Wednesday, December 06, 2023

U.K. Makes Arrest in Probe Into Jet-Engine Parts Scandal

Fraud watchdog launches criminal investigation into AOG Technics with dawn raid




The Wall Street Journal
By Benjamin Katz
December 6, 2023 11:28 am ET

The U.K. has launched a criminal investigation into alleged fraud at an aircraft-parts supplier suspected of selling thousands of jet-engine components with fake safety certificates that have been found in dozens of jets, including some operated by major U.S. airlines.

The Serious Fraud Office said Wednesday it had raided an address and arrested an individual as part of its probe into AOG Technics. The London-based company’s lone director and shareholder is Jose Zamora Yrala.

AOG Technics didn’t respond to a request for comment, and a lawyer who previously represented Zamora said he no longer acted for him.

Aviation regulators in the U.K., U.S. and European Union earlier this year issued notices warning airlines that it suspected AOG of having provided false documentation for engine components. Those parts, ranging from simple nuts and bolts to more critical turbine blades, went into engines manufactured by General Electric and France’s Safran, which are used to power one of Boeing’s best-selling jets.

GE and Safran subsequently took AOG to court demanding records to help them identify and track where the unapproved parts had been supplied. The engine makers won the case, and AOG has provided the documentation.

Suspected unapproved parts have since been found on more than 100 engines, including on jets operated by United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. GE said it had also found the parts in its own workshops. 

The SFO said Wednesday that its investigators along with officers from the U.K.’s National Crime Agency raided a residential site in London before dawn, seizing material that it said would help advance its investigation and assess whether to proceed with any prosecution. Typically, investigators will seize items including laptops and cellphones, which are then assessed by digital forensic specialists.

“This investigation deals with very serious allegations of fraud involving the supply of aircraft parts, the consequences of which are potentially far reaching,” SFO director Nick Ephgrave said.

Since regulators’ warning in the summer, airlines around the world have been foraging for any affected parts that might have made it onto their aircraft.

AOG positioned itself as a middleman between the manufacturers of spare aircraft components and maintenance workshops. The parts it is accused of providing are suspected to have been purchased second-hand and resold as new, which aviation authorities warn can jeopardize safe operations of those engines. 

Zamora, who was born in 1988 in Caracas, Venezuela, founded AOG in 2015 after having worked for a series of aircraft-maintenance companies while moonlighting as a techno DJ, performing at some of London’s biggest nightclubs.

AOG’s headquarters are listed in British corporate records as being at a virtual office provider in central London. GE, Safran and CFM—a joint venture of the U.S. and French companies—alleged in their lawsuit that AOG had created false profiles on LinkedIn for nonexistent executives to help bolster the legitimacy of its operation.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration typically investigates as many as a half-dozen reports of suspected unapproved parts each year, according to its website, with those cases typically referred to the U.S. Justice Department.

While aviation regulators require the close monitoring of components for both authenticity and quality, the tracking and supply of spare parts typically relies on a paper-based system that the industry has warned is easy to falsify.

Concerns about the potentially suspect parts come at a time when airlines are still hiring to replenish the ranks of their maintenance arms after some longtime employees left during the pandemic. Part manufacturers are also stretched as they seek to meet growing demand from Airbus and Boeing, which are ramping up production of new aircraft, while also struggling to meet demand stemming from a rapid recovery in air travel.

Original article:  https://www.wsj.com

Joseph Emerson: Alaska Airlines Pilot Accused of Trying to Cut Engines Midflight Avoids Attempted Murder Charges

Joseph Emerson was indicted on charges of reckless endangerment and endangering an aircraft


Joseph Emerson, in focus, had been previously charged with 83 counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of endangering an aircraft.




The Wall Street Journal 
By Talal Ansari
December 5, 2023 8:13 pm ET


An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot accused of attempting to shut down an airplane’s engines midflight avoided attempted murder charges after a grand jury indicted him instead on charges of reckless endangerment. 

The grand jury indicted the pilot, Joseph Emerson, with one count of endangering an aircraft in the first degree and 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, in Portland, Ore., said Tuesday. The reckless endangerment counts are misdemeanors and the endangering aircraft charge is a felony, the district attorney’s office said. 

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office had previously charged Emerson with 83 counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of endangering an aircraft, to which he had pleaded not guilty. He is also facing a federal felony charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

Emerson was off duty and flying in a cockpit jump seat on a regional flight in October when he told pilots, “I’m not OK,” according to the federal complaint filed in Portland that month. He then allegedly tried to engage the plane’s fire-suppression system, which would have cut off fuel to the engines. After a struggle that lasted about 30 seconds, Emerson settled down, the complaint said, and then exited the cockpit after one of the pilots asked him to leave.

Emerson’s lawyers said in a statement Tuesday they were pleased he hadn’t been indicted on the attempted murder charges, but still disappointed with the charges he now faces. The lawyers said their client thought he was in a dream and his actions were taken “in a single-minded effort to wake up from that dream and return home to his family,” and that he never intended to endanger or hurt anyone. 

The airline said there were 80 passengers aboard the flight and four crew members. The flight from Seattle Paine Field International Airport in Everett, Wash., to San Francisco was diverted and landed in Portland.

Emerson told authorities he’d taken “magic mushrooms” about 48 hours before the flight, according to court documents. Emerson also told authorities that he had struggled from depression and that a friend of his had recently died, according to an FBI affidavit. 

Emerson is currently held at the Multnomah County Detention Center and is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday. 

Original article:  https://www.wsj.com

Tuesday, September 05, 2023

United Airlines Resumes Flights After Ground Stop Due to Technology Issue

Nationwide pause comes at the end of the busy Labor Day travel weekend



The Wall Street Journal 
By Alison Sider
Updated September 5, 2023 3:45 pm ET


United Airlines said flights resumed after it paused departures Tuesday afternoon citing a systemwide technology issue. 

The airline didn’t specify what system was affected, but later said it had identified a fix for the technology issue.

The disruption was relatively brief—the ground stop was lifted at about 1:45 p.m. ET, about an hour and 15 minutes after United had asked the Federal Aviation Administration to hold flights across the country, according to FAA air-traffic control advisories. The airline’s flights were unable to connect to dispatch through normal means, according to a separate air-traffic control notice.

Tuesday’s ground stop came at the tail end of the busy Labor Day travel weekend. United had canceled just a handful of flights as of midday Tuesday, and about 9% of its mainline flights were delayed, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking site. 

Airlines depend on a vast array of software systems and can be vulnerable to glitches. Failure of a vendor-supplied firewall caused widespread delays for Southwest Airlines in April.

The FAA has also had technology issues. Flights across the U.S. were halted for nearly two hours in early January when a system for distributing pilot alerts went offline. The FAA said a contractor had unintentionally deleted computer files in the system. 

Friday, August 25, 2023

Federal Aviation Administration Issues Alert to Protect Airport Workers After Deaths, Injuries

Rare safety alert for ground staff comes amid congressional scrutiny and after The Wall Street Journal investigation




The Wall Street Journal 
By Benjamin Katz
August 25, 2023 3:24 pm ET



The Federal Aviation Administration is asking airlines to review safety procedures after a slew of deaths and injuries among airport workers who guide, tow and push back aircraft.

Such alerts by the regulator aren’t uncommon for a variety of operations related to air travel and airport operations. But Friday’s alert was the first since the FAA introduced so-called Safety Alerts for Operators in 2005 that was specifically aimed at better protecting ground workers.

It came after a spate of serious accidents, including several deaths, and amid heightened scrutiny in Congress of safety issues related to such jobs. The move also comes in the wake of a Wall Street Journal investigation earlier this month that found that workplace injuries are rising among the army of ground staff who refuel planes, handle baggage and help move aircraft around the tarmac.

The Wall Street Journal analyzed safety data and spoke to executives, workers, union representatives, safety specialists and aviation consultants, who blamed the increase on the industry’s chaotic rebound from pandemic-era hibernation.

The agency cited two incidents that it said had led it to issue the safety alert to operators, including the death of a worker who died after being sucked into an aircraft engine. The Wall Street Journal article detailed the death of 34-year-old Courtney Edwards, who died after being ingested by an aircraft engine last New Year’s Eve. 

The FAA also referenced a separate incident in which a worker was hit by an aircraft’s wing flaps and then run over by the plane’s landing gear, leading to serious injuries.

The notice states that neither of the incidents “have been proven to be a systemic issue,” but that “the severity of outcome warrants this safety reminder.” 

Included in the alert are recommendations that airlines review safety procedures to ensure that workers remain clear of aircraft engines until they are shut down. It also asks operators to ensure that workers avoid any aircraft until it is at a complete standstill and the wheel chocks are properly secured in place preventing the plane from moving.

The agency said it would add the list of recommendations to advisory circulars that are issued to airlines to give guidance on operating standards.

The step comes amid a push by unions to include the safety of ground handling workers—who handle baggage, refuel planes and tow aircraft—in a new mandate being fashioned for the FAA. Members of the House and Senate are currently working on the regulator’s reauthorization bill, which will set out the agency’s remit over the next five years.

The House in July passed a version of the bill that includes a “call to action” over the safety of ground handlers. If that provision becomes law, the regulator will have 180 days to begin a broad review of the sector and to later propose methods to improve the safety and training of workers.

The Senate is set to vote on its version of the reauthorization bill later this year. Its draft bill currently sets out requirements designed to protect workers against engine ingestion, including improving markings on the ramp to clearly demarcate the safe zones around an aircraft.

Sunday, February 05, 2023

Czech Sportcruiser, N823MM: Accident occurred March 24, 2022 near Lanark, 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. 

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Baker, Daniel

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

Additional Participating Entity: 
Joseph Kluk; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Albuquerque, New Mexico 


Location: Lanark, New Mexico
Accident Number: WPR22LA137
Date and Time: March 24, 2022, 18:45 Local
Registration: N823MM
Aircraft: CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT A S SPORTCRUISER 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 24, 2022, at 1845 mountain daylight time, a Czech Sport Aircraft Sportcruiser airplane, N823MM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lanark, New Mexico. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was as operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to calibrate a new angle-of-attack (AOA) gauge that had been recently installed in the airplane. He had climbed to 6,500 ft mean sea level (msl) and performed a power off stall. As the nose of the airplane dropped the left canopy latch “let loose.” About 4-5 seconds later the right canopy latch “let go” and the whole windscreen “popped up like a speed brake.” The nose of the airplane remained pitched down and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT A S
Registration: N823MM
Model/Series: SPORTCRUISER 
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: 
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 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 31.984112,-106.80973 (est)

March 24, 2022:  Aircraft canopy popped open during flight causing aircraft to crash. 

Date: 25-MAR-22
Time: 00:43:00Z
Regis#: N823MM
Aircraft Make: SPORTCRUISER
Aircraft Model: SPORTCRUISER
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 91
City: EL PASO
State: TEXAS

Saturday, February 04, 2023

Collision with Terrain (non-CFIT): Cirrus SR20 G3, N99EC; fatal accident occurred January 24, 2023 near Indianapolis Executive Airport (KTYQ), Indiana

Shane Pennington, II
August 1, 2002 — January 24, 2023
~







Aviation Investigation Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Sauer, Aaron

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

Additional Participating Entities:
Christopher Johnson; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana 
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


99EC Holdings LLC


Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN23LA093
Date and Time: January 24, 2023, 15:39 Local 
Registration: N99EC
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The airplane, rented by the pilot, departed on a reported short cross-country flight. Flight track data showed that after takeoff, the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 1,000 ft above ground level and traveled southeast. Near the end of the flight, the airplane performed a 360° turn and began a rapid descent. The highly fragmented wreckage was located adjacent to a railroad track in a residential area. The airplane damage was consistent with a high angle and high energy impact with terrain. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Following a death investigation, the coroner classified the manner of death as a suicide.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.

Findings

Personnel issues Suicide - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)

On January 24, 2023, about 1539 eastern standard time, a Cirrus SR20 airplane, N99EC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Indianapolis, Indiana. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was being operated as a Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data (ADS-B), the airplane departed the Indianapolis Executive Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana, about 1526. After takeoff, the airplane turned left, climbed to about 1,000 ft above ground level, and continued to the southeast past downtown Indianapolis. South of downtown and near the end of the data, the airplane made a 360° left turn and began a rapid descent. A residential surveillance camera captured the impact sequence and showed the airplane impact in a nose and right-wing low attitude. There were no witnesses to the accident.

The airplane wreckage was located adjacent to a single railroad track and several residential homes. The initial impact point, which was consistent with the propeller, engine, forward fuselage, and both wings, was located about 20 ft from the main wreckage. The initial impact contained the propeller blades and fragmented sections of the forward fuselage. Fragmented sections of the fuselage, wings, and empennage were found forward of the main wreckage.

The airplane damage was consistent with a high angle and high energy impact with terrain.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.

An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Marion County Coroner’s Office, Indianapolis, Indiana. The autopsy report listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma, and the manner of death as suicide.

The Federal Aviation Administration Forensic Sciences Laboratory performed toxicology testing on specimens from the pilot. Testing was negative for ethanol and carbon monoxide.

An unspecified level of Fentanyl was detected in the blood (cavity).

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 12, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 219.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 197.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 32.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N99EC
Model/Series: SR20 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016 
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2307
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: November 21, 2022 100 hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3050 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2532.7 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C126 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-ES 26B
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 210 Horsepower
Operator: On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KIND,792 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 20:54 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 282°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 3000 ft AGL 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 25000 ft AGL 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 230° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C / -2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Indianapolis, IN
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Destination: Indianapolis, IN 
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class D

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 39.701295,-86.136893(est)

Shane L. Pennington, II
August 1, 2002 — January 24, 2023
~


Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Accident Number: CEN23LA093
Date and Time: January 24, 2023, 15:39 Local 
Registration: N99EC
Aircraft: Cirrus SR20 
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 24, 2023, about 1539 eastern standard time, a Cirrus SR20 airplane, N99EC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Indianapolis, Indiana. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was being operated as a Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data (ADS-B), the airplane departed the Indianapolis Executive Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana, about 1526. After takeoff, the airplane turned left, climbed to about 1,000 ft above ground level, and continued to the southeast past downtown Indianapolis. South of downtown and near the end of the data, the airplane made a 360° left turn and began a rapid descent (see Figure 1.). A residential surveillance camera captured the impact sequence and showed the airplane impact in a nose and right-wing low attitude. There were no witnesses to the accident.

The airplane wreckage was located adjacent to a single railroad track and several residential homes. The initial impact point, which was consistent with the propeller, engine, forward fuselage, and both wings, was located about 20 ft from the main wreckage. The initial impact contained the propeller blades and fragmented sections of the forward fuselage. Fragmented sections of the fuselage, wings, and empennage were found in the debris forward of the main wreckage. The airplane damage was consistent with a high angle and high energy impact with terrain.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.




Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cirrus
Registration: N99EC
Model/Series: SR20
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: KIND, 792 ft msl
Observation Time: 20:54 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C /-2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 3000 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 25000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg 
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Indianapolis, IN
Destination: Indianapolis, IN

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Latitude, Longitude: 39.701295,-86.136893 (est)


Shane Pennington, II, 20, Mooresville, passed away January 24, 2023. Shane was born August 1, 2002, in Mooresville, to Shane and Angela (Price) Pennington.

Shane grew up in Mooresville and graduated from Mooresville High School in 2020 and most recently from Vincennes University.  He was a licensed pilot and was working towards becoming a commercial pilot.  Shane was a gifted athlete and played in the Mooresville Youth baseball, basketball, and football programs.  He played basketball for the Mooresville Pioneers in high school and also was a high jumper.  Shane was a people person, often described as the life of the party, he was a great friend to many. He was usually the organizer of the parties and kept the friends together.  He loved fitness, working out, and taking care of himself.  Shane enjoyed traveling, experiencing new things, and made for an easy role model for his friends and family.  He had a special bond with his dog Sadie.  Shane’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving family and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Mark Price and aunt, Michelle Price.  

Survivors include his parents, Shane and Angie Pennington; siblings, Alyssa (John) Dugger, Jacob Pennington, and Braydon Price; maternal grandmother, Tammy Price (Mimi); paternal grandparents, Janet (Caleb) McCauley; nephew, Elliott and Owen Dugger; and extended family consisting of Shane’s loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the coming days. Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the family.  Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.    

Shane Pennington, II
~


Shane Pennington said he was surprised to learn his son wanted to become a pilot after graduating high school. The Mooresville senior loved sports, had lots of friends and enjoyed seeing new places, but he didn't mention flying aircraft until nearly the end of his senior year.

"He just kind of out of nowhere said, 'Hey, I want to be a pilot,' so we looked into a program," Pennington told IndyStar of his son, Shane Pennington II who died unexpectedly at age 20 after a plane crash last month.

On January 24, the Cirrus SR20 aircraft that Pennington II was piloting crashed beside railroad tracks in the 4100 block of Weaver Avenue, a residential area near the University of Indianapolis. Pennington II was the sole occupant in the airplane and was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

"He was excited to be a pilot. He really loved it," his father said, adding, "I think deep down, everybody wants to be a pilot, you know? At least a little bit. I did, as a young kid. I thought it was pretty cool."

Pennington said right after his son graduated from Mooresville High School, he enrolled at Vincennes University, where he received a pilot's license in May 2020, and was flying small planes over the skies of Indianapolis before he was 19 years old.

"We love him and are very proud of all the things he was able to accomplish," Pennington told IndyStar.

The small aircraft piloted by Pennington II departed the Indianapolis Executive Airport at about 3:26 p.m. on January 24 under overcast skies. After takeoff, the plane climbed to about 1,000 feet above the ground and continued southeast past downtown Indianapolis, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

South of downtown, the airplane made a 360-degree left turn and began a rapid descent. There were no witnesses to the accident, records state.

Investigators who examined the wreckage reported there were "no mechanical malfunctions" that would have interrupted the normal operations of the airplane.

Officials noted the information in the report is preliminary and subject to change.




Wednesday, February 01, 2023

Cessna 550 Citation II, N409ST: Accident occurred September 27, 2022 at Waco-McGregor Executive Airport (KPWG), Texas
















WARRANTY:  There is no warranty, express or implied for the information provided herein or the condition, useability, workability, operability or marketability of the aircraft salvage.  All times are approximate and the logbooks and aircraft should be inspected by each bidder BEFORE BIDDING.  Failure of the bidder to view the salvage or wreckage, or confirm any information provided is NOT grounds for a claim or withdrawal of bid after bid closing date.   All Sales Are FINAL. 

HOURS estimated from logbooks or other information - not guaranteed or warranted

AIRCRAFT:  1987 Cessna 550 N409ST, s/n: 550-0559, HOBBS:  9094.4 hrs as of 09/21/2022
                                                                      
See attached Cescom 10

ENGINES: LH - P&W JT15D-4, S/N PCE-71448.  TSN 9089.4.  TSMOH 2370 - as of 09/21/2022

RH - P&W JT15D-4, S/N PCE-71444. TSN 9095.2.  TSMOH 2370  -  as of 09/21/2022         

EQUIPMENT: See attached Installed Component Report

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  On 09/27/2022 while on landing rollout, the aircraft experienced a gear collapse and slid off the right side of the runway where it came to a full stop on its belly.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES: The aircraft sustained visible damage to various areas of the lower fuselage skin, landing gear doors, flaps, ailerons, wing-to-body fairings, engine cowlings and pylons.  Due to the unusual side loads incurred during the runway excursion, the wing root would need to be detail-inspected using non-destructive testing procedures.

Both engine pylons appear to be buckled.

Both engines seem to be in good condition as seen from the ground, but since both engines were powered at the time of the event, the engines will have to be removed and sent to an engine repair facility in search for foreign object ingestion in the form of dirt, debris or small rocks that laid adjacent to the runway.


LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:   1st JetPro of Texas, McGregor, Texas

REMARKS:  Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids. 

Salvage is as is/where is. 

The posting information is the best to our knowledge. 

Logbooks may not be complete.

While the loss occurred on 09/27/2022, all of the times mentioned in the above are as of 09/21/2022.

Read more here: http://www.avclaims.com

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.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Lemishko, Alexander

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

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

ABS Equipment Leasing


Location: McGregor, Texas
Accident Number: CEN22LA434
Date and Time: September 27, 2022, 14:30 Local
Registration: N409ST
Aircraft: Cessna 550
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N409ST
Model/Series: 550
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: Unknown
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 31.4441,-97.4092 (est)

Aircraft veered off runway during landing. 

Date: 27-SEP-22
Time: 20:14:00Z
Regis#: N409ST
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 550
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Flight Crew: 1 No Injuries
Pax: 0
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: WACO
State: TEXAS

Monday, January 30, 2023

Collision with Terrain (non-CFIT): Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N9049H; accident occurred September 11, 2022 in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado




LARIMER COUNTY, Colorado — The pilot of a small plane that crashed in northern Colorado in September last year has been criminally charged.

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) said 35-year-old Ahmed El-Kaddah was flying a Cessna 172M Skyhawk near Horsetooth Reservoir around 7 p.m. September 11, 2022. Witnesses told investigators the plane was being flown recklessly and buzzed several boats before turning west toward the mountains and crashing near Horsetooth Mountain.

El-Kaddah and his passenger survived the crash with only minor injuries, the Sheriff's Office said.

The pilot told authorities the plane had a mechanical issue, but an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined the crash wasn't due to any "mechanical malfunctions or anomalies."

The NTSB report said statements made by El-Kaddah were inconsistent with recovered flight data.

The Sheriff's Office contacted the FBI following the crash, but the FBI said El-Kaddah's actions did not meet the criteria for filing federal charges, the Sheriff's Office said.

The case was then presented to the 8th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which filed the following charges against El-Kaddah:

Five counts of menacing - class 1 misdemeanor

Six counts of reckless endangerment - class 2 misdemeanor

“The fact that someone would show such reckless disregard for the lives of others is concerning, but it’s even more disturbing on a date that holds so much pain and significance for our country,” said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen. “The lack of legal accountability is frustrating to say the least, but in this and every case, we’ll continue to support victims and hold suspects accountable within the confines of the law.”

In a news release, LCSO said the 2021 Colorado Misdemeanor Reform legislation "narrowed the definition of felony menacing; as a result, threatening immediate serious injury with a vehicle or aircraft is classified as a misdemeanor under current law."

LCSO said El-Kaddah left the United States shortly after the crash and has not returned. A warrant has been issued for his arrest upon his return to the United States.

Anyone with information on El-Kaddah's location is asked to call Investigator Tyler Thomas at 970-498-5167.
























Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Williams, David

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

Additional Participating Entity:
Nelson Wolfmeier; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket

Thunderbird Aviation LLC

Journeys Aviation 


Location: Fort Collins, Colorado 
Accident Number: CEN22LA414
Date and Time: September 11, 2022, 18:59 Local 
Registration: N9049H
Aircraft: Cessna 172M 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

A pilot and flight instructor were conducting a personal flight over a reservoir when they descended and flew at a low altitude over two boats on the water. After passing the second boat, they turned west into a cove and impacted rising terrain about 1 mile west of the shoreline, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

Following the accident, the flight instructor made differing and conflicting statements to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The first statement was that there was an engine malfunction and to avoid landing on the water or impacting boats on the surface, he elected to make a climbing right turn to the west, away from the lake, and the airplane subsequently impacted rising terrain. In a written statement provided by the flight instructor, he stated that the power had been reduced to “see more of the scenery.” Shortly thereafter, the pilot flying told him that he could not climb due to a jammed elevator. The flight instructor stated that he could only control the airplane through the use of trim and power manipulation. To avoid congested areas, they maneuvered to the reservoir and attempted to free the jammed elevator by “wiggling the flight control in and out,” which resulted in the airplane pitching down. He stated that after adding power and retrimming the airplane, he elected to fly west into the
valley to look for a landing area.

A review of flight track data revealed that the airplane did not descend as described in the written statement, but instead flew east to west over the reservoir and descended during a 270° turn over the reservoir that was initiated about mid-channel. The airplane traversed about 1.6 miles south along the reservoir before it turned west and climbed. The last recorded altitude was about 6,075 ft msl near the accident location.

Photographs provided by a witness show the airplane low over the water as it approached one of only three visible boats. At first, the airplane appeared headed toward the shore, but made a left turn toward the first boat. After making a very low pass over the boat, the airplane made a steep climb, followed by a steep right turn, and then flew at a low altitude over the second boat. After passing the second boat, the airplane appeared to depart toward a valley.

Postaccident examinations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the engine or flight controls.

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 clearance from rising terrain while intentionally maneuvering the airplane at low altitudes, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot
Environmental issues Mountainous/hilly terrain - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)

On September 11, 2022, about 1859 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N9049H, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Fort Collins, Colorado. The pilot and flight instructor sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

During an initial telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board on September 12, the flight instructor stated that during the flight over Horsetooth Reservoir, an engine power issue had occurred. He stated that in an effort to avoid landing on the water or impacting boats on the surface, he elected to make a climbing right turn to the west, away from the lake, and the airplane impacted rising terrain.

In a written statement provided by the flight instructor on September 15, he reported that he and his brother (who was also a certificated pilot) were flying the airplane east of the Horsetooth Reservoir, between Fort Collins and the reservoir, and his brother reduced power to “observe more of the scenery.” Shortly after reducing the power, his brother told him that he could not climb due to a jammed elevator. The flight instructor stated that he took control of the airplane and confirmed that the elevator was jammed, and he used power and trim to climb. In an effort to avoid congested areas, they maneuvered to the reservoir and attempted to free the jammed elevator by “wiggling the flight control in and out,” which resulted in the airplane pitching down. He stated that after adding power and retrimming the airplane, he elected to fly west into the valley to look for a landing area. Unable to outclimb the rising terrain, the airplane impacted a tree and the rising terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

Flight track data for this report was obtained from L3/Harris OpsVue, a commercially available web base product that aggregates and geo-references Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data sources including data from FAA ASDE-X and ASSC systems, FAA terminal and en route radars, the FAA certified ADS-B Network and flight plan data from the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system. The accident airplane was squawking a non-discreet beacon code of 1200 and positive identification could not be made. However, the flight track data obtained was consistent with the reported departure time and airport, and the flight track ended near the recorded accident location (figure 1). A review of the data revealed that the airplane was about 6,550 ft above mean sea level (msl) when it crossed the east bank of the reservoir headed west. After it crossed about mid-channel, the airplane turned right, about 270° while descending to an altitude below 5,500 ft msl (floor of coverage). Due to being below the floor of coverage, flight track and altitudes ceased to record. When the airplane was reacquired, the position was about 1 mile south at an altitude of about 5,375 ft msl. The airplane traversed about 1.6 miles south along the reservoir before it turned west and climbed.

The last recorded altitude was about 6,075 ft msl near the accident location.

Photographs provided by a witness show the airplane low over the water as it approached one of only three visible boats. At first, the airplane appeared headed toward the shore, but made a left turn toward the first boat (figures 2 and 3). After making a very low pass over the boat (figure 4), the airplane made a steep climb, followed by a steep right turn (figure 5), and then low over the second boat (figure 6). After passing the second boat, the airplane appeared to depart toward a valley.

An FAA air safety inspector completed an on-scene examination of the airplane. During the examination, flight control continuity was established from the control yokes to the elevator control surface with no binding or mechanical anomalies noted. A visual examination of the other flight controls revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. 

During a postaccident examination conducted by the NTSB, flight control continuity was established from the control yokes, through recovery cuts to all flight control surfaces with no binding or mechanical anomalies notes. The engine was examined, and no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight instructor Information

Certificate: Airline transport; Flight instructor 
Age: 34,
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Unmanned (sUAS) 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations 
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 3, 2022
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: June 11, 2022
Flight Time: 3580 hours (Total, all aircraft), 337 hours (Total, this make and model), 2571 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 72 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 38
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: None 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: Yes 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 7000 hours (Total, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N9049H
Model/Series: 172M 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal 
Serial Number: 17265918
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Certified 
Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Engine Model/Series: O320
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 180
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFNL, 5015 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 18:56 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 128°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Boulder, CO (KBDU) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fort Collins, CO
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.546516,-105.17836 





Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. 

Date: 12-SEP-22
Time: 01:00:00Z
Regis#: N9049H
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 172
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Flight Crew: 1 Minor Injuries
Pax: 1 Minor Injuries 
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: SUBSTANTIAL
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
Operation: 91
City: FORT COLLINS
State: COLORADO