National Transportation Safety Board - Aircraft Accident/Incident Database

Transcription

1 Accident Rpt# ERA12LA386 06/08/ EDT Regis# N1481 Wrens, GA Acft Mk/Mdl BOWEN CHRISTOPHER W DOGBEE Acft SN 001 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl ROTAX 503 Fatal 1 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: BOWEN CHRISTOPHER W Aircraft Fire: GRD AW Cert: SPX On June 8, 2012, approximately 1645 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Dogbee gyroplane, N1481, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near Wrens, Georgia. The certificated student pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. A witness, who was also flying his gyroplane behind the accident gyroplane, stated that the two gyroplanes had departed Wrens Memorial Airport (65J) shortly before the accident, and were flying over fields south of the airport when the witness observed the accident gyroplane begin a left turn and descend into the ground. He did not observe any abnormalities prior to the impact. A second witness, who was located on a road adjacent to the accident site, reported seeing the accident gyroplane flying over the field at an altitude of between feet, with the second gyroplane following approximately 200 yards behind and at a slightly higher altitude. The accident gyroplane was approaching, and level with, a set of power lines which ran perpendicular to the field. Before reaching the power lines, the gyroplane made a steep, 180-degree left turn and impacted the ground. The witness stated that the gyroplane appeared to be "almost on its side" as it turned. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector responded to the accident site. He stated that the gyroplane came to rest near the edge of a plowed cotton field, approximately 20 feet from a wooded area. Most of the structure was consumed by post-impact fire. The main rotor was separated from the airframe, and was found suspended in a nearby tree. The engine and two of the three propeller blades remained intact. The throttle was observed in the aft position. The engine was rotated by hand, and continuity was confirmed to each of the two cylinders. The spark plugs were removed and exhibited normal wear. Page 1 Copyright 1999, 2012,

2 Accident Rpt# CEN12LA340 06/04/ CDT Regis# N4396H Manchester, IA Apt: Manchester Municipal Airport C27 Acft Mk/Mdl QUICKSILVER SPORT II Acft SN 0934 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Fatal 1 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: PILOT On June 4, 2012, about 1945 central daylight time, a Quicksilver Sport II, N4396H, impacted terrain while maneuvering over the Manchester Manchester Municipal Airport (C27), Manchester, Iowa. The certificated sport pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which had not been operating on a flight plan. The flight originated from the pilot's private airstrip near Ryan, Iowa, and was en route to C27. Page 2 Copyright 1999, 2012,

3 Accident Rpt# ERA12FA395 06/15/ EDT Regis# N206GX Westminster, MD Apt: Carroll County Regional DMW Acft Mk/Mdl REMOS ACFT GMBH FLUGZEUGBAU Acft SN 335 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl ROTAX 912ULS Acft TT 210 Fatal 1 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: ROBENS JANE F AW Cert: LTSP On June 15, 2012, about 1010 eastern daylight time, a Remos Aircraft GmbH Flugzeugbau Remos GX, special-light sport aircraft (S-LSA), N206GX, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground during an emergency landing at the Carroll County Regional Airport (DMW), Westminster, Maryland. The certificated commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed the Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), Frederick, Maryland, and was ultimately destined for the Piseco Airport (K09), Piseco, New York. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to records obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the two-seat, high-wing, fixed tricycle landing gear, S-LSA, was issued a special airworthiness certificate on September 30, 2009, and purchased by its current owner during May The airplane was of composite carbon fiber monocoque construction, and was designed with the ability to fold both wings back to facilitate storage and transportation. In addition, both wings and the horizontal stabilizer were removable. The respective control push-pull rods for the left and right ailerons, and elevator featured a "quick-fastener" to disconnect and reconnect the respective flight control. According to witnesses, the pilot flew the airplane from K09 to Haysfield Airport (MD24), Clarksville, Maryland, during November 2011, where it was disassembled and stored for the winter. It was subsequently reassembled during April The pilot, who was also an FAA certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic, completed a condition inspection on June 1, The pilot then flew the airplane to Bay Bridge Airport (W29), Stevensville, Maryland, where a pitot-static system check was performed on June 8, and a Magnum 601 ballistic parachute system was installed on June 12, The pilot flew to FDK on June 14, 2012, and was planning to fly to K09, with an en route fuel stop, to deliver the airplane to its owner on the day of the accident. A witness at DMW heard the pilot transmit over the airport common traffic advisory frequency "my elevator has come detached, I need to make a landing on runway 16." Another witness observed the airplane "climb and dive" as it approached the 5,100-foot-long, asphalt runway. A third witness stated the airplane was about 50 feet from the beginning of the runway, when it made a dramatic pitch downward. The airplane impacted the ground about 60 feet prior to the runway, and about 12 feet to the left of the right runway edge. Debris was scattered south-southeast approximately 350 feet, with the majority of the wreckage found on the grass area that was located immediately off the right side of and parallel to the runway. All major portions of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. Both wings and the top portion of the cabin were inverted and found about 220 feet from the initial impact point. The main wreckage was found about 265 feet from the initial impact point. It consisted of the cockpit, which was destroyed, the engine, and the tail assembly aft of the cabin, which remained intact. The ballistic parachute system parachute was not activated and found strewn along the debris path. The activation handle was found in the main wreckage secured with a padlock. The key for the padlock was found on a key ring, with the ignition key, which remained inserted in the ignition switch. Initial examination of the airplane's flight controls revealed that the elevator quick-fastener was disconnected. The left and right aileron quick-fasteners remained connected, and the flight control cables to the rudder remained attached. Examination of the airplane's engine did not reveal any failures that would have precluded normal operation. The elevator and aileron quick-fasteners were removed and forwarded to the NTSB Materials Laboratory, Washington, DC, for further examination. In addition, the airplane was equipped with a Dynon Avionics "FlightDEK-D180 combined EFIS and EMS" unit, and a Garmin 496 global positioning system receiver, which were forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Division for data download. Page 3 Copyright 1999, 2012,

4 Accident Rpt# WPR11LA069 12/01/ MST Regis# N765MH Peoria, AZ Apt: Pleasant Valley Airport P48 Acft Mk/Mdl SABRE TRIKE Acft SN 002 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Factual Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl ROTAX 447 Acft TT 91 Fatal 1 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: HAAG MONTE L HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 1, 2010, about 1700 mountain standard time (MST), an experimental light-sport weight-shift-control Sabre Trike, N765MH, impacted terrain during an uncontrolled descent near Pleasant Valley Airport, Peoria, Arizona. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The sport pilot was fatally injured; the trike sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage structure. The local personal instructional flight departed Peoria at an unknown time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. Witnesses near the airport saw the trike in a spiraling descent before losing sight of it. After a short search of the area the accident site was located about 0.5 nm south of the airport. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Scottsdale flight standards district office responded to the accident site. The debris field, including the trike and all of the components and control surfaces, were within the immediate impact area. A 60-pound bag of dry ready cement was found in the front area of the trike wreckage. It was later discovered that the pilot was using the cement bag as a ballast to simulate a front seat passenger. The accident site was documented, and the trike was recovered for further examination. On December 2, 2010, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma of torso and extremities. The manner of death was by accident. On December 8, 2010, investigators examined the wreckage at Air Transport, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona. The engine was examined; after minor adjustments the engine was started, and ran without issues. Examination of the airframe revealed no abnormalities that would have precluded normal operations. Page 4 Copyright 1999, 2012,

5 Accident Rpt# WPR11LA183 04/03/ PDT Regis# N8113N Pleasant Grove, CA Apt: Private PVT Acft Mk/Mdl TOMEI S12 XL Acft SN Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Factual Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl BOMBARDIER ROTAX (ALL) Acft TT 306 Fatal 1 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: TOMEI ED J HISTORY OF FLIGHT On April 3, 2011, about 1253 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur built Tomei Rans S12 XL airplane, N8113N, collided with the ground shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip near Pleasant Grove, California. The certificated sport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage, empennage and wing assembly. The airplane was registered to the pilot, and operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. A pilot rated witness, who was an acquaintance of the pilot, stated that the airplane landed at the private airstrip about The witness reported that he and the pilot talked for minutes and among other things, discussed flying to another airstrip south of their location as a flight of two. The witness reported that while he was doing a run-up, he watched the accident airplane depart to the northwest. Shortly after takeoff, as the accident airplane reached an altitude between 200 to 300 feet above ground level, it appeared to slow down, bank to the left, and subsequently spiraled to the ground. During a separate conversation, the witness reported that the accident airplane was airborne "a couple of minutes" after the engine was started. TESTS AND RESEARCH The airplane was equipped with a 2-stroke Rotax 582 liquid cooled, 2-cylinder piston engine; serial number Engine total time since new was hours. Post accident examination of the engine revealed evidence of abnormal piston wear. Mechanical scoring and vertical grooves were noted along the forward (mag) cylinder walls and forward piston skirt. Both piston rings were intact; however, were seized within their ring lands. The associated piston wrist pin, wrist pin bearings and connecting rod were in place with no damage noted. Detailed exam notes are contained in the public docket. A representative of the engine manufacturer reported that the observed cylinder and piston wear and damage signatures was indicative of an in-flight "cold seizure" of the piston; a condition where the piston seizes within the cylinder. The manufacturer's representative stated that this occurs when there is a thermo-imbalance of the piston and cylinder caused by a lack of engine warm-up or excessive temperature coolant difference inlet to outlet on the engine. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In a manufacturer issued Service Information Letter (SIL) dated July 1994, Rotax addressed, in part, the potential for piston seizure. The letter stated in part "...Putting a cold engine to hard work without uniform and correct warm up will cause the piston to expand quicker than the cylinder, minimizing clearance and creating piston scuffing and seizure." Page 5 Copyright 1999, 2012,

6 Accident Rpt# CEN12LA374 06/14/ MDT Regis# N76YK Loveland, CO Apt: Ft. Collins-loveland Municipal KFNL Acft Mk/Mdl YAKOVLEV YAK-52 Acft SN Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl VEDENEYEV M14P Fatal 0 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: RONALD JAMES STARK Aircraft Fire: GRD On June 14, 2012, at 1450 mountain daylight time, a Yakovlev model Yak-52, N76YK, was substantially damaged when the nose landing gear collapsed during landing roll at Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (KFNL), Loveland, Colorado. A sustained ground fire ensued after the airplane came to rest on the runway. The airline transport pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was operated without a flight plan. The flight departed Greeley-Weld County Airport, Greeley, Colorado, at 1435 with the intended destination of KFNL. The pilot reported that he made an uneventful landing approach to runway 15, but shortly after touchdown the nose landing gear collapsed rearward during landing roll. The airplane came to rest nose down on the runway and a fuel fire erupted forward of the engine firewall. Aircraft firefighting and rescue (ARFF) responded to the accident site and extinguished the fire with the assistance of two firefighting units. The engine structural supports were substantially damaged during the nose gear collapse. The forward fuselage structure sustained substantial damage during the ground fire. At 1455, the airport's automated surface observing system reported the following weather conditions: wind 080 degrees at 10 knots, gusting 17 knots; clear skies; visibility 10 miles; temperature 29 degrees Celsius; dew point 06 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting inches of mercury. The direction of the surface wind had varied between 040 and 140 degrees since the previous hourly weather report. Page 6 Copyright 1999, 2012,

7 Accident Rpt# CEN12LA371 06/09/ CDT Regis# N319NP San Antonio, TX Apt: San Geronimo Airpark 8T8 Acft Mk/Mdl AMEN STAR LITE Acft SN 1 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl ROTAX SEE BOMBADIER Fatal 0 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: AMEN NELSON P On June 9, 2012, at 1215 central daylight time, an amateur-built Amen Star Lite, N319NP, was experienced a hard forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the San Geronimo Airpark (8T8), San Antonio, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The local flight originated just prior to the accident. The pilot reported the engine operated normally during the engine run-up and ground run. After takeoff at an altitude of about 100 feet agl, the engine lost power. The pilot turned the airplane back toward the airport in an attempt to reach the runway. A hard landing was made in the grass along side the runway. Page 7 Copyright 1999, 2012,

8 Accident Rpt# CEN12CA294 05/13/ CDT Regis# N212LB Au Gres, MI Acft Mk/Mdl BECKERT BRUCE A RV-6 Acft SN Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Factual Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl LYCOMING SERIES Fatal 0 Ser Inj 1 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: BECKERT BRUCE A The pilot contacted his friend and told him to be at the beach and watch for the airplane. The friend reported that he saw the airplane make about three passes up-and-down the beach. On the third pass he said the airplane made a steep left turn, which he believed resulted in a stall. The airplane impacted the water, just offshore. Several other witnesses responded and aided in removing the pilot from the airplane and water. The airplane's forward fuselage was heavily damaged during the impact and came to rest in about 5 feet of water. The pilot reported that as he arrived at the peninsula, he proceeded across the shoreline and then crossed the beach; he dropped to an altitude of approximately 100 feet. He added that he made a right turn, then after passing the bridge, he made a tight left turn and "felt a bump/drop, as if my left wing lost lift". He added that he leveled off, slightly nose high, and headed in an east, south east direction. The pilot could not recall any further details of the accident. Page 8 Copyright 1999, 2012,

9 Accident Rpt# CEN12CA329 05/29/ CDT Regis# N85AY Pryor, OK Apt: Mid-america Industrial Airport H71 Acft Mk/Mdl BRUMBAUGH B/KASOWSKI L AVID FLYERAcft SN 984 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Factual Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl ROTAX 582 Acft TT 381 Fatal 0 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: PILOT The pilot was performing a high speed taxi prior to an intended local flight. During the high speed taxi, the airplane's tail rose off the ground and the pilot reduced power. During the subsequent rollout, the tailwheel started to shimmy and the pilot applied left and right rudder. The airplane veered left and exited the runway, went down a steep slope and impacted the side of a drainage ditch, where it sustained substantial damage to its wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions. Page 9 Copyright 1999, 2012,

10 Accident Rpt# CEN11LA671 08/13/ CDT Regis# N7167S Lake Jackson, TX Apt: Bailes Airport 7R9 Acft Mk/Mdl FISHER MICHAEL E HYSTER Acft SN AH0001 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl VOLKSWAGON 2400CC Acft TT 159 Fatal 0 Ser Inj 1 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: PHILLIPS RONALD R On August 13, 2011, approximately 1145 central daylight time, a Fisher Hyster experimental airplane, N7167S, registered to a private individual, was substantially damaged when it collided with power lines and the ground during a forced landing while maneuvering after takeoff from Bailes Airport (7R9), Angelton, Texas. The noncertificated pilot, who was the sole occupant, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal regulations Part 91. According to the registered owner, the airplane had a new engine and propeller installed and an associate of his who was a pilot intended to test fly the airplane. Shortly after takeoff while maneuvering, the engine went to idle and the pilot was forced to land. While maneuvering to an open field to land, the airplane collided with a power line, bounced hard on the ground and flipped inverted. The fuselage and wings were buckled and the engine separated from its mounts upon impact with the ground. An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the accident site. He reported that the fixed landing gear of the airplane had apparently contacted the power lines while the pilot was maneuvering for the forced landing. Further inspection of the engine and carburetor revealed that the set screw that held the throttle cable to the carburetor was loose. The cable could be moved freely by hand through the carburetor arm with no restriction. The cable showed no evidence that it had been scored or pulled when the engine had separated during the accident. No marks were found where the set screw would have been tightened in place on the cable. In addition, when the cable was was inserted back into the carburetor arm, it took one full turn of the set screw to make contact and secure the cable in place. It should be noted that the NTSB IIC had contacted the owner of the airplane by telephone shortly after the accident. During that conversation, the owner acknowledged that he would complete NTSB Form 6120 and return the form. During a subsequent conversation, the owner acknowledged receipt and completion of Form 6120 and stated that he would return the form. Repeated attempts to obtain the form were not successful. To this date, the Form 6120 has not been returned to the NTSB. Additionally, the pilot of the airplane could not be located by either the FAA or the NTSB to provide additional information on the event. Page 10 Copyright 1999, 2012,

11 Accident Rpt# CEN12CA278 05/03/ CDT Regis# N102GW Redwood Falls, MN Apt: Redwood Falls Municipal RWF Acft Mk/Mdl GALLOWAY/WARD RV-4 Acft SN GW 102 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Factual Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl LYCOMING SERIES Acft TT 1303 Fatal 0 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: STEGMAIER ANN C The airplane encountered a wind gust on takeoff, which lifted the right wing and caused the airplane to roll left. The airplane then lifted off the ground about 2-3 feet and the pilot tried to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down on the left landing gear as it was drifting to the left, and the gear collapsed. Then, the right landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck a runway light as it exited the side of the runway. The pilot said the firewall, left wing spar, and an engine mount were damaged. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine. He also stated that he should have been more aware of the possibility of sudden wind gusts and wind shear during takeoff. Page 11 Copyright 1999, 2012,

12 Accident Rpt# CEN12FA174 03/01/ MDT Regis# N273TE Belen, NM Apt: Alexander Municipal Airport E80 Acft Mk/Mdl HEMP TIMOTHY LEGACY 2000 Acft SN L2K164 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl CONT MOTOR IO-550-N Fatal 2 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: WESTBROOK GEORGE J On March 1, 2012, approximately 0535 mountain standard time, an experimental Lancair Legacy 2000, N273TE, registered to the pilot rated passenger, sustained substantial damage when it collided with power lines and impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from the Alexander Municipal Airport (E80), Belen, New Mexico. The pilot and pilot rated passenger were fatally injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. The flight's intended destination was Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona. The PNM Power Company of Albuquerque, New Mexico, recorded a voltage spike at 0535 on a three phase power line that runs south of E80. Company personnel who dispatched to identify the problem discovered cut and downed power lines and the wreckage of the airplane scattered beyond the damaged lines. Evidence at the accident site showed that the airplane had collided with the 25-foot high power lines about 1.2 miles west of the departure end of runway 21. The first ground impact mark was found about 900 feet beyond the damaged power lines. Debris from the airplane was scattered beyond the initial ground impact point for about 300 feet on an approximate heading of 020 degrees magnetic. There were no radio distress calls reported from the airplane after takeoff and there were no eye witnesses of the accident. Interviews of local FBO personnel indicated that the airplane was being flown to Mesa, Arizona, for maintenance and calibration of the fuel system. It is unknown as to why the airplane was flying at an altitude low enough to collide with the power lines. The weather in the vicinity was mild at the time of the accident. Page 12 Copyright 1999, 2012,

13 Accident Rpt# WPR12CA206 05/14/ PDT Regis# N9027M Molalla, OR Acft Mk/Mdl HUNTER A-20 VISTA CRUISER Acft SN SA-20C-042 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Factual Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl ROTAX 912ULS Acft TT 270 Fatal 0 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: OMELCHUCK JASON L AW Cert: SPX The pilot reported that during the flight he was locating off airport landing locations and observed a dirt road that appeared to be suitable for landing. The pilot stated that he performed a flat approach to the road with power and landed hard. Subsequently, the left wing struck a rock and the airplane immediately veered to the left and the main landing gear separated, which resulted in structural damage to the left and right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Page 13 Copyright 1999, 2012,

14 Accident Rpt# WPR10LA356 07/17/ MDT Regis# N15LQ Marysvale, UT Apt: Junction Airport U13 Acft Mk/Mdl PARKER RS-15 SAILPLANE Acft SN 25 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Factual Prob Caus: Pending Fatal 1 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: MICHAEL L. WILLS On July 17, 2010, about 1610 mountain daylight time (MDT), an experimental Parker RS-15 Sailplane, N15LQ, impacted a mountain near Marysvale, Utah. The private pilot/owner operated the glider under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a personal flight. The pilot was fatally injured, and the glider sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Parowan Airport, Parowan, Utah, about 1245, and was joined with a group of three other gliders as it proceeded northbound. The pilot intended to return to Parowan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was a subject of a family concerned alert notice (ALNOT) issued on July 18 after the pilot failed to return at The Paiute County Sheriff's Department located the accident site about 0930 the following morning. The sheriff reported that the site was about 1 mile north of Bouillon Canyon, on the side of a 12,000-foot mountain. The glider was on a small plateau, inverted, at the 7,800-foot level on the side of a slope. The debris field consisted of glider components, which were all contained near the main wreckage. A handheld global position system (GPS) was recovered from the accident site and sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory for examination and download. The GPS unit sustained impact damage, which prevented any recorded data from being recovered. Another glider pilot who was the last known person to speak to the accident pilot, reported that he and the accident pilot had made the northern turn at Salina, Utah, which was about 80 nm from Parowan, and they were traveling southbound back towards Parowan. As they approached an area about 15 miles northwest of Marysvale, the accident pilot indicated he was going to proceed southbound towards Junction, Utah, along the hills west of Marysvale. The accident pilot reported a significant loss of altitude, nearly 5,000 feet, from 14,000 feet to 9,700 feet in a period of 3-5 minutes. The accident pilot told the witness pilot that he was going to divert to the airport at Junction. Shortly thereafter, the accident pilot radioed that the glider had lost additional altitude, and if he was unable to climb, he would land the glider in the fields west of Marysvale. The accident pilot had instructed his ground crew to respond to the Junction airport and await further instructions. The witness pilot stated that there were strong winds from the southwest at the time of the accident, and he saw lenticular clouds on the east side of the mountains where the accident glider was found. Page 14 Copyright 1999, 2012,

15 Accident Rpt# WPR12LA252 05/12/ PDT Regis# N336JS Ephrata, WA Apt: Ephrata EPH Acft Mk/Mdl STAUDACHER HYDROPLANES S300X Acft SN 35 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl LYCOMING GO-435 Acft TT 174 Fatal 0 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: ASHISH KAPOOR On May 12, 2012, about 1030 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Staudacher Hydroplanes S300X, N336JS, serial number 35, was substantially damaged after it veered off the runway and struck a runway sign at Ephrata Municipal Airport (EPH), Ephrata, Washington. The pilot/owner was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no FAA flight plan was filed for the flight. According to the pilot, he was participating in an aerobatics practice and coaching event at EPH. He departed about 1000, conducted aerobatics practice, and returned for a landing on runway 3. He conducted a 3-point landing, but the airplane bounced. The airplane touched down again, and during the subsequent rollout, the pilot determined that the airplane brakes were inoperative. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway, and struck the 1,000-foot distance remaining sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage in the region of the wing-fuselage juncture. Event and airport personnel assisted in securing the airplane and moving it to a hangar for disposition. The pilot did not notify either the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the event until prompted by his insurance company about 1 month after the accident. FAA information indicated that the airplane was manufactured in 2009, and was equipped with a Lycoming GO-435 series engine. The pilot held a flight instructor certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. The pilot purchased the airplane about 2 months before the accident. Information provided by the pilot indicated that he had a total flight experience of about 390 hours, including about 14 hours in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in 2009, and his most recent FAA-required flight review was completed in June The EPH 0953 automated weather observation included winds from 340 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 10 miles; clear skies; temperature 16 degrees C; dew point -3 degrees C; altimeter setting of inches of mercury. Page 15 Copyright 1999, 2012,

16 Accident Rpt# CEN12LA333 05/31/ CDT Regis# N808WW Hutchinson, MN Apt: Hutchinson Municipal Airport-b HCD Acft Mk/Mdl WALTERS RV-8 Acft SN Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Fatal 0 Ser Inj 1 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: PILOT On May 31, 2012, at 1550 central daylight time, a Walters RV-8, N808WW, impacted terrain when it departed the edge of runway 33 during landing at Hutchinson Municipal Airport-Butler Field (HCD), Hutchinson, Minnesota. The certificated private pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the wing. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was destined for HCD. Page 16 Copyright 1999, 2012,

17 Accident Rpt# WPR12LA241 06/01/ PDT Regis# N125CW Salinas, CA Apt: Salinas Municipal Airport KSNS Acft Mk/Mdl WESTCOTT PROWLER JAGUAR Acft SN 0012 Acft Dmg: SUBSTANTIAL Rpt Status: Prelim Prob Caus: Pending Eng Mk/Mdl AMA/EXPR RODECK V8 Fatal 1 Ser Inj 0 Flt Conducted Under: FAR 091 Opr Name: WESTCOTT CHARLES R Aircraft Fire: GRD On June 1, 2012, at 1059 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Westcott Prowler Jaguar, N125CW, impacted terrain immediately after takeoff at the Salinas Municipal Airport, Salinas, California. The airplane was operated by the owner/builder under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged and involved in a post accident fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. A witness reported observing the airplane accelerate down runway 26. Immediately after takeoff the nose pitched up, the airplane rolled, and then impacted the ground nose first. A post crash fire ensued. Page 17 Copyright 1999, 2012,