Fatal loss-of-control accidents are common in general aviation IFR flights in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), primarily due to insufficient training in en route weather strategy and actual cloud flying.
Turbulence, particularly from thunderstorms and frontal zones, is a leading cause of loss of control, often compounded by pilots misusing Nexrad weather radar for penetration rather than strategic avoidance.
Autopilots, while critical for single-pilot IFR, can contribute to loss of control if pilots lack a thorough understanding of their specific limitations and operational behaviors in turbulent conditions.
Preventing these accidents ultimately relies on strict abstinence from severe weather and the mastery of fundamental aircraft control, especially maintaining wings-level flight, regardless of challenging conditions.
From the NTSB: “The controller asked the pilot if he had weather radar on board, and he reported he did and it gave him weather every five minutes.
“At 0930, the controller reported to the pilot that the ‘lightest weather’ was ‘about a one nine five heading for seven miles and then it looks like you will be able to get back to Richmond.’
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
