NTSB update on ACE Air Cargo Beech 1900C accident in Alaska

by B. N. Sullivan

The U. S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released preliminary findings from their investigation of the crash of an ACE Air Cargo Beech 1900C in Alaska. The accident occurred on January 21, 2010 shortly after the aircraft (registration N112AX) took off from Runway 31 at Sand Point, Alaska en route to Anchorage. The aircraft crashed into the sea, and both pilots on board lost their lives.

According to the NTSB Preliminary Report, the aircraft took off from Sand Point at about 23:40 local time in visual meteorological conditions. An instrument flight plan to Anchorage had been filed.

The NTSB notes that a METAR at 23:56 from the weather station at Sand Point Airport reported, in part: Wind, 330 degrees (true) at 19 knots with gusts to 26 knots; visibility, 8 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, 2,000 feet broken, 2,800 feet overcast; temperature, 23 degrees F; dew point, 18 degrees F; altimeter, 29.91 inHg.

Quoting from the NTSB report:

A postaccident review of the radio communication recordings maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), revealed that the captain contacted the Anchorage air route traffic control center (ARTCC), about 2336, to request an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance for the flight from Sand Point to Anchorage. His request was granted, and he was instructed to contact ARTCC after departure from Sand Point. According to ARTCC specialist on duty, no further radio communications were received from the accident airplane.

During on-scene interviews by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on January 27, two witnesses that were standing outside a home situated along the shoreline, about 1 mile north of the Sand Point Airport, reported hearing what they believed was the accident airplane as it departed. Both witnesses reported that as the airplane’s takeoff progressed, the engine noise suddenly changed, followed by a very loud sound of impact, and then silence. One of the witnesses said that just before hearing the impact, he momentarily saw the lights of the airplane descend into the ocean. The witnesses called 911 to report the accident. Both witnesses said that winds at the time were very strong out of the north, estimated between 50 and 60 knots.

The U.S. Coast Guard's Air Station Kodiak was notified that an airplane had crashed in the water just north of the departure end of Runway 31. The Coast Guard initiated an emergency response and immediately dispatched an HH-60J rescue helicopter from Air Station Kodiak. Volunteer search personnel located floating debris, including the first officer’s flight bag in the area north of the airport, but no survivors.

The report goes on to say that on January 24, wreckage from the aircraft was located in the water about one mile north of the departure end of Runway 31. The bodies of both pilots were recovered that day.

On January 24 and 25 fragmented wreckage was recovered by divers and recovery crews and transported to Sand Point, and examination of the wreckage began on January 26. Both of the aircraft's Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65B turboshaft engines were recovered. The propeller on the aircraft's number one engine was found in the "feathered" position at recovery.

Two FAA air safety inspectors from the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office; air safety investigators from Hawker Beechcraft and Pratt and Whitney; and representatives from Alaska Central Express (ACE), Inc. joined the NTSB IIC as members of the investigating team. The investigation is ongoing, and probable cause has not yet been determined.

Reviewing the NTSB's 'Most Wanted List' for aviation safety improvements

by B. N. Sullivan

We all know that the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) publishes a 'Most Wanted List' of desired transportation safety improvements, but when was the last time you had a look at that list? I admit, I hadn't reviewed the Most Wanted List in well over a year, so I recently visited the NTSB's Web site to have a look at the current version.

For your edification, here are the items on the current (2009-2010) NTSB Most Wanted List for Aviation:

Improve Oversight of Pilot Proficiency

• Evaluate prior flight check failures for pilot applicants before hiring.
• Provide training and additional oversight that considers full performance histories for flight crewmembers demonstrating performance deficiencies.

Require Image Recorders

• Install crash-protected image recorders in cockpits to give investigators more information to solve complex accidents.

Improve the Safety of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Flights

• Conduct all flights with medical personnel on board in accordance with stricter commuter aircraft regulations.
• Develop and implement flight risk evaluation programs for EMS operators.
• Require formalized dispatch and flight-following procedures including up-to-date weather information.
• Install terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) on aircraft used for EMS operations.

Improve Runway Safety

• Give immediate warnings of probable collisions/incursions directly to flight crews in the cockpit.
• Require specific air traffic control (ATC) clearance for each runway crossing.
• Require operators to install cockpit moving map displays or an automatic system that alerts pilots when a takeoff is attempted on a taxiway or a runway other than the one intended.
• Require a landing distance assessment with an adequate safety margin for every landing.

Reduce Dangers to Aircraft Flying in Icing Conditions

• Use current research on freezing rain and large water droplets to revise the way aircraft are designed and approved for flight in icing conditions.
• Apply revised icing requirements to currently certificated aircraft.
• Require that airplanes with pneumatic deice boots activate the boots as soon as the airplane enters icing conditions.

Improve Crew Resource Management

• Require commuter and on-demand air taxi flight crews to receive crew resource management training.

Reduce Accidents and Incidents Caused by Human Fatigue in the Aviation Industry

• Set working hour limits for flight crews, aviation mechanics, and air traffic controllers based on fatigue research, circadian rhythms, and sleep and rest requirements.
• Develop a fatigue awareness and countermeasures training program for controllers and those who schedule them for duty.
• Develop guidance for operators to establish fatigue management systems, including a methodology that will continually assess the effectiveness of these systems.

The NTSB has the notation "Acceptable response,progressing slowly," on the runway safety and crew resource management (CRM) items. On all the other items is the notation "Unacceptable response," even though some of these requests have populated the Most Wanted List for quite a number of years. For example, the Runway Safety item has been on the list continuously since the list's inception in 1990 (although it was titled 'Runway Incursions' until November of 2007). CRM for Part 135 operators has been on the list since November of 2006.

Some of the fatigue-related items have been on the Most Wanted List since May, 1995, although air traffic controller fatigue was not specifically mentioned until November, 2007.

The newest item on the Most Wanted List for aviation, Improve Oversight of Pilot Proficiency, was just added in February of this year.

Since the NTSB has no regulatory power, it can only request these safety measures. It is up to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to act upon the advice of the NTSB and create new regulations that would result in improvements to aviation safety.

Visit this page on the NTSB's Web site for more information about the Most Wanted List (including Highway, Marine and Rail issues, as well as Aviation).

FAA proposes fines totaling $787,500 against American Airlines

by B. N. Sullivan

Relations between the AMR Corporation and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have not been so good so far this year. Last month the FAA proposed a multi-million dollar fine for improper repairs on American Eagle, AMR's regional airline. Today the FAA announced civil penalties totaling $787,500 against AMR's mainline carrier, American Airlines.

Today's announcement cited three separate maintenance violations by American Airlines. Quoting from the FAA press release about the proposed fines:

In the first case, which occurred in April 2008, the FAA alleges American Airlines mechanics diagnosed problems with one of two Central Air Data Computers (CADCs) on a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 jetliner. Instead of replacing the computer, mechanics improperly deferred this maintenance under the airline’s DC-9 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) by noting that the auto-throttles were inoperative. The MEL, however, does not allow deferral of an inoperative CADC.

The airline subsequently flew the plane on 10 passenger flights before the computer was replaced. During this time, flight crews were led to believe that both computers were working properly.

The FAA proposes a civil penalty of $625,000 in this case.

In the second case, the FAA found that in March 2008, American failed to correctly follow an Airworthiness Directive involving the inspection of rudder components on certain Boeing 757 aircraft. As a result, four 757s operated by American Airlines did not comply with the requirements of the Airworthiness Directive.

The FAA alleges that after American was advised of the situation, the company said it would cease flying the planes until they were repaired. However, during the following two days, the airline flew two of the planes on a total of three passenger flights. The FAA is seeking a penalty of $75,000 in this case.

In the final case, the FAA alleges that in May 2009, American’s mechanics returned an MD-82 aircraft to service, even though several steps of a scheduled B-check maintenance visit had not been checked off as completed. The airline also replaced a landing gear door without noting it in the aircraft’s logbook.

The aircraft was operated on two passenger flights with the logbook error. An FAA inspection of the aircraft revealed several discrepancies in the tail section, including loose screws, a missing nut plate and a right hand elevator torque tube binding and making noise. As a result of these discrepancies, the FAA proposes a civil penalty of $87,500.

As is usually the case, American Airlines has 30 days to respond to the FAA.

[Photo Source]

Air Jamaica to transfer operations to Caribbean Airlines

by B. N. Sullivan

Air Jamaica has publicly announced that its operations will be transferred to Caribbean Airlines on April 12 of this year, although details of the deal have yet to be concluded. Apparently Caribbean Airlines, which is based in Trinidad and Tobago, intends to acquire Air Jamaica's "profitable routes" but will not assume any of Air Jamaica's debts. Caribbean Airlines will not purchase Air Jamaica's fleet; instead some Air Jamaica aircraft will be wet-leased to Caribbean Airlines for at least a year.

Among the points stressed in the Air Jamaica announcement about the transfer of operations to Caribbean Airlines:

• Air Jamaica aircraft will continue to be utilized during the transition period.
• Current Air Jamaica pilots, flight crews and ground staff will operate the aircraft for the schedule already published.

However, according to FlightGlobal.com, Air Jamaica's CEO Bruce Nobles "has advised employees that the carrier's staff will be made redundant when the deal is completed," but that some staff could be re-hired as contract workers for some period of time during the transition. It is unclear how many contract jobs would be offered to Air Jamaica staff.

An article published by Radio Jamaica late last week quoted the Works and Transport Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Colm Imbert, who said that what happens to the Air Jamaica staff as a result of the transaction will be the responsibility of the Jamaican government.

"The company [Caribbean Airlines] is not going to saddle itself with inefficient work practices, cumbersome agreement and obsolete aircraft," Imbert said.

Regarding the proposed wet-lease arrangement, Nobles told Aviation Week in a telephone interview, "We will be using our fleet, our AOC [air operator certificate], and our bilateral agreements. We will be operating under the Air Jamaica code, issuing the same tickets, and taking bookings through Air Jamaica’s reservation systems."

The Jamaica Airline Pilots Association (JALPA) had proposed to buy the airline, claiming it would be in the interest of Jamaica to keep the airline in the country. JALPA's bid for the airline was not accepted.

[Photo Source]

Pilots die attempting a barrel roll in a Cessna 550B Citation Bravo

by B. N. Sullivan

Last month I wrote about a Cessna 550B Citation Bravo (registration OK-ACH) that crashed in Germany. The aircraft, operating as Time Air Flight TIE039C, was en route from Prague to Karlstad, Sweden at the time of the accident. Both crew members on board were killed.

A reader has passed along a link to a press release about the accident investigation from the Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung (BFU), i.e., the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation. Apparently the accident followed an aerobatic maneuver -- specifically, a barrel roll -- from which the aircraft did not recover.

Here is the full text of the BFU press resease:

Air accident on 14 February 2010 near Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna (Saxony)

The twin-jet Cessna 550 B, departed Prague (Czech Republic) at 20:08 hrs (MEZ), for a ferry flight to Karlstad, Sweden. Aboard were two crew members. At 20:19 hrs, the aircraft's radar signal vanished from the monitors of the Air Traffic Service Provider. The crash site was found during the night close to the village Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna in the area of the mountain Großen Zschirnstein, Saxony.

In the following few days rescue work was under way during which the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were recovered. Analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorder showed evidence that shortly before the crash an aerobatics manoeuvre (barrel roll) was initiated.

The aircraft was neither designed nor approved for such manoeuvres.

The BFU issued the following Safety Recommendations:

Recommendation No.: 10/2010

The CAA-CZ responsible for air operators within the Czech Republic should arrange for an inspection of the involved air operator's aircraft in regard to structural overload.

Recommendation No.: 11/2010

The CAA-CZ should determine actions for the improvement of the air operator's Quality Management System and the Safety Culture

The investigation into the accident by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) is still in progress.

This sad tale reminded me of that old saying, “There are old pilots and there are bold pilots -- but there are no old, bold pilots.”

Sully retires from US Airways

by B. N. Sullivan

Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III, the US Airways pilot who successfully ditched an Airbus A320 in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, has retired after 30 years service with the airline. He flew his last commercial leg yesterday: US Airways Flight 1167 from Fort Lauderdale to Charlotte. In the right seat was First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, who had also been Sully's co-pilot on US Airways Flight 1549. The aircraft was greeted at Charlotte Douglas International Airport by a spray-over from four water cannons.

In a statement to the press about his retirement, Captain Sullenberger said, "I have been fortunate to have followed my passion for most of my life, working in a profession I dearly love, side by side with thousands of wonderful colleagues, including the man flying my final flight with me, Jeff Skiles."

Sully says he plans to continue to serve as an advocate for aviation safety, and for the airline piloting profession. We all wish him well.

Here is a slide show of Flight 1167's arrival at CLT, from WCNC.com. Below is a news video about the event, from FoxProvidence.com.

If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.

No deal: Contract talks end between American Airlines and flight attendants

by B .N. Sullivan

Contract negotiations between American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) ended this evening. The two parties did not reach an agreement. Officers of the APFA, which represents American Airlines flight attendants, now say they will contact the National Mediation Board (NMB) "to schedule a meeting to request a release into a thirty-day cooling off period, at the end of which, APFA can choose to engage in a strike or other forms of self-help."

According to the union:

At 6:30 pm ET, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) gave the company a realistic proposal that addressed the Flight Attendants' needs and the company's concerns. Rather than take any time to consider this offer, the Company exited the room informing APFA that it would not be in position to make a counter-proposal this evening.

But the company said:

APFA's current proposal would cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars over the life of their proposed six and a half - year contract, which would keep our labor costs at an uncompetitive level in relation to other carriers. This is an economic reality the company has asked APFA to recognize so both sides can work out an agreement that will allow the airline to compete successfully and provide competitive pay and benefits and a good career for its employees.

In their dueling statements to the press, each side expressed a willingness to continue to negotiate, however no new dates for talks were mentioned.

“APFA remains prepared to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement, but it is clear, now more than ever, that the company does not share the same interest,” APFA President Laura Glading said. “Delay only serves the company. Each day without a new agreement equals another million dollars in the pocket of American.

“The company’s actions speak loudly. When the bargaining party that sits across the table does not want to reach an agreement, that leaves the other party with no recourse other than to move to the next step,” Glading continued. “We have exhausted all of our options and will now meet with our Board this weekend to move forward with the balloting of the membership for a strike vote.”

Meanwhile, American Airlines did post a new counter-offer on the AANegotiations.com Web site this evening: Company Counter Comprehensive Package Proposal – Flight Attendants Version 4.0 (9-page 'pdf' file).

Take your kid to work day -- on a live radio at an ATC tower??

by B. N. Sullivan

I'm not big on writing about scandals, but this item really bothers me. Boston's Fox 25 ran an article today about a child communicating instructions to aircraft over an air traffic control frequency at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Think I'm joking? Check out this audio clip:

Yes, it's authentic. Fox 25 reports:

The FAA is certainly taking the matter seriously.

They have confirmed for FOX 25 that the recording we have with a child directing airplanes is an authentic recording from the JFK tower and an investigation is now underway.

The Fox 25 piece points out that the child appears to be supervised (!!) and that "the pilots respond enthusiastically" to him. Indeed, the kid does sound cute and precocious, but it's just not funny.

At one point in the audio, an adult voice is heard to say, "That's what you get guys when the kids are out of school. (laugh)"

Um, no. Just because the pilots on the other side of the conversation were good-natured about it doesn't make it right.

Fox 25 published this statement from the FAA:

Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employees involved in this incident are not controlling air traffic. This behavior is not acceptable and does not demonstrate the kind of professionalism expected from all FAA employees.

And this one from 'the union that represents air traffic controllers' [presumably NATCA]:

We do not condone this type of behavior in any way, and it is not indicative of the highest professional standards that controllers set for themselves and exceed each and every day in the advancement of aviation safety.

Taking your kid to work is one thing. Letting your kid pose as an air traffic controller, even briefly, is quite another. I have a feeling that we may be hearing a lot more more about this incident.

UPDATE Mar. 3, 2010: The FAA addressed this incident this morning with the following statement, issued as a press release:

The Federal Aviation Administration announced today that two employees at John F. Kennedy Airport Tower are on administrative leave following an incident last month when a child was permitted to talk with pilots on an air traffic control frequency.

“This lapse in judgment not only violated FAA’s own policies, but common sense standards for professional conduct. These kinds of distractions are totally unacceptable,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We have an incredible team of professionals who safely control our nation’s skies every single day. This kind of behavior does not reflect the true caliber of our workforce.”

The two JFK Tower employees, a supervisor and an air traffic controller, are on administrative leave pending the outcome of an official FAA investigation into the incident which is already underway.

In addition, all unofficial visits to FAA air traffic control operational areas, such as towers and radar rooms, will be suspended during the investigation. The FAA Administrator has directed a team to conduct a full-scale review of air traffic control policies and procedures related to facility visitors.