Aircraft: Ercoupe 415-C Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor. Location: Mulberry, Fla. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot did not have a valid medical certificate, which was required for the flight. He filled the airplane’s fuel tanks and flew about 45 minutes to another airport. He did not refuel. The pilot agreed to fly a passenger, who was […]
Student lands in deep snow
Aircraft: American Champion 8GCBC Injuries: None. Location: Ashton, Idaho. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The student pilot was not current in the airplane and his 90 day solo endorsement had expired. He had not been signed off to go to the accident airport. He intended to land on a privately-owned, rough grass airstrip covered with snow. He estimated […]
Poor energy management for Tiger
Aircraft: Grumman Tiger. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Bulverde, Texas. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was on a short final approach with an airspeed between 70 and 75 knots indicated, with one-third flaps extended. He reduced the throttle to idle. The airplane settled more rapidly than he expected. He reapplied power, but it was not quick enough […]
Pilot mistakes road for airport
Aircraft: Cirrus SR20. Injuries: None. Location: Brooksville, Fla. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was not familiar with the area and was using his GPS to find the airport. He attempted to land on what he thought was the runway. During the landing roll, as the wings hit mailboxes and fences, he realized that he had landed […]
VFR into IMC proves fatal
Aircraft: Beech Musketeer. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: West Milton, Ohio. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The private pilot did not have a medical certificate at the time of the flight, and one was required for the flight. According to his logbook, he had logged 306 hours, including 224 in a Musketeer. He did not have an instrument rating […]
Poor decision making kills four
Aircraft: Cirrus SR20. Injuries: 4 Fatal. Location: Crystal Lake, Illinois. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The pilot, who had logged about 207 hours, including 114 in the Cirrus, did not have an instrument rating. He contacted the tower controller at the intended destination airport and inquired about landing. The controller informed him that the airport was currently under […]
Pilot loses control in rain storm
Aircraft: Cessna 182. Injuries: 2 Fatal. Location: Mescalero, N.M. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The air traffic controller advised the pilot of an area of light precipitation 15 miles ahead at his 12 o’clock position, about 10 miles in diameter, and extending about 10 miles along his flight path. Shortly thereafter, the non-instrument-rated pilot said he was turning […]
Part failure proves fatal
Aircraft: Cessna 177RG. Injuries: 3 Fatal. Location: Tallapoosa, Ga. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The airplane was in cruise flight at 4,000 feet when the engine lost oil pressure. The pilot declared an emergency. He requested and received radar vectors to the nearest airport. Shortly thereafter, the pilot advised the controller that he was unable to reach the […]
Bad cylinder brings down airplane
Aircraft: Cirrus SR20. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: New Orleans. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: Shortly after takeoff in IFR conditions over water, the pilot noted a rapid increase in the temperature of the No. 2 cylinder head, followed by a drop in oil pressure. He declared an emergency and attempted to return to the airport. The engine failed […]