Aviation Safety

The twin turboprop sustained substantial damage when it impacted the side of a terminal building while parking on the airport terminals ramp. After a normal landing, the pilot was maneuvering on the parking ramp. After stopping, the pilot put the throttles into the Beta range and backed the airplane about four to six feet so that it would align with another airplane parked on the ramp.

At approximately 0930 Pacific time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a gear-up landing. The Commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight, which originated from Redding, Calif., at approximately 0800. The pilot later said that he changed his landing runway to 30 because the other runway had “no braking action on it.”

The airplane was destroyed during a forced landing at about 1300 Eastern time, fatally injuring the solo Commercial pilot. While en route on an IFR flight plan, the pilot told ATC he had “engine problems” and needed “the next VFR airport.” Subsequently, the controller asked the pilot if he needed to climb, and the pilot replied he needed to descend “right away to get a warmer temperature.”

At about 1745 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach. The Private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed for the flight from McMinnville, Tenn. At 1738, the airplane was about 10 miles northwest of Annapolis, Md., its destination, at 2500 feet.

The helicopter was substantially damaged when it rolled over onto its side during an off-airport precautionary landing at approximately 1130 Mountain time. The Commercial pilot and his passenger received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 1859 Central time, the airplane was destroyed when it collided with terrain while executing an ILS approach. The Commercial pilot and two passengers aboard were fatally injured. Night instrument conditions prevailed. As the pilot approached the Waco Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) area, he received a clearance for and vectors for the ILS Runway 19 approach.

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain at 1248 Pacific time. The student pilot, who also owned the airplane, was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported the student pilot planned on doing touch-and-go landings. A witness reported he observed the airplane in a steep, nose-low, left downwind to base turn and that the airplane continued the descending turn until he lost sight of the aircraft behind a tree line.

At 0804 Central time, the airplane was destroyed during a forced landing in a field following loss of engine power and an in-flight fire during cruise flight. The solo Private pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted trees at about 1310 Eastern time, shortly after takeoff. The Commercial pilot was fatally injured; visual conditions prevailed. During the approximate six-month period prior to the accident flight, the elevator trim actuator was removed and replaced as part of major maintenance. Four mechanics worked on the airplane during that time.

Why do reciprocating aircraft engines have independent dual ignition systems? At first glance, the answer seems obvious: for a safety backup. Most pilots will agree that if one system fails, the other will provide enough spark to keep the engine running. Keeping the combustion going is only one reason for the dual-magneto system.