Accident Probes

May 1, 2021, Hutchinson, Kan. Beech 23 Musketeer At 0925 Central time, the airplane settled into terrain shortly after takeoff, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot received minor injuries; the three passengers were uninjured. Visual conditions prevailed for the Young Eagles flight. During takeoff, the pilot later reported, the airplane would not climb higher than treetop […]

Every now and then, I come across an NTSB accident report that leaves me shaking my head. After absorbing the facts and the outcome, I want to reach out to grab the pilot and shake him—it’s always a “him”—into some more enlightened state of awareness regarding the possible consequences of his actions. So it is […]

April 1, 2021, Augusta, Kan. Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee 140 At about 1630 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following an engine power loss. The two pilots aboard were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot-in-command reported that he was performing a practice VOR/DME-A instrument approach with a safety pilot. Shortly […]

About this time each year, this magazine includes some admonishments to those planning to fly to an airshow. They can be as basic as recommending familiarity with an associated Notam or include a detailed analysis of the challenges. In either case, risk-management concepts like checking and understanding weather, and avoiding such human foibles as “get-there-itis,” […]

After the primary flight controls—elevator, rudder and ailerons on conventional airplanes—the most frequently used secondary control is pitch trim. That’s because a typical flight in any airplane involves a range of speeds, and pitch trim is used to minimize control forces throughout the operating envelope. Even if the pilot can supply that force, it’s fatiguing. […]

March 2, 2021, Johnstown, N.Y. Cessna P210N Pressurized Centurion At about 0747 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when its landing gear collapsed on a runway. The solo pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. While in cruise, the pilot heard an unfamiliar noise that became increasingly louder and he diverted to a nearby […]

I’ve always been one to advocate getting as much airplane as you can afford for your mission. For example, if your analysis says a Cessna 172 meets your needs, seriously consider a 182. The operating costs aren’t that much more, it’s faster and it carries more. Plus, it’s a good bet your mission will expand—mission […]

February 2, 2021, Leicester, Mass. Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage At about 1645 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it apparently entered a tailplane stall during an in-flight icing encounter and collided with terrain. The commercial pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed at the accident site; an IFR flight plan […]

January 2, 2021, Moab, Utah Cessna P210N Pressurized Centurion At about 1430 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged during an attempted takeoff when its engine lost power. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. According to the pilot, pre-takeoff operations were normal. Shortly after liftoff, at about 100-200 feet agl, […]

A lot of pixels and ink have been spilled over the last several decades discussing the ever-increasing automation in our cockpits and the challenges thereof. Some of those spills involve detailed directions on how to operate a specific piece of avionics equipment while others focus on the larger picture of how the equipment and the airframe/powerplant […]