Aviation Safety

At about 1030 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and terrain following a total loss of engine power while maneuvering for landing. The foreign-rated pilot seated in the left front seat and the pilot-rated passenger seated in the right rear seat were seriously injured. The pilot seated in the right front seat and the passenger seated in the left rear seat received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane impacted terrain at an undetermined time. The solo private pilot was fatally injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. Instrument conditions prevailed; the flight was not operating on an IFR clearance. The flight departed Fort Worth, Texas, en route to Tulsa, Okla.

At about 1710 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a field while performing low-level aerobatics. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

The float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged at 1630 Eastern time during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The private pilot/owner and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 1205 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight. The private pilot was not injured, but the pilot-rated-passenger incurred minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

By The Numbers: U.S. Civil Aviation Accidents

The airplane impacted open water near the coast of northeast Jamaica at about 1410 Eastern time. The commercial pilot/owner and his passenger were fatally injured. An IFR flight plan was in effect.

Engine failure. Take a breath and collect yourself. Hopefully you have a flow memorized to try and restore power, and maybe it includes the fuel selector, mixture control, boost pump, magnetos and more. But what about the throttle?

Let’s dispel some myths: Ditching done well is not all that dangerous. My recent ditching was devoid of actual trauma. Most people—about 90 percent—survive a ditching, and those who don’t are usually the ones who did not take basic steps to prepare. Some recent incidents and my own experience demonstrate ditching usually is very survivable and taking a few precautions can greatly enhance the possibility of a favorable outcome.

Reviewing the terminal procedure charts, checking the obstacle clearance procedures and picking your preferred departure runway based on the terrain that gives you the greatest number of options if anything goes wrong is more than most non-commercial pilots do for instrument departures.