Skyline Soaring Club
Skyline Soaring Club acknowledges the value of the plan developed for the Blue Ridge Soaring Society by John T. Molumphy as a resource for the development of this document.
In the event of an accident or incident at Skyline Soaring, many things will have to happen in a compressed time period. Some things will happen without direction - people will rush to the scene for first aid and rescue, for example, but other tasks need supervision. This Emergency Response Plan sets forth some considerations for allocating resources while dealing with an emergency situation.
The Duty Officer will be responsible for implementing the Emergency Response Plan and will remain in charge until that responsibility is turned over to another member, by agreement. See Checklists following this section!
In the event of an accident or serious incident, operations will be shut down for the day.
Skyline Soaring personnel shall at all times be fully cooperative with all emergency services personnel, the local airport management, and the FAA-NTSB. Should events surrounding the accident suggest culpability on the part of Skyline Soaring, responses to inquiry may be presented in the light most favorable to Skyline Soaring. Investigating officials will ask questions; only the questions asked should be answered. The responses you give should be based upon your firsthand knowledge. Do not respond with opinions, speculation, suppositions or conclusions.
NTSB Part 830 controls the reporting of accidents or incidents. (See attached, Part 830)
Aircraft damage and personal injury does not necessarily mean an "accident" or "incident", as defined by the NTSB, has occurred. In light of the facts of a particular event, carefully read the definitions at Section 830.2 and .5.
If an accident or incident (as defined) occurs involving Skyline Soaring equipment, we have the responsibility to report.
If an accident or incident (as defined) occurs involving non-Skyline Soaring equipment, we may not have the requirement to report, although the Club has a professional responsibility to assist in any way possible.
When notifying the FAA (which is acceptable in lieu of notifying the NTSB), specific information will be expected. (See Section 830.6.) Be prepared to relate the aircraft make, model and N number, name of PIC, name of owner/operator, date and time of the accident, points of departure and intended landing, location of accident, number aboard and nature of injuries, and nature of accident, extent of damage and weather conditions.
Since conditions can change in minutes, it is important to record weather data immediately.
Dealing with the news media can be overwhelming for the unwary. Some points to keep in mind:
One person should be designated to deal with the media
The media have a legitimate interest in receiving information in a timely manner, however, our interest in protecting our own is greater. The names of people involved should not be released or confirmed unless you are certain that family members have been advised of the situation. In response to questions about identity and the status of the situation, it is helpful to state what is currently being done, for example:
“We are working diligently to gather the information and verify its accuracy. According to our policy, the names will be released as soon as verification is complete and family members have been notified”
Do not assign the cause of the accident; typically, accidents have multiple causes and it is unlikely that a cause you may identify is the proximate cause.
AVOID SPECULATION ON ANY PHASE OF THE ACCIDENT RELATED TO PROBABLE CAUSE OR ANY UNCONFIRMED DETAILS. DO NOT ASSIGN CAUSE, instead state:
“We are cooperating fully with the FAA-NTSB in handling information related to the investigation of the accident.”
If you must release information, prepare a statement using objective terms only, for example:
“Shortly after 2:30 P.M, a glider landed off field after departing the airport. The reason for the outlanding is undetermined. Two persons have been transported to Front Royal and the nature and extent of the injuries are unknown. The names will not be available until the families have been notified”
Blue tarps are inexpensive, available and effective for covering wreckage. They can be purchased in Front Royal.
In the event an aircraft is overdue or missing, the Civil Air Patrol will organize the search. They must receive an "official" request from Sheriff, FSS, ATC, etc., at Air Force Rescue Center, Scott AFB, IL., 1-800-851-3051.
Crash site security is a local option, but is done whenever possible by the Civil Air Patrol and/or the KFRR FBO and/or the local rescue or police.
During a crisis, the overwhelming majority of people rise to the challenge and do what must be done. In the days following, most will suffer some symptoms of post traumatic stress. This very normal response can be dealt with through a critical incident debriefing. If indicated, a debriefing will be conducted.
Accident Report Form Available at: https://www.ntsb.gov/Pages/aviationreport.aspx
A. IMMEDIATELY.
Notify: Rescue - Fire – Police - Local Air Traffic
Fire/Rescue: Front Royal 911
FRR FBO: 540 635 3570
Air Traffic in area: FRR 123.0
Set up Skyline Soaring command post at FBO or other location with telephone.
Send two people to the road to direct emergency personnel and restrict access to others (including media).
Send at least two people to the scene for first aid rescue, do NOT send everyone – too many can be unhelpful too.
Send blankets
first aid kit
fire extinguisher
tool box
cell phone
handheld radio
B. NEXT:
Assign one person to be Skyline Soaring spokesperson and emergency services contact.
Assign two persons to be Skyline Soaring contact with family at scene, hospital or home.
Coordinate actions with the Virginia State Trooper.
Assign one person to collect accident information:
(exact times, known facts, witnesses, photos, current conditions, take pictures at the scene, etc.)
C. THEN.
Notify in club:
Skyline Soaring President
Notify FAA:
FAA - Dulles FSDO (703) 661 8160 / 6882.
Ask for the Duty Officer.
Weekends: Leesburg FSS (703) 779 4606 – direct line to supervisor and advise that wish to report an accident (note the time reported and initials of supervisor) FSS will contact FAA Duty Officer, who will return call.
If no response within 30 min., call back
D. LAST:
If aircraft released by FAA-NTSB and State Police, and it can be moved, move it to hangar, or into trailer.
If the aircraft is not released or cannot be moved, cover them with blue tarps and secure the scene. (Civil Air Patrol may assist)
Notify remaining officers/directors of Skyline Soaring.
The next business day, notify our insurance company if necessary. Do not call the insurance company until all relevant information about the accident is available.
Tel: 480-968-7746
Fax: 480-967-3828
Toll Free: 800-528-6483
(Assign one person as an insurance company contact.)
A. IMMEDIATELY.
Notify: Rescue - Fire - Police
911
Ask that report be relayed to . . .as appropriate
Set up command post at FRR
Gather all people at the command post for assignments.
Assign following Tasks:
Two people to be the Skyline Soaring contact with family at scene, hospital or home.
Three people to handle aircraft
One person to be Skyline Soaring spokesperson and emergency services contact.
Spokesman, and at least five others, in vehicles, go to the scene. Take a cell-phone, GPS, handheld radio, to the accident location.
B. NEXT.
Notify:
Skyline Soaring President
Assign one person to gather accident information at FRR (witnesses, photos, current conditions, exact times, investigators, landowner name, take pictures at scene, etc.)
Notify FAA:
FAA - Dulles FSDO (703) 661 8160 / 6882.
Ask for Duty Officer.
Weekends: Leesburg FSS (703) 779 4606 – direct line to supervisor and advise that wish to report an accident (note the time reported and initials of supervisor) FSS will contact FAA Duty Officer, who will return call.
If no response within 30 min., call back
C. LAST.
If the aircraft is released by FAA-NTSB and State Police and it can be moved, move it to hangar or into trailer.
If the aircraft is not released or cannot be moved, cover it with blue tarps and secure the scene. (Civil Air Patrol may assist)
Notify remaining officers/directors of Skyline Soaring
Next business day, notify our insurance company as above, if necessary. (Assign one person as an insurance company contact.)
This part contains rules pertaining to:
(a) Initial notification and later reporting of aircraft incidents and accidents and certain other occurrences in the operation of aircraft, wherever they occur, when they involve civil aircraft of the United States; when they involve certain public aircraft, as specified in this part, wherever they occur; and when they involve foreign civil aircraft where the events occur in the United States, its territories, or its possessions.
(b) Preservation of aircraft wreckage, mail, cargo, and records involving all civil and certain public aircraft accidents, as specified in this part, in the United States and its territories or possessions.
[60 FR 40112, Aug. 7, 1995]
As used in this part the following words or phrases are defined as follows:
Aircraft accident means an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which 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. For purposes of this part, the definition of “aircraft accident” includes “unmanned aircraft accident,” as defined herein.
Civil aircraft means any aircraft other than a public aircraft.
Fatal injury means any injury which results in death within 30 days of the accident.
Incident means an occurrence other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operations.
Operator means any person who causes or authorizes the operation of an aircraft, such as the owner, lessee, or bailee of an aircraft.
Public aircraft means an aircraft used only for the United States Government, or an aircraft owned and operated (except for commercial purposes) or exclusively leased for at least 90 continuous days by a government other than the United States Government, including a State, the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States, or a political subdivision of that government. “Public aircraft” does not include a government-owned aircraft transporting property for commercial purposes and does not include a government-owned aircraft transporting passengers other than: transporting (for other than commercial purposes) crewmembers or other persons aboard the aircraft whose presence is required to perform, or is associated with the performance of, a governmental function such as firefighting, search and rescue, law enforcement, aeronautical research, or biological or geological resource management; or transporting (for other than commercial purposes) persons aboard the aircraft if the aircraft is operated by the Armed Forces or an intelligence agency of the United States. Notwithstanding any limitation relating to use of the aircraft for commercial purposes, an aircraft shall be considered to be a public aircraft without regard to whether it is operated by a unit of government on behalf of another unit of government pursuant to a cost reimbursement agreement, if the unit of government on whose behalf the operation is conducted certifies to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration that the operation was necessary to respond to a significant and imminent threat to life or property (including natural resources) and that no service by a private operator was reasonably available to meet the threat.
Serious injury means any injury which:
(1) Requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date of the injury was received;
(2) results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose);
(3) causes severe hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage;
(4) involves any internal organ; or
(5) involves second- or third-degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface.
Substantial damage means damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes in the skin or fabric, ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips are not considered “substantial damage” for the purpose of this part.
Unmanned aircraft accident means an occurrence associated with the operation of any public or civil unmanned aircraft system that takes place between the time that the system is activated with the purpose of flight and the time that the system is deactivated at the conclusion of its mission, in which:
(1) Any person suffers death or serious injury; or
(2) The aircraft holds an airworthiness certificate and sustains substantial damage.
The operator of any civil aircraft, or any public aircraft not operated by the Armed Forces or an intelligence agency of the United States, or any foreign aircraft shall immediately, and by the most expeditious means available, notify the nearest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) office,[1] when:
(a) An aircraft accident or any of the following listed serious incidents occur:
(1) Flight control system malfunction or failure;
(2) Inability of any required flight crewmember to perform normal flight duties as a result of injury or illness;
(3) Failure of any internal turbine engine component that results in the escape of debris other than out the exhaust path;
(4) In-flight fire;
(5) Aircraft collision in flight;
(6) Damage to property, other than the aircraft, estimated to exceed $25,000 for repair (including materials and labor) or fair market value in the event of total loss, whichever is less.
(7) For large multiengine aircraft (more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight):
(i) In-flight failure of electrical systems which requires the sustained use of an emergency bus powered by a back-up source such as a battery, auxiliary power unit, or air-driven generator to retain flight control or essential instruments;
(ii) In-flight failure of hydraulic systems that results in sustained reliance on the sole remaining hydraulic or mechanical system for movement of flight control surfaces;
(iii) Sustained loss of the power or thrust produced by two or more engines; and
(iv) An evacuation of an aircraft in which an emergency egress system is utilized.
(8) Release of all or a portion of a propeller blade from an aircraft, excluding release caused solely by ground contact;
(9) A complete loss of information, excluding flickering, from more than 50 percent of an aircraft's cockpit displays known as:
(i) Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) displays;
(ii) Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) displays;
(iii) Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) displays; or
(iv) Other displays of this type, which generally include a primary flight display (PFD), primary navigation display (PND), and other integrated displays;
(10) Airborne Collision and Avoidance System (ACAS) resolution advisories issued when an aircraft is being operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan and compliance with the advisory is necessary to avert a substantial risk of collision between two or more aircraft.
(11) Damage to helicopter tail or main rotor blades, including ground damage, that requires major repair or replacement of the blade(s);
(12) Any event in which an operator, when operating an airplane as an air carrier at a public-use airport on land:
(i) Lands or departs on a taxiway, incorrect runway, or other area not designed as a runway; or
(ii) Experiences a runway incursion that requires the operator or the crew of another aircraft or vehicle to take immediate corrective action to avoid a collision.
(b) An aircraft is overdue and is believed to have been involved in an accident.
REPORTING AN ACCIDENT TO THE NTSB
Federal regulations require operators to notify the NTSB immediately of aviation accidents and certain incidents. 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 (49 CFR 830). The report should be filed with the nearest NTSB regional or field office. A phone call is sufficient initially, but a written follow-up will be required.
If you are requested to complete a Form 6120.1/2 "Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report", you may obtain the form from the requesting NTSB office or from this web page
REGIONAL OFFICES: AVIATION
These regional and field offices are not a source of general NTSB information; such requests must be made to headquarters, telephone (202) 314-6000.
Northeast Regional Office
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 2001 Route 46, Suite 504 Phone: 973-334-6420 (Eastern) Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 FAX: 973-334-6759
Northeast Field Office
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 490 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W. Phone: 202-314-6320 (Eastern) Washington, D.C. 20594 FAX: 202-314-6329