Wednesday, May 04, 2022

Cessna 180K Skywagon, N20640: Accident occurred April 29, 2022 in Portland, Oregon

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; Portland, Oregon

Location: Portland, Oregon
Accident Number: WPR22LA171
Date and Time: April 29, 2022, 12:30 Local
Registration: N20640
Aircraft: Cessna 180K 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N20640
Model/Series: 180K
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: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 45.2533,-122.3542 

Aircraft on landing, overran the runway and impacted a garden fence and incurred a propeller strike.  

Date: 29-APR-22
Time: 19:30:00Z
Regis#: N20640
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 180
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: PORTLAND
State: OREGON

Beech A36 Bonanza, N47JB: Accident occurred April 30, 2022 in Blanket, Brown 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; Lubbock, Texas


Location: Blanket, Texas
Accident Number: CEN22LA189
Date and Time: April 30, 2022, 13:00 Local
Registration: N47JB
Aircraft: RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY A36 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 30, 2022, about 1300 central daylight time, a Raytheon Aircraft Company A36 airplane, N47JB, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Blanket, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained no injury. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the cross-country flight departed from the Majors Airport (GVT), Greenville, Texas, and was enroute to the Brownwood Regional Airport (BWD), Brownwood, Texas. During the preflight, the pilot “visibility confirmed” that there was “just over half a tank of fuel in each tank.” He confirmed that the total fuel level of 40 gallons of 100 low lead fuel, matched the fuel tank gauges in the cockpit. He reported that he decided not to “top off” the fuel tanks for the approximate one hour and twenty-minute flight. The pilot utilized the ForeFlight app for his preflight planning and the system calculated that the engine would burn 22 gallons total for the flight.

The pilot classified the run up, enroute portion, and the descent from cruise altitude at 8,000 ft, as normal. As the airplane descended to 6,000 ft, he cancelled the instrument flight rules clearance. When the pilot had the destination airport in sight, the engine lost power. The pilot “immediately pulled the yoke back to best glide,” he selected a grass field for the landing, and he began the engine out checklist. After he completed the checklist twice, with no success at restarting the engine, he maneuvered the airplane and performed a landing to the field.

During the landing to the field, the nose gear collapsed, and the right wing sustained substantial damage. The airplane came to rest upright, and the two occupants were able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site the next day to examine the airframe and the engine. The airplane was later recovered from the field.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY
Registration: N47JB
Model/Series: A36 NO SERIES
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: KBWD,1377 ft msl 
Observation Time: 12:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / 14 knots, 360°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 9 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR/IFR
Departure Point: Greenville, TX (GVT)
Destination: Brownwood, TX (BWD)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 31.890825,-98.825432 (est)

Aircraft crashed landed in a field. 

Date: 30-APR-22
Time: 20:00:00Z
Regis#: N47JB
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: A36
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: BLANKET
State: TEXAS

Bellanca 17-30A, N373LE: Incident occurred April 30, 2022 at Llano Municipal Airport (KAQO), Texas

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

Aircraft veered off runway and gear collapsed. 


Date: 30-APR-22
Time: 18:35:00Z
Regis#: N373LE
Aircraft Make: BELLANCA
Aircraft Model: 17-30A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LLANO
State: TEXAS

North American AT-6D Texan, N29947: Accident occurred April 30, 2022 at Gillespie County Airport (T82), Fredericksburg, 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; San Antonio, Texas

Cavanaugh Flight Museum


Location: Fredericksburg, Texas
Accident Number: CEN22LA187
Date and Time: April 30, 2022, 13:00 Local
Registration: N29947
Aircraft: North American AT-6D 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 30, 2022, about 1300 central daylight time, a North American AT-6D airplane, N29947, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Gillespie County Airport (T82), Fredericksburg, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that before the flight, he completed a preflight inspection and engine run-up with no anomalies noted. During the initial climb, immediately after the landing gear was retracted, the pilot noticed white smoke from the engine cowling. A few seconds later the engine “coughed loudly” and experienced a total loss of power. Since they were still over the runway, he extended the landing gear, then retracted them again. The airplane landed with the right main gear extended and the left main gear partially extended. The airplane exited the end of the runway, collided with a runway light, then yawed to the right. The airplane came to rest upright, and the pilot and passenger egressed without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left aileron. The airplane has been retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: North American 
Registration: N29947
Model/Series: AT-6D 
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: KT82,1695 ft msl 
Observation Time: 13:15 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /18°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 3800 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 360°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 6000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.91 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Fredericksburg, TX 
Destination: Fredericksburg, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 30.249215,-98.913705

Aircraft on departure, lost power midfield and settle back down gear up. 

Date: 30-APR-22
Time: 19:20:00Z
Regis#: N29947
Aircraft Make: NORTH AMERICAN
Aircraft Model: AT-6D
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: FREDERICKSBURG
State: TEXAS

Embraer 175, N233NN: Incident occurred May 03, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Alabama and NW Florida

Aircraft encountered moderate to severe turbulence and post flight inspection revealed a pieced of right winglet missing. 

American Airlines Inc

Envoy Air 


Date: 03-MAY-22
Time: 20:39:00Z
Regis#: N233NN
Aircraft Make: EMBRAER
Aircraft Model: ERJ 170-200 LR
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight Number: ENY3729
City: BIRMINGHAM
State: ALABAMA





CHARLESTON, South Carolina (WCBD) – A flight from Charleston to Dallas/Fort Worth made an emergency landing on Tuesday after experiencing what the FAA described as “severe turbulence.”

An FAA spokesperson said that the plane was in midflight when it was diverted to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport that evening.

American Airlines said Flight 3729, an Embraer E176 operated by Envoy, landed in Birmingham without incident; however, officials with the FAA said that after landing, crew members reported a piece of the plane’s right winglet was missing.

“Maintenance is inspecting the aircraft. Customers were re-accommodated on an alternate flight that departed last night. We thank our crew for their professionalism, ensuring the safety of their fellow team members and customers on board,” said an American Airlines spokesperson.

Brandon Owen, who was on the flight, said it was a “surprisingly smooth flight and landing after the fact” and shared photos of the plane’s wing.

Maintenance crews are inspecting the aircraft. The FAA is investigating the incident.

Piper PA-28: Incident occurred April 26, 2022 at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB), Volusia County, Florida

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

Aircraft taxiing and struck a forklift in the non-movement area damaging left wing. 

Date: 26-APR-22
Time: 16:00:00Z
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 91
City: DAYTONA BEACH
State: FLORIDA

Van's RV-6A, N5060: Accident occurred May 03, 2022 at Mankato Regional Airport (KMKT), Blue Earth County, Minnesota

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

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota


Location: Mankato, Minnesota
Accident Number: CEN22LA191
Date and Time: May 3, 2022, 19:48 Local
Registration: N5060
Aircraft: Vans RV6A 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 3, 2022, about 1948 central daylight time, a Vans RV-6A, N5060, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Mankato, Minnesota. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he entered downwind for a left traffic pattern for runway 15. As the airplane crossed the runway threshold the pilot reduced power to idle, and shortly thereafter, the main landing gear touched down onto the runway surface. The airplane slowed, and as the nosewheel touched down the airplane abruptly lurched to the side. The airplane exited the runway surface, struck a berm,
temporarily lifted off the ground, and came to rest nose down. The firewall, left wing, and rudder sustained substantial damage.

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

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans 
Registration: N5060
Model/Series: RV6A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMKT,1021 ft msl
Observation Time: 19:56 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Le Sueur, MN (K12Y)
Destination: Mankato, MN

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: 44.2227,-93.9193 (est)

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. 

Date: 04-MAY-22
Time: 00:48:00Z
Regis#: N5060
Aircraft Make: VANS
Aircraft Model: RV6
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: UNKNOWN
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: MANKATO
State: MINNESOTA


MANKATO, Minnesota — The pilot and sole occupant of a plane that crashed at the Mankato Regional Airport Tuesday night suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Authorities said the man is 78 years old and the crash happened as he was approaching the runway at 7:48 p.m. He was transported to the Mankato hospital.

The experimental, amateur built Van's RV-6A is based out of the Mankato airport and was not a North Star Aviation plane. North Star provides the planes for students training to be pilots through the Minnesota State University aviation program. 

The Federal Aviation Administration online incident-notification site listed the Van's RV-6A, as "destroyed." The registration number in the notification lists the plane as being owned by Michael D. Boyce II of Bumpass, Virginia, with Melanie V. Lucero as a co-owner. Based on his age, Boyce does not appear to be the pilot involved in Tuesday's crash.

The plane remained in a field adjacent to the runway as federal officials, who were on site by Wednesday afternoon, began their investigation. 

"The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate," the FAA said in a statement. "The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates."

The plane came to a stop far enough off of the runway that the airport was allowed to resume operations even before investigators arrived.

MSU students who were in the air at the time of the crash and were initially diverted to airports in Waseca and New Ulm were able to fly back to Mankato later Tuesday night.

Shorts 360-200, N744LG: Accident occurred May 03, 2022 at San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), Puerto Rico

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; San Juan, Puerto Rico

Air Cargo Carriers

ACC Integrated Services Inc


Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Accident Number: ERA22LA219
Date and Time: May 3, 2022, 10:50 Local
Registration: N744LG
Aircraft: SHORT BROS SD3-60 
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: SHORT BROS
Registration: N744LG
Model/Series: SD3-60
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: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude: 18.439399,-66.002133

Aircraft gear collapsed on landing. 

Date: 03-MAY-22
Time: 11:26:00Z
Regis#: N744LG
Aircraft Make: SHORT BROS
Aircraft Model: SD3-60
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: CARGO
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Aircraft Operator: AIR CARGO CARRIERS
Flight Number: SNC787
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO



Cessna T210M Turbo Centurion, N1664M: Incident occurred May 03, 2022 at Angelina County Airport (KLFK), Lufkin, Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas

Aircraft gear collapsed on landing. 


Date: 03-MAY-22
Time: 20:40:00Z
Regis#: N1664M
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 210
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: LUFKIN
State: TEXAS

Cessna 172 Skyhawk, N6413B: Fatal accident occurred May 03, 2022 near Calhoun County Airport (F95), Blountstown, Florida

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

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Birmingham, Alabama
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas


Location: Altha, Florida
Accident Number: ERA22FA218
Date and Time: May 3, 2022, 17:00 Local 
Registration: N6413B
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 2 Fatal, 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 3, 2022, about 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N6413B, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Altha, Florida. The private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, and two passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the airport manager, the flight departed from runway 36 at Calhoun County Airport (F95), Altha, Florida with full fuel tanks. The windsock indicated wind out of the west, about 10 knots. The pilot was in the left cockpit seat and was local to the area. The airplane owner was in the right cockpit seat; he did not hold a pilot certificate.

According to airport surveillance video and witness statements, the airplane lifted off and immediately attained a high angle of attack at slow speed. The airplane then proceeded past the departure end of runway 36, where a left 270° turn commenced at a low altitude, without climbing. The airplane proceeded eastbound and across the departure end of runway 36, then descended out of sight behind a
hangar, impacted the ground and a post-crash fire ensued. Witnesses immediately responded to the accident site to assist.

The wreckage came to rest near the airport’s perimeter fence. A post-accident fire consumed the fuselage, empennage, and left wing. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the flight control surfaces to the cockpit controls. The engine remained attached to the firewall and the propeller remained attached to the engine. A portable electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) and a portable GPS were found separated and away from the fire zone. They were sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for possible download of data.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N6413B
Model/Series: 172
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: KMAI,108 ft msl
Observation Time: 16:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C /16°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 260°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Altha, FL
Destination: Altha, FL

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Serious 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal, 2 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 30.49138,-85.11182 (est)

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances on takeoff. 

Date: 03-MAY-22
Time: 22:00:00Z
Regis#: N6413B
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 
Flight Crew: 1 fatal
Pax: 1 fatal and 2 serious injuries
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
City: BLOUNTSTOWN
State: FLORIDA

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.


Greyson McCroan


We are starting this fundraiser for my best friend Greyson McCroan. Greyson is from Blountstown, Florida, and just recently graduated from FAMU this Spring. On May 3rd, 2022 Greyson was in a 4 person plane crash that left him with burns on 30% of his body.  2 of the 4 people on the plane passed away including Greysons father, Randy McCroan and Steve Mears Jr. 

Greyson is currently at Shands with his first surgery set for Friday, May 6th at 3:00 p.m. to remove the burned skin.

Please keep Devin Ferrell in your thoughts for a smooth recovery. It is a miracle that Greyson and Devin are still with us. 

We love you Randy rest easy ❤️
 
My condolences to the Mears family
Rest In Peace Steve Mears Jr

The community is raising as much money as we can to help reduce the financial burden of medical expenses during this tragic time. 

Anything is appreciated and definitely will help. Thank you





BLOUNTSTOWN, Florida (WMBB) — A fundraiser for one of the plane crash victims took place Tuesday night.

A few dozen community members met at a Train Depot in Blountstown to raise money for Devin Ferrell.

Farrell is a part of a local running club called “A Case of the Runs.”

Every Monday and Thursday the group meets but they said this Monday was extra special.

Nearly $1,100 was raised at this “Cash and dash.”

Blountstown Fire Chief Ben Hall is part of this running club and helped set this event up.

“We just got out here tonight, threw that money in the bucket, and took off for a great run,” Hall said. “Most of us ran four miles, some ran a little bit more, some ran a little bit less, you know, just keeping it at a good run. We’re thinking about Devin, we’re praying for him, and we’re hoping he recovers well.”

Hall said they are also thinking of and praying for the other plane crash survivor Greyson McCroan.

Hall said they’re working on putting a fundraiser together for Grayson and his family soon too.




ALTHA, Florida (WMBB) — Usually, ShandsCair crews respond to a situation after it’s been controlled.

But on Tuesday, May 3rd, they were some of the first to the scene of a fatal plane crash at Calhoun Liberty Airport.

“One of our pilots witnessed the crash,” Andy Donaldson, UF ShandsCair Chief Flight Nurse of the Western Division said. “He notified my medical crew. They of course gathered everything they could along with fire extinguishers because there was an active fire at the time.”

Donaldson said at that point, those fire extinguishers were the only means to put the flames out.

“Our pilot, Davey Shackelford, started passing the extinguishers over the fence to what I believe were some Department of Forestry contractors that were there,” Donaldson said.

Donaldson also said he doesn’t want to know what would have happened if his crew wouldn’t have been so close by and so brave.

Authorities release more information about fatal Calhoun Co. plane crash
“Everybody worked in concert and I believe if anyone piece would have been missed or just slightly out of whack a little bit, the people were not there that, you know, to include the Department of Forestry, quick response by EMS, and my guys, there would have been four fatalities we’d been mourning,” Donaldson said.

Two people were saved from the burning plane.

Donaldson said one of the victims is at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

“I can’t release medical information, but I feel very confident that both will do very well so they did an excellent job.”

Donaldson said he feels lucky his crew was on the scene and he’s very grateful for all the first responders who helped save the lives of the two plane crash survivors.




CALHOUN COUNTY, Florida (WJHG/WECP) - In a small community, where everyone knows everyone, when one person grieves, many others grieve, too. That’s what is happening as news of the death of Randy McCroan, 56, and Steve Mears, 48, spreads across Calhoun County. The two men were killed in a plane crash Tuesday evening at the Calhoun County Airport.

“You feel that closeness and what not, with all the people in the county,” Sheriff Glenn Kimbrel said. “If you’re not related, you’re friends with them.”

Randy McCroan and Mears were two of four people in the personal plane when it crashed as it was taking off at the airport. The two other men on the plane, Greyson McCroan, 24, and Devin Ferrell, 28, are fighting for their lives. Now Calhoun County residents are coming together to honor and remember McCroan and Mears. McCroan was a Sheriff’s Lieutenant and a School Resource Deputy.

“Fun-loving, had your back, was just somebody you could count on, loved people, loved kids,” Superintendent of Schools Darryl Taylor said of McCroan.

“So yesterday was actually his last work day,” Kimbrel said. “When asked what are you going to do now that you’re retiring, [McCroan said] ‘I’m going to go and enjoy life.’”

Mears was a local business owner.

“He was so ready to do anything and everything for anyone,” Kimbrel said. “He never said no.”

“He’s been a tremendous asset to Altha School over the years,” Taylor said.

Both Mears and McCroan will be remembered for their dedication to local kids and Altha Public School, and a memorial has been set up outside the school to remember the duo.

Another memorial is set up at the Calhoun County Airport, where the flag is also flying at half-staff.

“I still think ultimately, people, we will all be thankful to have known them, and had the opportunity to work and be around them,” Taylor said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. We will continue to share those details as they become available.




CALHOUN COUNTY, Florida (WJHG/WECP) - Two people were killed and two more were injured in a plane crash in Calhoun County Tuesday evening.

Calhoun County Sheriff Glenn Kimbrel told NewsChannel 7 it was a Cessna 172 Skyhawk plane and it was taking off when it crashed.

Onboard the plane were William “Randy” McCroan, Steve Mears, Jr., Devin Ferrell, and Greyson McCroan. Sheriff Kimbrel says Randy McCroan and Mears were killed in the crash and Ferrell and Greyson McCroan were critically injured.

Randy McCroan was a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and a school resource officer. Tuesday was his last day as a SRO. Mears owned Affordable Towing, a local business.

Wednesday the FAA was investigating the crash site. Flowers were placed near the area by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Also seen at the airport, a Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office vehicle and an Affordable Towing tow truck, in memory of the two men killed in the crash.





Calhoun County Sheriff's Office -

We, at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Calhoun County community, are grieving the loss of two of our brothers.

Lt. Randy McCroan and Steve Mears, Jr. were killed in an airplane crash yesterday evening at the Calhoun County Airport.  Two other individuals in the plane were severely injured in the crash.

Lt. Randy McCroan, age 56, began his career on November 1, 1991 with Sheriff Buddy Smith.  In his 30+ years here at the Sheriff’s Office, he served under Sheriff David Tatum and Sheriff Glenn Kimbrel in the positions of deputy sheriff, helicopter pilot, and school resource officer, most of which was served at Altha Public School.  He spent the last year as an SRO at Carr School.  He was looking forward to retirement and served his last day as SRO on Tuesday, May 3.  He was killed the same evening, doing what he loved – flying.

Steve Mears, Jr. was a veteran of the United States Army.  He worked at the Calhoun Correctional Institution in 1994-1997 and then began his law enforcement career at the Blountstown Police Department, where he served until 2001.  He has been on the CCSO, BPD, and Altha PD reserve.  Steve most recently had been a local businessman – owner of Affordable Towing.  Steve has been a friend to the Sheriff’s Office, Altha School, and anyone else who needed a helping hand.

We, at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, will miss both Randy and Steve.  Our hearts are heavy and our prayers are with their families and the speedy recovery of the two other young men, who are hospitalized today.

A memorial has been established at the airport in memory of Randy and Steve.

North American AT-6D, N515SA: Accident occurred May 02, 2022 and Incident occurred July 20, 2017

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; Indianapolis, Indiana

Location: Huntington, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN22LA193
Date and Time: May 2, 2022, 15:18 Local
Registration: N515SA
Aircraft: North American AT-6D 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: North American 
Registration: N515SA
Model/Series: AT-6D
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: 40.852917,-85.457056 (est)

May 02, 2022: Aircraft ground looped, veered off runway and landing gear detached.

Date: 02-MAY-22
Time: 19:18:00Z
Regis#: N515SA
Aircraft Make: NORTH AMERICAN
Aircraft Model: AT-6D
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: HUNTINGTON
State: INDIANA

 
May 02, 2022

May 02, 2022


HUNTINGTON, Indiana (WANE)– The Huntington Sheriff’s Department and the Huntington Fire Department responded to reports of an airplane crash that occurred at the Huntington Municipal Airport on Monday around 2:51 p.m. 

Upon arriving at the scene, officers and fire crews spotted an airplane that had landed just off the runway. 

The pilot was found and had no injuries.

The investigation is still ongoing.


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

July 20, 2017:  Aircraft landed and the gear collapsed at Dubuque Regional Airport (KDBQ), Iowa.

Wingnuts LLC


Date: 20-JUL-17
Time: 22:40:00Z
Regis#: N515SA
Aircraft Make: NORTH AMERICAN
Aircraft Model: AT6D
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: DUBUQUE
State: IOWA