Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s modifications to the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff despite observing lower than anticipated propeller rpm, his decision to delay his precautionary landing to allow another airplane to land, and his decision to conduct flight testing of the airplane following multiple modifications.
Picture of the Day: Camping in the California desert
Richard “Rick” Lach submitted this photo and note: “Camping in the California desert at the Chicken Strip Oasis in Death Valley National Park. As always the perfect sunset after an afternoon of relaxing in the natural hot spring pools. The plane is a 1953 Piper TriPacer converted with the Raven Aviation STC to a Pacer taildragger configuration. The engine has been upgraded to the Lycoming O-320, 160-hp version from the 135-hp original.”
When mixing beer and aviation is a good thing
A brewery that began in a hangar at a general aviation airport is expanding, with the C-54 the “Spirit of Freedom” serving as home to a new bar.
The rarest Mustang?
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) recently posted a video featuring Walt Bowe’s P-51A, an early Mustang variant with just 310 produced.
Companies partner to help student pilots buy headsets
Stratus Financial and Lightspeed Aviation has partnered, allowing student pilots to bundle the cost of buying a Lightspeed headset into their flight training loans with no upfront expense.
New T-hangars open at KMLB
The complex, spanning more than 34,500 square feet at at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (KMLB) in Florida, includes 30 T-hangars tailored for single-engine and light twin aircraft.
Pilot not transmitting on CTAF causes near miss in pattern
I asked my student “Did I miss anything? Did you hear him say he was taking off, departing, on the roll, or on the go for Runway 21?” My student didn’t hear anything of the sort either.
Picture of the Day: Captured inflight
Matthew Baker submitted this photo and note: “Captured this photo of a Piper Seneca while on the Aviation Photo Crew SC.7 Skyvan over Lakeland, Florida.”
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