Preliminary Reports

March 15, 2013, Grand Lake, La., Sikorsky S-76A++

At about 1147 Central time, the helicopter was substantially damaged during ground impact. All three occupants—the pilot and two maintenance personnel—were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. While in cruise flight at about 1000 feet agl, the pilot radioed to ATC he had an emergency and would be immediately landing off the airport. Radar data provided by the FAA showed the helicopter in a descent prior to contact being lost.

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March 15, 2013, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Piper PA-31T Cheyenne

The airplane was destroyed at about 1620 Eastern time when it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff. The airline transport pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed for the local test fight. The airplane had undergone engine ground checks during the four days prior to the accident. Shortly after takeoff, witnesses observed the airplane make a steep right turn back toward the airport. The pilot transmitted that he was experiencing an “emergency.”

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March 16, 2013, Leesburg, Fla., Mooney M20F Executive 21

The airplane was substantially damaged during a gear-up landing at about 1130 Eastern time. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that while practicing slow flight, he attempted to extend the flaps and landing gear. The flaps extended, but he heard a “snap” and the landing gear did not extend. Additionally, there was no cockpit indication of the landing gear being retracted or extended.

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March 17, 2013, Stafford, Va., Piper PA-32-301FT 6X

At about 0705 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following loss of engine power while on approach. The airline transport pilot and the passenger/owner were seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was in effect.

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March 1, 2013, Broomfield, Colo., Aero Commander 500-B

At about 1545 Central time, the airplane experienced a loss of power to both engines after takeoff and its pilot performed a gear-up forced landing to a golf course. The airline transport pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual conditions prevailed.

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Pilot in aircraft
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