Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with water. Contributing to the accident were crosswind gusts.
NTSB Accidents
First Flight After Annual Bends Piper
Probable Cause: Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the fuel system gascolator strainer bowl following an annual inspection.
Muscle Spasm Leads to Cessna 180 Pilot’s Loss of Control
Probable Cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control due to a muscle spasm.
Pilot Crashes Trying to Avoid Airplane on Runway
Probable Cause: The pilot having to take evasive action during the takeoff run to avoid another airplane being pushed onto the runway in front of him, which resulted in the airplane overrunning the runway and impacting a fence.
Pilot Mistakes Road for Runway
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to correctly identify the airport runway, which resulted in a landing on a road and contact with a power line. Contributing to the outcome was the sun glare.
Maintenance Error Leads to Engine Fire
Probable Cause: The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure a B-nut on the No. 5 cylinder fuel injector line, resulting in a fuel leak and engine fire.
Fatigue, Distractions, and a Strange Airport Bad Combination for Piper Pilot
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing due to distractions and his failure to conduct the Before Landing checklist.
Vintage Airplanes Collide During Air Show
Probable Cause: The Great Lakes pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the Bucker Jungmann while maneuvering during an air show, which resulted in a midair collision, the inability of the Bucker Jungmann to maintain altitude, and its subsequent forced landing.
Pilot Loses Control When Seat Slides Back During Takeoff
Probable Cause: The inadequate maintenance of the seat locking mechanism, which resulted in the pilot’s seat sliding back during takeoff and a subsequent loss of control.