Probable cause: Excessive side loads imposed on the tailwheel A-frame during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a separation of the tailwheel and the subsequent loss of directional control.
Video: Accident case study analyzes a traffic pattern tragedy
A new video from AOPA’s Air Safety Institute studies a traffic pattern accident, with experts discussing how pilots can recognize and avoid the mistakes that led up to the fatal accident.
Homebuilt’s first flight ends in crash
Probable cause: The structural failure of both wings’ leading-edge slats, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
Piper crashes after loss of engine power
Probable cause: A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Bad landing bends Bellanca
The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate glidepath during landing, which resulted in an unintended touchdown before the chosen landing area.
Fuel mismanagement leads to forced landing
Probable cause: The pilot’s fuel mismanagement, which resulted in fuel starvation to both engines and their subsequent loss of engine power.
Student pilot seriously injured in crash
Probable cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate and runway alignment during the landing flare, which resulted in the airplane touching down left of the runway and hitting a ditch.
Mid-air claims three lives
Probable cause: The failure of the second airplane’s pilot to see and avoid the first airplane as he was overtaking the first airplane.
Failure to add oil after oil change fatal
Probable cause: The pilot/mechanic’s failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Also causal was the pilot/mechanic’s failure to service the engine with oil following maintenance, which resulted in the total loss of engine power.