Aviation Safety

At about 1248 Pacific time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial climb. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses observed the airplane take off and heard the engine sputtering.

The airplane was destroyed at about 0600 Central time when it collided with terrain while executing an instrument approach. The solo airline transport pilot was fatally injured. An IFR flight plan was filed; night instrument conditions prevailed.

At approximately 2221 Central time, the airplane was destroyed after it collided with the water in Laguna Madre. The commercial pilot and the passenger were fatally injured. No flight plan was originally filed; however, the pilot filed an instrument flight rules flight plan while en route. Night instrument conditions prevailed.

The airplane incurred minor damage while landing at about 1205 Eastern time. The airline transport pilot and commercial pilot were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. During a go-around following a practice instrument approach, the crew retracted the landing gear. However, a controller advised the landing gear appeared to be in the extended position.

At approximately 1430 Pacific time, the airplane impacted terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. The flight instructor and student pilot were killed. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 2355 Central when it collided with terrain while executing an instrument approach. The solo commercial pilot was fatally injured. An IFR flight plan was filed; night instrument conditions prevailed. The airplane came to rest in the upright position, on a heading of approximately 114 degrees, and about mile south of Runway 35.

At about 1738 Pacific time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following an aborted landing. The instrument-rated private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Instrument conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed. The pilot subsequently picked up some light rime ice during the approach and turned on all of the airplanes deicing equipment.

The airplane sustained substantial damage at about 1445 Pacific time following loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing. The solo private pilot received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. Abeam the approach end of the runway, the pilot retarded the throttle to about 1000 rpm, then attempted to add power. There was no response from the engine.

While on final approach, a crosswind gust pushed the airplanes nose to the left. The pilot corrected back to the runway centerline but after landing “…a wind gust turned the tail and accelerated a right turn or a ground loop. The left wing touched the ground and the left gear collapsed.” The left main gear fuselage attachment sustained substantial damage.

At 1304 Eastern time, the S-LSA was substantially damaged during collision with trees and terrain following an inadvertent spin and dive recovery. The private pilot sustained minor injuries; the flight instructor was seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed.