The pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat during the approach and his unsuitable flight profile for an upsloping runway, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and an impact with terrain during an attempted go-around.
Piper hits forklift while taxiing
Pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a forklift while taxiing.
Delayed go-around proves fatal for pilot
The pilot’s delay in initiating a go-around and his failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
Cirrus pilot hits power lines
The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate altitude above obstacles, which resulted controlled flight into a powerline.
Mechanic’s error leads to failure of landing gear
Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly affix left main landing gear components, which led to the failure of the left main landing gear during the accident flight.
Autopilot problems and weather prove fatal for pilot and his wife
The pilot’s deviation from the final approach course during a night instrument approach with low instrument meterological conditions, which resulted in an impact with heavily wooded terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the approach after being warned of his flightpath deviations and his lack of experience in instrument conditions at night.
Fatigue fracture leads to crash
A loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the No. 1 cylinder’s rocker shaft bosses, which resulted in a forced landing into uneven terrain.
Fuel starvation brings down Piper
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for undetermined reasons during a departure climb that resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
High density altitude contributes to crash
The airplane’s inability to climb during takeoff due to a degradation of engine performance due to high density altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff.