Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper installation of the control stick pushrod assemblies, which resulted in separation of the left pushrod and a total loss of roll control during flight. Contributing to the accident was the failure to detect the installation error during the airplane’s construction, inspection, and subsequent maintenance.
Picture of the Day: End of The Day at 1W1
Henry Spang submitted this photo and note: “Night descends on Grove Field (1W1) in Camas, Washington, at the end of a nice day of flying.”
Tribe to Release Minnesota Pilot’s Stinson
The Midwest Flyer is reporting that the Red Lake Nation will release Darrin Smedsmo’s aircraft at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and the tribe will drop all charges against the Minnesota pilot.
Epic Flight Academy Launches Six-Month Fast Track Pilot Program
Students commit to training seven days a week, dedicating 12 to 14 hours a day to flight training, simulator work, and study, according to officials with the flight school. Students can earn private pilot, instrument, commercial single-engine, and commercial multi-engine ratings in that time frame, they add.
Garmin brings SmartCharts to Garmin Pilot Web
Garmin has integrated SmartCharts into Garmin Pilot Web, offering pilots information tailored to their flights.
Assumptions About Fuel Factor Into Colorado Crash
Probable Cause: The failure of the flight instructor and the pilot to visually confirm the airplane’s fuel quantity during preflight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and an off-airport forced landing in rough terrain.
Picture of the Day: Study Break
Lindsay Petre submitted this photo and note: “Needing a break from studying for my private rotorcraft, I took a little solo trip around the beautiful springtime Connecticut countryside in the Robinson R22.”
Piston Aircraft Deliveries Climb So Far in 2026
GAMA’s first quarter report shows notable increases in piston airplane and business jet deliveries. While total airplane shipment values soared to $6.1 billion, helicopter shipments experienced slight declines across the board.
European Single-Structure Hangar Houses Debut in U.S.
Dutch-Houses and Aeroview Design launch a premium single-structure hangar home concept in the U.S., offering pilots seamless runway-to-living spaces.