Aviation News – Scudrunners Aviation https://news.scudrunners.com Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:54:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://news.scudrunners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cropped-New-Logo-32x32.png Aviation News – Scudrunners Aviation https://news.scudrunners.com 32 32 Cessna 421B N421DP New York -NTSB Final Report https://news.scudrunners.com/cessna-421b-n421dp-new-york-ntsb-final-report/ Sat, 20 Aug 2022 16:03:00 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24619 Read More]]>

Analysis


The pilot reported that, during the initial climbout, about 1,000 ft above ground level, one of
the engines stopped producing power. He confirmed that all engine controls were full forward
and the main fuel tanks were selected. Immediately thereafter, the remaining engine began to
surge, then stopped producing power. He established best glide speed and looked for an area to
perform a forced landing. The airplane crashed into a solid waste disposal facility, about 2.3
nautical miles northwest of the departure airport.
First responders arrived immediately after the accident and found only a trace amount of fuel
within the confines of the accident site or in the fuel tanks. The only postaccident fire was
centered on a small, localized area near the right engine turbocharger. Both main fuel tanks
were empty, and the auxiliary bladder tanks were ruptured by impact forces. Examination of
both engines revealed no evidence of a preaccident malfunction or anomaly. A surveillance
video showed no evidence of smoke or mist training the airplane seconds prior to impact. The
pilot reported that he departed the airport with 112 gallons of fuel on board. The pilot did not
provide evidence of the latest refueling when requested by investigators. The available
evidence is consistent with a total loss of engine power to both engines due to fuel exhaustion.

Probable Cause and Findings


The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power
due to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing.
Page 2 of 7 ERA21LA098
Findings
Aircraft Fuel – Fluid level
Personnel issues Fuel planning – Pilot



Factual Information


On January 10, 2021, about 1301 eastern standard time, a Cessna 421B, N421DP, was
substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Old Bethpage, New York. The
pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that he departed runway 32 at Republic Airport (FRG), Farmingdale, New
York about 1300. During the initial climbout, about 1,000 ft above ground level, one of the
engines stopped producing power. He confirmed that all engine controls were full forward and
the main fuel tanks were selected. Immediately thereafter, the remaining engine began to
surge, then stopped producing power. He established best glide speed and looked for an area to
perform a forced landing. The airplane impacted a solid waste disposal facility, about 2.3
nautical miles northwest of FRG.


Surveillance video captured the airplane during the final seconds before the crash. The airplane
approached the ground at a nearly flat pitch angle and struck the ground left wing first. There
were no visible smoke, vapors, or mist trailing the airplane. The wing flaps and landing gear
were in the retracted positions.
One of the first responders, a firefighter, reported that, upon arrival at the accident site after
the accident, he did not see or smell any fuel on the ground. During his travels back and forth
to the wreckage, he saw no pooling or buildup of fuel anywhere.
Another first responder reported that, when approaching the wreckage, fuel was dripping from
the fuselage, but “…it was a minimal leak.” He estimated the drip rate to be 5 drops per minute,
and after about 5-10 minutes, the leak stopped. He inspected the wreckage and could visibly
see that there was no fuel in the left wing. The right wing was too damaged to go under and he
was unable to get a better look.


A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who traveled to the scene reported that the
airframe sustained “major damage” to the nose and both wings and the fuselage came to rest at
a 70° angle. He did not observe any signs of fuel under the wreckage, nor did he smell any fuel
near the wreckage. There were no signs of fuel spillage on the street adjacent to the wreckage.
There were no blue streaks or signs of fuel leaks on the wings, engines, and fuselage. All fuel
tanks were checked and found to be empty of fuel. There was a localized area of postaccident
fire damage inside the right engine compartment, immediately forward of the turbocharger.
The wreckage was recovered to a secure storage facility where a more complete examination
was performed.


All major structural components of the airplane were accounted for. Flight control continuity
was established from the cockpit controls to the elevator and rudder. Aileron continuity was
established from the cockpit controls to the center cabin bellcrank.


All five fuel filler caps were observed installed at their respective positions. The right, main fuel
tip tank was observed to be intact and no signs of hydraulic deformation were evident. The
forward section of the left main tip tank was separated from its attachment fittings. Both tip
tank center baffles were intact. Both wing auxiliary (bladder) tanks were compromised from
impact forces. The left-wing nacelle locker tank was intact and empty.


Examination of the left engine revealed no external damage, cracks, or oil leakage from the
engine case. The engine was turned through manually, and compression and suction were
observed on all cylinders. Valve movement was correct. The top spark plugs showed normal
color and wear when compared to a Champion inspection chart. Both magnetos were removed
and tested; they produced spark to all leads when rotated. The oil filter was removed and
opened for examination; no ferrous particulates were observed. The engine-driven fuel pump
was removed and rotated; it pumped fuel when tested. Disassembly of the fuel manifold valve
revealed no internal damage or contamination. The fuel strainer was removed; there was
normal to moderate sediment in the bottom of the bowl. The fuel screen was clean and
unobstructed.


Examination of the right engine produced the same results, except for the engine oil filter. The
outside of the filter was discolored from the postaccident fire damage. The filter was opened,
and the element was free of particulates.
The airplane was equipped with a Shadin fuel management system. The cockpit display unit
was removed from the wreckage and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB)Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for examination and download of the data. The unit
recorded the accident flight. The “FUEL REM” (fuel remaining) indication at the time of the
accident was 36.1 gallons. The “FUEL USED” indication was 0.0 gallons. The accuracy of the
fuel remaining value was dependent on proper input from the operator.
The pilot reported that he departed FRG with 112 gallons of fuel on board. He was requested,
through his attorney, to provide documentation of the airplane’s last refueling, including time,
date, location, and amount. He did not provide the requested documentation to the NTSB or
the FAA.


History of Flight


Initial climb Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)
Emergency descent Off-field or emergency landing

Pilot Information
Certificate: Private Age: 57,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without
waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: September 10, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No Last Flight Review or Equivalent: October 17, 2020
Flight Time: 1893 hours (Total, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information


Aircraft Make: Cessna Registration: N421DP
Model/Series: 421B Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972 Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal Serial Number: 421B0353
Landing Gear Type: Retractable – Tricycle Seats: 8
Date/Type of Last Inspection: March 27, 2020 Annual Certified Max Gross Wt.: 7450 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 30 Hrs Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5331 Hrs as of last inspection Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed Engine Model/Series: GTSI0-520-H1B
Registered Owner: Rated Power: 375 Horsepower
Operator: On file Operating Certificate(s)
Held: None


Meteorological Information and Flight Plan


Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFRG,81 ft msl Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:53 Local Direction from Accident Site: 139°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / Turbulence Type
Forecast/Actual:
None / None
Wind Direction: 330° Turbulence Severity
Forecast/Actual:
N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg Temperature/Dew Point: 5°C / -7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Farmingdale, NY (FRG) Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Bridgeport, CT (BDR) Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 13:00 Local Type of Airspace: Class D
Airport Information
Airport: Republic Airport FRG Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 80 ft msl Runway Surface
Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 14 IFR Approach: None
Runway
Length/Width:
6833 ft / 150 ft VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger
Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: Aircraft
Explosion:
None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious Latitude,
Longitude:
40.7598,-73.4465(est)
Page 7 of 7 ERA21LA098
Administrative Information
Investigator In Charge (IIC): Hicks, Ralph
Additional Participating
Persons:
Marvin Daniels; FAA/FSDO; Farmingdale, NY
Andrew Hall; Textron Aviation; Wichita, KS
Original Publish Date: August 12, 2022 Investigation Class: 3
Note: The NTSB did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Investigation Docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=102509
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), establish

Check out our Ad Free Aviation Forum – www.Scudrunners.com

]]>
Cessna 560 Citation V N3RB – NTSB Final Report https://news.scudrunners.com/crash-report-cessna-560-citation-v-n3rb/ Fri, 19 Aug 2022 21:48:00 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24606 Read More]]>

Location: Warm Springs, Oregon Accident Number: WPR21LA082
Date & Time: January 9, 2021, 13:37 Local Registration: N3RB
Aircraft: Cessna 560 Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Medical event Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation – Personal

Analysis


During the first 15 minutes of the flight, the pilot of the complex, high performance, jet
airplane appeared to have difficulty maintaining the headings and altitudes assigned by air
traffic controllers, and throughout the flight, responded intermittently to controller
instructions. After reaching an altitude of 27,000 ft, the airplane began to deviate about 30°
right of course while continuing to climb. The controller alerted the pilot, who did not respond,
and the airplane continued to climb. Two minutes later, the airplane entered a tight, spiraling
descent that lasted 8 minutes until the airplane impacted the ground at high speed in a rightwing-low attitude.


The airplane was highly fragmented on impact; however, examination did not reveal any
evidence of structural failure, in-flight fire, a bird strike, or a cabin depressurization event, and
both engines appeared to be producing power at impact.
Although the 72-year-old private pilot had extensive flight experience in multiple types of
aircraft, including jets, he did not hold a type rating in the accident airplane, and the accident
flight was likely the first time he had flown it solo. He had received training in the airplane
about two months before the accident but was not issued a type rating and left before the
training was complete. During the training, he struggled significantly in high workload
environments and had difficulty operating the airplane’s avionics suite, which had recently
been installed. He revealed to a fellow pilot that he preferred to “hand fly” the airplane rather
than use the autopilot.


The airplane’s heading and flight path before the spiraling descent were consistent with the
pilot not using the autopilot; however, review of the flight path during the spiraling descent
indicated that the speed variations appeared to closely match the airplane’s open loop phugoid
response as documented during manufacturer flight tests; therefore, it is likely that the pilot
was not manipulating the controls during that time.


Page 2 of 11 WPR21LA082


Review of the pilot’s medical history uncovered a number of conditions and medications that
the pilot had not reported to the Federal Aviation Administration. The severity of injuries
precluded obtaining any useful information regarding natural disease during autopsy, and no
toxicology was performed. None of the pilot’s known medical conditions or medications would
have directly caused incapacitation, but the pilot may have had undiagnosed disease or had
some acute event that would have incapacitated him. His age, gender, high blood pressure, and
hypertension placed him at risk for a heart attack or stroke. While the available evidence is
consistent with a loss of airplane control following pilot incapacitation, the reason for his
incapacitation could not be determined.

Probable Cause and Findings


The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A loss of airplane control due to pilot incapacitation for reasons that could not be determined.

]]>
Near Crash Brazil EMB-721 Sartenejo Barely Airborne https://news.scudrunners.com/near-crash-brazil-emb-721-sartenejo-barely-airborne/ Wed, 17 Aug 2022 21:28:28 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24603
]]>
Panama Presidential Candidate Helicopter Crash Video https://news.scudrunners.com/panama-presidential-candidate-helicopter-crash-video/ Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:03:39 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24600 Read More]]>

Dimitri Flores a presidential candidate for Panama in the 2024 elections Helicopter has crashed when the pilot flew from VFR into IMC. Thankfully no one was killed.

]]>
Cold War Aircraft Documentary CP-107 Argus “Birth of a Giant” https://news.scudrunners.com/cold-war-aircraft-documentary-cp-107-argus-birth-of-a-giant/ Fri, 05 Aug 2022 21:49:41 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24596 Read More]]>

At the time this was the largest aircraft ever built in Canada. The Canadair CL28 Argus designated the CP-107 by the RCAF, this documentary follows its design and construction to first flight in 1957.

Thanks for watching and come check out our aviation forum www.scudrunners.com

]]>
Investigation report: Dynamic rollover near Hope Bay Aerodrome, Nunavut https://news.scudrunners.com/investigation-report-dynamic-rollover-near-hope-bay-aerodrome-nunavut/ Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:33:00 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24298 Read More]]>

Winnipeg, Manitoba,  — Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report (A21C0088) into a dynamic rollover involving a Bell 206L-1 helicopter near the Hope Bay Aerodrome, Nunavut in September 2021.

The occurrence

On 14 September 2021, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter operated by Canadian Helicopters Limited (doing business as Acasta HeliFlight Inc.), was conducting a flight from Hope Bay Aerodrome (CHB3), Nunavut, to a drill camp located 8 nautical miles south-southwest of the aerodrome. Upon landing, the helicopter rolled over. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, shut down the engine and exited the helicopter uninjured. A person on the ground was fatally injured.

See the investigation page for more information.https://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/enquetes-investigations/aviation/2021/A21C0088/A21C0088.html

The TSB conducted a limited-scope, fact-gathering investigation into this occurrence to advance transportation safety through greater awareness of potential safety issues

]]>
WestJet Takes Off for London’s Heathrow Airport https://news.scudrunners.com/westjet-takes-off-for-londons-heathrow-airport/ Mon, 28 Mar 2022 02:58:02 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24327 Read More]]> CALGARY, AB, March 27, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today, celebrates the completion of its inaugural flight from Calgary International Airport to London’s Heathrow Airport with the arrival of flight WS18 at 12:00 pm local time. This new service complements WestJet’s already existing flights to London-Gatwick with the airline offering up to nine times weekly service between Calgary and London this summer.

“We are pleased to provide our guests travelling to London for business and leisure with greater choice and convenience as we celebrate our inaugural flight to Heathrow Airport,” said Chris Hedlin, WestJet Vice-President, Network & Alliances. “This new route not only strengthens Alberta’s travel and tourism pipeline but creates new opportunities for our guests to benefit from access to one of the most connected global aviation hubs.”

Saturday’s flight from WestJet’s global hub in Calgary furthers the airline’s commitment to Alberta as it continues to rebuild transatlantic connectivity between Canada and Europe. WestJet’s service to Europe from YYC Calgary International airport now includes non-stop flights to London-Heathrow, London Gatwick and Paris with service to Rome and Dublin set to begin in May.

“We look forward to providing Canadians and Europeans with enhanced connectivity from Western Canada as we further our commitment to supporting the economic recovery of inbound tourism on both sides of the Atlantic,” continued Hedlin.

Details of WestJet’s new service between Calgary and London Heathrow:

Route Peak Frequency      Start Date
Calgary – London Heathrow 4x weekly March 26, 2022
]]>
Scudrunners.com Turns 7 https://news.scudrunners.com/scudrunners-com-turns-7/ Fri, 25 Mar 2022 16:47:03 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=24307 Read More]]>

Calgary, March 25 2022 -(SCUDRUNNERS) – Seven years ago to the day Scudrunners.com was created in response to a “suggestion” on an Aviation Forum. When I started this venture I didn’t have any experience creating websites (it showed) or any other computer experience other than PWNING Noobs gaming online. Since then I have learned much and now can safely say I know what i’m doing as a webmaster.

If you know this site only from our Facebook and Instagram pages I encourage you to take look at the Forum where it all started. The Forum is ad free and I am quite proud of the design and layout I created for you the users. The members of the forum are very knowledgeable and welcoming, I think you will find some great advice and encourage you to take a second look. In addition we have tons of resources pilots can check out from Job Ads and Pay Scales to free downloads of aircraft POH.

May the Per Diem beers flow for many more years

Scudrunner.

www.scudrunners.com

]]>
easyJet launches recruitment drive for 1,000+ new pilots https://news.scudrunners.com/easyjet-launches-recruitment-drive-for-1000-new-pilots/ Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:20:12 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=23968 Read More]]> easyJet is re-launching its ‘Generation easyJet Pilot Training’ programme for the first time in two years – since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – with the aim of recruiting more than 1,000 new pilots over the next five years.

The new advertising campaign backing the launch features real-life easyJet pilots to show that everyone has the potential to turn their skills and passions to becoming an airline pilot.

easyJet pilot Iris

Captain Iris de Kan, is seen in one of the ads with 5-year-old daughter Kiki. Photos: easyJet

Mother of two, Captain Iris de Kan, is seen in one of the ads with 5-year-old daughter Kiki, illustrating that parents with multi-tasking skills could make excellent pilots.

Captain Iris de Kan said, “It’s important that girls have visible role models so we can combat job stereotypes and show that anyone with the motivation and passion can turn their skills to being an airline pilot. I love the responsibility and challenge that comes with my job – but it’s not as challenging as juggling the demands of a five-year old and a little baby at home!”

easyJet pilot Aaron

easyJet Senior First Officer Aaron Moseley went from being a DJ to pilot

easyJet Senior First Officer Aaron Moseley went from being a DJ to training to become a pilot for easyJet seven years ago.

SFO Aaron Moseley said, “I’m really proud to be a black man who is also a role model for the next generation. Growing up, I never had the chance to see or know a black airline pilot. I’m proud to be able to go into schools to talk to young people and show that you can develop skills through all kinds of experiences like music and sport that they can channel into becoming a pilot, and have the opportunities to achieve their dreams too.”

easyJet pilot Nina

Former gymnast and now Senior First Officer with easyJet, Nina Le

Former gymnast and now Senior First Officer with easyJet, Nina Le is featured performing a split leap on the tarmac, showcasing her fantastic reactions and hand-eye coordination – key skills.

SFO Nine Le said, “Combining my love of travel with the practical skills I learnt on the gym floor really does make being a pilot the perfect match! I love my job and would really encourage anyone who loves a challenge – and of course great views – to consider it!”

The pilot training courses for Generation easyJet will be run by CAE.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said, “We are delighted to be reopening our pilot training programme again for the first time since the pandemic hit and will see us recruit over 1,000 new pilots in the coming years.

“easyJet has long championed greater diversity in the flight deck and this series of ads aims to highlight the extraordinary breadth of skills our pilots have and show that pilots can be found in all walks of life.

“We continue to focus on challenging gendered stereotypes of the career having doubled the number of female pilots flying with us in recent years. We also acknowledge that whilst we have made progress, there is still work to do. Increasing diversity in all of its forms in the flight deck is a long-term focus for easyJet and so we will continue to ensure we lead the industry on this issue.”

To apply to the Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme, candidates must:

  • Be aged 18 or over to commence training (by course start date
  • The right to work with unrestricted access across EEA, EU, UK and Switzerland
  • Hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) Grade C or above, including maths, science and English language
  • Be fluent in English (verbal and written)
  • Minimum height 5ft 2in (157cm) with maximum commensurate with Airbus flight deck requirements
  • Be able to obtain an EASA or CAA Class 1 medical as required for the relevant license.
]]>
B.C. Court rejects WestJet’s appeal of class action certification about baggage fees https://news.scudrunners.com/b-c-court-rejects-westjets-appeal-of-class-action-certification-about-baggage-fees/ Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:40:54 +0000 http://crownmetals.ca/?p=23922 Read More]]> From The Toronto Star 🔗 link to source story

By The Canadian Press | Mon., January 24, 2022

VANCOUVER – The B.C. Court of Appeal has dismissed WestJet’s efforts to overturn the certification of a class-action lawsuit on baggage fees.

The Calgary-based airline is alleged to have between September 2014 and March 2019 published two prices for checked bags, one that was free and then charged passengers another that was higher.

WestJet ultimately amended wording in its domestic tariff to remove that one checked bag will be free.

The class action based in contract law, unjust enrichment, and a double-ticketing offence under the federal Competition Act was certified in January 2021.

WestJet Airlines Ltd. and WestJet Encore Ltd. challenged certification relating to the claim under the Competition Act, not certification of the class in general.

In a ruling released Friday, Justice Robert Bauman wrote that the plaintiffs’ efforts are not “bound to fail” because the meaning behind the alleged offence has not been “substantially developed.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 24, 2022.

]]>