Probable Cause: The airplane owner/builder’s inappropriate use of a lower grade fuel than that required by the airplane and engine operations manual, which resulted in engine detonation and the degradation and eventual obliteration of the Nos. 1 and 2 cylinder spark plug electrode tips.
Picture of the Day: The quiet before the crowds
Ron Cox submitted this photo and note: “Two days before the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo takes off, all is quiet as we watch the sunset by our Cessna 182N.”
More than 5,000 pilots take part in safety campaign
In the wake of recent high-profile general aviation accidents in New York and Florida, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute reports that more than 5,000 pilots have already participated in the National Pause for General Aviation Safety.
ALOFT Academy launches to train mechanics
Students will join ALOFT as full-time employees from the first day of class, and graduate six months later as full-time mechanics.
Partnership launches to train air traffic controllers
Serco Inc., which operates 28 air traffic control towers in the United States, has partnered with Middle Georgia State University to offer training to future air traffic controllers.
Failure to engage turbocharger fatal
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to engage the turbocharger for takeoff and his improper decision to continue the takeoff with partial power, rather than reject the takeoff.
Picture of the Day: Fuel stop
Sebastien Heintz submitted this photo and note: “Roger Dubbert, demo pilot for Zenith Aircraft Company, maker of the backcountry STOL CH 750 Super Duty sport utility kit airplane, fuels up the Zenith STOL during one of several stops on his way home from the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, to Mexico, Missouri, home of Zenith Aircraft Company. You can watch the hour-long video of the 12-hour flight home on YouTube.”
Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center in the works for KCMA and KOXR
The planned Innovation Center will feature a 500-square-mile testing range for Advanced Air Mobility at Camarillo and Oxnard airports in Ventura County, California. It will offer research facilities, business resources, and workforce training.
Sporty’s reveals winners of young pilots writing contest
The stories of a soaring competition and a disappointing first solo are the winners of the 2025 Richard L. Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots.