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Bites At The Apple

Every now and then, we come across an accident report that makes us wonder what we would have done differently, and when. Usually, the answer is fairly clear-cut: Do exactly the opposite of what the accident pilot did. Sometimes, though, its not nearly so clear-cut, and we find ourselves wondering if we had been in the left seat, would we have done as well.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot fatally crashed due to fuel exhaustion after making multiple unsuccessful instrument approach attempts in low visibility and below minimums.
  • The NTSB determined the probable cause was the pilot's failure to land at airports with adequate instrument approach procedures and a delayed declaration of a fuel-related emergency.
  • The article highlights several missed opportunities to prevent the accident, including diverting earlier, refueling en route, and declaring an emergency sooner.
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Every now and then, we come across an accident report that makes us wonder what we would have done differently, and when. Usually, the answer is fairly clear-cut: Do exactly the opposite of what the accident pilot did. Sometimes, though, its not nearly so clear-cut, and we find ourselves wondering if we had been in the left seat, would we have done as well.

Were not sure the accident described here meets that criterion, since we dont know the airplanes condition during the flight, nor do we know much about the weather other than whats in the NTSB report. We do know we would have been monitoring our fuel supply more closely, and likely would not have used it up shooting approaches to airports below the procedures minimums. Divert early and often is something of a working motto, one thats served us well over the years. But we can see how we or anyone else might get into a similar situation as this months accident pilot.

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