Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath to the runway, which resulted in a runway undershoot and collision with terrain.
NTSB Accidents
Bearing Failure Leads to Engine Failure
Probable Cause: A bearing failure that resulted in fatigue failure of the crankshaft and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
Distracted Pilot Forgets to Extend Landing Gear
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
Plane Crashes On Way to Overdue Annual Inspection
Probable Cause: The pilot/owner’s failure to ensure adequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during takeoff.
Improperly Installed Fuel Line Leads to Fuel Starvation in New LSA
Probable Cause: The improper installation of the fuel line that connected the fuel pump to the four-way distributor, which resulted in fuel starvation when the line became disconnected.
Helicopter Ends Up in Pond After Low-Altitude Practice
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude.
Degraded Ignition System Downs Cessna 120
Probable Cause: A degraded ignition system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the ignition system.
Student Bends 172 During First Solo
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced, hard landing.
Improperly Fabricated Part Brings Down Experimental
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power as a result of an improperly fabricated fuel-air mixture cable bracket. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to fly the airplane with a known mechanical engine issue, and the presence of another airplane that was back taxiing on the runway while the pilot was attempting to maneuver the airplane for landing.









