Pilot Proficiency

Rocky Mountain Low

Tuesday, November 06, 2018 at 01:00 AM ET

Verified

My 1978 Beech Bonanza on the runway in Telluride, Colorado. Ben Younger

Key Takeaways:

The author survived a serious airplane crash in 2018 due to unexpected wind shear during takeoff at a high-altitude airport, skillfully recovering from a stall to save himself, his passenger, and dog, though totaling his aircraft.
The incident highlighted critical lessons about the importance of rigorous attention to weather briefings, density altitude, and professional aeronautical decision-making, even for experienced pilots.
Despite the traumatic experience and initial thoughts of quitting, the author reaffirmed his passion for flying, purchased a new aircraft, and now shares his honest experiences and lessons as a "newbie" pilot to benefit the aviation community.

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I totaled my airplane on May 27, 2018, at 10:30 in the morning.

Ben Younger is a TV and film writer/director, avid motorcyclist and surfer—but it’s being a pilot that he treats as a second profession. Find him on Instagram @thisisbenyounger.