Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, Fresno, CA

Location: The Fresno Chandler Executive Airport is located 2 miles west of Fresno, California.

History:

Fresno Chandler Executive Airport Today:  Helicopter operations; Ultralights;




Airport Services and Amenities:  American Helicopters; BCH Aviation Center; Buchner Aero Specialties; Frank X Ruiz Avionics, Inc.; Memley Aviation, Inc.; Pacific Coast Avionics; Restaurant on the field; Mak's Landing Cafe; Lodging within 2 miles;

Special Events and Attractions: Chaffee Zoological Garden; Kearney Mansion;

Airport Area Accident History:

On January 5, 2010, at 1209 Pacific standard time, a Bell 206B, N5016U, collided with power lines near Auberry, California. The helicopter was registered to Palm Springs Aviation, Inc., and operated by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) as a public-use, deer surveying flight. The certificated commercial pilot and three passengers were killed. The helicopter was destroyed by post crash fire. The local flight departed Trimmer Heliport, Trimmer, California, at 1006. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site, and a company flight plan had been filed.

At the time of the accident two witnesses, who were law enforcement officers for the United States Forest Service, were located on a north facing ridge at the confluence of Willow Creek and the San Joaquin River. Both officers observed the helicopter emerge from a valley to the north, and fly southbound along Willow Creek directly towards their location. The valley was spanned from the east to west by power transmission lines. The officers reported that the helicopter continued through the valley, in straight and level flight, on a trajectory towards the power lines. As the helicopter came within the immediate vicinity of the lines it, 'reared back' and then began an immediate descent, colliding with the ground. The officers reported that prior to the accident the helicopter was not emitting smoke, and did not appear to be in distress.

The officers stated that the weather at the time of the accident was clear, with a few high scattered clouds, and light winds out of the north.

The main wreckage came to rest on the valley floor of Willow Creek, at an approximate elevation of 1,200 feet mean sea level (msl). The elevation of the valley peaks directly to the east and west of the site was about 2,500 feet msl. The bases of the power line towers were at an approximate elevation of 1,600 feet msl, and separated by a span of 2,900 feet. The lines consisted of three parallel power transmission lines, which hung between the towers about 3/4 of the distance from their bases. The tops of the towers were spanned by two parallel, 'static' ground lines. Examination of the static line to the south revealed that it had severed approximately midspan, and had become entangled in the remaining lines.

The main wreckage, which consisted of the cabin, tailboom, and tail rotor, came to rest inverted at an approximate elevation of 1,200 msl, 100 feet south of the power lines' midspan point. The entire cabin area was fire consumed.

The main transmission and mast were located about 300 feet north of the main wreckage. The main rotor assembly, consisting of the entire 'red' blade, hub, and inboard section of the 'white' blade, came to rest on the adjacent banks of Willow Creek, about 90 feet northwest of the main wreckage. A 4-foot-long outboard section of the white main rotor blade was located 1,100 feet south of the main rotor assembly.

Examination of the main rotor blades revealed leading edge gouges, with abrasion marks consistent in appearance with the severed static line.

The helicopter was equipped with a wire strike protection system. Examination of the systems cutting surfaces revealed them to be sharp and free of scratches, gouges, and abrasions.

All major sections of the helicopter were accounted for at the accident site. (Auberry)

Incident occurred Tuesday, December 04, 2007 in Fresno, CA
Aircraft: Robinson R22 Beta, registration: N805EH
Injuries: 2 Uninjured. This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. On December 4, 2007, at 1455 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N805EH, experienced a flight control malfunction as it touched down during a practice hover autorotation at Fresno Chandler Executive Airport (FCH), Fresno, California. Mazzei Flying Service, Inc., operated the helicopter as a training flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The helicopter was not damaged. The CFI and student were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area instructional flight that departed the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), at an undetermined time. No flight plan had been filed. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) interviewed the CFI. He stated that he and his student had practiced two hover auto rotations without incident. On the third hover autorotation, the CFI had input right pedal just prior to touchdown. As the helicopter touched down, the CFI heard a "snap." He attempted to neutralize the pedals, but the right pedal remained depressed. He continued the landing, and shut down normally. An inspection of the helicopter by the operator's maintenance personnel revealed that the right-hand support bracket (part number A359-1) of the tail rotor control system had failed. The operator reported that the helicopter has a total airframe time of about 13,000 hours. An FAA airworthiness inspector, along with the operator's maintenance personnel, are in the process of removing the right-hand support bracket, which will be shipped to the Safety Board for further inspection. ===
Accident occurred Thursday, October 25, 2007 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 12/20/2007
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-140, registration: N6791J
Injuries: 2 Serious, 1 Minor.
The pilot reported that he flew the traffic pattern at a higher altitude than normal because the flight was being conducted after sunset. He completed his before landing checklist and turned to the base leg. He lowered the flaps but noted he did not use full flaps for the landing. Approximately 1/4 mile from the runway, the airplane collided with trees and a pole, and then impacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path to clear objects during approach for landing. ===
Accident occurred Tuesday, June 26, 2007 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/31/2007
Aircraft: Aeronca 7AC, registration: N1054E
Injuries: 2 Minor.
The airplane impacted terrain after it stalled during the takeoff initial climb. The pilot stated in a written report that he departed runway 30 after rotating at 60 mph. He said that he did not maintain adequate airspeed during the climb. The right wing dropped and he attempted to recover; however, the airplane impacted the ground approximately 60 feet north of the runway end. The pilot stated that the winds at the time of the accident were 280 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots. He reported that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight, and that he believed holding a higher air speed during climb out could have prevented the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. ===
Accident occurred Tuesday, June 26, 2007 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 11/29/2007
Aircraft: Cessna 177RG, registration: N47RH
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
The pilot lost directional control of the airplane during a soft-field takeoff and the airplane collided with obstacles, prior to coming to rest off of the runway surface. The pilot was undergoing a flight review. Both he and the certified flight instructor reported an undetermined problem with the right main landing gear. The airplane then veered to the left and the right main landing gear collapsed after impacting a sign. The right main landing gear was pulled into the down-and-locked position following the accident by a local aviation maintenance technician, and then the airplane was towed to the ramp area. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. ===
Accident occurred Wednesday, December 20, 2006 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 4/25/2007
Aircraft: Piper PA-28R-180, registration: N4666J
Injuries: Unavailable
No damage to the airplane was detected prior to the flight instructor being checked out in the airplane, as well as before the cross-country instructional flight which followed the check out. After the completion of the cross-country flight wrinkled skin on top of both wings was discovered. The instructor stated that the damage was not a result of anything that had transpired during the cross-country flight. Interviews conducted by the FAA with numerous pilots who had recently flown the airplane failed to reveal who was responsible for the damage or how it was caused. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The design stress limits of the airframe were exceeded by an unknown pilot. ===
Accident occurred Wednesday, June 28, 2006 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/3/2006
Aircraft: Robinson R-44, registration: N52EP
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The pilot lost tail rotor authority control of the helicopter during a downwind hovering turn. The helicopter was parked facing a downwind direction and the pilot estimated the winds at 13 knots. The pilot positioned the helicopter to a hover about 4-5 feet above ground level (agl) and initiated a left pedal turn into the wind. He felt the tail rotor start to shudder, and the helicopter began yawing to the left. The helicopter then entered a spin and started to gain altitude. After three spins, the pilot executed a hovering autorotation at 15 feet agl. The left skid contacted the ground first. The helicopter then nosed forward about 30 degrees, and the main rotor blades hit the ground. The pilot applied aft cyclic, and the helicopter touched down level on both skids. The helicopter came to rest on a sloped area between the taxiway and runway. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control following a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while in a downwind hover. ===
Accident occurred Thursday, June 08, 2006 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 1/31/2007
Aircraft: Mooney M20K, registration: N5699Y
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The airplane collided with two fences after encountering a porpoise pilot induced oscillation on landing. The pilot was performing touch-and-go practice takeoff and landings. After completing one landing he continued around the traffic pattern for a second attempt. While on short final approach he had the airplane configured at an airspeed of 70 knots and retarded the throttle control to the idle position. The airplane's tail struck the runway surface and the pilot opted to perform an aborted landing by adding full power. The airplane was configured with full wing flaps, the landing gear in the down and locked position, and the speed brakes extended. The airplane began to porpoise down the runway and the pilot pulled back on the control wheel in an effort to become airborne. The airplane continued off the end of the runway and collided with a fence. It then crossed a road and came to rest after impacting another fence. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The pilot's improper flare and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing that resulted in a porpoise. ===
Accident occurred Saturday, January 10, 2004 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 3/30/2004
Aircraft: Fleet 2, registration: N606M
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
During the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane, which then veered off the runway, encountered soft soil, and nosed over. The pilot said he performed maintenance on the throttle a few days prior to the accident. He loosened the throttle friction locks and forgot to tighten them. During landing, he took his hand off the throttle control and it went into the "wide open" position. The airplane swerved to the right, and then to the left and veered off the runway into soft dirt, and nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the pilot's failure to set the throttle friction lock, which resulted in the inadvertent application of the throttle, followed by a loss of directional control. ===
Accident occurred Saturday, October 25, 2003 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 3/2/2004
Aircraft: Cessna 172N, registration: N738YL
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The engine lost engine power during flight and the airplane nosed over during an emergency landing in a field. The pilot reported that after an uneventful departure, he was en route when the engine lost power. He applied carburetor heat and placed the mixture in the full forward position. He turned toward a nearby airport while attempting restart procedures; the engine was unresponsive. While on final, the pilot realized that he was not going to make the airport and landed the airplane in a field. As the main wheels touched down, the airplane nosed over. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found the fuel selector on the left tank. Approximately 1/2 gallon of fuel was recovered from the left fuel tank; approximately 20 gallons of fuel were recovered from the right tank. After the engine failure, the pilot did not switch fuel tanks. The pilot operating handbook for the Cessna 172N states that in the event of an engine failure, the pilot should move the fuel selector valve into the "BOTH" position.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. Also causal was the pilot's failure to follow engine out emergency procedures as defined by the pilot operating handbook. ===
Accident occurred Thursday, September 26, 2002 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 9/29/2004
Aircraft: Paige Kolb MK III, registration: N6124U
Injuries: 1 Minor.
The experimental airplane collided with the runway during an attempted takeoff. During rotation, the airplane excessively pitched up and began a steep climb. After reaching about 25 to 50 feet above ground level, the airplane settled back to the runway, hitting the surface hard. After touchdown, the airplane accelerated and veered off to the left side of the runway. The student pilot did not have instruction or authorization to act as pilot-in-command of the airplane. The pilot stated that he was engaged in a process of self-instruction. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the student pilot's excessive rotation and failure to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, resulting in a stall. ===
Accident occurred Friday, September 06, 2002 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 6/25/2003
Aircraft: Huene Velocity XL-RG, registration: N394BL
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
The pilot reported that while descending in preparation for landing, he noticed an unusual sound from the engine and noted a loss of oil pressure, followed by a loud thud, a vibration, and a total loss of engine power. A forced landing was made to an open field. After the aircraft came to a stop and the pilot and passenger exited the aircraft, smoke and fire was noted coming from the engine area. Attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful. The aircraft was consumed by the fire and destroyed. A witness reported observing the aircraft fly over his location when he heard a loud bang and debris was seen falling from the aircraft. Later, two propeller blades and the lower engine cowl were located in fields near the witnesses location. Examination of the cowling revealed heat distress near the right side, starting at the opening for the exhaust stack and emenating aft. An unusual amount of oil was noted on the inside of the cowling and a thin coat of oil was noted on the outside. The two propeller blades were also coated with a thin layer of oil. During the engine examination, it was found that the exhaust system was cracked at the welds at both exhaust outlets with the left side exhaust outlet missing just aft of the number six cylinder riser. Further inspection of the exhaust riser identified two additional cracks. No other mechanical failures or malfunctions were noted during the engine examination. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: An in-flight exhaust stack separation during descent for landing resulting in loss of engine power and a forced landing to an open field. ===
Accident occurred Saturday, August 31, 2002 in FRESNO, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 7/29/2004
Aircraft: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C, registration: N87204
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 Uninjured.
The airplane made an off field landing and collided with poles following a loss of engine power. An annual inspection had just been completed on the airplane and the purpose of the flight was to check the airplane out. Upon returning to the airport the engine began to run rough and lose power. During the attempted landing on a road the left wing hit a pole and the airplane began to weave. The airplane hit another pole and departed the road into soft dirt. The main landing gear dug into the soft dirt and the prop nosed into the ground. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. A post accident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies, and it test ran successfully to 2,000 rpm. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. ===
Accident occurred Tuesday, July 30, 2002 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 3/2/2004
Aircraft: Robinson R22 Beta, registration: N4074T
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
The helicopter collided with the uneven ground and rolled over during a quick stop maneuver. After a series of maneuvers, the certified flight instructor (CFI) repositioned the helicopter and entered a quick stop demonstration for the student. He "misjudged the terrain and wind conditions" and the helicopter settled quickly to the ground. During the descent, the CFI raised the collective and the rotor rpm decreased. The helicopter impacted the ground, became airborne, and then impacted the ground a second time. During the impact sequence, the main rotor struck the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The accident site and helicopter wreckage were examined by an FAA inspector. He reported observing a series of ground scars and wreckage debris that extended for 195 feet and culminated in the main helicopter wreckage. The first identifiable ground scars consisted of two parallel thin scars in the ground on the crest of a hillock, which were dimensionally consistent with the right and left skids; the scars extended 36 feet and terminated at the edge of a wash. At a distance of 105 feet across the wash, ground scars consistent with the tail rotor and stinger assemblies were noted; the tail rotor gearbox and blade assembly, along with the most aft portion of the tail boom, were found at this point. For the remaining 54 feet uphill to the location of the main wreckage, other ground scars and wreckage debris consistent with the skids were located. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The failure of the flight instructor to ensure maintenance of an adequate terrain clearance altitude while performing low level maneuvers. ===
Accident occurred Thursday, April 20, 2000 in FRESNO, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/2/2001
Aircraft: Cessna 152, registration: N152SC
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
During a solo instructional flight, the student pilot's airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot made a forced landing in a parking lot and collided with a trailer. The student pilot, whose flight experience consisted of a total of 28 hours, of which 4 hours were as pilot-in-command, initiated the planned 1-hour-long local area flight that was supposed to be performed within a 25-mile radius of the departure airport, as authorized by his flight instructor. The student became disoriented and confused regarding his direction of flight and began flying east instead of west. Upon flying for 3.25 hours, and traveling about 117 miles east of the departure airport, fuel exhaustion occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: Fuel exhaustion during cruise flight due to the student pilot becoming disoriented and lost. ===
Accident occurred Sunday, April 02, 2000 in FRESNO, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 12/14/2001
Aircraft: Quicksilver SPRINT 2, registration: NONE
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The non-certificated pilot stated that he was flying about 1,200 feet mean sea level when the engine began to run roughly, then quit altogether. He was attempting to land in a field when he observed power lines in his path. During the pull-up maneuver to avoid the wires, the airplane stalled and crashed in the field. Disassembly of the Rotax 503 engine revealed that the No. 2 piston was scored and heat discolored, and had seized in the cylinder. The airplane gross weight, number of seats, and fuel capacity exceed the limitations in 14 CFR Part 103. Review of FAA aircraft and airman records disclosed no record that the airplane had ever been registered or issued an airworthiness certificate. No record was found that the pilot had ever been issued a pilot or medical certificate. A check of FAA records in the Fresno Flight Standards District Office found no evidence that the pilot/owner of the airplane had ever been issued a waiver in accordance with 14 CFR 103.5. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The overheating and seizure of the number 2 piston for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which led to an inadvertent stall/mush. ===



Fresno Chandler Executive Airport Approach / Landing: