====== Riddle 106 Piper Arrow Crash - 4/4/18 ======

{{ ::kdab-twr-sec-apr-04-2018-1330z.mp3 | LiveATC Recording File}}

Riddle 106 initial contact 14:50. Contact lost appx 22:30

====== Comments (unconfirmed) ======

The Arrow (Riddle 106) was doing pattern work and was put on an extended upwind, then tower lost contact with them and began asking other aircraft if they could see anything around the area. One aircraft reported possibly seeing something white falling, but they had hoped it was just a bird. A few minutes go by with tower asking other aircraft in the pattern to keep an eye out and attempting to contact the Arrow. Finally, one aircraft reported seeing the debris and several cars starting to gather around the scene.

Talked to a flight instructor on campus. Seems that the plane was in the maintenance hanger all last night, and this was the first flight the plane flew afterwards. Entire flight line is closed as a result.

====== Articles/Links ======

[[https://i.imgur.com/h3IadFW.jpg]]

[[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZ8p2xzWAAIYysJ.jpg]]

[[https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N106ER]]

[https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N106ER/history/20180404/1327Z/KDAB/KDAB]]

[[https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/ERAU-Crash-Investigation-Focused-on-Wing-Spar-230590-1.html]]

====== ERAU Statement ======


Yesterday, I was deeply saddened to let you know that a tragic aircraft accident had claimed the lives of an Embry-Riddle student pilot as well as a pilot examiner.

With a heavy heart, I can now confirm that the fallen were our student and U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Capra and John S. Azma, a highly experienced pilot examiner designated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Zach, 25, had planned to graduate this summer with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics. He was a member of Embry-Riddle’s Student Veterans Organization, having transferred to the university following his service to the Navy (2012-2016). Zach had been an aviation boatswain’s mate on the USS Harry S. Truman. He graduated from Mountain Range High School in Westminster, Colo., and he attended Adam State University in 2011.

An aspiring pilot, Zach was described by a friend as someone who smiled often and never hesitated to provide encouragement to others.

Zach was the beloved son of Patsy and John Capra of Thornton, Colo.

John Azma, founder of AZMA Flt Inc. of Orlando, Fla., was well known and respected by many in the Embry-Riddle community. He was a highly decorated FAA-designated pilot examiner as well as a pilot proficiency examiner and a flight instructor, John had at least 20 years of flight experience and nearly a dozen unique jet aircraft-type ratings. His proficiencies encompassed many aircraft, from single-engine piston aircraft to multiengine turbine powered jets. He was known for his calm professionalism in the cockpit.

John is survived by his wife, Isabelle Azma, and their two sons.

We have all been shocked and devastated by this tragedy. We will continue to provide support for everyone in the Embry-Riddle community who is experiencing grief. We share our sincere condolences to all those affected by this loss.

The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an in-depth investigation. We are working closely with authorities to support their efforts in any way we can. We will provide additional information on an ongoing basis, as soon as we possibly can.

Campus members in need of support at this time are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center or the Chaplain’s Office.

Sincerely,

Barry P. Butler, Ph.D.