Monday, March 21, 2022

Cessna 172H Skyhawk, N1410F: Fatal accident occurred March 19, 2022 near Lumpkin County-Wimpys Airport (9A0), Dahlonega, 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
Textron; Wichita, Kansas
Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Blue Ridge Mountain Flyers Inc


Location: Dahlonega, Georgia
Accident Number: ERA22FA161
Date and Time: March 19, 2022, 18:52 Local 
Registration: N1410F
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 19, 2022, about 1852 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172H, N1410F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dahlonega, Georgia. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Review of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast data revealed that the airplane departed Athens/Ben Epps Airport (AHN), Athens, Georgia, at 1817. According to witnesses and a private security video, the airplane flew a straight in approach to runway 33 at Lumpkin County-Wimpys Airport (9A0), Dahlonega, Georgia. Runway 33 was 3,024 ft long and 50 ft wide. The airplane approached “fast” with the flaps retracted. It touched down nosegear first and bounced twice on the nosegear. Toward the end of the runway, engine noise increased, and the airplane began a climbing left turn to clear trees, followed by the sound of impact.

The wreckage came to rest upright, oriented about a 120° magnetic heading, in a residential yard beyond the end of the runway. Both wing tanks were breached, and a strong odor of fuel was present at the accident site. Additionally, the fire department had placed sediment below the right wing to absorb fuel on the ground. An approximate 65-ft debris path was observed along a magnetic course of 270°, beginning with tree scars about 50 ft up. A branch was recovered along the debris path; it exhibited an approximate 45° cut with gray paint transfer. An approximate 3-ft by 2-ft, by 1-ft deep crater was observed along the path, about 10 ft from the wreckage. The wreckage remained intact. Both wings exhibited leading edge damage with the left wing exhibiting more at the outboard half. The flaps and ailerons remained attached to their respective wing. The empennage remained intact and canted left; it was undamaged except for left horizontal stabilizer leading edge damage. Flight control continuity was confirmed from all flight control surfaces to the cabin area. Measurement of the flap actuator corresponded to a flaps retracted position. Measurement of the elevator trim jackscrew corresponded to a 10° trim tab up position; however, the trim wheel in the cockpit was set at the neutral/takeoff position.

The cockpit area was crushed, but the pilot’s 4-pt harness remained latched and was cut by rescue personnel. 

The engine remained attached to the airframe and the propeller remained attached to the engine. Both propeller blades exhibited chordwise scratching and leading-edge gouging.

The engine was retained for further examination. An iPad and a copy of digital security video footage were also retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N1410F
Model/Series: 172H
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: GVL,1276 ft msl
Observation Time: 18:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / 22 knots, 290°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Athens, GA (AHN)
Destination: Dahlonega, GA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 34.569722,-84.0259

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email witness@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290.

Craig Gentry is remembered as a man of faith and family, a savvy businessman and an adventure seeker.
~



Local business leader and beloved community member Craig Gentry died on impact when the plane he was piloting plunged to the ground near Lumpkin County’s Guy Wimpy Airport on Saturday evening, according to officials.

The 39-year-old Dahlonega resident was piloting a Cessna Skyhawk on the way back from Athens when he came up short of the runway and crashed next to an unfinished residence on Camp Wahsega Road just before 7 p.m., according to reports.

“Eyewitnesses saw the aircraft execute a go around from an attempted landing and heard the aircraft impact a short time after the go around,” read a report listed on the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene but Gentry, who was flying solo, had already died.

The exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined.

Meanwhile the sudden loss of a man who was a friend to many has left residents reeling in Lumpkin County and beyond.

FAITH IN ACTION

Gentry was a dedicated family man with a reputation of a savvy entrepreneur who had an appetite for adventure.

That’s something his friend Jake Kisser can attest to.

“I got to share moments underground caving with Craig to soaring high in the sky flying small planes, to everything in between,” he said. “I will always carry a small piece of Craig in my heart.”

Gentry was also the founder of GotFreshBreath, a business he co-created along side fellow Lumpkin County resident Trey Greer. Chances are if you see a mouth wash dispenser in a Chick-fil-A, it’s because of Gentry. His energetic financial instincts also led him to make an impact in the e-business community.

That’s how he met fellow entrepreneur Bill D’Alessandro.  

“[Craig] gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received,” he said. “He told me 'If you are Aquaman, you don’t pick a fight on land, you fight in the water. Find your water.’ This had a big impact on me and continues to be a guiding principle in life and business.”

Most notably, Gentry was a man of sincere faith, which was apparent to many whether he was in or out of the boardroom.

“Craig did not just listen to what he read in the Bible and heard in church, but he put it into action daily,” said his friend Brock Boleman. “The entire mission…I will miss him so much.”

He leaves behind a wife Gretchen, daughter Abby Kay, sister Ivy, parents John and Alice Gentry, and a host of friends and family.

Funeral visitation will be Thursday, March 24th at 1 p.m. at Browns Bridge Church (3860 Browns Bridge Road, Cumming, GA) with the funeral service immediately following at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers it has been asked for donations to be directed to memory of Craig to Be Rich (berich.org) and Mission Hope (missionhope.org).

REMEMBERING CRAIG

When reaching out for comments about Gentry, The Nugget received so many heartfelt notes that instead of picking and choosing, we’re including them all below:

James Fitts -

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. This was Craig’s favorite verse and he was bigger than life because he was given life. He lived a life of purpose, honoring God, bringing glory to him everyday in sharing this new life he was given. I am one of the many lucky enough to have been affected by his mission. He was my spiritual mentor, counselor, friend, and more than that my brother. I know he is shouting the loudest praises in heaven joining in that party because to die is to gain. I love him so!”

Bryson Payne -

“Craig was one of my closest friends for almost 20 years, and although he was a decade younger than me, I considered him a wise and trusted mentor. He was one of the first people I called on when I needed to make a big decision, he was always the first to help whenever Bev or I needed anything, and he was an inspiring example of a faithful husband and loving father.”

Brock Boleman -

“Craig was a doer. He was always quiet and an effective planner with a goal to serve Jesus and love his neighbor. He exemplified James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Craig did not just listen to what he read in the Bible and heard in church, but he put it into action daily. The entire Mission: Hope family and I will miss him so much.”

Nathan Stevens -

“Craig and I first met when I was in high school around seven years ago via my friend Trey who was Craig's mouthwash business associate. In high school I often worked helping out at the mouthwash warehouse or helped out with painting and renovations at several of his rental homes. Over time Craig and I became friends and I came to realize so much of my perspective around the intertwining of work and purpose came from my interactions with him. Craig was truly a rare and admirable person. I also always walked away from my time with Craig with more wisdom. He knew how to work successfully, but not to the detriment of his family, his beliefs or himself, while giving so much away to others at the same time. Craig was serious about leaving this world better than he found it, but never sacrificed having fun or loving others well to do so. The times I saw Craig at his best was when he was around his daughter Abby - she came to visit various worksites when I'd be working for Craig and she'd go around making sure everyone knew "her dad was the boss and she was his princess." During our last interaction, Craig, Trey and I were driving back from a mens group several weeks ago and we were talking about how rare it is that a man finishes strong in the world, making their family and organization better in the process. Looking back now I didn't realize how this conversation would ring so true and applicable to the sincere life Craig lived.”

Coach John McCrary-

“Craig was well respected and loved by all of his teammates and coaches. He was hardworking and dedicated to any and everything that he was involved with. I knew that whenever I ran into Craig that I could expect a big bear hug and an "I love you, Coach." I will so miss seeing his smiling face and the genuine care that he showed for everyone around him. I know I will see Craig again one day soon as he truly lived out his faith in his everyday walk. It was my honor and pleasure to coach, mentor, and love Craig. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Brad Faulkner -

“Craig Gentry was one of the finest men I have ever met.  His integrity was unparalleled and his love for his friends, family, and the Lord Jesus was seen in his daily walk. His generosity and heart for giving was incredible and He was such a blessing to me, my family, and our ministry.  Craig was my friend, who loved deep and cared much.  He will be forever in our hearts.”

Thomas Coggins-

“Craig Gentry embodied Christ’s command to go and be the hands and feet of the church. Craig gave of himself and of his resources in ways that I can’t begin to fully imagine or dream of aspiring to. Every moment that I had the blessing of spending with Craig drew me deeper into a relationship with him and without me even realizing it, was actually being drawn deeper into a love for Christ himself. Craig cared so deeply about those around him - his friends, his family, Gretchen, Abby Kay - and those whom he had never even met all the way on the other side of the world that he intentionally structured and lived his life all for THEM. To ensure that they were all cared for and loved and ultimately shown who Christ is and how good, sweet, and passionate our glorious God is for us, His children. Craig's purpose was centered on this. And he embodied his purpose, he embodied the mission of Christ every day and now… now he rests and rejoices alongside our Redeemer worshipping before the throne of God! May we all seek to see Craig’s example and live for Christ in such a way!”

Jake Kisser -

“Craig Gentry lived his life to the fullest every second of the day. I was blessed enough to share in many special moments. He was always ready to share and engage to make others better. I got to share moments underground caving with Craig to soaring high in the sky flying small planes, to everything in between. I will always carry a small piece of Craig in my heart.”

Bill D’Alessandro -

“I was in a CEO’s group with Craig for several years, and we had become good friends. Craig was one of the people I looked up to most in my life. He very clearly had his priorities straight and lived life with conviction and purpose - something I think we all aspire to. His faith came through in everything he did, not in a brash way, but he had the quiet confidence and kindness that made you want to ask “what secret about the world do you know that I don’t”? That secret for Craig was Jesus, and the way he lived his life was a testament to his faith.

He also gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. He told me “If you are Aquaman, you don’t pick a fight on land, you fight in the water. Find your water.” This had a big impact on me and continues to be a guiding principle in life and business. Thank you Craig for helping me find my water.”

13 comments:

  1. accident site est. one mile SE of Lumpkin County Airport, 9A0, Elevation: 1328.8 ft. / 405 m (estimated
    Time: 22:51:07 Z,
    SPATIAL
    Groundspeed: 94 kt
    Baro. Altitude: ▼ 1600 ft
    Geom. Altitude: ▼ 1550 ft
    Vert. Rate: -640 ft/min
    Track: 330.7°
    Pos.: 34.565°, -84.007°

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about posting the link for the ADS-B Exchange page you ripped that info from so people can get the whole picture?

      Here it is for anyone interested: https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a0a8c5&lat=34.482&lon=-83.935&zoom=11.9&showTrace=2022-03-19&leg=2&trackLabels

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    2. Any indication why flaps were not down? Test of the flap motor? Switch position, and more?

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  2. That is a tight airport, surrounded by mountainous terrain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No question about the tightness at this airport.
      There is a very good Youtube of a cockpit view VFR daylight landing at the airport here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuY0T3nD0kM

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    2. rcsfca, hey thanks for the link. Helps us flat landers know.

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  3. ADS-B probably misses the last few hundred feet of horizontal flight. 94 kt is plenty of energy, but maybe he became spooked by the nearby trees and gently pulled up over time, allowing his airspeed to decay. Then, executed a low-energy go-around and stalled / spun? Or got the stall warning and pulled a "Colgan 3407"? [ <-- even airline captains have responded to stall warnings by pulling up ]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. From the NTSB prelim:

      "The airplane approached “fast” with the flaps retracted. It touched down nosegear first and bounced twice on the nosegear. Toward the end of the runway, engine noise increased, and the airplane began a climbing left
      turn to clear trees, followed by the sound of impact."

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    2. It was obviously a go-around that was initiated far too late without sufficient distance and altitude to clear the trees. The pilot should have gone around immediately after the first bounce or two, or just resigned to landing long, braking heavily and going off the end of the runway. Better to go off the runway and into trees at 25 knots than slamming into those same trees from the air at 75 knots. (Per the AIM "The typical light airplane is designed to provide protection in crash landings that expose the occupants to nine times the acceleration of gravity (9G) in a forward direction. Assuming a uniform 9G deceleration, at 50 mph the required stopping distance is about 9.4 feet.")

      Abort points aren't just for takeoffs. You should establish an abort point for landings where you go around if you aren't fully on the ground by that point, and also a point where you are committed to landing no matter what because you won't have the clearance to go around.

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  4. RIP to the pilot...

    I feel like we're seeing an awful lot of landing accidents with Cessna and Piper fixed gear singles. The only reasonable explanation I can come up with is deterioration of basic stick and rudder skills. I don't think pilots are racking up the hours like they were before the '08 recession and the accident record is reflecting this.

    This looks like a somewhat challenging airport to approach from either direction. I can see where a pilot would be tempted to be high with the trees in the valley on the approach to rwy 15. But a 172 is about as forgiving an aircraft as there is, with no bad habits. A competent pilot should be able to tell at 100 feet above the runway and a 1/4 mile from the threshold whether he/she should just go around and try again.

    There's no shame in going around, it shows that a pilot has evaluated his/her situation and realizes that trying to salvage the approach isn't a good idea. When you're hot and high and land 2/3 of the way down the runway on your nosewheel, you're well past the point of having of having good options to extract yourself from your situation. At that point, your choices are where you're going to crash, off the end of the runway (probably the best choice), into obstructions as you try to climb out, or nose down into the ground when you induce a low altitude departure stall that turns in to a half turn spin as you hit the ground.

    And apparently this was the accident pilot's home field which makes it even harder to understand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let's change that to "There's no shame in going around at the appropriate time". This guy died because he decided to go around way too late. If he hadn't tried to go around at all, he'd probably still be alive. In general, most CFIs are pretty good about training students about WHEN TO go around, but we should also be teaching student WHEN NOT TO go around and how to evaluate when you are at that point.

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  5. Club aircraft N1410F owned / operated by Blue Ridge Mountain Flyers club based at Lumpkin County, Georgia - Wimpys Airport (9A0). Appears their only acft; as note no PIC experience reported in preliminary information. RIP.

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  6. Unfortunately due to extreme mountain wave sink (as in -20 knots far exceeding any Cessna's climb rate) which started a few hours before and lasted through the afternoon of the next day a go-around was impossible. I was there a few hours later in a sailplane to use the mountain wave and can verify the sink and rotor were brutal -- not a place for regular GA pilots and wisely non of the locals were flying that day.

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