Accident Probes

We may think we need to respond quickly, but abrupt control inputs at low speed usually are a bad idea.

‘Taking a look’ at your destination’s weather conditions works best when you’re proficient and well-rested. 

It turns out we don’t even have to be airborne before CO can enter the cabin and start compromising our abilities.

Why bother getting the rating when the avionics will fly the airplane on instruments better than I can?

Turning before you reach the missed approach point can place you between a rock and a hard place.

August 1, 2023, Sandersville, Ga. Velocity V-Twin Experimental At about 0922 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged in an apparent loss-of-control event following engine failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot sustained serious injuries; the passenger was fatally injured. The day before the accident flight, the airplane’s powerplants were inspected by a local mechanic authorized […]

We’ve all been there: At an en route fuel stop—or after a precautionary landing—we find something wrong with the airplane. Could be a bad magneto, a cold cylinder, a starter that won’t engage or a dead battery. If we’re lucky, the airport at which we find ourselves has a shop that can handle the challenge. […]

July 1, 2023, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Berkut 540 Experimental At about 0853 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it was force-landed on a road after engine failure. The solo pilot was not injured. During initial climb, at around 3400 feet msl, the pilot realized the engine had lost partial power. Fuel pressure, fuel […]

Anyone familiar with accident investigation likely has heard the phrase “chain of events.” It refers to any number of factors contributing to the accident or its severity. Of course, the vast majority of accidents result from one or more mistakes made by a human, generally referred to as pilot error. Mechanical causes pose much less […]

June 1, 2023, Pellston, Mich. Piper PA-28-181 Archer II/III At about 1155 Eastern time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when its left main landing gear strut failed, leaving the wheel assembly attached only by the brake line. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured in the subsequent landing. On takeoff following a touch-and-go […]