Wednesday, February 09, 2022

Cessna 310R, N622QT: Fatal accident occurred February 01, 2022 in Danville, Pittsylvania County, Virginia

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

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia
RAM Aircraft; Waco, Texas
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Sol Aerial Surveys LLC; Las Vegas, Nevada

Sol Aerial Surveys LLC


Location: Danville, Virginia
Accident Number: ERA22FA114
Date and Time: February 1, 2022, 10:06 Local 
Registration: N622QT
Aircraft: Cessna 310 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

On February 1, 2022, about 1006 eastern standard time, a Cessna 310R airplane, N622QT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Danville, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated by Sol Aerial Surveys as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial surveying flight.

The pilot had previously flown aerial surveying in the same make and model of the accident airplane. The accident flight was his first solo aerial surveying flight for the company following several observation flights with the company’s owner. The airplane departed the Danville Regional Airport (DAN), Danville, Virginia, about 1003. A witness reported that the departure looked normal and that he heard nothing other than standard radio transmissions during the airplane’s taxi, takeoff, and departure from the airport area.

According to preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data, the airplane turned toward the southeast and climbed to an altitude of about 2,300 ft mean sea level (msl) before beginning a descent about two minutes into the flight. The last data point showed the airplane at 1,100 ft msl about 1,150 ft from the accident site with a groundspeed of 168 knots. A nearby landowner who got a brief glimpse of the airplane while on his tractor reported that it “came in flat” and was “not turning or spinning.”

The airplane impacted a wooded area about 4 nautical miles southeast (104°) of DAN. Severed treetops indicated that the airplane entered the wooded area banked to the right about 30°. The wreckage was highly fragmented along the 382-foot debris path oriented on a true heading of 246°. There was a strong fuel odor but no evidence of fire.

The largest portion of the wreckage, consisting of the empennage, an engine, and the remnants of the cockpit was located about 214 feet beyond the severed treetops at the base of a 16-indiameter pine tree that was broken about 15-20 feet above the ground. The tree had fallen onto the wreckage opposite the airplane’s direction of flight. A second engine was located about 150 ft farther along the debris path. Neither the wings nor the fuselage was intact. The flap setting could not be determined. The landing gear were all fractured off from their mounts and located in various parts of the debris field and their preimpact positions could not be determined. The pitch trim position could not be determined. Six propeller blades were recovered, all fractured from their mounts. All blades displayed impact damage and some displayed leading-edge gouging, chordwise abrasion, twisting and aft bending. None of the propeller blades could be readily identified with the engine on which they were installed, and maintenance records were not immediately available.

No cockpit instruments were intact, and the throttle control quadrant was impact-damaged with all levers fully forward except the left throttle which was fully aft (closed) and the left propeller which was 2/3 aft. The fuel selector for the left engine was found in the OFF position and the fuel selector for the right engine was selected to the left main tank. Flight control continuity could not be confirmed for the elevator, rudder, and aileron due to impact damage. Rudder trim position could not be determined.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N622QT
Model/Series: 310R 
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: DAN,590 ft msl 
Observation Time: 09:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C /-4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 60°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.47 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Danville, VA (DAN)
Destination: Danville, VA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 36.556292,-79.253198

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. 

Lynn Spencer
Air Safety Investigator
National Transportation Safety Board 
~


PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Virginia (WSET) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)  arrived at the scene of a plane crash in Ringgold on Wednesday morning.

The NTSB, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, is now leading this investigation.

According to officials, the plane took off from Danville Regional Tuesday at 10:03 a.m. The plane climbed to about 2300 feet before descending.

Preliminary radar data showed the plane heading southeast at 10:06 a.m. The NTSP says the crash likely occurred shortly after.

"At this point, we are collecting information. We are going to look a the pilot, his training, his qualifications, his recent state of experience. We are going to be looking at the airplane. We are going to be sure we have all of the pieces of that aircraft," said NTSB lead investigator Lynn Spencer.

The body of the pilot has been transported to the medical examiner for identification.

Officials say the plane was a Cessna 310R and was operated by SOL Aerial Surveys.

Investigators are asking for the public's help to aid in the investigation.

If you saw anything between Caldwell Lane and the Danville Regional Airport, from around 10:02 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Tuesday, you are asked to reach out to the NTSB. You can call the NTSB at 866-328-6347 or you can email witness@ntsb.gov


Lynn Spencer
Air Safety Investigator
National Transportation Safety Board 
~

UPDATE 3:50 p.m. (2/2/22): Lynn Spencer, an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided an update on the plane crash that killed a pilot Tuesday in Pittsylvania County.

On behalf of the NTSB, Spencer gave her condolences to the family members of the crash victim, who has not yet been identified.

Spencer says that Virginia State Police, the Ringgold Fire Department, Pittsylvania County Public Safety Department, and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office are also helping the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in investigating the crash.

NTSB arrived on the scene on Wednesday, February 2.

They confirm that the crash took place at approximately 10:03 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1 involving a Cessna 310R that departed the Danville Regional Airport. The last radar communication with the aircraft took place at 10:06 a.m., with the crash likely taking place within a minute or so later.

The NTSB will continue collecting evidence over the next few days, including looking into the background of the pilot and what may have caused the plane to crash.

Debris is said to expand about 125 yards.

Officials are asking anyone who may have seen the plane or may have information that could help the NTSB in their investigation to call 1-866-328-6347 or email witness@ntsb.gov.

Spencer says they expect the investigation in the crash to take 12 to 18 months.

UPDATE 3 p.m. (2/2/22): The National Transportation Safety Administration will be holding a news conference at 3:45 p.m. regarding the plane that crashed on Tuesday morning in the Ringgold section of Pittsylvania County.

UPDATE 10:58 a.m. (2/2/22): Virginia State Police have confirmed that the person who died in Tuesday afternoon’s plane crash in Pittsylvania County was the only person on board the aircraft at the time.

According to authorities, the Cessna 310R departed from Danville Regional Airport and crashed at approximately 2:04 p.m. on Tuesday, shortly after take-off, near Cardwell Lane in Ringgold.

Officials say the victim’s remains were brought to the Virginia Department of Forensic Science’s Western Office for positive identification.

The NTSB and the FAA are also investigating the crash.

UPDATE 9:25 p.m.: Authorities are still on the scene of a plane crash in Pittsylvania County.

WFXR News is still on-scene as well and authorities have still cordoned off the area, not allowing anyone near the area where the plane crashed.

They say officials with the NTSB and the FAA have not yet arrived on the scene which is still being classified as being in “recovery mode.”

Crews are still going through the wreckage.

They expect to be on the scene for at least the next 24 hours.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: WFXR News has been able to confirm that one person has died in a plane crash that occurred earlier on Tuesday off Milton Highway in the Ringgold section of Pittsylvania County.

WFXR News’ Amanda Lee says authorities have said the plane that crashed was performing aerial surveying after it left Danville Regional Airport around 10 a.m.

At approximately 2:01 p.m., aircraft monitoring lost contact with the plane.

The pilot is reportedly the only person on board. That person has not yet been identified.

Authorities are awaiting approval from the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to remove the victim from the crash.

DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) – A small plane has reportedly crashed near Danville.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says the crash took place on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

The plane was a Cessna 310.

Collision with Terrain/Object (non-CFIT): Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, N189BH; accident occurred January 28, 2022 at Big Lake Airport (PAGQ), Alaska

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; Anchorage, Alaska


Location: Skwenta, Alaska
Accident Number: ANC22LA016
Date and Time: January 28, 2022, 11:30 Local 
Registration: N189BH
Aircraft: Piper PA-18-150 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the ski equipped airplane reported that, during landing at an off-airport landing site, the airplane drifted towards a tree. The pilot increased the throttle and attempted to lift the wing over the tree to no avail. The airplane impacted the tree sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree while landing.

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 43, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 Unknown 
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 4, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 410 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N189BH
Model/Series: PA-18-150 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1960 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18-7322
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel; Ski
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 100 hour Certified 
Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3000 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 150 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: PAWS,354 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 11:56 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 83°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 7500 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots / 21 knots 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 70° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.32 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Big Lake, AK (PAGQ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Big Lake, AK (PAGQ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 10:00 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 61.977096,-151.26242(est)


Location: Skwenta, Alaska
Accident Number: ANC22LA016
Date and Time: January 28, 2022, 11:30 Local
Registration: N189BH
Aircraft: Piper PA-18-150 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N189BH
Model/Series: PA-18-150
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: PAWS,354 ft msl 
Observation Time: 11:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C /-9°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 7500 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / 21 knots, 70°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.32 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Big Lake, AK (PAGQ)
Destination: Big Lake, AK (PAGQ)

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: 61.977096,-151.26242 (est)

Cessna 195, N597K: Accident occurred January 31, 2022 near Flagler Executive Airport (KFIN), Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida

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

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida


Location: Palm Coast, Florida 
Accident Number: ERA22LA112
Date and Time: January 31, 2022, 13:00 Local
Registration: N597K
Aircraft: Cessna 195 
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 31, 2022, about 1300 eastern standard time, a Cessna 195 airplane, N597K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Palm Coast, Florida. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The airplane departed Spruce Creek Airport (7FL6), Daytona Beach, Florida about 1238, destined for Flagler Executive Airport (FIN), Palm Coast, Florida.

The pilot stated that, prior to the flight, he performed a normal preflight and flight planning for the flight from 7FL6 to FIN. The pilot advised that he did not take on any fuel as he had enough for the intended flight. After boarding the airplane, the pilot started the engine. The start was normal, and the pilot monitored all the instruments, and everything was normal.

He taxied to runway 24 for takeoff, and while short of the runway he ran the engine at idle for about 5 minutes and verified all instruments and everything was normal. Upon entering the runway for takeoff, a complete run-up procedure was performed, and no abnormality was observed. He took off, and upon reaching 1,000 feet above mean sea level configured the airplane for cruise.

He stated that he observed all instruments, and everything was normal. Then, about 5 miles south of FIN, the engine quit. The engine did windmill, but it had no power. An attempt to restart was performed without success. The pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) of what had occurred and declared an emergency. He informed ATC that he would be landing on Interstate 95 (I-95).

While approaching and setting up for landing on I-95, the pilot-rated passenger informed the pilot that he had a semi-trailer truck on his right-side, so the pilot tried to maneuver to his left as much as possible. The right wing then contacted the truck, at which point the pilot lost control. The airplane cartwheeled and came to rest inverted off the right side of I-95.

Both the pilot and the passenger egressed with minor injuries.

The wreckage was retained by the NTSB.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N597K
Model/Series: 195 
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: KFIN,33 ft msl
Observation Time: 12:50 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C /3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 270°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.19 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Daytona Beach, FL (7FL6)
Destination: Palm Coast, FL (FIN)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 29.465151,-81.207648 (est)












A small plane tried to make an emergency landing on Interstate 95 in Flagler County on Monday, but clipped a truck and crashed into some trees, injuring the two people onboard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred about 12:52 p.m. along the northbound lanes near mile marker 279, approximately halfway between Old Dixie Highway and State Road 100 exits, according to the FHP and the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, which assisted. 

A small plane tried to make an emergency landing Monday on Interstate 95 in Flagler County, but clipped a truck and crashed into some trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Two people aboard suffered minor injuries, FHP stated. The crash occurred approximately halfway between the Old Dixie Highway and State Road 100 exits.

The plane had departed from the New Smyrna Beach area and was flying to the Flagler Executive Airport, according to the FHP.

The single-engine plane lost all power for reasons which are still being investigated, FHP stated.

The pilot was trying to land in the northbound lanes of I-95 but one of the plane's wings collided with a tractor trailer, FHP said. The plane then crashed into some trees.

A plane which crashed along northbound Interstate 95 south of State Road 100 on Monday in Flagler County is removed.  Two people aboard the plane suffered minor injuries.

The plane ended up upside down against the trees and near the highway, according to a picture in a tweet by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Two lanes of the interstate were closed as first responders worked the crash scene, according to the tweet.

The pilot and co-pilot suffered minor injuries but were able to get out of the plane on their own, according to the FHP. 

The registered owner of the aircraft is Daniel Paul Kriedeman, who lives near Port Orange, according to FAA records.  

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office 911 operators received numerous calls about the plane crash from drivers on the interstate. One of those callers was Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood who said in a phone interview he was driving north to South Carolina to attend the funeral of his only sibling, Beth Ann Scannell, who died on Jan. 21 at the age of 54, following a battle with ALS.

Chitwood said he noticed the plane over the highway.

“It was so damn low,” Chitwood said.

He said he lost sight of the plane as it flew beyond a bend in the highway. 

But then he drove up on the crash scene.

“It was surreal,” Chitwood said. “I just can’t believe those guys survived."

Chitwood said he was one of a number of motorists who stopped to help. He said one person was out of the plane, but Chitwood and others helped pull the pilot out.

Traffic was still backed up on I-95 northbound at around 4:30 p.m. The sheriff's office and FHP were still on the scene and a small crane was being used to try and lift the plane. It was hauled away at around 5:20 p.m. on the back of a flatbed truck.

The plane is a Cessna 195 manufactured in 1949, according to the FAA.

Federal authorities were contacted to continue the investigation, according to the FHP.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigates airplane crashes.

Cessna 172L Skyhawk, N3892Q: Incident occurred January 31, 2022 at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC), Olathe, Kansas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Kansas City, Missouri

Aircraft was on departure roll and slid off the runway through the grass striking a taxiway light. 

KCN Aero Club Inc 


Date: 31-JAN-22
Time: 14:36:00Z
Regis#: N3892Q
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: OLATHE
State: KANSAS

Cirrus SR22 GTS G3 Turbo, N227BD: Fatal accident occurred January 31, 2022 near Hutchinson Municipal Airport (KHCD), McLeod County, Minnesota

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; Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota


Location: Hutchinson, Minnesota 
Accident Number: CEN22FA111
Date and Time: January 31, 2022, 12:56 Local 
Registration: N227BD
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On January 31, 2022, about 1256 central standard time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N227BD, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Hutchinson, Minnesota. The flight instructor was seriously injured, and the pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was to familiarize the pilot with the newly purchased airplane. After practicing maneuvers, they proceeded to the Hutchinson Municipal Airport – Butler Field (HCD) to practice a touch-and-go landing. The airplane touched down onto the runway and bounced. The pilot added power, reduced the flaps, and placed the nose to the horizon to conduct a go around. The airplane started to climb very slowly. The flight instructor confirmed the airplane’s flaps were up, but the airplane continued to climb about 300 ft per minute. In addition, he felt an erratic vibration. He could hear and feel it rattle through the airplane. The airplane’s airspeed increased to about 90 knots and as the airplane climbed through 500 ft agl, they stated “caps available.” The airplane continued to climb very slowly, and the pilot stated, “your flight controls.” The flight instructor took over the controls and ensured the throttle was full forward. He made a gradual turn to align the airplane with an open field. The airplane continued to gain altitude, however, its airspeed decreased below 80 knots. The flight instructor told the pilot to pull the parachute, and he did. The flight instructor kept the airplane level until the forward parachute straps tightened. He then reduced the throttle to idle, turned off the mixture, and made a mayday call. He does not recall the impact sequence.

The airplane touched down in an open field about 2 miles southeast of HCD. The airplane came to rest mostly intact, and the debris field was contained to a small area. The first identified point of impact consisted of the nose gear wheel, fairing, and one propeller blade. A narrow line of oil extended about 5 ft toward the main wreckage, which was about 15 ft northwest. One propeller blade was located about 400 ft southwest of the main wreckage, and the second propeller blade was about 40 ft east of the wreckage; it was the last piece of debris.

First responders reported that when they arrived on scene, they observed the parachute fully extended from the airplane and fully opened in the wind. The rocket and parachute deployment bag were found high in a tree about 1,000 ft northeast of the accident site.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N227BD
Model/Series: SR22 
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: KHCD, 1062 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1.9 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: -5°C /-8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 130°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.75 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Minneapolis, MN (FCM)
Destination: Hutchinson, MN

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 44.83047,-94.3503 

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. Richard Jolkovsky
April 13, 1960 - February 2, 2022  
~


On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, the world lost an amazing human. Dr. Richard Jolkovsky, known as Rick or RJ to his friends, died from injuries sustained from a plane crash at the age of 61. Solace can be taken knowing he died doing something he truly loved. 

There are many words to describe Rick; caring physician, pilot, dog lover, Philmont Trekker. He loved life and had a life well-lived. He is especially known for his love and caring for others. As a cardiologist, it wasn’t just his job to save the lives of others, it was his passion. He was a dear friend to many and could always be counted on for a good, albeit often corny, joke. But what mostly defined Rick was his devotion to and love for his family. He loved his wife and kids fiercely. 

As a Cardiologist at Centracare Heart and Vascular Center at Saint Cloud Hospital, it was his job to save lives. He continues to do so even in death as an organ donor. To honor that part of him, it is requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association. 

As an adventurer and nature lover, Rick loved hunting and fishing, especially with his beloved dogs. One of his favorite places to commune with nature is Philmont Scout Camp which he attended as a youth in 1974, returned to as a staff member and frequently visited later. 

A scholarship fund has been set up in his name to allow others to experience the joy and magic of this special place. Rick served six years as a Major in the Air Force. He was an alumni of Florida State University. 

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Merryn; and the children he cherished, Betsy, Emily and Ben; his brother and best-friend, Dave; his two sisters, Rachel and Cheryl; and his uncle, Myron. A memorial service will be held at The Park Event Center, 500 Division St., Waite Park, MN on Sunday, February 6, 2022. The family will hold a visitation at 1:00 to receive friends prior to the service which will begin at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Rick be honored through donations to one of the causes that are dear to his heart:






Dr. Richard Jolkovsky, 61, of Avon, and passenger Kyle Fiebelkorn, 24, of St. Louis Park, were seriously injured in the crash near 145th Street and Plum Avenue, south of Hutchinson. The crash was reported just after 1 p.m. Monday, according to the McLeod County Sheriff’s Office.

Jolkovsky and Fielbelkorn were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries before being flown to a Twin Cities trauma center. Fiebelkorn was hospitalized in stable condition as of Wednesday, according to the release.

Jolkovsky was a cardiologist with the CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center, as well as the medical director of clinical excellence, according to CentraCare. He began his CentraCare career in 1996 and had several roles in cardiology and with St. Cloud Hospital, including as chief of staff. At the time of his death, he was a member of the St. Cloud Hospital Board of Directors.

Jolkovsky and his wife were also supporters of CentraCare Foundation for more than 25 years, according to CentraCare.

“As a cardiologist with CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center, Dr. Jolkovsky touched the lives of patients and CentraCare staff across Central Minnesota. Our hearts go out to Rick’s wife, Merryn Jolkovsky, M.D., palliative care physician with CentraCare and the entire Jolkovsky family,” according to a statement from CentraCare.

A Federal Aviation Administration incident report said the flight crashed for unknown reasons. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

According to FAA records, the airplane was a 1998 Cirrus SR22, a single-engine plane configured for four passengers. Cirrus is headquartered in Duluth.