New NTSB Report Reveals Details of Fatal Covelo Plane Crash

NTSB’s photograph and diagram of the crash site [From the NTSB]

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Airport Index describes the Round Valley Airport as being in a challenging location, surrounded by high mountains and ridges where mountain flying experience is “strongly recommended”. The pilot took off from Runway 28 and made a left turn, despite the right traffic pattern suggested by the airport index.

As described in the NTSB preliminary report, witnesses recounted seeing the airplane lift off near the departure end of runway 28 before beginning a left turn towards the northwest in a nose-high attitude. The aircraft then cleared a group of trees by about 20 feet while maintaining the left turn from approximately 60 feet above ground level. As it turned towards the south, the bank angle increased to about 70 degrees, and the airplane subsequently crashed, then exploded before catching on fire.

NTSB’s map of the incident

The NTSB report states that the airplane came to rest on a hillside about 0.4 nautical miles west of the departure end of Runway 28 at a field elevation of around 1,500 feet above ground level. 

Several 20-foot-tall trees with broken tops and branches marked the first point of impact. A 50-foot-long debris path led from the first point of impact to the main wreckage, which was mostly consumed by fire.

Further investigation revealed a significant difference in elevation between the ridgelines encountered depending on the turn direction. Mapping released by the NTSB showed that the ridgeline to the right of the departure end rose approximately 1,800 feet above ground level. In contrast, the ridgeline to the left, which the pilot would have observed while taking off, rose to 4,000 feet above ground level.

According to KSLTV5, Porter was a seasoned pilot with over 30 years of flying experience and more than 15 years with JetBlue. He and his girlfriend originally took off from Heber Valley Airport in Utah. The flight was bound for Shelter Cove on the Southern Humboldt Coast but diverted to Round Valley when the coastal destination was fogged in.

NTSB has yet to issue its final report which should provide a more comprehensive analysis of the conditions and circumstances that contributed to the crash.

Earlier:

• Airplane Engulfed in Flames After Crashing at Covelo Airport
• Covelo Plane Crash Claims Lives of JetBlue Pilot and Partner: Young Families Seek Support through GoFundMe Campaigns