Aviation Safety

The airplane sustained substantial damage at about 1000 Central time during a forced landing following the loss of a propeller blade while in cruise flight. The solo private pilot received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. In an interview, the pilot reported departing the local airport and was in cruise flight when a blade from the three-blade wooden propeller separated from the airplane.

At about 0530 Mountain time, the airplane collided with terrain and was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight took off at about 0525. The operator stated the airplane was equipped to release moths under a state-run program. The airplane normally flies at 500 feet agl when releasing the moths.

The helicopter, operated by the Virginia State Police, was substantially damaged during an emergency landing following an engine failure and autorotation at about 1335 Eastern time. The flight instructor and the commercial pilot were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed for the public-use flight.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0718 Pacific time when it impacted terrain during initial climb. The solo commercial pilot was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness in the ATC tower observed the accident airplane depart, reporting it appeared to be “on a normal climb.”

At 1100 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The solo private pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. While cruising at 2900 feet agl, the pilot advanced the throttle and heard a “pop” from the engine. The engine lost all power and the propeller stopped.

The foreign-registered airplane was substantially damaged at about 1015 Eastern time during impact with trees and a house shortly after takeoff. The commercial pilot and one passenger were seriously injured; another passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The flights purpose was to ferry toys and relief supplies to Haiti. The pilot stated he retracted the wing flaps “too early” after takeoff.

The airplane was substantially damaged at approximately 1853 Central time upon impact with terrain. The private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot and passenger were performing a post-maintenance test flight and were returning to the airfield. While descending through 2500 feet msl, the airplanes engine abruptly lost all power.

At about 2145 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground in a residential area shortly after takeoff. Night visual conditions prevailed. The private pilot and one passenger were seriously injured; the other two passengers sustained minor injuries.

The airplane sustained substantial damage at approximately 1905 Central time following a loss of directional control and subsequent impact with terrain during initial takeoff. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. According to the pilot, the airplane was lifted off at 65 knots and was accelerating to 75 knots when it began an uncommanded right yaw.

At about 1511 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed during an explosion after landing. The private pilot and his passenger were seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed. While the airplane was on short final, “about 200 feet from the runway,” the pilot experienced a “brief whiff” of an odor similar to “a gas smell.” Upon landing the passenger asked if they should open the door and the pilot stated “wait [un]til we clear the runway.”