Monday, March 21, 2022

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N6332D: Accident occurred March 19, 2022 at Talkeetna Airport (PATK), Alaska

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; Anchorage, Alaska

Blue River Aviation LLC


Location: Talkeetna, Alaska
Accident Number: ANC22LA024
Date and Time: March 19, 2022, 19:35 Local
Registration: N6332D
Aircraft: Cessna 172N 
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 19, 2022, about 1935 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N6332D sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at the Talkeetna Airport (TKA), Talkeetna, Alaska. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. 

The pilot reported that, they had departed from the Warren “Bud” Woods Palmer Municipal Airport (PAQ) and landed at TKA to have dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, they conducted a preflight inspection and before takeoff checks before departing for their return flight to PAQ. After departure and about 200 ft above ground level (AGL) the engine lost power. The pilot made an emergency landing to a snow-covered field. Upon touchdown, the nosewheel separated and the airplane nosed over sustaining substantial damage to the wings, and vertical stabilizer.

The airplane was equipped with a Lycoming O-320 engine. A detailed engine examination is pending.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N6332D
Model/Series: 172N
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: PATK, 350 ft msl 
Observation Time: 07:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C /-6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 4800 ft AGL 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 6500 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.43 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Talkeetna, AK 
Destination: Palmer, AK (PAQ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 62.315222,-150.09988

Aircraft lost engine after takeoff, landed, slid into snow berm and flipped over.

Date: 20-MAR-22
Time: 03:35:00Z
Regis#: N6332D
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: TALKEETNA
State: ALASKA

Loss of Control on Ground: Luscombe 8A Silvaire, N1953B; accident occurred March 20, 2022 at Kirk Field Airport (KPGR), Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas











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; Little Rock, Arkansas 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Paragould, Arkansas 
Accident Number: CEN22LA174
Date and Time: March 20, 2022, 10:18 Local 
Registration: N1953B
Aircraft: Luscombe 8A 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The student pilot reported that he completed four uneventful touch-and-go landings. During the fifth and final landing, the airplane touched down onto the runway and bounced. During recovery, a crosswind lifted the left wing. The airplane ground looped, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The firewall and rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing which resulted in a ground loop.

Findings

Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Other weather encounter
Landing Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student 
Age: 46,Male
Airplane Rating(s): None 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 18, 2021
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 31 hours (Total, all aircraft), 31 hours (Total, this make and model), 2 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Luscombe
Registration: N1953B
Model/Series: 8A 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1948 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 6380
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 7, 2022 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1260 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 4 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2715 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT: C126 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: A65
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 65 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: KJBR,259 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 09:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 206°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.26 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Paragould, AR
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Paragould, AR
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Unknown

Airport Information

Airport: Kirk Field PGR 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 290 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 22 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4500 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Traffic pattern

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: 36.0638,-90.50919

Aircraft was landing, experienced a crosswind, bounced, ground looped and flipped over. 

Date: 20-MAR-22
Time: 15:18:00Z
Regis#: N1953B
Aircraft Make: LUSCOMBE
Aircraft Model: 8A
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: PARAGOULD
State: ARKANSAS

Eurocopter AS 332L1 Super Puma, N950SG: Accident occurred March 19, 2022 in Azusa, Los Angeles 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; Los Angeles, California

County of Los Angeles


Location: Azusa, California 
Accident Number: WPR22LA125
Date and Time: March 19, 2022, 17:04 Local
Registration: N950SG
Aircraft: Eurocopter AS332L1
Injuries: 4 Serious, 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Other work use

On March 19, 2022, about 1704 Pacific daylight time, a Eurocopter AS332L1 helicopter, N950SG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near, Azusa, California. The two pilots and two passengers were seriously injured, and two passengers received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulation Part 91, law enforcement response flight.

According to the pilot in command (PIC), who was seated in the right-side pilot’s seat and on the controls, they were responding to an emergency call and selected a landing zone that was a turnout for a highway. Prior to landing, the PIC coordinated the approach with the other pilot and the crew chief and discussed the potential for a brownout and a tree hazard.

Subsequently, during the approach and about 5 feet above the ground, the PIC heard the crew chief call out “hold.” While the PIC slowed the helicopter, it became engulfed in dust. Shortly afterwards, the helicopter contacted a tree, descended to the ground, and rolled over onto its left side. During the rollover sequence, the PIC’s lap belt separated from the seat. All occupants exited the helicopter with the assistance of first responders.

The helicopter came to rest in the landing zone on its left side adjacent to a tree. All major components were located on or near the wreckage. The main rotor system and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Preliminary examination of the right pilot’s seat revealed the two lap belt retention brackets fractured.

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

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Eurocopter 
Registration: N950SG
Model/Series: AS332L1
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
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 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Serious, 2 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Serious, 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 34.176519,-117.88304



Only one crew member out of the six occupants onboard an LA County Sheriff's Department helicopter when it crashed remains hospitalized Sunday, according to Mike Leum, veteran of the Sheriff’s Department search and rescue team.

Sgt. Kamal Ahmad, the crew chief onboard was released from the hospital Sunday.

Officials say they have to complete their initial investigation before towing the wreckage off the mountain.

The crew suffered a variety of injuries after the rotorcraft crashed in the Angeles National Forest near Azusa Saturday, the LA County Fire Department said.

The crash occurred at approximately 4:56 p.m. near Highway 39 and East Fork Road as the LASD Air Rescue 5 helicopter was responding to the call of a car crash on Highway 39.

The crew crashed before arriving to the car crash patient. The car was later towed off the mountain.

The rotorcraft, which is usually used for rescue operations, landed just a few feet from a 200-foot drop, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a press conference Saturday.

"The fact that it did not roll off, go all the way down, or that there was no fire is nothing short of a miracle," Villanueva said. “It was their turn to be rescued.”

This is the second helicopter crash in a month in Southern California.

On February 19, a Huntington Beach Police helicopter crashed in the water in Newport Beach when responding to a service call.

Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of the Huntington Beach Police Department, died in the crash and a second officer was critically injured as a result.

Onboard Saturday's helicopter when it crashed were two deputy pilots, two deputy paramedics, a deputy crew chief and a UCLA doctor. None of them suffered critical injuries, Villanueva said.

"We’re very thankful that everyone survived,” he added. 

According to the Sheriff's Information Bureau, as of 1:30 p.m. Sunday, three of the people in the crash were still in the hospital, while the other three people were treated and released.

The rotorcraft was a Eurocopter AS 332L1 Super Puma, Villanueva said. 

The FAA and the NTSB will be investigating what caused the crash.

Beech C-99 Airliner, N8227P: Incident occurred March 19, 2022 at Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR), Los Angeles County, California

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Van Nuys, California

Aircraft departed, returned to airport because the door was lost in flight. 

UAS Transervices Inc

Ameriflight Cargo


Date: 19-MAR-22
Time: 14:45:00Z
Regis#: N8227P
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: C99
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: CARGO
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 135
Aircraft Operator: AMERIFLIGHT
Flight Number: AMF1450
City: BURBANK
State: CALIFORNIA

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N98763: Fatal accident occurred March 20, 2022 in Kekaha, Hawaii



Lt. Col. James Degnan, 76, is remembered by friends as an “icon” and a talented pilot with a great sense of humor. He was killed in a plane crash in Kalalau Valley on March 20, 2022.
~


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

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Honolulu, Hawaii

Civil Air Patrol Inc


Location: Kekaha, Hawaii
Accident Number: ANC22LA025
Date and Time: March 20, 2022, 14:57 Local
Registration: N98763
Aircraft: Cessna 172P 
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Other work use

On March 20, 2022, about 1457 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N98763, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident about 13 miles north of Kekaha, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai. The two pilots were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight.

The accident airplane, owned and operated by the Civil Air Patrol, was conducting a routine hurricane / tsunami practice flight. Witnesses reported to the Kauai police department that just before the accident, they reported seeing an airplane flying low, and close to the mountain, in poor weather conditions, then hearing a loud crashing noise. A search and rescue helicopter, operated by the Kauai Fire Department, subsequently located the fragmented airplane wreckage in an area of steep mountainous terrain, and confirmed that there were no survivors.

The airplane was equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS–B), which provides aircraft tracking to determine its position via satellite navigation or other sensors and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked. The information can be received by air traffic control ground stations as a replacement for secondary surveillance radar, as no interrogation signal is needed from the ground.

According to archived Federal Aviation Administration ADS-B data, after the airplane departed the Lihue Airport, it initially proceeded southwest, then it turned north as it neared the northwest side of the island. The airplane then turns to an easterly heading, towards an area of rising terrain. The ADS-B data stops near where the wreckage was found. 

A detailed wreckage examination is pending following wreckage recovery efforts.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N98763
Model/Series: 172P 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: IMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PHBK, 12 ft msl 
Observation Time: 15:51 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C /19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 320°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 4300 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Lihue, HI (LIH)
Destination: Lihue, HI (LIH)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: Unknown
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: Unknown
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 21.97921,-159.66786 

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.



Lt. Col. James Degnan
~


Two Civil Air Patrol pilots participating in a Hawaii Wing tsunami alert training mission March 20 perished in an accident on Kaua’i.

“We lost two valued members of our CAP ohana (family) this weekend,” said Col. Chantal Lonergan, Hawaii Wing commander. “Our hearts remain with their families.”

Lt. Col. James E. Degnan and Capt. David J. Parker, both retired military pilots, participating in the wing’s monthly U.S. Air Force-assigned exercises when the accident occurred over land about 3 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time — just 11 minutes into their flight. 

Fire Air 1 responded and located the wreckage of the aircraft on a ridge near the Pihea Trail in Koke’e State Park on the island’s northwest side. Rescuers were unable to reach the crash site until this morning because of the mountainous terrain and inclement weather that moved into the area. The bodies were recovered when the weather cleared. 

Both men were members of the Kaua’i Composite Squadron, based in Lihue. 

Degnan, 76, was the squadron’s operations and alerting officer. Parker, 77, served as the unit’s emergency services officer. Both were experienced pilots and served in the Vietnam War. 

“The Hawaii Wing’s tsunami alert flights are among the most important missions performed by Civil Air Patrol,” Lonergan said. “Our aircrews train year-round and have provided this valuable service for more than 50 years now. Their vigilant efforts have saved countless lives.” 

The training accident's cause is under investigation.




KOKE‘E — Two men were killed Sunday when a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172P Skyhawk crashed in the mountainous terrain about 13 miles north of Kekaha, in Kalalau Valley.

The victims were identified by Kaua‘i Police Department as Princeville resident Lt. Col. James E. Degnan, 76, and Kapa‘a resident Captain David J. Parker, 78. They were conducting monthly tsunami-warning practice runs for CAP.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones of James and David, and our partners over at the Civil Air Patrol, whom we work with closely,” said KPD Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce in a statement. “These individuals were seasoned pilots who were part of our Kaua‘i community, and we know they will be missed deeply.”

First responders received reports of a plane crash in the area of Koke‘e at around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday. Several witnesses reported an airplane flying low before hearing a crash, officials reported.

Personnel aboard the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s emerency helicopter located the site of the crash a few thousand feet below the Kalalau Lookout on Sunday, but suspended operations until first light on Monday due to harsh weather conditions.

The County of Kaua‘i announced the closure of the Kalalau lookout Monday and a no-fly zone for the Kalalau and Koke‘e areas early Monday morning. The Kalalau lookout has since been reopened, and the no-fly zone will be lifted at 8 a.m. today.

Officials from KPD, KFD, state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and DLNR Division of State Parks participated in the operation Monday, which located the bodies of the two men at around 10 a.m.

The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of this terrible incident, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these pilots who were well known in our tight-knit community,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami in a statement released Monday.

“The Civil Air Patrol has always been there to help our community during disasters and emergencies. We thank our first responders for working urgently and doing everything they could to bring a sense of closure for those touched by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all.”

This is the second deadly aircraft incident to occur on island this year.

On Feb. 22, a military-contracted helicopter crashed during a training mission at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, killing four.

An NTSB report said that the helicopter was making a left turn when it unexpectedly stopped before pitching downward and hitting with the ground “in a near-vertical attitude.” The helicopter caught fire after the crash.


Two people were killed when a Civil Air Patrol plane crashed during a training exercise on Kauai Sunday afternoon, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Cessna 172P Skyhawk went down at 3:45 p.m. Sunday in mountainous terrain 13 miles north of Kekaha, according to the NTSB. Kauai police confirmed that two people on board, the pilot and co-pilot, did not survive.

The two were identified as Civil Air Patrol volunteers James Degnan, age 76, of Princeville, and David Parker, age 78, of Kapaa, according to a news release. Police and fire officials recovered their bodies around 10 a.m. today.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones of James and David, and our partners over at the Civil Air Patrol, whom we work with closely,” said KPD’s Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce, in a release. “These individuals were seasoned pilots who were part of our Kaua‘i community, and we know they will be missed deeply.”

The scene and investigation of the crash have been turned over to the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration for further investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of this terrible incident, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these pilots who were well known in our tight-knit community,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami in a release. “The Civil Air Patrol has always been there to help our community during disasters and emergencies. We thank our first responders for working urgently and doing everything they could to bring a sense of closure for those touched by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all.”

Degnan and Parker were piloting the Cessna 172P Skyhawk on a routine, monthly tsunami warning practice run.

The United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol was founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, according to the CAP website. The Hawaii Wing flies training missions year-round, Wing Commander Chantal Lonergan told the Star-Advertiser.

“Our volunteers are highly dedicated and committed to serving the community,” said Lonergan. “We are aligning our hearts with the family members and hoping for the best.”

The Hawaii Wing works with county and state first responders, including local civil defense and emergency management agencies, to fly tsunami, hurricane, and tropical storm warning missions over the coastal areas and rain forests in addition to aerial damage and disaster assessment flights, search and rescue, and USGS Volcanoes National Observatory overflight of lava flow zones, according to the CAP Hawaii Wing’s website.

The Kalalau Lookout in Kokee is closed today, according to Kauai County, and a no-fly zone is in place for the Kalalau and Kokee areas.

Flight Design CTSW, N297CT: Incident occurred March 19, 2022 at Chennault International Airport (KCWF), Lake Charles, Louisiana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Aircraft landed and veered off runway damaging main gear and propeller. 


Date: 19-MAR-22
Time: 22:48:00Z
Regis#: N297CT
Aircraft Make: FLIGHT DESIGN
Aircraft Model: CTSW
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LAKE CHARLES
State: LOUISIANA

Grumman American AA-5, N9961U: Incident occurred March 20, 2022 at MBS International Airport (KMBS), Saginaw, Michigan

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Aircraft over corrected after a gust of wind veering off runway striking a runway edge light and became struck in the grass. 

AAM Leasing LLC


Date: 20-MAR-22
Time: 19:29:00Z
Regis#: N9961U
Aircraft Make: GRUMMAN AMERICAN
Aircraft Model: AA5
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SAGINAW
State: MICHIGAN

Piper PA-28-161 Warrior II, N8325T: Incident occurred March 18, 2022 at Columbia Regional Airport (KCOU), Boone County, Missouri

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

Aircraft grazed the trees on approach. 

Columbia Jet Center Inc


Date: 18-MAR-22
Time: 02:30:00Z
Regis#: N8325T
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: COLUMBIA
State: MISSOURI

Maule M-5-180C Lunar Rocket, N6106A: Accident occurred March 17, 2022 at Glacier Park International Airport (KGPI), Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana

Aircraft nosed over on landing incurring a propeller strike. 


Date: 17-MAR-22
Time: 17:30:00Z
Regis#: N6106A
Aircraft Make: MAULE
Aircraft Model: M5
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: KALISPELL
State: MONTANA

Bombardier Challenger 350, N563FX: Incident occurred March 18, 2022 at Teterboro Airport (KTEB), Bergen County, New Jersey

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Teterboro, New Jersey

Aircraft struck a bird after takeoff, returned to airport and damage was discovered to the nose. 

Krucial Transportation LLC


Date: 18-MAR-22
Time: 16:46:00Z
Regis#: N563FX
Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER
Aircraft Model: BD-100-1A10
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Flight Number: LXJ563
City: TETERBORO
State: NEW JERSEY

Socata TB30 Epsilon, N36TB: Incident occurred March 19, 2022 at Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County Airport ( KTTA), North Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina

Aircraft landed gear up. 


Date: 19-MAR-22
Time: 17:30:00Z
Regis#: N36TB
Aircraft Make: SOCATA
Aircraft Model: TB30
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: SANFORD
State: NORTH CAROLINA

Beech V35B Bonanza, N6551C: Incident occurred March 20, 2022 at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA), Hamilton County, Tennessee

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

Aircraft gear collapsed on landing. 

Steel Tiger1 LLC


Date: 20-MAR-22
Time: 16:03:00Z
Regis#: N6551C
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: V35
Event Type:  INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: CHATTANOOGA
State: TENNESSEE

Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, N223CG: Incident occurred March 20, 2022 and Accident occurred June 22, 2016

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas

March 20, 2022:  Aircraft was back taxiing and veered off runway down an embankment into trees at Lakeway Airpark (3R9),  Travis County, Texas. 


Date: 20-MAR-22
Time: 20:15:00Z
Regis#: N223CG
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA12
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: LAKEWAY
State: TEXAS





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; San Antonio, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

ProMark Aviation Services


Location: Burnet, Texas
Accident Number: GAA16CA347
Date and Time: June 22, 2016, 16:15 Local
Registration: N223CG
Aircraft: Piper PA 12
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor of the amphibious float-equipped airplane reported that after an instructional lesson, while returning to the airport, the student pilot was too low "while turning base leg" of the traffic pattern so the student pilot moved the throttle forward to add power, but the engine did not respond. The flight instructor further reported that he took control of the airplane and made an off airport landing. During the landing, the airplane impacted a low hanging tree limb.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

A post-accident examination by the Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector revealed that the fuel tanks contained less than one gallon of fuel on board the airplane.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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 student pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel levels, which resulted in fuel starvation, a loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to monitor the fuel levels.

Findings

Aircraft Fuel - Fluid level
Personnel issues Fuel planning - Pilot
Personnel issues Fuel planning - Instructor/check pilot
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach-VFR pattern base Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)
Approach-VFR pattern base Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 37, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: June 16, 2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: July 13, 2015
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2433 hours (Total, all aircraft), 196 hours (Total, this make and model), 2279 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 115 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 44 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 51, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 18, 2016
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 9, 2015
Flight Time: (Estimated) 330 hours (Total, all aircraft), 8 hours (Total, this make and model), 207 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 29 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 11 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N223CG
Model/Series: PA 12 NO SERIES 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 12-2480
Landing Gear Type: N/A; Amphibian
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 27, 2016 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1937 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4960.3 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-B2B
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: KBMQ, 1288 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 20:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 186°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 5500 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 17 knots 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  / None
Wind Direction: 140° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 33°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Burnet, TX (BMQ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Burnet, TX (BMQ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: BURNET MUNI KATE CRADDOCK FIELD KBMQ
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1284 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing; Full stop; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 30.747222,-98.234443 (est)

System / Component Malfunction / Failure (Non-Power): Lancair ES, N4949B; accident occurred March 18, 2022 at General Dick Stout Field Airport (1L8), Hurricane, Washington County, Utah










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; Salt Lake City, Utah

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

N4949B Leasing LLC


Location: Hurricane, Utah 
Accident Number: WPR22LA128
Date and Time: March 18, 2022, 20:15 Local
Registration: N4949B
Aircraft: NEWELL MICHAEL J LANCAIR ES
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane was not slowing as expected. The pilot firmly applied braking action with no corresponding slowing action from the airplane. When he and his passenger saw the departure end of the runway approaching, they both applied as much brake pressure as possible without any effect. The airplane departed the runway and came to rest in a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the engine mount.

The airplane’s brake system was inspected by a mechanic who reported that the left side brake functioned, however it had a minor amount of air in the system and may not have had the same working pressure as the right-side brake.

The pilot reported that there were no other preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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:
Loss of brake pressure on the left brake due to air in the brake line which, resulted in a runway over run and collision with a ditch.

Findings

Aircraft Braking capability - Malfunction
Aircraft Directional control - Attain/maintain not possible

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 48,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
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 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: November 23, 2021
Occupational Pilot: UNK 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: January 10, 2022
Flight Time: (Estimated) 137.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 0 hours (Total, this make and model), 34.1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 22.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 7.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate: 
Age: 45, Male
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: NEWELL MICHAEL J 
Registration: N4949B
Model/Series: LANCAIR ES 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special) 
Serial Number: ES-180
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 17, 2020 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 868.4 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-550-B2B
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 300 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSGU, 2936 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 19:56 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 261°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 280°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / -9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: West Valley, UT (U42)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Hurricane, UT
Type of Clearance: VFR; VFR flight following
Departure Time: 18:58 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: General Dick Stout Field Airport 1L8
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 84737 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 19
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3282 ft / 60 ft 
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic pattern

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: 37.135816,-113.30771

Aircraft ran off end of runway and nosed into a gulley. 

Date: 19-MAR-22
Time: 02:23:00Z
Regis#: N4949B
Aircraft Make: LANCAIR
Aircraft Model: ES
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HURRICANE
State: UTAH



HURRICANE, Utah — Two people walked away with minor injuries Friday after a single-engine aircraft went off the runway in Hurricane.

The incident happened around 8:23 p.m. on March 18.

Officer Dan Raddatz with the Hurricane City Police Department said the aircraft was traveling from West Valley City to Hurricane when it overran the runway and went into a ditch.

The prop and nose of the plane were damaged in the crash.

Two occupants — a 48-year-old man, who was the pilot, and a 45-year-old man, who was the passenger — sustained minor injuries and did not need to be transported to the hospital, according to Raddatz.

The Hurricane officer said the pilot told police he was unfamiliar with the airport, adding that the runway was dark at the time of the incident.

Raddatz went on to say the plane ended up landing too far down the runway, so there wasn’t enough space to break.

Crews were able to remove the plane from the area Saturday morning.



ST. GEORGE — A Lancair ES plane flying from West Valley to Southern Utah overshot the runway when trying to land at General Dick Stout Field in Hurricane Friday evening.

“They weren’t very familiar with the airport and went too far down the runway and ended up in the ditch,” Hurricane Police Department public information officer Dan Raddatz said.

The plane veered off the runway at 8:23 pm. The pilot likely didn’t leave enough room to brake, Raddatz said.

The pilot, a 48-year-old male and his passenger, a 45-year-old male, suffered minor injuries but didn’t require hospitalization.

Raddatz said the plane suffered damage to the front propeller.

Cirrus SR22, N816MM: Incident occurred March 18, 2022 at Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF), Virginia

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Washington, District of Columbia

Aircraft landed and veered into the grass damaging the wheel cowling. 

Flight Dynamics LLC


Date: 18-MAR-22
Time: 18:08:00Z
Regis#: N816MM
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SR22
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MANASSAS
State: VIRGINIA

Beech 36 Bonanza, N7527N: Incident occurred March 20, 2022 at West Bend Municipal Airport (KETB), Washington County, Wisconsin

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Aircraft landed gear up. 

Paradise Prop LLC


Date: 20-MAR-22
Time: 19:50:00Z
Regis#: N7527N
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 36
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WEST BEND
State: WISCONSIN

Cessna 172H Skyhawk, N1410F: Fatal accident occurred March 19, 2022 near Lumpkin County-Wimpys Airport (9A0), Dahlonega, Georgia

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; Atlanta, Georgia
Textron; Wichita, Kansas
Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Blue Ridge Mountain Flyers Inc


Location: Dahlonega, Georgia
Accident Number: ERA22FA161
Date and Time: March 19, 2022, 18:52 Local 
Registration: N1410F
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 19, 2022, about 1852 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172H, N1410F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dahlonega, Georgia. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Review of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast data revealed that the airplane departed Athens/Ben Epps Airport (AHN), Athens, Georgia, at 1817. According to witnesses and a private security video, the airplane flew a straight in approach to runway 33 at Lumpkin County-Wimpys Airport (9A0), Dahlonega, Georgia. Runway 33 was 3,024 ft long and 50 ft wide. The airplane approached “fast” with the flaps retracted. It touched down nosegear first and bounced twice on the nosegear. Toward the end of the runway, engine noise increased, and the airplane began a climbing left turn to clear trees, followed by the sound of impact.

The wreckage came to rest upright, oriented about a 120° magnetic heading, in a residential yard beyond the end of the runway. Both wing tanks were breached, and a strong odor of fuel was present at the accident site. Additionally, the fire department had placed sediment below the right wing to absorb fuel on the ground. An approximate 65-ft debris path was observed along a magnetic course of 270°, beginning with tree scars about 50 ft up. A branch was recovered along the debris path; it exhibited an approximate 45° cut with gray paint transfer. An approximate 3-ft by 2-ft, by 1-ft deep crater was observed along the path, about 10 ft from the wreckage. The wreckage remained intact. Both wings exhibited leading edge damage with the left wing exhibiting more at the outboard half. The flaps and ailerons remained attached to their respective wing. The empennage remained intact and canted left; it was undamaged except for left horizontal stabilizer leading edge damage. Flight control continuity was confirmed from all flight control surfaces to the cabin area. Measurement of the flap actuator corresponded to a flaps retracted position. Measurement of the elevator trim jackscrew corresponded to a 10° trim tab up position; however, the trim wheel in the cockpit was set at the neutral/takeoff position.

The cockpit area was crushed, but the pilot’s 4-pt harness remained latched and was cut by rescue personnel. 

The engine remained attached to the airframe and the propeller remained attached to the engine. Both propeller blades exhibited chordwise scratching and leading-edge gouging.

The engine was retained for further examination. An iPad and a copy of digital security video footage were also retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N1410F
Model/Series: 172H
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: GVL,1276 ft msl
Observation Time: 18:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 20 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / 22 knots, 290°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Athens, GA (AHN)
Destination: Dahlonega, GA

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: 34.569722,-84.0259

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.

Craig Gentry is remembered as a man of faith and family, a savvy businessman and an adventure seeker.
~



Local business leader and beloved community member Craig Gentry died on impact when the plane he was piloting plunged to the ground near Lumpkin County’s Guy Wimpy Airport on Saturday evening, according to officials.

The 39-year-old Dahlonega resident was piloting a Cessna Skyhawk on the way back from Athens when he came up short of the runway and crashed next to an unfinished residence on Camp Wahsega Road just before 7 p.m., according to reports.

“Eyewitnesses saw the aircraft execute a go around from an attempted landing and heard the aircraft impact a short time after the go around,” read a report listed on the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene but Gentry, who was flying solo, had already died.

The exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined.

Meanwhile the sudden loss of a man who was a friend to many has left residents reeling in Lumpkin County and beyond.

FAITH IN ACTION

Gentry was a dedicated family man with a reputation of a savvy entrepreneur who had an appetite for adventure.

That’s something his friend Jake Kisser can attest to.

“I got to share moments underground caving with Craig to soaring high in the sky flying small planes, to everything in between,” he said. “I will always carry a small piece of Craig in my heart.”

Gentry was also the founder of GotFreshBreath, a business he co-created along side fellow Lumpkin County resident Trey Greer. Chances are if you see a mouth wash dispenser in a Chick-fil-A, it’s because of Gentry. His energetic financial instincts also led him to make an impact in the e-business community.

That’s how he met fellow entrepreneur Bill D’Alessandro.  

“[Craig] gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received,” he said. “He told me 'If you are Aquaman, you don’t pick a fight on land, you fight in the water. Find your water.’ This had a big impact on me and continues to be a guiding principle in life and business.”

Most notably, Gentry was a man of sincere faith, which was apparent to many whether he was in or out of the boardroom.

“Craig did not just listen to what he read in the Bible and heard in church, but he put it into action daily,” said his friend Brock Boleman. “The entire mission…I will miss him so much.”

He leaves behind a wife Gretchen, daughter Abby Kay, sister Ivy, parents John and Alice Gentry, and a host of friends and family.

Funeral visitation will be Thursday, March 24th at 1 p.m. at Browns Bridge Church (3860 Browns Bridge Road, Cumming, GA) with the funeral service immediately following at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers it has been asked for donations to be directed to memory of Craig to Be Rich (berich.org) and Mission Hope (missionhope.org).

REMEMBERING CRAIG

When reaching out for comments about Gentry, The Nugget received so many heartfelt notes that instead of picking and choosing, we’re including them all below:

James Fitts -

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. This was Craig’s favorite verse and he was bigger than life because he was given life. He lived a life of purpose, honoring God, bringing glory to him everyday in sharing this new life he was given. I am one of the many lucky enough to have been affected by his mission. He was my spiritual mentor, counselor, friend, and more than that my brother. I know he is shouting the loudest praises in heaven joining in that party because to die is to gain. I love him so!”

Bryson Payne -

“Craig was one of my closest friends for almost 20 years, and although he was a decade younger than me, I considered him a wise and trusted mentor. He was one of the first people I called on when I needed to make a big decision, he was always the first to help whenever Bev or I needed anything, and he was an inspiring example of a faithful husband and loving father.”

Brock Boleman -

“Craig was a doer. He was always quiet and an effective planner with a goal to serve Jesus and love his neighbor. He exemplified James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Craig did not just listen to what he read in the Bible and heard in church, but he put it into action daily. The entire Mission: Hope family and I will miss him so much.”

Nathan Stevens -

“Craig and I first met when I was in high school around seven years ago via my friend Trey who was Craig's mouthwash business associate. In high school I often worked helping out at the mouthwash warehouse or helped out with painting and renovations at several of his rental homes. Over time Craig and I became friends and I came to realize so much of my perspective around the intertwining of work and purpose came from my interactions with him. Craig was truly a rare and admirable person. I also always walked away from my time with Craig with more wisdom. He knew how to work successfully, but not to the detriment of his family, his beliefs or himself, while giving so much away to others at the same time. Craig was serious about leaving this world better than he found it, but never sacrificed having fun or loving others well to do so. The times I saw Craig at his best was when he was around his daughter Abby - she came to visit various worksites when I'd be working for Craig and she'd go around making sure everyone knew "her dad was the boss and she was his princess." During our last interaction, Craig, Trey and I were driving back from a mens group several weeks ago and we were talking about how rare it is that a man finishes strong in the world, making their family and organization better in the process. Looking back now I didn't realize how this conversation would ring so true and applicable to the sincere life Craig lived.”

Coach John McCrary-

“Craig was well respected and loved by all of his teammates and coaches. He was hardworking and dedicated to any and everything that he was involved with. I knew that whenever I ran into Craig that I could expect a big bear hug and an "I love you, Coach." I will so miss seeing his smiling face and the genuine care that he showed for everyone around him. I know I will see Craig again one day soon as he truly lived out his faith in his everyday walk. It was my honor and pleasure to coach, mentor, and love Craig. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Brad Faulkner -

“Craig Gentry was one of the finest men I have ever met.  His integrity was unparalleled and his love for his friends, family, and the Lord Jesus was seen in his daily walk. His generosity and heart for giving was incredible and He was such a blessing to me, my family, and our ministry.  Craig was my friend, who loved deep and cared much.  He will be forever in our hearts.”

Thomas Coggins-

“Craig Gentry embodied Christ’s command to go and be the hands and feet of the church. Craig gave of himself and of his resources in ways that I can’t begin to fully imagine or dream of aspiring to. Every moment that I had the blessing of spending with Craig drew me deeper into a relationship with him and without me even realizing it, was actually being drawn deeper into a love for Christ himself. Craig cared so deeply about those around him - his friends, his family, Gretchen, Abby Kay - and those whom he had never even met all the way on the other side of the world that he intentionally structured and lived his life all for THEM. To ensure that they were all cared for and loved and ultimately shown who Christ is and how good, sweet, and passionate our glorious God is for us, His children. Craig's purpose was centered on this. And he embodied his purpose, he embodied the mission of Christ every day and now… now he rests and rejoices alongside our Redeemer worshipping before the throne of God! May we all seek to see Craig’s example and live for Christ in such a way!”

Jake Kisser -

“Craig Gentry lived his life to the fullest every second of the day. I was blessed enough to share in many special moments. He was always ready to share and engage to make others better. I got to share moments underground caving with Craig to soaring high in the sky flying small planes, to everything in between. I will always carry a small piece of Craig in my heart.”

Bill D’Alessandro -

“I was in a CEO’s group with Craig for several years, and we had become good friends. Craig was one of the people I looked up to most in my life. He very clearly had his priorities straight and lived life with conviction and purpose - something I think we all aspire to. His faith came through in everything he did, not in a brash way, but he had the quiet confidence and kindness that made you want to ask “what secret about the world do you know that I don’t”? That secret for Craig was Jesus, and the way he lived his life was a testament to his faith.

He also gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. He told me “If you are Aquaman, you don’t pick a fight on land, you fight in the water. Find your water.” This had a big impact on me and continues to be a guiding principle in life and business. Thank you Craig for helping me find my water.”