Sunday, December 26, 2021

Fuel Starvation: Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee C, N818TF; accident occurred June 28, 2021 in Woodland, Haywood County, Tennessee









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; Nashville, Tennessee

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Old School Aircraft LLC


Location: Woodland, Tennessee 
Accident Number: ERA21LA273
Date and Time: June 28, 2021, 16:48 Local
Registration: N818TF
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel starvation
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The solo-student pilot reported that, during his preflight inspection, the fuel level was “…just below the tabs in each wing.” He later reported that he took off with 24 gallons of fuel on board and the fuel capacity of the airplane was 50 gallons. Takeoff, departure, and enroute operations were uneventful. About one hour into the flight, he noted a loss of engine power. He attempted to maintain glide speed while pumping the throttle to regain power. Unable to regain power, he looked for an area to perform a forced landing. While approaching a field, the airspeed decreased to near stall speed and the airplane struck tress before reaching the open field. The airplane impacted the trees and came to rest in a nose low attitude.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and confirmed that damage to the fuselage and wings was substantial. The fuel selector was on the right tank position, and the right tank was uncompromised and empty of fuel. The left tank contained about 15 gallons of fuel. The pilot later reported that he never switched from the right tank during flight, and he failed to monitor his fuel status and allowed the fuel in the right tank to “burn out.”

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot’s inadequate monitoring of his fuel state during a solo training flight, which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and a forced landing.

Findings

Aircraft Fuel - Fluid management
Personnel issues Forgotten action/omission - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering Fuel starvation (Defining event)
Emergency descent Off-field or emergency landing

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student 
Age: 18, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 2, 2021
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 26 hours (Total, all aircraft), 26 hours (Total, this make and model), 8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N818TF
Model/Series: PA-28-180
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1967 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-4031
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 12, 2021 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6533 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A4A
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 180
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMKL,433 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 89°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 7000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 150° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Jackson, TN (KLR) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Woodland, TN 
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 15:48 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E

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: 35.590358,-89.100681(est)



Fuel Exhaustion: Grumman G-164B Ag Cat, N6611K; accident occurred June 28, 2021 in Hoxie, Lawrence County, Arkansas

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; Little Rock, Arkansas
Location: Hoxie, Arkansas
Accident Number: CEN21LA296
Date and Time: June 28, 2021, 19:30 Local
Registration: N6611K
Aircraft: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG CORSCHWEIZER G-164B 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis

The pilot stated that, after he departed for the last load of the day on an aerial application flight, he realized he was low on fuel but decided to continue with the flight. Before the load was completely dispersed, the airplane ran out of fuel and the engine lost all power. During the forced landing in a flooded rice field, the airplane flipped over, resulting in substantial damage to the forward right lift strut. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to ensure an adequate fuel supply for the intended flight.

Findings

Aircraft Fuel - Fluid level
Personnel issues Fuel planning - Pilot
Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)
Landing-flare/touchdown Off-field or emergency landing
Landing-flare/touchdown Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 48, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 20, 2021
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: February 22, 2020
Flight Time: 6684 hours (Total, all aircraft), 6000 hours (Total, this make and model), 6684 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG CORSCHWEIZER
Registration: N6611K
Model/Series: G-164B NO SERIES 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted (Special) 
Serial Number: 394B
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel 
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 24, 2021 Condition 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 5000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Turbo prop
Airframe Total Time: 17415 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Garrett
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: TPE 331-1
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 660 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)
Operator Does Business As: 
Operator Designator Code: 32MG

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point: 26.7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Walnut Ridge, AR (PVT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Hoxie, AR 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 19:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 36.0503,-90.9751

Landing Gear Collapse: Beech 95-A55 Baron, N764SU; accident occurred June 29, 2021 at North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT), Clark County, Nevada






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; Las Vegas, Nevada

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

Ace of Spades Aviation LLC

Vegas Aviation 
Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada
Accident Number: WPR21LA261
Date and Time: June 29, 2021, 08:20 Local 
Registration: N764SU
Aircraft: Beech 95-A55 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear collapse 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor of the multi-engine, retractable landing gear airplane reported that, shortly after touchdown, with the pilot receiving instruction at the flight controls, the pilot was simulating max braking, the airplane began to veer left. He announced, “easy on brakes and back on center line.” The airplane continued to veer left, he started to apply right pressure and stated, “my controls off off off.” He heard a sound similar to a flat tire, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway.

The pilot receiving instruction reported that when the airplane touched down, it immediately began to veer left. Despite multiple control inputs, the airplane continued to veer left. The flight instructor assumed the flight controls and continued to apply max right rudder. The left main landing gear began to chatter, then collapsed, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that a large flat spot on the left main tire casing along with a large hole in the tire and tube. The left main landing gear actuator arm was found bent. It’s likely that during the landing roll, as a result of a side load imposed on the left main landing gear, the landing gear actuator arm was able to bend, which allowed for the landing gear to become unlocked and subsequently collapse.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron and left wing.

The flight instructor and pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, other than the flat tire.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during landing roll due to a flat tire.

Findings

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Aircraft Tire casing - Failure

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Landing gear collapse (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Runway excursion
Landing-landing roll Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 34,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: None
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: June 11, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 13, 2020
Flight Time: 1286 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model), 1176 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 115 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 32 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 32, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: May 6, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 28, 2020
Flight Time: 331 hours (Total, all aircraft), 11 hours (Total, this make and model), 266 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N764SU
Model/Series: 95-A55 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: TC-356
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 9, 2021 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4880 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 30.5 Hrs
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1198.7 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: IO-470
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 260 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: KVGT,2203 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 07:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 330°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.8 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: North Las Vegas, NV 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: North Las Vegas, NV 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: North Las Vegas VGT 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2205 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 12R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5001 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 36.210109,-115.19467 (est)

Utah County pilots perform unique Christmas Eve rescue

Mike and Mark Patey flew to California to pick up a couple and bring them home in time for Christmas.




SPANISH FORK, Utah — On Christmas Eve, as a couple thousand flights were canceled across the country, many eager holiday travelers discovered they would not make it home for Christmas. Realizing this predicament for so many passengers, a couple of pilots in Utah County used their skills to help in an unexpected way.

The Patey brothers live to fly. When they took off from Utah Friday afternoon, they were delivering an extraordinary gift to a young couple they didn't even know.

"If Christmas isn't about reuniting families, then I don't know what it is," Mark Patey said.

Mike and Mark Patey fly search and rescue missions for Utah County. They've done that for 15 years, and have even built a plane specially designed for rescue missions.

"It's been our greatest reward in life: reuniting families that were lost in the mountains, or on a cliff, and bringing them back home," Mike Patey said. "So, reuniting families is something that we've had a passion for forever."

The twin brothers put their passion into action Christmas Eve. They posted on social media that they were ready and able to fly families out of Utah, or fly people back to Utah in their private passenger plane.

"We were waiting at the airport for something to come together. We were search and rescue ready," Mark said.

At the same time, Brecca and Sergio Ponce were at Los Angeles International Airport, where their flight back to Utah had just been canceled.

"We were kind of stranded at LAX," Brecca said.

The couple was traveling and celebrating their anniversary, and excited about being home with family in Utah for Christmas. They haven't done that for three years and had given up on making it home when a friend shared the post from the pilots.

At first, they didn't believe it was real. So, Brecca reached out to Mike.

"They responded within three minutes, and said, 'Hey, we can probably make that work and come get you,'" she said.

"We just jumped in the plane, I mean, we had this engine fired up and running in about 10 minutes, knowing that we had someone to go get," Mark said.

Within a few hours, they were picking up their passengers and bringing them back to Utah.

"I just couldn't believe it," Sergio said. "The whole time we were flying from LA to Utah in their plane, I just couldn't believe it."

They had resigned themselves to missing out on Christmas at home. Instead, they were flying home like VIPs.

"It was probably the coolest thing that's happened to us. We keep calling it a Christmas miracle," Brecca said.

"If you have the opportunity to help, you help. And, when you're in need, you can trust that there are good people out there that will take care of you," Mark said.

It's something their parents instilled in them as kids.

"If you've been blessed with a talent, or a gift or resources, you better give it back, or you don't you don't deserve to have it anymore," said Mike.

Brecca and Sergio said it was like a dream — they can hardly believe that it actually happened.

The Pateys are simply grateful to help out with a Christmas miracle.



Mooney M20J 201, N3707H: Fatal accident occurred December 26, 2021 near Herlong Recreational Airport (KHEG), Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida

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; Orlando, Florida
Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

Sterling Silver Flyers LLC

Location: Jacksonville, Florida 
Accident Number: ERA22FA095
Date and Time: December 26, 2021, 11:04 Local
Registration: N3707H
Aircraft: Mooney M20J
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 26, 2021, at 1104 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20J, N3707H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Jacksonville, Florida. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) preliminary tracking data, the airplane departed the Herlong Recreational Airport (HEG), Jacksonville, Florida about 1041 for a local flight to the north. The airplane returned to HEG and entered a left base leg of the traffic pattern for runway 25 about 1101. Review of an airport surveillance camera video recording revealed that the airplane performed a low approach to the runway (estimated to be about 50-100 ft above ground level (agl)) with the landing gear extended, but did not touch down. The groundspeeds recorded by the FAA tracking data varied from about 50 to 56 knots during the low pass and departure until the recorded data ended.

A witness located at the airport observed the airplane flying over the runway. When he first observed the airplane, it appeared to be flying “slowly” with a “very high angle of attack.” The nose of the airplane then lowered, and the noise of the engine RPM decreased slightly and momentarily before returning to its previous level. The engine sounded “normal” and “did not sputter, pop or falter at any time;” however, the airplane appeared to be “barely climbing.” When the airplane reached about ¾ of the way down the runway, the landing gear retracted, and the baggage door opened upward. The baggage door remained open and looked “like a sail” on top of the airplane. After the door opened, the airplane did not appear to climb any further. It “drifted or turned very slightly to the right” before the witness lost sight of it behind a tree line. The airplane was too far away from the airport surveillance video camera to see the condition of the baggage door.

A pilot in the HEG traffic pattern observed the airplane as it flew past the departure end of the runway. It appeared to be a “normal” departure along the extended runway centerline; however, when the airplane reached about 200-400 ft agl, the right wing dropped and the airplane “appeared to enter a spin.” The “attitude was almost vertical at this point” and the airplane continued “in this spin or spiral” until it impacted the ground. 

Examination of the accident scene revealed no debris path or ground scars in the vicinity of the wreckage. The airplane came to rest upright, with the fuselage oriented on a heading of 287° true, about ½ nautical mile from the departure end of runway 25, and about 400 ft to the right of the extended runway centerline. The fuselage section from just forward of the horizontal stabilizer to the engine
cowling was largely consumed by fire. Both wings remained largely intact, although both sustained leading edge crush damage and significant fire damage from the root area to about the outboard edge of the flaps. Both flaps were partially separated from their hinge points, and the inboard ends of both flaps were partially melted. Examination of the flap actuator jackscrew revealed 9-10 exposed threads, consistent with the flaps extended to the 10° takeoff flap setting. Both ailerons remained attached, and flight control continuity was confirmed from the left aileron to the left wing root area. The right aileron bellcrank was impact-damaged and impinged against the wing spar. The push-pull tube between the bell crank and the aileron horn was fractured. Continuity was established from the elevator and rudder control surfaces to the area of the rear seats. The pitch trim torque tube was fracture-separated at its attachment bolt just forward of the gearbox. The torque tube was manually rotated 7.5 full turns before the pitch trim reached the full airplane nose up stop. This was consistent with an as-found pitch trim position at or near the “takeoff” setting. Remnants of the three landing gear were found in the retracted positions.

The baggage door piano hinge remained mostly intact and remained partially attached to its mount. About 2” of aluminum structure remained on either side of the hinge along most of its length. The forward ends of the aluminum sections were partially melted. The latching mechanism was found largely intact, fire damaged, with none of the door structure attached. The lock cylinder and exterior
latch handle were not found, however silver/grey molten metal remained on the center section of the assembly. Both engagement rods remained intact and attached to the assembly.

The propeller hub remained attached to the engine crankshaft flange with the hub and spinner partially buried in soft, sandy soil. One propeller blade remained attached to the hub, above ground and undamaged, except for loose snap rings and shims in the hub. The other blade was separated from the hub and buried in the impact crater. It was bent slightly forward and exhibited abrasion of the paint
along the length of the leading edge. Radial score marks, consistent with starter ring gear rotation, were present on the forward section of starter drive housing.

The engine crankshaft was rotated by hand at the propeller hub. The engine rotated smoothly with no binding. Valvetrain and crankshaft continuity to the accessory section were confirmed, and each cylinder produced thumb compression and suction. The oil suction screen was absent of debris. The oil filter was fire-damaged, and the internal filter element was charred, with no metallic debris present. All spark plug electrodes were grey in color and appeared “worn – normal” when compared to a Champion Check-a-Plug chart. The single drive dual magneto was found separated from the engine and fire damaged, which precluded testing. The engine-driven fuel pump was separated from the engine and partially melted, precluding testing. The fuel flow divider was undamaged, the diaphragm was intact, and was damp and smelled of aviation fuel. All four fuel injector nozzles were removed and found unobstructed. The turbocharger inlet and exhaust tubing were partially crushed, the shaft spun freely when rotated by hand, and no damage was found on the compressor or turbine blades. 

The wreckage was retained for further examination.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mooney
Registration: N3707H
Model/Series: M20J NO SERIES 
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: HEG,87 ft msl 
Observation Time: 11:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C /18°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 1700 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 260°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Jacksonville, FL 
Destination: Jacksonville, FL

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 30.273452,-81.824965

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. 

Arron Sterling
~


JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A 28-year Navy veteran, who just became a grandfather last year, died in a plane crash on the Westside, one day after Christmas.

Arron Sterling, 56, and Louis Pasderetz, 27, died after the plane they were flying in suddenly crashed near Herlong Recreational Airport on December 26.

Sterling’s family said he lived a beautiful life but losing him has been devastating.

Sterling was also the owner of Sterling Silver Flyers, LLC. According to public records, he’d had the business for four years.

According to his family, Sterling served the country in the United States Navy for 28 years, he retired in 2011 as a lieutenant commander. His Navy career began at the young age of 18. He would make chief and become an officer after 12 years.

Sterling’s life journey brought him to Jacksonville two years ago to work as a project engineer at Naval Station Mayport.

His life was taken in a tragic plane accident December 26. Investigators are still trying to figure out what happened just moments before the crash.

For those who knew Sterling, he will be deeply missed. He was loved by many as a son, father, grandfather (his grandchildren affectionately called him Poppy), a brother, shipmate, mentor and friend.

Sterling’s family also said he never met a stranger and was always lending a hand to help someone with various projects.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Louis Pasderetz also served in the Navy with the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 60 in Jacksonville. He was 27 years old.



Louis Charles Pasderetz
~




JACKSONVILLE, Florida – One of the two men who died in a small plane crash on the Westside was active duty Navy.

NAS Jacksonville confirmed he was 27-year-old Louis Charles Pasderetz.

Since his tragic death, there’s been an outpouring of mourners from Illinois, Virginia and Florida, all saying he was taken too soon.

“A good man and friend,” Those are the words heard by many as they mourn the death of Louis Charles Pasderetz.

Pasderetz was one of two people in this single-engine plane crash. Onlookers said they tried to rescue the two, but the plane was fully engulfed in flames.

“Still can’t believe it,” one friend said. “You were one of my first buddies at the squadron. You always knew what to say and had so many great stories...”

According to the United States Navy, the 27-year-old was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class. Pasderetz was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 60 since the summer of 2020.

His hometown was Palos Hills, Illinois but he’d made friends along the east coast including North Carolina, Virginia and Florida.

Outside of the military he had a love for truck racing and was the “Super Trucks Division Champion” for military competing at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia in 2020.



JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Two people who were on board a small airplane died Sunday when it crashed near an airport on Jacksonville’s Westside, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA said the crash happened around 11:30 a.m. about a mile from Herlong Recreational Airport. The Mooney M20J crashed in a field off Parrish Cemetery Road after departing from the airport and flying for about 20 minutes, according to JSO.

Witnesses said they saw the plane nosedive seconds before the crash. Video taken shortly after shows the plane on fire. News4JAX obtained the video. You can find it here. Viewer discretion is advised.

One witness, Kevin Williams, ran outside after hearing the plane crash.

“We immediately saw the plane on the ground engulfed in flames,” he said. “Myself and some family members hopped across the fence to try to see if we saw people that got outside the plane or anything like that but unfortunately, we didn’t see anybody.”

The FAA and NTSB will determine the cause of the crash. No other details were immediately known, including the identity of the passengers.

“The plane was pretty much totally engulfed in flames, and at that point there was really nothing that we could do,” said Williams.

He says he and his family called the police.

“We were hoping because we actually did see skydivers behind the actual plane. We were thinking maybe those were the people that got out but that wasn’t the case,” said Williams.

JSOs homicide unit, NTSB, and the FAA are investigating this crash.

JSO said they haven’t identified the two victims.

And its last flight was December 17th, where it flew for 18 minutes.






Collision with Terrain/Object (non-CFIT): SilverLight Aviation AR-1, N159WT; accident occurred June 29, 2021 at Lakeside Municipal Airport (9S3), Coos County, Oregon





Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Oregon 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Chaplains of Industry


Location: Lakeside, Oregon
Accident Number: WPR21LA252
Date and Time: June 29, 2021, 11:30 Local 
Registration: N159WT
Aircraft: SilverLight Aviation AR-1
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

Analysis

The pilot reported that he departed from runway 33, which was composed of grass; there was no wind. During the takeoff roll, he was unable to get to an appropriate takeoff velocity. As he neared the end of the runway, he realized the gyrocopter would not clear the trees and at an altitude of about 20 ft agl, he attempted a left 180° turn back to the runway. The gyrocopter collided with the terrain still configured in the left turn. The forward fuselage of the gyrocopter was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot opined that he did not properly compensate for the drag from the grass and was not able to get enough airspeed to make an adequate takeoff.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s inadequate decision to continue the takeoff after sufficient airspeed was not attained and his failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering to avoid obstructions, which resulted in a collision with the ground. 

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot
Aircraft Airspeed - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Sport Pilot 
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Gyroplane
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Sport pilot None 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 27, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 239 hours (Total, all aircraft), 225197 hours (Total, this make and model), 161 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SilverLight Aviation 
Registration: N159WT
Model/Series: AR-1
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2017 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special) 
Serial Number: 0008
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 1, 2021 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 13 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 203 Hrs 
Engine Manufacturer: ROTAX
ELT: Not installed 
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 100 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: KOTH,17 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 11:56 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 195°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2200 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Lakeside, OR
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lakeside, OR
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: LAKESIDE MUNI 9S3 
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 20 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 15/33 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2150 ft / 100 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing

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: 43.58317,-124.18039 (est)

Loss of Control in Flight: Lancair 235, N43KC; accident occurred June 29, 2021 at Borrego Air Ranch Airport (58CL), Borrego Springs, San Diego County, California





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; San Diego, California 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Location: Borrego Springs, California
Accident Number: WPR21LA257
Date and Time: June 29, 2021, 11:35 Local 
Registration: N43KC
Aircraft: WHEELER C / WHEELER K LANCAIR 235 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that during landing with a right crosswind, the airplane drifted left of runway centerline. The pilot applied right bank and left rudder control input, but the airplane continued to drift left. The pilot then increased engine power for a go-around, but the left wing dropped, and the left bank increased. The pilot continued to attempt recovery, but the airplane was too low. The airplane subsequently collided with the terrain next to the runway. The left wing and rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a crosswind landing which resulted in an impact with terrain. 

Findings

Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Crosswind - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control in flight (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight instructor 
Age: 48, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: February 28, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1784 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4 hours (Total, this make and model), 1695 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 89 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 27 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: WHEELER C / WHEELER K 
Registration: N43KC
Model/Series: LANCAIR 235 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1992 
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special) 
Serial Number: 124
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 12, 2021 Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1480 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 860 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 0-290 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 140 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: L08 
Distance from Accident Site: 0.2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 11:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR): 2982 ft
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 140° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: El Cajon, CA (KSEE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Borrego Springs, CA 
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 10:58 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: BORREGO VALLEY L08 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 522 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 08/26 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5011 ft / 75 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Go around; Traffic pattern

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: 33.259028,-116.32097(est)