December 29, 2014
One Dead, Another Critical in Robinson R22 Helicopter Crash
“I saw the helicopter inverted and I knew something was wrong … it was sputtering.”
That’s what a witness told reporters on Monday after watching a Robinson R22 helicopter crash a few hundred feet from the John Prince Park in Palm Beach County, Florida. The fatal crash happened just before 10:30 in the morning.
Local authorities say the R22, which was registered to LLB Enterprises Group Inc., was being used to conduct flight training. West Palm Beach pilot Luis Aviles, 34, and 25-year-old student pilot Johnathan Desouza of Boynton Beach were practicing an emergency procedure for engine failure when something went terribly wrong. Multiple witnesses to the aviation accident reported hearing troubling noises before the R22 fell from the sky and crumbled in a grassy area of John Prince Park. Aviles was killed in the crash and Desouza was airlifted to an area hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
Desouza participated in an interview with the Sun-Sentinel on Tuesday. He said Aviles was at the controls when the crash occurred. The two ran into trouble, Desouza said, when his instructor tried to get the engine to kick back on after conducting the emergency procedure simulation. According to Desouza, all he remembers is Aviles telling him they were going to crash. Three seconds later, they impacted with the ground. Desouza said he blacked out, and came to when he was being flown to a hospital.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived at the crash site on Monday to begin their investigation. They will be looking at Aviles’s training record and medical history, as well as the maintenance records for the downed Robinson R22. FAA records show that Aviles had an instrument rating held a commercial pilot’s license as well as a helicopter maintenance license. He was also a Marine Corps. veteran.
A preliminary report on Monday’s crash is expected within the next 10 days. A final report on the incident could take upwards of a year to complete.
December 28, 2014
What Commercial Airline Pilots Won’t Tell You
Several pilots from around the country – including Baum Hedlund pilot and aviation attorney John Greaves – were asked by Reader’s Digest what type of things go on behind the cockpit door of a commercial airliner. Some of these insights are surprising (pay attention to the pilot when he or she tells the flight attendants to take their seats, as it can mean serious turbulence), while others are downright shocking (pilots are often asked to make trips with less fuel in the tank than they feel comfortable flying with).
December 22, 2014
Two Pilots Killed in Texas Plane Crashes
Two small planes have crashed within the last couple of days in Texas, killing the pilots. Last Thursday, a single engine plane crashed during its descent into Mesquite Metro Airport in Mesquite. The fatal crash was reported just after 6:00 p.m. on the 1600 block of Bent Tree Lane in Seagoville. The pilot, who has not yet been identified, was the only person aboard the plane.
Air traffic controllers lost contact with the 1967 Beechcraft Bonanza plane during approach. It had departed from South Arkansas Regional Airport. Local residents say the plane’s approach just didn’t sound right. Fred Baugh, who lives near the crash site, told NBC DFW that the plane’s engine got really loud just before impact.
Initial media reports indicated that the plane or parts of the plane hit at least one house, though officers making rounds in the neighborhood said no one has reported damage to their home. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the crash site on Friday, and investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were right behind them. At this time, the cause of the Seagoville crash is unknown.
The other Texas plane crash occurred this morning in the vicinity of FM 1936 and Highway 158 on West Odessa. The Cessna 172 plane reportedly crashed at around 9:00 a.m. in a field and was destroyed in a post-impact fire.
According to the Houston Chronicle, a search party was sent out to look for the aircraft after the pilot of the plane failed to check in with air traffic controllers. The search party discovered the wreckage along with the unidentified pilot, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Records show that the small plane was registered to American Patrols Inc., a Midland company that performs aerial patrols of oil fields and pipelines.
At this time, the cause of the West Odessa crash remains under investigation by the FAA and the NTSB.
Ocean City, Maryland – December 16, 2014
NTSB Releases Report on Last Year’s Ocean City Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently issued their final report on a plane crash in Ocean City, Maryland last year that claimed the lives of two police officers. Tommy Geoghegan Jr. was known among his friends and colleagues for taking people up in his two-seater Nanchang China CJ-6A airplane and performing aerobatic tricks. His June 30, 2013 flight would prove to be his last.
Geoghegan and his friend and fellow policeman, Joshua Adickes, departed from West Ocean City Municipal Airport that afternoon at around 3:32 p.m. Witnesses say Geoghegan was flying fairly low along the beach when he went into a maneuver known as an aerobatic stall, where the plane climbs drastically skyward before coming to a stop in midair. Once the plane began to fall, Geoghegan rolled the plane onto its back, turning into a tailspin. The plane spun 22 times before it crashed into the water, killing both men onboard.
The NTSB recovered two cameras in the wreckage, one of which was mounted to the cockpit, the other was held by Adickes. The footage captured by both cameras showed no pilot distress or incapacitation as the plane spun toward the ocean. Geoghegan was engaged, trying to control the plane until the moment of impact. He did not seem distracted, nor was he actively trying to troubleshoot any anomaly with the plane.
So how did this happen?
According to the NTSB report, Geoghegan lost situational awareness of the aircraft during the long tailspin to the ground. The NTSB report also said that Geoghegan may not have had the training necessary to perform the aerobatics he loved to perform for his friends. According to Delmarva Now, experts say the most important aspect of the aerial maneuver Geoghegan performed was to maintain sufficient altitude, because if something goes wrong, a pilot has more time to recover. It is also exceedingly dangerous to perform aerobatics over water, as the lack of visual cues for the eye to catch make everything look the same. In the end, Geoghegan had many things working against him, but the lack of aerobatic training, above all else, proved fatal.
Wendover, Utah – December 11, 2014
Two Hospitalized in Utah Plane Crash
Two people were taken to local hospital Thursday night after a small plane crashed on an airport runway in Wendover, Utah. Authorities say the pilot of a Cessna 172 was practicing touch-and-go landings when something went wrong. According to the Deseret News, the pilot made one pass successfully executing the maneuver, then on a second pass, the plane slammed into the ground southwest of the runway. Both the pilot and a passenger on the plane were taken away by ambulance. Their conditions were not reported.
Wendover Airport manager, James Peterson, said the touch-and-go landing training is normal practice for pilots of all skill levels. Details have yet to emerge on the pilot’s skill level.
Tulsa, Oklahoma – December 9, 2014
Inhofe Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Wake of Plane Crash
In the wake of a fatal plane crash that claimed the life of Senator Jim Inhofe’s son Perry, the Inhofe family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
On November 10, 2013, Dr. Perry Inhofe was flying a recently purchased twin engine Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 airplane to Tulsa when he experienced a problem with the left engine during his approach for landing. Air traffic controllers declared an emergency for Inhofe, who had begun to swing the plane to the left. Witnesses say the plane was making the turn with its landing gear extended. The plane then swung back to the right, then entered a nosedive, spiraling toward the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash stated that Inhofe should have been able to land even with the engine malfunction. However, the Inhofe family claims in their lawsuit that the engine failed while the plane’s landing gear and flaps were extended, creating an impossible situation with too much drag and too little power.
The plane crash lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Tulsa County. According to News on 6, a trial date has not yet been set.
Salt Lake City, Utah – December 2, 2014
Robinson R44 Helicopter Crash Kills Two in Utah
Two men were killed on Tuesday afternoon when a Robinson R44 helicopter fell from the sky onto a rooftop near Salt Lake City. The fatal crash was reported at around 2:00 p.m. in an industrial part of North Salt Lake.
Claus Hauer and Bruce Orr had just departed from Sky Park Airport in Bountiful on a routine maintenance test flight when the R44 encountered a “catastrophic failure,” according to Rick Swisher, the owner of Quicksilver Air Inc., a company that specializes in aerial support for wildlife capture. Hauer was the director of maintenance for Swisher’s company and an Army-trained helicopter pilot. Both he and Orr were in their late 50’s or early 60’s.
According to ABC News, the building where the crash occurred was evacuated following the crash, as the impact left a hole in the roof. No one on the ground sustained injuries. Federal investigators have arrived at the scene and will begin work immediately.
Tuesday’s crash represents the second involving a Robinson R44 in the last four days. On Saturday, four people lost their lives in a crash in the country of Tanzania. Witnesses reportedly heard an unusual sound before the engine lost power.
Boonville, Missouri – November 30, 2014
Pilot Killed, Three Others Injured in Boonville Plane Crash
A small plane crashed near the Jessie Viertel Memorial Airport in Boonville on Sunday morning, killing the pilot and injuring three passengers. The fatal crash happened at around 9:00 a.m. near Nancy Potter Road and Highway 87, roughly a half a mile from the airport.
Officials say the plane crashed shortly after take off. Pilot Charles Sojka a resident of Salina, Kansas was pronounced dead at the scene. Passengers Brenda Schewe, 56, Kathryn Taylor, 25 and Jacob Taylor, 23, were taken to area hospitals. Schewe is currently listed in serious condition, while Kathryn Taylor and Jacob Taylor are listed in fair and good conditions respectively.
According to ABC 17 News, Sojka was a flight instructor at Sojka Aviation. He also worked in aviation maintenance for Kansas State University’s Salina campus. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration arrived in Salina on Monday. Their investigation could take months to complete.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – November 29, 2014
Four Dead After Anti-Poaching Chopper Goes Down in Tanzania
Four people were killed on Saturday after an anti-poaching helicopter crashed in Tanzania. The Robinson R44 helicopter crashed at around 10:00 a.m. in Dar es Salaam.
Witnesses say the helicopter was making an unusual sound before the engine’s power went out. Attempts at restarting the engine were unsuccessful and the R44 plummeted to the ground. All four of those onboard were pronounced dead at the scene. According to All Africa, the deceased have been identified as Captain Joseph Khalfan from Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dar es Salaam Police Superintendent Captain Kidai Senzala, Police Inspector Captain Simba Musa and Police Constable Josso Selestine.
The downed Robinson R44 helicopter was donated to the Tanzanian government by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in an effort to stop poachers in the country. Howard Buffett is the son of billionaire businessman Warren Buffett.
Las Cruces, New Mexico – November 24, 2014
Prominent El Paso Man Killed in Plane Crash
The grandson of former El Paso Mayor Larry Francis was killed on Monday afternoon in a small plane crash in New Mexico. The fatal crash was reported just after noon at Las Cruces International Airport.
Witnesses say the newly purchased plane sounded odd and sputtered shortly after takeoff. According to KVIA, the plane was at a 90-degree angle with the ground when it crashed. Tyler Francis, the 29-year-old president of Francis Aviation, was the only person aboard the single engine plane.
The cause of Monday’s crash has not been determined.
Garberville, California – November 21, 2014
Emergency Room Doctor Killed in Northern California Plane Crash
An emergency room doctor commuting to work was killed on Friday morning when his plane crashed near Garberville. The fatal crash happened at around 10:20 a.m. at the South Fork of the Eel River.
A witness to the crash told the Lost Coast Outpost that the Piper PA24 clipped a tree then cartwheeled to the ground. The pilot, 59-year-old Douglas Todd Pleatman, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. He was the only person aboard the small plane. Pleatman regularly flew from his home in Cameron Air Park Estates to work at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital in Garberville. He was an instrument-rated private pilot with experience flying in professional air shows.
Santa Fe, New Mexico – November 12, 2014
Pilot Killed in New Mexico Plane Crash
The pilot of a six-passenger plane was killed on Wednesday in a fiery plane crash near Clines Corners. The single engine plane, which was traveling from Phoenix, Arizona to Amarillo, Texas, was reported missing at around 6:00 p.m. Authorities say it went down in a fiery blaze off New Mexico 285 south of Santa Fe.
According to ABC 15, the pilot is presumed to be the only person that was aboard the plane. The identity of the victim has not yet been released. At this time, officials are uncertain what caused the plane to go down. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has sent a team out to investigate.
Gilroy, California – November 8, 2014
Two Killed in Gilroy Plane Crash
Two people died on Saturday when a small plane went down in the hills outside of Gilroy. The Cessna 140 plane departed from Frazier Lake Airport in Hollister at around 1:00 p.m. and was later reported missing when it failed to return.
The Civil Air Patrol conducted a search around Gilroy and Hollister until the plane’s transmitter was detected. Emergency responders found the wreckage along with the bodies of 69-year-old pilot, Jon Richard Dennis, and 18-year-old passenger, Kiely Renee Vaca.
At this time, the cause of Saturday’s crash is unknown. According to SF Gate, the Cessna was built in 1950. No previous mishaps or issues with the plane could be found in federal databases. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating.
Paulding County, Ohio – November 6, 2014
Three Grand Island Residents Killed in Ohio Plane Crash
Three people aboard a small plane were killed Thursday evening when the aircraft crashed in northwest Ohio. The SR22 Cirrus plane went down in Paulding County, Ohio, roughly 70 miles southwest of Toledo. Killed in the crash was pilot Michael McCarty, and passengers Wayne and Rosalee Weiss.
The plane departed from Central Nebraska Regional Airport just after noon with New Jersey listed as the final destination. According to the Grand Island Independent, the aircraft landed in Iowa and Indiana before dropping off radar at an altitude of 5,000 feet over Paulding County. Witnesses told local authorities that they heard an explosion and saw flames coming from the plane before it impacted with the ground, creating a large debris field.
Officials are still uncertain as to what actually brought the plane down. Weather at the time of the crash was reportedly rainy and cold. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have sent investigators to the crash site in search of answers.
Los Angeles, California – November 3, 2014
Baum Hedlund Retained by JetBlue Flight 1416
Passengers The aviation law firm of Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman has been retained by several passengers aboard JetBlue Flight 1416 who experienced an in-flight emergency when the plane’s engine was lost and smoke filled the passenger cabin. Many aboard the flight struggled to breathe as the Airbus A320 circled back to Long Beach Airport thousands of feet above the ocean.
Kendall County, Texas – October 28, 2014
Pilot Badly Burned in Texas Small Plane Crash
The pilot of a small plane was badly burned on Tuesday when his plane went down in a ravine in Kendall County. The plane crash happened at around 2:30 p.m. near Walnut Grove Road and FM 1376.
Witnesses reportedly heard a “pop” sound before the plane began to circle. The pilot appeared to be looking for a place to land but was unable to do so, crashing into the ravine. According to KENS5, pilot Frederick Langston, 70, was airlifted to San Antonio Military Medical Center with severe burns. His present condition is not known.
The crash will be investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Boulder, Colorado – October 27, 2014
Pilot Killed in Boulder Plane Crash
The pilot of a Mooney M-20C was killed Monday morning after the small plane crashed near a Boulder County highway. The plane went down in a ditch near Independence Road shortly after taking off from Boulder Municipal Airport at 7:40 a.m.
According to 9 News, the deceased pilot has been identified as 35-year-old Steven Moore, who was the executive director of the National Gay Pilots Association. He was the only person aboard the plane. Authorities say Moore’s plane impacted with the ground, propeller first and immediately burst into flames.
At this time, officials are uncertain what caused the plane to crash. An investigation will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board, with help from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.
Durham, North Carolina – October 21, 2014
Former American Airlines Pilot Killed in Small Plane Crash
A former pilot with American Airlines was killed on Tuesday in a small plane crash. The Beech 95 twin engine plane went down in a wooded area of Durham County at around 12:25 p.m.
Michael John Ratty was a flight captain for American Airlines before becoming a pilot instructor working out of Lake Ridge Airport. Authorities say Ratty crashed shortly after taking off from Lake Ridge Aero Park Airport. Emergency responders found him dead amongst the wreckage. He was flying alone.
According to WNCN, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be investigating the crash.
Big Bear, California – October 16, 2014
Three Survive Big Bear Plane Crash
Three people aboard a small plane are lucky to be alive after the small plane they were in crashed in a rugged part of Big Bear on Thursday. Rescue workers responded to a call just after 2:00 p.m. that a small plane had crashed in a dangerous tree-lined area, roughly 12 miles from the Big Bear Airport. Officials from the San Bernardino Fire Department said it was a ‘miracle’ anyone survived the crash.
A man and two women were transported from the wreckage to area hospitals. According to NBC Los Angeles, one of the women sustained injuries to her face. She told a reporter, as she was being wheeled on a stretcher, that she thanks God that she was able to survive the crash. No official word has been given on the other two survivors.
At this time, officials are uncertain what caused the plane to go down. An investigation is currently underway.
Palos Hills, Illinois – October 12, 2014
Three Doctors Killed After Small Plane Crashes in Suburban Chicago
Three people were killed Sunday night after a small plane crashed in a suburb of Chicago. The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron plane went down at 10:40 p.m. in the neighborhood of South 86th Court in Palos Hills.
According to NBC Chicago, the plane and its three occupants departed from Midway Airport bound for Lawrence, Kansas. Reports have indicated that the plane experienced engine trouble before it nose-dived and crashed roughly five minutes after takeoff. Though the identities of the victims have not been made official, Stormont-Vail HealthCare in Kansas confirmed that two of the victims – Tausif Rehman and Ali Kanchwala – were physicians at the hospital. The third victim, Maria Javaid, was Kanchwala’s wife and a cardiologist at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City.
At this time, it is unclear what caused the plane to go down. Officials at the national Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be looking into whether mechanical or other issues played a role in the crash.
Kendall County, Texas – October 9, 2014
Three Dead in Texas Helicopter Crash
A Robinson R44 helicopter crash in a rural part of central Texas left three people dead Thursday night. Authorities say an emergency locator beacon began transmitting a signal late Thursday in northeast Kendall County, roughly 80 miles outside of Austin. The wreckage was found Friday morning, along with the bodies of the victims. The names of the deceased have not yet been released.
According to My Fox Austin, the chopper departed from Midland and had stopped to refuel in Fredericksburg before the crash occurred. It’s final destination was supposed to be Seguin. At this time, it is unclear what caused the R44 to crash. An investigation is underway.
Woodsboro, Texas – October 2, 2014
Three Injured in Texas Helicopter Crash
Three men sustained injuries on Thursday in a helicopter crash in south Texas. The Bell Super Jet helicopter went down early in the afternoon outside of Woodsboro. According to the Refugio County Press, officials believe the pilot and two passengers were inspecting pipelines when the helicopter lost power and plummeted to the ground.
Pilot Michael Orlowsky was taken to Corpus Christi Spohn Memorial with serious injuries. Passengers Kevin Smothers and Ronald Dietz were also hospitalized. Smothers is listed in critical condition and Dietz is in stable condition with injuries not considered life threatening.
At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the chopper to lose power. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will handle the crash investigation.
Kendall County, Illinois – September 28, 2014
Pilot Killed in Illinois Plane Crash
An 80-year-old attorney was killed Sunday evening when the plane he was piloting went down near Plano, Illinois. Pilot John Juergensmeyer, a longtime Elgin, Illinois attorney, was found dead near the downed Cessna 337 plane at around 10:00 p.m. According to the Chicago Tribune, Juergensmeyer was scheduled to land at an airport in Sugar Grove and visit his older brother in an area nursing facility.
Margaret Janick, who lives less than a mile from the crash site, said the Cessna was flying low before it struck some trees and crashed in a nearby cornfield. At this time, authorities are uncertain what events led to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration has dispatched officials to investigate.
John Juergensmeyer leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
Dallas, Texas – September 22, 2014
Two American Airlines Flights Forced to Make Emergency Landings at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
Two American Airlines flights were forced to return to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Airport early Monday morning after pilots were alerted to mechanical problems. American Airlines Flight 1359, bound for Fresno, California was forced to turn around due to an unspecified mechanical issue. The flight, which had 140 passengers and five crew members, landed at 12:21 a.m. local time. No one was hurt in the incident and the flight departed later Monday morning. It is not immediately clear whether the same plane was used.
American Airlines Flight 997 with service to Buenos Aires, Argentina was also forced to turn around and make an emergency landing at DFW Monday morning. The Boeing 777-200 plane with its 223 passengers and 14 crew members made the emergency landing only a couple of minutes after Flight 1359 touched down. According to CBS News, Flight 997 was forced to turn around near Cancun, Mexico after pilots found a pressurization problem with the plane. Passengers say the pilots alerted the cabin to the problem, then flew in circles over the Gulf of Mexico to burn off fuel before heading back to DFW. Flight 997 landed with no injuries reported.
Passengers aboard the Buenos Aires flight were given hotel vouches from the airline, as the flight is scheduled to depart again at 9:00 a.m. local time.
Waukesha County, Wisconsin – September 22, 2014
Two Injured in Small Plane Crash in Lannon
A pilot and passenger sustained injuries on Monday when a Cessna 172 plane crashed shortly after taking off. The single engine plane crashed into trees along a widely used recreation trail in Lannon just after 11:00 a.m.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the 79-year-old pilot experienced engine failure shortly after departing from Capitol Drive Airport. He attempted an emergency landing, but crashed into a series of trees, which authorities say aided in making the crash less severe. The pilot sustained head trauma and injuries to his face.
His 46-year-old passenger also sustained unspecified injuries. Both men are expected to make a full recovery.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the crash.
San Diego County, California – September 19, 2014
One Dead in Borrego Badlands Plane Crash
The pilot of a rented Cessna was killed on Friday when the plane crashed in a remote part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The pilot, 69-year-old Max John Mizejewski, rented the aircraft on Friday in Riverside County and was reported missing when he didn’t return.
A search crew was dispatched to find Mizejewski and the missing plane early Saturday morning. They were able to locate the Cessna, which was upside down in an area commonly referred to as the “Borrego Badlands.” According to NBC San Diego, the search team found Mizejewski’s body near the wreckage. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
At this time, officials are uncertain what caused the small plane to go down. An investigation is underway.
Long Beach, California – September 18, 2014
JetBlue Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Cabin Fills With Smoke
A JetBlue flight bound for Austin, Texas was forced to return to Long Beach Airport and make an emergency landing shortly after taking off Thursday morning. JetBlue Flight 1416 departed from Long Beach at around 9:15 a.m. with 142 passengers and five crew members aboard. Four people required medical attention as a result of the in-flight emergency and its aftermath.
The Airbus A320 airplane was forced to turn around after a warning signal in the cockpit alerted pilots to an overheating engine. Passengers aboard Flight 1416 said the engine “exploded” and smoke soon filled the cabin before the plane banked sharply to return to Long Beach. Pilots told those in the cabin to “brace” themselves as they approached for landing.
Many passengers took to social media once the plane landed at Long Beach. Passengers were forced to evacuate the plane via emergency slides. According to the Los Angeles Times, one of the four people that required medical assistance was injured using the emergency slides. Another was taken to an area hospital after felling shortness of breath.
At this time, it is unclear what caused the engine to overheat. The incident is under investigation.
Savannah, Georgia – September 8, 2014
Lawsuit: Missing Part Caused Fatal Helicopter Crash
A lawsuit filed on Monday claims that a critical flight component failed causing the crash of an Army MH-60M helicopter that killed the co-pilot and injured two other crew members from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The crash happened eight months ago during a training flight into Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.
According to aviation attorney Timothy Loranger, a cotter pin in a critical flight component was not installed causing the helicopter’s tail rotor to malfunction. The MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., ended up spinning out of control and crashing due to the missing component. Other systems, including the pilots seats and Emergency Locator Transmitter failed to function properly during the crash sequence.
Loranger is representing the mother of Captain Clayton O. Carpenter, who lost his life in the crash, as well as CW3 Jon Ternstrom and SPC Cameron Witzler who each suffered severe physical injuries. Ms. Carpenter and the other two injured crew members are seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit, according to ABC News.
September 5, 2014
Prominent Rochester Real Estate Mogul Larry Glazer Killed in Jamaica Plane Crash
A prominent Rochester businessman and his wife were killed on Friday when their plane crashed off the coast of Jamaica. Larry Glazer was piloting the Socata TBM-900 plane and his wife Jane was the only other person onboard.
The couple departed from Rochester Friday morning bound for their home in Naples, Florida. According to ABC News, Glazer stopped responding to radio called at around 10:00 a.m. eastern time. A NORAD official told the Associated Press that Glazer and his wife fell unconscious due to hypoxia and the plane continued flying until it crashed in Jamaica.
News of the crash spread quickly through Rochester, with many in the community expressing well wishes for the Glazer’s three children. Larry and Jane were well-respected in Rochester. Heidi Zimmer-Myer, President of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, told the local paper that Larry Glazer was an accomplished pilot. The crash is under investigation.
Collegedale, Tennessee – September 3, 2014
One Dead in Collegedale Plane Crash
A small plane crash in Tennessee killed one person on Wednesday afternoon. The single engine plane went down at around 3:20 p.m. in a field near Ooltewah Industrial Drive in Collegedale. The deceased pilot was the only person on the plane.
Authorities say the plane, which was owned by Empire Equipment LLC, was heading to Jackson, Mississippi after departing from Knoxville, Tennessee. According to the Times Free Press, the pilot radioed air traffic controllers shortly before the crash, saying oil had spewed onto the windshield of the plane. “Looks like we’re not going to make it,” the pilot was heard saying moments before the plane crashed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the crash.
Great Falls, Montana – September 2, 2014
Plane Crash in Montana Kills at Least One
At least one person was killed on Tuesday when a Cessna 177 plane crashed in the Little Belt Mountains. The fatal plane crash happened near a parking lot at the King’s Hill Winter Recreation Area.
Authorities say the plane took off from Great Falls International Airport at around 1:00 p.m. and crashed a short time after. Killed in the crash was 67-year-old passenger Susan Majerus, who died after suffering severe burns in the fire that broke out in the aftermath of the crash. Majerus’ husband, 68-year-old Robert Majerus, sustained injuries, as did 11-year-old Rachel Lukasik and 55-year-old pilot Christopher Wilsey. All three reportedly suffered burns.
At this time, the cause of the crash is unknown. According to Seattle PI, officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate.
August 28, 2014
New Data May Extend Malaysia Flight 370 Search Area
The search area for the missing Malaysia Flight 370 plane may move farther south based on new intelligence from the Australian government. The next phase in the search for the missing airliner is scheduled to begin in a matter of weeks and could take up to a year to complete. Estimates place the cost of the search at around $50 million.
An Australian official told the media on Thursday that analysis of a failed satellite phone calls made by Malaysia Airlines to the plane when it vanished from radar, “suggests to us that the aircraft might have turned south a little earlier than we had previously expected.” For now the search area has not changed, but international aviation experts are scheduled to convene next week to discuss expanding or shifting the search area in light of the new intelligence.
The failed satellite phone call to the MH370 flight crew were made by Malaysia Airlines ground crew officials less than 20 minutes after the plane disappeared from radar. According to CBS News, investigators of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance have long been aware of these calls, but had not been able to analyze the data and obtain any clues until recently.
The data indicates that the Boeing 777 and its 239 people onboard had already turned south by the time the calls were made. Officials had previously thought the plane had turned some time later, thus shifting the search range to accommodate a wide range of possibilities. Now with more confidence on where the plane changed course, investigators can prioritize their search.
Chinese Vice Minister of Transport, He Jianzhong, told the media that the search for MH370 will not be interrupted or given up. A total of 153 passengers on the plane were Chinese citizens.
Cleveland, Ohio – August 25, 2014
Four Case Western Reserve University Students Dead in Ohio Plane Crash
A plane crash claimed the lives of four students from an Ohio university on Monday night. The small plane went down near Cuyahoga County Regional Airport outside of Cleveland.
The deceased students have been identified as 20-year-old pilot William Felton of Saginaw, Michigan; 20-year-old Lucas Marcelli of Massillon, Ohio; 18-year-old John Hill of St. Simons, Georgia; and 18-year-old Abraham Pishevar of Rockville, Maryland. Marcelli, Pishevar and Hill were members of the varsity wrestling team at Case Western Reserve University.
According to the ABC News, the plane crashed and exploded shortly after take off. Area resident Mark Gerald was sitting on his front porch when he heard the plane struggling. He didn’t see the aircraft until it crashed and exploded. The four college students were trapped in the wreckage. “It was too hot,” said Gerald. “The whole fuselage was involved.”
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash. They will look to see if any mechanical failure caused the plane to struggle after take off.
Freeport, Grand Bahama – August 18, 2014
Four Victims from Florida Died in Plane Crash in the Bahamas
A small plane crash in the Bahamas left four Florida men dead on Monday. The victims have been identified as pilot Robert Dean Carlson and passengers R. Michael Kennedy, Terry Hanes and Matt Sokolowski. All were senior executives at a Florida timeshare corporation, Aqua Sun Investments Inc.
The four men departed from Ormond Beach Municipal Airport at around 8:30 a.m. According to the Tribune, the Cessna 340 went down in shallow water during approach to Grand Bahama about an hour and a half later. Officials believe that all onboard perished instantly. It took rescue workers hours to get to the wreckage due to tide conditions. The bodies of the victims were recovered late Monday afternoon. At this time, it is uncertain what caused the plane to go down. An investigation is underway.
Venice Beach, Florida – July 27, 2014
Father Killed and His Daughter Critically Injured in Crash Landing
A plane crash landed on a Florida beach Sunday afternoon, killing a father and critically injuring his daughter. Ommy Irizarry, 36, and his daughter, 9-year-old Oceana, were walking on Caspersen Beach near Venice Airport when a vintage Piper Cherokee plane crashed along the shore, losing a wheel and smashing the propeller in the process. Authorities say the two were either hit by the damaged plane or flying debris from the crash. Mr. Izizarry was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. His daughter was airlifted to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, where she is currently listed in critical condition.
The pilot of the plane, 57-year-old Karl Kokomoor and passenger David Theen, 60, were uninjured in the crash. Kokomoor was reportedly trying to land the plane on the hard-packed sand along the shore after sending out a distress call to air traffic controllers at Venice Airport.A man who witnessed the aftermath of the crash told the Herald Tribune he believes the plane’s motor went off and Irizarry and his daughter must not have been able to see the aircraft before it crash landed. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived at the crash site on Sunday to investigate.
Gao, Mali – July 24, 2014
Air Algerie Flight 5017 Found in Mali Desert, No Survivors
The missing Air Algerie Flight 5017 was found Thursday night in an isolated area of the Mali desert in west Africa. Search and rescue personnel from the Burkina Faso military found the plane at around 6:40 p.m. local time roughly 60 miles south of Gao, a city in central Mali. Officials reported there were no survivors. The plane departed from Ouagadougou Airport in Burkina Faso at around 1:17 a.m. with 110 passengers and six crew members onboard. Less than an hour after departure, air traffic controllers lost all contact with the MD-83 aircraft. According to the New York Times, the aircraft was owned by Spanish airline Swiftair, though the flight was operated by Air Algerie.
According to Burkina Faso’s military officials, heavy thunderstorms in the area are likely to have played a role in bringing the plane down. A shepherd who witnessed the plane crash claims he saw the plane descending at a low altitude and made a “loud rumbling, very loud,” adding that he also “saw lots of smoke.” The Air Algerie crash comes at a time when the aviation industry is still piecing together the events surrounding last Thursday’s Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crash, as well as Wednesday’s TransAsia Airways crash in Taiwan. Definitive answers concerning all of the recent air disasters have yet to be released.
Grabovo, Ukraine – July 17, 2014
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 Shot Down by a Missile in Eastern Ukraine; Nearly 300 Dead
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile Thursday afternoon killing all 298 people onboard. The fatal crash happened at around 4:21 p.m. near the eastern Ukrainian town of Grabovo. Authorities say the Boeing 777-200 departed from Amsterdam and was supposed to land in Kuala Lumpur. The victims include citizens from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, England, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Many other victims of the Malaysian flight have not yet been identified.
So far, Ukrainian intelligence has stated that the missile was fired by pro-Russian separatists who control the area of eastern Ukraine where the MH17 crash occurred. The intelligence is based on a communication in which separatist rebels claimed responsibility for the downed plane. U.S. officials are still authenticating the recording.
Investigating the crash will be difficult, as pro-Russian separatists control the area and have already taken possession of the plane’s black boxes. President Obama is calling for a “credible investigation” in which evidence is not tempered with. He indicated that the National Transportation Safety Board would be made available to assist in the investigation. According to NPR, Ukraine, Russia and the pro-Russian rebels have all denied responsibility for the Malaysia Airlines crash.
Agua Dulce, CA – June 20, 2014
Plane Crash in Agua Dulce Sends Two To Area Hospitals
A small plane went down in Agua Dulce Friday afternoon, sending two of the plane’s occupants to local hospitals. The aircraft reportedly struck power lines at around 2:00 p.m. and crashed. At this time, authorities are uncertain whether the plane was taking off or landing at an airport near the crash site.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, first responders arrived on scene to find the single engine plane nose-down amongst some trees. The injured were immediately airlifted to local hospitals in unknown conditions. No official word has been given on the identities of the victims. An investigation is underway.
Florence, Oregon – June 15, 2014
At Least One Dead in Plane Crash off Oregon Coast
At least one person was killed on Sunday in a plane crash off the coast of Oregon. Authorities say the Grumman American AA5 plane crashed before 10:00 a.m. more than a quarter mile off the shore near Florence. So far, the Coast Guard has recovered one body are still looking for a second. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
According to the Statesman Journal, witnesses reported hearing a pop sound before the engine seemed to give out. Officials have not commented on the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate.
Monroe, Louisiana – June 3, 2014
One Injured After Small Plane Crashes in McDonald’s Parking Lot
A small plane went down in the parking lot of a McDonald’s on Tuesday, injuring the pilot and wrecking a car. Luckily, no injuries were reported on the ground.
Authorities say the crash happened as the pilot of a Beechcraft Bonanza plane was preparing to land at Monroe Regional Airport. The pilot, identified as 41-year-old Michael Martin of Calhoun, Louisiana, was conducting a test flight on the plane, which had recently been repaired. Martin told officials after the crash that the plane’s engine quit on him while he was in the air. According to the Christian Science Monitor, Martin was airlifted to a hospital in Shreveport in the wake of the crash. No official word has been released on his condition. The crash is currently under investigation.
Silver City, New Mexico – May 23, 2014
Three High School Students and Pilot Killed in Small Plane Crash
Three high school students and the pilot of a small plane were killed in a crash on Friday. Officials have so far identified 16-year-olds Michael Mahl and Ella Myers, both of Aldo Leopold Charter School, as two of the victims. The other student and the pilot have not yet been identified.
The crash happened at around 4:00 p.m. outside of Silver City. According to the Daily Mail, the plane ran into trouble while attempting to land at Whiskey Creek airport. Witnesses say the plane was flying upside down, then tilted sideways before crashing into a field near a trailer park, where it burst into flames.
“The plane was sputtering and it just went straight down,” said witness Robert Huerta. “It fell in a vacant lot right south of the trailers … [the fire] must have shot up 200, 300 feet in the air.”At this time, officials are uncertain what caused the crash. An investigation is underway.
Mesa, Arizona – May 18, 2014
One Dead in Grand Canyon Helicopter Crash
The pilot of a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter was killed on Sunday. The fatal crash happened late in the afternoon near the Grand Canyon West Airport, which is operated by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. According to My Fox Phoenix, the Eurocopter AS350 rolled over onto its side while the pilot was moving it. A tribal official had no comment on the crash, and no further information has been provided.
Richmond, California – April 27, 2014
Pilot Presumed Dead After Two Small Planes Collide
The pilot of a Cessna 210 plane that collided with another plane in midair is presumed dead. The collision occurred at around 4:05 p.m. on Sunday off the shoreline of Richmond, California.
Witnesses say the Cessna went into a nosedive and crashed into San Pablo Bay after the two planes collided. The other plane, a Hawker Sea Fury TMK 20, was able to land safely at Eagle’s Nest Airport in Ione. The pilot and passenger in the Hawker were not injured.
Sailboats and the East Brother Light Station boat were the first to arrive at the crash site, but they were only able to locate light debris. The wreckage was later found on Monday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
At this time, it is uncertain how many people were aboard the Cessna. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.Saltillo,
Mexico – April 19, 2014
Eight Dead After Private Plane Crashes in Northern Mexico
A private plane crashed on Saturday night in a northern Mexico city, killing all eight people onboard. The Hawker 800 luxury plane reportedly crashed into a commercial building during its approach to an airport in Saltillo. According to the Weather Channel, the plane slammed into the top of a warehouse, burst into flames and broke into scattered pieces that covered almost a quarter-mile.
“Visibility was 1/2 mile at Saltillo at about an hour before the plane crash, when the airport stopped reporting for the night,” stated meteorologist Nick Wiltgen. “The ceiling, or cloud base, was only 200 feet above the ground. It’s likely the conditions were as bad or worse at the time of the crash.”
Various media outlets have reported that Paulina Facio, the wife of Saltillo mayor Isidro Lopez Villarreal, was among the victims. Radio journalist Antonio Davila Campos, along with his wife, Irma Lopez and their 10-year-old son, were also killed. The other victims have not yet been identified.
At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the crash, though thick fog likely played a role.
Highgate, Vermont – April 18, 2014
Pilot Parachutes to Safety After Mechanical Issue with Plane
The pilot of a small plane parachuted to safety after experiencing some trouble during a Friday morning flight. Just before noon, pilot Dan Marcotte had to eject from his single-engine plane due to a possible mechanical issue. “Something happened to the plane; he knew something was wrong,” said Vermont State Police Lt. Garry Scott. Marcotte, an experienced airshow pilot, did not sustain any serious injuries.
According to WCAX, Marcotte landed in a tree after ejecting himself from the aircraft. The plane crashed and burst into flames on the side of Interstate 89. Marcotte’s girlfriend told authorities that he was practicing an aerobatic routine when the crash occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.
Albuquerque, New Mexico – April 9, 2014
Medical Helicopter Crashes in Albuquerque
A medivac helicopter crashed only a few moments after taking off from a helipad on the roof of a New Mexico hospital on Wednesday. The Airbus AS350 B3E had just delivered a patient and was in the process of taking off when the chopper apparently wobbled in the air and plummeted onto the roof of the hospital.
The pilot of the helicopter sustained injuries in the crash, which happened at about 6:00 p.m. Two other crew members aboard the helicopter did not suffer any injuries. According to KRQE, no patients were aboard when the chopper crashed.
At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the crash. An investigation is underway.
Moab, Utah – April 6, 2014
Two Dead in Robinson Helicopter Crash
Two men searching for elk antlers were killed after the Robinson R22 helicopter they were in went down on Sunday. According to the Deseret News, pilot Robin Venuti of Washington, Utah and Albert Rubio of Beaver, Utah departed from Green River at around 11:00 a.m. and never returned. A search crew found the crash site Monday afternoon in “treacherous terrain,” confirming the deaths of the two men. Venuti was described by his family as an experienced pilot. At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the helicopter to crash. An investigation is underway.
March 31, 2014
Filing Over Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight ‘Premature’
A Chicago law firm has filed a petition for discovery against Boeing Co. in response to the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The law firm, which is reportedly representing a relative of one of the passengers on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, has asked Boeing and Malaysia Airlines to turn over any documents related to possible negligence. According to Reuters, the soon-to-be filed lawsuit will seek millions in compensation for each passenger and asks Boeing to repair its entire fleet of 777 aircraft.
The filing is “premature,” says Ron Goldman, pilot and head of Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman’s aviation practice. Goldman told Inside Counsel, “in the short run, [the filing] likely will not be productive.”
When asked what he would tell a potential client in a Malaysia Airlines case, Goldman says he would keep their options open. “The missing flight has led to a never-ending series of theories and speculation over what happened to the plane – while passengers’ families await the outcome,” says Goldman. “Everyone, lawyers included, [should] not leap to any conclusion not grounded in reasonable facts. Wild speculation doesn’t serve the public interest, nor the best interests of the families of those lost…it’s a terrible tragedy.”
Monroe County, Tennessee – March 23, 2014
Stunt Pilot Killed in Small Plane Crash
A stunt pilot on his way to an air show in Florida was killed Sunday night after his plane went down in Monroe County. Pilot Jim Maroney was killed when his de Havilland Super Chipmunk plane crashed in mountainous terrain. He had taken off from an airport in French Lick, Indiana and was flying under visual flight rules, not receiving any air traffic control service. Authorities found the crash site Monday morning in the Cherokee National Forest.
Maroney was a popular air show pilot who had served in the Air National Guard and had previously worked as a pilot for Delta Airlines. According to WBIR, authorities are uncertain what caused the plane to go down. The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to investigate the crash
Ridgway, Colorado – March 22, 2014
5 Dead in Colorado Plane Crash
Five people were killed Saturday afternoon in a plane crash in southwestern Colorado. The fatal crash happened at around 2:00 p.m. at the Ridgway Reservoir. Witnesses reported seeing the single-engine Socata TBM700 plane dropping from the sky in a flat spin before plunging into the reservoir. The victims have been identified as 48-year-old Jimmy L. Hill, who was the president of Gadsden Tool; his cousin Seth McDuffie; Katrina Vinzant Barksdale; and Barksdale’s two sons, Xander and Kobe. All were from Alabama.
According to the Denver Post, the wreckage has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the crash. An investigation is underway.
Aurora, Colorado – March 19, 2014
One Dead in Plane Crash Outside Aurora
A Frontier Airlines pilot was killed Wednesday after his twin engine Piper airplane crashed near a residential area of Aurora, Colorado. The fatal crash happened at around 5:00 p.m. near East Otero Drive and East Phillips Place near Blackstone Country Club. According to 9 News, the plane was flying dangerously low and close to homes shortly before it crashed. Amateur video footage of the crash shows the plane flying up, stalling, and plummeting to the ground. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator Greg Feith said 53-year-old pilot Gregory Dirk Pelley was performing maneuvers that raised red flags. “It may be that he was flying the aircraft over [a] friend’s [home], and whatever maneuver he tried to execute he was unable to do it.” The plane Pelley was flying was designed for aerobatics. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Seattle, Washington – March 18, 2014
Helicopter Crash Leaves Two Dead, Another With Serious Burns
A KOMO news helicopter crashed on top of three passenger vehicles on Tuesday morning, killing the pilot and a photographer. A man in one of the passenger vehicles sustained serious burns in the crash, which was reported at around 7:40 a.m. on the 400 block of Broad Street.
According to KING 5 News, photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Pfitzner were killed. Richard Newman, 38, was rushed to Harborview Medical Center with second and third-degree burns covering 20 percent of his body. He is listed in serious condition.
Helicopters, Inc. was operating the Eurostar AS350-B2 helicopter under a lease agreement with KOMO. According to a witness, the sound of the helicopter changed dramatically immediately after taking off from a helipad at KOMO headquarters. The chopper “immediately pitched sideways and off balance” before it took a nose dive and crashed in the street. First responders arrived on scene to find the helicopter, two cars and a pickup truck engulfed in flames.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash.
Washington, Pennsylvania – March 11, 2014
Former Ukranian Figure Skater Killed in Plane Crash
A 52-year-old former figure skating champion was killed on Tuesday after the single-engine plane he was flying crashed at the Washington County Airport. The crash happened at around 2:00 p.m. According to WTAE, pilot Igor Novodran was practicing touch-and-go landings. He was making a turn as he came back towards the runway when, for unknown reasons, the plane crashed onto its roof and slid down a hillside. He was the only person aboard the 1998 Avid Bandit aircraft.
Novodran was rushed to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced dead Tuesday night. A former Ukranian National Champion skater, Novodran was known throughout the area as a premier figure skating coach. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the crash. An investigation is underway.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 8, 2014
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Missing in Asia
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, along with its 239 passengers and crew members, went missing early Saturday morning. The Boeing 777 aircraft departed from Kuala Lumpur at 12:41 a.m. bound for Beijing, China. At roughly 1:30 a.m., air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane somewhere over the sea between Vietnam and Malaysia. According to CNN, a senior Malaysian Air Force official said that radar showed the plane disappeared over a tiny island in the Strait of Malacca, which is hundreds of miles off the plane’s charted flight plan.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement saying that three Americans boarded the flight. More than half of the passengers were listed as Chinese/Taiwanese. Both the pilots, 53-year-old Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah and 27-year-old Fariq Ab Hamid, are from Malaysia. Shah has logged 18,365 flying hours and Hamid has 2,763 flying hours.
Ten different countries have dispatched ships and planes to find Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the plane to disappear.
Truckee, California – March 3, 2014
One Dead, Another Injured in Truckee Plane Crash
One person was killed and another person was critically injured Monday morning in a plane crash near Truckee Tahoe Airport. Only two people were aboard the plane, which went down at around 11:00 a.m. on Marias Peak, roughly six miles southeast of the airport. The California Highway Patrol helicopter that spotted the wreckage said one of the plane’s wings was detached. It is unclear whether the Piper PA-46 Malibu airplane was taking off or landing.
According to KCRA, the victims’ identities have not yet been released by authorities. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
Lanai, Hawaii – February 26, 2014
Plane Crash in Hawaii Leaves Three Dead, Three Injured
Three people were killed and three others were injured Wednesday night after a small plane went down shortly after taking off from Lanai Airport. The Piper PA31 plane crashed at around 9:30 p.m., immediately burning upon impact. According to the Chicago Tribune, the deceased have been identified as the pilot of the plane and two Department of Planning employees. Two other employees of the Department who were aboard the plane are in critical condition following the crash, and the deputy attorney for Corporation Counsel sustained serious injuries. None of the crash victims have been identified. At this time, the cause of the crash is unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate.
Los Angeles, California – February 26, 2014
Discovery Channel Named in Helicopter Crash Lawsuit
Discovery Communications has been named in a lawsuit over a fatal helicopter crash that occurred during the production of a reality television program last year. The fatal crash, which happened north of Los Angeles last February, claimed the life of Michael Donatelli, a Special Forces veteran who was starring in a military-themed reality show for Discovery.
Sonya Joubert, the mother of Donatelli’s 15-year-old daughter Sofia, has filed suit against Discovery and a host of other defendants on her daughter’s behalf. The lawsuit claims that Donatelli was killed due to “negligence on a number of counts, including failing to act reasonably in the ownership of a helicopter; failing to maintain proper, safe, and/or adequate control over the helicopter; and failing to abort the flight given the adverse weather, visibility, landing zone and other conditions.” According to The Wrap, the lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages.
Mount Plymouth, Florida – February 23, 2014
Two Injuries Reported in Mt. Plymouth Plane Crash
Two people aboard a small plane sustained injuries Sunday afternoon when the aircraft they were in went down in Mt. Plymouth. The crash was reported at around 1:30 p.m. near Mt. Plymouth Road and Kohlman Boulevard. According to WESH, the RV-9A plane was on its way to Sanford from the Bahamas when it crashed upside down roughly 16 miles from its destination. The pilot and the aircraft’s only passenger were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Their identities have not yet been released by authorities. At this time, the cause of the crash is unknown. A federal investigation is underway.
La Grange, Georgia – February 22, 2014
Three Men Killed in Georgia Plane Crash
Three men were killed Saturday afternoon when the plane they were in crashed at a suburban Atlanta airport. The fatal crash happened at around 2:00 p.m. at LaGrange-Callaway Airport. According to the Daily News, the Beechcraft Baron airplane was doing a practice maneuver when it suddenly had to avoid a glider. The plane then went into a nosedive and crashed. Two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene. The third was airlifted to Columbus Medical Center, where he later died. The crash victims have been identified as 60-year-old Vincent Michael Rossetti, 69-year-old Willy Lutz, and 53-year-old Jeffery Van Curtis. All three men were good friends from Peachtree City, Georgia. The crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Glasgow, Scotland – February 14, 2014
Engine Failure Believed to be Cause of Last Year’s Fatal Helicopter Crash
On November 29, 2013, a Eurocopter EC135 helicopter crashed on the roof of a Glasgow pub, killing 10 people and injuring 32 others. A report issued today on last year’s crash indicates that the chopper’s right engine “flamed out and shortly after the left engine flamed out. “According to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), the engines showed “no evidence of foreign object damage or intake or exhaust blockage in either engine. “The AAIB report also shows that the main fuel tank had plenty of fuel remaining when both engines gave out, and that fuel control units for both engines were “serviceable in all respects.”
The Independent reports that the AAIB is still in the process of investigating the fatal crash. Moving forward, the agency will look to find out why “no emergency radio transmission was received from the pilot, and why, following the double engine failure, an authoritative descent and flare recovery was not achieved.”
Ain Kercha, Algeria – February 11, 2014
Algerian Plane Crash Kills 77
An Algerian transport plane crashed into the side of a mountain on Tuesday, killing 77 people onboard. The C-130 Hercules transport plane, made in the U.S. by Lockheed Martin, crashed at around noon local time near Ain Kercha. Authorities say the aircraft was on its way to Constantine from Tamanrasset.
According to CBS News, one person managed to survive the crash, though the survivor’s identity has not yet been released. An intelligence official who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity said the survivor is a soldier who is being treated for head injuries at a military hospital in Algiers. So far, the Algerian defense ministry has blamed bad weather conditions for the crash. An investigation is underway.
Marathon, Florida – February 7, 2014
Pilot Still Missing in Florida
A small plane that was scheduled to return to Vero Beach on Friday evening is still missing. Pilot Andrei Postelnicu, a resident of the United Kingdom, flew to Marathon from Vero Beach in a leased Piper PA-28 airplane. According to WPBF, Postelnicu was due to come back to Vero Beach on Friday night but never returned. Authorities have recovered a backpack that belonged to Postelnicu on a Treasure Coast beach, but have so far not been able to find the plane. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder told the media that the Piper PA-28 likely crashed off the coast in 50 feet of water, where visibility is poor. As of now, the cause of the crash has not been determined.
Nashville, Tennessee – February 3, 2014
Four Feared Dead in Tennessee Plane Crash
Four family members are believed to be dead after the small plane they were in crashed outside of Nashville. The fatal crash happened at around 5:00 p.m. just outside of a YMCA building in Bellevue. Witnesses say the Gulfstream 690C plane, which originated from Grand Bend Municipal Airport in Kansas City, banked hard and crashed, narrowly missing the YMCA building and a retirement home. The aircraft burst into flames, killing everyone onboard, including the pilot. Sources have indicated that the deceased were members of a family, but their identities have not yet been released.
According to NBC News, the small plane had missed its first landing attempt at Tune-Nashville International Airport and was circling back for another attempt when the crash occurred. At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have dispatched officials to investigate.
January 31, 2014
FAA Downgrades India’s Aviation Rating
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that they have downgraded India’s aviation safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2. This means that Indian airlines will not be allowed to increase flights into and out of the U.S. Furthermore, Indian flights to and from the U.S. will be subject to extra safety checks. The downgrade affects Jet Airways and Air India, a state-run airline. Air India offers 21 flights per week between the U.S. and India, and Jet Airways offers seven.
“The FAA has determined that India at this time is not in compliance with the international standards for aviation safety oversight” the FAA said in a communication with India’s government. The FAA raised a number of safety issues after auditing India’s aviation regulator in September and December of last year, including “lack of adequate number of flight inspection safety officers and training of officers who certify a plane is airworthy,”according to Reuters.
Indian aviation officials say they are in compliance with 29 of the 31 issues raised by the FAA, and hope to be in compliance with all issues by March.
Silt, Colorado – January 27, 2014
Three Dead in Colorado Helicopter Crash
A helicopter surveying power lines crashed on Monday morning, killing three people. The fatal crash happened at around 11:20 a.m. near Interstate 70, just outside of Silt, Colorado. According to the New York Daily News, the helicopter may have hooked onto a series of power lines and crashed, though authorities have not said for certain. All three people aboard the chopper were pronounced dead. None of the victims have been identified, pending family notification. The helicopter, a Bell LoneRanger L3, was registered to DBS Helicopters out of Rifle, Colorado. The company was scheduled to fly representatives from Holy Cross Energy to inspect 250 miles of power lines. The crash is under investigation.
Poulsbo, Washington – January 20, 2014
Pilot Calls 911 After Plane Crash
The pilot of a small plane sustained serious injuries on Monday afternoon when his plane crashed in a field outside of Poulsbo. The crash happened at around 4:00 p.m. just east of Noll Road. According to King 5 News, the 70-year-old pilot was able to call 911 once he regained consciousness in the wake of the crash, and first responders found him sitting by the upside down plane. The pilot, who has not yet been identified, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. Witneses reported hearing the plane flying lower and slower than normal in the moments prior to the crash. At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the aircraft to go down. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.
Holland Township, New Jersey – January 15, 2014
Small Plane Crash Near Delaware River Leaves Pilot Dead
A 71-year-old man was killed Wednesday night when the small plane he was piloting crashed along the Delaware River. Joseph Borin of Readington Township was found dead at the site of the crash. He was the only person aboard the plane.
Witnesses reported hearing the plane go down at around 5:00 p.m. in a remote area off Route 627. According to the Morning Call, the plane went down amid dense fog and rain. The type of plane Mr. Borin was flying has not yet been reported. At this time, authorities are not certain what events led to the fatal crash. Officials from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.
Gwanda, Zimbabwe – January 12, 2014
Helicopter Crash in Zimbabwe Kills Prominent Businessman
A Robinson helicopter crashed and burned Sunday morning in Zimbabwe, killing the pilot. A Fox News report indicated the pilot was “a prominent Zimbabwean businessman” who was travelling to visit relatives. He was the only occupant of a Robinson R44, a four-seat light helicopter model, when it crashed and caught fire.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is investigating the crash, which occurred about 7 AM Sunday morning. The pilot-businessman, Christian Malila Ndou, owned a security company in Beitbridge, a southern Zimbabwe town on the South African Border. Beitbridge is about 77 miles southeast of the crash site, a remote mountainside in Southwest Zimbabwe about 4 miles from the village of Gwanda.
The exact cause of the crash is not yet known. New Zimbabwe online news reported that the pilot “was thrown out of his helicopter after it developed a mechanical fault and flipped mid-air before it crashed and burned.” Other reports indicated the pilot jumped from the helicopter before it crashed. Whichever is the case, as he fell from the helicopter he was struck by the whirling blades of the helicopter and killed instantly.
Hollister, Missouri – January 12, 2014
Southwest Flight Lands at Wrong Airport, Pilots Suspended
Authorities are in the process of investigating why a Southwest flight that was supposed to land at Branson Airport in southwest Missouri ended up landing at the wrong airport seven miles away from their scheduled destination. Southwest Flight 4013 out of Chicago’s Midway Airport ended up landing at Taney County Airport at around 11:42 p.m. Taney County Airport’s longest runway is listed at 3,738 feet. Branson Airport’s runway is nearly twice that. According to Fox News, the Boeing 737-700 with 124 passengers aboard landed safely with no reported injuries. The Southwest ground crew at Branson Airport met the plane at Taney County Airport after the mishap to assist customers.
Southwest Airlines announced that the captain and first officer of Southwest Flight 4013 have been removed from flying duty pending an investigation. This incident marks the second large jet to land at the wrong airport in recent months. Last November, a Boeing 747 that was scheduled to land at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas ended up landing nine miles away at Col. James Jabara Airport. There were no passengers aboard that flight.
Oakland County, Michigan – January 10, 2014
Pilot Killed in Small Plane Crash
The pilot of a Cessna 310 was killed Friday evening when the twin engine aircraft went down during what appeared to be a failed landing attempt. No one else was on the plane. The fatal crash happened at around 7:45 p.m. at the Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, which is near the Oakland County International Airport. According to CBS Detroit, the plane went down in a wooded area near the Pontiac Lake boat launch as it was attempting to land. The pilot, who has been identified as Andrew Demo, was killed. The airport was reportedly under instrument flight rules, meaning that pilots are dependent on aircraft instruments in the flight deck and navigation is accomplished via reference to electronic signals. At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the crash. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.
Boyne City, Michigan – January 6, 2014
Michigan Plane Crash Kills Two
A small plane went down near Boyne City Monday morning, killing two people. The plane crash was reported at around 9:30 a.m. just off Addis Road. According to Petoskey News, the single-engine Mooney M20 airplane had taken off from Boyne City Municipal Airport earlier Monday morning destined for Oakland-Troy Airport in Detroit. Authorities confirmed that there were two men aboard the aircraft, ages 38 and 51, from the Birmingham area. The names of the deceased will not be released until family members have been notified. At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused the plane to crash. Investigators from both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been notified of the crash and will arrive in the area on Wednesday to begin their investigation.
