Monday, November 07, 2022

Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, N84R: Fatal accident occurred November 03, 2022 near Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport (I35), Harlan County, Kentucky

Dr. David George Sanford
~

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 traveled to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Louisville, Kentucky
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas 

Location: Harlan, Kentucky
Accident Number: ERA23FA048
Date and Time: November 3, 2022, 10:09 Local
Registration: N84R
Aircraft: Beech A36 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On November 3, 2022, about 1009 eastern daylight time, a Beech A36 airplane, N84R, was destroyed when it impacted terrain at the Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport (I35) Harlan, Kentucky. The private pilot was fatally 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.

Review of preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data found that the airplane departed from Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (DKX), Knoxville, Tennessee, at 0932. The flight track continued northeast, and the airplane arrived into the I35 airport area about 1000. Subsequently, the flight track showed the airplane fly a tight left airport traffic pattern for runway 8. A total of three approaches were flown towards runway 8, with the final approach track ending at 1009:54 about .10 nautical mile from the runway 8 threshold.

Review of archived audio recordings of the I35 common traffic advisory frequency from LiveATC.net found that as the pilot entered the traffic pattern area he stated, “Harlan tucker guthrie bonanza 84 romeo is two and a half to the west will circle for landing Harlan Tucker Guthrie.” There were no further radio communications recorded. The ADS-B flight track recorded around the I35 traffic pattern.

According to a pilot-rated witness that was at the I35 airport terminal, he heard what he believed to be the accident airplane complete two approaches to runway 8 about 1000. The witness never saw the airplane due to the visibility being severely restricted by morning fog. He characterized that the first approach seemed to be high, and the second approach sounded “really low”. For both passes the witness reported that the engine noise was a steady piston engine sound, with no noticeable change in power.

After the second pass, the engine sound became more distant, and he did not hear the accident airplane again, nor did he hear any sort of boom or the accident airplane’s eventual impact with terrain.

At the time of the accident, airport surveillance video showed fog that restricted visibility to about 175 ft.

The airplane impacted a ravine and steep rock wall about 50 ft below and 375 ft before the runway 8 threshold. All major portions of the airframe were located, and a post-crash fire consumed a majority of the cockpit, fuselage, and portions of the left wing. A drone image shows the view of the final approach to runway 8 and the disposition of the wreckage.

Flight control cable continuity was established from the elevator, rudder, and elevator trim tabs to the fire damaged forward cabin area. The left and right aileron control cable ends were identified in the forward cabin area and traced to the outboard wing areas where they were separated in tensile overload. Due to the impact and fire damage, the position of the flaps, landing gear, and fuel selector could not be determined.

The cockpit, switches, levers, and flight instruments were all severely damaged or entirely consumed by fire. It was not possible to obtain any instrument reading from the recovered instrumentation. The attitude indicator was disassembled, and its gyro and housing exhibited rotational scoring.

The engine had separated from its mount and the airframe. A large fracture hole was observed at the right forward area of the engine crankcase which was consistent with impact related damage. All propeller blades had separated from the propeller hub. Only one propeller blade was recovered at the accident site. The blade exhibited tip curling and leading edge gouging. All top spark plugs and lower Nos.1, 3, and 5 spark plugs when compared to the Champion Check-A-Plug chart, exhibited a worn out, normal to severe condition.

The oil filter when removed and examined displayed no evidence of debris or metal contaminants. Both magnetos produced spark when rotated by hand. The fuel manifold was safety wired and remained partially attached to the engine. When disassembled, its fuel filter screen was clear of debris and the manifold smelled of aviation gas. The engine could not be rotated by hand.

The vacuum pump remained attached to the engine accessory section. When the pump was partially disassembled, its gears were intact, and the unit appeared normal.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He was issued a 3rd class medical certificate on November 9, 2015, where he reported a total flight time of 2,315 hours. He subsequently completed the FAA Basic Medical course on April 12, 2021.

According to preliminary FAA air traffic control (ATC) records, there was no known communication between the pilot and ATC, nor was there any flight plan opened or on-file for the accident flight.

At the time of the accident, a Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) was in effect noting that all airport lighting was unserviceable (out of service).

The wreckage was retained for further examination.




Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N84R
Model/Series: A36 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: IMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: I35, 1552 ft msl
Observation Time: 10:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C /8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 200 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 200 ft AGL 
Visibility: 0 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.37 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Knoxville, TN (DKX) 
Destination: Harlan, KY (I35)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 36.857933,-83.365427 

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.

Dr. David George Sanford
October 26, 1967 ~ November 3, 2022 (age 55)
~


David George Sanford, 55, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022. He was born October 26, 1967, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Georgia Sharp Baker and Charles Sanford and he was also the stepson of the late James Baker. He is survived by his beloved wife and children, Amy, George, and Mira all of Knoxville, Tennessee; a sister, Lisa (JD) Sanford Howard of Knoxville, Tennessee; a special aunt, Jessie Malin of Rector, Arkansas; a sister-in-law, Alice (Mark) Elkins of Middlesboro, Kentucky; and his in-laws, Judy and Dewey England of Harrogate, Tennessee. His niece and nephews, Collier Elkins, Caroline Elkins, Luke Howard, and Robert and Daniel Hall also survive him. His brother, Alan Sanford, preceded him in death. David leaves behind a devasted host of relatives, friends, and colleagues.

David was a graduate of Middlesboro High School, Lincoln Memorial University, and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. After completing his internship at St Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, and ophthalmological residency at the UK Chandler Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, he came home to the mountains to open his practice. For twenty-five years he cared for patients in Middlesboro, Harlan, and throughout the region. Dr. Sanford relished both the privilege and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of his patients by helping them to see better. He was known not only for his skill as a surgeon but for his humility, kindness, and his terrific sense of humor. “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” ― Hippocrates

David grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where he met and married Amy. In the decade before George and Mira were born, David and Amy traveled and worked together while anxiously awaiting the day when they would become parents. David loved a hobby and throughout his life he passionately pursued piano, guitar, radio DJing, flying, dirt bike riding, running, hiking, and tennis. With every venture he assembled a fellowship of enthusiasts whose comraderie and friendship sustained him. His greatest joy was watching George and Mira grow and develop their own passions. From swimming and lacrosse to cross country, Lego, and video games, if his kids wanted to try it, he was all in. David was also a thoughtful and committed longtime member of the recovery community.

David’s funeral will be held at Sevier Heights Church on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Violet’s Village at https://www.gofundme.com/f/violets-village or to Steps House Inc at https://www.facebook.com/stepshouse.help/.

This obituary is a courtesy to the family of Dr. David George Sanford by the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home of Harlan. 

Aircraft struck a cliff while attempting to land on runway. 

Date: 03-NOV-22
Time: 14:15:00Z
Regis#: N84R
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 36
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Flight Crew: 1
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: HARLAN
State: KENTUCKY


Kentucky State Police secure the scene following the crash of a small airplane at Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport on Thursday, November 3, 2022.



Harlan County, Kentucky -  A single-engine airplane crashed on Thursday near Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport in Harlan, resulting in the death of one individual.

According to Harlan County Deputy Coroner Jim Rich, Dr. David Sanford, 55, died as a result of a plane crash near Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport in Harlan on Thursday.

According to Kentucky State Police Public Relations Officer Shane Jacobs, KSP Post 10, Harlan, was notified of the incident on Thursday morning.

“At approximately 10 a.m., Post 10, Harlan received multiple calls in reference to a loud noise,” Jacobs said. “A short time later, a small plane was discovered crashed just south of the airport.”

Jacobs confirmed there were no known survivors of the crash, with one fatality verified as of approximately 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.

KSP Det. Andy Soltess is in charge of the death investigation. The FAA will investigate the cause of the crash

The Harlan County Rescue Squad, the Harlan City Fire Department, and Sunshine Fire Department responded to the scene.

Sunday, November 06, 2022

Mooney M20B Mark 21, N74586: Fatal accident occurred December 13, 2022 in Kellyton, Alabama

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.

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): Spencer, Lynn

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Clayton Caessens; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Birmingham, Alabama
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 


Location: Kellyton, Alabama
Accident Number: ERA23FA087
Date and Time: December 13, 2022, 09:25 Local 
Registration: N74586
Aircraft: Mooney M20B
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Executive/Corporate

On December 13, 2022, at 0925 central standard time, a Mooney M20B, N74586, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Kellyton, Alabama. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a corporate flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The airplane owner reported that the pilot worked for him flying various airplanes that the owner managed, and that the accident flight was the pilot’s second flight in the owner’s personal airplane. The first flight was the day before the accident, and the owner stated that he provided “at least an hour” of ground instruction to the pilot before the flight.

Review of Federal Aviation Administration preliminary air traffic control and Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast-Data revealed that the airplane departed runway 36 at the Perry-Houston County Airport (PXE), in Perry, Georgia, at 0825 on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan to Bessemer Airport (EKY), Bessemer, Alabama. The airplane turned toward the west and climbed to an altitude of 6,000 ft mean sea level (msl). At 0918, the pilot transmitted “Mayday” several times and advised the controller that the airplane was experiencing a rough running engine. The pilot requested to divert to the nearest airport and the controller provided course guidance to the Thomas C Russell Field Airport (ALX), Alexander City, Alabama. Shortly after the pilot initiated the left turn to ALX, he reported that the engine was once again producing power; however, he wanted to continue the diversion. The controller provided the pilot course guidance until radio and radar contact were lost at 0925 about 5.8 nautical miles (nm) north-northeast of the airport.

A witness near the accident site reported that he heard tree branches breaking and looked up to see the airplane “clipping the trees.” He indicated that the airplane appeared to be level and upright and stated that there was no engine noise.

Video obtained from the property owner showed the airplane impacting trees before rolling inverted and descending nose first to the ground. The wreckage was located 5.5 nm north of ALX and about 1.41 nm west of the last radar data.

Examination at the accident site revealed that the airplane came to rest in a pasture, inverted and folded over the engine and propeller. All portions of the airplane were intact, except for the outermost portion of the left wing, including the left aileron, which was located at the base of some large trees about 68 ft from the main wreckage. The fractured outermost portion of the left wing exhibited leading edge damage consistent with tree impact while in a left turn. Equipment was brought to the accident site and the airplane was positioned upright and further examined. The propeller hub with propeller blades attached was impact separated from the engine and embedded at the ground impact point. Examination of the propeller revealed that both blades exhibited minimal chordwise rotational scoring on the face sides and no remarkable twisting. One of the blades exhibited aft bending. The engine compartment and cockpit area were impact crushed aft and the fuselage and empennage were substantially damaged. The engine control levers were in their full forward position. The fuel selector was positioned to the right wing fuel bladder. Control continuity was established from the rudder and elevator cockpit flight controls to the flight control surfaces; however, aileron control continuity could not be established due to impact damage at both wing roots. Examination of the wing fuel bladders revealed significant fuel in the left bladder and no fuel in the right bladder. There was no evidence of fire.

The engine was removed from its engine mounts and hoisted to facilitate examination. Examination revealed that the sparkplug electrodes showed coloration and wear consistent with normal operation when compared to a Champion Check-A-Plug chart. Thumb suction and compression were attained on all cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated manually. Crankshaft and camshaft continuity were confirmed from the front to the rear of the engine. A visual inspection of the cylinders revealed normal coloration and condition of the piston faces. The magnetos produced sparks on all leads when removed and rotated by hand. The carburetor was disassembled, and its inlet screen removed. The fuel screen was free from debris and unobstructed. No fluid or sediment was present in the float bowl. The floats were of the black plastic style and moved freely throughout their travel range. Suction and compression were noted at the respective ports on the engine driven fuel pump when rotated using an electric drill. No fuel was found in the fuel lines during the examination.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Mooney
Registration: N74586
Model/Series: M20B 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: IMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: ALX, 686 ft msl
Observation Time: 15:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 110°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Perry, GA (PXE)
Destination: Bessemer, AL (EKY)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.007645,-85.953344

Joshua Allen Davis
~

Joshua Allen Davis took his final flight on December 13, 2022 at 11:56 in Alexander City, Alabama.  A Memorial Service is being held Saturday December 17th 3pm at The Church in the Orchard, 881 Taylors Mill Rd, Fort Valley, Georgia.   A ride for Josh will be held before the service starting at Tractor Supply (Watson & 41) KSU at 2:30pm to head to The Church in the Orchard.


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

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances when diverting to Thomas C. Russell Field Airport (KALX) after reporting engine issues, landed in a field and flipped over.  

Date: 13-DEC-22
Time: 11:36:00Z
Regis#: N74586
Aircraft Make: MOONEY
Aircraft Model: M20B
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Flight Crew: 1 Fatal
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: ALEXANDER CITY
State: ALABAMA

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.





Alexander City, Alabama - A small plane that crashed Tuesday has claimed the life of a Georgia man. 

Joshua Allen Davis, 38, was pronounced dead Tuesday following an early morning crash, according to Tallapoosa County Coroner Mike Knox. 

The crash occurred on Tankersley Road, just off of Highway 63 at approximately 9:30 a.m. when the Mooney M20B Mark 21 crashed in a field of Price Farm in Kellyton. The first 911 call reporting the incident was received three minutes later at 9:33 a.m. from a person that heard the crash.

According to Knox, first responders reached the scene at 9:40 a.m. with the Alexander City Police Department, New Site Police, Alexander City Fire Department as well as rescue crews all responding to the crash.

Davis was transported to Russell Medical Center where he was declared deceased at 10:55 a.m. Tuesday. Knox said that Davis died from injuries sustained during the crash. According to Knox, Davis’ body has been transported to Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery.   

Davis, a native of Warner Robins, Georgia, had departed from Perry-Houston County Airport at 9:26 a.m. EST before the crash. 

Alexander City police Chief Jay Turner said the scene was secured and that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had been called in to the scene to conduct their investigation. 


Joshua Davis 
August 2022: Officially a commercial multi-engine pilot.

Surveillance plane helping take fentanyl pills off the streets faces extinction




GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who also serves as a pilot in the Air National Guard, is sounding the alarm about plans to cut funding for a little-known military surveillance aircraft that law enforcement officials tell CNN is an essential tool for dismantling drug trafficking organizations and has helped them take tens of thousands of illegal fentanyl pills off the streets last month alone.

Kinzinger is among a small group of Air National Guard pilots who operate the RC-26 aircraft and have helped law enforcement agencies target large shipments of fentanyl that are flowing into the US from across the border.

But despite being described as an essential asset for law enforcement officials on the ground as they carry out raids and serve search warrants, the aircraft currently finds itself on the chopping block as Air Force leaders are planning to scrap the program, he told CNN.

"Law enforcement lives have been saved by having this asset available," according to Kinzinger. "We can see anything weird that's going to happen," he said, adding that pilots can also follow suspects with their aerial camera without them knowing, allowing agents to maintain the element of surprise.

"We've been saving it every year piecemeal," he said. "The guard has made it very clear. It's gone in April."

No other options

Law enforcement officials from around the country and National Guard pilots who fly the RC-26 have appealed directly to Air Force leaders in Washington to keep the plane or provide a capable replacement, according to multiple sources familiar with those discussions.

But despite self-imposed limits to the types of operations that can be flown by RC-26 National Guard pilots, Air Force leaders have now decided they no longer want to fund piloted reconnaissance assets for border and counter-drug missions, claiming unmanned drones can be offered up to fill that need, Kinzinger said.

Supporters of the aircraft like Kinzinger say, in reality, the Air Force does not currently have a plan to replace the capabilities provided by the RC-26 if the program is shuttered.

The Air Force has determined that divestment of the RC-26 "leaves no capability gap" and the service possesses sufficient "Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets" to support the needs of law enforcement authorities, Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek told CNN in response to questions about the future of the aircraft.

A law enforcement official who spoke to CNN under the condition of anonymity to speak frankly about his opposition to the Air Force's plans to get rid of the aircraft, said doing so would take away the biggest advantage officers have over drug trafficking organizations that are currently "flooding the market" with large quantities of fentanyl and killing swaths of Americans in the process.

"I know the Air Force is trying to say there are other options ... but they don't have the same capabilities," the law enforcement official, who has routinely requested assistance from Air National Guard pilots operating the RC-26, said.

"It would be a great loss for us in law enforcement," he added, noting it allows police departments to work more cases and spend less money on things like overtime for officers.

While the RC-26 is used for a variety of missions, it has proven to be very effective in helping law enforcement agencies not only seize large amounts of fentanyl but also arresting and building cases against violent drug traffickers bringing the deadly substance into the US.

Outfitted with a range of surveillance gear, including infrared imaging systems and secure radio communications, the Air Force's small fleet of RC-26 aircraft has played a prominent role in several recent operations targeting illicit shipments of fentanyl by serving as the preverbal eye-in-the sky for agents and officers on the ground, according to current and former officials.

An agent or police officer is often on-board the aircraft to direct the pilot where to go and, working in tandem, they are able to collect information to help inform the decision-making of law enforcement officials on the ground in real time as they execute search warrants and conduct raids.

Over the last two weeks in Arizona, the relatively obscure turboprop plane was involved in three separate fentanyl seizures of 22,500 pills each, according to law enforcement data obtained by CNN.

Each seizure prevented 10,000 potential deaths, according to a US official familiar with the operations, who noted that the DEA says four pills in 10 have a lethal amount of fentanyl in them.

But despite proving itself to be a valuable asset for drug interdiction, particularly at a time when the Biden administration is facing increasing pressure to stop the flow of fentanyl coming into the US from across the border, funding for the RC-26 aircraft is again on the chopping block.

Air Force officials believe that the relatively small amount of money used to keep the current fleet of 11 RC-26 planes in the air would be better spent elsewhere. If a House amendment to provide more funding for the aircraft fails to make it through conference and is not included in Congress' next defense spending bill, the plane will be "gone in April," according to Kinzinger.

'Less than a drop in the bucket'

The cost of maintaining all 11 RC-26s is between $25 and $31 million per year, according to a source familiar with the program, who note that is a "less than a drop in the bucket" considering the annual defense spending bill ranges in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

Kinzinger has sent a letter to the Armed Services Committees requesting they keep the current language related to funding for the RC-26 in its next defense spending bill, which would keep the aircraft around for at least one more year and require an independent assessment of how the National Guard could replace it, with a cost analysis.

But even if that happens, the aircraft's long-term survival remains in question, as does the future success of the specialized missions it currently flies.

Kinzinger is not alone in his support of the RC-26. CNN spoke with current and former law enforcement officials working in what are known as High Intensity Trafficking Areas who were adamant that the plane is a critical tool for stopping the flow of illicit drugs into the US.

"I think of the RC-26 as my state bird," said Rand Allison, a recently retired narcotics officer who spent over a decade working with RC-26 pilots as part of federal task forces focused on intercepting shipments of illicit drugs.

Heightened public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, bipartisan concerns and law enforcement statistics obtained by CNN also underscore how the RC-26 remains relevant despite claims by some air Force officials that it is too old.

For example, data provided to CNN by the Southern Nevada High Impact Narcotics Task Force shows law enforcement agencies have used the RC-26 to seize 134,009 fentanyl pills and 15.7 pounds of pure fentanyl powder this year alone -- a dramatic increase compared to the roughly 67,000 pills and 2.7 pounds of powder seized in 2021.

In 2020, the task force documented its first seizures of fentanyl pills and powder, underscoring how the dramatic rise in law enforcement operations focused on these trafficking operations in particular.

If the RC-26 program is ultimately scrapped, law enforcement officers would lose their best asset for dismantling trafficking operations bringing fentanyl into the US from across the border, Allison told CNN.

The RC-26 aircraft was also used in three separate drug busts over the last three weeks where law enforcement agencies seized more than 60,000 fentanyl pills in total, according to federal drug task force data obtained by CNN.

The first operation took place on October 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the DEA seized 21,500 fentanyl pills.

Exactly one week later, agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations division carried out the bust in Tucson that yielded more than 25,000 pills. The next day, a HIS team in Phoenix, Arizona seized an additional 5,000 pills and are building a much larger case, according to a law enforcement official familiar with operation.

Losing the war against fentanyl

Still, one law enforcement official who regularly works with Air National Guard pilots to conduct counter-drug operations acknowledged feeling like they are "winning many battles but losing the war when it comes to fentanyl," making the RC-26's survival even more imperative.

Over the last eight years, Kinzinger has been at the forefront of efforts to save his plane from extinction and preserve its ability to fly the type of missions that have endeared it to law enforcement officials across various agencies.

Now, the RC-26 is again at risk of being phased out due to the shifting priorities of Air Force leaders that do not include flying border or counter-drug missions, according to the Republican lawmaker, who opted not to run for re-election but is using the final months of his time in Congress, in part, to advocate for the aircraft's survival.

If that happens, the Air Force will also lose more than 60 Air National Guard pilots who are trained to fly the RC-26, Kinzinger added, noting the service is already suffering from a pilot shortage.

Mayors snubbed on aircraft committee: Teterboro Airport (KTEB), New Jersey

PASCACK VALLEY, New Jersey — Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo said that the Pascack Valley Mayors Association would devise a new plan at its November 9 meeting in its fight against noise pollution from private jets that overfly the Pascack Valley on their way into Teterboro Airport.

At the October 26 meeting of Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee, or TANAAC, Rendo said he and other local mayors were told that they would not be allowed a seat on the TANAAC board to represent their towns over air traffic volume and noise concerns.

The mayors had been pressing for months to be included on the TANAAC board and hoped to be admitted so that their voices — and the complaints of tens of thousands of potentially affected residents — could be represented to the airport owners, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

TANAAC is an advisory committee open to local officials representing towns within approximately 5 miles of Teterboro Airport. It includes officials from Bogota, Carlstadt, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Ferry, Maywood, Moonachie, Ridgefield Park, Rochelle Park, Rutherford, South Hackensack, Secaucus, Teaneck, Teterboro and Wood-Ridge.

“This issue is not going away for us. We have residents in town that are intent on donating money to retain an attorney to see what can be done,” said Rendo on October 31. “They [the Port Authority] have to be willing to come to some type of compromise. It’s not too much to want to enjoy your backyard on the weekends,” said the mayor, noting the constant drone of private jets likely lowers property values.

Rendo said that the mayors association will “look at what avenues we have for relief” such as possibly hiring an aviation expert to look at the airport’s landing flight patterns, hiring a lawyer to bring a court case, or holding a demonstration at a public venue or meeting to raise awareness.

“We’re at the mercy of the information they’re [TANAAC] giving us. And to not let us have a voice when our residents are complaining daily about the noise…this is a quality of life issue,” said Rendo. He said the mayors will consider next steps in their fight against private jet volume and noise when they meet Nov. 9. He said a letter to the airport demanding action on an alternate landing flight route was only one option open to the group.

Rendo said they were told that the TANAAC members opposed their membership because if they opened it up to one representative from their mayors’ association, that would set a precedent and they would then have to let in other towns/mayors who wanted to join.

Rendo said they only wanted to have one person on TANAAC to represent the Pascack Valley. “We’re getting the brunt of it, with the jets often 2,000 feet or lower over us.” He noted that a graphic shown by the committee showed a convergence of private jet traffic over Woodcliff Lake especially, as well as other towns.

He said though pilots were using a new landing pattern route over Route. 17, most pilots preferred the long-established landing route that traversed Emerson, Montvale, Park Ridge, Hillsdale, Washington Township, Westwood, and River Vale.

A chart presented at the July TANAAC meeting showed noise complaints lodged over a six-month period from January to June 2022 ranged from a high of 7,343 complaints from 40 complainants in the Township of Washington to a low of 33 complaints from 11 individuals in Montvale.

Hillsdale Mayor John Ruocco emailed residents advance notice of the TANAAC October meeting and an online log-in to attend. He questioned the committee’s decision to exclude a representative from the mayors’ association. The association includes all eight Pascack Valley towns, plus Old Tappan and Oradell.
“Their reasoning was that if they did it for us, they would have to do it for other mayors. I think that’s not a reasonable position, given that the skies above the towns in the Pascack Valley are where most of the routes converge during the approach to the airport, and on that basis alone a case can be made for allowing the PVMA a representative on the TANAAC,” Ruocco told Pascack Press.

Ruocco added, “The other development of note was that they put up a slide that showed greater use of the Alternate Route 17 approach. In the third quarter, it was used by 38% of the incoming night flights, which was considerably more than the previous quarter. Use of the Alt Route 17 approach during the day increased marginally, but is still only used by 4% of the incoming flights.”

The FAA established the alternate route in late 2020 in response to noise complaints from many communities, including Hackensack and Maywood, which lie closest to the airport’s landing field, Runway 19, that is used by most incoming private aircraft. Private jets flying over the Pascack Valley towns are generally heading for Runway 19.

At TANAAC’s July meeting, Rendo said that jet planes used his home as “ground zero” for turning over the reservoir and towards a Teterboro landing, according to the meeting minutes posted online. He questioned then why pilots were not using the Route 17 Alternate Approach landing route and asked for relief for residents on the weekends. He also asked for data on the number of flights on weekdays versus weekends heading into Teterboro Airport using Runway 19.

James Schultz, FAA manager for the New York district, explained that “traffic density on the weekends was still busy enough to prevent air traffic control from having the ability to do mixed approaches into Teterboro even on the weekends. They are looking at options,” according to the July minutes.

At the July meeting, a discussion ensued over a possible relocation of a portable noise monitor scheduled for Woodcliff Lake. Officials with TANAAC were leaning toward the Borough Hall while other local officials pushed for a site closer to the municipal pool, where more private jet traffic is sighted on a daily basis.

A location without ambient noise and a readily available power source was highly prized by TANAAC officials.

Each of the 15 communities on TANAAC is represented by the mayor or a duly appointed alternate.

In addition, the Bergen county executive and Board of Commissioners’ chairman, a member of Congress for the Ninth District, state assembly members and state senators of the 36th and 38th districts are represented by themselves or a duly appointed alternate.

According to its Port Authority of New York and New Jersey website, TANAAC was established on February 26, 1987.

“The main purpose of the committee was to establish a meaningful dialogue between the airport community and the residential communities. The primary goal of the committee is to work collaboratively with the airport management and Federal Aviation Administration in an effort to enhance the quality of life of the residents of local communities while ensuring the continued efficient operation of the airport,” the website states.

“TANAAC is comprised of the locally elected officials or their duly appointed alternates, and members of the aviation community,” it adds.

Cirrus SR20 G6, N700YZ: Fatal accident occurred November 05, 2022 at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF), San Diego, California

Andre Roosevelt Green
May 17, 1976 - November 5, 2022
~



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): Gutierrez, Eric

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Oded Moore; Federal Aviation Administration; / Flight Standards District Office;  San Diego, California 
Lycoming Engines Inc.
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota 

Exyion Aviation Inc


Location: San Diego, California
Accident Number: WPR23FA027
Date and Time: November 5, 2022, 12:00 Local
Registration: N700YZ
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On November 5, 2022, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Cirrus SR20, N700YZ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near San Diego, California. The student pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

Review of recorded communication from the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive (MYF) air traffic control tower revealed that N700YZ had been cleared for a base leg inbound to RWY 28R.

Shortly after, a second airplane, N480SP, was cleared for takeoff on RWY 28R, and a third airplane, N5396E, was instructed to Line-Up and Wait (LUAW) on RWY 28R. About 30 seconds later, N5396E was cleared for takeoff. About 14 seconds later, the controller instructed N700YZ, who was on about a one mile final to RWY 28R, to sidestep to the left and go-around. There was no response from the pilot, and the controller repeated the instruction to go-around, without a response. During this timeframe, a radio transmission about a trim problem, thought to be from the accident pilot was heard on frequency. The controller responded that, the aircraft that radioed about the trim problems, had a stuck mic on the tower frequency.

Recorded Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed the accident airplane conducting traffic pattern work to both runways 28L and 28R at MYF. The pilot flew 2 turns in the pattern to RWY 28L (left traffic), followed by 2 turns in the pattern to RWY 28R, the second of which was the accident leg, as seen in figure 1. The data showed that at 1155:58, the airplane continued to ascend in a right turn until ADS-B contact was lost, about 350 ft southeast of the accident site.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted flat open terrain about 730 ft northwest of the departure end of runway 28R. The airplane came to rest upright on a heading of about 10° magnetic, at an altitude of 417 ft mean sea level. The first identified point of contact (FIPC) with terrain was a ground scar/impression on a heading of 195° magnetic and about 125 ft south from the main wreckage. The ground scar/impression was about 11 ft long, 12 inches wide and 2 in deep. The debris field was about 125 ft in length and 75 ft wide. Numerous pieces of composite wing, plexiglass, and propeller were observed throughout the debris path.

The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N700YZ
Model/Series: SR20
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot school (141)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMYF, 418 ft msl 
Observation Time: 11:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C /1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: San Diego, CA
Destination: San Diego, CA

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: 32.815722,-117.13955 (est)

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

Andre Roosevelt Green
~

Andre R. Green was born on May 17, 1976, in Creve Coeur, Missouri and lived to the age of 46. He was the father of three wonderful girls whom he loved dearly (Rochelle, Alisha, and Angelica Green). Andre will be remembered for being a genuinely kind person with immeasurable talent and passion for life. He loved his family, relentlessly chartered personal and professional goals, valued exercise, healthy living, piloting airplanes, and the freedom to pursue his dreams.

Andre leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and soulmate, Mrs. Claudia Green, his adoring and unwaveringly supportive parents, Dr. Roosevelt and Mrs. Matlyn Green, his younger brother, Dr. David Green, and family. Close family and friends who knew Andre well will reflect that he carved his own path through life. He unabashedly lived life his way and pursued and reached goals of his choosing. His loving wife, Claudia describes him as an Angel and the best human being she ever met. He was misunderstood and did not have an easy life; however, he was such a kind spirit whose heart was so pure and clean. His parents are so very proud of the wonderful man Andre became. He was his mother’s hero with whom he shared all facets of his life through daily conversations. He manifested his mother’s unbreakable will and his father’s courage to pursue the unknown and discover life’s treasures. He was adored by his daughters, revered by his brother, and admired by family and friends.

Andre was a high school athlete (Football, Track and Field), a proud Marine Veteran (Honorably Discharged), a computer engineer and computer science teacher, an innovative and successful MBA, CEO, entrepreneur, and an airplane pilot since the age of 15. On November 5, 2022, the morning of his last airplane flight, Andre was described to be extraordinarily happy and stated that the day was going to be a great day! Andre's passing is beyond heartbreaking to his family...but he died a loved man who was happy, accomplished, fulfilled, and was doing what he absolutely loved…Flying.

Andre has always been loved deeply by his family and will be dearly missed. As a man of faith, we know his soul rests at peace in Heaven. In honor of the extraordinary life of Andre R. Green, carve your own path, live your life to the fullest, dream BIG and work tirelessly to turn your dreams in to reality. Don’t be afraid to take chances, always believe in yourself, love your family, love your God, and live your life unapologetically your way.

Andre Roosevelt Green

Andre Roosevelt Green

Andre Roosevelt Green

Andre Roosevelt Green

Andre Roosevelt Green

Andre Roosevelt Green

 



The pilot of a single-engine aircraft that crashed on takeoff at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport was pronounced dead, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office said Sunday.

The crash was reported at 11:56 a.m. Saturday. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department crews arrived at 12:06 p.m. at 8634 Gibbs Drive, near the northeast end of the airport, said SDFRD Deputy Chief of Operations Dan Eddy.

The pilot, Andre Roosevelt Green, 46, was trapped in the plane’s wreckage and was extricated by fire crews. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead at 1:20 p.m. Saturday.

Green was the only person on board.

The runway was shut down and hazmat crews were called to the scene to clean up a fuel spill, Eddy said.

A total of 14 firefighting units were on the scene along with 41 firefighter personnel.

Ercoupe 415-C, N99726: Struck stool and construction scaffolding inside hangar

















WARRANTY:
There is no warranty, express or implied for the information provided herein or the condition, useability, workability, operability or marketability of the aircraft salvage. All times are approximate and the logbooks and aircraft should be inspected by each bidder BEFORE BIDDING. Failure of the bidder to view the salvage or wreckage, or confirm any information provided is NOT grounds for a claim or withdrawal of bid after bid closing date. All Sales Are FINAL.

HOURS estimated from logbooks or other information - not guaranteed or warranted

AIRCRAFT:  1946 Engineering and Research 415-C N99726, s/n: 2349, AFTT 2223.2, current Tach 1800.

The last annual inspection is dated 04/04/22 at 2219.7 AFTT, 1797.2 Tach. 

ENGINE:  Continental C-75/85-12, s/n: 2528-6-12. 

The last annual inspection is dated 04/04/22 at 1797.2 Tach, 982.4 SMOH. The current Tach Time is 1800.0                                                                                                                                                              
PROPELLER:   McCauley 1B90-CM7150, s/n: 34853. 

The last annual inspection is dated 04/04/22 at 1797.2 Tach, 922.2 SPOH.  The current Tach Time is 1800.0

EQUIPMENT:     XCOM 760 Radio

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  On 07/04/22 while taxiing to park in a hangar, N99726 struck a stool and construction scaffolding inside the hangar.  A transition from grass to concrete near the hangar impeded the forward motion which was overcome by adding throttle.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:   The damage includes but may not be limited to the following:
 
propeller struck a stool inside the hangar and is damaged. 

cowlings at the nose and right side are damaged.

right wing near the wingtip is damaged.

left wing is damaged outboard of midspan. 

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:  Weirsdale, Florida                                               

REMARKS:    
Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids. 
Salvage is as is/where is. 
The posting information is the best to our knowledge. 
Logbooks may not be complete.

Read more here:  http://www.avclaims.com

Cessna T210M, N36X: Incident occurred October 28, 2022 at Spinks Airport (KFWS), Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; North Texas

Aircraft experienced engine issues and landed short of the runway, gear collapsed and skidded into a field. 

ArchAngel Aviation LLC


Date: 28-OCT-22
Time: 01:30:00Z
Regis#: N36X
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: T210
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew:  1 No Injuries
Pax: 1 No Injuries 
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: FORT WORTH
State: TEXAS

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N737HE: Incident occurred October 27, 2022 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (KLBE), Latrobe, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

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

Aircraft struck a bird on approach leaving a dent on the left wing.  

Vee Neal Aviation Inc


Date: 27-OCT-22
Time: 21:15:00Z
Regis#: N737HE
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: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: LATROBE
State: PENNSYLVANIA

Airbus A320, N377NW: Incident occurred October 28, 2022 in New York, New York

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; New York, New York

Aircraft struck a bird damaging radome. 

Delta Air Lines Inc


Date: 28-OCT-22
Time: 00:27:00Z
Regis#: N377NW
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: A320
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew:  2 No Injuries 
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: DELTA AIRLINES
Flight Number: DAL366
City: NEW YORK
State: NEW YORK

Eurocopter EC-135 P2+, N835DH: Incident occurred October 28, 2022 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Heliport (NH82), New Hampshire

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine

Rotorcraft struck a bird damaging lower chin bubble.  

Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital


Date: 28-OCT-22
Time: 02:13:00Z
Regis#: N835DH
Aircraft Make: AIRBUS
Aircraft Model: EC135
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew:  1 No Injuries 
Pax: 3 No Injuries
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: AMBULANCE
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 135
City: MANCHESTER
State: NEW HAMPSHIRE

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N858AU: Incident occurred October 27, 2022 at Moton Field Municipal Airport (06A), Tuskegee, Alabama

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

Aircraft landed hard damaging left main gear strut, nose gear and propeller.

Auburn University


Date:  27-OCT-22
Time:  20:05:00Z
Regis#: N858AU
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: UNKNOWN
Activity: FAR 141 PILOT SCHOOL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation:  91
Aircraft Operator:  AUBURN UNIVERSITY
City:  TUSKEGEE
State:  ALABAMA