The pilot’s failure to recognize and avoid airframe icing conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane performance and a subsequent loss of control and in-flight break-up.
Picture of the Day: A rarity indeed
John Schmidt submitted this photo and note: “My friend, amateur photographer, pilot, and Zenith builder Pat Hoyt from Texas, while at Brodhead, caught a photo of a Pietenpol with a smoke system, just at sunset. Pietenpols with smoke systems are a rarity indeed, much less catching it with the timing of a beautiful sunset to boot!”
Questions from the Cockpit: Buckle up, baby!
Gracie, a private pilot in Montana, writes: I took a flight with a fellow pilot the other day, and he took the time to give me the flight attendant speech. It got me wondering, why the stupid seat belt speech? I mean, I know it’s the law, but — really? — who doesn’t know how to unbuckle a seat belt?
Helicopter sales soar in first quarter of 2023
While helicopter sales were up almost 50% from a year ago, airplane deliveries grew just 6.7%, with a 3.5% drop in billings.
Preparing for electric aircraft
The Colorado Division of Aeronautics has entered into a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to conduct a study to help identify “future opportunities and potential challenges posed by the introduction of alternatively powered aircraft in Colorado.”
Radiant Technology introduces CO-PRO carbon monoxide detector
Radiant Technology has introduced a new carbon monoxide (CO) detector with graphing capabilities and a G-Meter.
Dangerous and unacceptable behavior
I spoke with the pilot of Aircraft Y, and he seemed unconcerned that he almost hit us mid air and honestly seemed bothered that I would bring up the situation in person.
Picture of the Day: Reflecting on biplane season
Megan Vande Voort sent in this picture with a note: “Biplane season has finally arrived. After a nice spring rain, the sun peeked out and the biplane was ready to fly. I love the reflection in the puddle.”
Flying with Nathan
By the time he was 10, Nathan was able to recite the entire dialog from the movie “Top Gun.”