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Bites At The Apple

Every now and then, we come across an accident report that makes us wonder what we would have done differently, and when. Usually, the answer is fairly clear-cut: Do exactly the opposite of what the accident pilot did. Sometimes, though, its not nearly so clear-cut, and we find ourselves wondering if we had been in the left seat, would we have done as well.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A fatal crash occurred due to a pilot experiencing engine failure from fuel exhaustion during an IFR flight in challenging night instrument conditions.
  • The pilot made multiple unsuccessful instrument approach attempts at various airports where reported weather was often below procedure minimums.
  • Despite dwindling fuel, the pilot delayed diverting to a suitable airport with better conditions and did not declare an emergency until the engine ran out of fuel.
  • The NTSB concluded the probable causes were the pilot's poor decision-making regarding landing at suitable airports and the delayed declaration of a fuel emergency.
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Every now and then, we come across an accident report that makes us wonder what we would have done differently, and when. Usually, the answer is fairly clear-cut: Do exactly the opposite of what the accident pilot did. Sometimes, though, its not nearly so clear-cut, and we find ourselves wondering if we had been in the left seat, would we have done as well.

Were not sure the accident described here meets that criterion, since we dont know the airplanes condition during the flight, nor do we know much about the weather other than whats in the NTSB report. We do know we would have been monitoring our fuel supply more closely, and likely would not have used it up shooting approaches to airports below the procedures minimums. Divert early and often is something of a working motto, one thats served us well over the years. But we can see how we or anyone else might get into a similar situation as this months accident pilot.

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