The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s latest Accident Case Study, Night Falls on Final, analyzes the tragic 2019 crash of a Piper Saratoga. Discover how lost instrument currency, fatigue, and marginal weather combined, causing an experienced pilot to become fatally disoriented during a challenging night approach.
Avtopia Launches
Avtopia, a new aviation community platform, aims to unite the industry by connecting pilots with resources, verified businesses, and discussion boards. Its debut service, Avtopia AOG, assists aircraft owners with unexpectedly grounded planes.
Avidyne Introduces DFC110 Autopilot And Vantage Software Update
Avidyne has released the new Vantage 12.1 software update for Cirrus aircraft, bringing expanded support for legacy GPS navigators and approach minimums. Alongside the update, Avidyne introduced the DFC110 autopilot featuring vertical navigation, offering Entegra-equipped Cirrus owners flexibility for their panel upgrades.
Glasair Destroyed After Bird Strike
Probable Cause: An in-flight bird strike which resulted in an engine compartment fire that ultimately destroyed the airplane.
Picture of the Day: Oshkosh Fireworks
John Lumkes submitted this photo and note: “A 20-second exposure picture from a night fireworks show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 created an artistic path of the pyrotechnics and illuminated the crowds watching amidst the various airplanes.”
New Earhart Expedition Set for October
This October, the Taraia Object Expedition sets sail to investigate new evidence surrounding the 1937 disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Backed by Purdue University and the Archaeological Legacy Institute, the team will search a remote Pacific lagoon for the pioneering aviator’s lost aircraft.
Polishing the President’s Plane
An elite team of volunteer airplane detailers is converging on Seattle’s Museum of Flight to clean and polish historic aircraft, including Air Force One.
UND CFI Wins AOPA Sweepstakes Plane
A University of North Dakota flight instructor was given the surprise of a lifetime at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. Discover how AOPA officials gathered Ashley Almquist’s family to hand her the keys to the 2024 Aviat Husky sweepstakes airplane.
New ICON Sense Improves Landings
ICON Aircraft has introduced ICON Sense, a new flight safety system designed specifically for the A5 amphibious light sport aircraft. By integrating GPS, radar altimeters, and advanced software, the system alerts pilots to improper landing gear configurations, minimizing distractions and enhancing overall flight safety.