NTSB Reports

After maneuvering away from the airport, the Piper returned and executed a touch-and-go landing. Radar data indicate the airplane climbed to 900 feet msl at 80 knots of groundspeed before radar contact was lost. Witnesses observed the airplane flying normally, then saw the left wing separate from the fuselage, which impacted a field. Preliminary examination revealed the left wing main spar exhibited cracks from metal fatigue extending through more than 80 percent of the lower spar cap, and portions of the forward and aft spar web doublers. The right wing also exhibited fatigue cracks in the lower spar cap at the same hole location extending up to 0.047-inch deep. The 2007 airplane had accumulated 7690 flight hours since new. Weather at 0953 included wind from 260 degrees at seven knots, 10 statute miles of visibility and few clouds at 25,000 feet.

Key Takeaways:

• The reports detail multiple general aviation accidents involving runway/taxiway collisions, engine failures, and loss of control, often resulting in fatalities.
• Several fatal accidents occurred in challenging conditions, including an in-flight breakup due to fatigue cracks and others in instrument meteorological conditions or involving icing.
• A significant commercial air carrier incident involved a catastrophic engine failure on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737, leading to rapid depressurization, one fatality, and substantial aircraft damage.
• NTSB data indicates that general aviation total and fatal accident rates remained relatively flat between 2006 and 2015, with preliminary data suggesting some improvements since.

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