We start this week from Connecticut where tonight kicks off the 35th Annual ARFF Working Group Int'l Educational Symposium at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, CT. Looking forward to seeing many old friends as well as meeting many new ones as well. If you’re here, stop by Booth 21 and say hello
Very sad news from Dallas, Texas, of the passing of DFW Chief Brian McKinney (Ret). Chief McKinney was a giant in ARFF circles across the globe. My condolences to his family, his friends, and to my Brothers and Sisters at the DFW Airport Fire Department.
May He Rest in Peace…
Now here are the stories for today.
-
The Passing of DFW Chief Brian McKinney
It is with sadness that I share the passing of Chief
Brian McKinney, who served as Fire Chief at DFW Airport from 2007–2023.
Chief McKinney led in a way that was often behind the scenes. His focus was strategic — working tirelessly to secure the resources, equipment, and training firefighters needed to succeed and stay safe.
Under his leadership, the Fire Training Research Center grew into a global leader, training more than 35,000 students from 48 states and six continents. He represented DFW on international stages, advancing aviation fire safety and strengthening standards across the industry.
His legacy is one of investment in people and commitment to ensuring our department had the tools to do the job well. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Rest easy Chief, we will take it from here.
With gratitude,
Jon “JT” Taylor
Director of Public Safety
Wharton County: 2 dead after small plane crashes in Louise
By Mack Shaw and Briahn Hawkins
The Brief
-
- Two people are dead after a plane
crashed in Louise, Texas, Saturday night.
- Two people are dead after a plane
crashed in Louise, Texas, Saturday night.-
- The plane reportedly stalled midair before attempting to land and crashing.
-
- The victims have not been identified, and the FAA is at the scene investigating.
LOUISE, Texas - Two people have been confirmed dead after a small plane crashed in Wharton County on Saturday night.
Texas plane crash
What we know:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced the crash just before 8 p.m. Saturday night.
Just before 10 p.m., officials said the crash happened on CR 382 and Ward Street in Louise.
Two people have been confirmed dead in the crash.
A North American T-6 reportedly stalled midair, attempted to land, and crashed.
The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will conduct an investigation.
What we don't know:
The victims in the crash have not been identified.
Details in this report are limited.
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/wharton-county-louise-plane-crash-texas-2025-september
Plane crashes on runway in Pocahontas
By K8 Newsdesk
POCAHONTAS, Ark. (KAIT) - A plane crashed in
Pocahontas Sunday afternoon after its brakes failed upon landing.
According to Sgt. Trason Johnson, the plane’s brakes went out upon landing, and it could not stop on the runway.
The plane continued moving through the field beyond the runway and hit a fence.
The call reporting the crash came in at 4:15 p.m.
Johnson said no injuries were reported, and the runway is currently shut down.
Pocahontas police are at the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration is en route to investigate.
https://www.kait8.com/2025/09/21/plane-crashes-runway-pocahontas/
Small plane makes emergency landing at Lime Rock Park
NBC Connecticut
A small plane made an emergency landing at Lime
Rock Park in Lakeville on Saturday afternoon.
The Federal Aviation Administration said a Cessna 172 crashed in a field in Lime Rock around 1:30 p.m. and two people were on board.
According to an Instagram post from Lime Rock Park, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure and was forced to make an emergency landing and crashed into the Armco near Turn 6.
The post from the park said the pilot was uninjured, but the passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Lime Rock Park corner workers reported the emergency and the Lime Rock Park safety crew responded on scene to contain a small fuel leak, according to the park.
“We are grateful for the quick response of our corner workers, emergency personnel and local responders,” Lime Rock Park Director of Operations Tom Burke said in a statement posted on Instagram. “We are relieved that both occupants are safe and wish the passenger a speedy recovery.”
The FAA will investigate the crash.
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/plane-crash-salisbury/3640792/
1 person dies in small plane crash near Ferndale Airfield in Flathead County
By: MTN News
Update: 10:20 a.m.-September 20, 2025
FERNDALE: The National Transportation Safety
Board posted on X the plane involved in the crash Friday near the Ferndale airport was an Experimental, amateur-built Murphy Moose aircraft.
No other updates have been released.
UPDATE: 1:30 p.m. - September 19, 2025
FERNDALE - One person died in a Friday afternoon small plane crash near Ferndale Airfield in Flathead County.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino confirmed the death with MTN, adding that the plane was badly damaged in the crash.
The aircraft was on fire when the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene.
Sheriff Heino says the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified about the crash.
(first report: 1:15 p.m. - September 19, 2025)
FERNDALE - A small plane has crashed near the Ferndale Airfield in Flathead County.
The crash happened early Friday afternoon.
There have been three other plane crashes — two of which resulted in deaths — in Flathead County since late July.
We have a reporter on the scene and will have additional information as it becomes available.
NTSB Final Report: Nelson Special
Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Airplane Control During The Landing Roll
Location: Hope, Arkansas Accident Number: CEN25LA190
Date & Time: May 29, 2025, 10:50 Local Registration: N873YD
Aircraft: Nelson Special Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis: The pilot reported that during the landing roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, he applied the brakes, and the airplane subsequently nosed down; the propeller then struck the runway surface. The airplane came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot stated that the wind was gusty at the time of the landing.
He reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.
Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing roll.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
NTSB Final Report: Cessna Aircraft Co LC41-550FG
Pilot’s Failure To Land At The Manufacturer’s Recommended Approach Speed, Which Resulted In A Runway Excursion
Location: Lambertville, Michigan Accident Number: CEN25LA244
Date & Time: July 8, 2025, 18:54 Local Registration: N1229V
Aircraft: Cessna Aircraft Co LC41-550FG Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis: The pilot reported that he aligned the airplane on final approach, lowered the flaps, pitched for an airspeed of 85 kts, and then landed the airplane at the runway threshold. He stated that during the landing roll, he applied brakes, but the brakes failed. The airplane exited the end of the runway and impacted trees which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
According to the airplane manufacturer’s normal landing checklist, the indicated airspeed on final approach should be between 85 to 90 knots (kts). A review of ADS-B data and data from the airplane’s onboard electronic flight instrument system showed that when the airplane crossed the runway’s displaced threshold, the indicated airspeed was 111 kts with a groundspeed of 115 kts. The airplane did not reach 85 to 90 kts indicated airspeed until it was more than halfway down the runway.
A postaccident examination of the brakes revealed that the brakes operated properly. The left and right main wheels firmly locked when the brake master cylinder was compressed on both the pilot and copilot side. There were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to land at the manufacturer’s recommended approach speed, which resulted in a runway excursion, and impact with trees.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
NTSB Final Report: Flight Design GMBH CTSW
Shortly After Touchdown, A Sudden Gust Of Wind Relaunched The Airplane Into The Air
Location: Joliet, Illinois Accident Number: CEN25LA238
Date & Time: July 5, 2025, 14:32 Local Registration: N646MA
Aircraft: Flight Design GMBH CTSW Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis: The pilot reported that he conducted a straight in approach to runway 31. The pilot stated that he chose runway 31 because the intersecting grass runway (4/22) was closed due to blimp operations that were being conducted on the airfield. Shortly after touchdown, a sudden gust of wind relaunched the airplane into the air. The pilot stated that the wind gust was so strong that he could not keep the airplane aligned with the runway. The airplane settled onto the runway and exited the paved runway surface to the left. The nose landing gear dug into the soft ground and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The reported wind was from 210° at 13 kts, gusting to 18 kts. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the crosswind landing.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
Today in History
59 Years ago today: On 22 September 1966 Ansett-ANA flight 149, a Vickers Viscount, crashed near Winton, Queensland, Australia, following an in flight fire killing all 24 occupants.
| Date: | Thursday 22 September 1966 |
| Time: | 13:03 |
| Type: | Vickers 832 Viscount |
| Owner/operator: | Ansett-ANA |
| Registration: | VH-RMI |
| MSN: | 416 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1959 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 18634 hours |
| Cycles: | 6586 flights |
| Engine model: | Rolls-Royce Dart 525 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 24 / Occupants: 24 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed, written off |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | 16 km WSW of Winton, QLD - Australia |
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Passenger - Scheduled |
| Departure airport: | Mount Isa Airport, QLD (ISA/YBMA) |
| Destination airport: | Longreach Airport, QLD (LRE/YLRE) |
| Confidence Rating: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
Narrative:
Ansett-ANA flight 149, a Vickers Viscount, crashed near Winton, Queensland, Australia, following an in flight fire killing all 24 occupants.
Ansett-ANA Flight 149 took off at 12:08 for a 73-minute flight to Longreach. The flight progressed, apparently uneventfully, until 12:52 when the Longreach-Flight Service Unit heard the crew of VH-RMI say that it was on an emergency descent and to stand by. Two minutes later the aircraft advised that there were fire warnings in respect of no. 1 and 2 engines, that one of these warning conditions had ceased and that the propeller of the other engine could not be feathered. At 12:59, information from the crew of VH-RMI, relayed to Longreach through--the crew of another aircraft in the vicinity, indicated that there was a visible fire in no. 2 engine and that the aircraft was diverting below 5000 ft, to Winton.
The Vickers Viscount was descending at an indicated airspeed close to 170 knots between 3500 and 4000 ft above ground level . At this point the port wing failed upwards between engines 1 and 2. It struck the top of the fuselage, which at the same time was cut open by the blades of the no. 1 engine, and fell away from the remainder of the aircraft . The cabin shell above floor level was quickly broken away by air loads until eventually the rear fuselage and empennage also separated from the aircraft. The remaining forward fuselage, with the lower mid fuselage, starboard, wing and, engines and port wing stub with the no. 2 engine still attached, struck the ground at the edge of a clay pan and was immediately engulfed in flames.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The means of securing the oil metering unit to the no.2 cabin blower became ineffective and this led to the initiation of a fire within the blower, which propagated to the wing fuel tank and substantially reduced the strength of the main spar upper boom. It is probable that the separation of the oil metering unit arose from an out-of-balance condition induced by rotor break-up but the source of the rotor break-up could not be determined."
