Thursday, March 03, 2022

Cessna 421B, N421WD: Incidents occurred March 01, 2022 and August 28, 2018

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

March 01, 2022:  Aircraft landed and gear collapsed.

Kilo Aviation LLC


Date: 01-MAR-22
Time: 21:00:00Z
Regis#: N421WD
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 421
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CROWS LANDING
State: CALIFORNIA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa

August 28, 2018:  Veered off taxiway into the grass, struck a taxiway light at Dubuque Regional Airport (KDBQ), Iowa.

B & E Leasing LLC

Date: 28-AUG-18
Time: 13:20:00Z
Regis#: N421WD
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 421B
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: DUBUQUE
State: IOWA

AirGyro AG-915, N4446S: Incident occurred March 02, 2022 at Chino Airport (KCNO), San Bernardino County, California

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

Rotorcraft aborted takeoff due to a loud bang, returned to parking and it was discovered that wire was wrapped around the tail with damage to the propeller and vertical stabilizer. 


Date: 02-MAR-22
Time: 22:26:00Z
Regis#: N4446S
Aircraft Make: AIRGYRO
Aircraft Model: AG-915
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: CHINO
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 182D Skylane, N8814X: Accident occurred March 02, 2022 in Mortmar, Riverside 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; Riverside, California

CloudStreet Flying Services


Location: Mortmar, California
Accident Number: WPR22LA115
Date and Time: March 2, 2022, 08:00 Local
Registration: N8814X
Aircraft: Cessna 182D 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Public aircraft

On March 02, 20022, about 0800 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 182D, N8814X, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Mortmar, California. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that shortly after departure from Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, the airplane climbed to 400 ft above ground level and leveled off. Shortly after level off, a noticeable decrease in engine rpm was observed by the pilot, followed by a total loss of power. He attempted to troubleshoot the loss of engine power by cycling the mixture, increasing, and decreasing the propeller speed, and he engaged the starter to no avail. He recalled that he did not manipulate the fuel selector to switch from the right fuel tank to the left, because the airplane’s altitude decreased rapidly. The airplane touched down on a soft dirt crop field and nosed over. The airplane came to rest about 12.5 miles southwest of the departure airport.

An oil change was identified by the pilot as the only recent maintenance that he could recall, and the airplane had flown several times since the oil change.

The airplane has been transported to a storage facility pending further investigation.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N8814X
Model/Series: 182D 
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: KTRM, 0 ft msl
Observation Time: 07:52 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C /-2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots / , 140°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Thermal, CA (TRM) 
Destination: Mortmar, CA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 33.52814,-115.96742 (est)

Cessna 182P Skylane, N244RP: Incident occurred March 02, 2022 in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Aircraft made a forced landing in a field. 


Date: 02-MAR-22
Time: 21:48:00Z
Regis#: N244RP
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 182
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: BRIDGEPORT
State: CONNECTICUT

Loss of Control on Ground: Piper PA-28-150 Cherokee, N5627W; accident occurred March 02, 2022 at Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF), Prince William County, Virginia









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; Washington, District of Columbia

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

N567W LLC

Commonwealth Aviation 


Location: Manassas, Virginia
Accident Number: ERA22LA143
Date and Time: March 2, 2022, 18:05 Local 
Registration: N5627W
Aircraft: Piper PA28 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor reported that, during the takeoff portion of a touch-an-go landing, the student applied an “extreme amount” of left rudder and the airplane began to veer left and impacted a light with the wingtip, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The instructor stated that he was not guarding the rudder pedals and attempted to assume control of the airplane, but the event happened very quickly and there was not enough time to correct and center the airplane over the runway. The instructor stated that during debriefing later, the student indicated that he lost control of the rudder.

Post-accident inspection of the rudder flight control system by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot’s improper left rudder input after power application during the touch-and-go landing which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with airport lighting equipment. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student.

Findings

Personnel issues Incorrect action selection - Student/instructed pilot
Aircraft Rudder control system - Incorrect use/operation
Personnel issues Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot
Personnel issues Monitoring other person - Instructor/check pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Takeoff Miscellaneous/other

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor 
Age: 28, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: October 11, 2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 8, 2021
Flight Time: 587 hours (Total, all aircraft), 210 hours (Total, this make and model), 554 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 21 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student pilot Information

Certificate: None 
Age: 28, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: October 26, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 42 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N5627W
Model/Series: PA28 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 28-772
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: November 1, 2021 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 22 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4294 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2A
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: HWY,336 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 17:55 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 229°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility:
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 11000 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: Unknown / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: Unknown / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Manassas, VA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Manassas, VA 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: Manassas Regional Airport HEF
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 192 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6200 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and go; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 38.725458,-77.516932(est)


Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Accident Number: ERA22LA143
Date and Time: March 2, 2022, 18:05 Local
Registration: N5627W
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-150
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N5627W
Model/Series: PA-28-150 
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: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 38.721023,-77.515101 (est)

Beech 300 Super King Air, N78: Incident occurred March 02, 2022 in Jupiter, Palm Beach County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Aircraft struck a bird with the left wing. 

Federal Aviation Administration


Date: 02-MAR-22
Time: 16:40:00Z
Regis#: N78
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 300
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PUBLIC USE
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 91
City: JUPITER
State: FLORIDA

Piper PA-28-180, N7747W: Incident occurred March 02, 2022 at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL), Orange County, Florida

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

Aircraft struck a bird and after landing a large dent was discovered on the right wing. 

Flying Family LLC


Date: 02-MAR-22
Time: 21:25:00Z
Regis#: N7747W
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: ORLANDO
State: FLORIDA

Aero Commander 500-S, N202JH: Incident occurred March 02, 2022 at Richard B. Russell Airport (KRMG), Rome, Floyd County, Georgia

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

Aircraft landed and gear collapsed. 


Date: 02-MAR-22
Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N202JH
Aircraft Make: AERO COMMANDER
Aircraft Model: 500
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: ROME
State: GEORGIA

Cessna 150J, N8357K: Incident occurred March 02, 2022 in Greenfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Bradley

Aircraft made a forced landing on Interstate 91.

Schenectady Timebuilders


Date: 02-MAR-22
Time: 22:40:00Z
Regis#: N8357K
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 150
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: NONE
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: GREENFIELD
State: MASSACHUSETTS

Van's RV-10, N522XL: Accident occurred March 02, 2022 at Las Cruces International Airport (KLRU), Doña Ana County, New Mexico

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Aircraft departed and crashed just beyond perimeter fence of the airport due to engine issues. 


Date: 02-MAR-22
Time: 21:36:00Z
Regis#: N522XL
Aircraft Make: VANS
Aircraft Model: RV10
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: LAS CRUCES
State: NEW MEXICO

Six Chuter Powered Parachute, N290TQ: Accident occurred March 02, 2022 in Toquerville, Washington County, Utah

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; Salt Lake City, Utah


Location: Toquerville, Utah
Accident Number: WPR22LA117
Date and Time: March 2, 2022, 10:42 Local
Registration: N290TQ
Aircraft: Six Chuter Powered Parachute
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Unknown

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Six Chuter Powered Parachute
Registration: N290TQ
Aircraft Category: Powered parachute 
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 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor 
Latitude, Longitude: 37.28332,-113.30611 (est)

TOQUERVILLE, Utah — Two people were hurt Wednesday in a motorized-glider accident near Toquerville.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, a father and son were riding in a motorized machine with a parachute that had a propeller in the back. 

Authorities say they were too close to telephone lines. When the two individuals realized how close they were, it was too late and ended up crashing.

The machine ended up catching on fire. Fortunately, the father and son were able to get out of the machine and put the fire out with sand and shovels.

Authorities say both suffered minor injuries. The father had injuries to his leg, while the son suffered some minor burns. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office say the family is handling the removal of the machine.

Extra NG, N100NG: Fatal accident occurred March 02, 2022 at Northeast Florida Regional Airport (KSGJ), St. Augustine, St. Johns 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 traveled to the scene of this accident. 

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

Southeast Aero Sales Inc


Location: St. Augustine, Florida
Accident Number: ERA22FA141
Date and Time: March 2, 2022, 17:02 Local 
Registration: N100NG
Aircraft: Extra NG 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 2, 2022, at 1702 eastern standard time, an Extra NG, N100NG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near St. Augustine, Florida. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot of an Extra 300, N331FZ, stated he was flying chalk two in a flight of two with his fiancé flying lead in the accident airplane. They were returning to their home airport after a short local flight. After several minutes of watching smoke come from the exhaust of the accident airplane, he asked over the radio if the airplane’s smoke-generator was on. The pilot replied that it was not, and she added that the engine was producing only 1,380 rpm, which was below the expected 2,200 rpm cruise power setting. While at 2,800 ft, 190 knots groundspeed, and 10 miles west of Northeast Florida Regional Airport (SGJ), N331FZ advised air traffic control (ATC) that N100NG had a partial loss of engine power, was trailing smoke, and declared an emergency for the accident airplane. The pilot of N100NG stated over the tower frequency “my engine is doing something weird, what do I do?” As both airplanes approached SGJ, N331FZ stated over the tower frequency “you’re going to make it down, cut the throttle, slip it in, you have a lot of energy now, cut the throttle, slip it deep, deep, slip, you got it.”

A review of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) final target depicted the airplane at 200 ft and 165 knots groundspeed as it crossed the airport boundary. The airplane overflew the 8,000 ft runway and came to rest inverted in marshland about 1,500 ft past the departure end of the landing runway. Afterwards, the pilot transmitted over the tower frequency, “I had too much speed, I should have come in slower.”

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of in-flight or post-crash fire. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit controls to all flight control surfaces. About 11 gallons of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks. The fuel appeared clear and free of contaminants.

Two of the three propeller composite blades were fractured off at the hub. The engine’s crankshaft was rotated by hand at the propeller hub and continuity was established from the powertrain to the valvetrain and the accessory section. Compression was confirmed using the thumb method. Examination of the cylinders, valves, and pistons with a lighted borescope revealed no anomalies. Both magnetos were removed, actuated with an electric drill, and spark was produced at all terminal leads. The propeller governor was removed, rotated by hand, and oil flowed through the governor as designed.

The mechanical fuel pump was removed and pumped fluid when actuated by hand; no anomalies were noted. The electric fuel pump operated normally with electrical power applied; the pump rotated normally. The throttle body fuel filter, fuel nozzles, and fuel flow divider were clear and free of debris.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Extra 
Registration: N100NG
Model/Series: NG 
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: SGJ,10 ft msl
Observation Time: 16:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C /5°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 70°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Keystone Heights, FL (42J) 
Destination: St. Augustine, FL

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: 29.953613,-81.328816

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. 

Marianne Elizabeth Fox
October 4, 1972 - March 3, 2022
~


Marianne Elizabeth Fox née Biddinger was born in Oelwein, Iowa on October 4, 1972 to Steve and Connie Biddinger. When she was only 5 months old, the family moved to Oregon. Marianne attended Perrydale School through her freshman year, and then transferred to Dallas High School, where she graduated in 1990. After graduation Marianne attended Western Oregon University, where she received a B.A. in business administration. She began her career in accounting and worked several years for Edge Wireless.

Eventually her creative side won out, and she ended up owning 3 businesses - Restyle in Albany, Restyle Home Goods in Corvallis, and Passion Flower in Eugene. Her attention to detail was meticulous. She had an eye for design and great organizational skills. We think, at this moment, she is helping to organize heaven.

Marianne has 2 children, Grant Acord from Portland, age 25, and Kara Fightmaster, age 20, who is attending the University of Oregon. She loved her children with her whole heart and was always there for them.

For the past 10 years, Marianne was in a relationship with Jim Bourke. These were the happiest years of her life.They shared so many adventures together, and Jim blessed Marianne in countless ways. Jim’s 3 children also held a special place in her heart - Haley, Camma, and Ray. Through Jim, Marianne grew to love aviation, and won several awards in aerobatic competitions. Marianne was a kind, generous, empathetic soul who will be missed by so many.

She was preceded in death by her brother Mark, and both sets of grandparents. She is survived by her parents and countless aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and a host of people who’ve loved her. Marianne died as a result of an airplane accident on March 3, 2022. Memorial service will be held on March 10th at 11 a.m. at the Dallas United Methodist Church, 565 SE Lacreole Drive, Dallas, OR 97338.


Marianne Fox
~


CORVALLIS, Oregon (KPTV)-- Days after a Corvallis woman died in a Florida plane crash, her fiancé spoke to FOX 12 Saturday night about the life 49-year-old Marianne Fox lived.

Fox was killed in a plane crash Wednesday in St. John’s County, Florida. She was the pilot and the sole person on board.

St. John’s County Fire and Rescue said Fox’s plane went down near the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. Jim Bourke was Fox’s fiancé and partner for nearly two decades. He was flying next to her right-wing when smoke started to come out of the engine.

“I talked with her on the radio, and she said that she had engine trouble and needed to make a landing right away,” Bourke said.

Bourke said they were in Florida for business and were trying to land at the airport. He said he descended with Fox until he thought she was going to make a touchdown on the runway.

“At that moment I was very confident she made a successful landing, but I don’t know what happened on that,” Bourke said.

Investigators told Bourke that Fox survived the crash. The plane landed in the marsh near the runway and flipped onto its top. But the cockpit was submerged.

“She made it,” Bourke said. “She flipped upside down and sat in the water upside down on the radio with rescuers, but they couldn’t get to her in time.”

Bourke said Fox passed away from drowning in the water. He said he was trying to do everything to reach her after he landed.

“I was there on site I did my best to try and reach her, but it wasn’t possible,” Bourke said.

Bourke said Fox took up aerobatics just a few years ago. But over those years, he saw her piloting career soar.

“She really just took to it well,” Bourke said. “She had a lot of characteristics in her personality that made her well suited for it.”

Fox was training to be part of the U.S. aerobatics’ team this year and compete internationally. She practiced out of the Corvallis Municipal Airport and was a regular volunteer at local competitions.

“She rose very quickly and became a very competent pilot and was very proud of her accomplishments as she should be,” Bourke said.

Outside of aerobatics and flying, Fox was a business owner in Corvallis, a mother, and a valued community member. Bourke said since her death, people in Corvallis and around the country have been sending him messages of condolence. He said knowing how much his fiancé positively impacted others’ lives is helping with the grieving process.

“I’ll be reliving it for a long time so it’s not easy at all, but I know Marianne and she would be the one telling me that I have to accept this,” Bourke said. “That’s the reality and I know how she would want me to do that, so I think about her, and I know I have to do that. But I’m not there yet. That’s not happening anytime soon.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash.









St. Johns County Fire Rescue -
 
Yesterday afternoon just after 5:00 pm, SJCFR received notification that an aircraft was approaching with smoke in the cockpit and had crashed in the marsh. 

St. Johns County Fire Rescue, along with multiple agencies worked to reach the aircraft crash site. 

Once crews arrived at the crash site they extricated the patient and transported her via airboat to where rescue units waited. 

The patient was transported to Flagler Hospital in critical condition. 

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.