Aviation Safety

The airplane sustained substantial damage at about 1200 Pacific time as a result of a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial climb. The solo commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 0745 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with a hedgerow during a forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The solo commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Part 135 on-demand cargo flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

At approximately 1818 Eastern time, the airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1927 Eastern time while landing. Night visual conditions prevailed. The flight instructor and private pilot were not injured.

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a non-airport vehicle and then terrain during takeoff. Visual conditions prevailed. The private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured; the vehicle occupant was not injured.

At about 0726 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged when the pilot deployed its airframe parachute after the engine experienced a complete loss of oil pressure during cruise flight. The private pilot/owner received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was in effect.

The airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing at about 0005 Eastern time, following loss of engine power while on approach. The private pilot incurred minor injuries. Instrument conditions prevailed.

The airplane impacted terrain at about 1320 Central time, sustaining substantial damage. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 1855 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain while being vectored for an ILS approach.

These pages often have extolled the virtues of night flying, with less traffic and smoother air foremost among them. In almost the same breath, however, we also caution against the many ways night flying can trip us up. Yes, our basic inability to, you know, actually see things outside the airplane can be a problem, but that’s only part of the challenges we face when flying at night.