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:

Many aviation incidents in early October 2015 involved private pilots, frequently resulting in fatal injuries and substantial or total destruction of the aircraft.
Common contributing factors included loss of engine power, loss of control during various flight phases (takeoff, maneuvering, approach), and mid-air structural breakup.
Several accidents highlighted potential pilot judgment issues, such as unauthorized flights, improper pre-flight checks (e.g., fuel exhaustion), or difficulties managing challenging flight conditions like downdrafts or weather.

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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.