NTSB Reports

After maneuvering away from the airport, the Piper returned and executed a touch-and-go landing. Radar data indicate the airplane climbed to 900 feet msl at 80 knots of groundspeed before radar contact was lost. Witnesses observed the airplane flying normally, then saw the left wing separate from the fuselage, which impacted a field. Preliminary examination revealed the left wing main spar exhibited cracks from metal fatigue extending through more than 80 percent of the lower spar cap, and portions of the forward and aft spar web doublers. The right wing also exhibited fatigue cracks in the lower spar cap at the same hole location extending up to 0.047-inch deep. The 2007 airplane had accumulated 7690 flight hours since new. Weather at 0953 included wind from 260 degrees at seven knots, 10 statute miles of visibility and few clouds at 25,000 feet.

Key Takeaways:

• The NTSB reports detail numerous general aviation accidents in April 2018, frequently resulting in fatal injuries due to varied causes.
• Common factors contributing to these incidents include mechanical failures (e.g., wing spar fatigue, engine loss), challenging weather conditions, and issues with pilot situational awareness or decision-making.
• A significant commercial airline incident involved a catastrophic engine failure on a Boeing 737, leading to one fatality and rapid depressurization.
• General aviation accident rates for personal flying remained relatively flat from 2006-2015, with preliminary data indicating recent improvements.

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