Editor's Log: 06/06

Editor’s Log: 06/06

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Scott Crossfield

Key Takeaways:

Legendary test pilot Scott Crossfield died when his Cessna 210A entered a Level 6 thunderstorm, leading to a low-altitude in-flight breakup.
Crossfield advocated for "flight competence" over "flight safety," believing that thorough pre-flight preparation on the ground is paramount to a safe outcome and preventing surprises.
His method for high-risk test flights involved meticulous judgment, asking "Is this worth the risk?", and taking ample time to identify and mitigate potential issues before flight.
Crossfield's death, despite his vast experience, serves as a humbling reminder that even highly skilled pilots can succumb to seemingly routine flights, emphasizing aviation's inherent risks.

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As most in the aviation community know by now, legendary test pilot Scott Crossfield died April 19 when his Cessna 210A rapidly descended into remote mountainous terrain near Ludville, Ga., after entering an area of thunderstorms, as the NTSB put it. According to the safety board, his airplane entered a Level 6 thunderstorm just prior to ATC losing radar contact. The wreckage distribution was consistent with a low altitude in-flight breakup.

So ended the story of one of aviations most accomplished yet undemanding and innocuous personalities.