PIPER WING SEPARATION
The NTSB continues investigating the April 4,
2018, crash of a Piper PA-28R-201 near Daytona
Beach, FL. Two people suffered fatal injuries following
an in-flight separation of the airplane’s left
wing shortly after takeoff. The airplane subsequently
collided with terrain and was destroyed.
The airplane was registered to and operated by
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as an
instructional flight under Part 91.
Initial examination of the left wing main spar at
the NTSB Materials Laboratory revealed more
than 80 percent of the lower spar cap and portions
of the forward and aft spar web doublers
exhibited fracture features consistent with metal
fatigue. The fatigue features originated at or near
the outboard forward wing spar attachment bolt
hole.
The structures group of the NTSB’s investigation
conducted an inspection of another Piper PA-
28R-201. The plane inspected had a similar number
of total airframe hours and cycles and was
used exclusively for flight training of students.
That inspection revealed a crack indication at the
left lower outboard forward wing spar attachment
bolt hole. The crack measured about 0.040-inch
long and deep. The airplane’s wings were subsequently
reinstalled and examined using new
inspection procedures developed by Piper
Aircraft. A bolt-hole eddy current inspection probe
was used to confirm the location and size of the
previously identified crack.
Nine additional PA-28R-201 airplanes have
been inspected using eddy current inspection
techniques under NTSB supervision. No crack
indications were detected in these nine inspections.
CIRRUS SR22
The NTSB is investigating the May 31, 2018,
crash of a Cirrus Design SR22 which impacted
terrain during an uncontrolled descent shortly
after taking off from Runway 16R at the Midland
International Air and Space Port Airport (MAF),
Midland, TX. The student pilot and his passenger
were fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed.
The airplane was registered to and operated by
JMC Ranches, LLC, Midland, TX, and was operating
under Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual
meteorological conditions existed at the accident
site. The flight was destined for Sierra Blanca
Regional Airport (SRR), Ruidoso, NM.
During the initial climb, the airplane was seen
to enter a right descending turn.
EXPERIMENTAL RV-6A
The NTSB is investigating the May 27, 2018,
crash of an experimental amateur-built RV-6A airplane
following a loss of control shortly after takeoff
from Petaluma Municipal Airport (O69),
Petaluma, CA. The commercial pilot and passenger
were fatally injured. The airplane was registered
to and operated by the pilot under Part 91.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The
flight was destined for Lincoln Regional/Karl
Harder Field (LHM), Lincoln, CA.
According to a witness who observed the accident,
shortly after taking off, and at an altitude of
about 800 feet AGL, the airplane’s engine backfired
and a drop in the engine rpm was heard; this
was followed by smaller backfire sounds from the
engine. The witness stated that it appeared that
the pilot then made a turn to return to the airport.
As the turn continued, the airplane’s right wing
entered a full stall, which was followed by the airplane
entering a spin and impacting terrain.
BEECH P35
The NTSB is investigating the May 27, 2018,
crash of a Beech P35 following a loss of control
during takeoff from Millard Airport (MLE), Omaha,
NE. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger sustained
fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed by a
post impact fire.
The airplane was registered to and operated
by a private individual as a Part 91 personal flight.
Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The flight’s the destination was unknown.
According to witnesses, the airplane was
attempting to take off from Runway 30 (3,801 feet
long by 75 feet wide). During the takeoff roll,
about 1,300 feet from the departure end of the
runway, the airplane ran off the left side of the
runway, traveled through several grass medians
between the runway and taxiways, onto several
taxiway surfaces, and was briefly airborne during
portions of the runway excursion. The airplane
crossed the end of the runway, became airborne,
and then appeared to stall. The airplane’s right
wing struck the terrain, the airplane cartwheeled,
and a post impact fire ensued.
During the runway excursion, the airplane
impacted several runway and taxiway light structures.
CESSNA 140
Witnesses have told investigators that the
Cessna 140 which crashed on May 22, 2018, at
the Spruce Creek Airport, Daytona Beach, FL,
had been making touch-and-goes. The commercial
pilot was seriously injured, and the pilot-rated
passenger was fatally injured. Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed. The personal flight was
conducted under Part 91.
The witnesses observed the airplane make
two touch-and-go landings on Runway 6. During
the third touch-and-go, the airplane reached an
altitude of about 200-300 feet AGL when the
engine “sputtered,” revved up, sputtered a second
time, and then experienced a total loss of power.
They further stated the airplane then made a left
turn like it was returning to the runway. During the
left turn, the airplane descended steeply and
impacted the ground.
The wreckage was located in a wooded area,
about 300 feet to the left side of the departure
end of Runway 6.
PIPER PA-28-140
The NTSB is investigating the May 22, 2018,
crash of a Piper PA-28-140 near Chesapeake,
VA. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The
privately-owned airplane was operated under Part
91 as a personal flight. Day instrument meteoro-
logical conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan
was filed for the flight, which departed from
Chesapeake Regional Airport (CPK),
Chesapeake, VA, and was destined for Republic
Airport (FRG), Farmingdale, NY.
Review of preliminary radar track data provided
by the FAA revealed that the airplane departed
Runway 23, climbed to about 350 feet MSL on
a southwest ground track, and began a right turn.
It completed a full 360 degrees right turn, and
during the turn rapidly descended to 75 feet MSL
and climbed to 600 feet MSL. The last data point
recorded showed the airplane at about 0.2 nautical
miles from the accident site. The airplane was
at 375 feet MSL, headed 297 degrees, at 42
knots ground speed.
The airplane came to rest upright in a flat,
open field, oriented on a magnetic heading of 325
degrees, about 0.75 nautical miles southwest of
CPK.
ZENITH 601
The pilot was fatally injured in the May 14,
2018, crash of a Zenith 602 light sport airplane at
the Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club, Bolivar,
MO. The airplane was registered to and operated
by the pilot under Part 91 as a personal flight.
Visual meteorological conditions were reported at
the accident site. The local flight originated from
Bolivar Municipal Airport (M17).
Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying
at low altitude and porpoising (nose up and
down) before striking trees and impacting terrain
between the 16th and 18th holes at the golf
course, located about 3/4-mile south of the departure
airport. They said they heard the engine running
and it sounded normal. The on-scene examination
established flight control continuity. The
two-blade wooden propeller bore evidence consistent
with rotation at impact.
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing.
TAYLORCRAFT
The NTSB is investigating the May 21, 2018,
crash of a Taylorcraft BC12-D during the initial
climb after takeoff from a private airstrip in
Commerce, GA. The commercial pilot was fatally
injured. The airplane was registered to and operated
by the pilot under Part 91. Day visual meteorological
conditions prevailed for the local, personal
flight.
According to a witness, he saw the pilot conduct
a preflight inspection of the accident airplane
and depart on a 10 minute flight. When the airplane
returned to the airstrip the witness heard
the engine rpm “going up and down.” The pilot
landed and began taxiing toward the hangar, but
then turned around and taxied the airplane back
to the runway for another takeoff. The airplane
reached an altitude about 50 to 75 feet above the
runway. The airplane was slow and just above the
trees when the right wing dropped, which was followed
by the nose, and impact with trees. When
the witness arrived at the accident site to assist
the pilot he noticed fuel leaking and the starter
motor was running.
PIPER PA-34-200T
The NTSB is investigating the May 20, 2018,
crash of a Piper PA-34-200T on Bald Mountain,
while maneuvering near Bennington, VT. The
commercial pilot was fatally injured. The personal
flight was conducted under Part 91. The planned
destination was Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC),
Oxford, CT. The flight originated from Burlington
International Airport (BTV), Burlington, VT.
According to an FAA designated pilot examiner
(DPE) at BTV, the pilot had obtained a commercial
pilot certificate and certified flight instructor
certificate, with a multi-engine land rating, on
May 17 and May 19, respectively. They then
reviewed weather together on May 19 for the
pilot’s return flight to his home airport, OXC, and
the DPE advised the pilot to return on May 21
due to weather. The DPE further stated that he
was surprised to learn that the pilot attempted to
return home on May 20.
Review of preliminary information from the
FAA revealed that the pilot was receiving flight
following from Albany Approach Control. The controller
advised the pilot of the location of precipitation,
along with mountainous terrain nearby. The
controller subsequently solicited a pilot report
from the pilot regarding cloud bases. The pilot
reported that the cloud bases were at 3,000 feet;
however, at that time, radar indicated that the
accident airplane was at 3,400 feet. The controller
then asked the pilot if he was in the clouds
and the pilot responded that he was coming out
of them. The controller suggested a westbound
turn for lower terrain and continued radar coverage.
At that time, the accident airplane was flying
between 3,200 feet and 4,000 feet MSL, but the
minimum vectoring altitude for that area was
5,000 feet MSL. The airplane briefly turned to a
westbound heading, but then turned back to a
southeast heading. About 4 miles later, the controller
again advised the pilot that if he continued
on the present heading that radar coverage would
be lost. The pilot asked again what heading he
should fly and the controller responded westbound,
which the pilot responded “westbound
heading 270.” Radar and radio contact were then
lost during the second westbound turn. The last
radar target indicated an altitude of 3,500 feet
MSL and ground speed of 218 knots, about 1,000
feet from the accident site, which was approximately
2,625 feet MSL.
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate
with ratings for airplane multi-engine land and
instrument airplane. He also held a private pilot
certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine
land and instrument airplane. He held a flight
instructor certificate with a rating for airplane
multi-engine land. Review of the pilot’s application
for a commercial pilot certificate, dated May 17,
2018, revealed a total flight experience of 256
hours of which 45 hours were instrument experience.
The application did not specify simulated
instrument, actual instrument, or recent instrument
experience.
MD 369D
On May 20, 2018, an MD Helicopters 369D
collided with a powerline structure and terrain
while performing aerial inspection/maintenance to
the structure near Luling, LA. The helicopter was
destroyed by impact forces. The commercial pilot
sustained minor injuries, one crewmember sustained
fatal injuries, and another crewmember
sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was
registered to and operated by a company and
flown under Part 133 as an external load operation.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at
the time of the accident.
CESSNA 182G
The NTSB is investigating the May 13, 2018,
accident involving a Cessna 182G airplane which
hit mountainous terrain near Cascade, ID. The
private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was
registered to and operated by the pilot under Part
91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The flight originated from Boise Air
Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI), Boise, ID, and was
destined for McCall Municipal Airport (MYL),
McCall, ID.
The wreckage debris path was located in a
wooded area approximately 41 nautical miles
(nm) north of BOI.
BEECH 35-A33
Investigators have received information from
the pilot of the Beech 35-A33 who had to execute
a forced landing in Jacksonville, AL. The airplane
was destroyed. The airline transport pilot was
seriously injured, and one passenger, his daughter,
was fatally injured. The airplane was registered
to the pilot and was operated under Part 91
as a personal flight. Night visual meteorological
conditions prevailed.
The flight originated at Hartselle-Morgan
County Regional Airport (5M0), Hartselle, AL, and
was destined for Falcon Field (FFC), Peachtree
City, GA.
The pilot reported that he was familiar with the
route from 5M0 to FFC and had flown it numerous
times before. Visual meteorological conditions
prevailed, and he planned the route at 5,500
feet MSL. All ground operations and the departure
from 5M0 were uneventful.
His first indication of a problem was the smell
of smoke. He was not completely sure it was from
the airplane at first; he thought it could have been
from outside. He continued to smell the smoke
and “started turning stuff off.” He kept progressing
and analyzing the situation. The engine suddenly
“sputtered and quit.” He had just crossed over the
boundary of the Talladega National Forest, so he
reversed his course because it “appeared darker
there.” He turned the fuel boost pump on and
established the airplane’s best glide airspeed. He
believed that the airplane may have recovered
some power. He maneuvered the airplane toward
a pasture near Jacksonville. It was night but he
could still see the ground.
After setting up the glide to a general area, he
felt a “warm heat.” His daughter climbed into the
rear cabin. He pulled out the fire extinguisher and
discharged it toward the firewall where there were
now flames. He had “some luck” with the extinguisher.
The smoke continued and got heavy; he
had to open the side window to let some air in, so
he could clear the smoke and see. The flames
persisted. While crossing a ridge, the airplane hit
trees and spun around and crashed. He was still
in the airplane, but his daughter was not. The
wreckage was on fire. He got out and ran clear of
the wreckage. He found his daughter and she
was injured. He could hear a siren “right away.”
First responders arrived shortly thereafter.
PIPER PA-28-180
The NTSB is investigating the May 12, 2018,
crash of a Piper Cherokee PA-28-180 in remote,
mountainous, snow-covered terrain about 1 mile
south-southeast of Whittier, AK. The student pilot
sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was registered
to and operated by the pilot as a Part 91
VFR solo cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the departure airport.
The flight originated from the Merrill Field Airport
(MRI,) Anchorage, AK, and was destined for the
Valdez Pioneer Field Airport (VDZ,) Valdez, AK.
The purpose of the flight, according to family
members, was for the pilot to reposition his airplane
from MRI to VDZ for the summer.
According to FAA Air Traffic Control records,
the airplane departed MRI at 0859 and preceded
to the Turnagain Arm waterway where the pilot
reported Bird Creek point at 0916. No further
radio communications were received from the
pilot.
Archived images from FAA aviation weather
cameras on the morning of May 12 at Whittier
and Portage Glacier depict low cloud ceilings with
obscured mountain tops in the area near the accident
site.
CIRRUS SR22
Investigators have reviewed ATC recordings
and radar data related to the May 11, 2018, crash
of a Cirrus Design Corporation SR22 airplane
near Lone Tree, CO. The private pilot was fatally
injured. The airplane was destroyed. The personal
flight was conducted under Part 91. Visual
meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane
had departed from Centennial Airport (APA),
Denver, CO, and was en route to Grand Junction
Regional Airport (GJT), Grand Junction, CO.
The recordings and data indicate the airplane
was cleared for a left downwind departure from
Runway 35R (10,000 feet by 100 feet). The controller
asked the pilot to remain west of the final
approach path for Runway 35R due to inbound
traffic. Radar data showed the airplane turn left
for the downwind departure and fly to the south.
Initially the airplane was west of the center line,
but then started a left turn, toward the centerline
of the approach corridor, at an altitude of 6,900
feet MSL. The airplane flew through the center
line, and the controller asked the pilot to remain
east of the center line. The controller asked the
pilot his intentions and the pilot requested to
return to the airport. Radar data showed the airplane
westbound, toward the centerline at an altitude
of 7,500 feet MSL.
The airplane impacted an open field 2.5 miles
south/southwest of the approach end of Runway
35R. The engine of the airplane came to rest in
the wall of a house.
BEECH BE76
The NTSB is investigating the May 10, 2018,
crash of a Beech BE76 twin-engine airplane in
mountainous terrain in the vicinity of Julian, CA.
The certificated flight instructor, pilot receiving
instruction, and student pilot-rated passenger
were fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed
by a post impact fire.
The airplane was registered to and operated
by an aviation school as an instructional crosscountry
flight under Part 91. Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed. The flight originated from
Apple Valley Airport (APV), Apple Valley, CA, at
an undetermined time and was destined for
Gillespie Field Airport (SEE), El Cajon, CA.
According to the representatives from the
flight school, the purpose of the flight was a day
and night 100 nautical mile (nm) cross country
flight. The flight to APV was conducted during the
day, and the return flight from APV to SEE was to
be conducted at night.
The accident site was located less than 1 mile
southeast of the Julian VOR in mountainous terrain
at an elevation of about 4,200 feet. The
wreckage was contained within a 150-foot circumference
of the initial impact point.
AERONCA 7AC
The NTSB is investigating the May 5, 2018,
accident involving an Aeronca 7AC which impacted
trees shortly after departure from the Randall
Airport (06N), Middletown, NY. The commercial
pilot was fatally injured, and the flight instructor
was seriously injured. Day visual meteorological
conditions prevailed. The airplane was owned by
a flying club and operated by the commercial pilot
under Part 91.
A witness,who was driving on the road adjacent
to the accident site observed the airplane flying
in a westerly direction, when it “suddenly went
nose down.” She then stopped, saw the airplane
in the woods, and called 911.
The commercial pilot was seated in the front
seat. According to FAA airman records, he held a
commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane
single-engine land, airplane single-engine
sea, airplane multi-engine land, instrument airplane,
and glider. His most recent second class
medical certificate was issued on June 21, 2017.
According to his logbook, he had 737 total hours
with 12 in Aeronca 7A aircraft.
The flight instructor was seated in the rear
seat.
PIPER PA-32-300
The NTSB is investigating the May 2, 2018,
crash of a Piper PA-32-300 at the Greenwood
Lake Airport (4N1), West Milford, NJ. The private
pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed.
The airplane was going to Orange County
Airport (MGJ), Montgomery, NY.
A flight instructor located at 4N1, who was
also a friend of the pilot, told investigators that he
talked with the pilot just before the accident. He
stated that the pilot told him that he was having
problems with the airplane’s engine, and thought
it was either the magnetos or the spark plugs.
The pilot stated he was going to taxi to the end of
the runway and perform an engine run-up. If the
engine run-up was successful, he was going to
take a short flight to MGJ and then return.
A witness, located 1 mile north of the airport,
heard the airplane take off and then heard the airplane’s
engine sputter, then shut off. He then
heard the sound of a crash and called 911.
THUNDER MUSTANG
On May 1, 2018, an experimental amateurbuilt,
American Air Racing Thunder Mustang
(Blue Thunder II) sustained substantial damage
during a forced landing at Reno/Stead Airport,
Reno, NV. The airplane was registered to a company
and operated by the airline transport pilot
under Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot was
fatally injured. The local flight departed Reno
about 1815. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The airplane was taking part in an in-flight
photography mission with another Thunder
Mustang, with the photographs being taken from
a Beechcraft Bonanza. After about one hour of
flight, which included multiple north-south passes
north of the airport, the group agreed to end the
mission and return to Reno.
As the airplane’s approached within about 2
miles of the airport from the north, the accident
pilot transmitted a “mayday” call over the common
traffic advisory frequency. The pilot of the
other Thunder Mustang replied, asking for a confirmation,
and the pilot responded again with a
mayday call adding that he intended to land on
Runway 14. The other pilot watched as the accident
airplane began to descend towards the airport.
He observed it overshoot the Runway 14
centerline to the south, and then begin a sweeping
180 degrees left turn followed by a right turn
to rejoin the centerline. By this time the airplane
was midfield and low over the runway, flying at
what he judged to be a high speed. He could not
tell if the airplane had touched down or was still
floating, and as it approached the end of the runway,
it veered off the right side and nosed over.
The airplane came to rest inverted in a gravel
area.
The engine’s fuel pump, water pump, propeller
governor, auxiliary alternator, and both the scavenge
and pressure oil pumps, were driven by the
engine crankshaft via pulleys and two parallel
serpentine belts.
Post accident examination revealed that the
water pump pulley had separated from the pump
drive flange. The pulley mounting bolt heads had
detached, leaving their threaded stud ends still in
the flange. Both serpentine belts had also
detached, along with the top of the engine
coolant outlet hose, which was adjacent to the
pulley. No other mechanical anomalies were
noted, and the pump assembly was retained for
further examination.
.
DRONE-HELICOPTER COLLISION
The NTSB has determined that the operator
of a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS)
drone that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter
failed to see and avoid the helicopter because he
was intentionally flying the drone out of visual
range and did not have adequate knowledge of
regulations and safe operating practices.
The incident took place near Hoffman Island,
NY, east of Staten Island, on Sept. 21, 2017,
when a DJI Phantom 4 small unmanned aircraft
system and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60M Black
Hawk helicopter collided at an altitude of about
300 feet. The helicopter landed safely; the drone
was destroyed. A 1-1/2 inch dent was found on
the leading edge of one of the helicopter’s four
main rotor blades and parts of the drone were
found lodged in the helicopter’s engine oil cooler
fan.
The drone operator was unaware of the collision
until an NTSB investigator contacted him.
The operator was also not aware of temporary
flight restrictions that were in place at the time
because of President Trump being at his golf
resort in Bedminster, NJ, and a United Nations
General Assembly session taking place.
He was flying the drone recreationally and did
not hold an FAA remote pilot certificate. The
pilot to see and avoid the helicopter due to his
intentional flight beyond visual line of sight.
Contributing to the incident was the small
unmanned aircraft system pilot’s incomplete
knowledge of the regulations and safe operating
practices.
FLIGHT 2196
The NTSB has released preliminary information
from its investigation of an incident at
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,
Atlanta, GA, involving Delta Air Lines flight 2196.
On Nov. 29, 2017, about 1106 eastern standard
time, the Boeing B737-900ER was cleared
to land on, and was initially lined up for, Runway
09R. Radar data indicate that, within about 1 mile
of the runway, flight 2196 began to deviate left of
the approach course and subsequently aligned
with taxiway N. A go-around was initiated after
crossing above the start of the taxiway. The taxiway
was occupied by an airplane at the time, but
flight 2196 did not overfly this airplane during the
go-around. The incident flight was operating
under Part 121 as a scheduled domestic passenger
flight from Indianapolis International Airport,
Indianapolis, Indiana. Daytime instrument meteorological
conditions prevailed at the time of the
incident.
The incident first officer was the pilot flying
and the incident captain was the pilot monitoring.
The first officer had accumulated about 3,000
total flight hours with 555 hours in the Boeing
737. The captain has accumulated about 17,000
total flight hours with about 2,200 hours in the
Boeing 737, 1,700 hours of which was as captain.
The flightcrew members reported that the airplane
intercepted the glideslope clear of clouds
but that there was a cloud layer below. The first
officer stated that, about 300 feet AGL and in
IMC, he saw that the airplane was slightly right of
course, so he corrected to the left but overcorrected,
and the airplane deviated left of course.
The first officer reported that, when the airplane
reached the decision height (DH) of 200
feet AGL, the localizer reached full-scale deflection
on the instrument panel. The captain stated
that he called for a go-around at DH because he
did not have the airport environment or approach
lights in sight. Both pilots stated that the captain
called for a go-around before it was called by the
air traffic control (ATC) tower controller.
Both crewmembers stated that they believed
that go-around power may not have been fully set
initially. Both crewmembers reported only exiting
IMC for a brief period during the go-around; they
identified they were to the right of a taxiway at
that time. The flightcrew members of the airplane
on taxiway N stated that they saw the incident airplane
briefly, in and out of the clouds. It did not
overfly them, and they did not recall hearing any
engine noise from the plane.
SUMWALT AT ICAO
NTSB Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt spoke at
the Montreal, Canada, headquarters of the
International Civil Aviation Organization on Dec.
7, 2017. He said, “...the current five-year theme
of ICAO is ‘Working Together to Ensure No
Country is Left Behind.’ Today I met with ICAO
Secretary General Liu and she and I both agree
that we all have an obligation to help each other.
When one of us has information that can help
others, we need to share it.
“...I believe it’s important that the investigation
is independent of outside influences. When the
NTSB was originally formed in 1967, it was
administratively part of the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT). In 1974, however,
Congress moved NTSB completely outside of
DOT and made it independent of all other agencies.
“One way to counter misinformation is being
transparent. When I’m talking about transparency,
I’m not talking about tweeting every single thing
that you find. Rather, I’m talking about releasing
factual information, in a controlled and deliberate
manner. I’m talking about allowing the public to
see inside the investigative processes so a reasonable
person can draw the same conclusions
as you did.”
AEROSTAR 601
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 10, 2017,
accident involving a Smith Aerostar 601 which
crashed shortly after taking off from the Miami
Executive Airport (TMB), Miami, FL. The pilot was
fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed by
impact forces. The airplane was registered to and
operated by the pilot under Part 91 as a personal
flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
An employee of the flight school where the
airplane was tied down, stated the pilot arrived at
the flight school about 1000 and began to preflight
the airplane. About 1030 he stated that he
needed fuel and he fueled the airplane himself
adding 105.2 gallons of 100LL. It is unknown how
much fuel was put in each of the three fuel tanks.
Shortly thereafter, the pilot taxied the airplane to
the ramp in front of the flight school hangar. The
pilot kept a tool box in the hangar, and the employee stated the pilot was working on the airplane
when he noticed fuel leaking from under
the airplane. The employee stated that the pilot
made a comment that he should have fixed that
before he fueled the airplane. Both the employee
and another witness stated that fuel was leaking
from the aft fuselage belly area. They stated the
pilot had several 5-gallon orange buckets under
the airplane to catch the fuel. Neither witness saw
how much fuel was in the buckets or what the
pilot did with the fuel. The following day it was
noted that there was a 12 foot by 16 foot stain on
the asphalt ramp where the airplane had been
parking. One of the witnesses stated that the
stain was from the fuel that was leaking out of the
airplane.
A video from a camera at the airport was
reviewed by an FAA Inspector. The video showed
the airplane in front of the hangar at 1135. The
pilot was seen walking back and forth from the
airplane into the hangar where his toolbox was
stored. At 1324, the airplane was pushed back
from the hangar. At 1331, the airplane was started,
and it was taxied out at 1400.
According to air traffic control, the pilot initiated
a takeoff on Runway 31 at 1428. The airplane
became airborne and for some unknown reason,
the pilot aborted the takeoff, landing the airplane
back on the runway. The airplane was taxied
back to the approach end of Runway 31 and a
second takeoff was made. Witnesses in an airplane
waiting to take off on Runway 31 stated
they were second in line to take off behind the
accident airplane. They did not notice anything
unusual until they heard a pilot declare an emergency.
One of the pilots reported the air traffic controller
cleared the pilot to land on any runway,
then cleared him to land on Runway 9R. They
reported the airplane was between 400 feet and
800 feet above the ground and in a left bank,
appearing to be turning back toward Runway 9R.
They stated they thought the pilot was going to
make it back to the runway, but then the left bank
kept increasing past 90 degrees and the nose
suddenly dropped.
TEXTRON U206
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 10, 2017,
crash of a Textron Aviation (formerly Cessna)
U206G in remote hills in Maunaloa, HI, about 4
miles southwest of the Molokai Airport while performing
an IFR approach. The instrument-rated
private pilot and sole passenger sustained fatal
injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. The
flight originated from the Daniel K. Inouye
International Airport, Honolulu, HI.
While the pilot was conducting a circling
instrument approach, the air traffic controller
observed the airplane south of course at a 6-mile
final and advised the pilot of this status. The pilot
responded that he was correcting, but was
maneuvering to remain clear of clouds. The airplane
then disappeared from the radar display
system and the air control controller transmitted
to the pilot with no response.
BEECH A36
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 9, 2017,
crash of a Beech A36 into a house near
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF), San
Diego, CA. The pilot and one passenger sustained
serious injuries. Two other passengers
were fatally injured.
The airplane was operated by the pilot as a
Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions
prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed
for the cross-country flight to Los Angeles.
The pilot reported that about 1.5 miles west of
the airport, at 700 feet AGL, the engine experienced
a complete loss of power. He executed a
steep 180 degrees turn to the right and performed
the emergency procedure for loss of
engine power. Engine power was not regained
and he executed a forced landing to a nearby
field. During landing, the pilot applied brakes, but
due to an insufficient stopping distance, the airplane
impacted and traveled through a fence
before colliding with the residence. A post crash
fire ensued.
BEECH C90
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 8, 2017,
crash of a Beech C90 into the waters of Lake
Harney, near Geneva, FL. The airplane was operated
as a Part 91 instructional flight. The flight
instructor and two commercial pilots receiving
instruction were fatally injured.
Instrument and visual meteorological conditions
prevailed in the area, and an instrument
flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight, which
originated from Sanford, FL.
Review of preliminary information provided by
the FAA revealed that following an uneventful
flight to Milledgeville, GA, the flight returned to
the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
and conducted a practice instrument approach to
Runway 09. After the flight completed the instrument
approach, the active runway was changed
to 27R and controllers vectored the flight for a
practice ILS Runway 27R instrument approach.
About 2 minutes after the flight was given a
vector to intercept the localizer and cleared for
the approach, the controller issued a low altitude
alert and advised the flight to climb to 1,600 feet.
Following a second low altitude alert with instructions
to immediately climb to 1,600 feet, the flight
responded that “I am sir, I am.” Shortly after,
radar and radio communication with the accident
airplane were lost.
BEECH BE58
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 7, 2017,
crash of a Beech BE58 while it was attempting to
return to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (TISX),
Christiansted, St. Croix, United States Virgin
Islands (USVI), shortly after takeoff. The private
pilot and four passengers were fatally injured.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and
no flight plan was filed for the local flight.
The personal flight was conducted under Part
91 and was destined for Cyril E. King Airport
(TIST), Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI.
According to a preliminary review of air traffic
control audio information, the airplane departed
Runway 10 at TISX. Shortly thereafter, the pilot
reported “the engines are not running right” and
requested to return to the airport. The controller
instructed the pilot to fly north and cleared the airplane
to land on Runway 10. There were no further
communications with the pilot.
The airplane was destroyed by impact forces
and consumed by fire. The wreckage was located
on flat terrain, about 380 feet from the threshold
of Runway 10, about 60 feet right of the extended
runway centerline.
RAYTHEON B36TC
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 6, 2017,
crash of a Raytheon Aircraft Company B36TC airplane into a gas station pump canopy and parking
lot following a reported loss of engine power
while on visual approach to the Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (SUS), Chesterfield, MO. The private pilot
sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was
destroyed by post impact fire.
The airplane was being operated by a private
individual as a Part 91 personal flight. Day visual
meteorological conditions prevailed and the flight
was conducted on an IFR flight plan. The flight
departed the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT),
Phoenix, AZ, and was destined for SUS.
According to preliminary radar and communication
information, the airplane was on a left traffic
visual approach to SUS. During the visual
approach, the pilot reported an engine issue and
losing power, and the local controller immediately
cleared the pilot to land on Runway 26L. The pilot
responded that he may not be able to make it to
the airport. No further communications were
received from the pilot.
EXPERIMENTAL SPARROW HAWK
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 2, 2017,
crash of an experimental amateur-built Sparrow
Hawk gyroplane near Eagles Ridge Airport
(MS9), Hernando, MS. The sport pilot and pilot-
rated passenger were fatally injured. The gyro-
plane was destroyed by a post crash fire. It was
being operated under Part 91 as a local personal
flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
One person did report having heard a loud
sound similar to a gunshot, but dismissed it.
While walking, he spotted a grass fire. He walked
to a nearby home to tell the homeowner to call
911 to report the fire. First responders who
arrived to extinguish the fire subsequently
observed the wreckage.
SHORT 330
The NTSB is investigating the May 5, 2017, crash of a Short Brothers 330 twin-engine turboprop on landing at Yeager Airport, Charleston, WV. The airplane ran off the end of the runway and down a hillside. The pilot and co-pilot were killed. The airplane had been en route from Louisville, KY. It was carrying cargo and was under contract to United Parcel Service. The ceiling was reported to be a 500 foot overcast, but visibility was 10 miles at the time. The accident occurred shortly before 7 a.m.
BELLANCA
On April 24, 2017, at 1339 central daylight time, a Bellanca 17-31 airplane collided with high tension power lines and impacted terrain while attempting to land at the Jesse Viertel Memorial Airport (VER), Boonville, Missouri. The pilot and passenger were both fatally injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by Select Airplane, LLC, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that operated without a flight plan.
The airport manager witnessed the accident sequence. He reported that he saw the airplane very low on final approach for runway 18. As the airplane continued towards the airport, he saw it abruptly pitch nose low and descend into the terrain. He immediately contacted emergency service and went to provide aid.
Damage to the power lines were consistent with the airplane colliding with a power line from a set of power lines that were about 75 ft above ground level and about a ½ mile north of the approach end of runway 18. Additional damage to two power lines that were about 15 ft above ground level was found about 110 ft south of the first power line. A subsequent impact crater on the northern shoulder of a 2-lane road, was located about 8 feet south of the second set of struck power lines. The airplane had come to rest inverted on south side of the road, with the nose pointing towards the opposite direction of travel. All major components were located at the accident site.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the accident.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
CESSNA 421C
On April 25, 2017, about 1038 central daylight time, a Cessna model 421C was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain near Huntsville, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane sustained impact and fire damage to all structural components. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Klass Enterprises, LLC, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a post-maintenance test flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Lone Star Executive Airport, Conroe, Texas, at an unconfirmed time.
A witness, who was an off-duty police officer, reported seeing the airplane flying in a westerly direction about 150 feet above the ground. He said that the airplane banked left about 45 degrees and he noticed that the left propeller of the airplane was not turning and the airplane was losing altitude. Suspecting a problem, the officer got into his car and in doing so, he heard the operating engine either idle down or shut off completely. The airplane then went out of sight behind a tree line and the officer observed a large plume of smoke. The officer added that when the airplane passed over his residence the flaps appeared to be retracted or at a very low angle and the landing gear was in the retracted position. He noted that the right engine did not did not sound as though it was sputtering or experiencing difficulties until he heard it idle down. He further noted that he did not see any smoke coming from the aircraft as it passed overhead.
The impacted trees and terrain before coming to rest inverted in a shallow ranch pond. The lower portion of the fuselage and the wings remained above the surface of the water and showed evidence of fire damage. Based on the tree impact, the airplane was traveling in a southerly direction when the impact occurred. On-scene examination of the airplane was not possible due to its location in the pond and further examination will be conducted after removal from the accident site.
MIDAIR
The NTSB is investigating the April 1, 2017, midair collision of a Cessna 170 and a Grumman American AA5B at Edgewater, FL.
The pilots of both aircraft were killed. It is believed none else was
onboard. There were no fatalities on the ground.
The collision took place about 3 miles north of Massey Airpark at New Smyrna Beach, FL.
CESSNA 210
Four people were reported killed in the March 25, 2017, crash of a Cessna
210 airplane at Hayden, AL. The airplane had departed Kissimmee, FL, and was en route to Jackson, TN. Witnesses told investigators that
the airplane broke up in flight. NTSB investigators documented that pieces of wreckage were widely separated.
CITATION
A Cessna Citation jet crashed on March 24, 2017, in Marietta, GA. The airplane was en route to Fulton County Airport at Atlanta from Wilmington, DE. The pilot, who was believed to be the only occupant, was killed. The
airplane crashed into a house. No one was in the structure at the time.
The NTSB is investigating.
CESSNA 421
A twin-engine Cessna 421 crashed just after midnight on March 4, 2017, at the Cherokee County Regional Airport, Ball Grand, Georgia. The pilot, who was the only occupant, received fatal injuries. The airplane struck wires and a telephone pole before impacting the ground. It is believed that the pilot was attempting to land at the time of the accident.
BEECH BE-60
Two peope were killed in the March 4, 2017, crash of Beechcraft
BE-60 at Duette, Florida, in eastern Manatee County. The airplane
had departed the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport about
a half-hour before the accident. There was a post crash fire which
affected approximately 30 acres of vegetation and brush.
SONEX
The pilot who died in the February 28, 2017, crash of a single-engine
Sonex into the roof of a condominium in Methuen, Massachusetts, has been identified as former Newburyport, Massachusetts, Mayor
Alan Lavender, age 73.
The crash site was must across the Merrimack River from Lawrence Airport. The NTSB is investigating. The pilot was on approach for
landing at Lawrence when the accident occurred. It is not believed he made a distress call prior to the accident.
CESSNA 310
The NTSB is investigating the February 27, 2017, crash of a Cessna 310 into two houses about a half-mile from the Riverside, California, municipal airport. Three people on the airplane were known to have
been killed. One survivor, a teenage girl, was ejected from the airplane and survived with minor injuries. The airplane had taken off from Riverside and was en route to San Jose. Reports said the
airplane's occupants had flown to Riverside for a cheerleading conference.
COLUMBIA LC41-550FG
Two people were killed in the January 5, 2017, crash of a
single-engine Columbia LC41-550FG at Gurdon, AR. The
airplane was en route from McKinney, TX, to Franklin, NC.
The pilot reported engine trouble shortly before the airplane
was observed on radar descending from about FL250 to about 5,000 feet. It then was lost from radar according to preliminary
information. The NTSB is investigating.
C210
The NTSB is investigating the crash of a Cessna 210 at
Phoenix, AZ, on January 2, 2017. All four people onboard
were killed. The airplane was reported missing and
a search was launched early on January 3rd. A cell phone
belonging to one of the occupants was "pinged" and the
signal helped locate the accident scene. The airplane
was en route from Scottsdale, AZ, to Telluride, CO.
MIDAIR
A midair collision occurred near Aero County Airport,
McKinney, TX, late in the afternoon of December 31, 2016.
The airport is uncontrolled, and neither pilot was in contact
with Air Traffic Control. The types of aircraft involved could
not immediately be determined. All three people on board both
airplanes were killed. The NTSB is investigating.
VIENNA, IL
Four people have been reported killed in the crash of
a single-engine Piper PA-28 at Vienna, IL. The accident
occurred on December 31, 2016. The NTSB is investigating.
CESSNA SINGLE-ENGINE
All four people on board a single-engine Cessna were killed
when it crashed December 29, 2016, in the Hood Canal area near
Olympia, WA. The airplane was en route from Boeing Field to Port Angeles, WA. No specifics as to the model of airplane were immediately available. An ELT signal helped search crews locate the crash site. NTSB
investigators were expected to arrive on-scene on Saturday, 12/31/16.
CITATION 525
There was no immediate sign of wreckage from the Cessna
Citation 525 jet which was lost from contact with ATC
shortly after takeoff from Burke Lakefront Airport,
Cleveland, OH, at about 11:50 p.m. December 29, 2016.
It is believed the airplane crashed into Lake Erie and
sank about two miles from shore. There were no signs of
survivors. Initial reports indicated there were six people
on board, including family members of one of them who was
the CEO of Superior Beverage Group and owned the airplane
through a corporation. The airplane was based at Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, OH, and was en route there. The NTSB will
investigate.
C182H
The wreckage of a Cessna 182H which was reported missing
December 26, 2016, on a flight from Jacksonville, FL, to
Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport on Tennessee has been
discovered. the plane crashed in remote terrain in the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All three people
on the airplane were killed. The NTSB is investigating.
EPIC LT
Two people were killed December 27, 2016, in the crash of an Epic LT at Spruce Creek Airport, Port Orange, FL. The LT is a high-performance single-engine turboprop with six seats. It is a low-wing design, with retractable gear. The airplane was en route from Millington Regional Airport in Tennessee. The NTSB is investigating.
MEDICAL FLIGHT
The NTSB is investigating the Nov. 18, 2016, crash of a twin-engine
PA-31 at Elko, NV, in which all four onboard were killed. The airplane was being operated by American Medflight as an air ambulance flight.
The airplane carried the pilot, two medical personnel and a
patient.
SAFETY ALERT
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a Safety Alert to pilots with suggestions on what they can do to reduce their chances of being involved in a midair collision.
In an effort to illustrate the limitations of the “see and avoid” concept of aircraft separation, the NTSB created a series of animations depicting the pilots’ visual field of view from each of the four airplanes involved in two midair collisions that were investigated by the NTSB in 2015.
The animations show how difficult it can be for pilots to spot converging aircraft that may present a midair collision risk in a dynamic visual environment.
Using 3-D laser equipment, investigators scanned the cockpit windows and surrounding airplane structure of four exemplar airplanes involved in the two midair collisions to create animations that, combined with radar data, provided an approximation of what each pilot likely saw before the crashes. Investigators also used radar data to reconstruct how in-cockpit technology that provides pilots with graphical and aural alerts of nearby traffic could have made the pilots aware of the approaching aircraft and possibly prevented the collisions.
“These accidents and the animations clearly demonstrate the safety benefit of augmenting pilots’ vision with technological safety nets,” said NTSB Chairman Christopher A. Hart. “Technologies in the cockpit that warn of traffic conflicts through displays or alerts can help pilots become aware of, and maintain separation from, nearby aircraft, even if they have difficulty seeing them.”
On July 7, 2015, a Cessna 150 that had just departed from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and an F-16 Air Force fighter jet on a training mission collided. An air traffic controller advised the F-16 pilot that the Cessna was a potential traffic conflict. The F-16 pilot was not able to visually acquire the Cessna until it was too late to avoid the collision. The two occupants of the Cessna were killed; the F-16 pilot ejected and survived. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the crash was the air traffic controller’s failure to provide an appropriate resolution to the traffic conflict.
On August 16, 2015, a North American Rockwell Sabreliner inbound for landing at Brown Field Municipal Airport in San Diego and a Cessna 172 that was practicing landings at the same airport collided. The four occupants of the Sabreliner and the sole occupant of the Cessna were killed. A cockpit visibility study revealed the fields of view of both pilots were limited and partially obscured at times. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the accident was the air traffic controller’s failure to properly identify the aircraft in the pattern and to ensure control instructions were being performed.
The NTSB said that contributing to both accidents were the inherent limitations of the “see and avoid” concept of traffic separation. These limitations, combined with errors by the air traffic controllers, resulted in the pilots’ inability to take action to avoid the collisions.
The Safety Alert highlights the value of traffic avoidance technologies to pilots as an aid to detecting and avoiding other airplanes in flight. Such technologies also serve as another layer of safety in the case of air traffic control errors, such as those referenced in the two accidents above.
In addition to issuing the Safety Alert, the NTSB made recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration and the three companies operating federal contract control towers in the U.S., asking them to brief air traffic controllers on the errors in the two midair collisions and to include these accidents as examples in initial and recurrent training.
FLIGHT 383
As part of its ongoing investigation of an Oct. 28, 2016, uncontained engine failure on American Airlines flight 383, the National Transportation Safety Board issued an investigative update Friday, Nov. 14, 2016.
The uncontained failure of a GE CF6-80C2B6 engine occurred on a Boeing 767-300 (N345AN) during the take-off roll at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. An emergency evacuation of the 161 passengers and nine crewmembers onboard was conducted.
Initial findings include the following:
According to witness statements from airport personnel, video evidence, flight data recorder (FDR) data and GPS data, the accident flight started its takeoff roll on runway 28R at the intersection with taxiway N5.
The airplane experienced an uncontained failure of the right engine about 6,550 feet from runway 28R threshold, and came to a full stop about 9,225 feet from runway 28R threshold.
Preliminary FDR data show that the right engine failure
occurred at an airspeed of about 128 knots with the engine
operating at takeoff power.
Approximately two seconds after the engine failure, at an
airspeed of about 134 knots, the left and right engine throttle
lever angles decreased rapidly. Coincident with the throttle
movement, brake pressure rose in a manner consistent with maximum
autobrake application; the auto speedbrakes were extended.
The aircraft rapidly decelerated, coming to a stop about 25 seconds
after the throttle reduction.
As a result of the uncontained engine failure, a fuel leak resulted in a
pool fire under the right wing.
Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel began applying foam within
2 minutes 51 seconds of being notified of the emergency.
The right engine stage 2 high pressure turbine disk fractured into at
least 4 pieces (locations A, B, C, and D on figure). One piece went through
the inboard section of the right wing, over the fuselage and into
a UPS warehouse facility (location A).
The majority of the stage 2 disk was recovered and sent to the NTSB
laboratory in Washington, DC for examination. One of the fractures exhibited features
consistent with fatigue cracking initiating at an internal inclusion near the forward
side of the hub’s inner bore.
Engine and wing debris were found in the area around the gouge mark on the runway.
3-D imaging of the damage to the right wing has been completed.
All members of the cabin crew has been interviewed.
The disk had 10,984 cycles and had a life limit of 15,000 cycles. Review of the
engine maintenance and manufacturing records and processes are ongoing.
Daily progress meetings are being held and the final documentation and examination
of the airplane and engine continues in Chicago; the on-scene team plans to finish
work by this weekend.
NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator Lorenda Ward, the Investigator-in-Charge, is
leading a team with expertise in the areas of airworthiness, powerplants, structures,
survival factors, maintenance records, flight recorders and metallurgy. The flight data
recorder and the cockpit voice recorder were transported to the NTSB Recorder Laboratory
where the information from each was downloaded.
Parties to the investigation include the Federal Aviation Administration,
American Airlines, Allied Pilots Association, The Boeing Company, General Electric Engines,
the Transport Workers Union of America and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants.
Ongoing metallurgical examinations of the disk will focus on detailed characterization of
the inclusion and the fracture surfaces.
PIPER CHEROKEE
The NTSB is investigating the October 16, 2016, crash of a
Piper Cherokee near Austin, PA, in which all three people on
board were killed. The airplane was en route to St. Catherine's/
Niagara District Airport, Ontario, Canada, from Richmond, VA.
At about 7pm, the pilot advised ATC that they were maneuvering
to avoid a thunderstorm. The wreckage was found the following
day in mountainous terrain.
HAWKER 125
The NTSB has adopted a probable cause of the Nov. 10, 2015, crash
of a Hawker HS-125 jet into an apartment building in Akron, OH. All
nine people on the airplane were killed. There were no fatalities
on the ground. The Safety Board blamed the accident on the
unstabilized non-precision approach which was flown and the captain's
failure to call for or execute a go-around. The first officer was the flying
pilot. The Safety Board also found fault with the FAA's oversight of
the flight's operator, ExecuFlight, as well as the company's failure
to provide adequate training to its pilots.
PA-34
NTSB investigators were expected to arrive Wednesday at the crash site
in East Hartford, CT, where a PA-34 twin-engine Seneca crashed while on approach
to Hartford-Brainard Airport on Tuesday 10/11/16. The pilot survived, while the
pilot-rated passenger was killed. The FBI has joined the investigation,
following an indication from the pilot that the crash was not an accident. It
was subsequently determined that the pilot-rated passenger was intent
upon committing suicide. The pilot-rated passenger was identified as
Feras M. Freitkh, who was said to be of Jordanian background.
His private pilot certificate was valid for single-engine land aircraft. The
airplane was registered to a flight school. The crash site was near a
Pratt & Whitney plant. P&W manufactures aircraft engines. Two people
in a vehicle received minor injuries.
BEECH D95A
One person was killed and one was injured in the crash
October 4, 2016, of a twin-engine Beech D95A at Hitchcock, TX,
about 17 miles west of Galveston. The survivor called 911
to alert authorities to the crash and ask for help.
C208B
Three people have been killed in the crash of a Cessna 208B
near Togiak, AK. The airplane went down in mountainous
terrain, about 200 miles northwest of Anchorage. The airplane
was en route from Togiak to Quinhagak, which would have
been a flight of about 70 miles.
MOONEY
Two people were killed and a third received serious
injuries in the September 25, 2016, crash of a Mooney M20J
in Hunterdon County, NJ. The single-engine airplane was
on approach to Sky Manor Airport. It struck trees and crashed
in a residential yard. A witness reportedly said the airplane had
touched down at the airport, but was traveling too fast
and getting to close to the end of the runway, so the pilot
executed a go-around. The witness reportedly said the airplane
barely cleared trees, then entered a turn and descended.
MID-AIR
Three people were killed on September 25, 2016, in the
mid-air collision of a Piper Cherokee (exact model not
immediately reported) and a single-engine Cessna (exact
model not immediately reported) at North Collins, NY.
Both aircraft departed Hamburg Airport en route to
St. Mary's, PA, for a fly-in breakfast. The aircraft
which collided were part of a group of six aircraft
en route to St. Mary's.
BE-55
All three people on board a twin-engine Beech B-55
were killed when it crashed at Broudus, MT, on September
17, 2016. The airplane was en route from Billings, MT,
to Rapid City, IA.
PIPER
Two people were killed in the crash of a Piper PA-28-235
at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport in Missouri, on September 20, 2016.
The airplane was en route from Des Moines, IA, to Lee's Summit.
It had touched down, but the pilot apparently then entered a go-around.
The NTSB is investigating.
U-2
One crewmember survived, but the other was killed after
ejecting from a U-2 just before it crashed at Sutter Buttes,
about 60 miles north of Sacramento, California, on
September 20, 2016. the U-2 had taken off from Beale
Air force Base on a training mission.
C-182
A Cessna 182 crashed into a house in Gilbert, AZ, on
September 17, 2016. The two people in the house escaped
injury. The airplane had been on a night/VFR skydiving
flight. An in-flight fire had broken out, and the
pilot and four skydivers onboard parachuted to safety.
The NTSB is investigating.
PIPER CUB
The NTSB is investigating the September 14, 2016,
crash of a PA-11 at Arcanum, OH. Both people on board
were killed. The airplane crashed in a corn field The
airplane was reported to have been en route to
West Carrollton, OH.
CHEROKEE
All three people on board a Piper Cherokee, specific model not
reported, were killed when the airplane crashed into a parking
lot at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in California. The
airplane had just taken off. It was reported that the airplane
was destined for San Carlos, CA. The accident occurred
on September 11, 2016. The NTSB is ivnestigating.
MID-AIR
Three people were killed in the September 7, 2016, mid-air
collision of a Diamond DA-20 and a Beech F33A at the
West Georgia Regional Airport, Carrolton, GA. The airport
is uncontrolled. Both airplanes reportedly were in the
pattern for landing. The NTSB is investigating.
WEEKEND ACCIDENTS
Three fatal accidents on 9/3/16 being investigated by
the NTSB: 1 dead in gyrocopter crash at Bryant, AR,
a suburb of Little Rock; 2 killed in the crash of a
Cessna (model not identified) at Liberty, TX;
two killed in crash of Cessna C-172 en route from
Pompano Beach to Key Largo in the water
about 4 miles south of Port Everglades, FL.
ALASKA MID-AIR
Five people are reported to have been killed in
the mid-air collision of two airplanes about 60
milers north of Bethel, AK, on August 31, 2016.
The airplanes were a Cessna C-208 and a
Piper PA-18 Super Cub. The collision took
place about 6 miles from Russian Mission,
Alaska. The NTSB is investigating.
SPARKS, NEVADA
A 1981 Beech Bonanza crashed while on approach
to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Sparks, NV.
The airplane came down in an RV park, and set
several cars and RV's on fire. The pilot of the airplane
was killed. The accident took place on August 30, 2016.
The NTSB is investigating.
BENTONVILLE, AR
A 1983 Beech Bonanza crashed while taking off from the
Bentonville Municipal Airport in Arkansas on
August 31, 2016. The pilot was killed. The airplane struck
a hangar. The NTSB is investigating.
ICE ROAD TRUCKERS
Darrell Ward, a participant in the television reality series
"Ice Road Truckers," carried by The History Channel, was
killed in the crash of a Cessna 182 on August 28, 2016, near
Missoula, MT. Also killed was the pilot/owner of the
aircraft. The NTSB is investigating.
STEARMAN
The NTSB is investigating the August 27, 2016, crash of a
Boeing PT17 Stearman during the Air Show of the Cascades
at Madras, OR. The pilot, aerobatics performer Marcus Paine,
was killed. Witnesses said the airplane was in a low altitude
loop, with its smoke trail functioning, when it struck the
ground.
CESSNA
The model of Cessna which crashed into Lake Pontchartrain
at about 8:15 p.m., on August 27, 2016, was not immediately
identified, Two men on board the airplane were missing, while
a woman was rescued. The airplane was on approach to
Lakefront Airport at New Orleans at the time of the accident,
and had been on a local sightseeing flight. The NTSB is
investigating.
PA-31
Six people were killed in the August 14, 2016, crash of a
Piper PA-31 at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, Tuscaloosa, AL.
The NTSB is investigating. The airplane was en route from
Kissimmee, FL, to Oxford, MS. The pilot reported engine
problems and was attempting to make a precautionary
landing at Tuscaloosa.
BEECH 95-B55
The NTSB is investigating the crash of a Beech 95-B55
on August 12, 2016, in the vicinity of the Shannon Airport in
Spotsylvania County, VA. Six people were killed. The airplane
touched down about midway along the runway then started a
go-around. The airplane climbed and entered a turn, then likely
stalled.
CITABRIA
The pilot, who was the only occupant, was killed in the
August 13, 2016, crash of a Citabria at Birchwood Airport,
Chugiak, AK. The airplane had just departed runway
2R. The NTSB is investigating.
LIGHT SPORT
The type of light sport aircraft which crashed August 2, 2016,
near the Van Nuys Airport in California was not immediately
identified. The pilot was killed in the accident. The airplane
struck an industrial building. The pilot had been doing touch
and goes at the airport.
LANCAIR 360
The NTSB is investigating the August 1, 2016, crash of a
Lancair 360 homebuilt airplane at Columbia Gorge
Regional Airport, Dallesport, OR. The pilot was killed when
the airplane crashed onto a taxiway at the airport at
night.
BALLOON
All 16 people on board were killed in a hot air balloon accident
at Lockhart, TX, on July 30, 2016. The NTSB is investigating.
Initial reports indicated that a fire broke out while the balloon
was airborne, and it descended into power lines. The accident
took place at approximately 7:40 am, local time.
PIPER PA-31
Reach Air Medical Services says the Piper PA-31 Cheyenne II
which crashed July 29, 2016, in Humboldt County, California,
carried the pilot, two medical personnel and a patient.
However, as of Friday afternoon, only two bodies had been
located. The airplane was on a night flight from Crescent
City to Oakland, California. The pilot declared an emergency
due to smoke in the cockpit and stated that he was returning
to Crescent City. The NTSB is investigating.
CESSNA 310
Four people were killed in the crash of a Cessna 310 near
the Columbia Airport, Columbia, CA, on July 27, 2016.
The airplane was on approach for landing at the time.
A post crash fire erupted. The NTSB is investigating.
BEECH BARON
The NTSB is investigating the July 25, 2016, crash of a Beech
Baron at Leshara, Nebraska. Both people on board were killed.
One was identified as a serviceman assigned to Offutt Air Force
Base. The other was identified as a civilian flight instructor.
The airplane was registered to the successor organization to
the Offutt Aero Club.
RV-9A
The people who were killed in the July 22, 2016, crash of a
homebuilt RV-9A in Harmony Township, Ohio, about 40 miles
east of Dayton, have been identified as the former Mayor of
Allen Park, Ohio, Levon King, and his wife. The NTSB is
investigating the accident, It is reported there was rain in
the area, with occasional thunderstorms.
AIR TRACTOR
The NTSB is investigating the July 23, 2016, mid-air collision of
two Air Tractor cropdusters near Knights Landing in Yolo County,
California. The pilot of one of the airplanes was killed, while the
pilot of the other escaped with minor injuries.
PA-30
The NTSB has started investigating the July 21, 2016, crash of a
Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche in a residential neighborhood of Plainfield, IL, south
of Chicago. The pilot, who is believed to have been the only person
on board, was killed. A house was set on fire as a result of the crash
and post crash fire. It is believed the airplane began its journey in
Florida, stopped in Tennessee and was en route to Wisconsin.
AERONCA
The NTSB is investigating the July 18, 2016, crash of a single-engine
Aeronca 11AC at Ely Township, MI. Both occupants were killed.
DA-40
A single-engine Diamond DA-40 crashed on July 18, 2016, at Hyrum, UT.
The student pilot, who was the only occupant, was killed. The airplane
had taken off from the Logan-Cache Airport in Utah. The student was attending
Utah state University's aviation program. the NTSB is investigating.
PA-28
Three people were killed and a fourth seriously injured in the crash of
a single-engine Piper PA-28 at Esperance, NY, on July 16, 2016. The aircraft
model was not immediately identified, beyond being a four-seat Piper PA-28.
The airplane was taking off from Hogan Airport in Esperance at about 6:45 p.m.
It crashed about 1,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway.
Esperance is located in Schoharie County in upstate New York. The
NTSB is investigating.
PA-32
The NTSB is investigating the July 8, 2016, crash of a six-seat single-engine
Piper PA-32 near the West Houston Airport, Houston, TX. All 4 people on board
were killed. There was a post crash fire. The airplane had just taken off
from the airport.
BELL 525
Two test pilots were killed in the crash of a prototype Bell 525 helicopter which
had been undergoing flight testing. The twin-engine helicopter went down at
Chamber Creek, TX, on July 6, 2016. The new model is expected to receive
approval to enter commercial service sometime next year. The helicopter
which crashed had been undergoing testing for about a year. The NTSB is
investigating. Bell Helicopter has two other 525's which also have been in
the test program.
VANS RV7 FOUND
Wreckage of the Vans RV7 which was reported missing on July 3, 2016,
was found on July 4, 2016, by the Civil Air Patrol near Florida City, FL.
The pilot, who was the only occupant, was killed. The airplane had
departed from the airport at Boca Raton, FL. The NTSB will be
investigating.
BUENA VISTA
A single-engine airplane, type not yet reported, crashed at
Buena Vista, CO, July 4, 2016, killing the pilot.
PA-22
The NTSB is investigating the July 3, 2016, crash of a Piper PA-22
airplane at Frankenmuth, MI, in which both occupants were killed.
The airplane went down in a field. It was reported to have been based
at Zehnder field in Frankenmuth.
INHOFE
Senator Jim Inhofe, Republican of Oklahoma, escaped serious injury on
Saturday, July 3, 2016, when the single-engine airplane he was flying
ran off a runway at South Grand Lake Regional Airport, Ketchum, OK.
There was an initial report that Inhofe had to maneuver to avoid hitting
a deer on the runway. It also was suggested that a gust of wind may have
caused Inhofe to lose control. Inhofe was reported to have been forced to
make a precautionary landing in the Harmon Rocket because of adverse
weather which had moved into the area.
PRELIMINARY REPORT P-47D
On May 27, 2016, about 1930 eastern daylight time, a Republic P-47D, N1345B,
ditched in the Hudson River following a reported loss of engine power. The
commercial pilot was fatally injured and the airplane was substantially damaged.
The experimental, exhibition-category airplane was registered to a corporation
and was operated by the American Airpower Museum under the provisions of Title
14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an aerial observation flight. Day, visual
meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan
was filed. The local flight originated from Republic Airport (FRG), Farmingdale, New York, about 1900.
The accident aircraft was part of a three-ship formation and the pilot was
participating in a photo shoot. During the flight, the pilot made a distress call
to Newark air traffic control tower and subsequently ditched the airplane in the
Hudson River, south of the George Washington Bridge.
The airplane impacted the water and sank. Attempts by first responders
to rescue the pilot were unsuccessful. The wreckage was recovered from the river
the following day and was transported to the West 30th Street Heliport, New York, New York.
An initial examination of the wreckage revealed that the airframe was generally intact.
The engine remained attached to the airframe. A cursory examination of the engine revealed
that the number 18 cylinder on the Pratt and Whitney R-2800 radial engine was damaged,
consistent with an in-flight occurrence. Oil was present on the exterior of the engine.
The airframe and engine were retained for further examination.
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single engine land,
airplane multi-engine land, airplane single engine sea, rotorcraft-helicopter,
and instrument airplane ratings. He also held a Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate. The pilot held a FAA second
class medical certificate and reported 6,400 total hours of flying experience on
his medical certificate application that was dated August 5, 2015.
PA-23 APACHE
The NTSB is investigating the June 19, 2016, crash of a twin-engine
Piper PA-23 in Hayward, California. The airplane crashed on tracks
used by the BART, Bay Area Rapid Transit, causing service to be
disrupted. The pilot was killed in the crash. A post crash fire erupted.
PA-31
Two people have been killed in the crash of a Piper PA-31
Thursday (6/16/16) about one mile east of University Airpark,
State College, Pennsylvania. The aircraft was registered to
an air ambulance service. Controllers in the tower observed
smoke coming from the airplane as it was on approach to
the airport. The NTSB is investigating.
CESSNA 320
Three people were killed in the crash on June 15, 2016, of
a Cessna 320 registered to an aerial survey company. The crash
was about one-half mile from the Central Colorado Regional
Airport, Buena Vista, Colorado. The airplane had flown to the
airport from Longmont, Colorado. It was on a mission to take
aerial photographs. The NTSB is investigating.
MOONEY
There are reports that the pilot of the Mooney which crashed
Saturday (6/11/16) near the Collegedale Municipal Airport in
Tennessee told air traffic control that oil was accumulating on the
windshield of the single-engine airplane. Two people were killed
and two injured in the accident. It was reported that the airplane
had been en route to Chattanooga, TN, but diverted to
Collegedale when the trouble started because it was which was
the closest airport. The NTSB is investigating.
M-18
The NTSB is investigating the June 9, 2016, crash of a
PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader cropduster in Brunswick County,
NC. The pilot, who was the only occupant, was killed.
Investigators reportedly have learned that the airplane took off
with about 45-minutes of fuel on board. The M-18 single-engine
airplane is built in Poland.
AA-1B
The NTSB is investigating the June 10, 2016, crash of a
Grumman American AA-1B into a townhouse building
at Hawthorne, CA. Two people on board the single-engine
airplane were killed. A fire damaged much of the townhouse.
The accident location was about one mile from the
Hawthorne Municipal Airport.
PIPER PA-28-140
Three people were killed in the June 9, 2016, crash of
a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee into a lake about one mile
from Wishek Airport, Wishek, ND. It is believed that
the airplane had just taken off from the airport when it
went down in May Lake. The airport is uncontrolled and
investigators were attempting to locate witnesses.
CIRRUS SR20
The NTSB will be investigating today's (6/9/16) crash
of a single-engine Cirrus SR20 in a parking lot near
Houston Hobby Airport, Houston, TX. Three people were
killed, all believed to have been aboard the airplane.
The airplane struck a car, believed to have been empty,
outside of an Ace Hardware store.
F/A-18 HORNET
Both military and civilian investigators will look into the
June 2, 2016, crash of a Navy F/A-18 Hornet jet on June 2, 2016,
at Smyrna, GA. The airplane was being operated as part of the
Navy's Blue Angels aerial performance group. The pilot was
killed in the accident. The Blue Angels were practicing for
their appearance in this weekend's Great Tennessee Airshow
at the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport.
C150K
The NTSB is investigating the June 1, 2016, crash of a Cessna 150K
in Ector County, TX. The airplane was being operated by an aerial
patrol company. at about 11 pm local time, it struck a concrete
silo. The pilot was killed.
VARIEZE
The NTSB is investigating the May 28, 2016, crash of
single-engine VariEze homebuilt aircraft in a lemon orchard
between Ventura and Santa Paula, CA. Both people on board
were killed. The two-seat canard airplane was involved in a
post crash fire.
P-47
The NTSB is investigating the May 27, 2016, crash of a
World War II airplane into New York City's Hudson River.
The P-47 Thunderbolt had departed Republic Airport in
Farmingdale, NY. It was scheduled to perform in a
Memorial Day airshow at Jones Beach. Witnesses reported
seeing smoke trailing from the engine area while it was
descending to the water. The pilot made an emergency
radio call on the emergency frequency, 121.5. which was heard
by FAA air traffic control. Witness said the airplane sank
quickly, and they could see the pilot, who was the only occupant,
struggling to open the canopy. Divers recovered a body from
the aircraft.
LIGHT SPORT KP-5
Both occupants were killed in the May 24, 2016, crash of a
Sihlavan KP-5 light sport aircraft near Rhoadsville, VA. The
flight originated at the Orange County Airport in Virginia.
The KP-5 is a low wing, two seat light sport aircraft with a
tilt-up canopy. The NTSB is investigating the accident.
CESSNA 182H
The NTSB is investigating the May 23, 2016, crash of a Cessna 182H
near Hanapepe on the island of Kauai, HI, in which all 5 people on
board were killed. The airplane was being used for a skydiving flight.
It carried a pilot, two instructors, and two individuals who were planning
to make tandem jumps with the instructors. The airplane had taken off
from the Port Allen Airport. A post crash fire broke out.
AT-6
The NTSB is investigating the May 17, 2016, crash of a North American
AT-6 at Mesa, AZ, in which both occupants were killed. There was a
post crash fire. The airplane had taken off from Falcon Field at
Mesa shortly before it went down on a road at the airport's perimeter.
It was believed that the airplane World War II vintage aircraft was
built in 1942.
BEECH B36
All four people aboard were killed May 16, 2016, when a Beech B36 Bonanza
crashed shortly after taking off from the Tupelo Municipal Airport in
Mississippi. An FAA report indicates that the pilot reported smoke
in the cockpit shortly before the crash. The airplane had flown to
Tupelo from Kerrville, TX, on Sunday. It was en route on Monday from
Tupelo to Charlottesville, VA. The NTSB will be investigating.
CESSNA 182
The pilot apparently was the only occupant of a Cessna 182 which
crashed on May 15, 2016, in the Angeles National Forest, north
of Altadena, CA. He was killed. The airplane was en route from
San Diego to Santa Monica Municipal Airport in California. Contact
with ATC was lost about 17 miles east of Van Nuys, CA. The crash
site was near Brown Mountain in the national forest.
PITTS
The NTSB is investigating the May 14, 2016, crash of a Pitts
biplane being used in an air show at the Peachtree-DeKalb Airport,
Chamblee, GA. The pilot was killed when the airplane crashed and
burned during an aerobatic display.
BEECH G35
The NTSB is investigating the May 7, 2016, crash of a Beech G35
single-engine airplane in a gated community in Surprise, AZ.
The pilot was killed and a passenger received serious injuries.
Surprise is near Phoenix.
ROOFTOP LANDING
The pilot of a 1961 Piper PA-28 executed an emergency landing to
the roof of a building in Pomona, CA, on May 8, 2016. He was the
only occupant of the airplane, and received serious injuries. He reported
that the Lycoming O-320 engine lost power. The airplane was en route
from Fullerton, CA, to Pomona in day/VFR conditions.
BEECH B-35
The NTSB is investigating the May 3, 2016, crash of a Beech B-35
at Syosset, NY, in which all three occupants were killed. The airplane
apparently broke up in-flight. The pilot had declared an emergency with
ATC, stating that he was "losing the panel." The flight originated from
Myrtle Beach, SC, and was en route to Robertson Field, Plainville,
CT. The debris field stretched for about two miles.
PIPER PA-32
The pilot was killed and the two passengers were hospitalized in
critical condition when the six-seat single-engine Piper PA-32 they
were on crashed on the Boone Golf Course at Boone, NC. The
accident took place at about 1pm on April 25, 2016. The airplane had
just taken off from the Boone Airport. The NTSB is in charge of the
investigation.
BEECH 76
The NTSB will be investigating the April 25, 2016, crash of a single-engine
Beech 76 in a residential neighborhood of Pompano Beach, FL. The airplane
was being used to practice touch and go landings at the Pompano Beach
Airport. It was registered to the Florida Aviation Academy. The airplane
wreckage hit several houses, setting fire to at least one. The three occupants
of the airplane was removed in critical condition.
CESSNA 172
An NTSB investigator was dispatched to the scene of the April 20, 2016,
crash of a Cessna 172 single-engine airplane at Chugiak, AK. Four people
were aboard the airplane; all were killed in the crash and post crash fire.
Chugiak is about 20 miles northeast of Anchorage, AK.
BEECH 65
A Beech 65 being used for mosquito control spraying crashed while returning
to land at the airport in Slidell, LA. The airplane was one of two on the night
mission. The accident took place at about 9:30 p.m., on April 19, 2016. Both
people on the B-65 were killed. The airplane struck power lines and a tree. A
post crash fire erupted.
VAN'S RV-12
The NTSB will be involved in investigating the April 19, 2016, crash of a Van's RV-12
single-engine aircraft short of runway 29 at the Bay Bridge Airport, Kent Island, MD.
Both occupants were killed. A post crash fire consumed much of the aircraft. The
Chesapeake Sport Pilot group said an aircraft "associated" with it had been involved
in an accident and the group would be cooperating with investigators in trying to
determine what caused the crash.
CESSNA 206
The NTSB planned to send investigators from its Seattle, WA, and Anchorage, AK, offices to Admiralty
Island, south of Juneau, AK, where a Cessna 206 airplane crashed on April 8, 2016, killing three of
the people on board, including the pilot. One passenger survived and was taken to a hospital in
Juneau for treatment. He was subsequently flown to a medical center in Seattle, WA. The airplane
had been en route from Wrangell, AK, to Angoon on Admiralty Island. The airplane crashed at an
elevation of about 2,300 feet in mountainous terrain on the southeast end of the island. The airplane's
ELT activated. The Coast Guard launched a search and a commercial helicopter changed course to
help investigate. The commercial helicopter located the wreckage. A Coast Guard helicopter lowered
rescuers to the crash site since terrain conditions prevented landing. The airplane was registered to
Sunrise Aviation, a Part 135 charter operator in Wrangell, AK.
BELL 206
The NTSB is investigating the April 4, 2016, crash of a Bell 206 helicopter being used for sightseeing
near Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Sevierville, TN. All five people on board
were killed in the crash and post impact fire. The crash site was at the foot of a mountain, about
a mile from a shopping mall and three miles from the Dollywood Theme Park founded by
singer/actress Dolly Parton. Much of the helicopter was consumed by the fire.
LANCAIR
The NTSB is investigating the April 2, 2016, crash of a Lancair IV kit-built airplane on Interstate 15
near Fallbrook, CA. The airplane struck a car that was stopped alongside the road. A woman in
the car was killed, and the driver and two passengers received serious injuries. The pilot of the
airplane and his passenger received serious injuries. A witnesses told the California Highway
Patrol that he did not hear any sound from the airplane's engine as it descended. The airplane
slid about 250 feet after touching down before it struck the car.
CESSNA 172
The NTSB is investigating the March 26, 2016, accident involving a Cessna 172 Skyhawk at Yeager
airport, Charleston, West Virginia. The flight instructor was killed, and the student received serious
injuries. The airplane was taking off from runway 05 when it flipped over and caught fire. The
accident took place at about 12:15 p.m. The fire was extinguished, and the two people on board
were removed and transported to a hospital, where the flight instructor died.
EUROCOPTER AS350
There was low visibility in fog at the time a Eurocopter AS350 medical helicopter crashed
March 26, 2016, after responding to a single-car accident near Goodman, Alabama. An NTSB
spokesman says the crash site is wooded and swampy, and equipment was being brought in to
move the helicopter after an initial of the accident site. The pilot, a nurse, a medic, and the patient
on board all were killed.
The helicopter's operator, Metro Aviation, operates about 130 helicopters based in 18 states. The
helicopter had responded to the automobile accident at about 11 p.m., Saturday night. It was
reported missing early Sunday morning. The wreckage was discovered about 7:00 a.m., Sunday
morning about one-half mile from the scene of the car wreck.
BOEING 737-800
The NTSB, along with investigators from the FAA and Boeing, will take part in the investigation
into the March 19, 2016, crash of a Flydubai Boeing 737-800 in the Rostov region of southwest Russia.
All 62 people on board Flight 981 from Dubai were killed. There were seven crewmembers and
55 passengers.
It is believed the airplane was starting its second missed approach when the
crash occurred. The crash site was 800 feet short of the runway at Rostov-on-Don Airport,
which could be consistent with a missed approach procedure having begun. The accident
occurred at about 3:50 a.m., local time according to Russian officials. They said weather
at the time included wind gusts to 60 mph and reduced visibility. They said the airplane had
been holding for about two hours waiting for improved weather conditions. The Cockpit Voice
Recorder and Digital Flight Data Recorder have been recovered.
The U.S. representatives were invited to participate in the investigation because the airplane's
manufacturer, Boeing, is a U.S. company.
CESSNA 340
Two people are reported to have been killed in the March 18, 2016, crash of a Cessna 340
twin-engine airplane at Peter O. Knight Airport, Tampa, FL. The accident occurred at
about 11:45 a.m. The airplane was destroyed in the crash and a post crash fire. The
airplane was en route to Pensacola, FL. The airport is located a couple of miles south of
downtown Tampa. The NTSB will be investigating along with the FAA.
C182A
The NTSB is investigating the March 13, 2016, crash of a Cessna 182A about a mile north of the
airport in Alpine, Wyoming. The accident site is near the Idaho-Wyoming border. All four people
on board were killed. A post crash fire consumed most of the airplane. The 182A was built in
1958 according to the FAA Aircraft Registry.
TRAVEL
AIR 4000
It took a couple of days
for investigators to
identify the airplane
which crashed and two
individuals
who were killed on March
2, 2016, at Palmer Lake,
Colorado. Very little
remained of the airplane
due
to an intense post crash
fire. The NTSB is
investigating the crash
which involved a Curtiss
Wright
TravelAir 4000, which
dated from about 1928.
The pilot was identified
as Daniel Murray of
Longmont, Colorado, who
was the owner of the
airplane. The passenger
was identified as Jeff
Caplitz
of Lafayette, Colorado.
The airplane was based
at Vance Brand Municipal
Airport. The passenger
was reported to also
have owned vintage
airplanes.
RV-6
The NTSB is
investigating the March
1, 2016, crash of an
experimental Vans RV-6
airplane
at Elmdale Airpark,
Abilene, Texas.
The crash occurred about
8:50 a.m. Both people
on board the
single-engine airplane
were killed. Witnesses
said the airplane
appeared to
stall during takeoff and
hit terrain on the north
end of the runway.
SR-20
The NTSB is
investigating the crash
Sunday morning, February
28, 2016, of a Cirrus
SR-20
near the Navasota
Municipal Airport in
Texas in which two
adults and two children
were killed.
Preliminary information
indicates that the
single-engine airplane
took off from David
Wayne
Hooks Airport in Houston
about 8:17 a.m. The
crash site was about 34
nautical miles
southeast of Hooks
Airport. The wreckage
was spotted at about
9:17 a.m. by a pilot
who was flying over
wooded terrain about
one-half mile southeast
of the Navasota
airport. It was reported
that the airplane is
registered to a company
in Houston.
CESSNA 208B
On Friday, February 26,
2016, the NTSB adopted a
probable cause of the
November 29, 2013
crash of a Cessna 206B
operated as a Part 135
passenger flight at St.
Mary's, Alaska.
Four people were killed
and six seriously
injured.
The scheduled
commuter flight
departed 40
minutes late for
a two-stop
flight. During
the first leg of
the
night VFR
flight, weather
at the first
destination
airport
deteriorated, so
the pilot
diverted to the
second
destination
airport. The
pilot requested
and received a
special VFR
clearance from
an air route
traffic
controller into
the diversion
airport area.
Review of
automatic
dependent
surveillance-broadcast
data
transmitted by
the airplane
showed that,
after the
clearance was
issued, the
airplane's track
changed
and proceeded in
a direct line to
the diversion
airport.
Post accident
examination of
the pilot's
radio showed
that his audio
panel was
selected to the
air
route traffic
control center
(ARTCC)
frequency rather
than the
destination
airport
frequency;
therefore,
although the
pilot attempted
to activate the
pilot-controlled
lighting at the
destination
airport, as
heard
on the ARTCC
frequency, it
did not
activate.
Further,
witnesses on the
ground at St.
Mary's reported
that the airport
lighting system
was not
activated when
they saw the
accident
airplane fly
over, and then
proceed away
from the
airport.
Witnesses in the
area described
the weather at
the airport as
deteriorating
with fog and
ice. About 1
mile from the
runway, the
airplane began
to descend,
followed by a
descending
right turn and
controlled
flight into
terrain. The
pilot appeared
to be in control
of the airplane
up to the point
of the right
descending turn.
Given the lack
of runway
lighting, the
restricted
visibility due
to fog, and the
witness
statements, the
pilot likely
lost situational
awareness of the
airplane's
geographic
position, which
led to his
subsequent
controlled
flight into
terrain.
A review of FAA
surveillance
activities
revealed that
aviation safety
inspectors had
performed
numerous
operational
control
inspections and
repeatedly noted
deficiencies
within the
company's
training, risk
management, and
operational
control
procedures.
Enforcement
Information
System records
indicated
that FAA
inspectors
observed
multiple
incidences of
the operator's
noncompliance
related to
flight
operations and
that they opened
investigations;
however, the
investigations
were closed
after only
administrative
action had been
taken.
Therefore,
although FAA
inspectors were
providing
surveillance
and noting
discrepancies
within the
company's
procedures and
processes, the
FAA did not hold
the
operator
sufficiently
accountable for
correcting the
types of
operational
deficiencies
evident in this
accident, such
as the
operator's
failure to
comply with its
operations
specifications,
operations
training manual,
and applicable
federal
regulations.
The NTSB determined that
the probable cause of
this accident was the
pilot's decision to
initiate
a visual flight rules
approach into an area of
instrument
meteorological
conditions at night and
the
flight coordinators'
release of the flight
without discussing the
risks with the pilot,
which resulted
in the pilot
experiencing a loss of
situational awareness
and subsequent
controlled flight into
terrain. Contributing to
the accident were the
operator's inadequate
procedures for
operational
control and flight
release and its
inadequate training and
oversight of operational
control personnel.
Also contributing to the
accident was the FAA's
failure to hold the
operator accountable for
correcting
known operational
deficiencies and
ensuring compliance with
its operational control
procedures.
HAWAII HELICOPTER
The NTSB has
interviewed the pilot of
the Bell 206B helicopter
which was damaged when
it
impacted water during an
emergency landing near
Honolulu, HI, on
February 18, 2016. Video
of the helicopter
impacting the water was
widely seen. The
helicopter was
registered to a
private individual and
operated by Genesis
Helicopters under Part
91 as a local air tour
flight.
The commercial pilot and
2 passengers sustained
serious injuries, 1
passenger sustained
minor injuries,
and 1 passenger was
fatally injured. Visual
meteorological
conditions prevailed and
a company
flight plan was filed
for the local flight.
The flight originated
from the Honolulu
International Airport
(HLN).
The pilot reported that
while in cruise flight
over Ford Island, he
felt a vibration
followed by
a grinding noise.
Shortly after, the pilot
heard a loud bang,
scanned the instrument
panel and saw
that the engine
instruments indicated
the engine was still
running, however, rotor
rpm decreasing.
The pilot initiated an
autorotation to a grassy
area near Contemplation
Circle at the World War
II Valor
in the Pacific National
Monument. As the pilot
neared his intended
landing area, he
observed multiple
people within the area.
The pilot stated he
initiated a left pedal
turn, attempting to land
close to the shoreline.
Subsequently, the
helicopter descended
rapidly into the water,
about 20 feet from the
shoreline.
The helicopter was
submerged in about 40
feet of water, about 20
feet from the shoreline.
The helicopter
was removed from the
water the day following
the accident and was
subsequently rinsed with
fresh water.
All major structural
components of the
helicopter were
recovered.
PIPER PA-28
One person remains
missing in the ditching
of a Piper PA-28 (exact
model not
reported) single-engine
aircraft into Port
Jefferson Harbor, NY, an
inlet of the
Long Island Sound. Four
people were on board.
Three were rescued from
the
water and treated at a
local hospital. Initial
information indicates
that the airplane
had flown from Republic
Airport, Farmingdale,
NY, to Fitchburg, MA,
and
was returning to
Farmingdale. A student
pilot and his instructor
were
occupying the front
seats. When the airplane
began experiencing
engine
trouble, the instructor
assumed control and
executed the forced
landing
in the water. That was
at about 11 pm on
Friday, February 20,
2016.
Neither the airplane
wreckage nor the fourth
person had been located
as of approximately 10
am Saturday. The NTSB
will join the FAA
in the investigation.
PIPER PA-28-181
Two bodies have been
recovered from the
wreckage of a
single-engine Piper
PA-28
which crashed into water
near Destin, Florida,
shortly before 7 p.m.,
on February 11, 2016.
The airplane was
reported overdue at the
Destin airport. A
witness called 911 and
reported seeing the
airplane go into the
water not far from
Henderson Beach where he
had been running. It was
not immediately known
where the airplane was
based, or
where the flight
originated. The NTSB is
investigating.
FLIGHT DESIGN CTLS
The NTSB is
investigating the
February 10, 2016, crash
of a Flight Design
CTLS light sport
aircraft near
Springville, California,
in which the pilot and
a Tulare County Deputy
Sheriff were killed.
They had been on a
flight to
spot a man with a gun
near Porterville,
California. The man was
subsequently
captured by law
enforcement personnel on
the ground. The airplane
struck
a hillside adjacent to a
highway.
SAN PEDRO MID-AIR
A Citabria and a Beech
35 Bonanza collided over
the ocean off San Pedo,
California,
on February 5, 2016. the
two men on the B-35 and
the woman on the
Citabria are
presumed to have been
killed. The Coast Guard
suspended its search for
survivors.
Divers found found
pieces of wreckage and a
logbook belonging to one
of the
occupants of the B-35.
Both airplanes departed
from the Torrance
Municipal
Airport.
FORMER SIKORSKY
PRESIDENT
The NTSB is
investigating the
February 5, 2016, crash
of a P-51D Mustang
near Maricopa, Arizona,
in which the former
president of Sikorsky
Aircraft
was killed. Jeffrey
Pinto, age 61, was
identified as having
been the pilot of the
airplane. He had been
president of Sikorsky,
based in Stratford,
Connecticut,
from 2006 to 2012. The
airplane's other
occupant was identified
as Nickolas
Tramontano, of
Brookfield, Connecticut.
The Mustang is a World
War Two
single-engine fighter.
CESSNA 182
Two members of the Civil
Air Patrol in Albama
were killed in the
February 1, 2016, crash
of a
Cessna 182 operated by
the CAP about one mile
west of the Mobile
Regional Airport. The
wreckage was located
about 2 am on February 2
when searchers were able
to track the
airplane's Emergency
Locator Transmitter
signal. The CAP members
had flown a medical
patient to
Louisiana Regional
Airport near Baton
Rouge, Louisiana, and
were returning to
Mobile.
The pilot was identified
as Maj. David R.
Mauritson, formerly
president of the Flying
Physicians Association.
He received the FPA's
Distinguished Service
Award in 2004.
The other crewmember was
Second Lt. Phil J.
Dryden, who was the
Assistant Operations
Officer for the CAP in
Mobile.
ECHO P-92
The NTSB is
investigating the crash
of an Echo P-92 light
sport aircraft on
February 1, 2016, at
the Houston Southwest
Airport in Arcola,
Texas. The flight
instructor was killed
and the student
received serious
injuries. A post crash
fire erupted. The
airplane impacted next
to a hangar.
CESSNA CITATION 525
The NTSB is
investigating the
January 18, 2016, crash
of a Cessna Citation 525
near Cedar Fort,
Utah. Both occupants
were killed. The pilot
was identified as Donald
L. Baker, a commercial
real
estate operator from
Tucson, Arizona, and his
wife. The airplane had
departed Salt Lake City
and was en route to
Tucson. Witnesses
reportedly told the Utah
County Sheriff's Office
that they heard a loud
noise and saw the
airplane
on fire as it descended.
It was reported that
Baker had attended a
conference in Park City,
Utah. The Citation jet
can be
flown single-pilot under
an exemption issued by
the FAA provided the
airplane meets certain
equipment requirements
and the pilot meets
certain rating and
experience requirements.
BEECH A36
On December 11, 2015, at
approximately 1420
eastern daylight time, a
Beech A36
was destroyed when it
impacted trees and
terrain after a loss of
control during a return
to the
airport, after takeoff
from Nemacolin Airport
(PA88), Farmington,
Pennsylvania, The
certificated
private pilot was
fatally injured. Visual
meteorological
conditions prevailed,
and no flight plan was
filed for
Part 91 personal flight,
destined for Montgomery
County Airport (GAI),
Gaithersburg, Maryland.
According to witness
statements, after
departure from runway 23
at PA88, the landing
gear on the airplane was
observed to retract, and
the airplane "made a
sudden turn like it was
trying to turn around."
The landing gear then
extended into the down
position. The airplane
was next observed
turning onto a close in,
left base leg for
runway 23 "pretty low"
to the ground, about 800
yards from the Nemacolin
Woodlands Resort Outdoor
Animal
Exhibits Area, and then
was lost from sight as
it passed behind the
resort's Panoramic
Pavilion. Moments later
the
sound of the airplane
impacting trees and then
the ground was heard,
and a "fireball" and
smoke was observed to
rise into the air.
The airplane came to
rest in a heavily wooded
area located next to the
11th fairway of the
resort's Links Golf
Course
and was subject to a pos
crash fire.
BELL 407 MEDICAL
HELICOPTER
On December 10, 2015,
about 1908 Pacific
standard time, a Bell
407 was destroyed
when it impacted terrain
during cruise flight
near McFarland,
California. The
helicopter was
registered
to American Airborne
EMS, Fresno, California,
and operated by Rogers
Helicopters, DBA SkyLife,
under the provisions of
Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 135.
The Air Medical Flight
call sign
was SkyLife 4. The
commercial pilot, flight
paramedic, flight nurse,
and patient sustained
fatal injuries.
Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed and
a company visual flight
rules (VFR) flight plan
was filed for the
flight.
The cross-country flight
originated from the
Porterville Municipal
Airport, Porterville,
California,
at 1851 with an intended
destination of the San
Joaquin Memorial
Hospital, Bakersfield,
California.
Information provided by
the operator, FAA, and
local law enforcement
revealed that the
helicopter was
initially dispatched
from Visalia,
California, to
Porterville to
facilitate transfer of a
patient to a hospital in
Bakersfield.
At 1918, a dispatcher
radioed the pilot to
confirm their status;
there was no response.
The dispatcher inquired
with
the destination
hospital, and personnel
at Bakersfield Meadows
Airport and verified the
flight had not reached
the
intended destination.
Shortly thereafter, law
enforcement personnel
began a search near the
last known location of
SkyLife 4. The FAA
subsequently issued an
Alert Notification (ALNOT)
at 2034. The wreckage
was later located
by local law enforcement
air units at 2054.
Examination of the
accident site revealed
that the helicopter
impacted open hilly
terrain about 9 miles
east of
McFarland. All major
structural components of
the helicopter were
located within the
wreckage debris path,
that was about 465 feet
in length, and oriented
on a heading of about
037 degrees magnetic.
The wreckage
was recovered to a
secure location for
further examination.
CESSNA 500
The NTSB has adopted a
probable cause of the
October 18, 2013,
accident at Derby,
Kansas,
involving a Cessna 500
jet in which the pilot
and passenger were
killed.
After climbing to and
leveling at 15,000 feet,
the airplane departed
controlled flight,
descended
rapidly in a nose-down
vertical dive, and
impacted terrain; an
explosion and post
accident fire occurred.
Evidence at the accident
site revealed that most
of the wreckage was
located in or near a
single impact crater;
however, the outer
portion of the left wing
impacted the ground
about 1/2 mile from the
main wreckage.
Following the previous
flight, the pilot
reported to a
maintenance person in
another state that he
had
several malfunctioning
flight instruments,
including the autopilot,
the horizontal situation
indicator,
and the artificial
horizon gyros. The
pilot, who was not a
mechanic, had
maintenance personnel
replace the right side
artificial horizon gyro
but did not have any
other maintenance
performed at that time.
The pilot was approved
under
an FAA exemption to
operate the airplane as
a single pilot; however,
the exemption required
that all equipment
must be operational,
including a fully
functioning autopilot,
flight director, and
gyroscopic flight
instruments. Despite the
malfunctioning
instruments, the pilot
chose to take off and
fly in instrument
meteorological
conditions.
At the time of the loss
of control, the airplane
had just entered an area
with supercooled large
water droplets
and
severe icing, which
would have affected the
airplane's flying
characteristics. At the
same time, the air
traffic
controller
provided the pilot with
a radio frequency
change, a change in
assigned altitude, and a
slight routing change.
It is likely that these
instructions increased
the pilot's workload as
the airplane began to
rapidly accumulate
structural icing.
Because of the
malfunctioning
instruments, it is
likely that the pilot
became disoriented while
attempting to
maneuver and maintain
control of the airplane
as the ice accumulated,
which led to a loss of
control.
The NTSB determined
that the probable
cause of this
accident was the
airplane's encounter
with severe
icing conditions,
which resulted in
structural icing,
and the pilot's
increased workload
and subsequent
disorientation while
maneuvering in IFR
conditions with
malfunctioning
flight instruments,
which
led to the
subsequent loss of
airplane control.
Contributing to the
accident was the
pilot's decision to
take
off in IFR
conditions and fly a
single-pilot
operation without a
functioning
autopilot and with
malfunctioning
flight instruments.
HAWKER JET
On November 10, 2015, about 1452 eastern standard time (EST), Execuflight flight 1526,
a British Aerospace HS 125-700A, N237WR, departed controlled flight while on approach
to landing at Akron Fulton International Airport (AKR) and impacted a 4-plex apartment
building in Akron, Ohio. The pilot, copilot, and seven passengers died; no ground injuries
were reported. The airplane was destroyed by the crash and a postcrash fire. The airplane
was registered to Rais Group International NC LLC and operated by Execuflight under the
provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand charter flight.
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight
plan was filed. The flight departed from Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport (MGY), Dayton, Ohio,
about 1413 EST and was destined for AKR.
The airplane, which was based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
departed Cincinnati Municipal Airport-Lunken Field, Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1112 EST on the day
of the accident and arrived at MGY about 1125 EST. The airplane remained parked on the ramp
at one of the fixed-base operators until departing for AKR.
According to Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control and radar data, about 1438 EST,
the Akron-Canton terminal radar approach control facility provided radar vectors to the
accident airplane for the localizer runway 25 instrument approach procedure at AKR.
A Piper PA-28-161 airplane performing flight training at the airport completed the localizer
runway 25 instrument approach procedure at AKR before the accident airplane began its approach.
According to the flight instructor on board the Piper PA-28-161, the airplane "broke out at
minimums" on the localizer runway 25 approach and landed on runway 25. After the Piper PA-28-161
exited the runway, the flight instructor reported that he heard one of the pilots of the accident
airplane state "Hawker Jet on a 10 mile final localizer 25" over the Unicom frequency. S
ubsequently, the flight instructor radioed to the accident airplane and stated "we broke out
right at minimums." According to the flight instructor, one of the pilots of the accident airplane
acknowledged this transmission with "thanks for the update."
About 1452 EST, a motion-activated security camera located about 900 ft to the southeast
of the accident site captured the airplane as it came in over the surrounding trees in
a left-wing-down attitude about 1.8 nautical miles from the approach end of runway 25 at AKR.
An explosion and postcrash fire were observed on the video just after the airplane flew out of
the security camera's view.
The postcrash fire consumed most of the airplane; however, the airframe, engines, primary flight
controls, and landing gear were all accounted for at the accident site. The airplane was equipped
with a Fairchild GA-100 tape unit cockpit voice recorder, which was recovered and sent to the
National Transportation Safety Board's Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for examination.
About 1450 EST, the surface weather observation at AKR was wind from 240 degrees at 7 knots;
visibility 1 3/4 statute mile in mist; ceiling broken at 600 ft above ground level (agl); overcast
ceiling at 900 ft agl; temperature 11 degrees C (52 degrees F); dew point 9 degrees C
(48 degrees F); and altimeter 29.95 inches of mercury.
FLIGHT 405
The NTSB continues to investigate the October 29, 2015, fire on a Boeing 767
being operated as Dynamic International Airways flight 405. The airplane was
taxiing prior to takeoff at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL),
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida,
• The NTSB found that the main fuel supply line coupling assembly had disconnected
in the wing-to-engine strut above and behind the left engine. This coupling assembly
has been retained for further examination.
• Examination of the left engine revealed no evidence of an engine uncontained or
other failure.
• The lower inboard portion of the left wing, left engine cowling, and left fuselage center
section sustained thermal damage. The fire did not penetrate the fuselage.
• The FDR/CVR were transported to the NTSB Recorders Laboratory in Washington, DC,
and are being downloaded and evaluated.
• The NTSB is reviewing the airplane maintenance records at Dynamic International Airways’
headquarters in North Carolina. According to the aircraft records, the accident airplane was in
dry storage for approximately 29 months until September 2015 when Dynamic International
Airways leased the airplane. Dynamic International Airways has operated the airplane for about
240 hours under the present lease.
• An initial review of the airplane onboard logbook revealed there was no entry of maintenance
action having been performed in the area of the fuel coupling prior to the accident flight while in FLL.
• NTSB investigators have interviewed the two flight crew members and nine cabin crew members.
• Of the 90 passengers and 11 crewmembers onboard the airplane, one was seriously injured and
21 sustained minor injuries as a result of the emergency evacuation.
• Dynamic International Airways has issued a Fleet Campaign Directive to inspect the remainder
of their aircraft to ensure proper installation of the fuel line coupling assemblies.
DHC-3 WITH 10 FATALITIES
The National Transportation Safety Board found that the probable cause for the crash of a
deHavilland DHC-3 in Soldotna, Alaska, on July 7, 2013, was the operator’s failure to
determine the actual cargo weight, leading to the loading and operation of the airplane
outside of its weight and center of gravity limits.
Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration’s failure to
require weight and balance documentation for this type of air taxi flight.
The flight was headed from Soldotna to a lodge 90 miles away when the airplane stalled
and crashed on takeoff. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire
and the pilot and nine passengers were fatally injured.
A video of the airplane’s taxi, takeoff roll and takeoff was recovered from a passenger’s
personal electronic device. An NTSB video study indicated that shortly after takeoff,
the airplane’s angle of attack continually increased as the airplane’s airspeed decreased
from about 68 mph to about 44 mph over a period of about 8.5 seconds. About 11 seconds
after takeoff, airspeed and angle of attack reached values consistent with an aerodynamic stall.
The airplane rolled right-wing-down and impacted the ground several seconds later.
The weight of the cargo recovered from the crash site, and determination of the weight of cargo
destroyed in the impact and post-crash fire, showed the cargo weight was about 418 pounds higher
than the cargo weight stated on the load manifest, resulting in a center of gravity aft of the
limits for the airplane.
BEECH G35 - South Lake
Tahoe, CA
On October 10, 2015
about 1735 Pacific
daylight time, a Beech
G35, N4485D, was
destroyed when it
impacted terrain while
maneuvering near South
Lake Tahoe, California.
The pilot, who was the
registered owner of the
airplane, and the
passenger sustained
fatal injuries. The
flight was conducted
under the provisions of
14 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part
91 as a personal
cross-country flight.
Visual meteorological
conditions (VMC)
prevailed at the time of
the accident, and no
flight plan had been
filed. The flight
originated from Lake
Tahoe Airport (TVL),
South Lake Tahoe, about
1733.
Several witnesses
reported that shortly
after takeoff from
runway 18, the airplane
sounded as it was not
producing adequate
power. One witness
reported strong
downdrafts in the area.
As it exited the airport
boundaries on the runway
heading, the airplane
made a right turn
followed by a left turn.
It climbed to about 100
feet above ground level
(agl) in an excessively
high pitch up attitude,
and continued to fly
towards the rising
terrain. Shortly
thereafter, after it
crossed the ridgeline,
the airplane entered a
nose and left-wing low
attitude and impacted
the back yard of a
residence. A post crash
fire ensued.
CESSNA 182P
On October 8, 2015, at
0826 Pacific daylight
time, a Cessna 182P
airplane collided with
mountainous terrain
about 3.5 miles
northeast of Hope,
Idaho. The private pilot
and the commercial pilot
were fatally injured,
the pilot-rated
passenger has not been
located and is presumed
to be a fatality. The
airplane impacted large
pine trees near a
mountain ridge line and
was destroyed by a
post-crash fire. The
airplane was registered
to the private pilot,
and operated under Part
91 as a personal flight.
Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed for
the flight, and a flight
plan had not been filed.
The flight originated at
the Bird Nr 2 air strip,
Sagle, Idaho, at 0816,
and was destined for
Minot, North Dakota.
The Bonner County
Sheriff reported that at
0826 he received reports
of a single emergency
locator transmitter ping
in the vicinity
northeast of Hope. About
6 hours later a
helicopter located the
wreckage just below a
ridgeline saddle in the
mountains above Hope, at
an elevation of 5,226
feet MSL. The airplane
had first impacted
numerous tree tops then
collided with terrain
about 156 feet later,
along a 046-degree
magnetic bearing line.
There was a post-crash
fire that destroyed the
airplane cabin. Both
pilots were located in
the wreckage, however,
the passenger, who had
been in the rear seats
of the airplane, has not
been located.
Family members reported
that the intended route
of flight was to depart
Sagle, proceed to Minot,
then over to Maine, and
then proceed along the
east coast of the US,
with a final destination
of Gainesville, Florida.
The flight had been
planned to depart on
Wednesday, October 7,
but was delayed due to
poor weather conditions.
Just before the airplane
departed the pilot-rated
passenger told the ranch
foreman that they were
heading to Minot, but
because of the weather
they were probably going
to try to go south. The
ranch foreman also
stated that on Tuesday
he had fueled the
airplane to maximum
capacity.
DELTA 747
The NTSB sent
investigators to Japan
to look into the October
2, 2015, incident
involving Delta Air
Lines flight 158, a
Boeing 747-451 en route
from Seoul, Korea to
Detroit, Michigan while
operating in Russian air
space, had an in-flight
shutdown of the No. 3
engine, a Pratt &
Whitney PW4056. The
airplane diverted to
Narita International
Airport, Tokyo, Japan
for landing. When
maintenance personnel
were removing the engine
from the airplane, it
was noted that there
were several holes in
the low pressure turbine
case. There were nicks
to the right wing's flap
and aileron and the
leading edge of the
right horizontal
stabilizer downstream
from the No. 3 engine's
exhaust.
PIPER SARATOGA UPDATE
On October 2, 2015,
about 1512 eastern
daylight time, a Piper
PA-32R-301 collided with
terrain following an
in-flight breakup near
Westminster, South
Carolina. The private
pilot and three
passengers were fatally
injured. The
occupants were planning
to attend a football
game on October 3
between Clemson and
Notre Dame.
The airplane was
destroyed by impact
forces. The airplane was
registered to Smith
Family Aviation LLC and
operated by the pilot
under Part 91 as a
personal flight. Day,
instrument
meteorological
conditions prevailed at
the time of the
accident, and an
instrument flight rules
(IFR) flight plan was
filed. The flight
originated from Warsaw
Municipal Airport (ASW),
Warsaw, Indiana and was
destined for Oconee
County Regional Airport
(CEU), Clemson, South
Carolina.
According to preliminary
information provided by
the FAA, the airplane
was at 6,000 feet MSL,
approaching ZEYLM
intersection to hold for
the RNAV runway 7
approach at CEU. The
pilot was subsequently
cleared for the approach
and reported that the
airplane was established
outbound on the
procedure turn. The
controller subsequently
queried the pilot when
he did not report
inbound on the approach;
no response was
received. Radar contact
was lost over Lake
Hartwell, on the
Georgia-South Carolina
border, about 2,200 feet
msl.
Local residents reported
hearing and seeing the
airplane prior to the
accident. One witness
heard a loud "boom,"
followed by white pieces
of debris falling into
the lake. Another
witness saw the airplane
descending vertically,
in a spiral motion,
until it disappeared
behind a tree line.
Another witness reported
that the engine was
running until ground
impact. Several
witnesses reported the
event to 911, and the
wreckage was located by
first responders shortly
thereafter.
The pilot, age 71, held
a private pilot
certificate with
airplane single engine
land and instrument
airplane ratings. He
reported 1,448 hours
total flight time on his
most recent application
for an FAA third-class
medical certificate,
dated October 17, 2013.
The main wreckage was
found inverted in a
wooded area, about 50
yards north of the
shoreline of Lake
Hartwell, near
Westminster. Damage to
trees was indicative of
a near-vertical descent
angle at impact. There
was no fire. The main
wreckage consisted of
the main cabin, cockpit,
engine, propeller, left
wing, and the inboard
half of the right wing.
About 10 percent of the
empennage was recovered
near the south shoreline
the lake, near Toccoa,
Georgia.
BEECH S35
Witnesses have told
investigators that white
smoke was coming from
the underside of the
Beech S35 before it
crashed
at Pagosa Springs,
Colorado, on September
25, 2015. The S35
single-engine airplane
impacted terrain
following a loss of
engine power while
maneuvering. The private
pilot and passenger
sustained fatal
injuries. The airplane
was destroyed by impact
and post accident fire.
The airplane was
registered to and
operated by a private
individual as a 14 Code
of Federal Regulations
Part 91 personal flight.
Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed at
the time of the
accident, and no flight
plan was filed, nor was
one required. The
airplane departed the
Durango-La Plata County
Airport (DRO), Durango,
Colorado, at an unknown
time.
The airplane departed
DRO with another
airplane en route to
Stevens Field Airport (PSO),
Pagosa Springs, and the
two pilots planned to
participate in an air
race competition in the
Pagosa Springs area on
September 26th. Prior to
landing at PSO, the
pilots in the two
airplanes decided to
execute a circuit in the
Pagosa Springs air race
course. As the airplanes
entered the course, the
accident airplane was
behind the other
airplane. After the
first course waypoint,
the accident pilot
radioed the other pilot
and stated the engine
lost power, and the
airplane was going down.
No further
communications were
heard from the accident
airplane.
Witnesses, who were
located in the Pagosa
Springs area, reported
observing white smoke
coming from the
underside of the
accident airplane. The
airplane turned left,
descended below rising
terrain, and a smoke
plume was then seen
shortly thereafter.
Witnesses stated the sky
was clear and the winds
were calm.
DHC-3T
The NTSB is
investigating the
September 15, 2015,
crash of a float
equipped deHavilland
DHC-3T turboprop at a
lake in the Southwest
Alaska town of Iliamna.
Three of the ten people
on board were killed.
The plane was taking
guests of a fishing
lodge to a fishing site.
NTSB investigator Clint
Johnson said the
airplane was owned and
operated by Rainbow King
Lodge. It crashed on
takeoff from East Wind
Lake. Johnson said the
passengers consisted of
lodge guests and fishing
guides. The accident was
first reported to Alaska
State Troopers at about
6:30 am.
FLIGHT 2276
The NTSB is investigating the September 8, 2015, engine fire that occurred during takeoff
of British Airways flight 2276, a Boeing 777-200ER, at McCarran International Airport (LAS), in
Las Vegas, NV. NTSB investigators arrived on scene Wednesday morning local time to begin
the on-scene investigation. The NTSB investigative team includes experts in powerplants,
airplane systems, and fire.
The initial factual findings follow.
The Part 129 flight was en route to London - Gatwick Airport (LGW), Horley, England.
There were 157 passengers, including 1 lap child, and 13 crewmembers on board.
There were several minor injuries as a result of the evacuation (mostly abrasions).
The flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder and quick access recorder have arrived at the
NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory and are currently being downloaded.
On Tuesday evening, the airplane was photographed and the runway debris documented by FAA
and airport officials before airplane was towed to secluded area of the airport (in order to reopen the runway).
Initial examination of the left engine revealed multiple breaches of the engine case in the area
around the high pressure compressor.
Examination of the material recovered from runway found several pieces of the high pressure
compressor spool (approximately 7-8 inches in length).
Initial examination of the airplane by NTSB revealed that the left engine and pylon, left fuselage
structure and inboard left wing airplane were substantially damaged by the fire.
GULFSTREAM G-IV
The NTSB says the
probable cause of the
May 31, 2014, crash of a
Gulfstream G-IV business
jet at Hanscom Field
in Bedford, MA, was a
series of errors by an
experienced flight crew.
The NTSB determined that
the pilots failed to
perform a flight control
check before takeoff,
then attempted to take
off while critical
flight controls were
locked because a gust
lock was engaged.
Finally, they delayed
rejecting the take-off
after they became aware
the flight controls were
locked.
At 9:40 pm EDT, the
G-IV, bound for Atlantic
City, NJ, overran the
end of runway 11 during
a rejected takeoff at
Laurence G. Hanscom
Field. The airplane
rolled through the paved
overrun area; continued
across a grassy area,
striking approach lights
and an antenna; and
traveled through the
airport fence before
coming to rest in a
ravine. A post crash
fire engulfed the
airplane almost
immediately. Everyone
aboard – two pilots, a
flight attendant and
four passengers – were
killed.
During the engine start
process, the flight crew
failed to disengage the
airplane’s gust lock
system, which locks the
primary flight control
surfaces while the plane
is parked to protect
them against wind gusts.
The flight data recorder
and cockpit voice
recorder indicated that
neither of the two
flight crewmembers, who
had flown together for
about 12 years, had
performed a basic flight
control check that would
have alerted them to the
locked flight controls.
A review of the flight
crew’s previous 175
flights revealed that
the pilots had performed
complete preflight
control checks on only
two of them. The flight
crew’s habitual
noncompliance with
checklists was a
contributing factor to
the accident.
About 26 seconds into
the takeoff roll, when
the airplane had reached
a speed of 148 mph (129
kts), the pilot in
command indicated that
the flight controls were
locked, but the crew did
not begin to apply the
brakes for another 10
seconds and did not
reduce engine power
until four more seconds
had passed. The NTSB
determined that if the
crew had rejected the
takeoff within 11
seconds of the pilot’s
comment, the airplane
would have stopped on
the paved surface and
the accident would have
been avoided.
The G-IV gust lock
system design was
intended to limit the
operation of the
throttles when the
system was engaged so
that the flight crew
would have an
unmistakable warning
that the gust lock was
on should the crew
attempt to take off.
However, the
investigation revealed
that Gulfstream did not
ensure that the gust
lock system would
sufficiently limit the
throttle movement on the
G-IV airplane, which
allowed the pilots of
the accident flight to
accelerate the airplane
to takeoff speed before
they discovered that the
flight controls were
locked.
The NTSB said that the
FAA’s certification of
the gust lock system was
inadequate because it
did not require
Gulfstream to perform
any engineering
certification tests or
analysis of the G-IV
gust lock system to
verify that the system
had met its regulatory
requirements.
Also contributing to the
accident were
Gulfstream’s failure to
ensure that the gust
lock system would
prevent an attempted
takeoff with the gust
lock engaged and the
FAA’s failure to detect
this inadequacy during
the G-IV’s
certification.
As a result of the
investigation, the NTSB
issued a total of five
safety recommendations
to the FAA, the
International Business
Aviation Council and the
National Business
Aviation Association.
In addition, the NTSB
developed a Safety Alert
for all pilots on the
importance of following
standard operating
procedures and using
checklists to guard
against procedural
errors.
C35 BONANZA
The pilot of a
single-engine C35
Bonanza which crashed on
Long Island Rail Road
tracks at Hicksville,
NY, on August 16, 2015,
was trying to find an
abandoned runway at the
closed Grumman Bethpage
Airport for an emergency
landing, according to
the National
Transportation Safety
Board. The pilot was
killed and his passenger
received serious
injuries.
The Part 135 air taxi
flight originated from
Westhampton Beach on
Long Island and was en
route to Morristown, New
Jersey.
According to radar data
and voice communications
provided by the FAA, the
airplane was at 6,500
feet mean sea level
about 8 nautical miles
northwest of Republic
Airport in Farmingdale
when the pilot radioed a
controller that he was
"having a little bit of
a problem" and may need
to land at Farmingdale.
The pilot then reported
that he would have to
"take it down…" The
controller provided the
relative locations of
LaGuardia, JFK and
Westchester airports.
The pilot responded that
Farmingdale was closest.
The pilot then indicated
that he may not make
Farmingdale. The
controller then provided
information on the
closed Grumman Bethpage
Airport at Bethpage,
saying there was a
runway there. The pilot
diverted toward
Bethpage. The
pilot subsequently
radioed that he could
not see the runway, and
the controller continued
to provide heading and
distance information
until the airplane was
lost from radar. The
accident site was
located about
1/4-nautical mile
northwest of a former
runway's approach end.
At one time, the airport
had two paved runways,
but very little remains
today. The former
airport has been
developed with new
industrial buildings, in
addition to the ones
remaining from the
Grumman factory.
The passenger told
investigators that
during cruise flight he
heard a loud "pop"
sound, followed by an
"oil smell." The engine
then began to "sputter"
and lose power. The
pilot tried, but failed
to restart the engine.
The pilot, age 59, was
identified as
Westhampton restaurateur
Joseph Milo. He held a
commercial pilot
certificate with
airplane single-engine,
multi-engine, and
instrument airplane
ratings. He reported
3,300 hours total flight
time on his most recent
application for an FAA
second-class medical
certificate, dated
December 22, 2014.
Records provided by the
FAA revealed that he
completed a Part 135.299
line check (check ride)
on June 18, 2015.
The main wreckage was
found inverted and
burned on the railroad
tracks for the Long
Island Rail Road. The
wreckage debris field
was about 100 feet in
length and about 20 feet
wide. All major
structural components of
the aircraft were found
within the confines of
the debris field. The
right wing was found
under the grade crossing
cantilever arm, which
separated from its mount
structure during the
initial impact. The
engine was retained for
further examination.
LOSS OF CONTROL ACCIDENTS
The NTSB will hold a one-day forum, free and open to the public, to examine the problem of loss-of-control crashes
in general aviation, and explore possible solutions. The event, “Humans and Hardware: Preventing Inflight Loss
of Control in General Aviation,” is scheduled to be held from 9 am – 5 pm ET on October 14, 2015, in Washington, D.C.
Topics addressed will include an overview of the types of loss of control accidents, human performance and
medical issues, potential training improvements, and technological enhancements that can reduce loss of
control accidents. The forum will feature presentations from pilots, instructors, general aviation advocacy
groups, the Federal Aviation Administration, and manufacturers of potential technological countermeasures,
among others.
FLIGHT 1851
The NTSB has opened an
investigation into
Saturday’s accident that
occurred when a
passenger jetliner
suffered substantial
damage following a tail
strike during an
attempted landing.
On August 15, 2015, at
about 6:34 pm eastern
daylight time, an Airbus
A321, operated by
American Airlines as
Flight 1851 inbound from
Atlanta, reportedly
encountered wind shear
on final approach to the
Charlotte Douglas
International Airport.
The airplane impacted
runway approach lights
followed by an airplane
tail to runway impact.
The flight crew then
performed a go-around
maneuver and completed
the landing. No injuries
were reported; however,
the airplane was
substantially damaged.
The flight data recorder
and cockpit voice
recorder have been
brought to the NTSB
Vehicle Recorders
Laboratory in Washington
where they are being
downloaded and analyzed.
TUSKEGEE AIRMAN AIRCRAFT
The NTSB is
investigating the August
9, 2015, crash of a
Piper PA-32R-300
registered to the
Tuskegee Airmen National
Historical Museum. The
airplane crashed while
on a night approach to
the Harbor Springs
Airport, Harbor Springs,
MI. The pilot was
killed. He was
identified as Arthur
Green, age 58, a Vice
President of the
Tuskegee Airmen National
Historical Museum. He
was the only person on
board. He worked for the
Michigan Department of
Natural Resources and
was going to Harbor
Springs for a department
conference.
The main wreckage of the
airplane was located in
sloping and forested
terrain. The nose of the
airplane was oriented to
the east and the main
wreckage of the airplane
included the fuselage,
empennage, and engine
and propeller assembly.
The right wing separated
and came to rest
immediately adjacent and
to the north of the main
wreckage. The left wing
separated and came to
rest uphill and to the
south of the main
wreckage.
ACCIDENT STATS
The NTSB
released preliminary
aviation accident
statistics for 2014 on
August 6 showing a
slight increase in fatal
general aviation
accidents, which
increased from 222 in
2013 to 253 in 2014.
The
overall number of
general aviation
accidents decreased
slightly from 1,224 in
2013 to 1,221 in 2014.
Despite reporting fewer
accidents, the accident
rate for general
aviation aircraft
increased from 6.26 per
100,000 flight hours in
the previous year to
6.74 in 2014.
There
were 28 accidents
involving Part 121
operations (commercial
air transport).
The
number of accidents
involving scheduled Part
135 (commuter)
operations decreased
from seven in 2013 to
four in 2014.
On-demand
Part 135 operations,
which include charter,
air taxi, air tour, and
air medical flights,
reported 35 accidents in
2014, down from 44 in
2013. The accident rate
decreased from 1.30 per
100,000 flight hours in
2013 to 1.02 in 2014.
HELICOPTER FUEL SYSTEMS
The NTSB has called on
the FAA to order that
all newly manufactured
helicopters have
crashworthy fuel systems
to help prevent fuel-fed
fires in accidents. In
1994, the FAA imposed
new crashworthiness
requirements, but
helicopters whose
construction specs were
approved before the
crashworthy requirements
went into effect can
still be built without
having a crashworthy
fuel system. The NTSB
says as of November
2014, the FAA aircraft
registry includes more
than 5,600 helicopters
manufactured since 1994.
However, of those,
according to
certification data
provided by the FAA,
only about 850 (or 15%)
are models with
crash-resistant fuel
systems that meet the
1994 requirements.
HARRISON FORD ACCIDENT
The NTSB has released
some details of its
investigation into the
March 5, 2015, accident
in which actor Harrison
Ford was seriously
injured. Ford's 1942
Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR
sustained substantial
damage during a forced
landing following a
reported loss of engine
power shortly after
takeoff and during
initial climb-out from
the Santa Monica
Municipal Airport (SMO),
Santa Monica,
California. Visual
meteorological
conditions prevailed for
the personal flight.
Investigators reported
finding a discrepancy
with the main fuel
metering jet which
provides a constant
air/fuel mixture for the
engine to burn. However,
a probable cause for the
accident has not been
adopted.
During an interview with
the NTSB
investigator-in-charge,
Ford reported that,
shortly after takeoff
and about 1,100 feet
mean sea level, the
engine experienced a
loss of power. He stated
that he did not attempt
an engine restart but
maintained an airspeed
of 85 mph and initiated
a left turn back toward
the airport; however,
during the approach, he
realized that the
airplane was unable to
reach the runway. Ford
did not recall anything
further about the
accident sequence.
Subsequently, the
airplane struck the top
of a tree that was about
65 feet tall, and then
impacted the ground in
an open area of a golf
course. Fuel was
observed leaking from
the front of the
airplane, and the
responding fire
department reported
shutting off the
airplane's fuel supply
from the cockpit.
The main metering jet
was found unscrewed from
its seat and rotated
laterally about 90
degrees. The internal
cap, main metering jet,
and seat appeared to be
bright in color and
polished. Portions of
the jet threads appeared
to be rounded off. No
gasket was observed
within the main metering
jet housing. In
addition, no evidence of
thread locking compound
was observed on the
threads of the main
metering jet or the
threads of the seat.
According to the 1943
Holley Aircraft
Carburetors Instruction
Manual for Models 419
and 429, the actual
metering of the fuel is
accomplished by the main
metering jet located in
the passage between the
discharge nozzle and the
float chamber.
A review of the
maintenance logbooks
revealed that an
extensive restoration of
the airplane and engine
overhaul was completed
on May 21, 1998. At the
time of the accident,
the airframe and engine
had accumulated
approximately 169 hours
since the restoration.
An entry stated that a
new float and gasket
were installed in the
carburetor during this
time. The airplane was
issued a standard-normal
airworthiness
certificate on June 4,
1998. Review of the
Holley Aircraft
Carburetors Instruction
Manual for Models 419
and 429, revealed that
there were no pertinent
instructions regarding
the installation or
continued maintenance of
the jet assemblies.
Further, no maintenance
entries were located in
the engine logbook
regarding carburetor
inspections since the
overhaul.
MEDICAL HELICOPTERThe NTSB has determined the probable cause of the October 4, 2014, crash of a Bell 206L1+ medical helicopter at about 0155 central daylight time while on approach to the United Regional Hospital helipad, in Wichita Falls, Texas. The commercial pilot was seriously injured and the flight nurse, paramedic, and patient died.
The pilot reported that he was making an approach to a hospital helipad into light wind at night when he chose to go around because he fe...lt that the approach was too high and fast. The pilot lowered the helicopter’s nose, added power, and raised the collective control, and the helicopter then entered a rapid, “violent” right spin. The helicopter was under its maximum allowable gross weight at the time of the accident, and the wind was less than 4 knots. The NTSB investigation determined that it is likely the pilot did not adequately account for the helicopter’s low airspeed when he applied power to go around, which resulted in a sudden, uncommanded right yaw due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
SURVIVOR
On July 11, 2015 about
1600 Pacific daylight
time, a Beechcraft A35,
N8749A, was destroyed
when it impacted terrain
while maneuvering near
Mazama, Washington. The
pilot and one passenger
were fatally injured.
The second passenger
sustained serious
injuries. The airplane
was registered to, and
operated by, the pilot
as a 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part
91 personal flight.
Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed for
the cross-country
flight, which operated
on a visual rules flight
plan. However,
instrument
meteorological
conditions were reported
near the accident site.
The flight originated
from Red Eagle Aviation
(S27), Kalispell,
Montana, at about 1415
mountain standard time,
with an intended
destination of Lynden
Airport, Lynden,
Washington.
On July 11, 2015, an
Alert Notification (ALNOT)
was issued for the
accident aircraft. On
July 13, 2015, a
survivor was located on
Highway 20 near Easy
Pass Head Trail, Skagit
County, Washington. In a
verbal statement
provided to Okanogan
County Sheriff's
Department, she reported
that she was flying home
from Montana with her
grandparents. The
airplane flew into
clouds and the pilot was
using a GPS to navigate
with. When the airplane
exited the clouds, she
could see the mountain
in front of the
airplane. In an attempt
to gain the altitude,
the pilot pulled back on
the yoke but he was
unsuccessful. The
airplane impacted
terrain, and a
post-accident fire
ensued. The survivor
attempted to extract the
pilot and the other
passenger from the
wreckage, but was
unsuccessful.
F-16 / CESSNA MIDAIR
COLLISION
The NTSB has gathered information about the July 7, 2015, midair collision of a military fighter and a civilian airplane. It appears that the military pilot was aware of the civilian airplane's presence, and the controller handling the military jet gave the pilot instructions to avoid it.
At 1100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N3601V, and a Lockheed-Martin F-16CM, operated by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), collided in midair near Moncks Corner, South Carolina. The Cessna was destroyed during the collision, and both the private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The damaged F-16 continued to fly for an additional 3 minutes until the pilot activated the airplane's ejection system. The F-16 was destroyed following the subsequent collision with terrain and post-impact fire, while the pilot landed safely and was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the Cessna, while the F-16 was operating on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The Cessna departed from Berkley County Airport (MKS), Moncks Corner, South Carolina, at 1057, and was destined for Grand Strand Airport (CRE), North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; the personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The F-16 had departed from Shaw Air Force Base (SSC), Sumter, South Carolina about 1020.
According to the USAF, after departing from SSC, the F-16 proceeded to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where the pilot conducted two practice instrument approaches before continuing the flight to Charleston Air Force Base/International Airport (CHS), Charleston, South Carolina. According to preliminary air traffic control (ATC) radar and voice communication data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the F-16 pilot contacted the approach controller at CHS about 1052 and requested to perform a practice tactical air navigation system (TACAN) instrument approach to runway 15. The controller subsequently instructed the F-16 pilot to fly a heading of 260 degrees to intercept the final approach course. At 1055, the controller instructed the F-16 pilot to descend from his present altitude of 6,000 feet to 1,600 feet. About that time, the F-16 was located about 34 nautical miles northeast of CHS.
At 1057:41, a radar target displaying a visual flight rules transponder code of 1200, and later correlated to be the accident Cessna, appeared in the vicinity of the departure end of runway 23 at MKS, at an indicated altitude of 200 feet. The Cessna continued its climb, and began tracking generally southeast over the next 3 minutes. For the duration of its flight, the pilot of the Cessna did not contact CHS approach control, nor was he required to do so. At 1100:18, the controller advised the pilot of the F-16, "traffic 12 o'clock, 2 miles, opposite direction, 1,200 [feet altitude] indicated, type unknown." The F-16 pilot responded and advised the controller that he was "looking" for the traffic. At 1100:26, the controller advised the F-16 pilot, "turn left heading 180 if you don't have that traffic in sight." The pilot responded by asking, "confirm 2 miles?" Eight seconds later, the controller stated, "if you don't have that traffic in sight turn left heading 180 immediately." Over the next 18 seconds, the track of the F-16 began turning southerly.
At 1100:49, the radar target of the F-16 was located 1/2 nautical mile northeast of the Cessna, at an indicated altitude of 1,500 feet, and was on an approximate track of 215 degrees. At that time, the Cessna reported an indicated altitude of 1,400 feet, and was established on an approximate track of 110 degrees. At 1100:52 the controller advised the F-16 pilot, "traffic passing below you 1,400 feet." At 1100:54, the radar reported altitude of the F-16 remained at 1,500 feet and no valid altitude information was returned for the radar target associated with the Cessna. At that point the targets were laterally separated by about 1,000 feet. No further radar targets were received from the Cessna, and the next radar target for the F-16 was not received until 1101:13. At 1101:19, the F-16 pilot transmitted a distress call, and no subsequent transmissions were received. Air traffic control radar continued to track the F-16 as it proceeded on a roughly southerly track, and after descending to an indicated altitude of 300 feet, radar contact was lost at 1103:17 in the vicinity of the F-16 crash site.
MID-AIR AVOIDED AT NEWARK
The NTSB says an FAA controller was responsible for an incident involving two airliners at Newark International Airport in New Jersey. The Safety Board has finished its investigation of the April 24, 2014, incident at Newark in which a Boeing 737 and an Embraer ERJ145 regional jet had a near mid-air collision. The Embraer ERJ145 was departing from runway 4R and the Boeing 737-800 arriving to land on runway 29. Neither aircraft sustained damage, and no passengers or crewmembers were injured.
ExpressJet flight 4100 (ASQ4100) was departing on runway 4R for Memphis, Tennessee. United Airlines flight 1243 (UAL1243), a Boeing 737-800, was arriving from San Francisco
The Boeing 737 pilot contacted the Newark control tower while on the visual approach to runway 29. The local controller instructed the pilot to follow a Boeing 717 ahead and then cleared the pilot to land on runway 29. When the Boeing 717 was on short final, the local controller instructed the Embraer pilot to line up and wait on runway 4R. After the Boeing 717 crossed runway 4R, the local controller cleared the Embraer for takeoff. At that time, the Boeing 737 was about 3 miles from the runway 29 threshold; however, the Embraer did not actually begin its takeoff roll until the Boeing 737 was about 1 mile from the runway 29 threshold at 200 feet above the ground. The local controller recognized that the spacing between the Boeing 737 and the Embraer was insufficient and instructed the Boeing 737 pilot to go around. The Embraer continued its takeoff. The controller then provided traffic advisories to both the Boeing 737 and Embraer pilots and instructed the Embraer pilot to maintain visual separation from the Boeing 737. The Boeing 737 subsequently overflew the Embraer at the intersection of runways 29 and 4R. According to recorded Federal Aviation Administration radar data, the closest lateral and vertical proximity between the airplanes was about 160 feet and 400 feet, respectively, which is less than the minimum separation requirements for aircraft operating on intersecting runways.
The NTSB blamed the incident on the local controller’s failure to comply with Federal Aviation Administration separation requirements for aircraft operating on intersecting runways.