Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Beechcraft D55 Baron, N44DC: Accident occurred December 21, 2021 near Marion County – Rankin Fite Airport (KHAB), Hamilton, Alabama

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; Birmingham, Alabama

GTA Air Inc


Location: Hamilton, Alabama
Accident Number: ERA22LA092
Date and Time: December 21, 2021, 20:20 UTC 
Registration: N44DC
Aircraft: Beech D55 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Positioning

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N44DC
Model/Series: D55
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter air carrier (135)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: K1M4,932 ft msl 
Observation Time: 14:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 23 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C /3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 350°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 8500 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Memphis, TN (MEM)
Destination: Hamilton, AL

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: 34.093752,-88.00355 (est)

MARION COUNTY, Alabama — An investigation is underway in northwest Alabama after a small plane crashed Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration said a Beechcraft D55 Baron crashed into a field south of Marion County-Rankin Fite Airport around 2:20 p.m. Tuesday. The Marion County EMA said the crash site is near Exit 14 outside of Hamilton.

The pilot was the only person onboard and was taken to the hospital in unknown condition.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, N1116N and Dudek Paragliders Solo 21, Unregistered: Fatal accident occurred December 21, 2021 in Fulshear, Fort Bend 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 Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas 
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas 
Martinaire Aviation LLC; Addison, Texas

Aero Leasing

Martinaire Aviation LLC


Location: Fulshear, Texas
Accident Number: CEN22FA081
Date and Time: December 21, 2021, 09:26 Local
Registration: N1116N (A1); UNREGISTERED (A2) Aircraft: Cessna 208 (A1); Dudek Paragliders Solo 21 (A2) 
Injuries: 1 Fatal (A1); 1 Fatal (A2)
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi and commuter - Non-scheduled (A1); Part 103: Ultralight (A2)

On December 21, 2021, about 0926 central standard time, a Cessna 208B airplane, N1116N, collided with a powered paraglider while inflight near Fulshear, Texas. The pilot of the Cessna 208B and the individual flying the powered paraglider were fatally injured. The Cessna 208B was destroyed and the powered paraglider sustained substantial damage. The Cessna 208B was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 cargo flight, and the powered paraglider was operated as a Title 14 CFR part 103 personal flight.

According to air traffic control data, at 0910, the Cessna 208B departed George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas, on runway 26R and then flew to the southwest toward Victoria Regional Airport (VCT), Victoria, Texas. At 0917:53, the pilot of the Cessna 208B was cleared to climb and maintain 5,000 ft mean sea level (msl). At 0924:08, the Cessna 208B pilot asked the controller, “…
confirm you wanted me at five thousand opposite direction traffic.” The controller replied that he wanted the Cessna 20B to remain at 5,000 ft msl, but to expect a higher altitude soon.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data that was transmitted from the Cessna 208B to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control (ATC), between 0925:31 and 0925:34, the Cessna 208B departed level flight at 5,000 ft msl and entered a rapidly increasing descent. The final ADS-B track data was recorded at 0925:34 at 4,725 ft msl and about ½ mile northeast of the Cessna 208B main wreckage site. The final ADS-B data return had a descent rate of 8,960 ft/min.

The powered paraglider was not equipped with a transponder or ADS-B equipment, and as such the powered paraglider’s position was not displayed on the air traffic controller’s display. A review of the source radar data indicated that there were numerous primary returns near where the Cessna 208B departed level flight and ADS-B data was lost. However, these primary returns were not displayed on
the controller’s display nor would they have a reported altitude.

An onsite examination revealed that the outboard 10 ft of the Cessna 208B right wing had separated inflight and was located on the ground about ½ mile east-southeast of the main Cessna 208B wreckage. 

The leading edge of the right wing exhibited a semicircular impact impression that measured about 5 ft wide and about 36 inches deep. There were remnants of fabric consistent with the jacket that the individual flying the powered paraglider was wearing found within the semicircular impression.

The Cessna 208B impacted terrain at a high vertical speed in a steep nose down and inverted attitude. The wreckage was oriented on a magnetic heading of about 332°. The Cessna 208B wreckage was highly fragmented and the impact crater was about 10 ft deep. Flight control continuity could not be established due to fragmentation and soil embedment; however, all flight control cable separations were consistent with tensile overload. The engine and propeller were located at the base of the impact crater. All three propeller blades had separated from the hub and exhibited leading edge gouging and chordwise scoring. Two of the propeller blades exhibited S-shape bending.

The individual flying the powered paraglider and the paraglider’s engine were found about 0.7 mile east-northeast of the Cessna 208B main wreckage. The individual and the paraglider engine had separated from the seat harness. The paraglider airfoil and harness were located about 3.9 miles south of the Cessna 208B main wreckage. The paraglider harness exhibited tearing and impact damage. The
paraglider airfoil remained intact with minor tearing of the lower airfoil surface. The emergency parachute was found deployed, with no evidence of damage.

There were two video devices recovered near the body of the powered paraglider pilot, which were submitted to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for possible data download.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information (A1)

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1116N
Model/Series: 208 B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter air carrier (135)
Operator Designator Code:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information (A2)

Aircraft Make: Dudek Paragliders
Registration: UNREGISTERED 
Model/Series: Solo 21 
Aircraft Category: Ultralight
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: TME,168 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C /7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 50°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 6 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information (A1)

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 29.650019,-95.950949

Wreckage and Impact Information (A2)

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 29.650019,-95.950949

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.


Robert S. Gruss
Algonquin, Illinois
May 16, 1986 - December 21, 2021
~

Robert S. Gruss, 35, of San Antonio, TX passed away on December 21, 2021 he was born May 16, 1986 in Elgin, IL. He was a graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelors of Science in Flight Education and was an avid pilot and flight instructor.

Survived by his wife Kelli Gruss, his father Bob Gruss and stepmother Lauren Gruss, his mother Mary Seifert.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Bruno and Dorothy Gruss, and uncle Ron Gruss.  

Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday January 8, 2021 at Wait Ross Allanson Funeral and Cremation Services, 201 S. Main St, Algonquin, IL. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of services.

Kenneth Joel "Joey" Tuttle, Jr.
~


KENNETH JOEL "JOEY" TUTTLE, JR.
December 18, 1970 - December 21, 2021

Kenneth Joel “Joey” Tuttle, Jr., native Texan born in Austin, resident of Houston area most of his life, most recently living in his dream home in Fulshear, married to Lisa of 19 years, his beautiful wife, and the father of Zachary, big brother to Emilie (Allan Hill) and little brother to Jeani (Kermit Hughes), dearest son, funny brother-in-law, devoted nephew, loyal cousin, one-of-a kind uncle, and special friend to so many.  He is preceded in death by Kenneth Tuttle, Sr. and survived by his mother Ruby Gentry and her husband James Earl Gentry.

Joey graduated from Sweetwater Christian School in 1989, then served in the US Army as an Intelligence Analyst until 1995. He learned many trades throughout his lifetime beginning with construction, working with his father. Ultimately, his path led him to SLI Group where he has worked in architectural design for 25+ years, which was a dream of his from the age of 13.

Joey was a self-taught present-day inventor, designer, craftsman, tradesman, and woodworker mastering every task that he set out to learn. His love for the outdoors and quest for adventure was a part of who he was. His first and foremost love was doing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his talents.  God gave Joey talents that he used for God’s glory.  No matter the task, he used his knowledge, skills and his heart to shine for the Lord.

Whenever Joey looked at the world around him, he decided that God gave him the creation for a reason, a purpose and for a desire to learn more so he could share more.

Among all of his accomplishments, his greatest was his family, loving his beautiful wife Lisa, and being The #1 Best Dad to his son, Zachary. Joey cherished his Family Time more than anything.  His sanctuary was his home.  He loved working in his shop.

Joey served The Lord at River Bend Baptist Church because he loved the Lord.  "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28  

God gave Joey the insight into reasons why things happen that some people can never understand.  A profound “Joeyism” is “Not everyone God places in your path is for your benefit, sometimes it’s for theirs.”

Services will be held at River Bend Baptist Church Thursday, December 30, 2021 located at 27600 FM 1093, Fulshear, TX 77441.  Reception will begin at 1 p.m. with services immediately following.  All donations may be made in Joey Tuttle’s name to River Bend Baptist Church https://riverbendbc.org/give/ or by mail.



Robert Gruss
~
 

FULSHEAR, Texas - The two people who died in a midair collision involving a small plane and a paraglider in Fort Bend County have been identified.

The pilot of the small plane was identified as 35-year-old Robert Steven Gruss, and the paraglider was identified as 51-year-old Kenneth Tuttle, according to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

According to the FAA, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed south of Fulshear around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday after colliding in midair with a paraglider.

The Cessna was flying from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Victoria Regional Airport.

The FAA says one person was onboard each aircraft.




FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Investigators and crews are working to find out what led to the mid-air collision Tuesday morning between a Cessna cargo plane and a paraglider over rural Fort Bend County.

Two people died in the incident that was spread across at least three locations that are approximately four miles apart.

The pilot of the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan was identified as Robert Steven Gruss, 35, according to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner's Office.

The identity of the other person involved in the collision had not yet been revealed by authorities on Wednesday.

The body of one of the victims was found in a yard near the Weston Lakes subdivision, Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell said on Tuesday.

A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan was enroute to Victoria, Texas from George Bush Intercontinental Airport when it crashed at a firing range approximately a half-mile away from the subdivision, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Federal officials involved in the investigation provided no details on the crash, deferring to a preliminary report expected next month. The FAA referred inquiries to the National Transportation Safety Board.

"Some of your questions will be answered by the preliminary report in two weeks or the full investigation report, which could take 1-2 years," NTSB spokesperson Eric Weiss said in a statement.

A spokesperson with UPS said the aircraft involved was carrying material for the shipping giant.

"UPS is aware of an accident involving a small aircraft that departed Houston Tuesday morning on a flight to Victoria, TX," UPS media relations director Jim Mayer said in a statement. "While the accident did not involve a UPS aircraft or employees, the flight was contracted to carry UPS packages. Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragic situation."

The incident happened in an area known for intensive glider activity, according to FAA aeronautical charts.












Cameron Balloons A-315, N317RR: Accident occurred December 20, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona





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

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co 

Rainbow Ryders Inc


Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Accident Number: WPR22LA066
Date and Time: December 20, 2021, 08:40 Local
Registration: N317RR
Aircraft: CAMERON BALLOONS U S A-315 
Injuries: 1 Serious, 15 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CAMERON BALLOONS U S 
Registration: N317RR
Model/Series: A-315 
Aircraft Category: Balloon
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: KDVT, 1455 ft msl
Observation Time: 08:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C /-2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 10°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 14 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 15 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.800746,-112.14323 (est)

Bombardier Challenger 350, N743QS: Accident occurred November 21, 2021



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 / International Field Office; Miami, Florida

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

Multiple Owners - NetJets Sales Inc

NetJets Aviation Inc


Location: Atlantic Ocean, OF
Accident Number: ERA22LA088
Date and Time: November 21, 2021, 09:37 Local
Registration: N743QS
Aircraft: BOMBARDIER INC BD-100-1A10
Injuries: 1 Serious, 6 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi and commuter - Non-scheduled

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER INC 
Registration: N743QS
Model/Series: BD-100-1A10 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand air taxi (135)
Operator Designator Code: DXTK

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: MBPV,15 ft msl
Observation Time: 14:00 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 50 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /23°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 1000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: San Juan, PR (TJSJ)
Destination: Jacksonville, FL (JAX)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 4 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 6 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 22.228,-71.523 (est)

Piper PA-28R-200, N1013X: Incident occurred December 20, 2021 in El Cajon, San Diego County, California

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

Aircraft engine cowling came off during flight damaging windshield. 

CHBC Investment Inc


Date: 20-DEC-21
Time: 21:45:00Z
Regis#: N1013X
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: EL CAJON
State: CALIFORNIA

Gulfstream IV, N403TB: Incident occurred December 20, 2021 at Lihue Airport (PHLI), Hawaii

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Honolulu, Hawaii

Aircraft taxiing for departure, left wing collided with the nose of Gulfstream V, N51VE, that was parked. 

Red River Aircraft Leasing LLC 

Scott Aviation


Date: 20-DEC-21
Time: 18:25:00Z
Regis#: N403TB
Aircraft Make: GULFSTREAM
Aircraft Model: G-IV
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 135
Aircraft Operator: SCOTT AVIATION
Flight Number: SIS403
City: LIHUE
State: HAWAII

Cessna 525 Citation M2, N287CB: Accident occurred December 20, 2021 at Dubuque Regional Airport (KDBQ), Iowa







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; Des Moines, Iowa

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Cottingham & Butler Insurance Services Inc


Location: Dubuque, Iowa
Accident Number: CEN22LA084
Date and Time: December 20, 2021, 18:45 Local
Registration: N287CB
Aircraft: TEXTRON AVIATION INC 525
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: TEXTRON AVIATION INC
Registration: N287CB
Model/Series: 525
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: 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 42.5063,90.6677 (est)