By Anonymous | AuxBeacon News Reader
[Editor’s Note: This release was delayed because the comment tip was found in our spam filter.]
AuxBeacon:
On August 7th 2018, the NTSB released its preliminary report on Civil Air Patrol’s Cessna 182 crash [N291CP] at D52 Geneseo New York. While the members have never been a big fan of Civil Air Patrol’s shop-around lowest-bidder maintenance program, the NTSB report doesn’t mention the “final” position of the flaps or that CAP pilots sometimes overlook the elevator trim portion of the checklist. When the event of a Civil Air Patrol crash is fresh on everyone’s minds, our media or maybe your site could help with an immediate review of common errors that happen with the associated maneuver, eh?
Soft Field Takeoff and Climb Common Errors:
• Failure to review AFM/POH and performance charts prior to takeoff.
• Failure to adequately clear the area.
• Failure to utilize all available runway/takeoff area.
• Failure to have the airplane properly trimmed prior to takeoff.
• Insufficient back-elevator pressure during initial takeoff roll resulting in inadequate AOA.
• Failure to cross-check engine instruments for indications of proper operation after applying power.
• Poor directional control.
• Climbing too high after lift-off and not leveling off low enough to maintain ground effect altitude.
• Abrupt and/or excessive elevator control while attempting to level off and accelerate after liftoff.
• Allowing the airplane to “mush” or settle resulting in an inadvertent touchdown after lift-off.
• Attempting to climb out of ground effect area before attaining sufficient climb speed.
• Failure to anticipate an increase in pitch attitude as the airplane climbs out of ground effect.
It’s been said and I’ve been told that former CAP National Commander Joe Vazquez likes to read up on these right after every Civil Air Patrol accident, or at least have himself photographed doing so. [links removed]
Anon
Maj Gen Joe Vazquez, National Commander
Location: Geneseo, NY
Date & Time: 07/13/2018, 1800 EDT
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation – Personal
Accident Number: ERA18LA191
Registration: N291CP
Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 Minor
On July 13, 2018, about 1800 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182T, N291CP, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Geneseo Airport (D52), Geneseo, New York. The commercial pilot [Timothy K. Sheffer] sustained serious injuries and the two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane
was operated by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as a familiarization flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.
The pilot reported that earlier during the day of the accident, he completed a flight from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), Rochester, New York, to D52 uneventfully. The purpose of the accident flight was to provide a familiarization flight to two CAP cadets. The
pilot showed the cadets a thorough preflight inspection and then started the engine and taxied to runway 23. Prior to takeoff, the pilot performed an engine run-up and verified that all flight controls were free and correct. The pilot then initiated a soft-field takeoff procedure on the bumpy grass runway.
The airplane became airborne in ground effect about 45 knots and everything seemed normal as he began to climb out of ground effect at 60 knots. At that time, the nose pitched up abruptly and the pilot pushed the yoke forward as hard as he could while engaging nose down electric elevator trim; however, the airplane continued to climb at an excessive angle of attack and stalled. It subsequently rolled left, descended to the ground and
came to rest inverted.
Initial examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to both wings and the fuselage. The inspector measured the elevator trim actuator arm, which corresponded to a full nose-down trim position. Due to the disposition of the wreckage, the inspector was unable to document all flight control continuity and the wreckage was retained for further examination.
The recorded weather at ROC, at 1754, included wind from 220° at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles and scattered clouds at 14,000 feet. Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 13°C.
Final Report out. No Toxicology performed? Really? Why not? Civil Air Patrol has had pill-popping and even inflight Morphine injecting sexagenarian pilots of the past. Mark Smith didn’t want the parents to know what was in this 65-year old senior citizen’s system immediately after the crash? Smith and every other Civil Air Patrol member should have to blow in order to peddle a bicycle down the street.
The preliminary NTSB report for Civil Air Patrol Mark Biron’s crash is up. How do you crash an airplane that badly after making it to the pattern unless it is self inflicted and a result of more Civil Air Patrol drama? Any ideas?
“A witness, who was also a pilot, was at his home when he heard the airplane depart and then later return to land at 5B1. When he heard the airplane returning, he used his binoculars and confirmed the airplane was owned by a pilot, who had the hangar next to him at the airport. The witness said the airplane was on the left-downwind leg for runway 32 and was at an altitude about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl). The airplane was in level flight and the engine “sounded great.” There was no smoke trailing the airplane. The witness lost sight of the airplane while it was still on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern and it was not until later in the afternoon that he learned the airplane had crashed.”
If I lose the engine midfield downwind at pattern altitude I can make it to the runway! SMH.
I know what’s a-coming.