The accident happened during a test flight of the Cessna 337 from New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot transmitted “mayday mayday” over the control tower’s radio frequency. According to eyewitnesses, the airplane was in a left-wing-down attitude when it crashed into trees and powerlines. A review of data downloaded from the engine […]
NTSB Accidents
Gusty wind bends Cessna
The pilot was attempting to takeoff from a runway in Sunburst, Mont., in a Cessna 170B. At the time of the accident he estimated that the wind was 38 knots and gusting to 42 knots. He taxied onto the runway most aligned with the wind and began the takeoff roll. Just as the plane became […]
Twin Cessna crashes in IMC, killing two
The non-instrument-rated pilot, copilot, and a passenger were flying in a Cessna 310 from the Bahamas to Florida. A weather front was passing over Florida at the time. The copilot contacted flight service before the initial flight and learned of thunderstorms in the area and the flight had to divert from its planned destination. The […]
Non-rated pilot crashes, dies
The non-certificated pilot was conducting his first flight in the unregistered Quicksilver MX2, which he purchased several months before the accident. No logbook entries were found indicating whether he had previous flight experience. He flew for about 30 minutes near his home in Poplarville, Miss., before making a low pass over a field about 50 […]
Poor flare breaks Cessna
The student pilot was on final approach to the airport in Kelso, Wash., in a Cessna 152. When he reduced engine power, the plane developed a higher sink rate than expected. It subsequently landed hard and bounced three to four times, collapsing the nose landing gear and substantially damaging the firewall. The student pilot stated […]
Snowbanks catch Cessna
The pilot of the Cessna 172 was practicing touch-and-go landings on a narrow, ice-covered road with snow banks on each side in Vineland, Minn. The plane encountered a rough area and skidded left. The left main landing gear collided with a snow bank on the left side of the road, and the plane flipped over, […]
Incapacitated pilot crashes
The 78-year-old pilot was flying a Cessna 150 near Deming, N.M., when he reported to ATC that he was “in trouble,” experiencing severe pain and losing his eyesight. Radar contact was lost shortly afterward. The pilot had been issued a limited third class medical certificate due to elevated blood pressure. Toxicology testing revealed the presence […]
Cirrus pilot crashes in crosswind
The pilot was attempting to land the Cirrus SR20 on the runway in Brunswick, Ga. He reported that, during the approach to the runway, he listened to the automatic terminal information service, which noted that the wind was from 270° at 16 knots and gusting to 26 knots. He chose to continue the approach and, […]
Super Cub ground loops
The pilot was attempting to land the Piper Super Cub at Worland, Wyo. During the landing roll he ground looped, causing structural damage to the left wing. The NTSB determined the probable cause was the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.. NTSB Identification: WPR13CA114 This February 2013 accident report is provided by the […]