Stupid Pilot Tricks

Its that time of year when we who have successfully covered up our own boneheaded mistakes snicker over the antics of those less fortunate flyers who have failed and got caught. This review of NTSB accident reports from 2013 makes no pretense of learning from others mistakes. The following acts of aerial mayhem are a reminder that no matter how bad your own decision making might be, theres always someone eager to lower the bar. We skip fatal accidents and usually give errant student pilots a pass, because their brains arent yet fully developed.

Key Takeaways:

• The article reviews 2013 NTSB accident reports, showcasing numerous instances of severe pilot error, from unqualified student pilots making illegal low passes with passengers to non-certificated individuals attempting flights.
• Many accidents stemmed from preventable negligence, including inadequate pre-flight inspections that missed critical engine obstructions (like bird nests or cowl plugs) and flying aircraft that were not properly maintained.
• Common operational blunders included poor fuel management leading to engine failure, attempting takeoffs/landings in unsuitable conditions (e.g., severe tailwinds, heavy frost, high density altitude, or closed runways), and overall poor decision-making.
• The most egregious examples of "stupid" acts involved flagrant disregard for safety, such as intentionally landing downwind on a NOTAM'd closed runway while workers were present, or attempting takeoffs from public streets.

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