Aircraft Accidents: the NTSB Reports

Every month, Aviation Safety publishes aircraft accident reports in order to give our readers the broadest perspective on aviation and the risks it involves. Our goal is to pass along a message of caution and safety as much as one of thrill and freedom. That's why we think you should hear about recent mishaps from around the country. Here are some gathered from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Editorial Staff

Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Multiple general aviation aircraft experienced fatal accidents in October 2015, resulting from a variety of causes including engine failure, loss of control, and in-flight breakups.
Pilot decisions and actions, such as unauthorized flights, misjudgment during maneuvers, or navigational errors, were noted as contributing factors in several incidents.
Accidents occurred under diverse flight conditions (VFR, IFR, night) and locations across the US, causing substantial damage or destruction to the aircraft.

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October 2, 2015, Huntsville, Texas
Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee 140

At about 1030 Central time, the airplane collided with terrain and was substantially damaged. The solo private pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

The pilot replaced the airplane’s battery the day before the accident. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot added air to the nosewheel tire, and told a mechanic he was flying the airplane to be examined by a prospective buyer. The airplane’s owner, the pilot’s brother-in-law, later stated the pilot was going to check the radios, but was not supposed to fly the airplane. The owner added that the airplane had not flown recently, nor had the pilot. Later that day, the airplane’s wreckage was found on a law enforcement shooting range just east of the airport.