Aviation Safety

At 1058 Pacific time, a Boeing 737 operating as Southwest Airlines Flight 649 and a Cessna C172 were involved in a runway incursion. The airplanes came within 200 feet vertically and 10 feet laterally as the 737 was landing and the Cessna 172 was departing an intersecting runway after completing a touch and go. The event occurred during daylight visual conditions.

The airplane sustained substantial damage when its landing gear collapsed at about 1905 Mountain time during a forced landing. The flight instructor was not injured, but his private-rated student received minor injuries. During a normal takeoff, at about 200 to 300 feet agl, the left engine suddenly lost all power. The flight instructor took control and attempted to feather the left engine but the airplane was losing altitude.

At about 1101 Eastern time, the helicopter was substantially damaged during power-line installtion operations. Visual conditions prevailed. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries and an additional crewmember sustained serious injuries. Preliminary examination revealed a rope was wrapped around the main rotor mast.

At 1253 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed during an in-flight collision with terrain and post-impact fire. Visual conditions prevailed for the IFR flight. The pilot and sole passenger sustained fatal injuries. At 1251, the pilot informed ATC the flight was airborne. About 1252, the pilot said he needed to return to the airport because a “compartment” had come open. Shortly afterward, the pilot stated he had an engine failure and was declaring an emergency.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1440 Central time during an in-flight collision with terrain. Visual conditions prevailed. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries. The sole passenger on-board sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported a loss of engine power after takeoff and was unable to maintain flight.

At about 0915 Atlantic time, the airplane was substantially damaged after an in-flight loss of engine power and forced landing. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. Shortly after takeoff, at about 200 feet agl, the right engine surged. In response, the pilot feathered the right propeller and advanced the left engines throttle.

The airplane was substantially damaged and its solo private pilot fatally injured upon impacting terrain while maneuvering. Visual conditions prevailed for the practice aerobatic flight. Prior to a scheduled aerobatic competition, the pilot was engaged in a practice session.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1600 Eastern time when it collided with terrain. The private pilot was seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane came to rest in a cow pasture, oriented approximately north/south.

At about 0030 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed during an in-flight collision with terrain. The airplane impacted near the approach end of the runway, killing the solo private pilot. Night visual conditions prevailed.

My wife and I have enjoyed using our Skyhawk to make trips to visit family and friends, including several trips from our home airport in Frederick, Md. (KFDK), to Lake City, Fla. (KLCQ), where my mother-in-law resides. On one of these trips, I was reminded how important it is to properly preflight the airplane, not rush the process, nor skip any items. A trip from KFDK to KLCQ requires at least one stop, and depending on winds, weather and comfort, we have made the trip with two legs. This trip, the first leg took us nearly halfway; we got fuel, and had lunch. I seldom miss an opportunity to top off the tanks-having been schooled that fuel on the ground is of little use once airborne-and I look for opportunities to frequent FBOs at general aviation airports. After lunch, I left my wife to go preflight the airplane, thoroughly. And we departed for our next leg.