Probable cause: The loss of directional control during takeoff and impact with a steel culvert.
NTSB Accidents
Hard landing bends 150
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoise.
Over rotation on takeoff leads to stall
Probable cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in a departure stall.
Unstabilized approach leads to C210 crash
Probable cause: The pilot’s unstabilized approach at night, which resulted in collision with trees.
Go-around goes awry
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to track the runway centerline during an attempted go-around, which resulted in impact with a hangar.
Attempt at aerobatics fatal for two
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to attempt a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver in a non-aerobatic airplane, and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane during the maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by the effects of diphenhydramine use, and his underlying mild cognitive impairment.
CFI ground loops J-3 Cub
Probable cause: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Failure to enrich mixture ends in accident
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to enrich the mixture during the descent, as required by the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and his subsequent failure to follow the POH emergency procedures, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel/air mixture and subsequent loss of rpm. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to land on unsuitable terrain despite the availability of two nearby airports.
Sun glare contributes to RV-4 crash
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from berms during landing in sun glare conditions.


