Friday the 12th of June, 2026

NTSB Releases Preliminary Report On Akron, Ohio PA28 Accident

Flight Instructor And Student Were Fatally Injured In Crash Of PA-28-180

The preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the fatal crash of a training flight near Fulton International Airport (AKR) in Akron, Ohio on May 14 said the Piper PA-28-180 aircraft on a training flight had been practicing landings before going into a steep dive and crashing into a home.

The NTSB report said that during short final, and for reasons unknown, the pilot communicated over the common traffic advisory frequency that he was conducting a go-around, and rejoined the traffic pattern. Reported wind about that time was from 330° at 19 knots, gusting to 32 knots.

The NTSB report said shortly before the crash, “the flight track of the airplane showed that it was about 3/4 mile and perpendicular to the runway consistent with a normal traffic pattern. As the airplane approached the end of the downwind leg, the distance from the runway had decreased to about 1/4 mile. The flight track then showed a right turn of about 15°, widening the distance from the runway. The pilot reported the left base for runway 7 over the common traffic advisory frequency and initiated the left turn; immediately thereafter, the airplane entered a steep, uncontrolled descent.

“Eyewitnesses observed the airplane flying straight and level, then observed the left wing drop followed by a spiraling descent. One witness stated that the airplane did two complete revolutions before appearing to recover from the spin, but the airplane continued to “dive” into the neighborhood. Dashcam video from an automobile parked across the street about 300 ft south of the accident site captured the airplane immediately before impact in a steep non-spinning descent. After the airplane disappeared from view behind trees and houses, a large fireball was observed. Home security footage showed the airplane impact on a residential street, where it slid into the attached garage of a 2-story home, impacting an electric vehicle before coming to rest.”

There was a significant post-impact fire, initially caused by the breached fuel tanks, which spread to the vehicle and structure. The electric vehicles’ batteries were subsequently damaged, resulting in a thermal runway of the lithium-ion batteries and an intense fire that took about 20 minutes to extinguish, according to the Akron City Fire Department.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination by the NTSB.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

NTSB Final Report: Vertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird

Pilot Had Previously Contacted The Helicopter Kit Manufacturer About Ethanol In Fuel “Eating Up” The Fuel Bladder In The Helicopter

Location: Spring Branch, Texas Accident Number: CEN24FA167
Date & Time: April 29, 2024, 15:12 Local Registration: N829SH
Aircraft: Vertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Air drop

Analysis: The pilot departed in the experimental helicopter with a pilot-rated passenger to perform a golf ball drop for a charity event. Flight track data showed that the beginning of the flight was not captured, as the first data point indicated the helicopter was in flight and was approximately 4.3 miles to the northeast of the departure airport and about 1.8 miles to the northwest of the planned golf ball drop location. The data showed the helicopter flying to the southwest of the first data point. The helicopter continued to travel to the southwest, and it then turned to the southeast where the data terminated shortly thereafter at the accident site, which was located about 1.4 miles to the northwest of the departure airport.

Multiple witnesses near the accident site heard the engine produce sputtering and coughing noises just prior to impact. Security camera footage showed the helicopter impact a grass field in a residential area, in front of a house. A postimpact explosion and fire occurred, which consumed the wreckage.

While no mechanical anomalies were found during the airframe and the engine examination, the examination was limited due to the extensive fire damage present. Multiple golf balls were found in the wreckage, which is indicative that the golf ball drop was not completed. The recovered flight track data showed that the helicopter was possibly flying back to the departure airport; however, the intended flight path was not established.

The pilot had previously contacted the helicopter kit manufacturer about ethanol in fuel “eating up” the fuel bladder in the helicopter and causing the fuel lines to “clog.” The kit manufacturer offered to sell the pilot a new fuel bladder to install in the helicopter, but they never heard back from the pilot. According to the FAA, ethanol in automobile fuel is not compatible with the rubber seals and other materials used in aircraft, which could cause fuel system deterioration and malfunction.

The current helicopter maintenance records were not available for review, and the investigation was unable to determine what maintenance had been performed on the airframe and the engine in the several years prior to the accident. Based upon the statements of multiple witnesses, the engine likely sustained a total loss of engine power, which resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent impact with terrain. While it is possible that the cause of the loss of the engine power may have been due to the deterioration of the fuel system from the presence of ethanol in fuel, the extensive fire damage precluded examination.

Due to heart disease, the pilot was at increased risk of a sudden impairing or incapacitating cardiac event, including angina, arrhythmia, or heart attack. There is no autopsy evidence that such an event occurred. However, such an event does not leave reliable autopsy evidence if it occurs immediately before death.

The pilot’s toxicological results indicated use of gabapentin, which the FAA considers a “do not fly” medication. Based on the gabapentin levels measured in the pilot’s heart blood, he was possibly experiencing some effects from his use of the gabapentin; however, specific effects are uncertain and whether he may have been impaired could not be determined based on the level detected alone.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent impact with terrain.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov