On 28 December 2016, the ATSB was advised that the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) had commenced an investigation into a partial power loss and collision with terrain involving a Mathias Lightning aircraft registered N59JL. The Aircraft was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering in the traffic pattern at Franklin Municipal-John Beverly Rose Airport, Franklin, Virginia. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger sustained a serious injury.
The airplane was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal, local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight which was originating at the time of the accident.
As Australia is the State of Manufacture of the engine, on 9 January the ATSB appointed an accredited representative to the NTSB investigation in accordance with clause 5.18 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation. An ATSB investigator was appointed as accredited representative to the NTSB investigation on 9 January. To facilitate support to the NTSB investigation, the ATSB also initiated an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident. Details are available on the NTSB website.
The NTSB’s final report is available on the NTSB website.
Any enquires relating to the investigation should be directed to the NTSB at : www.ntsb.gov.