Wednesday, May 11, 2022

“An abuse of government assets” Five Hurricane Hunters disciplined for stop in Martha’s Vineyard

The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron has returned to its vintage paint scheme and the ‘Weather’ markings on the tail flash. The first of ten WC-130J Super Hercules returned after getting the new glossy paint and sits next to the tactical gray painted version at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, on April 5. 




BILOXI, Mississippi (WLOX) - A five-member crew from Keesler’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is being disciplined for adding a personal stop to a flight itinerary in order to pick up a crewmember’s motorcycle.

On March 24, the crew left Keesler Air Force Base and landed at Quonset Air National Guard Base in Rhode Island. The next day, unbeknownst to 403rd leadership, the crew added Martha’s Vineyard Airport to the itinerary to retrieve a crewmember’s 1970 BMW R75/5 motorcycle. The crew then continued their mission onto Mather, California, to pick up 403rd Wing equipment that was staged there for atmospheric river mission support.

On March 27, leadership was notified of the stop and they immediately grounded the crew at Mather. Another crew was sent to pick up the aircraft and crew the next day. The motorcycle remains in California.

“Air Force Reserve crews must put in flight training time each month to keep their qualifications, and off-station training achieves valid training requirements,” said Col. Stuart M. Rubio, 403rd Wing commander. “This personal stop was an abuse of government assets. We hold our reservists to the highest standards of conduct and these actions are not tolerated.”

All aircrew members were downgraded on crew qualifications and administrative actions have been served.

Better known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, 403rd Wing, is the only unit in the Department of Defense that flies into tropical storms to gather weather data for National Hurricane Center forecasts, data that satellites can’t collect. During the winter months, they fly winter storms on the East Coast and atmospheric rivers, massive bands of moisture that cause huge amounts of rainfall and flooding, on the West Coast to improve forecasts.

To accomplish these missions, the unit deploys to various locations to get closer to these weather systems; thus, aircrews go to various locations to train and operate and these locations are chosen based on training value.

Loss of Control in Flight: Cirrus SR22 G2, N123RE; fatal accident occurred July 01, 2021 near Lamoni Municipal Airport (KLWD), Decatur County, Iowa

Paladino, David Joseph
October 23, 1966 - July 1, 2021


Bear J. Nichols
September 26, 2005 - July 1, 2021










Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: 

Airmark Group LLC


Location: Lamoni, Iowa 
Accident Number: CEN21FA299
Date and Time: July 1, 2021, 07:55 Local 
Registration: N123RE
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 1, 2021, about 0755 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, N123RE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Lamoni Municipal Airport (LWD), Lamoni, Iowa. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) information, the airplane departed Creston Municipal Airport (CSQ), Creston, Iowa, at 0736, and flew to LWD. The pilot received flight-following from air traffic control (ATC) until about 14 miles northwest of LWD, an uncontrolled airport. The pilot did not communicate any concerns to ATC prior to leaving the frequency. The last ADS-B information showed the airplane on short final to runway 36 at LWD with a groundspeed of 74 knots.

Several witnesses saw the airplane bounce during the landing on runway 36, followed by increase in engine noise “as if just making a touch and go.” Witnesses then observed the airplane bank left, with the left wing tip striking the ground. The airplane then “cartwheeled” and impacted the ground to the left of the runway. A postimpact fire ensued during which the pilot and passenger were not able to egress the airplane.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 54, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 3, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: December 28, 2020
Flight Time: 166 hours (Total, all aircraft), 45 hours (Total, this make and model), 23 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Passenger Information

Certificate: 
Age: 15, Male
Airplane Rating(s): 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

The pilot began flying in 2019. On November 4, 2020, the pilot failed a practical examination for a private pilot certificate that required reexamination for the areas of takeoff, landing, go-around, and navigation. On December 28, 2020, the pilot earned a private pilot certificate flying a Cessna 172. On March 28, 2021, the pilot completed transition training for the SR22 that included about 23 hours of flight instruction.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N123RE
Model/Series: SR22 1051 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2004 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1051
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 1, 2020 Annual 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 132 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1157 Hrs as of last inspection 
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed 
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 310 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

The airplane was equipped with an emergency egress hammer located in the center armrest that could be used to break through the windows. The use of the hammer to egress was described in the emergency procedures section of the pilot operating handbook.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLWD, 1135 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 07:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 142°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Creston, IA (CSQ) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lamoni, IA (LWD)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 07:36 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: LAMONI MUNI LWD 
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 1131 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18/36 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2900 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go around

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: On-ground
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.630195,-93.902882

The airplane initially contacted the ground about 75 ft left of the runway edge and about 1,050 ft beyond the runway 36 threshold. Left wingtip debris was located about 60 ft beyond the initial ground scar and the debris path was on a heading of about 300°.

Ground scars, consistent with propeller blade strikes, were located about 15 ft beyond the left wingtip debris, and the distance between five ground scars was about 3 ft. The airplane came to rest in a soybean field (see figure) about 60 ft beyond the propeller strike ground scars.

The airplane sustained significant fire damage. Flight control continuity was confirmed, and the wing flaps were in the retracted position. The engine separated from the airframe during impact sequence. Engine continuity was established throughout the rotating group, valve train, and accessory section during hand rotation of the crankshaft. No evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions were observed during the postaccident examinations of the engine and airframe.

Additional Information

According to the FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Aerodynamics of Flight (Chapter 5):

To the pilot, “torque” (the left turning tendency of the airplane) is made up of four elements that cause or produce a twisting or rotating motion around at least one of the airplane’s three axes.

These four elements are:

1. Torque reaction from engine and propeller
2. Corkscrewing effect of the slipstream
3. Gyroscopic action of the propeller
4. Asymmetric loading of the propeller (P-factor)

The effects of each of these four elements of torque vary in value with changes in flight situations…to maintain positive control of the aircraft in all flight conditions, the pilot must apply the flight controls as necessary to compensate for these varying values.

Medical and Pathological Information

An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Ankeny, Iowa. The cause of death was thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Toxicology testing identified a carboxyhemoglobin saturation of 23% in the pilot’s blood, which was a level consistent with smoke inhalation.

Bell 407, N999GH: Accident occurred May 11, 2022 in Livermore, Alameda 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; Oakland, California


Location: Livermore, California
Accident Number: WPR22LA174
Date and Time: May 11, 2022, 09:30 Local 
Registration: N999GH
Aircraft: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA 407
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 133: Rotorcraft ext. load

On May 11, 2022, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407, N999GH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Livermore California. The pilot was seriously injured, and the lineman crew member sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 rotorcraft external-load flight.

The pilot was performing a human external cargo (HEC) long-line qualification flight, at the Livermore Electric Safety Academy, a training operations facility owned by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).

The pilot stated that the first 20 minutes of the flight were normal, and the accident occurred during the final phase, while carrying a PG&E lineman on a 60-ft long line. The pilot was maneuvering the helicopter at an altitude of about 175 ft agl, positioning the lineman against a static line marker ball. The pilot reported that the engine then lost power, and he rolled the throttle out of the “fly” detent and into the emergency range, but the engine did not respond.

He attempted to maneuver the lineman into a clearing, and partially raised the collective once the lineman was about 15 ft agl, to cushion his landing. The pilot stated that he then maneuvered the helicopter to a landing spot away from the linemen, and after reaching an altitude of about 10 ft agl, he raised the collective and jettisoned the HEC line and cargo hooks, and the helicopter landed hard. The pilot stated that the engine was still running after landing, and he was able to then shutoff the main fuel valve and battery. He was extricated from the helicopter about 30 minutes later. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA
Registration: N999GH
Model/Series: 407 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLVK,393 ft msl 
Observation Time: 09:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /3°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.24 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Livermore, CA
Destination: Livermore, CA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 37.699413,-121.70852 

Rotorcraft crashed under unknown circumstances. 

Date: 11-MAY-22
Time: 17:22:00Z
Regis#: N999GH
Aircraft Make: BELL
Aircraft Model: 407
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 91
City: LIVERMORE
State: CALIFORNIA






LIVERMORE, California - A helicopter crashed Wednesday morning in a parking lot next to the PG&E Livermore Electric Safety Academy, injuring the pilot and causing significant damage to the chopper, officials said.

Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Battalion Chief Jim Artman said that the pilot had to be extricated and was taken to a trauma center. A PG&E employee, who had been tethered to the outside of the aircraft during the training, was walking around after the accident and was hospitalized as a precaution. 

Neither injury is expected to be life-threatening, according to PG&E. 

There were no other injuries or people involved. 

According to the FAA, the A Bell 407 helicopter went down at 10 a.m. at 7205 National Drive, which is a training center for the utility. 

It's unclear what went wrong. 

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. 

Aerial video showed the helicopter on the pavement and firefighters and emergency crews surrounding it. 

PG&E spokeswoman Tamar Sarkissian said it was a "contractor helicopter" and that there was no property damage on the ground. 

The Livermore training center is a 35-acre campus 45 miles east of San Francisco that features outdoor boot camp-like challenges.

PG&E workers learn to climb 40-foot wooden poles and also fly in helicopters to look at snowpacks, among other things. 

General Dynamics F-16CM-40-CF Fighting Falcon: Incident occurred May 11, 2022 at Sioux Falls Regional Airport (KFSD), South Dakota




SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (KELO) — To hear military jets flying around Sioux Falls isn’t unusual, but the end to one flight on Wednesday afternoon was unexpected.

At 2:43 p.m. Wednesday, one of the F-16’s with the 114th Fighter Wing in Sioux Falls slid off one of the runways at the Regional Airport, according to Captain Jessica Bak, Public Affairs Officer with the South Dakota Air National Guard.

Bak says the pilot, who was returning from a training mission, is safe. 

The crashed jet could be seen sitting off the end of the runway at the southeast end of the airport, resting nose down with its cockpit open at the end of a trail of dirt gouged into the grass by the plane.

Bak told KELOLAND News that the Air Guard is establishing an Interim Safety Board to investigate what happened and look for a cause.  Emergency personnel and Security Forces are on site guarding the plane at this time.

The 114th Fighter Wing of the South Dakota Air National Guard is based in Sioux Falls, with its headquarters just south of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.






An Air National Guard plane slid off the runway at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport on Wednesday afternoon, according to Metro Communications traffic. 

The F-16 overran Runway 15 on the southside of the airport near the water treatment plant and the landing gear collapsed at around 2:45 p.m., according to a release from the 114th Fighter Wing. 

The incident occurred when the pilot was returning from a routine training mission, according to the release. The aircrew was uninjured.

The plane could be seen on the grass on the south side of the airport, with the nose touching the ground.

The cause of the crash is will be investigated by an interim board determined by the Air National Guard, according to the release.

Bombardier CRJ-200ER (CL-600-2B19), N965SW: Incident occurred May 11, 2022 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH), Houston, Texas

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

Aircraft landed and veered off runway into the grass. 

SkyWest Airlines Inc


Date: 11-MAY-22
Time: 20:02:00Z
Regis#: N65SW
Aircraft Make: BOMBARDIER
Aircraft Model: CL-600-2B19
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: SKYWEST AIRLINES
Flight Number: SKW5069
City: HOUSTON
State: TEXAS
 





HOUSTON, Texas – A plane reportedly skidded off the runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to technical issues on Wednesday afternoon, according to officials.

Airport officials say the plane is from SkyWest Airlines and was operating as a United Express aircraft, Bombardier CRJ 200.

The aircraft reportedly began experiencing steering issues as it was coming into IAH from Victoria Regional Airport.

At the end of its landing, officials say it continued rolling off the runway.

The plane apparently stopped in a grassy area at the airport.

Officials say the 13 passengers and three crew members on board were evacuated and transported back to the terminal.

SkyWest Airlines officials say their maintenance team will fully inspect the aircraft.

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration provided the following statement:

“SkyWest Flight 5069 landed safely at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at about 3 p.m. today. After landing, the Bombardier CRJ-200 lost nose-wheel steering and rolled into a grass area next to the runway. No injuries were reported. The flight departed from Victoria Regional Airport in Victoria, Texas. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline for the number of passengers on board and for additional details.”

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N73670: Fatal accident occurred May 11, 2022 near Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC), Broomfield, Jefferson County, Colorado

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; Denver, Colorado
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas

5280 Flying Club LLC
Location: Broomfield, Colorado
Accident Number: CEN22FA197
Date and Time: May 11, 2022, 12:35 Local
Registration: N73670
Aircraft: Cessna 172 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On May 11, 2022, about 1235 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N73670, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Broomfield, Colorado. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

A preliminary review of track data indicated that the airplane departed from the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (BJC), Broomfield, Colorado. The airplane departed to the southeast and entered the traffic pattern at the Colorado Air and Space Airport (CFO), Watkins, Colorado. The pilot performed a landing at CFO and then departed to the southeast. The pilot performed flight maneuvers to the south of Bennett, Colorado, and then departed back to the west to BJC. The pilot performed one approach to runway 12R at BJC and remained in the traffic pattern.

The air traffic controller instructed the pilot to widen his downwind leg before turning base for runway 12R, due to traffic landing on runway 12L. The controller then changed the landing to runway 12L and cleared the pilot to land. The pilot performed a right turn to the base leg, and after being established on final for runway 12L, the airplane abruptly turned to the north and rapidly descended.

The airplane impacted an intersection about ½ nm northwest of the approach end of runway 12L. The airplane came to rest on a sidewalk after impacting the ground and a traffic light pole. A postimpact fire ensued and the wreckage was destroyed.

The wreckage was recovered from the accident site for a future examination of the airframe and the engine.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N73670
Model/Series: 172N
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: KBJC,5595 ft msl
Observation Time: 12:38 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /-7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 24000 ft AGL 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots / 23 knots, 220°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Broomfield, CO 
Destination: Broomfield, CO

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Fire: On-ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: On-ground
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 39.922815,-105.12902 (est)

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances on short final and caught on fire. 

Date: 11-MAY-22
Time: 18:35:00Z
Regis#: N73670
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 1
Flight Crew: 1 fatal
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)
Operation: 91
City: DENVER
State: COLORADO

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.

Justin Andrew Watkins
1992 - 2022


Sergeant Justin Andrew Watkins, born on January 15, 1992 in Toledo, Ohio,  died tragically May 11, 2022 in Broomfield, Colorado. He grew up and lived in Sylvania, Ohio and graduated from Southview High School in 2010. Justin joined the United States Marine Corps. spending 2 years in active duty in Norfolk, Virginia, and 2 years in Okinawa, Japan. Reenlisting as a reservist for 2 years in Hawaii, Justin gained many memorable moments and friends along the way. He was a true patriot who never passed an opportunity to thank a fellow veteran for their service to our country. Justin was employed in the food industry and was actively pursuing a career as a commercial airline pilot. He excelled at just about everything he tried his hands at, including mechanics, music, photography, diving, cooking, flying and simply driving. A bachelor, yet to find his life’s true love still longing to check off that box in his long list of admiral accomplishments, Justin left behind many loved ones whom his bright light of life touched in so many personal ways.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his parents, Bill and Brenda (Schroeder) Watkins; brothers, Will (Kelsey) and Austin (Rana); aunts, uncles and grandparents, Mary Lou Hoffman, Henry Schroeder, and Carol Earls; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Foster Watkins and Ernie Hoffman; and Uncle Scott Campbell.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, May 29, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – West Sylvania, 3655 King Rd., Toledo, OH (419-392-9500) where a Celebration of Life will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home.






Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, N29257: Accident occurred May 11, 2022 in Marshall, Logan County, Oklahoma

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; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Blackwell Aviation LLC


Location: Marshall, Oklahoma
Accident Number: CEN22LA196
Date and Time: May 11, 2022, 11:30 Local 
Registration: N29257
Aircraft: Piper PA-34-200T 
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N29257
Model/Series: PA-34-200T 
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 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 36.8,-97.3 (est)

Aircraft experienced engine issues and crashed in a field. 

Date: 11-MAY-22
Time: 16:30:00Z
Regis#: N29257
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA34
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: SERIOUS
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: MARSHALL
State: OKLAHOMA




LOGAN COUNTY, Oklahoma  – 
Emergency crews are on the scene of a plane crash near Marshall in far northern Logan County.

The call came out just before 11:30 a.m.

A medical helicopter and Oklahoma Highway Patrol has been called to the scene located near County Road 64 and MacArthur (south of Marshall).

There is no fire with this crash and one person (49-year-old male) is in the plane receiving medical treatment.

Update at 12:46 p.m. — The pilot reportedly had a head gash and complained of back pain.

Update at 12:42 p.m. — A Crescent police officer and a doctor, who is also a reserve deputy for the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, were near the scene at the time of the crash investigating another case in the area.

Update at 12:40 p.m. — The pilot has been airlifted from the scene by the medical helicopter.

The plane is registered out of Tacoma Washington and registered to Blackwell Aviation LLC.

Update at 12:10 p.m. — The medical helicopter, Survival Flight, is now on the scene.

Update at 11:44 a.m. — Only one person confirmed in the aircraft.

Piper PA-18 Super Cub, N1272A: Accident occurred May 10, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona

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; Scottsdale, Arizona


Location: Tucson, Arizona
Accident Number: WPR22LA176
Date and Time: May 11, 2022, 08:13 Local 
Registration: N1272A
Aircraft: Piper PA-18 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N1272A
Model/Series: PA-18 
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: 33.132138,-110.58289 

Aircraft landed and veered off runway striking a taxiway sign.  

Date: 10-MAY-22
Time: 15:13:00Z
Regis#: N1272A
Aircraft Make: PIPER
Aircraft Model: PA18
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: TUCSON
State: ARIZONA

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N739PC: Incident occurred May 10, 2022 at Ocala International Airport (KOCF), Marion County, Florida

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

Aircraft landed and veered off runway into the grass.  

Ocala Aviation Services Inc


Date: 10-MAY-22
Time: 13:10:00Z
Regis#: N739PC
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: OCALA
State: FLORIDA

Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG, N4614R: Incidents occurred May 10, 2022 and April 03, 2020

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

May 10, 2022:  Aircraft landed gear up at Marion County Airport (X35), Dunnellon, Florida.


Date: 10-MAY-22
Time: 06:00:00Z
Regis#: N4614R
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172RG
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: DUNNELLON
State: FLORIDA

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina

April 03, 2020: Aircraft landed gear up at Pickens County Airport (KLQK), Liberty, South Carolina.

Date: 03-APR-20
Time: 18:00:00Z
Regis#: N4614R
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172RG
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: PICKENS
State: SOUTH CAROLINA

Boeing 737-700, N24702: Incident occurred May 10, 2022 at LaGuardia Airport (KLGA), New York

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; New York, New York

Aircraft repositioning to gate, left winglet struck a fuel truck.  

United Airlines Inc


Date: 10-MAY-22
Time: 10:15:00Z
Regis#: N24702
Aircraft Make: BOEING
Aircraft Model: 737
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: COMMERCIAL
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
Operation: 121
Aircraft Operator: UNITED AIRLINES
Flight Number: UAL1844
City: NEW YORK
State: NEW YORK

Extra EA-400, N885AA: Incident occurred May 10, 2022 at Beaufort Executive Airport (KARW), South Carolina

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina

Aircraft failed to rotate and ended up off the end of runway in a marsh. 

Wings of Hope Inc


Date: 10-MAY-22
Time: 22:34:00Z
Regis#: N885AA
Aircraft Make: EXTRA FLUGZEUGBAU
Aircraft Model: EA-400
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: TAKEOFF (TOF)
Operation: 91
City: BEAUFORT
State: SOUTH CAROLINA




The Beaufort Executive Airport reopened early Wednesday morning after a crew worked through the night to pull a small plane from the marsh following a mishap during takeoff, according to Beaufort County and airport officials. 

There were no injuries and no fuel spills or other hazards were reported. The Extra EA-400 went into the marsh around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in an aborted takeoff, officials said in a press release. The pilot and one passenger were taking off when “there appeared to be a malfunction of some sort,” according to Scott Harris, a spokesperson for Lady’s Island/St. Helena Fire District.

“She, the pilot, tried to abort the takeoff but ran out of runway, causing the single-engine plane to skid off of the runway into the marsh towards Sea Island Parkway,” Harris said.

When firefighters arrived, Harris said, both the pilot and passenger were in the plane but were able to walk out on their own.

Crews using a crane were able to recover the plane just after midnight, according to Jon Rembold, airport director for Beaufort County.

“Something like that requires a crane because you have to very carefully cradle the aircraft when you remove it,” Rembold said. “Even though it is a small airplane, it takes a lot of strength to move it just because ... you don’t want to drag something like that out of the marsh and do more damage.” 

Rembold did not immediately know the extent of the damage of the plane. The airport was closed while the crew worked to get the plane out of the marsh. It reopened around 4 or 5 a.m., Rembold said. 

The cause of the malfunction is under investigation, Harris said.






A small, private plane aborted its takeoff at around 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, and came to rest in the marsh at the end of the runway of the Beaufort Executive Airport on Lady’s Island.

According to Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Bob Bromage, there were no injuries.

According to a later release by Beaufort County, the aircraft was carrying a pilot and a passenger, and there were no fuel spills or hazards.

Along with the BCSO, Lady’s Island-St. Helena Fire District responded.

According to the release, recovery of the plane is under way, and the airport will remain closed until the aircraft is removed from the marsh.

“I would like to thank Chief Bruce Kline and the Beaufort County Sheriff Deputies for their quick response and coordination with the FAA,” Airport Director Jon Rembold said in the news release.

Bellanca 17-30A, N4243B: Incident occurred May 10, 2022 at Anoka County-Blaine Airport (KANE), Minnesota

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aircraft landed and veered off runway.  


Date: 10-MAY-22
Time: 19:39:00Z
Regis#: N4243B
Aircraft Make: BELLANCA
Aircraft Model: 17-30A
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: MINNEAPOLIS
State: MINNESOTA

Cirrus SF-50 Vision, N803LU: Incident occurred May 01, 2022 at Peter O Knight Airport (KTPF), Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida

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

Aircraft blew a tire on landing and veered off runway into the grass. 


Date: 01-MAY-22
Time: 23:16:00Z
Regis#: N803LU
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS
Aircraft Model: SF50
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: MINOR
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: TAMPA
State: FLORIDA

$30 million awarded to fund wildfire-monitoring planes proven in major disasters

Pilot Reinhard Schmidt in the Fire Integrated Real-time Intelligence System (FIRIS) airplane on the tarmac at Burbank Airport Tuesday, May 10, 2022. The state Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the L.A. city fire department and the Orange County Fire Authority held a media availability to demonstrate the state-of-the-art “FIRIS” airplane equipped with high-def and infrared cameras. The plane can be sent anywhere in California and can send real-time images, information, and projections to first responders and emergency managers on the ground.



Planes capable of predicting the behavior of wildfires and beaming information directly to crews on the ground in real time have proven invaluable in major disasters across California. Now, they will become a permanent part of firefighters’ arsenals, after attracting millions of dollars in state funding, officials announced Tuesday, May 10.

Gov. Gavin Newsom will announce plans to allocate $30 million to the Fire Integrated Real time Intelligence System (FIRIS)  when he unveils California’s revised budget on Friday, May 17, according to officials from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

The system was conceptualized about six years ago in conversations between General Atomics, a Department of Defense Contractor known for designing the predator drone, and Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy.

He was the Chief of the San Diego Fire Department at the time, and had been asked to create a real-time aerial surveillance system for wildfires by the city’s then-mayor, Kevin Faulconer.

Fennessy continued working with General Atomics to develop FIRIS after becoming OCFA Chief. The concept garnered funding for a pilot program, which eventually led to the debut of the system’s first plane.

“What we’ve learned is … (it) has to be easy, it has to be quick, and it has to be real-time,” Fennessy said Tuesday during a news event at a privately owned airstrip in Burbank. “Any information 10 minutes late, 15 minutes late, 30 minutes late, it’s old information.”

In the past, crews mapping out the progress of fires were required to land and manually upload their data. That meant that firefighters’ plan of attack against a wildfire had often been based on conditions that may have already changed drastically.

The key components of the FIRIS system are two Beechcraft King 200 planes outfitted with state-of-the-art sensors. The technology gives crews the ability to detect heat and see in the dark and through thick plumes of smoke, even in the dark, Orange County Mission Commander Stan Kubota said.

Crews aboard the planes send live updates on a fire’s spread and intensity directly to the cell phones of firefighters on the ground. That allows those coordinating disaster response to send teams where they are most needed sooner, hopefully before lives and structures are threatened.

“Historically, our strike teams were getting into these fires blind,” Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci said Tuesday. “They didn’t know what they were getting into, and were listening to the news or maybe the radio. But now they can actually see what the fire is doing. From a safety standpoint, that’s huge for firefighters.”

The FIRIS system has also been critical in determining which communities need to be evacuated during recent wildfires in Southern California. And it has helped search for missing persons and was used to track the spread of a major oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach in 2021.

The FIRIS system’s two planes cover the entire state, and had each cost between $14 million and $16 million annually to operate, according to Fennessy’s estimate. Both spend hundreds of hours in flight each year, and may see even more use as the program expands and first responders discover more ways to take advantage of them.









Cessna T337GP Riley Rocket Super Skymaster, N1ZR: Plane Damage Is Covered, 11th Circuit Told





An airport services company asked the Eleventh Circuit to review a decision that its insurance doesn't cover damage to a plane that made an emergency landing, saying the pilot's lack of official qualifications did not increase the risk of damage to the plane and couldn't be used to bar coverage.

A lower Florida federal court incorrectly determined pilot Timothy Neubert's lack of an official multi-engine rating to pilot the Cessna T337GP plane involved in the emergency landing was sufficient to bar coverage under aviation policies issued to Neubert Aero Corp., the company said Monday.

While a warranty in the policies required a multiengine rating to fly the aircraft, Florida's Anti-Technicality Statute requires insurers to prove that a policy breach resulted in a loss or increase of risk of loss before they can bar coverage based on that breach, the company told the appeals court.

Insurers Starstone National Insurance Co. and London Aviation Underwriters did not prove that Neubert's lack of a rating for the aircraft increased the risk of damage to the plane, meaning the lower court incorrectly ruled that the insurers could exclude the accident from coverage, the company said. It compared Neubert's emergency landing in a marsh to that of Captain "Sully" Sullenberger, who performed an emergency landing in a passenger plane on the Hudson River in 2009, saying he had demonstrated his lack of a rating did not increase the risk of plane damage.

"Like Capt. Sullenberger, Neubert quickly and correctly evaluated the crisis confronting him," the company said. "Despite his demonstrated superior ability to fly the insured aircraft and despite having achieved an outcome few qualified pilots could have duplicated, appellees denied coverage for the damage to the insured aircraft on the basis of mere technicalities."

According to court records, the plane departed from Memphis International Airport on a scheduled flight in November 2018 and ran out of fuel before reaching Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport. The insurers denied coverage for damage to the plane resulting from the emergency landing, after which Neubert Aero sued. Starstone and London later moved the action to federal court.

U.S. District Judge James Moody in November 2021 agreed with U.S. Magistrate Judge Philip Lammens' October 2021 recommendation to award summary judgment to the insurers, saying that the policy's conditions unambiguously required Neubert to have the multiengine rating required to operate the Cessna.

Neubert Aero on Monday slammed the lower court's ruling that the conditions were unambiguous. According to the company, under Federal Aviation Administration regulations, Neubert's operation of the plane was authorized by his instructor for class rating training, which Neubert was undergoing when he was operating the plane. The policy's use of the term "multiengine rating" in this case was ambiguous as it was not clear whether authorization by Neubert's flight instructor for solo training falls under that definition, the company argued.

"When both the FAA regulations authorize and require solo training, it is reasonable to interpret a flight instructor's endorsement for solo training pursuant to those regulations as a 'multiengine rating' under the policy," the company said.

Representatives of the parties did not respond to requests for comment.

Neubert is represented by Tracey K. Jaensch of FordHarrison.

The insurers are represented by Rory E. Jurman and Jenelle E. La Chuisa of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.

The case is Neubert Aero Corp. v. Starstone National Insurance Co. et al., case number 5:20-cv-00045, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.


November 17, 2021
Judge Rejects Coverage For Plane Damage

A Florida federal judge permanently grounded an airport services company's dispute over coverage for damage a plane sustained from an emergency landing, agreeing Wednesday with a magistrate judge's finding that the pilot's lack of qualifications relieved the insurers of their obligations.

U.S. District Judge James S. Moody concurred with U.S. Magistrate Judge Philip R. Lammen's October recommendation to award summary judgment to Starstone National Insurance Co. and London Aviation Underwriters on the grounds that pilot Timothy W. Neubert did not have the required multiengine rating necessary to fly the Cessna T337GP plane.

A warranty in the policies issued by the insurers to the airport services company unambiguously required Neubert to have the multiengine rating in order to operate the aircraft, the magistrate judge concluded. Neubert was qualified to operate only single engine planes because he had only taken the necessary training course and completed 10 hours of flight training.

Rory E. Jurman of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLC, counsel for the insurers, told Law360 that the case is important "because it examines the scope and framework that the Eleventh Circuit has been scrutinizing recently in Ocean Reef LLC v. Travelers Property Casualty Co. of America, a marine warranty matter."

In Ocean Reef, the federal appeals court "called into question the blanket application of warranties," Jurman explained.

"In light of Ocean Reef, this is an important ruling for insurers because this warranty was applied correctly and therefore should give comfort to the industry," Jurman stated.

The dispute between Neubert and the insurers took off after they denied coverage for damage to a plane piloted by Neubert that had to make an emergency landing in November 2018. According to court records, the plane departed from Memphis International Airport and ran out of fuel before reaching Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport.

Neubert initially sued the insurers in Florida state court, seeking an order that they wrongfully denied coverage. Starstone and London's later moved the action to federal court.

The parties later filed competing motions for summary judgment. Judge Lammen recommended that Judge Moody find in favor of the insurers.

Neubert objected to Lammen's recommendation, complaining that Florida's Anti-Technicality Statute, which bars insurers from denying coverage over a technicality if it did not have a role in the loss, as not properly considered. According to the policyholder, the pilot's failure to have a multiengine rating was not a factor in the incident that caused the loss.

"The anti-technicality statute in question here pertains to transportation and wet marine policies, which does not apply to this particular aircraft at the time being flown by Mr. Neubert," Jurman said. "The statute itself was not applicable, and the court previously ruled on that."

Neubert, Neubert's counsel and the insurance companies did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

Neubert is represented by Tracey K. Jaensch of Ford & Harrison LLP.

The insurers are represented by Rory E. Jurman and Jenelle E. La Chuisa of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.

The case is Neubert Aero Corp. v. Starstone National Insurance Co. et al., case number 5:20-cv-00045, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.


October 21, 2021
Plane Damage Not Covered, Judge Says

A Florida federal judge said Thursday that insurers correctly denied coverage to a pilot and owner of an aviation company for costs stemming from an emergency landing, due to the pilot's lack of proper qualifications for the plane he was flying at the time.

Neubert Aero Corp.'s policy with London Aviation Underwriters and StarStone National Insurance Co. clearly required Timothy W. Neubert to obtain a multiengine rating before flying a multiengine Cessna T337GP, U.S. Magistrate Judge Philip R. Lammens said in his report and recommendation to the judge overseeing the case.

Neubert did meet two of the three conditions in the policy to fly the Cessna, Judge Lammens said, by taking an approved training course and having flown 10 hours of dual flight training. But he did not have a multiengine rating and was only qualified to fly only single-engine planes, the judge said.

"It is undisputed that at the time of the incident, Neubert only had a single engine land rating and did not have a multiengine rating," Judge Lammens wrote.

The company tried to argue that the phrase "multiengine rating" is ambiguous, pointing to an endorsement from his certified flight instructor to fly the plane solo for training purposes.

However, the "plaintiff's own expert testified that the endorsement was not a multiengine rating, nor equivalent to a rating, but rather 'a tool to allow training in the airplane,'" the judge wrote.

Tracey Jaensch, an attorney representing Neubert Aero Corp., told Law360 that the judge ignored its argument that Florida's Anti-Technicality Statute prevents insurers from denying coverage over a technicality that didn't play a part in the loss.

"The magistrate judge did not address the anti-technicality statute, which was the whole basis for the" declaratory action, Jaensch said.

The dispute stems from a November 2018 flight from the Memphis International Airport to the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport, according to the report. Neubert had to make an "off-field emergency landing," and Neubert filed a claim for damage the plane received in the incident, according to the report.

After the claim was denied, Neubert sued the insurers in Florida state court, and the insurers moved it to federal court in February 2020.

Counsel for and representatives of the insurers did not immediately return requests for comment.

Neubert Aero Corp. is represented by Tracey K. Jaensch of Ford & Harrison LLP.

The insurers are represented by Rory Eric Jurman and Jenelle E. La Chuisa of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.

The case is Neubert Aero Corp. v. StarStone National Insurance Co. et al., case number 5:20-cv-00045, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.



Pilot Tim Nubert

Pilot Tim Nubert, left, speaks with Citrus County Sheriff's Office personnel on November 8th, 2018 following his safe return from where he had to ditch his Cessna T337G Turbo Super Skymaster. He reported he ran out of fuel before putting the plane down in a swampy area off Mason Creek. 


A Citrus County Sheriff's Office helicopter hovers over the site where a Cessna T337G Turbo Super Skymaster made an emergency landing on November 8th, 2018 near Mason Creek in Homosassa. The pilot was uninjured in the incident. He reported to law enforcement that he was out of fuel at the time of the hard landing.
















Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Neubert Aero Corporation


Location: Homosassa, FL
Accident Number: GAA19CA070
Date & Time: 11/08/2018, 1000 EST
Registration: N1ZR
Aircraft: Cessna T337
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, 2 days before the accident flight, the multiengine airplane's fuel tanks were filled (150 gallons). During the taxi to the runway, the right main tire blew. During recovery, the right side of the airplane was placed on a dolly to support the gear so that the airplane could be towed. The pilot reported that, due to the airplane’s fuel system design, when one side of the airplane was raised, all the fuel could be transferred to the opposite tank, which then forced the fuel to be released out of the air vent line.

On the day of the accident, the pilot completed his preflight inspection and visually confirmed the fuel quantity by checking both fuel gauges, which were "green"; however, he did not verify the fuel onboard by checking the tanks. About 3 hours into the flight, the rear engine lost power. Before the pilot attempted to restart the rear engine and after he verified the correct engine to feather, the front engine also lost power. When the pilot realized the airplane would be unable to reach the nearest airport, he landed it in a grass marsh with the landing gear retracted. During the landing, the airplane’s wing hit grass and then veered right about 90°, which caused the left wing to dip and impact terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

During his preflight inspection, the pilot should have verified the fuel quantity in the fuel tanks to ensure there was sufficient fuel onboard for the flight, and his failure to do so led to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of power in both engines. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of power in both engines.

Findings

Aircraft Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)

Personnel issues Fuel planning - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Prior to flight Aircraft servicing event

Enroute  Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)
Enroute  Loss of engine power (total)

Landing Off-field or emergency landing
Landing Landing gear not configured
Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/08/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/11/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1293 hours (Total, all aircraft), 51 hours (Total, this make and model), 51 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1ZR
Model/Series: T337 G
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: P3370275
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/21/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4700 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1879.8 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: TSIO-520-NB16
Registered Owner: Neubert Aero Corp.
Rated Power: hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCGC, 10 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1015 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 32°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 18°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Memphis, TN (MEM)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Brooksville, FL (BKV)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time:  CST
Type of Airspace: Class G

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: 28.753333, -82.647222 (est)