Only five percent of general aviation accidents during 2010 occurred in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). But these accidents comprised 18 percent of all fatal crashes that year, and almost two-thirds of them proved fatal. According to the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 2011 Nall Report, this is a familiar pattern.
Despite extensive training, instrument-rated pilots are frequently involved in a disproportionate number of fatal weather-related accidents, often due to an optimistic bias that leads them to rationalize risks during actual flights.
These incidents typically arise when pilots fail to proactively plan for contingencies or maintain an "out," instead pushing into deteriorating conditions and leaving themselves with limited or no escape options.
To enhance safety, pilots must adopt a "pessimistic" training mindset in real-world flying, consistently evaluating potential weather hazards and pre-briefing specific escape plans or alternative actions before encountering adverse conditions.
Only five percent of general aviation accidents during 2010 occurred in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). But these accidents comprised 18 percent of all fatal crashes that year, and almost two-thirds of them proved fatal. According to the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 2011 Nall Report, this is a familiar pattern.
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