Pilot-Related

While it would be foolhardy to attempt a challenging back-country landing if your only recent experience involves shooting ILSes, the same cannot be said for low-level maneuvering: Its always a bad idea. In fact, low-level maneuvering, according to AOPA Air Safety Institutes 23rd Joseph T. Nall Report, a regular look-see at general aviation accidents, is one of the two leading causes of pilot-related fatalities.

Editorial Staff

Friday, March 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Low-level maneuvering is identified as one of the top two leading causes of pilot-related fatalities in general aviation, according to the AOPA Air Safety Institute.
This dangerous practice, often involving "buzzing" or thrill-seeking, is surpassed in lethality only by aerobatic practice or performance.
A significant portion of low-level maneuvering accidents result from controlled flight into wires, structures, terrain, or other obstructions, or from unintentional stalls at altitudes too low for recovery.

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While it would be foolhardy to attempt a challenging back-country landing if your only recent experience involves shooting ILSes, the same cannot be said for low-level maneuvering: It’s always a bad idea. In fact, low-level maneuvering, according to AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 23rd Joseph T. Nall Report, a regular look-see at general aviation accidents, is “one of the two leading causes of pilot-related fatalities.”