Search Results for: Cessna 172

Clouds are mostly harmless, but sometimes they turn on you.

In September 2014, a Cessna 172 overtook and collided with a homebuilt Searey amphibian on final approach to the Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport (KBQR) in Lancaster, New York. The 172 pilot, 78, with 2,500 hours, and his 14-year-old passenger died when their airplane spiraled out of control and crashed. Remarkably—since one tends to think of midair […]

Following in the contrails of Cessna 172 and 182 models, Lancair International announced this week that the latest option to be offered for the newly-designed Mako four-seater is the BRS Aerospace whole aircraft parachute system. The single-engine piston-powered aircraft’s design features will “easily accommodate” the BRS parachute, BRS announced in a release. “We are very […]

I made my first trip to Oshkosh in 2007 to unveil the Redbird FMX simulator prototype at AirVenture. That was the start of what would become an annual tradition for me, a pilgrimage north from Austin, Texas, along with 500,000 fellow general aviation disciples, to take part in the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” Last year, […]

August 1, 2017, Phoenix, Ariz.Grumman AA-1B TrainerAt about 1300 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. Both the flight instructor and student pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.According to witnesses, after the airplane lifted off and was in its initial climb to the west, the wings started to rock back and forth. The airplane began to descend, struck the airport’s western perimeter fence and collided with terrain before coming to rest on a road bordering the airport.

The aircraft broke up in flight then impacted the ground after an uncontrolled descent at about 0153 Central time. The commercial pilot and five passengers sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. Dark night visual conditions prevailed. An IFR flight plan was in effect.The airplane was in cruise at 10,000 feet msl when its pilot queried ATC about nearby weather conditions. Radar data then showed the airplane climb slightly and turn left.

Landing light switch was stuck in the on position. Suspect internal arcing and welding of contacts. The overheating caused by the arc- ing can cause the switch body to melt, but did not in this case. No signs of heat damage of external switch surface were found.

it’s ideal to have at least two sets of eyes monitoring the activity. A wing-walker or other observer can help the tug’s diver with depth perception and likely see potential obstacles invisible from the driver’s seat.üThis Cessna 177 Cardinal appears to be well-secured. The cabin cover fits well and its straps are snug. The tiedown ropes are knotted close to the rings and it appears a control lock is installed.”

As Hurricane Irma approached Florida, college campuses all over the state began shutting down in preparation for what was predicted to be the most powerful storm ever to strike the U.S. mainland. Embry-Riddle’s campus shut down on Tuesday, September 5, to offer students and faculty plenty of time to make their escape. But what to […]

One of my favorite jokes about the airline pilot profession involves a mother who brings her wide-eyed, grade-school-age son into the cockpit for a visit. After the awestruck boy is given his tour, the mother asks her son if he would like to be an airline pilot when he grows up. The captain interjects and […]