View Full Version : Harrison Ford Reported Fair After Plane Crash
Larry Dighera
March 6th 15, 01:30 AM
Venice, California
Another facial scar for Harrison, and a blow to a vintage PT-22. Ford makes
the 6 PM news (as every pilot fears). Even at 72, I would expect him to heal
reasonably quickly and hopefully, fully. Nice job putting it between the
trees. The hearts of the aviation community go out to you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIDEO:
<http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/harrison-ford-injured-plane-crash-n318301>
Harrison Ford Reported Fair After Plane Crash
BY ANDREW BLANKSTEIN AND HASANI G
Actor Harrison Ford was injured Thursday when a vintage World War II training
plane he was piloting crash landed on a California golf course.
The actor, who was conscious and breathing when rescue crews reached him, was
stabilized and taken to a hospital, where he was in fair to moderate condition,
authorities said. Sources said he sustained cuts to his head. There was no word
on other injuries or what caused the plane to crash about 2:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m.
ET). It appeared he was flying solo.
"We are very thankful that the passenger had [only] very moderate injuries,"
Los Angeles Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Butler said.
The plane clipped some tree branches and crashed on the golf course shortly
after takeoff from Santa Monica Airport, Butler said. An eyewitness, Howard
Teba, an employee at Penmar Golf Course, said he put a blanket under Ford's
hip.
"There was blood all over his face," Teba said. "Two very fine doctors were
treating him, taking good care of him."
Mike Bonin, a Los Angeles City Council member, agreed, telling NBC Los Angeles:
"Thank God that this incident happened on a golf course where there is a
relatively open space."
Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
concerning," he said.
An avid flyer of both planes and helicopters, Ford was in a bad crash of a Bell
chopper in 1999 Santa Clara, California. In 2008, he told National Geographic,
"Well, there was a mechanical failure while we were practicing power recovery
autorotations. It was more or less a hard landing. Luckily, I was with another
aviation professional and neither of us was hurt — and both of us are still
flying."
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending an investigator.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTROL TOWER AUDIO:
<http://www.tmz.com/2015/03/05/harrison-ford-plane-crash-landing-golf-course-santa-monica/>
Harrison Ford
Plane Crashes
[Update: Control Tower Audio]
3/5/2015 3:15 PM PST BY TMZ STAFF
EXCLUSIVE
0305_harrison_ford_crash_scene_launch_2update_grap hic_red_bar
4:30 PM PT -- We've obtained intense audio of Harrison talking to the Santa
Monica Airport control tower just moments after he'd taken off. Listen ... you
hear him report engine failure and request an emergency return to the airport.
4:41 PM PT -- A witness who was golfing at the time of the crash tells us she
heard the engine sputter ... and watched the plane do a "nose dive straight on
the 8th hole tee box."
The witness adds, "I was one of the first people to run from the hole toward
the plane. 4 to 5 men pulled the pilot out of the plane."
"They got him away from the plane. They were concerned it would catch on fire."
"Two doctors were there – and they had a 1st aid box with them. He was
conscious, talking a little -- a HUGE cut on his head."
The witness tells us the cut was VERY deep -- "A swath of his skin was missing.
There was blood dripping down his face."update_grey_gray_barA small plane
piloted by Harrison Ford has crash-landed at an L.A. golf course ... but we're
told the actor has survived.
TMZ has learned ... Ford was piloting what appears to be a vintage 2-seater
fighter plane Thursday ... when something went wrong and he crashed into Penmar
golf course in Venice, CA.
We're told Ford suffered multiple gashes to his head and was bleeding. Two
doctors who happened to be at the golf course rushed over to treat the actor.
Emergency personnel arrived to the scene a short time later. Ford was
transported to a nearby hospital.
72-year-old Ford is a longtime aviator -- piloting planes and helicopters --
and has crashed multiple times in the past.
Story developing ...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between The Trees
CRASHWITE VIDEO:
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/05/harrison-ford-plane-crash_n_6812320.html>
Harrison Ford Taken To Hospital After Plane Crash
The Huffington Post | By Jessica Goodman
Email
Posted: 03/05/2015 6:34 pm EST Updated: 2 minutes ago
HARRISON FORD
Harrison Ford was involved in a plane crash near a Los Angeles golf course on
Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports. CBS News confirmed that Ford
was piloting the the plane, which crashed on Penmar Golf Course in Venice,
California. Ford's rep did not return HuffPost Entertainment's immediate
request for comment.
TMZ was the first to report the news that Ford was taken to the hospital
following the incident. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the plane's
solo occupant was transported to a local hospital and tweeted that he was in
"critical condition." In an updated briefing, however, a representative for the
LAFD said the patient was found in "moderate condition," "conscious,"
"breathing" and outside the plane when the paramedics arrived on the scene. No
other people were injured.
The LAFD released a statement in a series of tweets:
The single-engine aircraft suffered a medium to high impact on the grass at
Penmar Golf Course. Bystanders rendered aid to the conscious and breathing
approximate 70 y/o male pilot prior to firefighters arrival. Firefighters
provided immediate medical aid to the patient who is now described as suffering
fair to moderate injury and being treated at a local hospital.
NBC reported Ford sustained serious injuries, including cuts to his head.
"There was blood all over his face," a Penmar Golf Course employee told NBC
News. An unnamed family member categorized Ford as "fine."
penmar
A photo of Ford's plane, which crashed on Penmar Golf Course on Thursday
Ford is a seasoned pilot, and was reportedly flying a vintage World War II-era
plane.
TMZ posted audio purported to be of Ford communicating with Santa Monica
Airport air traffic control shortly after takeoff. (In the clip, the pilot
reports engine failure and requests an immediate return to the airport.) Fox 11
Los Angeles obtained footage of the plane on the ground as well:
Ford has been involved in multiple plane crashes over the years, most notably
in 2000 when he made a crash landing in his six-passenger plane in Nebraska. In
1999, a helicopter he was piloting crashed in Santa Clarita, California. He
escaped unharmed both times.
This story is developing ...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<http://abc7.com/news/man-injured-in-small-plane-crash-at-penmar-golf-course/546555/>
"He was able to speak. He expressed that he was in pain, which was no
surprise," Miller said.
george152
March 6th 15, 03:00 AM
On 6/03/2015 2:30 p.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
>
>
> Venice, California
>
> Another facial scar for Harrison, and a blow to a vintage PT-22. Ford makes
> the 6 PM news (as every pilot fears). Even at 72, I would expect him to heal
> reasonably quickly and hopefully, fully. Nice job putting it between the
> trees. The hearts of the aviation community go out to you.
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> VIDEO:
> <http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/harrison-ford-injured-plane-crash-n318301>
>
> Harrison Ford Reported Fair After Plane Crash
>
> BY ANDREW BLANKSTEIN AND HASANI G
>
> Actor Harrison Ford was injured Thursday when a vintage World War II training
> plane he was piloting crash landed on a California golf course.
>
> The actor, who was conscious and breathing when rescue crews reached him, was
> stabilized and taken to a hospital, where he was in fair to moderate condition,
> authorities said. Sources said he sustained cuts to his head. There was no word
> on other injuries or what caused the plane to crash about 2:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m.
> ET). It appeared he was flying solo.
>
> "We are very thankful that the passenger had [only] very moderate injuries,"
> Los Angeles Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Butler said.
>
> The plane clipped some tree branches and crashed on the golf course shortly
> after takeoff from Santa Monica Airport, Butler said. An eyewitness, Howard
> Teba, an employee at Penmar Golf Course, said he put a blanket under Ford's
> hip.
>
> "There was blood all over his face," Teba said. "Two very fine doctors were
> treating him, taking good care of him."
>
> Mike Bonin, a Los Angeles City Council member, agreed, telling NBC Los Angeles:
> "Thank God that this incident happened on a golf course where there is a
> relatively open space."
>
> Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
> remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
> concerning," he said.
>
> An avid flyer of both planes and helicopters, Ford was in a bad crash of a Bell
> chopper in 1999 Santa Clara, California. In 2008, he told National Geographic,
> "Well, there was a mechanical failure while we were practicing power recovery
> autorotations. It was more or less a hard landing. Luckily, I was with another
> aviation professional and neither of us was hurt — and both of us are still
> flying."
>
> The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending an investigator.
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> CONTROL TOWER AUDIO:
> <http://www.tmz.com/2015/03/05/harrison-ford-plane-crash-landing-golf-course-santa-monica/>
>
> Harrison Ford
> Plane Crashes
> [Update: Control Tower Audio]
> 3/5/2015 3:15 PM PST BY TMZ STAFF
> EXCLUSIVE
> 0305_harrison_ford_crash_scene_launch_2update_grap hic_red_bar
> 4:30 PM PT -- We've obtained intense audio of Harrison talking to the Santa
> Monica Airport control tower just moments after he'd taken off. Listen ... you
> hear him report engine failure and request an emergency return to the airport.
>
> 4:41 PM PT -- A witness who was golfing at the time of the crash tells us she
> heard the engine sputter ... and watched the plane do a "nose dive straight on
> the 8th hole tee box."
>
> The witness adds, "I was one of the first people to run from the hole toward
> the plane. 4 to 5 men pulled the pilot out of the plane."
> "They got him away from the plane. They were concerned it would catch on fire."
> "Two doctors were there – and they had a 1st aid box with them. He was
> conscious, talking a little -- a HUGE cut on his head."
> The witness tells us the cut was VERY deep -- "A swath of his skin was missing.
> There was blood dripping down his face."update_grey_gray_barA small plane
> piloted by Harrison Ford has crash-landed at an L.A. golf course ... but we're
> told the actor has survived.
>
> TMZ has learned ... Ford was piloting what appears to be a vintage 2-seater
> fighter plane Thursday ... when something went wrong and he crashed into Penmar
> golf course in Venice, CA.
>
> We're told Ford suffered multiple gashes to his head and was bleeding. Two
> doctors who happened to be at the golf course rushed over to treat the actor.
> Emergency personnel arrived to the scene a short time later. Ford was
> transported to a nearby hospital.
>
> 72-year-old Ford is a longtime aviator -- piloting planes and helicopters --
> and has crashed multiple times in the past.
> Story developing ...
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Between The Trees
> CRASHWITE VIDEO:
> <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/05/harrison-ford-plane-crash_n_6812320.html>
>
> Harrison Ford Taken To Hospital After Plane Crash
> The Huffington Post | By Jessica Goodman
> Email
> Posted: 03/05/2015 6:34 pm EST Updated: 2 minutes ago
> HARRISON FORD
>
> Harrison Ford was involved in a plane crash near a Los Angeles golf course on
> Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports. CBS News confirmed that Ford
> was piloting the the plane, which crashed on Penmar Golf Course in Venice,
> California. Ford's rep did not return HuffPost Entertainment's immediate
> request for comment.
>
> TMZ was the first to report the news that Ford was taken to the hospital
> following the incident. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the plane's
> solo occupant was transported to a local hospital and tweeted that he was in
> "critical condition." In an updated briefing, however, a representative for the
> LAFD said the patient was found in "moderate condition," "conscious,"
> "breathing" and outside the plane when the paramedics arrived on the scene. No
> other people were injured.
>
> The LAFD released a statement in a series of tweets:
>
> The single-engine aircraft suffered a medium to high impact on the grass at
> Penmar Golf Course. Bystanders rendered aid to the conscious and breathing
> approximate 70 y/o male pilot prior to firefighters arrival. Firefighters
> provided immediate medical aid to the patient who is now described as suffering
> fair to moderate injury and being treated at a local hospital.
> NBC reported Ford sustained serious injuries, including cuts to his head.
> "There was blood all over his face," a Penmar Golf Course employee told NBC
> News. An unnamed family member categorized Ford as "fine."
>
> penmar
> A photo of Ford's plane, which crashed on Penmar Golf Course on Thursday
>
> Ford is a seasoned pilot, and was reportedly flying a vintage World War II-era
> plane.
>
> TMZ posted audio purported to be of Ford communicating with Santa Monica
> Airport air traffic control shortly after takeoff. (In the clip, the pilot
> reports engine failure and requests an immediate return to the airport.) Fox 11
> Los Angeles obtained footage of the plane on the ground as well:
>
> Ford has been involved in multiple plane crashes over the years, most notably
> in 2000 when he made a crash landing in his six-passenger plane in Nebraska. In
> 1999, a helicopter he was piloting crashed in Santa Clarita, California. He
> escaped unharmed both times.
>
> This story is developing ...
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> <http://abc7.com/news/man-injured-in-small-plane-crash-at-penmar-golf-course/546555/>
> "He was able to speak. He expressed that he was in pain, which was no
> surprise," Miller said.
>
Your media is as bad as ours for reporting real events
Sylvia Else
March 6th 15, 03:20 AM
On 6/03/2015 12:30 PM, Larry Dighera wrote:
> Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
> remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
> concerning," he said.
>
Yes, having an airport near to flight schools - how irresponsible.
> 0305_harrison_ford_crash_scene_launch_2update_grap hic_red_bar
> 4:30 PM PT -- We've obtained intense audio of Harrison talking to the Santa
> Monica Airport control tower just moments after he'd taken off. Listen ... you
> hear him report engine failure and request an emergency return to the airport.
>
> 4:41 PM PT -- A witness who was golfing at the time of the crash tells us she
> heard the engine sputter ... and watched the plane do a "nose dive straight on
> the 8th hole tee box."
Considering
,15z
the golf course is to the south west of the runway. If Ford took off on
runway 3, then he had no reason to fly so far downwind before landing.
If he took off on runway 21, then he was clearly much too low to have
had any chance of returning to the runway.
Another attempt to make the impossible turn? He's lucky to be alive.
Sylvia.
Larry Dighera
March 6th 15, 04:57 PM
On Fri, 06 Mar 2015 16:00:14 +1300, george152 > wrote:
>Your media is as bad as ours for reporting real events
REAL news is hard to find these days. Agreed.
That said, focusing on what is portrayed in live video of the accident scene
and official activities surrounding the crash site, I was surprised by the lack
of visible evidence of a post crash fire or environmental fuel contamination
mitigation activities. This mishap is beginning to smell of fuel exhaustion.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aircraft registration here:
<http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=53178>.
FAA REGISTRY
N-Number Inquiry Results
N53178 is Assigned
Data Updated each Federal Working Day at Midnight
Aircraft Description
Serial Number 1859 Status Valid
Manufacturer Name RYAN AERONAUTICAL Certificate Issue Date
11/19/2009
Model ST3KR Expiration Date 10/31/2015
Type Aircraft Fixed Wing Single-Engine Type Engine Reciprocating
Pending Number Change None Dealer No
Date Change Authorized None Mode S Code (base 8 / oct) 51533622
MFR Year 1942 Mode S Code (base 16 / hex) A6B792
Type Registration Corporation Fractional Owner NO
Registered Owner
Name MG AVIATION INC
Street 2140 S DUPONT HWY
City CAMDEN State DELAWARE
County KENT Zip Code 19934-1249
Country UNITED STATES
Airworthiness
Engine Manufacturer AMA/EXPR Classification Standard
Engine Model UNKNOWN ENG Category Normal
A/W Date 06/04/1998
<https://www.facebook.com/pages/MG-Aviation-Inc/103414459734919>
<http://www.mgaviationinc.com/>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<http://www.city-data.com/city/Camden-Delaware.html>
Aircraft: RYAN AERONAUTICAL ST3KR (Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to
12,499 Pounds, Speed: 105 mph), Engine: AMA/EXPR UNKNOWN ENG (Reciprocating)
N-Number: 53178 , Serial Number: 1859, Year manufactured: 1942, Airworthiness
Date: 06/04/1998
Registrant (Corporation): Mg Aviation Inc, 2140 S Dupont Hwy, Camden, DE 19934
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_ST>
T. Claude Ryan was the founder of the Ryan Aeronautical Company, the second
incarnation of a company with this name, and the fourth company with which he
had been involved to bear his name[1] (the first, Ryan Airlines, was the
manufacturer of the Ryan NYP, more famously known as the Spirit of St. Louis).
He began the development of the ST (for "Sport Trainer", and also known as
S-T), the first design of the company, in 1933.[2]
The ST featured two open cockpits in tandem in a metal semi-monocoque fuselage
of two main frames - one steel, the other half of steel and half of aluminium
alloy (alclad) - to take the loads from the wing spars and six more alclad
frames; and alclad skin.[3] It had wings in three sections of hybrid
construction; the center section integral with the fuselage had tubular steel
spars, the front spar a simple tube with an external brace to the upper
fuselage, and the rear spar in the form of a parallel chord truss.[3] The two
outer wing panels had wooden spars and alclad ribs, with diagonal rods bracing
the wings internally. Alclad sheet was used to form the leading edges, and
fabric covered the whole structure. When attached, the outer wings were braced
with flying wires to the fixed conventional landing gear and landing wires to
the upper fuselage.[3]
Five STs were built[4] before the follow-on ST-A (A for Aerobatic) was
developed with a more powerful engine. A single ST-B was produced, this being
an ST-A with only one seat and an extra fuel tank where the front cockpit
normally was; this aircraft was subsequently converted back to ST-A
standard.[5] The ST-A was further developed as the ST-A Special, with an engine
of increased power.
In 1937 the ST-A Special was developed into a military version, the STM (also
ST-M) series. Changes included wider cockpits to enable military pilots to
enter and exit while wearing parachutes, and provision for a machine gun on
some examples.[4] Variants in the series included the STM-2P single-seat
version armed with a machine gun delivered to Nationalist China; and the
STM-S2, which could be fitted with landing gear or with EDO Model 1965
floats.[3][6]
After the ST-M came the ST-3, a substantial redesign in 1941 partly brought
about by the unreliability of the Menasco engines fitted to STs to that point.
The United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) had purchased several dozen ST-M
variants under various designations and had Ryan Aeronautical re-engine most
with Kinner R-440 radial engines.[4][7] The USAAC found the modification to be
beneficial and asked Ryan Aeronautical to design a variant with this engine as
standard, and with airframe modifications considered desirable from in-service
experience. The ST-3 that resulted featured a longer and more circular wider
fuselage, this being suggested by the circular radial engine. Other changes
included a revised rudder, balanced ailerons and elevators, and strengthened
main landing gear with the legs spaced further apart. The streamlining spats
covering the mainwheels, found on ST series aircraft to that point, were
deleted as well.[1] The ST-3 served as the basis for military versions ordered
by the USAAC and the United States Navy (USN).[4][8]
The ST-3 gave rise to another model developed in 1941 and early 1942, this was
the ST-3KR (for Kinner Radial). The ST-3KR had a more powerful Kinner R-5
engine fitted and became the definitive model; more than 1,000 military
versions were built during World War II as PT-22 Recruits.[4] The final variant
was the ST-4, which was a version of the ST-3 with a wooden fuselage, developed
in case a shortage of "strategic materials" (i.e. of metal) developed. Such a
shortage did not eventuate and the ST-4 was not put into mass-production.[4]
Some U.S. Navy versions of the ST-3, the NR-1, were converted to specialized
ground trainers to teach cadets how to taxi aircraft when on the ground or
after landing, and especially in crosswinds. The main wing was clipped back to
the landing gear; a small nose wheel added to prevent ground loops; a roll cage
between cockpits to protect the pilot and cadet; and the throttle modified so
the engine could not go over a certain RPM.[9]
The first Ryan ST flew for the first time on 8 June 1934[1] and production
began the following year, when nine aircraft were delivered.[7] Except for 1937
(when 46 aircraft were built), production rates remained low for several years,
at about one aircraft every two weeks. This changed in 1940 when deliveries to
military forces began in earnest; production that year was just under three
aircraft per week.[7] Total production of civil and military aircraft prior to
the entry of the United States into World War II amounted to 315.[7][10]
Another 1,253 military versions were produced in 1942 and 1943, for a total of
1,568 aircraft of all models.[11] ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARRISON FORD
Selected Airman Airman: HARRISON FORD
Personal Information
HARRISON FORD
3100 DONALD DOUGLAS LOOP N
SANTA MONICA CA 90405-3084
County: LOS ANGELES
Country: USA
Medical
Medical Class: Third, Medical Date: 5/2014
MUST WEAR CORRECTIVE LENSES.
Certificates
PRIVATE PILOT
Date of Issue: 3/13/2009
Certificate: PRIVATE PILOT Print
Ratings:
PRIVATE PILOT
AIRPLANE SINGLE ENGINE LAND
AIRPLANE SINGLE ENGINE SEA
AIRPLANE MULTIENGINE LAND
INSTRUMENT AIRPLANE
ROTORCRAFT-HELICOPTER
Type Ratings:
P/CE-525 P/CE-680
Limits:
ENGLISH PROFICIENT.
<http://www.airsafe.com/events/celebs/ford.htm>
----------------------------------------------------
<http://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150306/harrison-ford-battered-but-ok-after-crashing-plane-on-venice-golf-course>
Harrison Ford ‘battered but OK’ after crashing plane on Venice golf course
A small plane lies where it crash-landed on Penmar Golf Course in the Venice
area of Los Angeles on Thursday, March 5, 2015. The course is near the Santa
Monica Municipal Airport, just west of a runway. According to media reports,
Harrison Ford was piloting the aircraft, which the NTSB said is a Ryan
Aeronautical ST3KR, a World War II-era aircraft. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
By City News Service
POSTED: 03/06/15, 6:42 AM PST | 0 COMMENTS
LOS ANGELES - “Battered, but OK,” actor Harrison Ford was hospitalized today
with injuries he suffered when the World War II-era single- engine plane he was
piloting lost power and crashed on a Venice golf course shortly after takeoff
from Santa Monica Airport.
The single-engine plane, identified by the National Transportation Safety Board
as a Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR -- an aircraft built in the 1930s and used to
train military pilots from the United States and other countries -- went down
about 2:25 p.m. Thursday on a fairway at Penmar Golf Course at 1233 Rose
Avenue, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott. Area residents
said this was the second time in recent years that a plane crashed at Penmar, a
9-hole Los Angeles city course.
Scott said there was only one person aboard the plane. Authorities initially
declined to identify the pilot, saying only it was a man in his 70s who was
conscious and alert when he was treated by paramedics at the scene.
LAFD Assistant Chief Patrick Butler said the pilot was outside the plane when
crews arrived and was taken to a hospital, having suffered “moderate” trauma.
“Normally, the outcomes are fatalities, so we are very thankful,” he said.
Ford’s publicist said in a statement quoted by the Los Angeles Times that the
72-year-old actor is banged up, but his injuries are not life- threatening and
he’s expected to make a full recovery.
Ford’s son, Ben Ford, posted on his Twitter page that his father was “OK.
Battered, but OK!”
“He is every bit the man you would think he is,” Ben Ford wrote. “He is an
incredibly strong man. Thank you for all your thoughts and good vibes for my
dad.”
Dr. Sanjay Khurana, a spinal surgeon who had been playing golf, told reporters
he saw the plane clip a tree before coming down. He said he and others examined
the pilot, who had suffered soft-tissue injuries, made sure he was stable and
helped him out of the plane.
“We believe that he is going to survive,” NTSB Investigator Patrick Jones said
at the scene.
The airplane landed right-side up and was largely intact, and it left gouges on
the fairway.
Ford had just taken off, experienced engine trouble and was circling back to
the airport when he crash-landed on the golf course, according to the NTSB,
which is investigating the crash along with the Federal Aviation
Administration. Such investigations typically takes two months, with a final
report ready in about a year, Jones said.
“We go back to the basics. The initial report was a loss of engine power. We
are going to look at that but we are going to look at it all, at everything --
weather, man, the machine,” Jones said, adding that the aircraft will be
removed from the golf course today.
Ford, a longtime aviation enthusiast who has even piloted helicopters in
search-and-rescue situations and who owns several aircraft, is active with the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Experimental Aircraft
Association.
He crashed a helicopter in the Lake Piru area near Santa Clarita during a
training flight in 1999, and a six-passenger plane he was piloting in 2000 was
hit by wind shear and crash-landed in Lincoln, Nebraska. He and his passenger
emerged from that crash unhurt.
The plane that crashed Thursday is registered to MG Aviation Inc. of Camden,
Delaware, according to the FAA’s online aircraft registry.
Thursday’s crash is likely to reinvigorate the debate over the future of Santa
Monica Airport. Residents and some city officials have been pushing to close
the airport, citing noise and safety issues. Federal authorities have insisted,
however, that the city is required to keep it open.
Ford has allied himself with the effort to preserve the airport, contributing
almost $26,000 to the campaign for a pro-airport ballot measure that went down
to defeat in November, The Times reported.
Valerie Davidson, who has lived in Santa Monica for 25 years, told the
newspaper that Ford “flies in and out of here all the time. He’s not a friend
of the residents of this neighbor hood,” the 55-year-old Davidson, who lives
one street away from Thursday’s crash site, told The Times.
“I’m pleased he’s OK ... but this might be a wake-up call,” she said.
Last year, Ford was seriously injured, suffering a broken leg on the set of
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” delaying filming on the much- anticipated
sequel. He is best known for playing Han Solo in three “Star Wars” movies and
Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and its sequels.
george152
March 6th 15, 07:20 PM
On 7/03/2015 5:57 a.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
> On Fri, 06 Mar 2015 16:00:14 +1300, george152 > wrote:
>
>> Your media is as bad as ours for reporting real events
>
> REAL news is hard to find these days. Agreed.
>
> That said, focusing on what is portrayed in live video of the accident scene
> and official activities surrounding the crash site, I was surprised by the lack
> of visible evidence of a post crash fire or environmental fuel contamination
> mitigation activities. This mishap is beginning to smell of fuel exhaustion.
Yup.
We had a saying that no matter what there was always sufficient fuel to
get to the scene of the accident
On Friday, March 6, 2015 at 1:20:32 PM UTC-6, george wrote:
> On 7/03/2015 5:57 a.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
> > On Fri, 06 Mar 2015 16:00:14 +1300, george152 > wrote:
> >
> >> Your media is as bad as ours for reporting real events
> >
> > REAL news is hard to find these days. Agreed.
> >
> > That said, focusing on what is portrayed in live video of the accident scene
> > and official activities surrounding the crash site, I was surprised by the lack
> > of visible evidence of a post crash fire or environmental fuel contamination
> > mitigation activities. This mishap is beginning to smell of fuel exhaustion.
> Yup.
> We had a saying that no matter what there was always sufficient fuel to
> get to the scene of the accident
Next time have c3p0 change the air filter. Chewbacca's fur sheds in the spring :)
Too bad the citizens of the City of LA in adjoining Venice have no say in the airport's operations.
On Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 7:29:43 PM UTC-6, Larry Dighera wrote:
> "Two doctors were there - and they had a 1st aid box with them. He was
> conscious, talking a little -- a HUGE cut on his head."
I hope the Docs bill for the house call. Too bad their golf day was ruined.
> 72-year-old Ford is a longtime aviator -- piloting planes and helicopters
Is Hons Solo on Medicare ??
Sylvia Else
March 7th 15, 12:45 AM
On 6/03/2015 12:30 PM, Larry Dighera wrote:
> Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
> remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
> concerning," he said.
>
Yes, fancy building an airport in the middle of a residential area.
Oh, that's right, they didn't.
I'm amazed that they were able to sell new houses close to an airport
under the extended runway centreline. Presumably people only start to
worry about things after they've moved in.
Who allowed them to be built there?
Sylvia.
On Friday, March 6, 2015 at 6:45:16 PM UTC-6, Sylvia Else wrote:
> On 6/03/2015 12:30 PM, Larry Dighera wrote:
>
> > Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
> > remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
> > concerning," he said.
> >
>
> Yes, fancy building an airport in the middle of a residential area.
>
> Oh, that's right, they didn't.
>
> I'm amazed that they were able to sell new houses close to an airport
> under the extended runway centreline. Presumably people only start to
> worry about things after they've moved in.
>
> Who allowed them to be built there?
>
> Sylvia.
Lets see, the Mexicans took the land from the Indians. The US fought the Mexis and then sold off California in chunks. The Feds got the airport land from the City of SM during WW-2 and afterwards returned it. Douglas Aviation moved to Long Beach and SMO became a playpen for millionaires.
Sylvia Else > wrote:
> On 6/03/2015 12:30 PM, Larry Dighera wrote:
>
>> Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
>> remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
>> concerning," he said.
>>
>
> Yes, fancy building an airport in the middle of a residential area.
>
> Oh, that's right, they didn't.
The airport has been there for over 90 years.
> I'm amazed that they were able to sell new houses close to an airport
> under the extended runway centreline. Presumably people only start to
> worry about things after they've moved in.
>
> Who allowed them to be built there?
Same as everywhere else; local politicans bought in some form or other
by local developers.
--
Jim Pennino
Larry Dighera
March 7th 15, 12:36 PM
On Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:45:10 +1100, Sylvia Else >
wrote:
>On 6/03/2015 12:30 PM, Larry Dighera wrote:
>
>> Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
>> remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
>> concerning," he said.
>>
>
>Yes, fancy building an airport in the middle of a residential area.
>
>Oh, that's right, they didn't.
>
>I'm amazed that they were able to sell new houses close to an airport
>under the extended runway centreline. Presumably people only start to
>worry about things after they've moved in.
>
>Who allowed them to be built there?
>
>Sylvia.
>
Exactly. Buyers purchase real estate at reduced prices that reflect the
proximity to the airport, and than insist that the airport go away. Such
behavior seems a bit selfish, arrogant and self serving to me.
Those Santa Monica officials who permitted residential development in close
proximity to the airport are guilty of malfeasance in office from my
prospective. They should be prosecuted for that irresponsible behavior.
george152
March 7th 15, 07:40 PM
On 8/03/2015 1:36 a.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
> Exactly. Buyers purchase real estate at reduced prices that reflect the
> proximity to the airport, and than insist that the airport go away. Such
> behavior seems a bit selfish, arrogant and self serving to me.
>
> Those Santa Monica officials who permitted residential development in close
> proximity to the airport are guilty of malfeasance in office from my
> prospective. They should be prosecuted for that irresponsible behavior.
>
I've got an idea.
Those complaining of the proximity to the airfield get their property
revalued against properties situated away from the airfield and have to
pay the difference if the airfield shuts down.
Larry Dighera
March 7th 15, 09:16 PM
On Sun, 08 Mar 2015 08:40:31 +1300, george152 > wrote:
>On 8/03/2015 1:36 a.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
>
>> Exactly. Buyers purchase real estate at reduced prices that reflect the
>> proximity to the airport, and than insist that the airport go away. Such
>> behavior seems a bit selfish, arrogant and self serving to me.
>>
>> Those Santa Monica officials who permitted residential development in close
>> proximity to the airport are guilty of malfeasance in office from my
>> prospective. They should be prosecuted for that irresponsible behavior.
>>
>
>I've got an idea.
>Those complaining of the proximity to the airfield get their property
>revalued against properties situated away from the airfield and have to
>pay the difference if the airfield shuts down.
Brilliant!
We should all post comments on those pro-airport decommissioning web pages with
something like this:
Owners' of real property located within the sphere of influence of the
Santa Monica Airport may look forward to having the assessed value of their
property increased in the event that the effort to close the airport should
succeed, resulting in their being required to pay increased property taxes.
george152
March 7th 15, 11:33 PM
On 8/03/2015 10:16 a.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
> On Sun, 08 Mar 2015 08:40:31 +1300, george152 > wrote:
>
>> On 8/03/2015 1:36 a.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
>>
>>> Exactly. Buyers purchase real estate at reduced prices that reflect the
>>> proximity to the airport, and than insist that the airport go away. Such
>>> behavior seems a bit selfish, arrogant and self serving to me.
>>>
>>> Those Santa Monica officials who permitted residential development in close
>>> proximity to the airport are guilty of malfeasance in office from my
>>> prospective. They should be prosecuted for that irresponsible behavior.
>>>
>>
>> I've got an idea.
>> Those complaining of the proximity to the airfield get their property
>> revalued against properties situated away from the airfield and have to
>> pay the difference if the airfield shuts down.
>
>
> Brilliant!
>
> We should all post comments on those pro-airport decommissioning web pages with
> something like this:
>
> Owners' of real property located within the sphere of influence of the
> Santa Monica Airport may look forward to having the assessed value of their
> property increased in the event that the effort to close the airport should
> succeed, resulting in their being required to pay increased property taxes.
>
And come up with the difference between their original bought value
and the new value within, say, a year or default to whatever it is
the US they'd default to..
We have similar nonsense here
On Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 3:16:09 PM UTC-6, Larry Dighera wrote:
> On Sun, 08 Mar 2015 08:40:31 +1300, george152 > wrote:
>
> >On 8/03/2015 1:36 a.m., Larry Dighera wrote:
> >
> >> Exactly. Buyers purchase real estate at reduced prices that reflect the
> >> proximity to the airport, and than insist that the airport go away. Such
> >> behavior seems a bit selfish, arrogant and self serving to me.
> >>
> >> Those Santa Monica officials who permitted residential development in close
> >> proximity to the airport are guilty of malfeasance in office from my
> >> prospective. They should be prosecuted for that irresponsible behavior.
Larry Dighera
August 7th 15, 11:32 AM
FINAL REPORT
<http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20150305X93207&key=1>
NTSB Identification: WPR15FA121
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, March 05, 2015 in Santa Monica, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 08/06/2015
Aircraft: RYAN AERONAUTICAL ST3KR, registration: N53178
Injuries: 1 Serious.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or
conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and
used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident
report.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot advised the air traffic control tower
controller that the engine had lost power, and the pilot requested an immediate
return to the airport. The pilot initiated a left turn toward the airport;
however, during the approach, he realized that the airplane was unable to reach
the runway. Subsequently, the airplane struck the top of a tree and then
impacted the ground in an open area of a golf course.
A postaccident examination of the airplane's engine revealed that the
carburetor's main metering jet was unscrewed from its seat and rotated 90
degrees. The unseated jet would have allowed an increased fuel flow through the
main metering orifice, producing an extremely rich fuel-to-air ratio, which
would have resulted in the loss of engine power. It is likely that, over time,
the jet gradually loosened from its seat, which allowed it to eventually rotate
90 degrees. No further mechanical failures or malfunctions were revealed that
would have precluded normal operation.
A review of the airplane's maintenance records indicated that the carburetor
was rebuilt during the airplane's restoration about 17 years before the
accident. The carburetor maintenance instruction manual contained no pertinent
instructions for the installation of the jet assemblies. Further, no
maintenance entries in the engine logbook regarding carburetor maintenance were
found. Had the carburetor maintenance instruction manual identified a means to
ensure the security of the main metering jet, it is unlikely that the jet would
have become unseated. There was no record of maintenance personnel inspecting
the carburetor jets during the previous 17 years nor was there a requirement to
do so.
The front and rear seats of the airplane were equipped with
non-factory-installed shoulder harnesses. The pilot's shoulder harness was
installed by mounting the end of the restraint to the lower portion of the
seatback assembly, which was made of thin aluminum. No reinforcement material
or doublers were installed at or around the attachment bolt hole in the
seatback. The lack of reinforcement allowed the attachment bolt, washers, and
stop nut to be pulled upward and through the seatback structure during the
impact sequence, which resulted in the pilot's loss of shoulder harness
restraint. It is likely that the improperly installed shoulder harness
contributed to the severity of the pilot's injuries.
As a result of this investigation, the NTSB is working with the pilot community
to inform them of the lessons learned from this accident: the security of the
carburetor's main metering jet and the security of the shoulder harness are
both critical aspects of aviation safety.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of
this accident as follows:
A total loss of engine power during initial climb when the carburetor main
metering jet became unseated, which led to an extremely rich fuel-to-air ratio.
Contributing to the accident was the lack of adequate carburetor maintenance
instructions. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the
improperly installed shoulder harness.
Full narrative available
<http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20150305X93207&ntsbno=WPR15FA121&akey=1>
NTSB Identification: WPR15FA121
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On March 5, 2015, about 1422 Pacific standard time, a Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR,
N53178, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a
reported loss of engine power shortly after takeoff and during initial
climb-out from the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO), Santa Monica,
California. The airplane was registered to MG Aviation, Inc., and operated by
the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91.
The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously
injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was
filed for the personal flight. The local flight originated from SMO about 1421.
During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff and
about 1,100 ft mean sea level, the engine experienced a loss of power. He
stated that he did not attempt an engine restart but maintained an airspeed of
85 mph and initiated a left turn back toward the airport; however, during the
approach, he realized that the airplane was unable to reach the runway. The
pilot did not recall anything further about the accident sequence.
Subsequently, the airplane struck the top of a tree that was about 65 ft tall,
and then impacted the ground in an open area of a golf course.
Examination of the accident site by an NTSB investigator revealed that the
airplane came to rest upright adjacent to the 8th tee, about 800 ft. southwest
of the approach end of runway 03 at SMO. The airplane sustained substantial
damage to the wings, the right stabilizer, and the fuselage.
Multiple witnesses who were on the golf course reported hearing and observing
the airplane overhead. Shortly thereafter, the witnesses heard the airplane's
engine quit. The airplane was seen gliding toward the ground. Several witnesses
observed the airplane strike the top of a tree and then descend to the ground.
The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The pilot, age 72, held a private pilot certificate with airplane multi-engine
land, single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, rotorcraft-helicopter,
and instrument ratings. The pilot was issued a third-class airman medical
certificate on May 23, 2014, with the limitation that he must wear corrective
lenses. The pilot reported on his most recent medical certificate application
that he had accumulated 5,200 total flight hours. The pilot reported that he
had accumulated a total of 55.3 hours within the preceding 90 days, 17.7 hours
within the preceding 30 days, and logged no flight hours within the previous 24
hours. The total time he had logged in the accident make/model airplane was
over 75 hours.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The two-seat, low-wing monoplane, fixed-gear airplane, serial number (S/N)
1859, was manufactured in 1942. The military version of the airplane was known
as the PT-22 Recruit. It was powered by a Kinner R-55 engine, serial number
07450, rated at 160 horsepower. The airplane was also equipped with a Sensenich
model W90HASP-86, serial number AF 1893, fixed pitch propeller. The airplane is
flown solo from the rear seat.
The accident make/model airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses when
it was produced in 1942. However, the accident airplane was equipped with
shoulder harnesses for both the forward and aft seats. No logbook entries,
supplemental type certificate (STC), or documentation was located during the
investigation that provided details on when the shoulder harnesses were
installed in the airplane.
While it is typical to add shoulder harnesses in antique airplanes, most are
performed under an STC installation or by a field approval from the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA). However, FAA guidance does allow for certain
installations to be conducted under minor alterations as long as no welding or
drilling of holes into the aircraft structure is performed. No evidence of
drilling or welding was noted to the aircraft structure.
Review of the airframe and engine logbooks revealed that the most recent annual
inspection was completed on March 13, 2014, at a recorded tachometer reading of
25 hours and an airframe total time of 163.5 hours since the restoration of the
airplane.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
A review of recorded data from the SMO automated weather observation station,
located near the accident site, revealed that, at 1351, conditions were wind
from 220 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky,
temperature 23 degrees Celsius, dew point -8 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter
setting of 30.20 inches of mercury.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
According to the FAA Digital Airport/Facility Directory, SMO is a continuously
operated towered airport with a field elevation of 177 feet. The airport was
equipped with one asphalt runway, runway 03/21 (4,973 ft long by 150 ft wide).
Investigative personnel noted that the approach end of runway 03 of the airport
was positioned on a plateau about 75 ft higher than the accident site.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted terrain
about 800 ft southwest of runway 03 at an elevation of about 45 ft. Wreckage
debris remained within about 10 ft of the main wreckage. The first identified
point of contact was the top of a tree about 65 ft tall. The first area of
ground impact consisted of an area of disturbed grass that extended to a small
crater of disturbed dirt, which contained a portion of the propeller blade. The
ground scars were about 25 ft in length.
The fuselage came to rest upright on a heading of about 44 degrees magnetic
about 150 feet from the tree. The wings and engine remained partially attached
to the main fuselage. Flight control continuity was established to all flight
surfaces, with the exception of the right aileron; its control cable became
separated when the right wing partially detached from the wing root. All major
structural components of the airplane were located at the accident site.
Fuel was observed leaking from the front of the airplane, and the responding
fire department reported shutting off the airplane's fuel supply from the
cockpit.
COMMUNICATIONS
According to FAA recorded communications, the SMO air traffic control tower
local controller reported that, at 1419, the pilot requested a departure from
runway 21 for left closed traffic. The pilot was cleared for takeoff about 1
minute later. About 1 minute after takeoff, the pilot radioed that he had an
engine failure and requested immediate return. The controller cleared the pilot
to land on runway 21; the pilot responded with a request for runway 03. The
controller subsequently cleared the pilot to land on runway 03 and then issued
the wind information. There was no further transmission from the pilot after
1422.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,
performed toxicology tests on the pilot. No ethanol was detected in the blood.
The following drugs were tested for: amphetamines, opiates, marijuana, cocaine,
phencyclidine, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antidepressants, and
antihistamines. Positive results for morphine in the blood and ondansetron in
the serum were present. Tests were negative for the remainder of the drugs.
A review of the pilot's postaccident medical care by the NTSB's Chief Medical
Officer revealed that the pilot was administered amounts of morphine for pain
during his evacuation from the accident scene and ondansetron for nausea during
his evaluation at the emergency department. The positive toxicology results
were consistent with the medications administered to the pilot during his
postaccident treatment.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
Airframe Examination
Both the left and right wings were removed to facilitate wreckage recovery and
subsequent transport. During postaccident examination, the airframe fuel filter
(gascolator) was removed and subsequently disassembled. The gascolator bowl was
free of debris. A very slight amount of debris was observed on the gascolator
screen. Multiple fuel line fittings were impact damaged, and separated from the
gascolator.
The fuel selector valve handles (forward and aft) were found in the "off"
position. The fuel selector valve remained attached and secure to the selector
valve handle shaft. The fuel selector valve was removed and disassembled.
Internal examination of the fuel selector valve revealed that the valve was in
the "off" position. Air was applied to the inlet port, and when the valve was
moved to both the main and reserve positions, no restrictions were noted.
The fuel tank remained intact, but the fuel tank cap was separated. Impact
damage was observed surrounding the fuel cap. Internal examination of the fuel
tank revealed that no debris or contaminants were present. No fuel was observed
within the fuel tank. Compressed air was applied to the main and reserve outlet
port fuel lines and the fuel vent line, and no restrictions were noted.
Examination of the aft cockpit seat revealed that the left and right seatbelt
restraints remained attached to their respective mounts and seat structure. The
shoulder harnesses were separated from the seat back assembly, but the attach
bolt remained intact and secure to the shoulder restraint harness. The shoulder
harness was attached using a bolt, two washers, and an elastic stop nut. A
hole, similar to the size of the shoulder harness attach bolt, was observed on
the back of the seat, about 2-3/8 inch above the seat bottom. The aluminum
structure of the seat back was peeled away (outward and upward) from the
shoulder harness bolt hole, consistent with the attach bolt being pulled
through the metal structure. There was no evidence of reinforcement surrounding
the shoulder harness bolt hole and the peeled away seatback structure.
Engine Examination
Examination of the recovered Kinner R-55 engine, serial number 07450, revealed
that it remained attached to the airframe engine mount and was displaced
downward at an approximate 45-degree angle. The starter was separated from the
starter adapter, and the carburetor was displaced from its mounts. Impact
damage was observed on the bottom side of the oil tank, and the outlet port was
damaged and pulled away at the fitting, which resulted in a breach of the oil
tank. When the engine was attached to an engine hoist, residual oil was
observed draining from the oil tank outlet port. The oil shutoff valve was
found separated from the oil tank outlet fitting and the associated oil line
tubing. The oil shutoff valve was found in the open position, and the handle
was bent, consistent with impact damage. When actuated by hand, the oil shutoff
valve actuated normally between the open and closed positions. Several fuel and
oil lines were found impact damaged and separated. The oil drain valve was
intact and in the closed position.
The forward spark plugs on all five cylinders were removed. Both the left and
right magnetos were also removed. The propeller was rotated by hand, and thumb
compression was obtained on cylinder Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 5. All intake and
exhaust rocker arms for all cylinders exhibited equal lift action. Damage to
the No. 3 cylinder intake and exhaust push rod tubes resulted in a decreased
clearance for the intake and exhaust valve rocker arms (0.004 inch and 0.002
inch, respectfully). Both of the intake and exhaust valve rollers would not
rotate. The valve clearance adjustment nut was loosened, which allowed for
further movement of the intake and exhaust valve rocker arms. The propeller was
then rotated by hand, and thumb compression was obtained on the No. 3 cylinder.
When the propeller was rotated, no internal binding or friction was noted
within the engine and valve train.
The Holley 419 carburetor was found separated from its mounts. The mounting
flange and a portion of the carburetor casing around the throttle valve/plate
were separated. All safety wire were intact and secure. The carburetor was
disassembled and examined. The fuel screen was intact and free of debris. The
float bowl was free of debris and contained no residual fuel. The metal float
was intact and free of damage. Compressed air was applied to the inlet port of
the carburetor, and the float and needle valve were actuated with no anomalies
noted. Solvent was poured into the float bowl and the accelerator pump was
actuated; fuel was observed expelling from the nozzle. All internal components
of the carburetor appeared to be intact and undamaged.
The main metering jet cover was removed from the housing at the bottom of the
carburetor. The main metering jet was found unscrewed from its seat and rotated
laterally about 90 degrees. The internal cap, main metering jet, and seat
appeared to be bright in color and polished. Portions of the jet threads
appeared to be rounded off. No gasket was observed within the main metering jet
housing. In addition, no evidence of thread locking compound was observed on
the threads of the main metering jet or the threads of the seat.
According to the 1943 Holley Aircraft Carburetors Instruction Manual for Models
419 and 429, the actual metering of the fuel is accomplished by the main
metering jet located in the passage between the discharge nozzle and the float
chamber. The metering system provides a constant mixture ratio over the
cruising range of engine operating speeds.
A review of the maintenance logbooks revealed that an extensive restoration of
the airplane and engine overhaul was completed on May 21, 1998. At the time of
the accident, the airframe and engine had accumulated approximately 169 hours
since the restoration. An entry stated that a new float and gasket were
installed in the carburetor during this time. The airplane was issued a
standard-normal airworthiness certificate on June 4, 1998. Review of the Holley
Aircraft Carburetors Instruction Manual for Models 419 and 429, revealed that
there were no pertinent instructions regarding the installation or continued
maintenance of the jet assemblies. Further, no maintenance entries were located
in the engine logbook regarding carburetor inspections since the overhaul.
For further details of the airframe and engine examination, see the NTSB
Airframe, Engine, and Maintenance Records Examination Summary Report within the
public docket for this accident.
The postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no additional
evidence of a mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal
operation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Review of Advisory Circular (AC) 21-34, dated June 4, 1993, provides basic
principles regarding design and installation of combined shoulder harness and
safety belt restraint systems. Section 4, Installation Geometry, item D, of AC
21-34 states in part "spinal compression is likely to occur when the upper end
of the shoulder belt is mounted an excessive amount below the occupant's
shoulder level…the shoulder belt pulls down and back on the torso as it resists
the forward motion of the occupant. The resultant restraint force…will place
the spinal column in compression, and will add to the stresses in the column
caused by the vertical component of the impact deceleration force.
AC 21-34, Section 7, Structural Attachments provides three design concepts that
are intended to create an understanding of the features needed in the
attachments.
"Concept 1: The first concept is to spread attachment loads into as much
surrounding structure as possible and as gradually as possible. Gradual
dissipation of loads minimizes stress concentrations at abrupt changes in
material cross section which promote local failures, either immediately or upon
a subsequent accident load cycle.
Concept 2: The second concept is to minimize local structural bending by
attachment loads. Semimonocoque structure generally offers poor resistance to
bending, but is good in tension and shear applications. Airframe bending,
buckling, or collapse adds to forward movement of the occupant.
Concept 3: The third concept is to ensure that fastener type, strength, and
number are adequate in tension, shear, and bending, depending on the
application. Airframe buckling under restraint loads will result in compound
loading of connector plates as well as fasteners. Concurrently, material
thickness is important in preventing fastener pull-out, and continued security
(safety wire or equivalent) of threaded fasteners should be considered."
Item C of Section 7 states in part, "…some existing aircraft will already have
shoulder harness attachment points, often called "hard points," which were
installed during production. As an alternative, it is fortunate to be able to
attach shoulder belts to reasonably rigid structure where only a doubler may be
needed to replace the material removed for fastener holes. Most often, it is
necessary to attach shoulder belts to relatively thin formed sections, or even
skin panels, of semimonocoque construction to achieve a satisfactory geometric
configuration of the belts when in use. In most cases, attachment points need
reinforcement. Attachments to welded tube and wood frame construction present a
special problem in selecting the attachment point and the hardware for
attachment of shoulder belts."
On Thu, 05 Mar 2015 17:30:00 -0800, Larry Dighera > wrote:
>
>
>Venice, California
>
>Another facial scar for Harrison, and a blow to a vintage PT-22. Ford makes
>the 6 PM news (as every pilot fears). Even at 72, I would expect him to heal
>reasonably quickly and hopefully, fully. Nice job putting it between the
>trees. The hearts of the aviation community go out to you.
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>VIDEO:
><http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/harrison-ford-injured-plane-crash-n318301>
>
>Harrison Ford Reported Fair After Plane Crash
>
>BY ANDREW BLANKSTEIN AND HASANI G
>
>Actor Harrison Ford was injured Thursday when a vintage World War II training
>plane he was piloting crash landed on a California golf course.
>
>The actor, who was conscious and breathing when rescue crews reached him, was
>stabilized and taken to a hospital, where he was in fair to moderate condition,
>authorities said. Sources said he sustained cuts to his head. There was no word
>on other injuries or what caused the plane to crash about 2:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m.
>ET). It appeared he was flying solo.
>
>"We are very thankful that the passenger had [only] very moderate injuries,"
>Los Angeles Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Butler said.
>
>The plane clipped some tree branches and crashed on the golf course shortly
>after takeoff from Santa Monica Airport, Butler said. An eyewitness, Howard
>Teba, an employee at Penmar Golf Course, said he put a blanket under Ford's
>hip.
>
>"There was blood all over his face," Teba said. "Two very fine doctors were
>treating him, taking good care of him."
>
>Mike Bonin, a Los Angeles City Council member, agreed, telling NBC Los Angeles:
>"Thank God that this incident happened on a golf course where there is a
>relatively open space."
>
>Bonis has lobbied to close the airport as being inadequate. "This airport is
>remarkably close to residential areas and flight schools, which is very
>concerning," he said.
>
>An avid flyer of both planes and helicopters, Ford was in a bad crash of a Bell
>chopper in 1999 Santa Clara, California. In 2008, he told National Geographic,
>"Well, there was a mechanical failure while we were practicing power recovery
>autorotations. It was more or less a hard landing. Luckily, I was with another
>aviation professional and neither of us was hurt — and both of us are still
>flying."
>
>The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending an investigator.
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>CONTROL TOWER AUDIO:
><http://www.tmz.com/2015/03/05/harrison-ford-plane-crash-landing-golf-course-santa-monica/>
>
>Harrison Ford
>Plane Crashes
>[Update: Control Tower Audio]
>3/5/2015 3:15 PM PST BY TMZ STAFF
>EXCLUSIVE
>0305_harrison_ford_crash_scene_launch_2update_grap hic_red_bar
>4:30 PM PT -- We've obtained intense audio of Harrison talking to the Santa
>Monica Airport control tower just moments after he'd taken off. Listen ... you
>hear him report engine failure and request an emergency return to the airport.
>
>4:41 PM PT -- A witness who was golfing at the time of the crash tells us she
>heard the engine sputter ... and watched the plane do a "nose dive straight on
>the 8th hole tee box."
>
>The witness adds, "I was one of the first people to run from the hole toward
>the plane. 4 to 5 men pulled the pilot out of the plane."
>"They got him away from the plane. They were concerned it would catch on fire."
>"Two doctors were there – and they had a 1st aid box with them. He was
>conscious, talking a little -- a HUGE cut on his head."
>The witness tells us the cut was VERY deep -- "A swath of his skin was missing.
>There was blood dripping down his face."update_grey_gray_barA small plane
>piloted by Harrison Ford has crash-landed at an L.A. golf course ... but we're
>told the actor has survived.
>
>TMZ has learned ... Ford was piloting what appears to be a vintage 2-seater
>fighter plane Thursday ... when something went wrong and he crashed into Penmar
>golf course in Venice, CA.
>
>We're told Ford suffered multiple gashes to his head and was bleeding. Two
>doctors who happened to be at the golf course rushed over to treat the actor.
>Emergency personnel arrived to the scene a short time later. Ford was
>transported to a nearby hospital.
>
>72-year-old Ford is a longtime aviator -- piloting planes and helicopters --
>and has crashed multiple times in the past.
>Story developing ...
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Between The Trees
>CRASHWITE VIDEO:
><http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/05/harrison-ford-plane-crash_n_6812320.html>
>
>Harrison Ford Taken To Hospital After Plane Crash
>The Huffington Post | By Jessica Goodman
>Email
>Posted: 03/05/2015 6:34 pm EST Updated: 2 minutes ago
> HARRISON FORD
>
>Harrison Ford was involved in a plane crash near a Los Angeles golf course on
>Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports. CBS News confirmed that Ford
>was piloting the the plane, which crashed on Penmar Golf Course in Venice,
>California. Ford's rep did not return HuffPost Entertainment's immediate
>request for comment.
>
>TMZ was the first to report the news that Ford was taken to the hospital
>following the incident. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the plane's
>solo occupant was transported to a local hospital and tweeted that he was in
>"critical condition." In an updated briefing, however, a representative for the
>LAFD said the patient was found in "moderate condition," "conscious,"
>"breathing" and outside the plane when the paramedics arrived on the scene. No
>other people were injured.
>
>The LAFD released a statement in a series of tweets:
>
>The single-engine aircraft suffered a medium to high impact on the grass at
>Penmar Golf Course. Bystanders rendered aid to the conscious and breathing
>approximate 70 y/o male pilot prior to firefighters arrival. Firefighters
>provided immediate medical aid to the patient who is now described as suffering
>fair to moderate injury and being treated at a local hospital.
>NBC reported Ford sustained serious injuries, including cuts to his head.
>"There was blood all over his face," a Penmar Golf Course employee told NBC
>News. An unnamed family member categorized Ford as "fine."
>
>penmar
>A photo of Ford's plane, which crashed on Penmar Golf Course on Thursday
>
>Ford is a seasoned pilot, and was reportedly flying a vintage World War II-era
>plane.
>
>TMZ posted audio purported to be of Ford communicating with Santa Monica
>Airport air traffic control shortly after takeoff. (In the clip, the pilot
>reports engine failure and requests an immediate return to the airport.) Fox 11
>Los Angeles obtained footage of the plane on the ground as well:
>
>Ford has been involved in multiple plane crashes over the years, most notably
>in 2000 when he made a crash landing in his six-passenger plane in Nebraska. In
>1999, a helicopter he was piloting crashed in Santa Clarita, California. He
>escaped unharmed both times.
>
>This story is developing ...
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
><http://abc7.com/news/man-injured-in-small-plane-crash-at-penmar-golf-course/546555/>
>"He was able to speak. He expressed that he was in pain, which was no
>surprise," Miller said.
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