Sunday, October 23, 2022

Stolp SA-300 Starduster Too, N160JR: Accident occurred October 23, 2022 in Lordstown, Trumbull County, Ohio



The investigation continues into Sunday afternoon’s plane crash that injured a father and son in Lordstown.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a Stolp SA-300 Starduster Too experimental aircraft experienced mechanical failure and crashed along Carson Salt Springs Road in Lordstown just after 2 p.m.

Both on-duty and off-duty Lordstown firefighters were joined by those from the Newton Falls Joint Fire Departments after flames engulfed the plane.

The pilot, 55-year-old Gerald Rhinehart Jr. of Lordstown, and his passenger, 26-year-old Benjamin Rhinehart were taken to Mercy Health in Youngstown for treatment of injuries.

Carson Salt Springs Road was closed during the investigation but has since re-opened.




LORDSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers were on the scene of a plane crash around 2:15 p.m. Sunday.

It happened on the 400 block of Salt Springs Road in Lordstown.

911 Caller: “Our neighbor has a plane and he crashed it”

911 Dispatcher: “Has what?”

911 Caller: “Has a plane. Our neighbor has a plane and he crashed it”

According to OSHP Sgt. Erik Golias, both the people in the plane were taken to Saint Elizabeth Hospital.

The plane took off from the 500 block of Salt Springs Road when it experienced mechanical failure, hit the pasture, slid into the fence and caught fire.

According to the family of the pilot, the pilot, 55-year-old Gerald Rhinehart Jr., and his son, 26-year-old Benjamin Rhinehart, both jumped out of the plane.

The plane is a Stolp SA-300 Starduster Too experimental aircraft that seats two people.

It’s the third reported plane crash across the state this week.

Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder, N8580N: Accident occurred October 23, 2022 near Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (KSPA), South Carolina

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.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Gerhardt, Adam

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

Additional Participating Entity:
James Jackson; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina 

A1 Aviation LLC


Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Accident Number: ERA23LA037
Date and Time: October 23, 2022, 17:00 Local
Registration: N8580N
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-235 
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 23, 2022, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA28-235 airplane, N8580N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (SPA), Spartanburg, South Carolina. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a personal flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot reported that the preflight inspection, run-up, and takeoff were routine. On climb out, about 600 ft above ground, he heard a “boom”, the engine rpm dropped to zero, and the engine lost all power. He immediately pitched for best glide airspeed and completed a forced landing on a city street. During the rollout, the pilot turned into an auto parts store, evacuated the passengers and himself, and deployed a fire extinguisher toward the engine and cowling due to smoke emanating from that area. The airplane struck power lines during the landing approach, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector performed a visual examination of the engine. He observed evidence of smoke and fire damage on the engine and cowling area. There were no obvious signs of a catastrophic engine failure.

The airplane was powered by a Lycoming O-540-B4B5, 235-horsepower, reciprocating engine.

The most recent annual inspection was completed on February 15, 2022.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N8580N
Model/Series: PA-28-235 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: SPA,801 ft msl 
Observation Time: 16:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C /0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Spartanburg, SC
Destination: Sylva, NC (24A)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: Both in-flight and on-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 34.924826,-81.969373

SPARTANBURG, South Carolina (FOX Carolina) - Spartanburg Police said a small plane made an emergency landing on a road on Sunday evening that caused a few power outages.

Police said the landing happened near John B. White Boulevard, but no injuries were reported.

As of 6:13 p.m., all of the roads in the area are re-opened. 

According to Duke Energy, only 165 customers in the area are without power.

Police said traffic might be delayed near Kensington and John B. White Boulevard as well as Southport Road and John B. White Boulevard.

Piper PA-32RT-300T Turbo Lance II, N39628: Accident occurred October 23, 2022 near Palm Beach County Park Airport (KLNA), 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. 

Investigator In Charge (IIC): McCarter, Lawrence

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Juan Garcia; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Miramar, Florida 


Location: Lake Worth, Florida
Accident Number: ERA23LA040
Date and Time: October 23, 2022, 16:10 Local
Registration: N39628
Aircraft: Piper PA-32RT-300T
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 23, 2022, about 1610 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T, N39628, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lake Worth, Florida. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, after an uneventful flight and landing at Palm Beach County Park Airport (LNA), West Palm Beach, Florida, the pilot purchased 10 gallons of aviation fuel for a total fuel load of 27 gallons for his next flight to Okeechobee County Airport (OBE), Okeechobee, Florida, about 55 nautical miles away. The pilot took off and climbed out normally. Shortly after retracting flaps and making a power adjustment, the engine started losing power. His attempt to regain power was unsuccessful; The pilot stated there was “no roughness” in the engine prior to or during the power loss. Unable to maintain level flight, and with an altitude of 300 ft above ground level, he was forced to land on a paved dead end road. During final approach, the airplane struck the top of trees. The airplane impacted the ground short of the road and skidded to a stop up against a guardrail.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage and found that the fuselage was buckled and, the impact broke the left wing mid span and sheared off the right wingtip. The fuel tanks were compromised spilling fuel around the impact site. An initial examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N39628
Model/Series: PA-32RT-300T
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: LNA, 14 ft msl
Observation Time: 16:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / , 10°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: West Palm Beach, FL (LNA) 
Destination: Okeechobee, FL (OBE)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 26.593056,-80.085065 (est)



PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida — The pilot of a small plane was taken to a hospital after making a hard landing Sunday afternoon in John Prince Park near Lake Worth Beach, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

The aircraft went down near Tim Granowitz Pavilion just after 4 p.m.

It appeared that the plane knocked down some tree branches and part of a fence before finally skidding on a road.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Teri Barbera said the pilot, who was the only person aboard the plane, is expected to survive.

There are no reports that anyone on the ground was injured.

It's unclear what caused the plane to go down.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

Beechcraft A24R Sierra 200, N8020R: Fatal accident occurred October 21, 2022 in Keene, Cheshire County, New Hampshire

Monadnock Aviation Inc


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.




The two men killed when the small plane they were in crashed into an apartment building in Keene on Friday were both pilot rated, an official with the National Transportation Safety Board said Sunday.

The Federal Aviation Administration had previously said a Beechcraft A24R Sierra 200 aircraft crashed into a building north of Keene Dillant-Hopkins Airport in Keene just before 7 p.m. Friday. City officials said no one was injured in the building hit by the plane.

On Sunday, Tim Monville, a senior air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the aircraft took off from Runway 2, located roughly a half mile from the crash site, and communications indicate the pilot intended to remain in a traffic pattern, but did not specify his exact intentions.

“That was recorded audio. One of the occupants (of the plane) said that,” said Monville. “When I say around the pattern, you're basically flying a circuit around the runway, to either do an approach or do a landing. I don’t know what their intention was, so I can't expand upon that.”

There were no communications mentioning problems with the plane, Monville said.

Officials have not released the names of the victims to the public.

It is still not clear how or why the plane crashed.

Bystanders’ photos and videos posted online show a small apartment building engulfed in flames after the crash.

Monville said investigators have video from two different cameras in the area that captured the crash and the ensuing fireball.

People were home when the plane crashed into the building, Keene Fire Department Chief Donald Farquhar said, but no one in the building was hurt.

The fire spread quickly from the crash, and it took firefighters almost two hours to bring the fire under control.

Monville said the Keene fire department’s ladder truck was “instrumental” in helping to recover wreckage from the site.

“There was an extensive post-crash fire,” said Monville. “The cockpit and both wings were nearly consumed.”

It’s possible smaller pieces of wreckage may remain commingled in the debris. If so, they will be recovered during the demolition process, Monville said.

The wreckage will be secured at a nearby facility where investigators will attempt to reconstruct the airplane and look at the engine systems, Monville said.

Investigators also plan to look at the maintenance records of the airplane, and interviews are scheduled for Monday with maintenance personnel.

Investigators are also awaiting the autopsy and toxicology results on the victims, Monville said.

“We require autopsies and toxicology on both, and that’s routine in any accident,” said Monville. “It’s not that we suspect anything. We don’t, It’s just routine.”

The plane was owned by Monadnock Aviation, said Keene Mayor George Hansel.

Monadnock Aviation offers charter flights, and training for people who want to get recreational pilot’s licenses.

A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration expected the plane’s identification number would be made public Monday.

ERCO 415-C Ercoupe, N99345: Fatal accident occurred December 05, 2022 near Corning Municipal Airport (KCRZ), Adams County, Iowa

Steve Porter 
September 24, 1942 - December 5, 2022
~


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.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Lemishko, Alexander

Additional Participating Entity: 
Tony Will; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa

Steven B. Porter


Location: Corning, Iowa
Accident Number: CEN23FA059
Date and Time: December 5, 2022, 12:38 Local 
Registration: N99345
Aircraft: ENGINEERING & RESEARCH ERCOUPE 415-C
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 5, 2022, about 1238 central standard time, an Ercoupe 415-C airplane, N99345, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Corning, Iowa. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

An annual inspection was completed at a repair facility at the Rankin Airport (78Y), Maryville, Missouri. The airplane departed 78Y about 1200 and was flown by the pilot/owner back to its home base at the Corning Municipal Airport (CRZ), Corning, Iowa.

There were no eyewitnesses to the accident. A witness located near CRZ reported that she saw the airplane approach runway 36 at a low altitude and high speed. Several nearby residents reported that they heard a loud crash and saw a fire in a cow pasture. The airplane wreckage was found about 900 ft from the departure end of runway 36. Evidence at the accident site showed that the airplane struck a 50-ft tall tree and electrical wires about 600 ft beyond the departure end of runway 36. The main wreckage of the airplane was found about 300 ft beyond the tree and electrical wires. When emergency personnel arrived at the accident site, the wreckage was engulfed in flames.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane passed through electrical wires and a tree. The aircraft became inverted before ground impact. Several tree branches showed cuts consistent with rotating propeller blade contact, and a small piece of the right wingtip was found in the tree. One propeller blade leading edge showed marks consistent with contact of the electrical wire. Several ground scars consistent with propeller blade cuts were found along the debris path on a magnetic heading of 360-degrees. Examination of the runway did not show any skid marks associated with the landing gear tires of the airplane. It is unknown if the airplane touched down on runway 36. Examination of the runway and wreckage did not reveal any evidence of a on ground collision with wildlife.

Most of the airplane cockpit and fuselage structure was consumed by a post-impact fire. The outer portion of both wings (outboard of the main landing gears) and most of the empennage were separated, but intact. Flight control continuity from the cockpit to the ailerons, elevator, and rudders was established. (Note: The airplane was designed with automatically coordinated ailerons, nose gear, and rudder system via mechanical linkage from the cockpit. No rudder pedals were installed.) No pre-impact mechanical anomalies were found with the flight control system or airframe structure. The wheels and brake system were examined, and no anomalies were found. The engine was disassembled in detail, and no pre-impact anomalies were found. Both propeller blades had S-bends consistent with rotation at the time of impact.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airmen records, the pilot held a student pilot certificate issued on April 5, 2018. No records were found indicating that the pilot held a private pilot certificate. According to FAA aircraft registration records, the pilot purchased the airplane on June 24, 2018. No pilot logbooks were available, so his career total flight time is unknown. The airplane was the only airplane owned by the pilot. Review of the airplane’s maintenance records showed that the airplane was flown about 35 hours since the pilot purchased the airplane in 2018. The aircraft had been flown 11 hours in the last 3 years, and 4.5 hours in the last year prior to the accident. In an interview with the repair facility technician at 78Y, the technician reported that when the pilot delivered the airplane for its annual inspection, a flight instructor was flying with the pilot.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ENGINEERING & RESEARCH
Registration: N99345
Model/Series: ERCOUPE 415-C 
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: KCSQ,1294 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C /-4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 340°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.77 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Maryville, MO (78Y)
Destination: Corning, IA (CRZ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 40.999302,-94.754886


Steve Porter, 80, of Corning, Iowa, entered eternal rest on Monday, December 5, 2022 in Corning. Private Graveside Services will be held at the Grove Cemetery in rural Lenox, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the Corning United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Steven Bernard Porter, the son of James Bernard and Elizabeth (Walton) Porter, was born on September 24, 1942 in Altoona, Iowa. Steve graduated from Southeast Polk High School with the Class of 1960. He then attended Iowa State University graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in animal science. On September 16, 1961, Steve married Donna Kay Morlan in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Three children: Laura, Wendy and Matt would bless this union. Steve and Donna lived in Nevada, Iowa for ten years prior to moving to their current farm south of Corning in 1974.

Steve was a hard worker and was one never to set idle. During the day he would tend to his farm raising cattle, pigs, crops and later sheep. After his farm work was finished, he would go to work as mechanic working late into the night. In his own words he was a “Jack of all trades and a master of none”!

He liked stockcar and motorcycle racing, tractor pulls, and flying. He enjoyed many trips on his motorcycle with friends and family. He also enjoyed riding horses. He was an avid musician playing the guitar and banjo. Steve was a good neighbor and enjoyed taking time to support the neighborhood kids.

Steve was a member of the Windriders 1533, Blacksmith and Welder’s Association and the Nut’s on Wheels Motorcycle Club. He was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association and the National Rifle Association. He held various offices in all the associations he was a part of.

Left to cherish Steve’s memory are his children: Laura Fritz of Corning, Iowa, Wendy Marshall and husband, John of Nodaway, Iowa and Matt Porter and wife, Sarah of Exira, Iowa; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sister, Ruth Hurst and husband, Gail of Michigan; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; parents, James and Elizabeth; infant grandson, Aiden; aunt, Bernice Walton and mother and father-in-law, Edith and Donald Morlan.


Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances 100 feet off departure end Runway 36.

Date: 05-DEC-22
Time: 18:34:00Z
Regis#: N99345
Aircraft Make: ENGINEERING & RESEARCH
Aircraft Model: ERCOUPE 415-C
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Flight Crew: 1
Pax:0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: CORNING
State: IOWA

CORNING, Iowa — Officials are investigating a plane crash that led to the death of one man Monday near Corning, says the Iowa State Patrol.

A plane took off from an airport in Adams County at approximately 12:38 p.m. with one man — the pilot, 80-year-old Steven Porter — on board.

According to Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla, the aircraft hit a power line during takeoff. Porter was pronounced dead at the scene.

Loved ones say he was a harder worker and was always on the go.

The celebration of life service for Porter will take place December 17 at Corning United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Cessna 172S, N528ND: Incident occurred October 18, 2022 at Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB), Seminole County, Florida

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

Aircraft struck a bird leaving a dent in the engine cowling.  

Aerosim Academy Inc


Date: 18-OCT-22
Time: 17:53:00Z
Regis#: N528ND
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 1 No Injuries
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: FAR 141 PILOT SCHOOL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: AEROSIM ACADEMY
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Hawker Beechcraft 1000, N770RG: Incident occurred October 16, 2022 in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Juan, Puerto Rico

Aircraft experienced a steering issue while taxiing, veered off taxiway and became stuck in the grass.  

Air McCormack LLC

Century Jets 


Date: 16-OCT-22
Time: 00:20:00Z
Regis#: N770RG
Aircraft Make: CORPORATE JETS LIMITED
Aircraft Model: BAE 125-1000A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 2 No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: CENTURY JETS
City: SAN JUAN
State: PUERTO RICO

Cirrus SR22T, N85WC: Incident occurred October 18, 2022 at Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP), Pennington County, South Dakota

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

Aircraft nose gear collapsed on landing.   

Jeffries Aviation, LLC 


Date: 18-OCT-22
Time: 15:56:00Z
Regis#: N85WC
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SR22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: RAPID CITY
State: SOUTH DAKOTA

Cessna 170B, N5793C: Incident occurred October 18, 2022 at Evanston-Uinta County Airport (KEVW), Uinta County, Wyoming

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver

Aircraft on takeoff, became airborne and settle back down on runway, veered off runway and gear collapsed and incurred a propeller strike.  

Date: 18-OCT-22
Time: 17:05:00Z
Regis#: N5793C
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 170
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax:  0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: EVANSTON
State: WYOMING

Piper PA-28-180, N11NT: Incident occurred October 14, 2022 at Montgomery Regional Airport (KMGM), Alabama

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Alabama and NW Florida

Aircraft landed hard and incurred a propeller strike.  


Date: 14-OCT-22
Time: 21:00:00Z
Regis#: N11NT
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MONTGOMERY
State: ALABAMA

Vulcanair V1.0, N120VA: Incident occurred October 19, 2022 in Immokalee, Collier County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft struck a bird.  

Ameravia Inc


Date: 19-OCT-22
Time: 19:40:00Z
Regis#: N120VA
Aircraft Make: VULCANAIR
Aircraft Model: V1.0
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: IMMOKALEE
State: FLORIDA

Piper PA-28-181, N349MK: Incident occurred October 19, 2022 at Mankato Regional Airport (KMKT), Blue Earth County, Minnesota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aircraft experienced a runway excursion, incurred a propeller strike and gear collapsed. 

North Star Aviation


Date: 19-OCT-22
Time: 16:00:00Z
Regis#: N349MK
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: MANKATO
State: MINNESOTA

Airbus A321: Incident occurred October 19, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

Aircraft encountered moderate turbulence injuring a flight attendant.  

Date: 19-OCT-22
Time: 19:41:00Z
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A321
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Flight Crew: 2 No Injuries
Cabin Crew: 1 Minor Injuries
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: AAL2544
City: CHARLOTTE
State: NORTH CAROLINA

Beech V35B Bonanza, N50JM: Accident occurred October 20, 2022 at Nogales International Airport (KOLS), Santa Cruz County, Arizona

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Aircraft was on approach went around unable to gain altitude and crash landed. 


Date: 20-OCT-22
Time: 19:58:00Z
Regis#: N50JM
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 35B
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Flight Crew: 1 Minor Injuries
Pax: 1 Minor Injuries
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: NOGALES
State: ARIZONA

TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — A small plane crashed during landing and caught fire at the Nogales International Airport.

According to first responders, the pilot and passenger safely got out of the plane with no major injuries.

Rio Rico firefighters and Santa Cruz County Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash a little after 1 p.m., where they say the aircraft became fully engulfed in flames.

Nogales International Airport is located along State Route 82.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

Cessna 140, N55DC: Incident occurred October 20, 2022 at Georgetown Airport (E36), El Dorado County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California

Aircraft lost control during landing, ran off the runway, right landing gear separated from the aircraft.  


Date: 20-OCT-22
Time: 17:10:00Z
Regis#: N55DC
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 140
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: GEORGETOWN
State: CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-28-235, N8927W: Incident occurred October 20, 2022 at Grand Junction Regional Airport (KGJT), Mesa County, Colorado

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City

Aircraft landed hard and the gear collapsed and had a propeller strike.  


Date: 20-OCT-22
Time: 17:05:00Z
Regis#: N8927W
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: 28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew:  1 No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: GRAND JUNCTION
State: COLORADO

Airbus A320, N235NV: Incident occurred October 20, 2022 at Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB), Seminole County, Florida

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

Aircraft struck bird during departure.  

Allegiant Air


Date: 20-OCT-22
Time: 16:35:00Z
Regis#: N235NV
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A320
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 2 No Injuries
Cabin Crew:  4 No Injuries
Pax: 170 No Injuries
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: INITIAL CLIMB (ICL)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: ALLEGIANT AIR LINES
Flight Number: AAY5312
City: SANFORD
State: FLORIDA

Boeing 737-700, N7817J: Incident occurred October 20, 2022 at General Mitchell International Airport (KMKE), Wisconsin

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Aircraft during taxi, ran over two taxiway lights. 

Southwest Airlines


Date: 20-OCT-22
Time: 00:40:00Z
Regis#: N7817J
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 737
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 2 No Injuries
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SOUTHWEST
Flight Number: SWA765
City: MILWAUKEE
State: WISCONSIN

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Cirrus SR22 G5 Carbon, N701BT: Incident occurred October 16, 2022 at Boscobel Airport (KOVS), Grant County, Wisconsin

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Aircraft on landing experienced a gust wind and was pushed off the runway into the grass damaging landing gear. 

MJN Aviation LLC


Date: 16-OCT-22
Time: 14:00:00Z
Regis#: N701BT
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SR22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 1 No Injuries
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: BOSCOBEL
State: WISCONSIN

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N2476Y: Fatal accident occurred October 16, 2022 at Statesboro–Bulloch County Airport (KTBR), Georgia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

Aircraft landed, taxied to the ramp, pilot exited and was struck by the propeller. 

American Aviation Inc


Date: 17-OCT-22
Time: 00:19:00Z
Regis#: N2476Y
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: STATESBORO
State: GEORGIA

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. 

Arion Lightning LS-1, N326AL: Accident occurred July 10, 2022 at Indiana County Airport (KIDI), Pennsylvania

Pilot files suit after crash destroyed his plane and left him blind in one eye


PITTSBURGH – A severely injured pilot has launched litigation against a trio of entities he says are responsible for the crash and destruction of his airplane, along with the litany of injuries he suffered in the crash, including blindness in one eye.

Kevin Labuda of Irwin filed suit in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on Oct. 14 versus West Penn Allegheny Foundation, LLC of Pittsburgh, Robert Ploskunak of New Kensington and Metro Aviation, Inc. of Shreveport, La.

“Plaintiff owns an Arion Lightning LS1 airplane, with Registration No. N326AL. At approximately 10:20 a.m. on the morning of July 10, 2022, plaintiff departed Rostraver Airport in Monongahela, Pennsylvania en route to Jimmy Stewart Airport in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to attend the Jimmy Stewart Airshow (JSA). Approximately 15 miles southwest of JSA, plaintiff first announced his intention to land on JSA Runway 11 on Frequency 122.8 Mhz Common Traffic Advisory Frequency,” the suit says.

“Plaintiff further announced his intention to land on JSA Runway 11 via CTAF at the following intervals: Approximately 10 miles southwest of JSA and approximately five miles southwest of JSA. Plaintiff again announced his intention to land on JSA Runway 11 at approximately two and a half miles southwest of JSA, stating he intended to cross midfield for the left downwind on JSA Runway 11. Around the same time, defendant Ploskunak, who was piloting the helicopter, announced his intention to land on JSA Runway 11 at approximately two and a half miles southwest of JSA.”

The suit adds the plaintiff continued his landing pattern and again announced his intention to cross midfield for the left downwind on JSA Runway 11 – and since the plaintiff could not see the helicopter as he approached Runway 11, the plaintiff called out for the helicopter’s location.

“Defendant Ploskunak responded by stating the helicopter was on the right base for Runway 1 and stated that the helicopter was No. 2 to land on Runway 11 behind plaintiff. Plaintiff then announced his turn to final for JSA Runway 11. As plaintiff descended toward Runway 11 at 50 knots, defendant Ploskunak negligently, carelessly and recklessly maneuvered the helicopter across plaintiff’s known landing pattern in such a way as to leave wake turbulence (a.k.a. “prop wash”), which caused plaintiff to lose control of the plane. Said prop wash caused plaintiff’s plane to invert and crash into the ground. During the crash, plaintiff’s head struck the canopy as his plane skidded to a stop off the runway, where emergency crew were needed to lift the plane in order for plaintiff to escape,” the suit states.

“Plaintiff sustained serious bodily injury from the crash and was transported to Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Plaintiff’s plane was completely destroyed in the crash. As a direct and proximate result of the crash, plaintiff sustained the following painful and physical injuries: Head trauma, concussion, loss of vision in his left eye, intense headaches, cuts, scrapes, lacerations and bruises to arms and legs, chest contusions and chest pain, and injuries to the bones, muscles, tendons and soft tissues of his body.”

For counts of negligence, vicarious liability, the plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of the jurisdictional limits of compulsory arbitration, together with interest on all sums due, costs and such other relief this Court deems just and appropriate.

The plaintiff is represented by John J. Zagari, Michael J. Zagari and Allen P. Page IV of Zagari & Associates, in Pittsburgh.

The defendants have not yet obtained legal counsel.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas case GD-22-012849


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. 

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Gretz, Robert

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Daniel Welms;  Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


Location: Indiana, Pennsylvania
Accident Number: ERA22LA304
Date and Time: July 10, 2022, 10:50 Local
Registration: N326AL
Aircraft: Arion Lightning 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Arion 
Registration: N326AL
Model/Series: Lightning LS1 
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: KIDI, 1419 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 130°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Rostraver, PA (FWQ)
Destination: Indiana, PA

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: 40.631061,-79.101526 (est)

Aircraft encountered rotorwash while landing, crashed and came to rest upside down. 

Date: 10-JUL-22
Time: 14:58:00Z
Regis#: N326AL
Aircraft Make: ARION AIRCRAFT
Aircraft Model: LIGHTNING LS-1
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: INDIANA
State: PENNSYLVANIA

Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six B, N600JG: Fatal accident occurred October 18, 2022 in Brentwood, Williamson County, Tennessee

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

Aircraft experienced engine issues and crashed in a residential area.

https://registry.faa.gov/N600JG

Date: 18-OCT-22
Time: 09:35:00Z
Regis#: N600JG
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA32
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Flight Crew: 1 Fatal 
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: BRENTWOOD
State: TENNESSEE

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.


Christopher Wiltcher



BRENTWOOD, Tennessee  (WSMV) - The Brentwood Police Department responded to a downed aircraft in Brentwood on Tuesday morning.

BPD confirmed a man died when a small plane crashed on Old Smyrna Road. The pilot’s family identified him as 62-year-old Christopher Wiltcher.

The area will be closed from Jones Parkway to Edmondson Pike to traffic for members of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate the incident.

The FAA reported the plane was a Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six B and Wiltcher was flying alone. The plane took off from Springfield-Robertson County Airport in Springfield, Tennessee and was headed for Fayetteville Municipal Airport in Fayetteville, Tennessee.

In an audio recording obtained by WSMV 4, Wiltcher can be heard telling an air traffic controller he was having engine problems. He requested an emergency landing at John C. Tune Airport, before asking to land at Nashville International Airport.

Wiltcher can be heard asking the air traffic controller to tell his family he loves them. WSMV 4 News has chosen not to air the recording.

Brentwood officials also confirmed the plane took out multiple power lines when it came down, causing several outages in the area. Those have since been restored.

“When we got up of course we had power but around 7:40, all of our power went out,” said neighbor Ray Mercer. “Just a few minutes later, we heard all the sirens come by. First it was an emergency vehicle, fire department, then all the cops coming by.”

The road will remain closed until the wreckage is cleared. The NTSB will begin its crash investigation on Wednesday.

Wiltcher’s family said Wednesday morning he was a traveling OBGYN who had been practicing for over 30 years. He has been flying since he was 15 and flew for leisure.



Beechcraft E90 King Air, N515GK: Fatal accident occurred October 18, 2022 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio

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.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): McCarter, Lawrence

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
David Schluep; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio
Textron; Wichita, Kansas
Pratt & Whitney; Bridgeport, West Virginia 
Transportation Safety Board of Canada; Quebec
Hartzell; Picua, Ohio 

Avintel Management LLC

Location: Marietta, Ohio
Accident Number: ERA23FA024
Date and Time: October 18, 2022, 07:09 Local 
Registration: N515GK
Aircraft: Beech E-90
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Positioning

On October 18, 2022, at 0709 eastern daylight time, a Beech E-90, N515GK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Marietta, Ohio. The two commercial pilots were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight.

The flight originated at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Columbus, Ohio about 0640 and was enroute to Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB), Parkersburg, West Virginia. Preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that after takeoff from CMH, the airplane climbed and turned on a ground track of 115° then leveled off at 11,000 ft mean sea level (msl) where it remained for most of the enroute portion of the 75-nautical mile flight.

Preliminary air traffic control communication information revealed that the flight crew were in communication with the Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center during the enroute portion the flight and that all communications with the air traffic controllers were normal withno indication of any irregularities. 

As the airplane approached PKB, the controllers cleared the flight to descend and maintain 4,000 ft msl, then subsequently cleared it for the RNAV RWY 21 approach into PKB. Shortly after, the flight was instructed to contact the PKB control tower. The subsequent exchanges with the controllers there were normal. About 0709, as the airplane was on a 3-mile final approach, the controllers cleared the flight for landing, which was acknowledged by the flight crew. There were no additional communications received from the flight crew.

Multiple eyewitnesses located on the airport and area surrounding the accident site reported that the airplane, while flying straight and level, suddenly began a steep descent and spun near vertically to the ground. Security camera footage from multiple sources showed the airplane’s descent through impact, which was generally consistent with the eyewitness’s accounts.

Preliminary weather information at the time of the accident indicated that there were pilot reports throughout the area for trace to moderate icing conditions and AIRMETs moderate icing. Weather satellite data showed supercooled liquid water clouds from 1,300 ft agl to about 8,000 ft agl.

The airplane impacted a car dealership parking lot at an elevation of 614 ft msl, about 3 miles northeast of the approach end of runway 21 at PKB. The airplane struck a vehicle before coming to rest on level pavement. The wreckage path was oriented on a heading of 305° magnetic. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. The cockpit and forward portions of the fuselage were crushed aft.

A significant post-impact fire ensued, consuming a majority of the fuselage and the cockpit area. The fuselage above the floorboards was totally consumed by fire. The instrument panel and all associated instrumentation, gauges and switches were severely impact damaged and thermally damaged. The left and right flaps, which were significantly damaged by impact and post impact fire, remained attached to their respective mounts; the actuators indicated a flap position of 15°.

Partial flight control continuity from the cockpit to the ailerons, elevator, and rudder was established through cables, bell cranks, and push pull rods. All breaks in the cables and push/pull rods were consistent with heat and overload damage.

The pneumatic anti-icing system was consumed by post impact fire; the switches were impact and thermally damaged, and a reliable determination of their post impact positions could not be made.

Both engines were located in the wreckage path, and both displayed significant impact and thermal damage. There were no indications of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies to any of the engine components that would have precluded normal engine operation.

Both left and right propeller assemblies were detached from their respective engines. All 4 blades remained attached to their respective hubs. All four blades on both sides exhibited severe s-bending, chordwise scraping, and leading edge gouges.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N515GK
Model/Series: E-90
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: PKB,615 ft msl
Observation Time: 06:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 3°C /1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Wind
Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 260°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1400 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.8 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Columbus, OH (CMH)
Destination: Parkersburg, WV (PKB)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 39.400997,-81.410431

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.

Aircraft crashed into car dealership under unknown circumstances.  

Date: 18-OCT-22
Time: 09:01:00Z
Regis#: N515GK
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: E-90
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 2
Flight Crew: 1 Fatal
Pax: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: PARKERSBURG
State: WEST VIRGINIA

Eric Scott Seevers
~

Eric Scott Seevers left for his heavenly abode on 18th October 2022. The pure and kind soul will always be missed by his wife, Francella Castro, his grandmother Thelma Seevers, brother Kyle Seevers residing in Valdosta, GA, sister Christie Seevers residing in Parkersburg, son Tucker Stephens, and two lovely daughters, Kambria Seevers, and Cadence. He was loved by his niece Alex Seevers residing in Valdosta, GA, his nephew Michael Seevers from Fort Stewart, Hinesville, GA, and grandson Michael Dowler from Parkersburg.

There will be no funeral ceremony held for the passing away of Eric rather there will be a life celebration by his family and friends a few days later. The cremation arrangements for his family are being managed by Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, in the United States. May his eternal soul rest in peace, and may God empower his family and friends for their heavy loss.

Eric Scott Seevers came into the world on 13th February 1977. He is 44 years of age as of 2022. He was born to his parents, Lewis D. and Kathy Seevers, who hails from Parkersburg, West Virginia, in the United States. 

He got enrolled in Emerson Elementary, Van Devender Jr. High School for his primary education, and then attended Parkersburg High School, where he was famous for his notorious behavior as he skipped his classes and was always in the news. He developed his love for studies in the latter phase. He developed an immense interest in music after he attended a musical concert with his sibling Christie and his mate Brenda when he was in Jr. High School.

He made up his mind to start learning guitar. He had a natural talent and learned in a short instance and performed with excellence in a number of local heavy metal bands, Social 66, Loaded, Liecus, etc. He later performed bass in a cover band of the 80s and showed his guitar skills with a fantastic performance in a Kiss tribute band.

Despite his immense talent in the field of music and his profession as a songwriter and musician, he went on to pursue his job as a financial advisor for a firm named Mass Mutual. While working for a new firm, he developed an interest in an offbeat passion for being a pilot. He researched a lot and gave his best efforts, and studied very hard to meet the requirements to be a pilot of Citation CE500.

He went on to purchase a plane and started his own flying school, where he gave lessons from his experiences at Wood County Airport and described his love to fly airplanes. There are multiple images of his work as a corporate pilot and a flight instructor on his Facebook account @Eric Seevers. His clients showed ultimate faith in his work as a flight instructor and he impressed with his skills as an instructor by training his clients in an excellent way.

He was a role model for his children and used to tell his kids that he was capable of executing anything that would come up in their minds and he proved it with his natural talent. Eric was a lovely person and a gem to the people around him. He put his best into everything he used to pursue, let it be a musician, a pilot, a parent, a husband, a friend, or a financial advisor.


Eric Scott Seevers 



By Phillip Hickman

I lost one of the brightest stars in my universe Tuesday morning.  Even though we were often at odds due to our inherited stubborn natures, I never stopped loving and supporting him, even from a distance at times.  I was so very proud of him and his accomplishments.  My world has forever changed.

Eric Scott Seevers departed this earth on October 18, 2022.  He was born February 13, 1977, the youngest son of Lewis D. and Kathy S. Seevers of Parkersburg, WV.

He attended Emerson Elementary, Van Devender Jr. High School, and Parkersburg High School, where he excelled at skipping class and getting into trouble.  His love of learning came later.  It was in Jr. High he discovered a love of playing music after attending a Kiss concert with his sister Christie and her friend Brenda and decided to learn to play guitar.  It turned out he was a natural at it and went on to form and play in several local heavy metal bands, Loaded, Liecus, and Social 66, for example.  He later played bass in an 80′s cover band and guitar in a Kiss tribute band (complete with stage make-up and costumes).  He kicked butt doing it.

Despite being a multi-talented songwriter ex/musician, he would go on to become a financial advisor for Mass Mutual.  It was during his time at Mass Mutual that he discovered another passion; becoming a pilot.  He worked hard and studied even harder to pass all the requirements to become a Citation CE500 Captain.  He even bought a plane and started a flying school, giving lessons out of Wood County Airport to share his love of flying.

He told his kids they could do anything they put their minds to, and he was living proof of it.  Eric was a true rockstar to the people that knew and loved him.  He gave his all to everything he did, whether it was being a rocker, a financial advisor, a pilot, a father/son/brother/husband, or a friend.

He will be eternally missed by his wife Francella Quesada Castro; his son Tucker Stephens (Selena); his two daughters Cadence A. (Trenton) and Kambria L. Seevers, all of Parkersburg; his paternal grandmother Thelma J. Seevers of Vienna; his sister Christie Seevers of Parkersburg; his brother Kyle Seevers (Loretta) of Valdosta, GA; his niece Alex Seevers of Valdosta, GA; his nephew Michael Seevers (Jasmin) of Fort Stewart, Hinesville, GA; four great-nephews in Georgia; and grandson Michael Dowler of Parkersburg.

There will be no funeral service, but a celebration of life for friends and family will be held at a later date.  Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.



Tim Gifford

Firefighter Tim Gifford and Monica Durban during a ceremony in August 2016. Gifford saved Durban after she was involved in a vehicle crash in 2008.

Tim Gifford


 Eric Seevers

“[He was everything] from an accomplished musician, to a pilot, to a devoted father, but most importantly a good friend,” said Ronnie McCoy, a friend of two decades.
~


MARIETTA, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released the names of the two men who were killed when a private plane crashed at a car dealership parking lot in Marietta Tuesday morning. 

The occupants were identified as 49-year-old Timothy F. Gifford of Orient, Ohio and 45-year-old Eric S. Seevers of Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Gifford was a firefighter with the Columbus Division of Fire and retired in May, according to Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter.

The crash happened at approximately 7:15 a.m. at the Pioneer Buick GMC dealership on Pike Street. The plane involved was a Beechcraft E90 King Air. 

Marietta police told 10TV that the plane took off from John Glenn Columbus International Airport at 6:40 a.m.

Officers with the Marietta Police Department arrived at the scene and saw heavy fire and smoke in the area. Other emergency crews responded and the fire was put out. 

No one who was on the ground was reportedly injured. OSHP said multiple vehicles and buildings at the dealership were damaged from the crash. 

The crash remains under investigation.







MARIETTA, Ohio (WCMH) — Surveillance video from a nearby business shows the moment a plane crashed into the parking lot of a Marietta, Ohio car dealership Tuesday morning, killing two people.

The video shows the plane, which flew out of John Glenn International in Columbus, falling straight down out of the sky before exploding into a fireball, killing 49-year-old Timothy F. Gifford, of Orient, and Eric S. Seevers, 45, of West Virginia.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane was a Beechcraft E90 King Air. A spokesperson with John Glenn International Airport said the plane took off from its runways at 6:39 a.m.  The plane was heading for the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport in Parkersburg, West Virginia, before crashing around 30 minutes later.

Dr. Shawn Pruchnicki, a former plane accident investigator who is now a professor at Ohio State University’s Center for Aviation Studies, points out the glow on the plane as it comes down and the smoke trail shows the plane was on fire in the air. He also said the angle of the plane means it was not in control.

“There’s several reasons why an airplane might do something like this and all of those will have to be examined, right?” Pruchnicki said. “Aircraft malfunction, pilot incapacitation. The fact the aircraft is on fire prior to impact can also lead down a certain path on why the airplane might have eventually become out of control.”

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. As of Tuesday evening, no cause for the crash has been released.