AVweb’s General Aviation Accidents Bulletin Taken from the pages of our sister publication, Flight safety magazine. All reports listed here are preliminary and include only preliminary, factual findings about the incidents. You can learn more about the final probable cause on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov. Final reports appear about a year after the accident, although some take longer. Find out more about Flight safety at www.aviationsafetymagazine.com.
April 6, 2023
Cirrus Design SR22
The aircraft sustained significant damage at approximately 0750 EST when it struck terrain while attempting to land. The single-equipped private pilot was mortally wounded. The terms of the deed prevailed; No flight plan provided.
According to ADS-B data, the aircraft departed Fernandina Beach, Florida, at approximately 0728 hours and headed at 1,700 feet MSL for Jessup, Ga. The pilot did not request any ATC services during the flight. At 0746, the descent began, crossing the Jessup Airport border from the south at 225 feet, perpendicular to runway 29. The aircraft was noted to be rising slightly before ADS-B data was lost.
The aircraft impacted level terrain 1,200 feet from the threshold of runway 29. Ground signatures were consistent with a low impact right wing and low nose. The wing flap actuator was in the retracted position. The propeller blades showed tendon scratching, surface polishing, and an “S”-shaped bend, indicating that they were under force upon impact. The airframe’s parachute had not activated, and its safety pin was found to be in place.
Automated weather observation at the airport at 0750 included a mile’s view in fog, calm winds, and a 300-foot ceiling. Airport staff who arrived about five minutes after the accident reported and documented the fog on the ramp at that time.
April 7, 2023, Sebastian, Florida.
Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six
At 1443 EST, the aircraft sustained major damage when it hit terrain while trying to turn. The solo pilot was mortally wounded. Visual conditions prevailed.
The flight departed around 1330 hours and flew over the Florida coast for about an hour, performing several turns, ascents and descents before turning inwards and performing several more maneuvers before returning to the airport. He entered a straight approach at five nautical miles at runway 10. A wind gust of 120 degrees at 10 knots was reported. Several eyewitnesses reported that the approach of the aircraft appeared slower than usual, its wings swinging. The plane made a “hard” landing on its nose wheel before bouncing back into the air. Engine power was heard to increase rapidly; The left wing then dropped, touching the ground, and the aircraft skidded off the side of the runway, turning 75 feet before coming to rest upside down north of the runway.
Apr 7, 2023, Ashland, OR.
Hence the TBM 940
The aircraft sustained significant damage while attempting to turn around 1655 Pacific Time. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
During the flight review, the flight instructor presented the pilot with a scenario involving a weather transformation. After crossing the threshold of the “diversion” run, the instructor announces that there is a simulated obstacle on the runway. While turning, the pilot developed engine power and grounded the aircraft in an even flight position, anticipating an increase in airspeed. However, the plane almost immediately veered to the left, and the pilot was unable to correct it with the right rudder. The aircraft impacted the left side of the runway in a level stance before encountering bushes and small trees. A small fire followed, which eventually engulfed much of the aircraft.
This article originally appeared in the July 2023 issue of Flight safety magazine.
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