Aviation Safety

November 25, 2004, Corona, Calif. / Cessna 411

At 1434 Pacific time, the airplane collided with terrain during the initial climb about one minute after takeoff. The Private pilot and one passenger were fatally injuried; the airplane was destroyed. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses observed the airplane taking off on Runway 25. It climbed straight out about one mile before beginning to fishtail slightly. They observed the right wing rotate down about 45 degrees and then the nose of the airplane abruptly pointed down. The airplane maintained a steep downward path until it disappeared behind trees. The witnesses then observed a plume of smoke….

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November 25, 2004, Kilmichael, Miss. / Cessna 195

The airplane impacted the ground after colliding with power lines at about 1501 Central time. Visual conditions prevailed; The Private pilot and one passenger received fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. Friends of the pilots family later stated the pilot and his son had dropped off the pilots father, daughter and niece and were returning to the Winona-Montgomery County Airport, which is near the home of the pilots in-laws. Witnesses at the in-laws house saw the airplane fly over the house, turn around and fly toward the house at a low altitude. The airplanes left landing gear collided with power lines spanning a pond behind the house. The airplane nosed over and impacted th…

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November 30, 2004, Philadelphia, Penn. / Mitsubishi MU-2

The aircraft was substantially damaged at 0608 Eastern time when it collided with an aircraft tug during an attempted takeoff from the Philadelphia International Airport. There were no injuries among the pilot, the tug driver, or two additional ground personnel. Visual conditions prevailed for the flight. At 0604, a Delta Air Lines maintenance tug, towing an MD-80, contacted the ground controller, advised he was at the south apron and requested to relocate to Echo one. The tug was cleared to …proceed as requested and cross Runway 35 to spot eleven and call ramp control. At 0605, the MU-2s pilot advised he was ready for takeoff on Runway 35 at the Kilo intersection. He was subsequently…

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NTSB Preliminary Reports

November 4, 2004, Key West, Fla.
SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad

At about 1927 Eastern time, the airplane was lost from radar 4.87 nautical miles and 192 degrees from the Key West International Airport, Key West, Fla. Visual conditions prevailed for the planned flight from Key West to the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport in Sarasota, Fla. The airplane was presumed destroyed and the pilot is presumed to be fatally injured; the passenger was fatally injured. The flight originated at about 1923. At 1924:28, the pilot established contact with the Naval Air Station Key West Air Traffic Facility. At 1926:36, the NAS ATCF controller advised the pilot to turn right heading 360 degree…

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November 4, 2004, Key West, Fla. / SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad

At about 1927 Eastern time, the airplane was lost from radar 4.87 nautical miles and 192 degrees from the Key West International Airport, Key West, Fla. Visual conditions prevailed for the planned flight from Key West to the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport in Sarasota, Fla. The airplane was presumed destroyed and the pilot is presumed to be fatally injured; the passenger was fatally injured. The flight originated at about 1923. At 1924:28, the pilot established contact with the Naval Air Station Key West Air Traffic Facility. At 1926:36, the NAS ATCF controller advised the pilot to turn right heading 360 degrees and when able to proceed direct to Lee County VORTAC, which the pilot c…

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November 12, 2004, Paint Lick, Ky. / Cessna P210

At 1147 Eastern time, the airplae was destroyed during a forced landing attempt. The Commercial pilot was fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed for the flight between Talladega, Ala., and Columbus, Ohio. While in cruise at FL190, the pilot reported a loss of cabin pressure, and thought he had a turbocharger problem. After a descent and changes in heading, the pilot stated, Were declaring an emergency, Ive got low oil pressure, I need the closest airport. The controller advised that Madison County Airport (I39) was 12 miles north. At this point, the airplane was at 12,300 feet. Subsequently, the controller advised the pilot that the airplane was over the airport at 7200 feet. T…

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Flap Secrets

What could be simpler than wing flaps? But not all designs work the same and each has it quirks. Heres how to get the most out of the type youre flying.

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Defensive IFR

Sure, controllers work for the the FAA. But that doesn’t mean all clearances and directives have to be followed. Here’s how to refuse a bad clearance.

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Pilot in aircraft
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