National Transportation Safety Board Releases Preliminary Investigation Report on Fatal Rhinebeck Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board has released the preliminary investigation report on the fatal Rhinebeck plane crash that occurred on October 5. The accident happened around 2:56 p.m. and left the commercial pilot fatally injured.
Details of the Crash
According to the report, an experimental amateur-built Fokker D-VIII Replica, N94100, was to perform a single-ship demonstration routine for an airshow at the Old Rhinebeck Airport (NY94). The demonstration duration was 10 minutes from engine start to finish. At 2:53 p.m., the plane began to take off from the airport and took off to the north, making a right turn and passing the airshow line flying in a south direction.
Engine Roughness and Loss of Power
About 1 minute and 5 seconds into the plane’s routine, the director informed the ground crew that he thought the engine was running rough and to prepare for a possible precautionary landing. Shortly after, around 1 minute and 24 seconds into the routine, he thought the pilot would begin to land. However, the pilot continued with the routine, and about 2 minutes 16 seconds into the routine, the engine lost total power and the airplane began descending.
Fire and Crash
A second later, a fire was noted in the front part of the airplane. The plane continued to descend while the fire increased in intensity. The plane faced downward and descended steeply out of view behind trees before impacting a wooded area.
Pilot Identified
The pilot, Brian Coughlin, 60, of Cazenovia, was a longtime volunteer and board member of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The Aerodrome tributed Coughlin on a Facebook post after the accident.
Conclusion
The investigation report highlights the importance of proper engine maintenance and the potential consequences of engine failure during flight. The crash is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in flying and the importance of safety protocols in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the engine failure?
A: The report does not conclusively determine the cause of the engine failure, but notes that cylinders for the Nos. 6 and 7 positions were separated.
Q: What was the pilot’s experience?
A: The pilot, Brian Coughlin, was a commercial pilot with experience flying antique planes.
Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
A: The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary investigation report on the fatal Rhinebeck plane crash, which highlights the importance of proper engine maintenance and the potential consequences of engine failure during flight.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and the wreckage was retained for further investigation.
Q: Who was the pilot?
A: The pilot, Brian Coughlin, was a longtime volunteer and board member of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
