Seriously Bad IFR Flight

Each year I pore through between 1500 and 2000 NTSB accident/incident reports searching for bonehead pilots who heed the sirens call of stupidity and invent creative means of destroying a variety of aircraft without killing anyone. To walk the Stupid Pilot Tricks red carpet requires a willingness to ignore good airmanship and, frankly, dance with fools.

pberge

Friday, September 15, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An experienced, instrument-rated pilot, flying a well-equipped aircraft in marginal IFR conditions, fatally crashed after six failed approach attempts.
Despite ATC's repeated offers of assistance and suggestions to divert to visual conditions, the pilot refused, displaying fatigue and an unwavering determination to land at his planned destination.
The incident underscores the critical importance of mastering advanced avionics and the readiness to abandon a failing plan for a viable alternative (Plan B) to ensure flight safety.

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Each year I pore through between 1500 and 2000 NTSB accident/incident reports searching for bonehead pilots who heed the siren’s call of stupidity and invent creative means of destroying a variety of aircraft without killing anyone. To walk the “Stupid Pilot Tricks” red carpet requires a willingness to ignore good airmanship and, frankly, dance with fools.

I’m never disappointed in the number of contestants, most of whom were flying VFR. It’s time, now, to expose some of the IFR antics up there. Caution: jaded detachment is strongly suggested.