Preliminary Reports

At about 1500 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged following a forced landing after a loss of engine power. The flight instructor and two student pilots were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground in an industrial area shortly after takeoff. The accident occurred at about 1505 Eastern time, shortly after takeoff. Day visual conditions prevailed. The flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot/owner suffered serious injuries.

The pilot reported flying into a canyon at 6100 feet msl with the intent to fly over it. During the maneuver, the airplane started to lose airspeed and altitude.

At about 1852 Eastern time, the airplane collided with terrain and was substantially damaged. The sport pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. According to a witness, the airplane climbed to approximately 500 feet after takeoff. As the airplane was turning to the left, its nose “dived,” and the airplane descended rapidly.

The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain at about 2021 Eastern time. Instrument conditions prevailed. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The flight was on an IFR flight plan en route to Louisville, Ky. Preliminary radar data show the airplanes speed decreased as it descended to an assigned altitude of 4000 feet and a heading of 050 degrees.

At about 1713 Central time, the ultralight aircraft was substantially damaged on impacting terrain. The private pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. One witness estimated the aircraft reached 300 to 400 feet above the ground after taking off.

The airplane sustained substantial damage at about 1000 Central time during a forced landing following the loss of a propeller blade while in cruise flight. The solo private pilot received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. In an interview, the pilot reported departing the local airport and was in cruise flight when a blade from the three-blade wooden propeller separated from the airplane.

At about 0530 Mountain time, the airplane collided with terrain and was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight took off at about 0525. The operator stated the airplane was equipped to release moths under a state-run program. The airplane normally flies at 500 feet agl when releasing the moths.

The helicopter, operated by the Virginia State Police, was substantially damaged during an emergency landing following an engine failure and autorotation at about 1335 Eastern time. The flight instructor and the commercial pilot were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed for the public-use flight.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0718 Pacific time when it impacted terrain during initial climb. The solo commercial pilot was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness in the ATC tower observed the accident airplane depart, reporting it appeared to be “on a normal climb.”