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National Transportation Safety Board
FACTUAL REPORT
AVIATION
NTSB ID: NYC07FA037
Aircraft Registration Number: N665CD
Occurrence Date: 11/30/2006
Most Critical Injury: Fatal
Occurrence Type: Accident
Investigated By: NTSB
Location/Time
Nearest City/Place
State
Huntersville
NC
Airport Proximity: Off Airport/Airstrip
Zip Code
Local Time
Time Zone
28078
1944
EST
Distance From Landing Facility:
Direction From Airport:
Aircraft Information Summary
Aircraft Manufacturer
Model/Series
Type of Aircraft
Cirrus
SR22
Airplane
Sightseeing Flight: No
Air Medical Transport Flight: No
Narrative
Brief narrative statement of facts, conditions and circumstances pertinent to the accident/incident:
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On November 30, 2006, at 1944 eastern standard time, a Cirrus SR22, N665CD, was destroyed when it
impacted terrain while on the Instrument Landing System (ILS) Runway 18R approach to
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, North Carolina. The certificated private
pilot was fatally injured. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument
flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed. The personal flight, which originated from
Dekalb-Peachtree (PDK), Atlanta, Georgia, was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part
91.
According to radar data and air traffic control (ATC) information provided by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), the airplane departed PDK approximately 1845, and maintained an altitude of
5,000 feet en route. After arriving in the CLT airspace, the pilot was cleared to descend to 3,000
feet and issued a vector, which placed him on a downwind leg for the ILS Runway 18R approach.
At 1942:06, the CLT tower controller stated, "november five charlie delta, turn right heading one
six zero, join the one eight right localizer." Twenty-one seconds later, the controller cleared the
pilot for the ILS Runway 18 right approach, and at 1942:56, the controller asked, "five charlie
delta, what's your heading now?" The pilot responded, "making the right turn now."
Radar data indicated that the airplane crossed through the final approach course for runway 18R and
continued toward the final approach course for runway 18L. At that time, the controller stated,
"turn right heading of two three zero, you just went through the localizer." The pilot responded,
"we see it two three zero five charlie delta."
At 1943:22,
now."
the tower controller stated, "join the one eight right localizer heading two zero zero
As the airplane maneuvered, it descended through an altitude of 2,200 feet. At 1943:29, the
controller stated, "november five charlie delta, you have low altitude alert, climb immediately to
three thousand." During the following 20 seconds, the airplane climbed from 1,800 feet to 3,800
feet, and maneuvered from a heading of 180 degrees to an approximate heading of 330 degrees. During
this time, the airspeed decreased from 183 knots to 90 knots, until the final radar return was
observed at 1944, approximately 1/4 mile from the accident site.
A witness, whose home was approximately 9 miles from CLT, was familiar with the flight path and
aircraft sounds operating into and out of the airport. In a written statement, the witness reported
hearing an airplane with a "very high pitch" engine sound, flying in a northeast direction, around
1940. The witness noted that the airplane would have been crossing the arrival path for runways
18R/L, which was different than the other aircraft he observed flying on a southerly heading toward
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Narrative
NTSB ID: NYC07FA037
Occurrence Date: 11/30/2006
Occurrence Type: Accident
(Continued)
runways 18R/L. The witness stated that the sound seemed to "phase in and out," and sounded as if
the airplane was climbing and heading away from the airport. The witness stated that the sound
seemed to dissipate, and then he heard the engine "whine" again, as if the airplane was turning
right toward the airport. At this point, the witness thought the airplane was headed toward CLT,
and approximately 15 to 20 seconds later, the engine again "wound up to a very high pitch" and it
sounded as if the airplane "banked sharply, and began to nose dive." The witness heard the airplane
impact the ground about 4 seconds later.
PILOT INFORMATION
The pilot/owner, who was 61 years old, held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane
single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA third-class
medical was issued on October 13, 2005, at which time he reported 1,600 hours of total flight
experience. According to records provided by the FAA, the pilot received his instrument rating on
April 4, 1992.
According to records maintained by a fractional ownership company, which managed the airplane, the
pilot had accumulated 97 hours in the make and model of the accident airplane, during the 12 months
prior to the accident. The most recent "Pilot History Data" form the company had on file for the
pilot was dated February 8, 2005. At that time, the pilot had accumulated 367 hours in the make and
model of the accident airplane. Since that date, the pilot accumulated 149 additional hours in make
and model.
The pilot's logbook was not located and his total or recent actual instrument experience could not
be determined.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
Examination of the airframe and engine logbooks revealed that the most recent 100-hour inspection
was completed on November 22, 2006, with no anomalies noted. The airplane flew 13 hours since the
inspection.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
Weather reported at CLT, at 1952, included wind from 170 degrees at 13 knots, 10 miles visibility,
overcast clouds at 800 feet, temperature 19 degrees Celsius (C), dew point 17 degrees Celsius, and
an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of mercury.
The pilot received a data user access terminal (DUATS) weather briefing for his flight, on November
30, 2006, at 1454.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
CLT was comprised of two parallel runways (18R/36L and 18L/36R) and an intersecting runway (5/23).
The airport had an ILS and Area Navigation (RNAV)/Global Positioning System (GPS) approach to every
runway.
WRECKAGE INFORMATION
The airplane impacted trees in a heavily wooded area, and was consumed by a post-crash fire. The
accident site was located approximately 10 miles from the approach end of runway 18R, at an
elevation of 758 feet. The engine, propeller, and a portion of the main wreckage came to rest, in
an impact crater approximately 2 feet deep, at the base of a 45-foot tall tree. A propeller slash
mark was noted in the tree trunk, approximately 15 feet from the top of the tree.
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NTSB ID: NYC07FA037
National Transportation Safety Board
FACTUAL REPORT
AVIATION
Narrative
Occurrence Date: 11/30/2006
Occurrence Type: Accident
(Continued)
The wreckage path was oriented on a heading of 080 degrees and extended approximately 100 feet from
the base of the tree. Located along the wreckage path were fragmented portions of all of the
airplane's components and flight control surfaces.
Flight control continuity could not be confirmed to the flight control surfaces, due to impact
damage; however, all flight control cables were accounted for and the cable ends were consistent
with overstress separation. A measurement of the flap actuator revealed the flaps were in the
retracted position.
Examination of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) revealed the rocket motor was separated
from the launch tube, and the rocket buried itself in the ground. The parachute remained in its
packed state, separated from its attachment hardware. Examination of additional fragmented sections
of the airplane structure, which surrounded the rocket, displayed evidence consistent with a
deployment during the impact sequence.
The engine was removed from the accident site and completely disassembled. The number 2 cylinder
was separated from the engine, but remained intact. The number 1, 3, and 5 cylinders remained
attached to the engine, but displayed impact damage. The number 4 cylinder was separated from the
barrel, and the number 6 cylinder was separated from the crankcase. A torsional break was noted at
the propeller flange, and no preimpact mechanical anomalies were noted with the crankshaft or
engine.
All of the engine accessories were separated from the engine. Both magnetos were impact and fire
damaged, and could not be tested for spark. The fuel pump was separated and the drive coupling was
not located. The fuel manifold was separated and the diaphragm, screen, and spring were not
located.
The propeller
the propeller
scratches.
separated from the engine, and one blade of the three-blade propeller separated from
hub. Examination of all three propeller blades revealed S-bending and chordwise
Due to impact and fire damage, no non-volatile memory was recovered.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
A review of the pilot's FAA medical file revealed that the pilot had a history of coronary artery
disease, and directional coronary atherectomy percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. He
was issued a special issuance third-class medical certificate because of his medical history.
The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the pilot on
December 5, 2006. Evidence of any pre-impact health anomaly could not be determined from the
autopsy.
The FAA Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory, Oklahoma
toxicological testing on the pilot. According to the pilot's
diphenhydramine was detected in the pilot's muscle.
City, Oklahoma conducted
toxicology test results,
Diphenhydramine was an over-the-counter antihistamine, with the trade name Benedryl.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The airplane was
accident flight.
fueled
to
full
tanks
on
November
27, 2006, and did not fly again until the
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NTSB ID: NYC07FA037
National Transportation Safety Board
FACTUAL REPORT
AVIATION
Occurrence Date: 11/30/2006
Occurrence Type: Accident
Landing Facility/Approach Information
Airport Name
Airport ID:
Charlotte/Douglas Intl
CLT
Airport Elevation
Runway Used
748 Ft. MSL
18R
Runway Length
Runway Width
10000
150
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Type Instrument Approach: ILS-complete
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Aircraft Information
Aircraft Manufacturer
Model/Series
Cirrus
SR22
Serial Number
1774
Airworthiness Certificate(s): Normal
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Homebuilt Aircraft? No
Certified Max Gross Wt.
Number of Seats: 4
Engine Type:
LBS
Engine Manufacturer:
Reciprocating
Continental
Number of Engines: 1
Model/Series:
Rated Power:
IO-550
310 HP
- Aircraft Inspection Information
Date of Last Inspection
Type of Last Inspection
100 Hour
Time Since Last Inspection
Airframe Total Time
13 Hours
11/2006
426 Hours
- Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Information
ELT Installed? Yes
ELT Aided in Locating Accident Site? No
ELT Operated? No
Owner/Operator Information
Street Address
Registered Aircraft Owner
George Vrana and 4 others
State
City
Smyrna
Zip Code
GA
Street Address
Operator of Aircraft
1954 Airport Road Suite 270
State
City
Airshares Elite (as program manager)
Atlanta
GA
Zip Code
30341
Operator Designator Code:
Operator Does Business As:
- Type of U.S. Certificate(s) Held: None
Air Carrier Operating Certificate(s):
Operating Certificate:
Operator Certificate:
Regulation Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation
Type of Flight Operation Conducted: Personal
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NTSB ID: NYC07FA037
National Transportation Safety Board
FACTUAL REPORT
AVIATION
Occurrence Date: 11/30/2006
Occurrence Type: Accident
First Pilot Information
Name
On File
Sex: M
City
State
On File
On File
Principal Profession: Non-Occupational Pilot
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Certificate(s):
Private
Airplane Rating(s):
Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Date of Birth
Age
On File
61
Certificate Number: On File
Rotorcraft/Glider/LTA: None
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
None
Instructor Rating(s):
Type Rating/Endorsement for Accident/Incident Aircraft?
Medical Cert.: Class 3
Medical Cert. Status: With Waivers/Limitations
This Make
and Model
All A/C
- Flight Time Matrix
1600
Total Time
Current Biennial Flight Review? 10/2005
Airplane
Airplane
Single Engine
Mult-Engine
Date of Last Medical Exam: 10/2005
Instrument
Night
Actual
Rotorcraft
Lighter
Glider
Than Air
Simulated
516
Pilot In Command(PIC)
Instructor
Last 90 Days
Last 30 Days
Last 24 Hours
Seatbelt Used?
Shoulder Harness Used?
Toxicology Performed? Yes
Second Pilot? No
Flight Plan/Itinerary
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point
State
Airport Identifier
Departure Time
Time Zone
Dekalb-Peachtre
GA
PDK
1845
EST
Destination
State
Airport Identifier
Charlotte
NC
CLT
Type of Clearance: IFR
Type of Airspace:
Weather Information
Source of Briefing:
Commercial Weather Service
Method of Briefing:
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NTSB ID: NYC07FA037
National Transportation Safety Board
FACTUAL REPORT
AVIATION
Occurrence Date: 11/30/2006
Occurrence Type: Accident
Weather Information
WOF ID
Observation Time
Time Zone
CLT
1952
EST
WOF Elevation
WOF Distance From Accident Site
10 NM
748 Ft. MSL
Sky/Lowest Cloud Condition:
Ft. AGL
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast
Temperature:
800 Ft. AGL
19 ° C
Wind Speed: 13
Visibility (RVR):
17 ° C
Dew Point:
Ft.
Direction From Accident Site
10
Visibility:
Wind Direction: 170
Deg. Mag.
Condition of Light: Night
SM
Altimeter:
Density Altitude:
Gusts:
Weather Condtions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Visibility (RVV)
SM
30.10
"Hg
Ft.
Intensity of Precipitation:
Restrictions to Visibility: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Type of Precipitation:
Accident Information
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Aircraft Fire: Ground
Aircraft Explosion Ground
Classification:
- Injury Summary Matrix
First Pilot
Fatal
Serious
Minor
None
TOTAL
1
1
1
1
1
1
Second Pilot
Student Pilot
Flight Instructor
Check Pilot
Flight Engineer
Cabin Attendants
Other Crew
Passengers
- TOTAL ABOARD Other Ground
- GRAND TOTAL -
FACTUAL REPORT - AVIATION
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National Transportation Safety Board
FACTUAL REPORT
AVIATION
NTSB ID: NYC07FA037
Occurrence Date: 11/30/2006
Occurrence Type: Accident
Administrative Information
Investigator-In-Charge (IIC)
Jill M. Andrews
Additional Persons Participating in This Accident/Incident Investigation:
Terry L Frye
FAA/FSDO
Charlotte, NC
Brannon Mayer
Cirrus Aircraft
Duluth, MN
Josh Cawthra
Teledyne Continental Motors
Mobile, AL
Mac Little
Air Shares Elite
Atlanta, GA
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