aircraft lost power and safely landed on a road.  


Date: 09-OCT-21
Time: 17:50:00Z
Regis#: N6305S
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 150G
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EMERGENCY DESCENT (EMG)
Operation: 91
City: ELLICOTT
State: COLORADO

Cessna 172 Skyhawk, N8592B: Accident occurred October 09, 2021 at Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport (KTBR), Georgia

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; Atlanta, Georgia 

Aero Davis LLC


Location: Statesboro, GA 
Accident Number: ERA22LA022
Date & Time: October 9, 2021, 18:30 Local 
Registration: N8592B
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8592B
Model/Series: 172
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: TBR,187 ft msl 
Observation Time: 18:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C /19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 30°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Savannah, GA (SAV)
Destination: Statesboro, GA

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: 32.48275,-81.736944 (est)

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N683H: Incident occurred October 12, 2021 at Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH), Carbondale, Jackson County, Illinois

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Springfield, Illinois

Aircraft experienced a tail strike on landing shearing off the eyebolt. 

Southern Illinois University


Date: 12-OCT-21
Time: 15:15:00Z
Regis#: N683H
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172S
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
City: CARBONDALE
State: ILLINOIS

Cessna 180H, N926LL: Accident occurred October 12, 2021 at Glacier Park International Airport (KGPI), Kalispell, Montana

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; Helena, Montana


Location: Kalispell, Montana
Accident Number: WPR22LA016
Date and Time: October 12, 2021, 13:00 Local 
Registration: N926LL
Aircraft: Cessna 180H 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 12, 2021, about 1300 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180 airplane, N926LL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell, Montana. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, she landed the tailwheel equipped airplane on runway 02. Upon touchdown of the main landing wheels, the airplane “abruptly and without warning, veered to the right, skipped a couple of times and departed the runway.” She stated that the airplane was in line with the runway and that she was on her desired approach speed. The pilot was uncertain if a mechanical failure of anomaly had occurred that would have precluded normal operation.

The airplane came to rest upright adjacent to the runway. The left wing and aileron exhibited a sharp bend upwards from the tip to about 30 inches inboard. The right wing strut buckled. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N926LL
Model/Series: 180H 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGPI,2973 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C /-8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 80°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

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: 48.177404,-114.30419

Piper PA-28-181, N812ND: Incident occurred October 12, 2021 in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fargo, North Dakota

Aircraft struck a bird resulting in a small dent. 

University of North Dakota


Date: 12-OCT-21
Time: 01:10:00Z
Regis#: N812ND
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA-28-181
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
City: GRAND FORKS
State: NORTH DAKOTA

Piper PA-28-180, N5189S: Incidents occurred October 12, 2021 and September 30, 2021 at John C. Tune Airport (KJWN), Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

October 12, 2021:   Aircraft was taxiing and hit a utility box. 


Date: 12-OCT-21
Time: 19:15:00Z
Regis#: N5189S
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: NASHVILLE
State: TENNESSEE

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

September 30, 2021:  Aircraft experienced a propeller strike during taxi. 


Date: 30-SEP-21
Time: 17:04:00Z
Regis#: N5189S
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA-28-180
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: NASHVILLE
State: TENNESSEE

Glasair GlaStar, N628RS: Fatal accident occurred October 12, 2021 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

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

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 


Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Accident Number: CEN22FA013
Date and Time: October 12, 2021, 09:30 Local 
Registration: N628RS
Aircraft: RANDAL C REIMER GLASTAR 
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 12, 2021, about 0930 central daylight time, a Glasair GlaStar airplane, N628RS, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Waukesha, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to information obtained by investigators, the airplane departed the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport (KMWC), about 0915, and was enroute to the Salina Regional Airport (KSLN), Salina, Kansas. 

The pilot had received clearance for a special visual flight rules (SVFR) departure with the restriction that he maintained an altitude at or below 2,300 ft mean sea level. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed the flight as it proceeded to the southwest, then it made a tight left turn. 

The airplane collided with a tree and traveled about 200 ft before it impacted down sloping terrain. The wreckage path continued 90 ft toward a slight ravine then up an embankment. Both wings separated from the airplane and were found in the debris path near the ravine.

The main wreckage, which consisted of the fuselage and empennage, continued another 200 ft and came to rest against trees. The engine separated and came to rest 58 ft past the main wreckage. The propeller was sheared from the propeller flange and was found near the main wreckage. The accident debris was generally aligned on a 134° heading.

All major airplane components were accounted for at the accident site. Flight control cables were traced and were fractured in multiple locations with evidence of tension overload. Elevator and rudder cables were cut during the recovery process. At least 5 gallons of fuel was found in the left tank and the right tank was breached with a slight odor of fuel in the area.

At 0845, an automated weather reporting facility at the departure airport (KMWC), reported 10 miles visibility and an overcast ceiling at 900 ft above ground level (AGL).

At 0945, an automated weather reporting facility at Waukesha County Airport (KUES), Waukesha, Wisconsin, reported 5 miles visibility with mist and an overcast ceiling at 400 ft AGL.

The wreckage has been retained for further examination.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: RANDAL C REIMER
Registration: N628RS
Model/Series: GLASTAR 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: IMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KUES,911 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:45 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C /15°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 270°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 400 ft AGL
Visibility: 5 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.83 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Departure Point: Milwaukee, WI (KMWC)
Destination: Salina, KS (KSLN)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 42.936229,-88.230919 (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. 

Randal C. & Susan M. Reimer
~


Albuquerque - Randy Reimer, 74, and Susie (nee Stock) Reimer, 70, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 in an accident. They had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June. Randy, a 1965 Sussex Hamilton High School graduate, served in the Air Force until honorably discharged. Susie, a 1969 graduate of Menomonee Falls High School, attended Wisconsin - LaCrosse. Randy & Susie met at a square dance party, a theme that would dominate a large part of their lives, as they were long time members of the Falls Promenaders Square Dance Club, with Randy serving as President for a time. Randy was a long-time electrician for Kearney & Trecker, Giddings & Lewis and Maintenance Service Corporation. Susie could be described as an entrepreneur, as she was the owner of Susie's Works of Heart crafts. After retiring from Menomonee Falls, Randy completed his lifelong goal of building his own airplane. They quickly became active in the Albuquerque community by joining EAA Chapter 179, the Lions Club and Sagebrush Church. In addition, they hosted a countless number of children in the EAA Young Eagles. Randy will be remembered for his quick smile and bad jokes. Susie will be remembered for her baking ability, spoiling her grandchildren and pretending to laugh at Randy's bad jokes.

They were preceeded in death by their parents Ralph & Margaret Reimer and Fred & Alice Stock, along with Susie's sisters Janet Stock and Cathy Bresson. They are survived by their children Matthew (Kristi), Andrew (Rebecca) & Erin (Eric) Place, along with grandchildren Keegan, Isaac, Elizabeth, Kayla, Ryan, Zeke, Emily, Lois-Anna & Ava. They are survived by siblings Ralph (Carolyn) Reimer, Ron (Vickie) Reimer, Rachel (Brad) Bares, Bob (Dianna) Stock, Bill Stock, Ron (Diane) Stock and brother-in-law Mark Bresson. In addition to a countless number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews & nieces.

Visitation will be Saturday October 30, 2021 at Spring Creek Church, N35 W22000 W. Capitol Dr. in Pewaukee, from 11am until the memorial service at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to EAA Chapter 179, P.O. Box 3583, Albuquerque, NM 87190 or donate online at www.eaa179.org.



WAUKESHA, Wisconsin  — Two people died when a small plane crashed in the village of Waukesha Tuesday morning.

It happened about 9:40 a.m. on Red Wing Drive.

Family of the couple identified them as Randy and Susie Reimer.

They told WISN 12 they were flying home from a family wedding.

"My dad spent three and a half years building that (plane). It was his pride and joy," said Matthew Reimer, the couple's son. "When they retired from living in Menomonee Falls and moved out to Albuquerque, first thing he did was move by the kids so he could build his own airplane."

Reimer said his parents were in Waukesha for his cousin's wedding on Saturday.

"They were trying to fly home," Reimer said.

Reimer said he was also at the wedding and said he remembers his parents buying gifts for his cousin's wedding.

He said his father likely had the plane for about five years and was considered a good pilot.

Reimer said he was shocked to hear the plane crashed.

Officials said the cause of the crash was still under investigation.

Reimer said his parents were adventurous and fun-loving people.

"Just anger at this point," Reimer said, when talking about how he was feeling. "That they died in such a senseless way."




WAUKESHA, Wisconsin — Both occupants of a small aircraft that crashed in the Village of Waukesha Tuesday have been pronounced dead by authorities.

Family identified the victims as 74-year-old Randy and 70-year-old Susie Reimer. They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Investigators don’t know at this point what caused the crash. Family tells us they were headed home to New Mexico after visiting family in Wisconsin.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that first responders were called to the area around 9:41 a.m. regarding reports of a loud noise and possible debris.

The Milwaukee Approach Control Tower also reported that they had lost both radio and radar communication with an airplane.

Deputies searched the area and found the plane in a wooded area south of Redwing Drive. There they confirmed the deaths of the pilot and passenger of the plane. No one else was injured in the crash, the sheriff's office said.



TMJ4 News has learned from records that the plane was a fixed-wing, single-engine Glastar with two seats. It was an amateur build, with the pilot assembling most of the plane.

The plane's last flight was from New Mexico to Texas, and from Texas to Kansas City. The plane was heading to Salina, Kansas when it went down in Waukesha County.

TMJ4 News spoke with pilot Dick Knapinski, who says the plane has a good safety record. “A very stable design, a very sturdy design, lot of them out there that have been built and flying successfully,” said Knapinski.


David Eicher has lived in the village of Waukesha and in this specific neighborhood for 30 years.

He was at home on his computer, writing an article, when he was startled.

"I was having an ordinary morning, working on stories about space, and heard what I thought was a strange thump," Eicher said. "I thought of a heavy truck slamming or even a truck crash, but there was no evidence of that."

Eicher said it wasn't until he came outside and asked the deputies what was going on that he learned a small plane had crashed.

​"Across the street on my side of the street, a couple houses down, there appears to be a little part of fuselage," Eicher said. "It's shocking and horrible and very sad day for the township here, and the families involved."

Eicher told us he often hears small aircraft going over his home, but he never thought anything to this magnitude could happen.

The incident is being investigated by the National Traffic Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.

The NTSB's online database shows the board has investigated 21 aviation accidents in Wisconsin this year - four of which were fatal.

The sheriff's office was assisted by the Village of Big Bend Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Villages of Waukesha and Vernon Fire Departments.



TMJ4 News has obtained the recorded conversation between pilot Randy Reimer and air traffic control (ATC).

The first two minutes are of the pilot and ATC checking in with each other.

Soon after, Reimer tells ATC "to hang on a second" as his audio keeps going in and out. He was trying to tell them where he was flying to.

ATC then tells him "We can barely hear you." He keeps asking the pilot where he is.

Reimer eventually says, "I can hear you now."

About a minute later, Reimer tells ATC, "We've got to climb. I hope to get above the clouds."

Reimer then tells ATC, "My destination is Selena, Kansas." This would be the last they hear from him.

Right after, ATC asks him if he's going to be able to reach his destination. He says something like "or do you need to," but then it cuts out and says something inaudible.

Almost four minutes into the recording, the ATC says, "Radar contact has been lost."

The ATC asks another dispatcher to try to contact the plane or see if they can see him on the radar.

The other ATC tells the original ATC, "They haven't responded."


WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) --Federal investigators are looking into the reason why a small plane went down in Waukesha Tuesday, Oct. 12, killing both people on board.

It happened around 9:30 a.m. near Highway 164 and Red Wing Dr. 

The Glasair GlaStar took off from Timmerman Airport Tuesday morning en route for Salina, Kansas. Family say the owner, 74-year-old Randy Reimer, built it himself.

Just 11 minutes into the flight, Milwaukee's control tower notified Waukesha County they had lost communication with the plane. 

That's when neighbors along Red Wing Drive heard a loud bang.

"We heard this kind of a screeching, whirling noise first and then a big bang, that to me sounded like a car accident, a truck hitting a tree or something else," said Bruce Rahlf, neighbor.

"A thump overlaying with a sort of a metallic, just instantly it kind of reminded me if somebody had sort of a panel truck and they slammed the metal door on the back down really hard," said neighbor David Eicher.

Eicher took us to his neighbor's house. The plane came dangerously close to hitting it, clipping a tree in their front yard.

"That is a complete surprise to me. Wow! And that explains some of the fuselage damage here.  If this plane had gone into one of these houses, it would've been worse yet, and so thankfully that didn't happen," said Eicher.

Deputies saturated the area and located the airplane in a wooded area. The two occupants aboard the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene.

Family say Randy Reimer and his wife Susie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June. 

They'd been in town for a wedding and were headed home. Both are being remembered by neighbors here who are extremely thankful for whatever the pilot did to avoid hitting these homes.

No other citizens were injured in the area. 

"Another 20 feet, he would've hit the house. I don't know what the pilot was trying to do, if he was trying to land it in the field, stay away from the houses," said Rahlf.

Family say flying was Randy Reimer's passion. They don't know what could have gone wrong.

The National Transportation Safety Board will have representatives in the area Wednesday, sifting through the wreckage and looking for clues as to what happened.