Wednesday, January 05, 2022

Airbus A321-271NX, N2084J: Accident occurred December 21, 2021 in Queens, New York

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

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

JetBlue Airways
Location: Queens, New York
Accident Number: DCA22LA052
Date and Time: December 21, 2021, 07:30 Local
Registration: N2084J
Aircraft: Airbus A321-271NX 
Injuries: 1 Serious, 113 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 121: Air carrier - Scheduled

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Airbus 
Registration: N2084J
Model/Series: A321-271NX
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Flag carrier (121)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 6 None 
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 107 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 1 Serious 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 113 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 40.7769,-73.874 

Beechcraft A100 King Air, N93GT: Accident occurred December 28, 2021 at Thompson–Robbins Airport (KHEE), Phillips County, Arkansas

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

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

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas 
Textron; Wichita, Kansas

Sky-Bound Aviation LLC


Location: Helena, Arkansas
Accident Number: CEN22LA085
Date and  Time: December 28, 2021, 11:50 Local
Registration: N93GT
Aircraft: Beech A100 
Injuries: 5 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business

On December 28, 2021, about 1150 central standard time, a Beech A100 airplane, N93GT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Thompson-Robbins Airport (HEE), West Helena, Arkansas. The pilot and 4 passengers were not injured. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight.

The pilot reported that after boarding passengers, he taxied the airplane to runway 18 at HEE for takeoff. Immediately after rotation, the pilot noticed that the engines were not producing normal thrust. He also stated that both propellers were going into feather. There was not enough runway remaining to land safely, so the pilot retracted the landing gear and searched for a suitable emergency landing area. The pilot was able to maneuver the airplane back to runway 18. With the combination of low altitude and insufficient thrust, the pilot was not able to slow the descent to the runway. Upon touchdown, the left tire blew, and the airplane skidded onto the grass adjacent to the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing’s spar.

All occupants exited with no injuries.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N93GT
Model/Series: A100 
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: KCKM,174 ft msl
Observation Time: 11:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /20°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 2900 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 16 knots / 24 knots, 190°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 7000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.7 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Helena, AR 
Destination: Camilla, GA (CXU)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 4 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 5 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.576493,-90.675889 (est)



















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:  1974 Beechcraft King Air A100 N93GT, s/n: B-179

Current Total Time: 8010.1;  Phase 4 at AFTT 7,998.9                           

ENGINES:   LH Engine - Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28, s/n: PCE 50411


RH Engine - Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28, a/n: PCE 50417


PROPS:   LH Prop - Hartzell HC-B47N-3A, s/n: CDA 3030MA

Current Total Time:  8,017.9; Current TSMOH:  565.9 

Phase 4 Inspection IAW King Air A100 MM 5-20-04

RH Prop - Hartzell HC-B47N-3A, s/n: CDA 3329M1

Current Total Time:  8010.1; Current TSMOH:  954.3

Phase 4 Inspection IAW King Air A100 MM 5-20-04

EQUIPMENT:   

Garmin GTN 750

Garmin GMA 35

Sperry Radar

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:   On the 28th of December 2021, Beechcraft A100 N93GT crashed during a return approach to Thompson-Robbins Airport (KHEE), West Helena, Arkansas. The aircraft sustained significant damage from a hard landing. The high-speed approach, contact with the runway, and subsequent runway excursion resulted in the left-wing spar damage, left propeller destruction and left engine sustaining undetermined structural damage. The pilot reported issues with the propeller auto-feather systems (both propellers went into feather after takeoff) and immediately attempted to keep the aircraft airborne and worked to return to the departure runway.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE:    The damage includes but may not be limited to the following:

The aircraft was significantly damaged during the emergency landing. 

There is substantial damage to all left-wing structures and substructures.

The left propeller made contact with the ground and is bent, twisted and destroyed.

The left engine casing is compromised.

The center section spar is broken.

The right engine and propeller require teardown inspections from the hard landing.

The left main landing gear is bent aft, and one tire is missing.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:    Stored outside on ramp at Thomson-Robbins Airport (KHEE), West Helena, Arkansas. 

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. 

*An inspection of the salvage is highly recommended. 

*LOGS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO BE ACCURATE OR COMPLETE.

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

Cessna 150C, N7801Z: Accident occurred December 30, 2021 in Kernville, California






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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Kernville, California 
Accident Number: WPR22LA071
Date and Time: December 30, 2021, 15:00 Local
Registration: N7801Z
Aircraft: Cessna 150C
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N7801Z
Model/Series: 150C 
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: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

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

Stoddard-Hamilton Glasair SH-2R, N64DS: Accident occurred November 28, 2021 at Santa Paula Airport (KSZP), Ventura County, California

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

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Van Nuys, California


Location: Santa Paula, California
Accident Number: WPR22LA075
Date and Time: November 28, 2021, 12:00 Local
Registration: N64DS
Aircraft: SCHULZE ERWIN E JR SHA GLASAIR SH-2R
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SCHULZE ERWIN E JR 
Registration: N64DS
Model/Series: SHA GLASAIR SH-2R
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Camarillo, CA
Destination: Santa Paula, CA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 34.347018,-119.06161 (est)

Piper PA-28R-200, N139DM: Incident occurred January 04, 2022 at San Gabriel Valley Airport (KEMT), El Monte, Los Angeles County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Los Angeles, California

Aircraft landed and gear collapsed.  


Date: 04-JAN-22
Time: 23:55:00Z
Regis#: N139DM
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28R
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: EL MONTE
State: CALIFORNIA

Piper PA-28-161, N561PU: Incident occurred January 04, 2022 at Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (KCRG), Duval County, Florida

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

Aircraft struck a bird on takeoff damaging left wing. 

Skyborne Airline Academy Inc


Date: 04-JAN-22
Time: 16:47:00Z
Regis#: N561PU
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: FAR 141 PILOT SCHOOL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Operator: SKYBORNE AIRLINE ACADEMY
Flight Number: SFY553
City: JACKSONVILLE
State: FLORIDA

Embraer ERJ-145XR, N14188: Incident occurred January 04, 2022 at Albany International Airport (KALB), New York

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

Aircraft nose gear collapsed during pushback from gate.

United Airlines Inc


Date: 04-JAN-22
Time: 19:10:00Z
Regis#: N14188
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: EMB-145XR
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: PUSHBACK/TOWING (PBT)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: UNITED AIRLINES
Flight Number: UCA4942
City: ALBANY
State: NEW YORK

Hard Landing: Beech B19 Sport 150, N24605; accident occurred January 04, 2022 at Lebanon Municipal Airport (M54), Wilson County, Tennessee








Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Lebanon, Tennessee 
Accident Number: ERA22LA101
Date and Time: January 4, 2022, 13:34 Local
Registration: N24605
Aircraft: Beech B19
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing 
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he was planning to demonstrate to the student how to land on the numbers for the runway and set up his approach accordingly. He believed that while crossing the road adjacent to the airport, the sun visor slipped down and after seeing a fence, pulled aft on the control yoke but was too late. The student pilot stated that he saw the flight was, “coming down really fast” and he was about to say something to the flight instructor and pull the control yoke but the airplane impacted the fence with the landing gear. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

A post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the engine mount and wrinkles to the lower and upper skins of the left wing.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of the certified flight instructor to attain the proper glidepath which resulted in a collision with a fence and terrain.

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Instructor/check pilot
Aircraft Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained
Environmental issues Fence/fence post - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Landing-flare/touchdown Landing area undershoot
Landing-flare/touchdown Hard landing (Defining event)

Student pilot Information

Certificate: None 
Age: 18, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: None 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 4 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4 hours (Total, this make and model)

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 92, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 6, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 25600 hours (Total, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N24605
Model/Series: B19 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: MB-553
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 12, 2021 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3282.5 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: 0-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 180 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KM54,588 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0.1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 190°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Tompkinsville, KY (TZV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lebanon, TN T
ype of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Lebanon Municipal M54
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 588 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 19 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.19756,-86.315439


Location: Lebanon, Tennessee
Accident Number: ERA22LA101
Date and Time: January 4, 2022, 13:34 Local 
Registration: N24605
Aircraft: Beech B19 
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N24605
Model/Series: B19 NO SERIES
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: KM54,588 ft msl 
Observation Time: 13:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0.1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C /2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots / , 180°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Tompkinsville, KY (TZV)
Destination: Lebanon, TN

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.19756,-86.315439

Aviat Husky A-1B, N188DS: Accident occurred January 04, 2022 on Matagorda Island, Texas

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

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas


Location: Matagorda Island, Texas
Accident Number: CEN22LA097
Date and Time: January 4, 2022, 11:45 Local
Registration: N188DS
Aircraft: AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1B
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 4, 2022, about 1145 central standard time, an Aviat A-1B airplane, N188DS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident on Matagorda Island, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to preliminary information gathered by investigators, the flight departed the McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE) at 1004 and flew to the northeast and over Matagorda Island. For undetermined reasons, the airplane landed on Matagorda Island.

A photograph of the airplane depicted substantial damage to the right wing and the fuselage.

Both landing gear collapsed. The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC 
Registration: N188DS
Model/Series: A-1B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: 
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 28.197,-96.677 (est)

Cessna 152, N714TA: Incident occurred January 04, 2022 in Los Alamitos, Orange County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Long Beach, California 

Aircraft made an emergency landing.


Date: 04-JAN-22Time: 20:40:00Z
Regis#: N714TA
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 152
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LOS ALAMITOS
State: CALIFORNIA





Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, N5535J: Fatal accident occurred January 03, 2022 in Chame, Panama

National Transportation Safety Board accident number: GAA22WA067

Federal Aviation Administration / International Field Office: Dallas 

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances in the water.

https://registry.faa.gov/N5535J

Date: 04-JAN-22
Time: 12:35:00Z
Regis#: N5535J
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA32
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 2
Flight Crew 1 serious
Pax 2 fatal, 2 serious
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: CHAME
State: PANAMA OESTE PROVINCE
Country: PANAMA

The son of Waukesha woman Debra Velleman, who went missing after the plane she was on crashed off the coast of Panama on January 3, says the U.S. government is still refusing to assist in the search for her and a fellow passenger who also remains missing.

Jake Velleman said Friday that the refusal to help find his mother, 70, as well as Sue Borries, 57, of Illinois continues despite the involvement of some members of Congress. He's in Panama assisting with the search.

"We all still have the same assessment of the situation, which is that these are two U.S. citizens. This was a U.S.-registered aircraft manufactured in the United States. The engine was manufactured in the United States. The U.S. has some jurisdictional responsibility," Velleman said in a phone interview Friday.

"But more importantly, these are two U.S. citizens of whom there are two grieving U.S. families in distress and thus far, all I've received from the U.S. Embassy is some information, most of it not actionable — much of it not timely."

Other than providing his father, Anthony, who was also on the plane but survived the crash, a passport to get out of the country, Velleman said "it's pretty quiet" from the U.S. government save for the legislators advocating for the family. That includes Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald from Wisconsin and Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois.

Velleman said the most assistance he and his family have received has been from charitable organizations and "people volunteering their effort on their behalf."

"It's extremely disheartening," Velleman said. "This was last Monday when this occurred. We always hope we never have to reach out for help, especially to our government. I guess I'd always sort of wondered if I ever needed help in times of great need, if my government would be there for me. Thus far the answer here is no they haven't."

Velleman said he hasn't been given a reason for the government's refusal to aid in the search.

"Unless some bean counter has done some cost benefit analysis and said 'This isn't worth us sending even the most minimal of resources', I can't think of what it would be," Velleman said. "Everyone is in agreement these assets exist. Everyone is in agreement that the U.S. government has a responsibility to help its citizens. We don't know what the hold up is."

A call to the U.S. Embassy in Panama went to a busy signal. An email sent to the public affairs section is awaiting a reply. 

Father injured in crash has been medically evacuated to Wisconsin
Anthony Velleman, Jake's father, was medically evacuated out of Panama and arrived in Wisconsin on Thursday evening, according to an email from Albert Lewitinn's, the Velleman family's media contact.

Specifically, Jake Velleman said his father was re-admitted to a hospital in Madison to continue receiving on-going medical treatment. Jake's brother, Josh, who had also been in Panama assisting with the search, traveled back with their father.

Velleman said "this is not a complex, deep sea exploration mission or anything like that" because the plane crashed right off the coast and the coordinates and general area of its location are available.

"What I've been told repeatedly — including these days that I've been out on the beach with binoculars talking to the search and rescue team, speaking with the search and rescue team — they have basically said in confidence 'the day the Americans actually show up to help is the day we find your loved ones,'" Velleman said.

Velleman was scheduled to appear on CNN Friday afternoon to make another plea for the government's help. He said while it's uncomfortable for him to be on camera, he wants closure for his and Borries' family.

Prior to the crash, the Vellemans were spending the winter at their second home in Panama. The couple are originally from Appleton and later moved to Waukesha. In Waukesha, Debra Velleman served as a public school teacher for 40 years.

The couple were celebrating the New Years' weekend on Isla Contadora, off the coast of Panama. A friend, who owns a bed and breakfast on the island, would fly people to and from the island on his small plane, Lewittinn previously said.

The Vellemans were on that plane Jan. 3 returning to the mainland from when the plane, which was piloted by the bed and breakfast owner, crashed.

A social media post from Jake Velleman last week said the plane had experienced an engine failure.


Tony and Deb Velleman (L)

Sue and Dennis Borries (R)


A plane crash in Panama has left two women from Wisconsin missing.

A statement from Jake Velleman, the son of one of the missing women, says five people -- including both of his parents -- were onboard an airplane that suffered an engine failure off the coast of Panama Monday afternoon, January 3.

Three people were rescued, including Velleman's father. 

A widescale search for the remaining two, including Velleman's mother Debra, is ongoing. 

Panama's Civil Aviation Authority said Tuesday the two missing U.S. citizens were aged 57 and 70, but did not identify them.

Searchers in boats and aircraft combed the area off Panama's Punta Chame, south of Panama City. The single-engine, five-seat Piper Cherokee 6 crashed into the ocean Monday. The plane was heading to Chame from Contadora island, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away.

The statement from Velleman goes on to say, a formal request for a vessel with equipment required to undergo a search for the aircraft has been made to the U.S. government by the Panamanian government. 

"Our families are hopeful that these assets will be quickly located and deployed," stated Velleman.

Read the full statement from Velleman below: 

"My parents and three of their dear friends were aboard an airplane that suffered an engine failure and fell Monday afternoon in the waters off the coast of Panama. My dad, Anthony, and two others were rescued, and my dad is receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries at Hospital Nacional in Panama City. He is likely to undergo the first of at least two surgeries to repair fractures tomorrow, Friday, January 7th.

A wide scale search by air and water for my mother, Debra, and another passenger, Sue, is continuing. Updates on the effort are being posted to the social media channels of the relevant civil agencies.

Both women are U.S. citizens, and a formal request for a vessel with the specific type of equipment required to undergo a search for the aircraft has been made to the U.S. government by the Panamanian government. Our families are hopeful that these assets will be quickly located and deployed.

My brother, Josh, has joined me in Panama, and we are receiving support from other family members in the United States. On behalf of our entire family, I want to express our sincere appreciation for each and every message of support we have received. Please know that they have all been read. The love and support and prayers from the people who have touched our lives - and whose lives have been touched by my parents - is deeply meaningful to us during this devastating time.

We are further grateful to the many, many friends and community members in Panama - our beloved second home - who have mobilized to provide a wide array of support, from meals, deliveries, medical attention, and supplies to search and recovery support.

Anyone who knows my parents knows that they are a light unto this world. Thank you for your continued prayers, thoughts, and support."




The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) confirmed the crash into the sea of a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six registered N5535J with five occupants (all Americans) south of the Chame district in the province of Panama Oeste.  Three occupants had already been rescued alive, reported the entity. Their names are Robert Allan Breime, Melissa Sachir, and Anthony Velleman. All were evacuated in a helicopter from the Senan to the Santo Tomás hospital, in the capital city. The authorities suspended the search for the other two people after 6:00 p.m., to resume it this Tuesday. The aircraft had a flight plan for the island to Chame. A source from the AAC confirmed that the pilot had requested permission to land, because the aircraft suffered mechanical issue and could not reach land. At 3 pm yesterday, the aircraft fell into the sea at coordinates 8.59100, -79.74927. The National Aeronaval Service dispatched two boats and an aircraft for rescue work. Civil Aeronautics Search and Rescue Teams also left for the place, as well as units from the Meritorious Fire Department of Panama, Regional of Panama West, who sent to the Punta Chame area ambulances and paramedics.