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BRIEFINGS
July, 2005 The Yellow Rose B-25 Squadron Newsletter Vol. 08-07

CAF PT-26 INVOLVED IN INCIDENT AT PEACH STATE AIRPORT IN GEORGIA

     MIDLAND, Texas (June 16, 2005) – A Commemorative Air Force (CAF) operated single-engine World War II training aircraft, a Fairchild PT-26 Cornell, N26GA,
was involved in an accident approximately 11:30 a.m. EDST, Thursday, June 16, 2005.

     The aircraft departed Falcon Field, Peachtree City, Ga., approximately 10:30 a.m. EDST. Some time during the next hour it landed at the nearby Peach State Airport in Williamson, Ga. After landing, the pilot repositioned the airplane for takeoff. Immediately after take off the airplane struck a tree and crashed, fatally injuring the pilot, James Ford, age 67, of Marietta, GA., and passenger Robert Lang, age 58, also of Marietta, GA.

     Both Ford and Lang were CAF members. Ford, was a retired pilot for Delta Airlines and had over 20, 000 flying hours. He was an instructor and a check pilot in the PT-26. Lang was a flight and safety systems engineer for Lockheed Martin. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had flown F-105s and F-4s. He was also a flight instructor for the Lockheed Martin Flying Club.

     The airplane is assigned to the Dixie Wing of the CAF, which is based in Peachtree City, Ga.

 

 

                                           (From CAF Press Release)

LEADER'S WORDS

By Ron Dietes, Squadron Leader

By now, I am fairly certain that most of you have heard about the PT-26 crash in which two CAF members lost their lives.  These were not two inexperienced pilots but both of these two men were very high time ex-military and airline flyers.  When I hear about these kinds of accidents, I cannot help feel sad for the pilot’s families and friends, and at the same time a little sad for what it does to the Warbird aviation community.  I don’t think you can ever forget that we are flying airplanes that are almost as old as we are and that means dedication and diligence.  In my estimation, we need to be very thorough in how we prepare for a flight and not forget that accidents do not usually happen because of one event but usually a chain of events.  Break the chain and there is no accident.  That certainly seemed to be the case with the PT-26.  I cannot say for sure, but from reading the preliminary report, that was the thought that came across my mind.  This was a string of events that that eventually led to a crash.  I guess what I am trying to point out is that we really need to be prepared for strapping in, starting engines and blasting off into the Wild Blue.  Most of all, we need to be professional and trust our instincts.

We in the Yellow Rose have started to implement some good proactive Safety practices.  Unfortunately, some of them are the result of the grounding Grant and I experienced last year but hopefully, that experience will help us in the future.  Having backup GPS units, briefing prior to take-off, always checking weather forecast’s and flight TFR restrictions, and using everyone on the crew to help out and as a source of information.  Let’s all remember to think Safety and keep safety in our actions.  It’s the only way.

MEMO

 

FROM: Bob Rice

DATE:  22 June 05

SUBJECT: PILOT PROFICIENCY

 

     At its January Planning Session, the General Staff identified “Safety as part of the corporate culture” as one of its four goals.  Immediate steps were taken to hire Bob Stenevik as Director of Safety/Flight Operations and to develop a program to address this pressing matter.    Bob is eminently qualified for this position, and he has made excellent progress in developing our Safety Program since coming aboard in April.  Such foresightedness and planning however cannot compensate for the responsibility that each pilot has in ensuring that he/she is prepared mentally and physically to fly the aircraft.

   My purpose in sending this memo is to tell you that we are in the midst of a serious problem--a problem that must be addressed immediately. 

      Our accident history and pilot surveys both unquestionably point to pilot proficiency as a major problem in the CAF.

     This critical situation will be addressed by the General Staff at their July 2005 meeting.  It is clear that major revisions in pilot qualification and recurring training are needed.  Equally important is the realization that pilots must apply their training and expertise to make wise decisions when flying. 

     It is imperative that you take a critical look at the way in which you and the pilots with whom you fly prepare for a flight.  The question you must ask is, "Am I, or we, ready to fly this mission?" 

     The safe execution of your flight in a CAF-operated airplane rests squarely on your shoulders.  Your family, your friends, your relatives and the CAF are counting on you.

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

By Jim Liles, Squadron Maintenance Officer

     The “Rose” has returned from Dyess and there are no major maintenance problems.  There are the usual oil leaks to trace, but this is an ongoing process.  There will be no maintenance on Saturday, July 2, due to a check ride for Ken Udcoff. 

     On July 9 & 10, the main gear tires will be replaced and the brakes on each wheel will be rebuilt, while the wheels are off.

    July 14 will be a wash day, time to be announced.  This is in preparation for the trip to Midland.

   The only other item that need to be addressed is the tune-up and maintenance on the radios.  Due to time constraints, this will be postponed until after the rotation in Midland, which begins on July 15.  The plane will be taken to the Summer Advisory Board and be there for about 60 days.   

Once more, thanks to all of you who have come out to help on the workdays.  We cannot do it without you!

SAFETY FIRST

By Jerry Taylor, Squadron Safety Officer

     As noted earlier in this issue, there has been another CAF accident, which resulted in the loss of life to two of our precious comrades.  We can all sit back and second guess the causes after the fact.  But—the fact is we cannot be too careful, not only in aircraft piloting, but in all activities of the CAF.  It is in our hands and WE MUST maintain an attitude of safety at all times, if we are to continue with the objectives of the CAF and the flight of CAF aircraft.

    

Later in this issue is a list of the CAF accidents for the past 5 years compiled and released by the Director of Safety/Flight Operations of the CAF.  We also need to understand the difference between an accident and an incident.  The NTSB furnishes the following definitions:

 

“An accident is defined as an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft that takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage. An incident is an occurrence other than an accident that affects or could affect the safety of operations.”

 

“Substantial damage means damage or structural failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft, which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component.

ROSE TRAVELS AND ACTIVITIES


MINDEN, LA

June 3-5

By Greg Young

     Friday, June 3; the Yellow Rose headed off east to Minden, Louisiana for the Minden Airport Open House to be held the next day.  Her intrepid crew consisted of Ron Dietes, Grant Lannon, Jim Liles, Ken Udcoff, Ed McCafferty, Jack Reeves, Curtis Hall, and Greg Young.  The route of flight took us over much of East Texas including College Station and Nacogdoches.  I took my favorite position in the nose and used Interstate 45 as an imaginary target thorough the nose by the bombsight.  We passed just south of Barksdale AFB, home of many of the surviving jet bomber classics, the B52.  It was interesting looking down on those classics from our classic bomber, I doubt there will ever be a CAF B52.  After approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes we made the classic Rose arrival pass over Minden and its well kept airport.  The Rose was getting star billing for this event and thus 2 promo rides were given to people including the Minden mayor.  These promo rides gave the Rose crew a further opportunity to fly over the town like the old barnstormers did in publicizing their arrival and show.  Many spectators the next day commented on hearing and seeing the Rose overhead the day before.  After securing the Rose, the crew went to the Holiday Inn where the locals were going to host the visitors with a party and buffet.  Since we were staying there, it was convenient to partake in the party and walk to our rooms afterwards.  The next morning it was back to the airport for the day's activities.  The announcer repeatedly mentioned the Rose and its availability for PX sales and cockpit tours.  As my PX report indicates, it was a very good one day show for sales and cockpit tours.  There was a limited menu of air performers but it was still interesting to watch planes from a replica Sopwith Pup to Mark Allen in his South African T6.  The Rose then took center stage and everyone watched as Ron, Grant, and Jim put her through her paces. 

     It's neat being the star of the show.  As usual, we stayed until the end and almost everyone was gone.  We backtaxied down the runway, took off, did our usual good bye pass, and headed west and home.  Almost 2 hours later, we were back home having logged another successful Rose mission.

DYESS AFB

June 24-25

Friday, June 24 saw the Rose and her crew head west to Abilene, home of Dyess Air Force base.  Her crew for this mission was Ron Dietes, Tim Black, Phil Lockett (making his 2005 debut, welcome back), Mike Francis, Bret Renfro, Jack Reeves, Bill Walsh, and Greg Young.  The hour flight took us over the Highland Lakes and the sky was relatively free of haze that has been around for so many flights.  After a long extended downwind leg, we made the usual Rose arrival pass and rolled out on the almost 12,000 foot runway.  Dyess is one of two B1 bases as well as home to some C130s.  We parked on the ramp and immediately drew the attention of a crew of young airmen who came to look at the airplane.  It is always satisfying to see these young airmen look at the Rose as most of them have never been around a reciprocating engine aircraft before.  After base checkin, the crew went to the officer's club for the air show reception and party.  Several hours later, it was off to our quarters for the night, the Whitten Inn.  We were guided by the ever dependable Pat Jopling who had driven up to Abilene via San Angelo.  Our poolside gathering was joined by many of the crew of the B52 from Barksdale that had flown in for the show.  Those guys are as proud of their bomber classic as we are of our classic Rose.  It was interesting to hear the aircraft commander (Parker Northrop) talk about training new B52 pilots to use the eight throttles by having them stick a pencil in their fists to synchronize the use of the throttles. I had to tease Col. Northrop about his name in that he should be flying the B2, being the B52 man that he was, he replied no way. Early next morning it was off to the base for the pilot briefing and to set up for the day.  The Rose was parked at the far end of the ramp from the crowd entrance so I was not optimistic about PX sales or cockpit tours.  But as the day wore on, people came down to visit and the PX sales increased more than I anticipated (a final count and deposit will be made tomorrow after this article is submitted).  The B52 crew and us traded airplane visits, it was definitely a kick for me to sit in the aircraft commander seat of the B52 and realize there was not much of a gap in technology between the Rose and the B52 with its numerous gauges and dials.  Thank you B52 crew.   Ron, Tim, and Phil took the Rose up for her usual fine performance in a show that had few warbirds.  The Spirit of Waco A26 was there, it is interesting to notice Tim flying the B25 being followed around by the airplane that he logged so many hours in Southeast Asia.  As the last of the crowd filtered out of the gates, our crew loaded up the Rose for the trip home.  There was some discussion with the Air Show coordinator/contact officer about locating the Rose near the crowd entrance next year so hopefully that will happen but all in all it was another successful trip.  About an hour later the Rose was landing in San Marcos.  I was a little sad to realize that due to the Midland rotation it will be about 2 1/2 months before we do another show to show off our good ole Gal.

NOTICE

We are flying the “Rose” to Midland for the Summer Advisory meeting.  We are leaving on Friday, July 15th and returning by car on July 17th.  The airplane will remain in Midland on rotation.  Anyone is welcome.  E-mail Grant Lannon at glannon@texas.net for additional information.  The conference registration fee is $45 and includes dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday.

PX REPORT

By Greg Young, Squdron PX Officer

Thanks to the Yellow Rose team spirit, the PX continues to do  well.  The San Marcos show netted $672 from PX sales, donations, and cockpit tours;  enough has written about the low attendance at that event so suffice to say, anything is better than nothing.  The trip to Minden, Louisiana was a large success for a one day event.  The Rose was the star of the show and the announcer continued to repeat all day that the Rose was available for PX sales and cockpit tours, consequently, the net for that event was $1,079 for PX sales and cockpit tours.  Bravo to the announcer and thanks for the crew help which included Kim Allen from Houston (her husband Mark flies the South African T6).  The Dyess trip will be history by the time you read this and after that of course there will be a break for the Rose's rotation in Midland.  I'll do an updated inventory during that period to prepare us for the second half of the season starting in September.  Our supply of T-shirts (3 different designs) should almost last us until the end of the season but it is time to think about what should be on the next batch of T-shirts.  Being a newbie, I was not here for the T-shirt orders so if anyone can help me out on where to order or if anyone has an idea for the next shirt please let me know and we can discuss it at the next meeting. 
     Also if anyone knows where we obtained the round Yellow Rose squadron stickers please let me know, they have Confederate Air Force on them so I know it has been a bit since they were ordered.  I replenished the inventory of small and medium size crew shirts and in fact I had to order more so they will be in stock.  The low profile Tim Black signature hats are also in for $14, they look good and many of you saw a sample at the last meeting.  The Jim Liles eagle series hats continue to sell well and I again thank Jim for helping keep them in stock.  Well that is all for now, Happy Landings.

    Judy McMillan has submitted the following financial data from the events:

 

Centex Air Show Income
Cockpit Tours 166.00
PX Sales 398.00
Donations 206.00

Minden LA Air Show
Fee 1,500.00
Cockpit Tours    238.00
PX Sales    841.00
Donations  300.00

Minutes of the June 16, 2005 Meeting

By Dave Howard, Squadron Safety Officer

The regular squadron meeting was held at San Marcos in the Centex Hangar Ready Room. Squadron Leader Ron Dietes called the meeting to order at 1804.  Officers present also included Maintenance, Adjutant, PX, and Publicity.  Twenty three members and guests were present.  Jan Wagner was introduced as a new member.  Letty introduced her brother and sister, Tom and Mary Ann.  Murray Milner also attended as a guest.  Minutes of the May meeting, which had been inadvertently omitted from the last issue of Briefings, were distributed and approved.

 

REPORTS

 

Operations:  In Grant’s absence, Ron reminded that the Dyess trip is weekend after next.  This coming Saturday is a clean-up day to get the Rose ready.  Mike Renck gave a firsthand account of the WASP reunion and museum dedication at Avenger Field.  Five vintage a/c attended, three of which were from YR Squadron, including Ron’s and Grant’s T-6, Mike’s U-11, and Dave’s C-120.  The other two were an L-Bird and an H-18 Twin Beech. 

 

Finance (May meeting report with Judy’s update):       The April beginning balance was $15,761.  Net income and disbursements added $2267, thanks to productive air shows at Burnet and Holloman.  This left an April ending balance of $18,028.  May activity to date has brought in $7184.  Payables are estimated at $5700, including $3500 for repairs, $1000 for fuel, and $1200 for rent.  Projected May ending balance, including payables, is $19,512.  Balance in the “hands-off” accounts is $46,346.

 

Finance (June meeting report, received from Judy in absentia):  The May beginning balance was $18,028.  Deposits and disbursements netted $6517, reflecting the nice Holloman fee, so the May ending balance was 24,545.  June activities to date have cost us $1313.  Deposits in transit total $1900.  Payables are estimated at $4420, including $2000 for repairs, $1200 for hangar rent, $720 for quarterly CAF insurance fee, and $500 for PX items.  Projected June ending balance, including payables, is $20,712.  Balance in the “hands-off” accounts is $46,356.

 

Maintenance:       This week’s work needed is mainly clean-up and fixing the usual oil leaks after the Minden trip.  Jim’s attention has been divided somewhat by the need to deal with the T-6 emergency AD inspections, requiring paint removal and dye penetrant testing of the wing attachment flanges on all the T-6’s and derivatives in the hangar.  Ron also pointed out that we need to get a tire mounted on the spare wheel.

 

PX:  Greg reported that Tyndall was a good trip, selling out of many items.  We took in $840 at San Marcos, with light attendance.  Minden was very good for a one-day show.  The deposit was $1200, including $250 from cockpit tours.   He passed around one of the new low-profile hats several members have requested.  More shirts and hats are on the way.

 

Publicity:  Bob reported that the San Marcos Air Show was a big hit with the honorees.  Dick Cole and several others expressed their thanks and a desire to remain involved with future functions.  Bob reviewed the fund raising presentation slides describing the 5-year operating budget proposal.  He and Richard presented a brief DVD which had been produced by Shane and USAA which includes interviews with Dick Cole, Bill Powers, Grant Lannon, and Sandy Sansing describing the role of our CAF activities in educating and preserving our warbird history.  This DVD will be used as part of the fund raising material.  The first presentation will probably take place in early July.

 

Adopt-An-Airport:  Mike Colaluca is back from eye surgery and already reporting some improvement.  He says the next task for the committee is some shrub/brush trimming.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Several members reported hearing a news item announcing that San Marcos has received notice from the FAA that a control tower is budgeted for 2006. 

OLD BUSINESS

Cowden Ward’s offer at the last meeting to build a spec house as a fund-raiser for the squadron was again discussed.  A floor plan for a Garden House example in the Marble Falls area was passed around.  The target price would be $179,500.  Since the Squadron itself probably cannot co-sign the note, it appears that the notion would require that one or more individuals act as co-signors.  If any member is interested in this idea, he or she should contact Ron or Cowden for more details.

 

Sick Call:  Welcome back, Mike!

 

The meeting adjourned at 1840.



MINUTES of the MAY 10, 2005 MEETING of the YELLOW ROSE SQUADRON

For some reason, your editor had a brain dump last month and omitted the minutes of the May meeting from the June “Briefings”.  For that, I am sorry. In order to maintain continuity, the May minutes are being published here.

By Dave Howard, Squadron Adjutant

The regular squadron meeting was held at San Marcos in the Centex Hangar Ready Room.  Squadron Leader Ron Dietes called the meeting to order at 1805.  Twenty six members were present, including all of the officers.  Jan Wagner was introduced as a new prospective member.  John Parrish was welcomed back after his appendectomy.  Minutes of the April meeting were approved as printed in the last issue of Briefings.

 

REPORTS

 

Operations: The Safety Meeting was timely and well-attended.  Temple went well on Saturday, but Sunday brought bad weather.  The Rose didn’t return to San Marcos until Monday evening.  The New Orleans air show remains in question.  A possible substitute is Halletsville, near Victoria, on that weekend.

 

Finance: The April beginning balance was $15,676.  Net income and disbursements added $2,267, thanks to productive air shows at Burnet and Holloman.  This left an April ending balance of $17,943.  May activity to date has brought in $7,184.  Payables are estimated at $5,700, including $3,500 for repairs, $1,000 for fuel, and $1,200 for rent.  Projected May ending balance, including payables, is $19,427.  Balance in the “hands-off” accounts is $46,346.

 

Maintenance:  Jim cautioned that we are still working on the hydraulic reservoir.  For the present, do not attempt to tighten the sight glass seal screws, as the glass is likely to break.

 

PX:  Greg reported that we took in $950 at Temple.   Not bad for a Saturday-only show.  He has some new lower profile hats on order.

 

Safety/Newsletter: Jerry thanked the contributors to last month’s Briefings issue.  It was full of good stuff.  Jerry also reminded that the deadline for articles in the newsletter is the 25th of the month. 

 

Publicity: Bob reported that presentation material graphics for our fund raising campaign is done.  The first DVD proof is ready.  Also, for the San Marcos Air Show, we are hosting three Air Apache veterans as honorees, two pilots and a gunner.

 

Adopt-An-Airport: Mike Colaluca is taking some time off for eye surgery.  Everyone wishes him the best! 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

     The CAF Observation Detachment newsletter featured the Rose’s formation photo on the cover.  It was indeed an excellent example of formation flying!

     Cowden Ward suggested a fund-raising idea for squadron consideration.  The Squadron would co-sign for the construction loan on one or two of his company’s spec houses per year.  In return, the Squadron would keep any profit made on those houses.  No other involvement would be required.  His generous offer is being considered carefully.

 

Sick Call: 
Hurry back, Mike.

The meeting adjourned at 1833.

 

PROBABLE CAUSE FOR CAF ACCIDENTS FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Compiled by Bob Stenevik, CAF Director of Safety and Flight Operations.  Used with permission

Note:  The distinction between accidents and incidents as defined by the NTSB is shown on earlier in this issue.

 

1.  April 14, 2001 in Midland, TX.

     Fairchild PT-19A.  1 fatal, 1 minor.

Pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an invertant stall during initial takeoff climb.  A contributing factor was wind gusts.

 

2.  May 14, 2001 in Odessa, TX.

Convair BT-13A. 2 fatal.

Pilot’s failure to maintain the minimum required airspeed for flight, which resulted in a loss of control while performing a go-around.  A contributing factor to the accident was the gusty tailwind condition.

 

3.  March 31, 2002 in Albuquerque, NM.

        P-47-N-20-R.  1 Serious.

Pilot mechanic’s failure to properly re-install the engine’s #10 cylinder exhaust interconnect tube, which resulted in an in-flight fire and forced landing.  A contributing factor to the accident was the burned fuel and oil supply lines, which were not fire shielded.

 

4.  July 10, 2003 in Cheyenne WY.

CASA 2.111.  2 fatal.

A loss of engine power for reasons undetermined and the pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control.  Contributing factiors were the unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing, low airspeed, a fence, automobile, and school bus wash barn.

 

 5. October 18, 2003 in Houston, TX.

     General Motors FM-2. 1 fatal.

Pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall spin while maneuvering to land.

 

 6.  May 29, 2004 in Hanger City, WI.

 North American P-51C. 1 fatal.

 The improper installation of the camshaft drive gear assembly which resulted in the retaining nut backing off allowing the drive gear to move up the shaft.  A factor associated with the accident was the low altitude at which the power loss occurred and the trees which the airplane contacted during the forced landing.

 

 7.  October 3, 2004 in Midland, TX.

 Lockheed 18-56. 5 minor.

 Telephonic unofficial probable cause: Pilot failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.  Contributing factor was choice of runway and prevailing tailwind.

 

 8.  April 18, 2005 in Fredericksburg, TX.

      Bell P-39.  1 uninjured.

 Telephonic unofficial probable cause: Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.  Contributing factor was a reported failure of the left wheel brake.

 

9.   June 16, 2005 in Peachtree City, GA.

 Fairchild PT-26.  2 fatal.

 At this time the accident is under investigation and no cause has been released.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE YELLOW ROSE B-25 SQUADRON AND THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS. HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY!

2005 Airshow Schedule

 
Mar 12-13 Brownsville, TX
Mar 19-20 Luke AFB, AZ  Cancelled
April 9 Burnet, TX
April 16-17 Holloman AFB, NM
May 7-8 Temple, TX
May 14-15 Tyndall AFB, FL
May 21-22 San Marcos, TX
June 3-5 Minden, LA
June 25 Dyess AFB, TX
*  
Sept 2 Austin Flyover, End of WWII celebration
Sept 9-11 Cannon AFB, NM
Sept 28 Tucumcari, NM
Oct 1-2 Midland, TX
Oct 8-9 Houston, TX
Oct 21-22 Lavaca County Aerial Conference Halletsville, TX

* The Yellow Rose is scheduled to be on rotation in Midland from mid-July through early September.

2005 Yellow Rose B-25
Squadron Staff Officers

Squadron Leader - Ron Dietes

dietes.ron@heb.com

Executive Officer - Tim Black

tangblack@austin.rr.com

Finance Officer - Judy McMillan

heyjude@texas.net

Adjutant - Dave Howard

dave.howard@baesystems.com

Operations Officer - Grant Lannon (interim)

glannon@texas.net

Maintenance Officer - Jim Liles

james.liles@tstr.net

Safety Officer - Jerry Taylor

james_j_taylor@msn.com

PX Officer - Greg Young

tbolt52@hotmail.com

Publicity Officer - Bob Gardner

bob@rhga.com

 

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