We close out the month of July with the following stories...
Be safe out there!
Tom
'She lived with boldness' | 44-year-old pilot remembered after dying in small plane crash shortly after takeoff from Greenwood airport
The crash happened near the intersection of East Main Street and Sheek Road, just west of I-65 and near Indy South Greenwood Airport.
Author: Zachary Jones, WTHR.com staff, Mike Potter, Alex Almanza
GREENWOOD, Ind. — A pilot was killed in a small
plane crash in Greenwood Wednesday morning, officials said.
The crash was reported around 10:45 a.m. July 30 near the intersection of East Main Street and Sheek Road, just west of Interstate 65.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the plane crashed shortly after its departure from the Indy South Greenwood Airport.
Responding crews from the Greenwood Fire Department, Greenwood Police Department and Indiana State Police found a small plane that crashed into a ditch behind a Circle K gas station, not far from the Nest Event Center.
The pilot, Nguyen was the sole occupant of the plane and was pronounced dead at the scene, the fire department said. Wednesday afternoon, the Johnson County coroner identified the pilot as 44-year-old Anh-Thu Nguyen.
"I pulled right up to the sight, jumped out of the
truck. I could smell fuel and it was smoking," said Frank Williams, who witnessed the crash. "As I got close to the place, I could tell there was no survivor."
No injuries were reported to anyone on the ground.
At this time, there is no information on where the plane was going or what caused the crash.
What we know about Anh-Thu Nguyen
The pilot, Anh-Thu Nguyen, said on social media that she was a B-767 ferry pilot. The morning of the crash, she posted a video saying she was flying from Indiana to Pennsylvania.
Nguyen was a graduate of Purdue University and grew up in Vietnam. She said she was always fascinated by "flying machines."
She moved to the United States at the age of 12.
Nguyen founded a nonprofit in 2018 for Asian women in the aerospace field. In 2020, she opened the Dragon Flight Training Academy in Florida.
In 2024, she was set to become the 10th woman to ever fly solo around the world, according to Purdue.
On July 30, her nonprofit posted an obituary that reads:
"We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend, founder, and leader, Anh-Thu Nguyen, who passed away in a tragic accident during her solo journey around the world.
Anh-Thu was an inspiring pilot, instructor, and advocate for girls and women in aerospace and aviation. She lived with boldness, curiosity, and drive. She came from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope to many.
Those wishing to honor her legacy may make a donation to the 501c3 nonprofit in her name; we will use the funds to continue her dream of helping young girls pursue their dreams.
Well wishes and thoughts can be left on her main social pages:
Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilot_anh_thu
Her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anu.nguyen
We hold her family, friends, and community in our hearts at this time. "
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/at-least-1-person-killed-in-greenwood-plane-crash/531-ac74d1c8-05c2-419f-996e-f8c64e3cb27c
Toronto Pearson airport returns to normal operations after 2 runways temporarily closed
A private aircraft sustained landing gear issues after touchdown, Toronto Pearson said Wednesday morning
CBC News
Normal operations have resumed at Toronto
Pearson airport hours after two runways were temporarily closed on Wednesday, the airport said via a post on social media.
It came after a private aircraft sustained landing gear issues after touchdown on Wednesday morning.
The temporary closures may have caused potential delays for passengers, the airport said, noting flights continued to arrive and depart as usual from the other runways.
The airport says the plane managed to taxi down the runway before stopping near an intersection.
Two crew members were onboard the aircraft, and no injuries have been reported.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed an investigative team to assess the incident.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/landing-gear-trouble-pearson-airport-1.7597254
Smoke fills cabin forcing San Francisco-bound United flight emergency landing at London's Heathrow Airport
United Airlines flight UA949 made an emergency landing at Heathrow on Wednesday, prompting a major emergency response and causing runway disruption
By Falyn Stempler
Emergency crews rushed to Heathrow Airport in
London on Wednesday after San Francisco-bound United Airlines flight UA949 was forced into an emergency landing.
United Airlines told The Mirror US that the international flight quickly landed after takeoff because of fumigation issues with the aircraft, confirming reports circulating online about smoke in cabins.
"United flight 949 from London Heathrow to San Francisco returned to London shortly after takeoff to address fumes in the aircraft’s galley," United Airlines said in a statement to The Mirror US.
The airline added that the flight landed without any issues while confirming that airline officials are working with airport officials to resume promptly operations.
"The flight landed safely, passengers deplaned normally at the gate, and we’re working to get our customers to their destinations as soon as possible," United Airlines said in the statement.
The aircraft was a Boeing 777-200 that was carrying 272 passengers and 13 crew members, United Airlines confirmed to The Mirror US.
Police vehicles and ambulances reportedly swarmed the runway as the plane touched down unexpectedly, sparking a rapid response.
Officials promptly worked to clear the runway to ensure passenger safety.
Travelers have reportedly been told to expect delays as Heathrow manages the unfolding situation.
https://www.themirror.com/travel/breaking-heathrow-chaos-united-airlines-1299759
Turbulence diverts Delta flight to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; 25 passengers hospitalized
By Riley Moser and Beret Leone
A plane made an emergency landing at
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Wednesday after dozens of passengers were injured by "significant" in-flight turbulence, according to the airline.
The airport says Delta Air Lines Flight 56 en route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam diverted to MSP, landing safely around 7:45 p.m.
The MSP Airport Fire Department and several paramedics responded at the gate, providing initial medical attention to passengers in need. Delta says 25 passengers were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care.
Based on preliminary flight data, about 45 minutes into the flight the plane experienced fluctuations in altitude consistent with intense turbulence as it was flying over Wyoming, before changing course for MSP.
"We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved," a spokesperson for Delta said. "Safety is our No. 1 value at Delta, and our Delta Care Team is working directly with customers to support their immediate needs."
The aircraft, an Airbus A330-900, had 275 passengers and 13 crew members on board.
The Federal Aviation Administration says it will investigate the incident.
A passenger on the flight told CBS News Minnesota there were three back-to-back turbulent incidents, each more severe than the last. A pilot told the passenger there was a drop of more than 1,000 feet. The pilot also told him he hadn't seen turbulence that severe before.
While the passenger only feels sore after the incident, he said other passengers suffered more severe injuries.
Kris Van Cleave contributed to this report.
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minneapolis-airport-flight-emergency-landing-turbulence-injuries/
US Navy jet crashes in Fresno County, pilot safe
by: Victoria Meza
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – An F-35C
“Rough Raiders” jet crashed into a Fresno County field Wednesday night.
The Naval Air Station Lemoore says the pilot successfully ejected and is safe after the crash.
Deputies responded to a plane crash near a Fresno County field on Cadillac and Dickenson avenues at around 6:40 p.m. The Naval Air Station Lemoore confirmed the F-35C attached to the VFA-125 Rough Raiders jet went down not far from NAS Lemoore.
The crash ignited a fire, which was 5 acres and 100% contained as of 9 p.m., according to Cal Fire.
The fire was put out just before 11 p.m.
Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes, who oversees District 4, told YourCentralValley.com the crash happened on his cottonfield. He says this is not the first time an aircraft has crashed into his land – there was a deadly F-18 crash almost two decades ago.
However, Mendes is not concerned.
“This is a minor deal. They lost a 60-something-million-dollar plane. This is just a scratch for them if they have to do anything to compensate me,” he said.
Cal Fire and the Lemoore Naval Station responded to the scene.
This is a federal investigation. No further information on the incident has been officially released.
https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/jet-crashes-in-fresno-county/
One person dead after plane that left Albany Int'l Airport crashes in Rhode Island
by Felix Day
Albany, NY (WRGB) — A private plane crash at
Block Island State Airport on Wednesday afternoon resulted in one fatality and left two others injured. The aircraft, owned by the Condair Flyers Flying Club and based at Albany International Airport, took off from Albany at 10:50 AM and was headed to Block Island.
The plane crashed upside down in a wooded area at the end of the runway.
All three individuals on board, who were from New York State, they were transported to Block Island Medical Center. Police on Block Island confirmed that one person has died, but the names and conditions of the individuals have not been released.
Officials are currently awaiting further updates from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board as investigations into the crash continue.
Small plane crashes into Cashmere residence, injuring 2 onboard
By Jefferson Robbins
CASHMERE — A small aircraft apparently went off
the end of the runway Wednesday night at the Cashmere Airport, crashing into the roof of a house nearby.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office says two people were on board the plane when it struck the house about 5:30 p.m., and were taken to Confluence Health Hospital with undisclosed injuries. The occupants of the home were not hurt.
The house on Tigner Road is directly in line with the runway of the small public airport. The plane’s tail number, captured in photos from the ground, identifies it as a Cessna 182Q Skylane, a single-engine four-seater registered to an owner in Bonney Lake.
Sheriff’s detectives were on scene Wednesday and coordinating with the Federal Aviations Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, who will investigate the cause of the crash.
https://www.ncwlife.com/news/small-plane-crashes-into-cashmere-residence-injuring-2-onboard/article_9e4581b7-0c68-4123-82e6-55e09873d586.html
NTSB Final Report: Piper PA-30
Flight Crew’s Improper Fuel Management, Which Resulted In The Airplane’s Right Engine Being Starved Of Fuel
Location: Claxton, Georgia Accident Number: ERA23FA274
Date & Time: June 25, 2023, 12:32 Local Registration: N7240Y
Aircraft: Piper PA-30 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel starvation Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional
Analysis: The pilot, flight instructor, and a pilot-rated passenger had planned an instructional flight in the multiengine airplane to prepare the pilot for a proficiency check with an FAA inspector the following day. They were not able to fuel the airplane before departure and flew to a nearby airport to obtain fuel before the instructional flight; however, while refueling the airplane, the fueling equipment malfunctioned and they obtained less than 1 gallon of fuel. They subsequently departed, and the airplane impacted trees and terrain less than ½ mile from the end of the runway.
ADS-B data showed that, during the accident flight, the airplane was in close proximity to the ground just beyond the departure end of the runway for about 8 seconds. The altitude data did not depict an appreciable climbing trend during that time. The distance between the final ADSB position and the accident site was less than 700 feet, and the track line between these two points was about 30 degrees right of the departure runway’s heading.
The results of toxicological testing revealed the pilot had used alprazolam and methadone. Both medications have the potential to impair cognitive and motor function. However, because measured levels of the drugs in cavity blood cannot be used reliably to predict effects, whether the pilot was experiencing impairing effects from alprazolam and methadone use could not be determined.
The results of toxicological testing revealed the flight instructor had used warfarin. Reviewed records did not indicate the reason for the flight instructor’s warfarin use. Warfarin itself is not typically impairing; however, some underlying conditions for which it is used increase the risk of sudden impairing medical events such as stroke or unstable arrhythmia. There was no autopsy evidence that such an event occurred, but such an event may not leave reliable autopsy evidence.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that, while some fuel was present in the right wing’s auxiliary fuel tank, no quantifiable fuel was found in the right main fuel tank. Some fuel was observed draining from the left-wing fuel tanks during recovery from the accident site. The left engine fuel selector was found set to the left main tank, while the right fuel selector was found positioned between the auxiliary and off positions. Additional examination of the fuel system revealed that the components associated with the right engine and its fuel supply were generally absent of fuel, while the left engine’s fuel system components contained trace amounts of fuel. The left engine’s propeller displayed signatures that were consistent with powered rotation at impact, while the right engine’s propeller displayed no evidence of powered rotation at impact. Neither engine displayed evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure. The landing gear were found extended.
While there was not sufficient evidence available to determine the airplane’s fuel state before the accident takeoff, given that the flight crew’s attempt to fuel the airplane was unsuccessful, it is likely that they departed with less fuel than anticipated, and that they may have been attempting to use fuel from the auxiliary fuel tank during the takeoff, contrary to the manufacturer’s guidance. It is also possible that the pilots were manipulating the fuel selector in response to a loss of engine power, which resulted in the fuel selector’s as-found position.
Regardless, the lack of fuel found in the right engine fuel system components downstream of the fuel selector suggest that the right engine lost engine power due to fuel starvation. Additionally, because the airplane had been flying for fewer than 10 seconds before impact, and given that the landing gear remained extended and the right propeller remained unfeathered, the flight crew likely did not configure the airplane quickly enough for successful, sustained single-engine flight before it impacted trees and terrain.
Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The flight crew’s improper fuel management, which resulted in the airplane’s right engine being starved of fuel and its subsequent total loss of power.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
Today in History
33 Years ago today: On 31 July 1992 China General Aviation Corp. flight 7552, a Yakovlev Yak-42D, was destroyed when it crashed during takeoff from Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport in China. Of the 126 persons on board the flight, 19 survived the accident.
| Date: | Friday 31 July 1992 |
| Time: | 15:12 |
| Type: | Yakovlev Yak-42D |
| Owner/operator: | China General Aviation Corp. |
| Registration: | B-2755 |
| MSN: | 4520422116644 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1991 |
| Engine model: | Lotarev D-36 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 107 / Occupants: 126 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed, written off |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport (NKG/ZSNJ) - China |
| Phase: | Take off |
| Nature: | Passenger - Scheduled |
| Departure airport: | Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport (NKG/ZSNJ) |
| Destination airport: | Xiamen Airport (XMN/ZSAM) |
| Confidence Rating: | Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources |
Narrative:
China General Aviation Corp. flight 7552, a Yakovlev Yak-42D, was destroyed when it crashed during takeoff from Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport in China. Of the 126 persons on board the flight, 19 survived the accident.
The aircraft operated on a scheduled passenger service to Xiamen Airport. During an attempted takeoff from runway 06, the flight failed to rotate, even as the speed increased past Vr speed.
The flight crew then attempted to abort the takeoff, but the aircraft overran the runway at high speed. After 420 meters the aircraft crossed a 22 feet wide drainage ditch and impacted a 2 metre high embankment. The aircraft's ground speed at the time was 210 km/h (113 kts). It broke up and caught fire.
It was established that the aircraft's horizontal stabiliser was trimmed in the landing configuration. This was not discovered because the crew probably did not perform the pre-flight checklist.
