NTSB Reports: October 2016

The flight instructor set the airplane up for simulated engine failure by pulling out the carburetor heat control and reducing throttle to 1200 rpm. The student pilot followed emergency procedures, used the checklist and prepared to land. After the carburetor heat control was pushed back in and the throttle advanced, there was a sudden loss of power; efforts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The airplane collided with the fence during the landing.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A significant number of accidents involved a loss of engine power, leading to forced landings on roads, fields, or water, often resulting in substantial damage.
Pilot judgment and control issues were prevalent, including misjudged landings, spatial disorientation, aborted takeoffs, and system mismanagement (e.g., retracted landing gear, open baggage compartment).
Adverse environmental factors such as downdrafts, high density altitude, strong winds, and night conditions contributed to several accidents, affecting aircraft control and performance.
Many incidents resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, with several leading to serious injuries or fatalities for pilots and passengers.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Czech Aircraft Works SportCruiser
July 1, 2016, Wyoming, Minnesota

At about 2206 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage during an off-airport landing on Interstate Highway 35 (I-35). The solo sport pilot received minor injuries. Night visual conditions prevailed for the local flight.

The pilot later stated he could not find his departure point because it was dark. The airplane was low on fuel and he could not see an airport beacon, so he landed the airplane on a road, I-35. During the landing roll, the airplane’s right wing hit a road divider, causing substantial damage.