Saturday, April 09, 2022

Midland College Aviation Maintenance Program can’t be saved




By Stewart Doreen
MRT.com/Midland Reporter-Telegram


Midland, Texas  --  The Midland College Aviation Maintenance Program will be shutting down.

And according to Midland College President Steve Thomas, there is no saving it. There is no amount of money that can convince the Midland College board to throw it a lifeline. It is a done deal.

Thomas was not at a meeting of concerned residents and others about what could be done – if anything – to change the fortunes of the program. There was a board member there for a little bit, but that person left around halfway through. In retrospect, he had to know what Thomas clearly stated. Any attempt to bring the program back with money from a development corporation, energy industry group or philanthropy is dead on arrival.

The purpose isn’t to throw shade on Midland College. The school’s leaders made a decision to close down an aviation maintenance program at Midland International because it was in the best interest of the school. There apparently wasn’t enough interest. It was the second elimination of an aviation related program as the college previous closed the pilot’s program.

The point of the column is to go back to what was written in this space last week. Who are we as a community? For years, I drove by Midland Airpark and out to Midland International Airport with the notion that this was an aviation community. You know, an aviation community built on the back of John Pliska; one that was home to a bombardier program that eventually became Midland International; one where the acronym MAF still has meaning; and one that is so attached to private aviation that it has designed the northern part of the city around an executive airport.

For what it is worth, studies of our community have indicated that Midland International Airport is the crown jewel of any economic development efforts. And millions have been spent to make a spaceport happen.

I thought – based on what I thought this city is – that aviation and aerospace would complement each other as the space industry has made Midland home. Sure, we don’t have Jeff Bezos blasting rockets from our city, but there has been success for those who are paying attention.

One of those companies that proudly calls Midland home was also present at the meeting at the airport and stated that it expects to see its planes back in Midland by the end of the year and that its spaceport growth will include up to three new buildings and that one of those buildings will be a maintenance building. The hiring of 20 new employees is expected, including trained aviation mechanics like those that came out of the Midland College program.

After the meeting officials even provided a pitch for high school students in Midland-Odessa, who think that aviation and aerospace might be for them and who would be interested in salaries up to $120,000 “just to start” for maintaining aircraft. That is one heck of a marketing pitch.

“It is a stepping stone to get into space,” one aerospace official said. “That is the way we see it. We're hopefully going to be building airframes for hypersonic vehicles in the next five years out here (in Midland). I mean, it's going to be super cool. If we get the wind tunnel out here, you're going to have every big aircraft and space manufacturer on the planet right here in Midland within three to five years.”

They talked about the promise for trained maintenance officials to be part of the industry that will make it possible for people to go “anywhere on the planet in 90 minutes.” They talked about the constant turnover and the retirements of mechanics during the COVID pandemic.

Again, with such aerospace activity on the horizon at the spaceport and with the aircraft activity already in place, it makes one wonder how the maintenance program wasn’t succeeding. It was said at the meeting that a similar program near Abilene was filled up. What happened? Was this community’s left hand guilty of not knowing what the right hand was doing – or at least needing? What was holding back this program in Midland? It’s probably too late to ask for the sake of the Midland College Aviation Program but maybe the answer could still be beneficial.

As one airport official said this week, the private sector stepped in and made up for the college’s decision to scrap the pilot program. Maybe that will happen again with the maintenance program.

What we know now is there is no use in calling state Rep. Tom Craddick or the Permian Strategic Program or the governor for a reprieve and $500,000 a year to keep the program funded. The Midland College Aviation Program is dead and not coming back.

Taylorcraft BL-65, N24345: Fatal accident occurred April 09, 2022 in Counselor, New Mexico

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; Albuquerque, New Mexico


Location: Counselor, New Mexico
Accident Number: WPR22FA148
Date and Time: April 9, 2022, 12:00 Local
Registration: N24345
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BL-65 
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Ferry

On April 9, 2022, about 1200 mountain standard time, a Taylorcraft BL-65, N24345, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Counselor, New Mexico. The pilot/owner was fatally injured, and the instructor pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to multiple witnesses, the owner travelled to Afton, Wyoming to fly the accident airplane home with a flight instructor. They departed Afton, Wyoming on April 8, 2022, about 0930 central standard time for the multiday, cross-country flight, with an intended destination of Kerrville, Texas.  The accident flight occurred on an intermediate leg of the cross-country flight about 45 minutes after the pilot departed Four Corners Regional Airport (KFMN), Farmington, New Mexico.

The wreckage was located in a dirt field surrounded by sage brush at an elevation of about 7,100 ft mean sea level. The airplane came to rest inverted on a heading of about 360° magnetic. The first point of impact (FPI) was displaced brush with blue paint transfer marks about 30 feet southwest of the main wreckage. Pieces of the wood propeller were scattered between the FPI and the main wreckage.
The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Taylorcraft 
Registration: N24345
Model/Series: BL-65 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: 
Condition of Light:
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFMN,5502 ft msl
Observation Time: 11:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 52 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C /-11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 160°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Afton, WY (KAFO)
Destination: Kerrville, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 36.131543,-107.4453 (est)

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. 

Date: 09-APR-22
Time: 18:42:00Z
Regis#: N24345
Aircraft Make: TAYLORCRAFT
Aircraft Model: BL-65
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Flight Crew:  1 Minor Injuries
Pax:  1 Fatal
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: OJO ENCINO
State: NEW MEXICO

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.


One person was killed and a young man was injured in a small plane crash Saturday afternoon in a sparsely populated region of Sandoval County.

New Mexico State Police spokesman Dusty Francisco said the agency responded around 12:45 p.m. to the crash near Ojo Encino, eight miles south of Counselor.

He said there were two people inside the plane when it crashed and one was pronounced dead at the scene. Francisco said the second, a 19-year-old man, was taken to a hospital.

“His current condition is not known,” he said.

Francisco said the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will be leading an investigation into the crash.

“Any additional details about the investigation will be provided by those agencies,” he said.


One person has died, and a second person was injured, after a small plane crashed Saturday afternoon in Sandoval County.

A spokesman for New Mexico State Police said the plane crashed around 12:45 pm Saturday near Ojo Encino, about eight miles south of Counselor. There were two passengers aboard the plane.

New Mexico State Police officers arrived at the scene, along with units from Sandoval County Fire. 

One victim was declared dead at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. 

The second person, was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital. There is no update on the condition of that victim.

New Mexico State Police officers and Navajo Nation Police are trying to determine whether the crash occurred on Navajo land. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will open an investigation into the crash.

Rows of private jets, 500,000 gallons of fuel, and 100 extra employees: Masters Week is like the 'Super Bowl' for Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS)


Please note, fees are effective April 3rd - April 11th.   Ramp fees are assessed per day, per aircraft.




When the best talent in golf descend upon Augusta National every year, it turns Augusta Regional into an international hub.

No week is busier for the quaint airport located about 13 miles from the world-famous golf course that hosts the Masters.

Augusta Regional only has two runways and six gates. It has two restaurants on site. It typically only serves two airlines to four U.S. cities — Delta to Atlanta, and American to Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Washington D.C.

But when the Masters rolls around each April, Augusta Regional's operations swell.

"Cities [get] the Super Bowl each year," said Lauren Smith, the airport's assistant director of marketing and public relations. "This is like Super Bowl traffic for 10 days for us."

For the Masters, Augusta Regional expands its operations, with airlines adding direct flights from New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Austin.

Tim Weegar, the airport's director of operations, said they'll typically see about 1,500 to 1,600 "corporate" jets — i.e. private jets — land in Augusta for the Masters. For non-commercial flights, the airport measures by the number of jets coming in because there are rarely head-counts.

So how many people might pass through the airport over the course of the Masters?

"On average, about 30, 35,000 people," Weegar said.

Smith added: "On an average, we see 20-30,000 people a month, and we'll see that just this week alone on the commercial side."

The airport also hires "well over" 100 additional employees to handle the influx, Weegar said.





"Every aircraft has to be parked by a parking team and then another team will get the passengers off and get them through their ground transportation," Weegar said. "And then another team of employees will take care of the aircraft, whether it's fuel or if they need an [auxiliary power unit] start or any other services for the airplane. And then there's the catering people if you've ordered catering. So, each airplane could be touched multiple times before it's gone again."

Weegar also estimated the airport will go through over 500,000 gallons of fuel over the course of the week.

Weegar has become fond of calling the Masters a "sporting event of the world."

In 25 years at Augusta Regional, Weegar has seen a wide array of powerful people from across the globe come through the airport for the annual tournament: celebrities, CEOs, presidents and vice presidents, oil sheiks, and, of course, the players themselves.

Of all of the celebrities that come through Augusta Regional, meeting Arnold Palmer stands out to Weegar the most. Weegar said Palmer was sitting on the steps of his plane when Weegar approached and asked to shake his hand, to which Palmer happily agreed.

"Just a nice, nice guy," Weegar said.

Weegar said many of the players arrive via NetJets, a sort of private jet "timeshare" service that lists Dustin Johnson among its ambassadors. According to Elite Traveler, "entry-level" private jet service for NetJets' smallest plane starts at $6,500 per hour.

Over the course of the week, aircrafts that cost well into the millions will make their way onto the runway: Gulfstream G650s (starting around $50 million), Falcons, Boeing business jets.

The abundance of planes at this small airport leads to a slight logistical problem: finding a place to park them all.

Once Augusta Regional's main ramp fills up, the airport will close the shortest of their two runways and park the jets all along it. Sometimes they even have to find parking at neighboring airports.

With this comes another challenge: bringing all incoming and outgoing flights through the remaining runway.

"A single runway operational for rivals and departures takes a lot of planning and a lot of professional experience to pull it off," Weegar said, adding: "It's like a calculus test, I think."

It's an exhausting week, but each year, Augusta Regional meets the demand.

"Thousands of thousands of people come for seven, eight days, and we are here and we are ready to take it on and take it on successfully," Weegar said.

Loss of Control on Ground: Piper Archer II PA-28-181, N1961J; accident occurred January 05, 2022 at Daviess County Airport (KDCY), Washington, Indiana








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; Indianapolis, Indiana

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Washington, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN22LA095
Date and Time: January 5, 2022, 14:51 Local
Registration: N1961J
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-181 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that after an uneventful landing, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane off the runway surface. The airplane went across the grass and struck a precision approach path indicator light (PAPI). The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 18 with wind 250° at 14 knots with gusts to 20 knots.

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 directional control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions which resulted in a runway excursion.

Findings

Environmental issues Crosswind - Effect on operation
Environmental issues Gusts - Effect on operation
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Other weather encounter
Landing Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing Runway excursion
Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student 
Age: 57, 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: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 80 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1 hours (Total, this make and model), 0 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N1961J
Model/Series: PA-28-181
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 28-7890476
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 22, 2021 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O&VO-360 SERIES
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 180
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: KDCY,470 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 111°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 250°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / -4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Sullivan, IN (SIV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Washington, IN 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:38 Local 
Type of Airspace: Unknown

Airport Information

Airport: Daviess County Airport DCY 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 472 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4615 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Straight-in

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: 38.700418,-87.131374


Location: Washington, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN22LA095
Date and Time: January 5, 2022, 19:45 UTC
Registration: N1961J
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-181
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N1961J
Model/Series: PA-28-181 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

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

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 38.700418,-87.131374

United States Customs and Border Protection seize human skulls at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

On March 29, a shipment arriving from the Netherlands that was heading to Iowa was inspected after x-rays showed anomalies. U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspected the parcel and found two skulls, and this was the first one of three shipments from the same sender. Each package had two skulls a piece for a total of six. The skulls were referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further disposition.





United States Customs and Border Protection agents at O’Hare International Airport's International Mail Facility in Chicago discovered six human skulls bound for Iowa last month, according to a news release.

A package that arrived from the Netherlands showed anomalies that warranted further inspection when X-rayed March 29, the release said. In the parcel, which was the first of three packages from the same sender, Customs agents found two human skulls. The other two packages also contained two human skulls each. 

US Customs in Chicago intercepted six human skulls being shipped to Iowa from the Netherlands last month.
The skulls were turned over to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for "further disposition," according to the release. It is unknown why these skulls were being shipped to Iowa. 

In the last six months, customs agents at O'Hare's International Mail Facility have intercepted nearly 1,700 shipments that contained prohibited items like the skulls, live snails, meat and plant materials, the news release said.

Items like those introduce disease and harm the environment, LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations-Chicago Field Office, said in the news release. 

"Our nation's food supply is constantly at risk from pests and disease not known to occur in the U.S.," said Sutton-Burke. "These significant interceptions by our CBPAS at the IMF at O’Hare exemplify CBP's continued commitment to safeguarding American agriculture."

Piper PA-32R-301T, N4363W: Accident occurred October 27, 2021 at Fleming-Mason Airport (KFGX), Flemingsburg, Kentucky











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; Louisville, Kentucky 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 


Location: Flemingsburg, KY
Accident Number: ERA22LA042
Date and Time: October 27, 2021, 17:00 Local 
Registration: N4363W
Aircraft: Piper PA32R 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 
Registration: N4363W
Model/Series: PA32R 301T 
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: KFGX,913 ft msl 
Observation Time: 16:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C /6°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 120°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Lafollette, TN (TN44)
Destination: Flemingsburg, KY

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: 38.541817,-83.743377 (est)

Piper PA-28-181, N263MG: Accident occurred October 11, 2021 at Macon Downtown Airport (KMAC), Wheeler Heights, Bibb County, 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 did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Atlanta, Georgia

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Georgia Aviation Authority 

Middle Georgia State University


Location: Wheeler Heights, Georgia
Accident Number: ERA22LA073
Date and Time: October 11, 2021, 16:10 Local 
Registration: N263MG
Aircraft: PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER AIRCRAFT INC 
Registration: N263MG
Model/Series: PA-28-181 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot school (141)
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: Wheeler Heights, GA
Destination: Wheeler Heights, GA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 32.821879,-83.558874 (est)

Piper PA-18-105 Special, N7117K: Accident occurred October 05, 2021 in Houston, Texas





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

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

AeroHp LLC


Location: Houston, TX
Accident Number: CEN22LA005
Date & Time: October 5, 2021, 10:30 Local 
Registration: N7117K
Aircraft: Piper PA-18-105 SPECIAL
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N7117K
Model/Series: PA-18-105 SPECIAL 
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: 29.7604,95.3698 (est)

Boeing B75N1 N2S-3 Kaydet, N4106Y: Accident occurred October 02, 2021 in Winnie, Chambers County, Texas








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

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Location: Winnie, TX
Accident Number: CEN22LA003
Date & Time: October 2, 2021, 10:30 Local
Registration: N4106Y
Aircraft: Boeing PT-17 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Boeing
Registration: N4106Y
Model/Series: PT-17 
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: KBMT, 33 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /24°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 110°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 7000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 29.820221,-94.384078 (est)

Cessna 182Q Skylane, N25WX: Accident occurred October 24, 2021 near St. Ignatius Airport (52S), Lake County, Montana





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; Helena, Montana

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Cirrus Air LLC


Location: St Ignatius, MT
Accident Number: WPR22LA024
Date & Time: October 24, 2021, 11:20 Local
Registration: N25WX
Aircraft: Cessna 182Q
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N25WX
Model/Series: 182Q
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: KMSO,3189 ft msl
Observation Time: 11:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 24 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C /3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 140°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.62 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 47.325,-114.08083 (est)


Cessna 152, N94400: Accident occurred October 23, 2021 at Weltzien Skypark Airport (15G), Wadsworth, Medina County, Ohio






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; Cleveland, Ohio

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Skypark Inc


Location: Wadsworth, OH 
Accident Number: CEN22LA022
Date & Time: October 23, 2021, 15:15 Local
Registration: N94400
Aircraft: Cessna 152 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N94400
Model/Series: 152 
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: KBJJ,1137 ft msl
Observation Time: 14:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 0°C /0°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 41.003061,-81.756522 (est)

Cessna 172R, N24783: Accident occurred October 09, 2021 at Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS), Chesterfield, Missouri







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; St. Louis, Missouri

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 
Location: Chesterfield, MO
Accident Number: CEN22LA014
Date & Time: October 9, 2021, 12:40 Local 
Registration: N24783
Aircraft: Cessna 172R
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N24783
Model/Series: 172R
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: KSUS,462 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /17°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / 16 knots, 190°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Chesterfield, MO
Destination: Chesterfield, MO

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: 38.662646,-90.649695

Wildlife Encounter (Non-Bird): Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N99104; accident occurred March 03, 2022 at Pinckneyville/Du Quoin Airport (KPJY), Perry County, Illinois





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; Springfield, Illinois

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Southern Illinois University


Location: Pinckneyville, Illinois 
Accident Number: CEN22LA136
Date and Time: March 3, 2022, 18:45 Local
Registration: N99104
Aircraft: Cessna 172P 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Wildlife encounter (non-bird) 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor and student pilot were completing stop-and-go landings at night at an uncontrolled airport. During the second landing, a deer collided with the left rear fuselage and the empennage, then the airplane yawed left. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and taxied off the runway without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane’s collision with a deer on the runway during landing.

Findings

Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on equipment
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll Wildlife encounter (non-bird) (Defining event)

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor 
Age: 23, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: July 31, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: December 17, 2020
Flight Time: 725 hours (Total, all aircraft), 74 hours (Total, this make and model), 560 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 66 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 39 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.9 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Student pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 20,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 2 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: July 13, 2021
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 31 hours (Total, all aircraft), 22 hours (Total, this make and model), 2.2 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N99104
Model/Series: 172P 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1985
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 17276403
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: November 22, 2021 100 hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 15208.5 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 150 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMDH,416 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 18:52 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 156°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 40° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.29 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Pinckneyville, IL
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Pinckneyville, IL
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: PINCKNEYVILLE-DU QUOIN PJY 
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 400 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3999 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Stop and go; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 37.975803,-89.360492(est)



Location: Pinckneyville, Illinois
Accident Number: CEN22LA136
Date and Time: March 3, 2022, 18:45 Local
Registration: N99104
Aircraft: Cessna 172P 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N99104
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: VMC 
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMDH, 416 ft msl
Observation Time: 18:52 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C /1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 40°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.29 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Pinckneyville, IL
Destination: Pinckneyville, IL

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 37.975803,-89.360492

Cessna 152, N46370: Accident occurred October 31, 2021 at Bourland Field Airport (50F), Fort Worth, Texas








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

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

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Aquila Aircraft Rental Services LLC


Location: Cresson, TX
Accident Number: CEN22LA025
Date & Time: October 31, 2021, 15:45 Local
Registration: N46370
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N46370
Model/Series: 152 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFWS,700 ft msl 
Observation Time: 15:49 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 120°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Cresson, TX
Destination: Cresson, TX

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: 32.581019,-97.590641 (est)