December ACCIDENT SUMMARYJimTimm
by Jim Timm

In this regular reporting of aviation accidents that have occurred in Arizona, it is the hope that we may be able to learn from mistakes being made and take action to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

For the past reporting period, the NTSB has reported eleven aviation accidents in Arizona. Of these accidents, four were fatal accidents, one accident resulted in minor injuries to two people and there were six non injury accidents. Amazingly, one of the non injury accidents involved two airplanes colliding in midair and landing safely. In reviewing the fatal accidents, two of the fatal accidents appeared to be the result of controlled flight into terrain. One occurred at mid day and the other occurred in the evening, approximately 1-1/2 hours after sunset. One of the fatal accidents was an experimental aircraft returning to the airport with a possible engine problem and it appeared the aircraft stalled and entered a spin turning onto final for landing. the other fatal accident was a weight shift trike flying from Safford to Show Low that lost control in strong turbulent wind at low altitude and impacted the terrain.

Again this certainly has not been a good month for aviation safety, All these aircraft accidents are serious with too many of them being fatal. We must do what ever we can to prevent them.

The following information, in most cases, was taken from the preliminary reports that have been issued by the NTSB and contain only the initial information available and are subject to change and may contain errors. Any errors in the preliminary NTSB reports will be corrected when the more detailed final report has been completed, which in some cases may be a year or more later.


Accident Date; Tuesday, September 25, 2012 (Reported 10/31/12)
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; St Johns
Aircraft; Cessna 150
Injuries; 1 Uninjured

(Preliminary and Final Report)

The pilot was landing at a private dirt airstrip in gusting crosswind conditions. He reported that when he flared to land, the winds reversed; the airplane subsequently swerved and collided with a dirt berm. The collision resulted in substantial damage to both wings and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.

Pilot data was unavailable.


Accident Date; Sunday, September 30, 2012 (Reported 10/20/12)
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; San Carlos
Aircraft; AIR CREATION TANARG
Injuries; 1 Fatal

On September 30, 2012 at about 1630 mountain standard time, an Air Creation, Tanarg was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain about 37 miles north of Safford, Arizona on the San Carlos Indian Reservation, fatally injuring the sport pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The cross-country flight departed Safford Regional Airport (SAD), about 1600 with a destination of Show Low Regional Airport (SOW).

A family member was flying alongside the accident airplane when the accident occurred. The family member, who is also a sport pilot, was flying a similar airplane model. After clearing a ridge the accident airplane dropped down to about 400 feet above ground level where he reported to the other pilot that the winds had become stronger. The other pilot who was higher in altitude at this point saw the airplane and heard the accident pilot report that the winds were making the airplane do abrupt turns. He further stated that he might try to land or abort the flight to SOW. Shortly thereafter the other pilot witnessed the accident airplane make a right turn and impact the mountainous terrain.


Accident Date; Thursday October 4, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; San Manuel
Aircraft; Wood Mustang II FB
Injuries; 1 Fatal

On October 4, 2012 at about 0930 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur built Wood Mustang II FB sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near the San Manuel Airport (E77). The sole occupant, a private pilot, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight which originated from E77 at an undetermined time.

According to multiple witnesses located at E77, the pilot reported low oil pressure and that he was returning to the airport. The witnesses observed the airplane in a final turn for a visual approach to runway 11 and noticed that it appeared to be low and slow, as if it was stalling. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a ridge line approximately three-quarters of a mile northwest of E77. The forward portion of the airframe and wings were mostly consumed by fire.


Accident Date; Friday October 5, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Chandler
Aircraft; Piper PA-28-161 Warrior
Injuries; 2 Uninjured

On October 5, 2012 at about 1415 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-161 Warrior and a Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow collided midair approximately 12 miles southwest of Chandler. Both airplanes were being operated as local instructional flights. Each airplane had a certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot. No injuries were reported from either airplane. The Warrior departed Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD) about 1335. The Arrow departed Falcon Field Airport (FFZ) about 1230. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight. No flight plan was filed for either airplane.

According to the CFI of the Arrow, he and the student pilot had just completed a non-directional beacon (NDB) interception exercise. Shortly after, the CFI noticed a very close, fast blurred object approaching from almost directly ahead. The object seemed to be in a left turn and was lower than his airplane.

The CFI of the Warrior reported that he had given his student pilot a simulated clearance. The CFI then saw an airplane directly ahead and slightly higher in altitude. He further stated that the airplane appeared to be in a slight left turn. He took the controls and made an abrupt nose down left turn prior to impacting the other airplane.

After the midair collision, the Warrior landed at the Gila River Memorial Airport with substantial damage to the right wing. The Arrow landed on the Volkswagen Group of America test track near Maricopa, with substantial damage to its left wing and horizontal stabilator.


Accident Date; Friday, October 5, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Chandler
Aircraft; Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow
Injuries; 2 Uninjured

Aircraft was involved in the previous described October 5 accident.


Accident Date; Sunday, October 14, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Marana
Aircraft; Piper PA-28-151
Injuries; 1 Fatal

On October 14, 2012, about 1910 mountain standard time, the Piper PA-28-151 collided with desert terrain near Marana, Arizona. The private pilot/owner, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal cross-country flight departed from Benson Municipal Airport about 1830, with a planned destination of Imperial County Airport, Imperial, California. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed along the intended route of flight, and the pilot was receiving VFR flight following services; he had not filed a flight plan.

The pilot had flown his spouse to Benson earlier in the day and had refueled and was returning back to his home base. Recorded radar data and Air Traffic Control (ATC) recordings were obtained and reviewed by a NTSB investigator.

Recorded radar data covering the area of the accident was examined for the time frame, and a discreet secondary beacon code target was observed that matched the anticipated flight track of the airplane en route from Benson to Imperial. The radar data, consisting of returns from 1838:02 to 1907:22, was consistent with the airplane flying in a northwesterly direction and gradually climbing from about 6,600 feet mean sea level (msl) to peak altitude of 8,600 feet msl.

A review of the data disclosed that about 1850 the track was over Tucson International Airport, cruising at an altitude around 8,500 feet msl. The track continued another 30 miles with a majority of the radar returns spaced uniformly and following a track of about 300 degrees true. The track made a left turn and headed west for a mile and then turned back to the northwest direction for about 2 miles. The course turned southwest for 2 miles and began to descend. The returns then made a 360-degree turn from 1906:03 until the last hit at 1907:22, during which time the altitude had decreased by 1,700 feet.

The main wreckage was approximately 2 miles north of the last radar return at an elevation of about 2,365 feet msl. The accident site was located in the desert, with the debris stretching over 470 feet from the first impact marking to the farthest debris found (right main landing wheel); the main wreckage was situated at the end portion of the path. The terrain was comprised of dirt and rocks, with scattered brush and cacti.


Accident Date; Monday, October 15, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Parker
Aircraft; Cirrus Design Corp. SR20
Injuries; 2 Uninjured

On October 15, 2012, about 1000 mountain daylight time, a Cirrus Design Corp SR20 landed hard during a forced landing in mountainous desert terrain near Parker. The private pilot and passenger were not injured, however, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage and both wings during the accident sequence. The cross-country flight departed John Wayne-Orange County Airport, Santa Ana, California, about 0850, with a planned destination of Ernest A. Love Field Airport, Prescott. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot reported, departing from Santa Monica Municipal Airport, Santa Monica, California, on the morning of the accident. Prior to flight, he checked the fuel gauges, which indicated that the wing tanks were half full. He visually examined the fuel quantity through the filler necks, and observing fuel in the tanks, assumed the gauges were faulty. He subsequently departed for Santa Ana, where he picked up a passenger.

They departed for Prescott, and the pilot reported that the airplane subsequently ran out of fuel as they approached the Parker VOR, where he performed a forced landing into a rocky outcropping. Recovery personnel drained about 6 ounces of fuel from the fuel tanks during recovery of the airplane. The Parker VOR is located about 200 miles from Santa Ana.


Accident Date; Thursday, October 18, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Phoenix
Aircraft; Beech N35
Injuries; 1 Uninjured

At 1040 mountain standard time on October 18, 2012, a Hawker Beechcraft experienced a loss of engine power while en route to Phoenix Deer Valley Airport from Prescott. The pilot conducted a forced landing 20 miles northwest of Deer Valley Airport in desert terrain. The private pilot operating the airplane was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot reported that he had just made contact with Phoenix Approach Control and was over mountainous terrain when he noticed the engine oil pressure was below 30 psi. He determined that the closest suitable airport was his destination airport, Deer Valley, and continued to that airport. Shortly after that, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero and the engine began to shake violently. He shut down the engine, declared an emergency, and pushed the 'nearest' button on the GPS, which indicated Pleasant Valley Airport as the closest airport. He turned towards Pleasant Valley Airport but he did not have enough altitude to glide all the way to the airport. The pilot executed a forced landing in desert terrain about 8 miles west of Pleasant Valley Airport. During the landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose and left wing. Post landing photos show oil and dirt streaks along the left side of the airplane originating from the vicinity of the engine cowling.


Accident Date; Thursday, October 18, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Yucca
Aircraft; Cessna 182P
Injuries; 1 Fatal

On October 18, 2012, at 1212 MST, a Cessna 182P collided with terrain near Yucca, Arizona. The certificated private pilot/owner sustained fatal injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage from impact forces and a post-crash fire. The cross-country personal flight departed Lake Havasu, Arizona, about 1200, with a planned destination of Eagle Airfield, Fort Mohave, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

This was the first flight following an annual inspection. The pilot was returning to his home airport. A witness talked with the pilot about the work just completed, and accompanied the pilot to the airplane. He observed the pilot check the level of the fuel tanks prior to departure, and said the pilot indicated that there were 30 gallons in the left fuel tank and 26 gallons in the right fuel tank. They discussed the beautiful weather, and the differences between this airplane and the pilot’s previous airplane. The pilot then boarded the airplane and taxied for takeoff.

A witness driving on nearby Interstate 40 observed the airplane fly into a mountain, and burst into flames. The crash site was high on a peak; the terrain slope was about 30 degrees. The debris path was along a magnetic bearing of 020 degrees. The First Identified Point of Contact (FIPC) was three parallel ground scars. The outer scars were 9 feet 6 inches apart. A piece of propeller blade tip was several feet in front of the FIPC along with a piece of main wheel pant. The propeller was separated from the engine aft of the propeller flange, and was the last piece of wreckage identified. The main wreckage consisted of the engine, fuselage, wings, and tail. The wing struts separated and were in the main debris field. This main wreckage burned and was in the middle of a scorched area of the debris field. Plexiglass shards and debris outside of the scorched area were not sooty or melted.

Control continuity was established. The only disconnect was the flap cable, which was splayed at the right wing root. The Cessna representative noted that the flap actuator was not extended, which indicated that the flaps were up. The fuel selector valve was not located. The elevator trim tab actuator separated. The engine came to rest inverted. The oil pan was crushed upward, and had holes in it. The carburetor separated. All corners of the airframe and engine were accounted for.


Accident Date; Friday, October 19, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Dolan Springs
Aircraft; Agusta A119
Injuries; 3 Uninjured

On October 19, 2012 at about 2215 MST, an Agusta A119 helicopter sustained minor damage while standing, following a collision with a moving vehicle about 17 nautical miles northwest of Dolan Springs, Arizona. The Emergency Medical Services helicopter was registered to and operated by TriState CareFlight, of Bullhead City, Arizona. The pilot, flight nurse and paramedic on board the helicopter, as well as individuals in the moving vehicle were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the collision. A company flight plan was active, the helicopter's planned destination was Kingman.

The helicopter had been dispatched earlier in the day to the site of a vehicle accident to retrieve injured personnel for transport to a nearby medical facility. After its arrival and shutting down, the helicopter crew was informed that their services would not be needed, at which time the crew prepared to return to their home base. The paramedic, while outside of the helicopter, conferred with an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer to ensure that the local highway remained blocked until the helicopter had departed. After the engine was started and rotation came up to 100 percent, the paramedic boarded the helicopter in preparation for departure. As the pilot was about to bring the helicopter up to a hover, he noticed off to his left that a cubed van truck was moving forward around the left side of the helicopter. The truck subsequently struck the helicopter's main rotor blades, which resulted in minor damage to the helicopter.


Accident Date; Saturday, October 27, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Lake Havasu
Aircraft; Robinson Helicopter Co. R22 Mariner
Injuries; 2 Minor

On October 27, 2012, about 1410 MST, a Robinson R22 Mariner helicopter was substantially damaged when it impacted the surface of Lake Havasu during a photography flight. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no FAA flight plan was filed for the flight.

According to the pilot, the helicopter was temporarily based at Boulder City Municipal Airport (BVU), Boulder City, Nevada. Both the pilot and the passenger were employed by a company based in Florida that photographed boats in motion, and marketed those photographs to the boat operators via its website "Boatpix.com." Typically, the company did not pre-coordinate with the boat operators being photographed; instead the pilots patrol and photographed all operating boats in a given location as targets of opportunity. The typical procedure was to fly low on a path parallel to, and in the same direction as, the target boat, pass the boat, make a 180-degree course reversal turn around the bow of the boat, and then proceed to the next boat.

On the day of the accident, the pilot and the photographer flew from Boulder City to Lake Havasu, and were photographing boats on the lake. The pilot was in the left seat, and the photographer was in the right seat. During the right turn for the course reversal, the helicopter climbed to about 50 feet above the water, and then began to descend for a photo pass on the next boat. However, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent, and the helicopter impacted the water, and immediately inverted.
The pilot held a flight instructor certificate for helicopters. He reported that he had a total flight experience of approximately 948 hours, including about 750 hours in the R22. The photographer was also qualified in R-22 helicopters. He reported a total flight experience of approximately 215 hours, including about 205 hours in the R22.

The majority of the helicopter was recovered by a commercial salvor based at Lake Havasu, but the tail boom was not recovered. One pontoon was separated from the helicopter during the accident sequence.


Accident Date; Saturday, October 27, 2012
Title 14 CFR Part 91 Operation
Location; Payson
Aircraft; JeffAir Barracuda
Injuries; 2 Uninjured

On October 27, 2012, about 0925 MST, an experimental amateur-built JeffAir Barracuda was substantially damaged when all three landing gear collapsed after touchdown on runway 6 at Payson airport (PAN). Neither the pilot/owner nor his passenger was injured.

The airplane landing gear system was equipped with three green annunciation lights that illuminate when the landing gear is fully extended for landing, and three amber annunciation lights that illuminate when the landing gear is fully retracted. On departure from Ernest A. Love field, Prescott, (PRC), for Payson, the pilot noticed that the nose landing gear amber light illuminated about 5 to 8 seconds after the two main landing gear lights; normally all three illuminate approximately simultaneously. The pilot was uncertain whether there really was a problem, and the airplane operated normally. In the traffic pattern at PAN, after the pilot selected the landing gear to the extended position, he observed that the two green main gear lights illuminated, but the green nose gear light did not. He conducted a low flyby of the airport, and a ground observer radioed that the nose gear appeared to be fully extended. The pilot then conducted a normal landing, but the nose gear retracted when the pilot lowered the nose of the airplane. Very shortly thereafter, the two main gear then retracted, and the airplane slid to a stop on the runway. At one of the main gear pushed up through the upper wing skin after the unintentional retraction.

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single and multi-engine ratings. He had a total flight experience of about 2,500 hours, including about 40 hours in the accident airplane make and model.