NTSB Reports October 2013: Recent general aviation and air carrier accidents

August 2, 2013, Eagle Bay, N.Y. Cub Crafters PA-18-150 The amphibian’s pilot was flying a visual approach to a lake, over mountainous terrain. On an approximate ¾-mile final approach to the lake, she observed a boat near her intended landing area and performed a go-around to circle for another approach. During the go-around and turn, the pilot did not move the throttle lever to full power. About ¼ through the turn, she noticed the airplane was descending and increased engine power. The airplane continued to descend, and she increased engine power a second time. However, one of the airplane’s floats contacted a tree, and the airplane impacted the ground. Examination revealed substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage.

Editorial Staff

Friday, September 20, 2013 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple incidents involved engine power issues, including partial or total loss, often leading to forced landings or impacts shortly after takeoff.
Several accidents stemmed from pilot error during critical flight phases like go-arounds, landings (e.g., hard landings, runway excursions), or low-altitude maneuvering, frequently resulting in loss of control or stalls.
Other reported incidents included a complete electrical system failure requiring a precautionary landing and an unusual event involving an accidental parachute deployment leading to a fatality.

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August 2, 2013, Eagle Bay, N.Y.
Cub Crafters PA-18-150
The amphibian’s pilot was flying a visual approach to a lake, over mountainous terrain. On an approximate ¾-mile final approach to the lake, she observed a boat near her intended landing area and performed a go-around to circle for another approach. During the go-around and turn, the pilot did not move the throttle lever to full power. About ¼ through the turn, she noticed the airplane was descending and increased engine power. The airplane continued to descend, and she increased engine power a second time. However, one of the airplane’s floats contacted a tree, and the airplane impacted the ground. Examination revealed substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage.

August 3, 2013, Chesterfield, Mo.
Cirrus Design SR22
At 0510 Central time, the airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain about 0.6 nm west of its departure airport. The airplane was fragmented, and a post-impact fire consumed much of its wings. The private pilot and passenger received fatal injuries. Instrument conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed.
A witness observed the accident airplane’s navigation lights for about 3 to 5 seconds as it traveled to the west.