Aviation Safety

During landing in crosswind conditions, the pilot attempted to correct for crosswind with rudder and aileron inputs. While “continued correcting for crosswind and gusts,” the pilot applied full throttle to execute a go-around. The airplane “settled on the east of the runway and went into the grass.” An examination of the airplane showed that the wings were buckled, and the left main and nose landing gears were separated. An examination of the airplanes systems showed no anomalies.

The airport manager said the airplane began its takeoff on the 2500-foot-long Runway 13 from the displaced threshold, which is 400 feet from the approach end of the runway. The pilot said he rotated at 55 knots and the airplane lifted off the runway but would not climb. Almost immediately, the stall warning horn began to sound and he lowered the nose to gain speed. The airplane then settled back onto the runway. The pilot reduced the power and began applying brakes to abort the takeoff. The airplane overran the end of the runway, went down a hillside, and collided with trees about 600 feet from the runway. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

At about 2041 Pacific time, the airplane impacted terrain following a loss of control during takeoff initial climb. The two commercial pilots aboard sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Night visual conditions prevailed. The flights purpose was for the left-seat pilot to demonstrate the airplane to the right-seat pilot.

At 1830 Eastern time the airplane experienced a stuck rudder trim situation during a simulated single-engine instrument approach. It diverted and landed without incident at a nearby airport with more favorable winds. The instructor pilot and the pilot/owner receiving training were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed at the time of the incident.

The private pilot prepared for and encountered a crosswind on landing. However, as the airplane touched down, a gust of wind moved the airplane left and onto a grassy area next to the runway. The pilot attempted to abort the landing and applied full power, but the airplane stalled and slid on its belly into a fence. The airplane sustained damage to both main landing gears (which were torn off), the nose gear collapsed, the right side of the fuselage was torn open and the leading edge of both wings sustained damage.

At about 1550 Central time, the airplane was destroyed when it impacted water following a loss of control near Hemphill, Texas. The private pilot and the two passengers aboard were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. While the airplane was in cruise flight near Monroe, La., ATC lost contact. Repeated attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful as the airplane continued flying a straight line at 10,000 feet msl. At 1549, radar contact was lost.

The airplane experienced a loss of control during takeoff at about 0709 Mountain time MST and impacted an orange grove. The commercial pilot and flight instructor, the private pilot and one passenger aboard were killed; the airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 1030 Alaska time, the airplane sustained substantial damage during an aborted landing. Neither the certificated flight instructor (CFI) nor the student pilot were injured. Visual conditions prevailed. According to the CFI, during the accident landing, the student allowed the airplane to bounce slightly and, as the main wheels touched down again, the airplane veered to the left. The CFI took control of the airplane in an attempt to realign it, but it continued to veer to the left.

The helicopter was destroyed by a post-crash fire after impacting the ground at approximately 1045 Central time following an attempted takeoff from a private field. The pilot received minor injuries and the one passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The helicopter owner had reportedly purchased the helicopter seven days prior to the accident. Additionally, the helicopter was previously owned by a flight school, and had been disassembled for shipment. The accident pilot reportedly bought the helicopter and a local mechanic reassembled it.

At 1957 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field. Visual conditions prevailed. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries; the three passengers were not injured. According to an FAA inspector, the airplane was on final approach when the engine lost power. The pilot later characterized it as if someone had “flipped a switch.” The pilot stated that the engine did not sputter and no abnormalities were noted prior to the loss of engine power.