The instrument-rated pilot received weather data via a computerized flight planning service on the morning of the accident. The briefing included a synopsis for upper Michigan that indicated overcast conditions at 3,000 feet with cloud tops at 12,000 feet, visibility of 3 to 5 miles with light snow showers and mist, and wind from the […]
NTSB Accidents
First flight after oil change goes awry
The private pilot and his two passengers departed on a local pleasure flight in the Cessna 210 near Pagosa Springs, Colo. Right after takeoff, engine oil covered the windscreen and the engine began to lose power. According to a video of the accident, the pilot made a tear-drop turn in an attempt to land on […]
Failure to retract landing gear before water landing injures two
The pilot reported that following an uneventful takeoff in the amphibious float equipped Maule M7-235, he intended on performing a water landing at a nearby lake as part of his checkride. During the water landing near Lake Havasu, Arizona, the airplane immediately nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings, as […]
Dislodged pin brings down Cessna 680
The pilot reported that, while climbing to 15,000 feet mean sea level, the autopilot disengaged and the autopilot disconnect chime sounded accompanied by an “AP fail A-B” message. At this point, he decided to return to the departure airport near Wheeling, Ill. He noted that, while trying to slow the climb, “extra” force was required […]
Flight into IMC kills new airplane owner
The pilot had recently purchased the American Champion Aircraft 8KCAB from the factory and was returning to his home airport when the accident occurred. The weather conditions initially forecast in the vicinity of the destination airport before departure were consistent with visual meteorological conditions, however, by the time the pilot was within 50 miles of […]
Cessna 340 plows into snow banks
The pilot departed on a short cross-country flight and arrived at his destination airport near Coldwater, Mich. He overflew the airport and observed blowing snow on both runways. Because the wind was from 220°, he elected to land on runway 22. During the roll-out, the Cessna 340 hit the plowed snow at the intersection of […]
Two airplanes dented after pilot fails to sump fuel tanks
This was the first flight for the Piper PA24-250 in the last three months, during which time, it was parked on a ramp outside in the winter in San Jose, Calif. The pilot reported he performed a preflight inspection, but that he did not sump the fuel system. The main fuel tanks were full, and […]
Failure to secure engine oil filler cap fatal to Ercoupe pilot
During the approach for an attempted forced landing into a clearing near Poulsbo, Wash., the Ercoupe 415C hit trees and then collided with the ground in a nose-down attitude. The pilot sustained serious injuries during the accident but was able to call 911 on his cell phone. He subsequently died from complications related to his injuries […]
Ice buildup leads to forced landing
The pilot reported that, during the descent to the destination airport in Ashland, Mo., the Cessna 414’s left engine experienced a partial loss of power. He attempted to troubleshoot the issue. Unable to restore the engine power, he secured the left engine, feathered the propeller, and advised air traffic control of the situation. Shortly after, […]