NTSB Accidents

The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing was the pilot not obtaining a weather briefing prior to the flight.

The pilot’s failure to properly tighten his seat belt, which allowed him to slide forward in his seat and resulted in his inadvertent application of excessive brake application during the landing roll and a subsequent noseover.

The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power, and his improper landing flare during a forced autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the inoperative fuel gauge, which was not accurately calibrated, and the pilot’s reliance on the gauge.

The airplane’s collision with deer during the landing and the airport’s failure to provide an adequate barrier to prevent wildlife from entering the runway environment despite previous deer strikes.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-altitude maneuvering.

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while turning at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

The airplane’s failure to maintain a climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and climb rate during takeoff in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in his failure to clear power lines.

The pilot’s loss of airplane control during approach for undetermined reasons.