MEC&F Expert Engineers : 11/24/17

Friday, November 24, 2017

The Poulan gasoline chainsaw David M. Baker, of Warrington Township, PA was using when a fire caused him fatal burns last week was not defective



The Poulan gasoline chainsaw a 68-year-old York County man was using when a fire caused fatal burns last week was not defective, Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday.

The accident that led to 85 percent full-thickness burns on the body of David M. Baker, of Warrington Township, was caused by user error, state police Trooper Brent Miller said.

State police performed the probe that led to the conclusion, Miller said.

They did not specify what sort of error was made.


Baker was pronounced dead early Friday morning by the Lehigh County Coroner's Office following the incident just after noon Thursday on Baker's property that was originally labeled an explosion. Police later termed it a fire.

Baker had been taken to the burn unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, where he died, the coroner's office said.




David M. Baker
Dover
David M. Baker, 68, died Friday, November 17, 2017 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.


David was born July 24, 1949 in Carlisle, the son of the late Melvin R. and Mary E. (Chubb) Baker.


David was a member of the East Berlin VFW Post 8896, Richard J. Gross. He loved to fish, work on small engines, and was an avid gardener. David was employed with Arron Enterprises for many years and Wagoner Construction Co.
David is survived by a brother, Keith L. Baker and his wife, Susan of East Berlin; three nephews, Kevin Baker of AZ., Shawn Baker of NE, and Brock Baker of East Berlin.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Feiser Funeral Home, Inc. 306 Harrisburg St., East Berlin, Burial will be private. The honor guard of the East Berlin VFW Post 8896, Richard J. Gross will conduct military rites at the Funeral Home. Memories may be shared at www.feiserfuneralhome.com.
=====================


Chainsaw explosion kills man working on his property 


November 18, 2017


By Tony Rhodin

For lehighvalleylive.com

A 68-year-old York County man died early Friday at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township from complications due to burn injuries sustained just after noon Thursday in a chainsaw explosion, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office reports.

David M. Baker of Warrington Township was pronounced dead at 1:41 a.m. Friday after suffering 85 percent full thickness burns, the coroner's office said.

His death was ruled an accident.

The coroner's office continues to investigate with Pennsylvania State Police.

A trooper at the York barracks couldn't immediately provide more information, but confirmed another trooper there was involved in the probe.

Coroner Scott Grim later said the man was doing work on his own property when the chainsaw exploded.

The burn unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury often draws cases from throughout the eastern portion of the state.

Wrong-way driver Justin Lakin, 21, struck and killed Lashay D. Waiters, 24, of Bradenton who was driving with Yvette R. Alexandre, 21, of Ruskin, FL on I-75





GIBSONTON, FL — Last month, LaShay Waiters got down on one knee and proposed to Yvette Alexandre in front of a room packed with family and friends. She said yes.

About two weeks ago, it was Alexandre’s turn to surprise him: She was pregnant. It wasn’t planned, but the young couple was excited about being parents.

"They had a great future together," said Waiters’ mother, Tamika Snipes.

Now they’re gone.

Waiters, 24, and Alexandre, 21, died after a wrong-way driver slammed into the couple’s car Thursday night on Interstate 75 near the Gibsonton exit, authorities said.

The wrong way driver, 21-year-old Justin Lakin of Bradenton, also died after the violent head-on crash. The Florida Highway Patrol on Friday was still investigating what led up to the crash.

Along with the grief, the couple’s loved ones were grappling with a question no one yet could answer.

Said Alexandre’s father, Robert: "I’d like to know why he was driving on the opposite side of the highway."

•••

Waiters and Alexandre grew up a few counties apart and crossed paths at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Alexandre was born in Boston, between two sons of Robert and Suzette Alexandre, and the family moved to Lutz when she was five. She attended Terrace Community Middle School in Thonotosassa and graduated in 2014 from Tampa Bay Technical High School, where she played lacrosse.

Alexandre’s faith in God moved her to sing and dance. Until she moved away for college, she attended Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ in Tampa every Sunday, singing in the youth choir and dancing on the liturgical dance team.

She never struggled to find a reason to flash a wide, brilliant smile.

"She was jovial, amicable, free-spirited," said Robert Alexandre, who now lives in Ruskin with Suzette and their 15-year-old son. "She was the best daughter a father could ask for."

Alexandre was inspired to study psychology by Dr. George Huang, a forensic psychologist and her favorite character on the fictional television show Law and Order. She wanted to understand what makes people commit crimes.

She met Waiters at UCF about three years ago, and their personalities clicked.

Known by the nickname Shay, he was born in Bradenton, one of seven siblings, and graduated from Braden River High School, said Snipes, his mother, who now lives in Ruskin. He decided to study sports medicine with hopes of becoming a team doctor in the National Football League.

While pursuing his degree, Waiters worked as a supervisor at an Orlando YMCA and coached a flag football team for players younger than 18.

"He had a passion for kids," Snipes said. "He got along with everybody and had a great sense of humor."’

A couple of months ago, Waiters and Alexandre moved into a new apartment in Orlando. He hatched a plan for a surprise wedding proposal, inviting about 50 of the couple’s family members and friends to what Alexandre thought would be a housewarming party in the apartment complex’s clubhouse on Oct. 25.

Before he proposed, Waiters pulled Robert Alexandre aside and asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage.

"I found that admirable, especially given the young men of this era who don’t understand the value of chivalry," Alexandre said.

His daughter was the only person in the room surprised by the timing of the proposal, and she bawled like a baby, her father said.

About two weeks later, Alexandre told him she was pregnant. It wasn’t part of their plan, but they were happy, their family said. They would graduate as planned in the spring and juggle careers and parenthood.

"She was determined, so I knew she wouldn’t let anything hold her back from what she wanted to do," her father said.

On Thursday, the couple and a friend stopped by the home of Alexandre’s parents on the way to have Thanksgiving dinner at Snipes’ house. Robert Alexandre spoke with the couple in a conversation that, in hindsight, he’s glad he had.

"I wanted to reaffirm the fact that I was proud of them and I didn’t want them to feel anyone was disappointed in the choices they made. That couldn’t be further from the truth," he said. "I wanted her to know that she had my enduring love and support as a father."

After dinner, they stopped by the Alexandres’ house again for another quick visit before heading to Tampa to take their friend home.

They stayed for about 10 minutes and dashed out again. Her parents told her they’d see her later.

•••

The couple planned to spend the night at Snipes’ house, and almost made it.

But as Waiters drove south in Snipes’ 2009 Ford Focus shortly after 10 p.m., Lakin was headed north in the center southbound lane driving a 2012 Toyota Corolla. They collided just south of Exit 250 at Gibsonton Drive.

The force of the crash crumpled both cars. Rescue crews had to remove the Focus’ roof to get to Waiters and Alexandre. All three were wearing seatbelts and died at Tampa General Hospital.

It was also not immediately clear to investigators where Lakin entered I-75 headed the wrong way. Alcohol was not immediately suspected as a factor in the crash but the investigation continued Friday and a toxicology report on Lakin was pending, said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, a spokesman for the Highway Patrol.

Lakin’s father, Brian, declined to speak with a reporter when reached by phone Friday.

"I’m in shock," he said.

Alexandre’s parents didn’t know what happened until Highway Patrol troopers showed up at the their home at about 4 a.m. Friday.

By then, their daughter and the fiance she was to share her life with were already gone.

"I believe he would make a very good son-in-law," Robert Alexandre said, "but now I’ll never know."


=================




SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) - Bradenton resident, Justin Lakin, 21, was killed due to a fatal car accident while driving down the wrong side of I-75 Thursday night. Lakin's vehicle struck and killed Lashay D. Waiters, 24, of Bradenton who was driving with Yvette R. Alexandre, 21, of Ruskin, FL.

Around 10:00 p.m. Lakin's vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound center lane of I-75, just south of Gibsonton Drive, where he hit the other vehicle head on.

Florida Highway patrol reports that all passengers were wearing their seat belts and alcohol wasn't a factor.

All three of the victims were transported to Tampa General Hospital where they passed away.

Electrician Francis “Frankie” Crispen Jr., 28, an employee of Columbia Forest Products, died at the Klamath Falls plant in Oregon






Francis “Frankie” Crispen Jr., 28, an employee of Columbia Forest Products, died at the Klamath Falls plant

Klamath Falls, Oregon


State authorities are investigating an industrial accident that led to the death of a Klamath Falls man during the weekend.  The address of the plant is:



Klamath Falls, Oregon
4949 S. Hwy 97
Klamath Falls, OR 97603



On Monday, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) confirmed it is investigating the death of Francis “Frankie” Crispen Jr., 28. Crispen was found dead Saturday at Columbia Forest Products, in Klamath Falls, where he was employed.


OSHA spokesperson Aaron Corvin said he was not able to comment on the specifics of the incident. He said it is likely their investigation will conclude in the next three to four months, after which a report detailing their findings will be made public.

Jeff Moresi, human resource manager for Columbia Forest Products’ Klamath Falls location, said they are working closely with OSHA during the investigation. Moresi said the fatal incident occurred Friday evening, but he did not yet have further information.

Klamath County Sheriff Chris Kaber said his agency investigated the matter and found no basis to suspect criminal wrongdoing. Kaber said the incident “appears to be an industrial accident.”

Funeral arrangements for Crispen have yet to be announced. Arrangements are being handled by O’Hair-Wards Funeral Chapel.


This is what Frankie wrote in his Facebook pages, one day prior to his death:

Aim to be triumphant, not successful.
Successful is a figment of your imagination when everything is going right in your life.
Triumphant is being able to overcome obstacles, and goals.



Francis "Frankie" Robert Crispen Jr., July 13, - November 17, 2017. Spartan at Heart, healthy body, healthy spirit, and don't forget the tattoos.


When you bumped into Frankie, you would have been welcomed with a warm handshake, smile and a hug. Always a friend and encourager, he strove to be careful and thoughtful in his words and actions. His gentle spirit, forgiving nature and genuine concern for others served to make Frankie a loyal, faithful friend and family member.


Frankie was a diligent and committed worker. Electrician by trade, he was always striving to improve and this would have been only the beginning of his journey. Frankie enjoyed helping others to become their healthiest self and fulfilled part of that passion by working part time at GNC.


Frankie was survived by his mother and step-up dad, Kay and Dennis Moyette; his father, Francis Crispen Sr.; grandmother, Jessie Redfox; siblings, Vikki Waits, Marc and Sasha Waits, Diana and Celso Alvarado, and Skip Moyette. He was an adoring uncle to many nieces and nephews. He also left behind his fiancee, Ashley Albers, and her daughter, Teh'ya, as well as his treasured puppies, Sammy, Sadie and Penny.


Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by a reception in the church gym.


In lieu of flowers, funeral attendees are welcome to bring a Christmas gift to be donated to Toys for Tots or non-perishable items for donation to the Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank.


Published in Herald And News on Nov. 23, 2017 


==================



Founded in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer products. Columbia’s decorative interior veneers and panels are used in high-end cabinetry, fine furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures. Columbia’s products are sold through a network of wholesale distributors, mass merchandisers and original equipment manufacturers from three distinct business units: plywood, veneer and global services.

Columbia Forest Products Officially Opens New Plant in Boardman, Oregon!!!
June 20, 2013

by lwinkler


June 19, 2013, ribbon cutting at the new Boardman facility.

It’s official, our NEW Columbia Forest Products, Boardman, Oregon plant is now open and helping to produce more of our decorative-quality hardwood plywood products! This newest mill upgrade in Boardman is a $9 million dollar venture that will assure an efficient supply of core veneer to be used at our Columbia Forest Products’ Klamath Falls plywood mill.


The Boardman facility was specifically constructed to be in close proximity to our wood source, GreenWood Tree Plantation, which is a 35,000 acre tree farm and hardwood sawmill complex. The Collins Companies manage the Boardman sawmill and markets lumber under the brand of Pacific Albus, which refers to hybrid poplar varieties developed by GreenWood Resource. The upgrade means poplar veneer will be peeled at the Boardman mill before being transferred to Klamath Falls for drying and gluing. 



In 1999, Columbia’s Klamath Falls, Oregon, plant began producing its plywood using logs harvested from Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®) certified forestland. Today all of Columbia’s plywood and veneer mills hold FSC chain of custody certified by Rainforest Alliance, an independent, non-governmental organization with the published aims of working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. By buying products with an FSC label you are supporting the growth of responsible forest management worldwide.

A female FedEx employee died at the Memphis International Airport hub, the third FedEx worker killed in an accident there over the past 40 months.









A FedEx employee died early Thursday at the Memphis International Airport hub, the third FedEx worker killed in an accident there over the past 40 months.

A woman, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the hub just after 12:30 a.m., according to Memphis Police.

Officers responded to a call of an accidental injury at 2907 Spranklel Avenue, on the airport property where FedEx operates its world hub.

The woman was part of a two-person team assigned to unload an aircraft, police said. She was found under a motorized mobile conveyor belt system. Police said it is unknown how the accident occurred.

The FedEx spokesman confirmed the death was a work-related accident but had no other details.

The company released a statement:

"Words cannot convey the sadness we feel over the loss of our team member in an accident at the Memphis hub. Our prayers are with our colleague's family, friends, and co-workers. We are cooperating with authorities in their investigation."


Memphis attorney Jeffrey Rosenblum, who has represented the families of the most recent two employees killed at the hub, said his clients have wanted FedEx to work with the vendors who make the equipment used at the hub.

“I question why there have been two and now three deaths’’ over the past 3.5 years, Rosenblum said. “In the years preceding, you have to go way back before you see another death.’’

The last death of a FedEx employee at the Memphis airport was almost exactly two years ago on Nov. 22, 2015. A cargo tug operator, Christopher Higginbottom, 39, was crushed by a loaded dolly he was towing.

He fell off the tug and was run over by the dolly, said Rosenblum, who argued the tug’s manufacturer should have installed a seat belt or other safety systems or provided warnings. There is an active lawsuit.

Before that, material handler Chandler Warren, 19, was crushed by a giant cargo lift on July 2, 2014.

The lift’s machinery with its accordion-like arms was being controlled by a fellow employee, up high near the plane’s cargo opening, Rosenblum said. That worker could not see that Warren, who was below, was in danger of being crushed, he said.

The equipment vendor should have installed motion sensors, buttons or other safety devices to shut off the lift before someone could be hurt, Rosenblum said.

That lawsuit with the vendor was settled out of court to the family’s satisfaction, he said.

Exceptions exist, but Tennessee law states when employees are hurt on the job their only remedy against their employer is a workers' compensation claim, Rosenblum said. He credited FedEx for pursuing the maximum amount of workers' comp for his clients.

“They want to pay the maximum benefit under the law,’’ Rosenblum said. “They did everything they were supposed to do with regard to those two claims.’’

But with a third hub death in 40 months, the attorney said FedEx should address the dangerous pattern at the hub.

“I think FedEx has a duty to tell every vendor, ‘We want to buy the safest pieces of equipment we can,' ’’ Rosenblum said. “ ‘We want our engineers to work with your engineers.' ’’

Glen Thomas, a spokesman for the airport and its police department, said earlier Thursday that he had little information on what happened but that Memphis Police are investigating.

"Certainly, it’s terrible news any time, but especially on Thanksgiving morning and certainly, our hearts go out to the employee and their family and all the co-workers over there," Thomas said.




==================




State regulators propose to fine FedEx $4,000 for a fatal workplace accident last Nov. 22 at the Memphis hub.

A cargo tug operator, Christopher Higginbottom, 39, was found crushed to death by a loaded dolly he was towing.

It was the second fatal accident within 18 months at the FedEx Express world hub at Memphis International Airport. Material handler Chandler Warren, 19, was crushed by a giant cargo lift on July 2, 2014.

FedEx is appealing the citation and proposed fine, handed down April 18 by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA).

Investigators say they believe Higginbottom fell off his tug and was run over by the first in a train of three loaded dollies, according to documents obtained under a public records request.

There were no witnesses or video surveillance coverage, but FedEx security officers found Higginbottom beneath a dolly holding a 2,300-pound cargo container. His chest was crushed by the dolly's weight. The report showed Higginbottom's tug veered across an oncoming lane and clipped a tractor-trailer parked in a loading dock before coming to a halt.

TOSHA has focused on seatbelts as an issue in Higginbottom's death, with an investigation summary concluding, 'The company did not ensure the tug operator properly fastened the seatbelt around his waist while operating the tug.'

The violation, classified as 'serious,' is based on state and federal standards requiring employers to protect workers from serious or potentially lethal hazards such as ejection while operating a vehicle.

The citation said the violation was 'corrected during inspection.'

'The employer corrected the violation during the inspection by holding a training session for all tug operators that stressed the importance of always properly wearing the seatbelts while operating the tugs,' inspectors reported.

FedEx spokesman Jim Masilak said, “We remain saddened over the tragic accident involving Mr. Higginbottom, and reiterate our condolences to his family. Safety is a priority for FedEx, and all of our tug drivers receive safety training that includes the required use of seat belts. We will appeal the proposed fine.”

FedEx's notice of appeal didn't cite a specific grounds. During a May 2 informal conference with TOSHA, FedEx disputed that the personal protective equipment standard included seatbelts.

During a May 2 informal conference, FedEx Express director of safety Tom Lopez told TOSHA officials that Memphis International Airport did not require use of seatbelts.

'He also said new tugs are ordered from the manufacturer with seatbelts installed and that they were researching retrofitting existing tugs that did not have seatbelts,' TOSHA's Wade Gowan wrote in a memo.

Pilot Norman L. Baker, 89, of Windsor, Massachusetts, died after his 1966 Cessna 172G Skyhawk plane crashed in the woods in Pittsford, VT


PITTSFORD, VT — A Massachusetts man is dead after his plane crashed in the woods in Pittsford sometime on Wednesday, according to Vermont State Police.
Norman L. Baker, 89, of Windsor, Massachusetts, was traveling to the Middlebury area to visit family for Thanksgiving, according to Capt. Michael Manley, troop commander of the Vermont State Police southern division.

“We obviously feel sorry for the family, on a holiday to be losing a family member. Our condolences go out to the family,” Manley said.


Baker was the owner of the plane, a single-engine, four- seat 1966 Cessna Skyhawk, and he was only person on board when it crashed, officials said.


The plane was found in the woods off of Route 7 near Whistle Stop Lane on private property in Pittsford.


At a press conference on Thursday, police said Baker was an experienced pilot who had been involved with aviation since he was a teenager.


Detective Todd Wilcox, of the Vermont State Police, said Baker’s son was on the crash scene Thursday with police. Wilcox said the family “seemed to be doing fairly well for the tragic event.”


While police were not able to provide details on Thursday about whether Baker had ever flown professionally, they said he had made the flight between Windsor and Middlebury about 20 times.


“It is unknown why Mr. Baker crashed. The (National Transportation Safety Board) is sending an investigator to assist in the examining of the crash wreckage,” said Lt. Bill Pratico of the Pittsford Police Department.


Baker’s body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Manley said the results will help police determine if a medical event may have caused the crash.


“We’ve spoken to family, and there’s nothing as of right now that makes us believe he was unfit to fly,” he said.


According to Manley, it’s not unusual for a plane as old as the Skyhawk to continue to be in use if it is wellmaintained, although he offered no opinion on the condition of Baker’s plane.


Pratico said local emergency responders faced a challenge determining if a crash had taken place.


On Wednesday, around 5 p. m., local police in Pittsford and the Rutland barracks of the Vermont State Police learned of a potential aircraft incident in the area of Sugar Hollow Road.


The first person to call police reported a small aircraft was flying low.


“As it continued on the site, the caller indicated that they heard a loud noise. The caller was fearful that the plane had crashed and added that they only heard a noise and did not see the plane crash nor did they see any wreckage,” Pratico said.


Police learned there were no unaccounted flights due at the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport and none of the aircraft in the area had broadcast a distress signal.


Officers searched the area but there was no sign of a plane crash and police received no other reports, Pratico said.


The Vermont Civil Air Patrol also conducted a search by air but found no evidence of a crash.


However, around 11:30 p. m., police learned a plane had left Pittsfield, Massachusetts, flying toward Middlebury, but hadn’t arrived.


The Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team put together a search with the assistance of fire department members from Pittsford, Brandon and Chittenden.


Again, nothing was found and a second air search, conducted by Vermont Civil Air Patrol and the Vermont Army National Guard, was also unsuccessful.


The location of the wreckage was reported by a Pittsford resident who had heard about the incident and decided to look around his property to see if he could find anything, Pratico said. He found the plane while walking his property, police said.


Pratico said the timing of the crash, the day before Thanksgiving, didn’t seem to have an effect on getting the resources needed to conduct the search.


Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.rutlandherald.com


================


Pilot found dead after crash had flown planes his whole life

By The Associated Press


PITTSFORD, Vt. — Nov 23, 2017, 7:22 PM ET



A pilot found dead after a small-plane crash in Vermont has been identified as an 89-year-old Massachusetts man who had been flying planes his entire life.

Police say Windsor, Massachusetts, resident Norman L. Baker was the only person on the four-passenger plane, which had been reported missing. Baker had been flying from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Middlebury, Vermont, 125 miles north.

The 1966 Cessna plane is believed to have crashed Wednesday in Pittsford, Vermont, 25 miles south of Middlebury. The crash site was discovered Thursday by a landowner walking in a wooded area of his property.

Police say the plane was heavily damaged and the pilot was found dead nearby. They say the pilot had done the trip successfully about 20 times and they don't know why he crashed this time.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.



N4676L Aircraft Registration

Aircraft Summary
Summary
1966 CESSNA 172G
Fixed wing single engine
(4 seats / 1 engine)
Owner
ANNE KRISTINE II INC
WINDSOR , MA, US
(Corporation)
Airworthiness Class
Standard/Normal
Serial Number
17254671
Engine
CONT MOTOR 0-300 SER (Reciprocating)
Horsepower: 145
Weight
Less than 12,500lbs
Speed
105mph
Mode S Code
051333321 / A5B6D1
Registration Details
Status
Assigned
Certificate Issue Date
2015-11-18
Airworthiness Date
1966-06-04
Last Action Date
2015-11-18
Expiration
2018-11-30
Registry Source
 Anne Kristine Ii, Inc. is a Massachusetts Domestic Profit Corporation filed on February 24, 2000 . The company's File Number is listed as 000694800.

The Registered Agent on file for this company is Norman Baker and is located at Box 54 Tirrell Hill Rd., Windsor, MA 01270. The company's principal address is Box 54 Tirrell Hill Rd., Windsor, MA 01270.

The company has 1 principal on record. The principal is Norman Baker from Windsor MA.

 
==========================



PITTSFIELD — A Windsor pilot flying out of Pittsfield has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash after his plane went down in Vermont on Wednesday. 

Vermont State Police said 89-year-old Norman L. Baker took off from Pittsfield on Wednesday and intended to make a routine flight to Middlebury, Vt., but crashed in Pittsford, Vt.

Baker was the only person in the plane, which was not discovered until Thursday, after multiple searches, according to a statement released by Vermont State Police on Thursday night. 

It is not clear why the 1966 Cessna crashed, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Police described Baker as an experienced pilot who had made the journey from Pittsfield to Middlebury 20 times. An autopsy will be conducted at the Chief Medical Examiner's Office. 

A resident in Pittsford called 911 at about 5 p.m. Wednesday to report seeing a low-flying aircraft and then, after it continued out of sight, hearing a loud noise that could have been a crash.

First responders, including Pittsford Police and Vermont State Police, canvassed the area but found no wreckage. 

The Federal Aviation Administration, Vermont Civil Air Patrol and the Rutland Regional Airport reported no unaccounted aircraft and no distress signals from any planes in the area, according to police. 

At about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Massachusetts State Police reported a plane that had left Pittsfield but never arrived in Middlebury.

The report prompted the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team to coordinate another unsuccessful search — again focused in Pittsford — with firefighters from the Pittsford, Brandon and Chittenden, Vt., fire departments. 

Early Thursday morning, a Vermont Army National Guard helicopter and multiple planes from the Vermont Civil Air Patrol flew overhead, but again found no evidence of the crash. 

On Thursday, the crash site was reported to police at about 11:30 a.m. by a local resident who had scoured his property after learning of the missing plane.

The plane had come to a stop near U.S. Route 7 in the town of Pittsford near Whistlestop Lane, police said. Baker was found dead near the plane. 

Original article can be found here ➤  http://www.berkshireeagle.com


One person is dead after a plane that left from Massachusetts crashed in Pittsford, Vermont.

The plane was located on the east side of Route 7 having sustained heavy damage. There were no passengers on board the aircraft but its pilot was found dead at the scene, say Vermont State Police.


The pilot was identified as 89-year-old Norman Baker from Windsor, Massachusetts. 


Baker's Cessna 172G Skyhawk left the Pittsfield Municipal Airport in Massachusetts on Wednesday afternoon headed for Middlebury.


Baker has been flying his whole life. He had made the trip from Pittsfield to Middlebury approximately 20 times before Wednesday's crash.


Pittsford Police were alerted by a caller to a crash on Wednesday around 5 p.m. in the area of Sugar Hollow Road. The caller had spotted a small, low-flying aircraft in the area and reported that as the plane traveled out of sight, the caller heard a loud noise. The caller was concerned that the plane had crashed, but did not see a crash or wreckage.


Initial investigation found the caller's claim to be unfounded. Police coordinated with the FAA, Vermont Civil Air Patrol and Rutland Regional Airport to determine that there were no unaccounted for aircraft in the area, nor any broadcasting a distress signal.


Late Wednesday night, however, police were informed of an overdue aircraft en route to Middlebury from Massachusetts. Search parties were activated in Pittsford and surrounding areas.


The site of the plane crash was discovered Thursday afternoon by a private landowner searching his property. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.


Story and video ➤ https://www.necn.com



PITTSFORD, Vt. (WCAX) "It's just wreckage strewn about everywhere," Alexis Miller said. "The largest piece I saw was the cockpit."

Miller described finding the horrific aftermath of a single-engine plane crash. The scene was along a ridge line about a quarter of a mile into the woods next to her family's Pittsford cabin.


"There's insulation hanging from trees, there's just little tiny pieces that are maybe the size of a shoebox," she said.


Miller and her dad went out early Thanksgiving morning to search after hearing news reports that her neighbors reported a possible crash nearby the night before. A Civil Air Patrol plane had been searching the area, as well, going off tips of a low-flying plane, described as a white Cessna 172 with maroon trim.


Reporter Tyler Dumont: You actually saw something?


Mike Solari: I saw the plane, well, I saw a plane go overhead.


Solari lives on Sugar Hollow Road not far from the crash scene.


Tyler Dumont: Anything come to your mind at that time?


Mike Solari: No, it was just lower than normal, that's about all I can say.


WCAX News was there as rescue crews and Vermont State Police troopers arrived soon after the plane was found. Authorities confirmed shortly after that the pilot-- the only person on board-- was dead. 


Late Thursday afternoon, they identified the pilot as Norman Baker, 89, of Windsor, Massachusetts. Police say Baker was an experienced pilot who had been flying since he was 13 and they have no reason to believe he was unfit in any way.


Officials say Baker was headed to the Middlebury State Airport over 20 miles away from Pittsford. In a statement, the FAA said: " ... the pilot was flying on visual flight rules and was not receiving air traffic control service. A concerned friend or relative reported that the Cessna departed from Pittsfield Municipal Airport in Massachusetts at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday... and was scheduled to arrive in Middlebury two hours later."


"I get the feeling that they were probably coming home for the holidays," Miller said. "And I feel really bad for whoever it is, their family, and my thoughts are with them."


The NTSB says it is sending an investigator to the crash scene to determine what happened.


Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.wcax.com

PITTSFORD, Vt. (AP) - A pilot found dead after a small-plane crash in Vermont has been identified as an 89-year-old Massachusetts man who had been flying planes his entire life.

Police say Windsor, Massachusetts, resident Norman L. Baker was the only person on the four-passenger plane, which had been reported missing. Baker had been flying from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Middlebury, Vermont, 125 miles north.

The 1966 Cessna plane is believed to have crashed Wednesday in Pittsford, Vermont, 25 miles south of Middlebury. The crash site was discovered Thursday by a landowner walking in a wooded area of his property.

Police say the plane was heavily damaged and the pilot was found dead nearby. They say the pilot had done the trip successfully about 20 times and they don't know why he crashed this time.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Original article ➤ http://www.westernmassnews.com

PITTSFORD, Vt. - Update:  Vermont State Police say the pilot from a missing plane was found dead.

Authorities say the missing plane was found on the east side of Route 7 in Pittsford on Thursday.

According to police, the plane was heavily damaged, there weren't any other passengers on the plane. 

Vermont State Police and the Pittsford Police Department are searching for a possible missing plane in the area of Sugar Hollow Road.

Police say they received information Wednesday night about an overdue aircraft headed to Middlebury from Massachusetts. Earlier in the day, State Police said the Pittsford Police Department received a report of a small aircraft flying low. Police say the caller indicated they heard a loud noise, but did not see the plane crash or any sign of wreckage.

Original article ➤ http://www.mychamplainvalley.com


Date:22-NOV-2017
Time:21:30+
Type:Silhouette image of generic C172 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Cessna 172
Owner/operator:Private
Registration:

N4676L

C/n / msn:
Fatalities:Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:0
Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:Rutland County, Pittsford, VT -   United States of America
Phase: En route
Nature:Private
Departure airport:Pittsfield Muni (2B7)
Destination airport:Middlebury State (6B0)
Narrative:
Crashed in the Sugar Hollow Road area near Pittsford,Rutland County, Vermont. Thesole pilot received fatal injuries.
Sources:

http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2017/11/pittsford-rutland-county-vermont.html
http://www.wcax.com/content/news/Reports-of-a-plane-crash-in-Pittsford-459464063.html
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sugar+Hollow+Rd,+Pittsford,+VT+05763/@43.7386407,-

73.0195988,18z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4cb534c317d246fb:0x5201553c90c652bf?hl=en-us





========================



PITTSFORD, Vt. (WCAX) "It's just wreckage strewn about everywhere," Alexis Miller said. "The largest piece I saw was the cockpit."


Courtesy: Vermont State Police

Miller described finding the horrific aftermath of a single-engine plane crash. The scene was along a ridge line about a quarter of a mile into the woods next to her family's Pittsford cabin.

"There's insulation hanging from trees, there's just little tiny pieces that are maybe the size of a shoebox," she said.

Miller and her dad went out early Thanksgiving morning to search after hearing news reports that her neighbors reported a possible crash nearby the night before. A Civil Air Patrol plane had been searching the area, as well, going off tips of a low-flying plane, described as a white Cessna 172 with maroon trim.

Reporter Tyler Dumont: You actually saw something?
Mike Solari: I saw the plane, well, I saw a plane go overhead.

Solari lives on Sugar Hollow Road not far from the crash scene.

Tyler Dumont: Anything come to your mind at that time?
Mike Solari: No, it was just lower than normal, that's about all I can say.

WCAX News was there as rescue crews and Vermont State Police troopers arrived soon after the plane was found. Authorities confirmed shortly after that the pilot-- the only person on board-- was found dead nearby. Late Thursday afternoon, they identified the pilot as Norman Baker, 89, of Windsor, Massachusetts. Police say Baker was an experienced pilot who had been flying since he was 13 and they have no reason to believe he was unfit in any way.

Officials say Baker was headed to the Middlebury State Airport over 20 miles away from Pittsford. In a statement, the FAA said: " ... the pilot was flying on visual flight rules and was not receiving air traffic control service. A concerned friend or relative reported that the Cessna departed from Pittsfield Municipal Airport in Massachusetts at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday... and was scheduled to arrive in Middlebury two hours later."

Police say Baker had successfully done the trip from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Middlebury, Vermont, about 20 times.

"I get the feeling that they were probably coming home for the holidays," Miller said. "And I feel really bad for whoever it is, their family, and my thoughts are with them."

Construction worker Curtis Duane Hollingshead, 33, from Davison, MI, with Ric-Man Construction Company operating a backhoe has died a 400-pound, 12-inch water main valve disconnected from the water main, causing the hole Hollingshead was in to rapidly fill with water and trap him to death in Burton, Michigan

33-year old construction worker Curtis Duane Hollingshead, 33, from Davison, MI, with Ric-Man Construction Company operating a backhoe has died





















Police identify man killed in Burton construction accident 


November 22, 2017
By Jessica Royce, Digital producer

BURTON, MI (WNEM) -


Police have identified the man who died after being pulled from a water-filled hole.

Investigators said Curtis Duane Hollingshead, 33, from Davison, died on Nov. 21 after the incident on N. Belsay Road and E. Potter Road.

At 10:48 a.m., Burton police and Burton firefighters were called to the location for reports of a man trapped underwater.

Investigators said it appears a 400-pound, 12-inch water main valve disconnected from the water main, causing the hole Hollingshead was in to rapidly fill with water and trap him.

The Burton Fire Department offered life jackets and a long pole with a hook to the work crew who seemed to know where their coworker could be underwater. Hollingshead was found and pulled up by his belt using the long pole, the fire chief said.

First responders rushed him to the hospital and he died that afternoon, Burton Police Det. Don Schreiber said.

Genesee County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright said the company Hollingshead worked for, Ric-Man Construction, is a private contractor doing drain work for the county.

Burton Police report that the water main was not under pressure, but the 42” water line was full of water.

Michigan Laborers' have released a statement on the loss.


“Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and his brothers and sisters on the jobsite. Times like this give us pause and remind us to be thankful of what we have,” said Geno Alessandrini, Business Manager for the Michigan Laborers’ District Council. “Even with top-notch training and education, accidents still happen on the jobsite because construction is a dangerous business. We’ll be doing everything we can to support the family of our union brother during this trying time.”


=======================
BURTON, Mich. (AP) — Police say a 33-year-old Flint-area man was critically injured after being trapped underwater for about 20 minutes when a water main burst during construction work.

Burton Police Chief Tom Osterholzer tells The Flint Journal the man had no pulse when he was taken to a hospital Tuesday morning but medical personnel were able to re-establish a heartbeat.

Osterholzer says other workers were able to snag the submerged man with a pole and pull him from the water.

The worker's name was not immediately released.

Osterholzer says the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent representatives to the scene.



==========================



UPDATE: Burton Police have confirmed the 33-year-old victim from Davison has died. His family has been notified, but his identity is expected to be released Wednesday.

BURTON, Mich. - A construction worker with Ric-Man Construction Company is fighting for his life after police say he fell into a pit filled with rushing water during a day on the job.

It happened Tuesday morning in Burton at the intersection of North Belsay and East Potter Roads.


Burton Police Chief Tom Osterholzer says it’s always a tragedy when something like this happens.

According to police, the 33 year- old construction worker from Davison was using a backhoe when a water cap blew and knocked him into the hole.


Police say he was pinned down in the hole that was rapidly filling with water.


The man was under water for 20 minutes before he was rescued.

Police believe it was a water main break.

Three water mains actually intersect at that same point.

Right now, they are trying to get this area pumped out investigators can get a better idea of what happened.

Police are not releasing his name at this time.

"This isn't clear water, this is basically brown mud, sludge that he was trapped in the bottom of. The dive team was in route, workers were able to snag him with a pole and retrieve him from the bottom of the hole," said Osterholzer.

The police chief told me to tell people to avoid this area because they are still investigating and it will most likely be closed for quite some time.





==========================


November 21, 2017

BURTON, Mich. -




A construction worker was taken to an area hospital after a water rescue on the corner of North Belsay and Potter Roads in Burton.

The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21.


According to police, a construction worker was using a backhoe when a water cap blew and knocking him into the water.


The roads are closed as officials investigate the incident.

He was rescued from the water after 10 minutes and taken to an area hospital. No word on the condition of the construction worker at this time.



==============


Mancini Companies invites you to explore the various fields of business in which it is involved. Ric-Man Construction, Inc. excels in heavy underground and tunnel construction and delivers nothing but quality and expertise. Mancini Enterprises and Mancini Development specialize in industrial, commercial and residential development throughout the states of Michigan and Florida. Overall, Mancini Companies focuses on teamwork and exceptional service among the rest.

Mission Statement – Ric-Man Construction, Inc.
With over 50 years of heavy underground construction experience, Ric-Man Construction, Inc. is committed to improving infrastructure systems throughout the United States by adhering to its tradition of excellence and innovation.  With a focus on safety and its employees, Ric-Man Construction, Inc. has positioned itself as a leader in the industry and a reliable contractor to carry out a project until completion.

Pilot Herman E. Steele killed after his recently bought 1968 Mooney M.20C Ranger plane crashed inside Camp Blanding in Clay County, Florida.














A Tennessee man has been confirmed as the pilot who died Thursday afternoon when his private plane crashed at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center on Florida 16 just east of Starke, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Herman E. Steele was the only person on board the 1968 Mooney M20C Ranger aircraft when it crashed about 3:15 p.m. between buildings and parking areas on the eastern side of Kingsley Lake in the center of the 73,000-acre National Guard training site, Sgt. Kevin Smith said.

Steele, whose age was not available, was flying the four-seat, single-engine back to Tennessee when the crash occurred, Smith said. He believes Steele may also have a residence in the Jacksonville area. He apparently decided to stop first at Cecil Airport to visit a family member but then radioed Jacksonville International Airport’s tower to report a problem. The Jacksonville tower’s air traffic controllers tried to contact him again, but Steele never responded, Smith said.

The Federal Aviation Administration handled the initial investigation into the crash, but the National Transportation Safety Board arrived on scene late Friday morning to determine its probable cause, Smith said.

==================
Pilot Herman E. Steele killed after his recently bought Mooney M.20C Ranger plane crashed inside Camp Blanding in Clay County, Florida.

Private plane goes down in deadly crash in Camp Blanding
Pilot killed, emergency officials say; FAA investigating
By Erik Avanier - Reporter 

November 24, 2017

 
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - A single-engine plane went down Thursday afternoon inside Camp Blanding, authorities said.

Only the pilot was on board, according to a Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman.

Clay County emergency operations officials said the pilot was killed.

FAA officials said they were notified that a Mooney M20 aircraft went down at Camp Blanding in Clay County about 3:15 p.m. Thursday. Clay County deputies said it was a private plane, not a military aircraft.

Camp Blanding is off State Road 16 near Kingsley Lake.


Local authorities will release the name of the pilot once family has been notified, and the FAA will release the aircraft registration after that, the spokeswoman said.

It is unclear what caused the plane to crash, but investigators are not overlooking weather conditions as a potential factor because it was raining and there may have been limited visibility.

News4Jax spoke with aviation expert Randy Reep about flying in the certain weather conditions.

"Any event that occurs in bad weather makes that event more difficult," Reep said. "You can’t fly in reference to the ground and (the pilot) is having to rely on his sensations to maneuver the airplane via instruments. It can very difficult, which is why the air traffic control system is designed the way it is."

Reep also mentioned that if the pilot was on a flight plan, there will be more evidence to collect because he would have been controlled through radio communications with the ground.

The FAA will investigate, and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting in the investigation

======================

Jacksonville, FL -

The Clay County Sheriff's Office is assisting, after a deadly plane crash on Camp Blanding property.

A sheriff's office spokesperson tells WOKV, they received a call from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority about a possible plane in distress Thursday afternoon. They had apparently lost contact with this plane, with the last known coordinates leading them to the area of Camp Blanding, where the crashed plane was found.


Clay County deputies say the plane involved was a private, single-engine aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Authority is investigating the crash and has released the following statement:

“A Mooney MO20 aircraft went down at Camp Blanding in Clay County, FL at about 3:15 pm today. Only the pilot was on board, local authorities will release the name and condition, the FAA will release the aircraft registration after that. The FAA will investigate, and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.”


We're told the FAA will be taking over the investigation.





BLUE AND BEIGE FLYS GREAT MANUAL FLAPS AND GEAR T-BAR

Engine(s):
0=360 180 HP

Prop Specs:
3 BLADE HERTZELL


Avionics


COM#1 GARMIN GNC420 GPS COM ENROUTE APCH CERTIFIED GPS


XPONDER KT76


COM#2 KX155 ILS GLIDE SLOPE


Interior


SIX


Exterior


SEVEN


Remarks


WILL SELL WITH FRESH ANNUAL



 

Herman Steele



 TN 




Date: 23-NOV-2017
Time: 15:15
Type:
Mooney M20C Ranger
Owner/operator: Private
Registration: N6894N
C/n / msn: 680164
Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities: 0
Airplane damage: Substantial
Location: Camp Blanding, Clay County, FL - United States of America
Phase: Approach
Nature: Unknown
Departure airport: Ocala/Taylor Field Int’l (KOCF)
Destination airport: Cecil (KVQQ)
Narrative:
The aircraft impacted the terrain at Camp Blanding in Clay County, Florida. The airplane sustained unreported damage and the sole pilot onboard was fatally injured.

Sources:
http://www.wokv.com/news/local/fatal-plane-crash-confirmed-camp-blanding-faa-investigating/Rrlx25CihQnZ54PkMg1x4J/
https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/clay-county/aircraft-reported-down-at-camp-blanding
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/clay-county-agencies-respond-to-fatal-plane-crash/652676845
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N6894N
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N6894N



Reg:   N6894N
Manu:   MOONEY
Type:   M20C
ICAO:   M20P
CN:   680164
Hex:   A92797
Old Owner:  FIRST COAST FLIGHT SERVICE INC
New Owner:  STEELE HERMAN E
Date Reg:  20170518
Status:   Valid Registration
 
Reg:   N6894N
Manu:   MOONEY
Type:   M20C
ICAO:   M20P
CN:   680164
Hex:   A92797
Owner:   STEELE HERMAN E
Old Address:  2202 BLUE HERON COVE DR, ORANGE PARK, FL, 320034931, US
New Address:  8396 MOUNT JOY RD, MOUNT PLEASANT, TN, 384743217, US
Date Reg:  20170518
Status:   Valid Registration



Serial Number 680164 Status Valid
Manufacturer Name MOONEY Certificate Issue Date 05/18/2017
Model M20C Expiration Date 05/31/2020
Type Aircraft Fixed Wing Single-Engine Type Engine Reciprocating
Pending Number Change None Dealer No
Date Change Authorized None Mode S Code (base 8 / oct) 52223627
MFR Year 1968 Mode S Code (base 16 / hex) A92797
Type Registration Individual Fractional Owner NO


Registered Owner

Name STEELE HERMAN E
Street 8396 MOUNT JOY RD
City MOUNT PLEASANT State TENNESSEE
County MAURY Zip Code 38474-3217
Country UNITED STATES

Airworthiness


Engine Manufacturer LYCOMING Classification Standard
Engine Model O&VO-360 SER Category Normal
A/W Date 06/28/1968