Required Fix to Strengthen Rear Tailcone Skins

Van's has issued a service bulletin for RV-12 and RV-12iS aircraft, specifically requiring owners to inspect the lower portion of the tailcone for cracks, and install stiffening equipment to bolster them should damage be found. Van's issued the warning after receiving reports of cracking along the lower tailcone skins of RV-12 near the tail bulkheads, observed along the centerline of the plane. Even if cracking is not evident, owners are required to install the support clips. If damage is uncovered, then an additional patch plate will need to be fabricated and installed all at once.

During The Last 30 Seconds Of The Flight, The Airplane Flew About 100 ft AGL

On February 1, 2022, about 1340 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182T airplane, N716MC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Heath, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal cross country flight. At 1338, the pilot completed a touch-and-go landing at Newark-Heath Airport (VTA), Newark, Ohio, then departed to the east. The airplane climbed to about 500 ft above ground level (agl), then descended to 85 ft agl over a residential area. During the last 30 seconds of the flight, the airplane flew about 100 ft agl and about 145 kts groundspeed before it descended into trees.