Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Piper PA-44-180, N449JA: Incidents occurred January 18, 2022, January 21, 2020 and June 28, 2018

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

January 18, 2022:  Aircraft landed, veered off runway and nose gear collapsed at Chino Airport (KCNO),  San Bernardino County, California.

H2LINK CO


Date: 18-JAN-22
Time: 23:55:00Z
Regis#: N449JA
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA44
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CHINO
State: CALIFORNIA

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

January 21, 2020: Aircraft right wing fairing separated and hit stabilizer at Chino Airport (KCNO), San Bernardino County, California.

MI Air Corp

Date: 21-JAN-20
Time: 21:54:00Z
Regis#: N449JA
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA44
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 91
City: CHINO
State: CALIFORNIA        

June 28, 2018: Landing gear collapsed at Chino Airport (KCNO), San Bernardino County, California.

Date: 28-JUN-18

Time: 03:09:00Z
Regis#: N449JA
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA 44 180
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CHINO
State: CALIFORNIA

Beech B60 Duke, N11VC: Incident occurred January 16, 2022 at Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR), Fort Pierce, Florida

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

Aircraft while taxiing maneuvered to avoid a parked aircraft and struck a taxiway light damaging the propeller. 

N11VC LLC


Date: 16-JAN-22
Time: 00:50:00Z
Regis#: N11VC
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: B60
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: FORT PIERCE
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 310J, N3195L: Incident occurred January 18, 2022 at Columbus Municipal Airport (KBAK), Bartholomew County, Indiana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana

Aircraft landed gear up.  

Jeff Air Pilot Services LLC


Date: 18-JAN-22
Time: 18:53:00Z
Regis#: N3195L
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 310
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: COLUMBUS
State: INDIANA

Birdstrike: Thatcher CX4, N254RM; accident occurred January 18, 2022 at Fuquay/Angier Field (78NC), Wake County, North Carolina











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; Greensboro, North Carolina

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


Location: Angier, North Carolina
Accident Number: ERA22LA110
Date and Time: January 18, 2022, 13:15 Local 
Registration: N254RM
Aircraft: MILLER ROGER THATCHER CX4 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that following a local flight, on final approach to land, about ¼ mile from the runway, he glanced down at the airspeed indicator, and then glanced up and “all of a sudden” a flock of birds flew into the airplane. He stated it was “like a wall” or like a “machine gun” going off in his flight path. He reported that the birds collided with the airplane and after that point he “was a passenger”. He recalled the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and spin and subsequently descended and impacted trees and terrain. The fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s encounter with a flock of birds on final approach, which resulted in a loss of control, an aerodynamic stall and spin, and impact with trees and terrain.

Findings

Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on equipment
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on personnel
Aircraft Angle of attack - Capability exceeded

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern final Birdstrike (Defining event)
Approach-VFR pattern final Aerodynamic stall/spin
Approach-VFR pattern final Loss of control in flight

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Private
Age: 78,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Glider
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Sport pilot
None Last FAA Medical Exam: February 16, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 2, 2020
Flight Time: 2057 hours (Total, all aircraft), 110 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MILLER ROGER 
Registration: N254RM
Model/Series: THATCHER CX4 NO SERIES 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2011 
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special) 
Serial Number: 398
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: October 24, 2021 Condition 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 278 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Hummel
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 2180
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 100 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: HRJ,198 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:35 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 177°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 310° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / -5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Angier, NC 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Angier, NC 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: FUQUAY/ANGIER FLD 78NC
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 349 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 14-32
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2780 ft / 90 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop

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: 35.539246,-78.7458


Location: Angier, North Carolina
Accident Number: ERA22LA110
Date and Time: January 18, 2022, 13:30 Local
Registration: N254RM
Aircraft: MILLER ROGER THATCHER CX4
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MILLER ROGER 
Registration: N254RM
Model/Series: THATCHER CX4 NO SERIES
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: 
VMC Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: HRJ,198 ft msl 
Observation Time: 13:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C /-5°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 310°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Angier, NC 
Destination: Angier, NC

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: 35.539246,-78.7458





ANGIER, North Carolina (WNCN) – The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating a small plane crash that happened Tuesday afternoon off N.C. 55 near the Wake/Harnett county line.

The pilot was the only person on board and survived.

The plane went down just after 1:15 p.m. behind a Dollar General store near the intersection of N.C. 55 and Maude Stewart Road, just north of Angier.

The FAA told CBS 17 Tuesday evening that the crash happened as the pilot was trying to land at Fuquay/Angier Airfield Tuesday afternoon. The crash scene is about a half-mile from the airport.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the pilot as 78-year-old Rodney Whipple, who federal records show, lives in the Angier area. Medics took Whipple to WakeMed with what troopers described as non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers told CBS 17 Whipple reported hitting birds and said he had to take evasive action. Whipple’s plane hit several trees as it descended.

Investigators will ultimately determine the circumstances.

JaQuaun Dupree was at the Dollar General near the crash scene for work when he heard the plane, and then saw the crash.

“When he hit the tree, the plane went down kind of slowly behind the store,” Dupree said, adding he was relieved to see the pilot emerge from the plane.

“(Others) helped get him out of the plane,” Dupree said. “He didn’t look like he was too hurt or whatever — said he hit a flock of birds.”

Fellow pilots said Whipple is a member at the Fuquay/Angier Airport.

The plane involved in the crash is a single-engine Thatcher CX4, according to the FAA. A decal on the plane indicates it is an “experimental” plane, a category of aircraft that can include planes built at home.

Federal records indicate the plane was up to date on its certification – which expires in late 2024 – and that the plane’s first flight was in mid-2011.

Despite markings on the plane that said “U.S. Air Force,” records show the plane is registered to Whipple.

The FAA said the NTSB will be in charge of the investigation moving forward.

Aero Commander 100-180 Lark Commander, N4096X: Incident occurred January 17, 2022 at University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport (KOUN), Norman, Cleveland County, Oklahoma

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Aircraft performing pattern work and the propeller spinner came off. 


Date: 17-JAN-22
Time: 17:40:00Z
Regis#: N4096X
Aircraft Make: AERO COMMANDER
Aircraft Model: 100-180
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 91
City: NORMAN
State: OKLAHOMA

Beechcraft V35B Bonanza, N3735B: Accident occurred January 18, 2022 at McKinney National Airport (KTKI), Collin County, 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; North Texas Location: Dallas, Texas
Accident Number: CEN22LA104
Date and Time: January 18, 2022, 11:02 Local 
Registration: N3735B
Aircraft: Beech V35B 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 
Registration: N3735B
Model/Series: V35B
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: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.177065,96.588767

Cessna 120, N90129: Accident occurred January 18, 2022 at Sylvania Airport (C89) Sturtevant, Racine County, Wisconsin

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; Milwaukee, Wisconsin


Location: Sturtevant, Wisconsin
Accident Number: CEN22LA103
Date and Time: January 18, 2022, 11:00 Local
Registration: N90129
Aircraft: Cessna 120
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 18, 2022, about 1100 central standard time, a Cessna 120 airplane, N90129, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sturtevant, Wisconsin. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Security camera footage was obtained from the Sylvania Airport (C89), Sturtevant, Wisconsin. A preliminary review of the footage showed the airplane was attempting to depart to the east, using runway 08R. The takeoff roll was initiated and about a quarter way down the length of the runway, the airplane departed the runway to the left (north) for undetermined reasons. The footage showed the airplane travel over a flat grass field with the engine running. The footage did not show the airplane become airborne at any time, and the tailwheel appeared to remain on the ground during the runway excursion. The airplane came to rest after it impacted the cabin of a parked fuel truck.

There were no ground injuries nor did a fire occur. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, the left-wing lift struts, and the fuselage. The wreckage was recovered from the accident site for a future examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N90129
Model/Series: 120
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KENW,743 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C /-7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 9000 ft AGL 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 160°
Lowest Ceiling: Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Sturtevant, WI
Destination: Sturtevant, WI

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: 42.703127,-87.958972 (est)