Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate inspection of the airplane following an inflight smoke event, which resulted in separation of the exhaust pipe and hot exhaust igniting the engine cowling, and a subsequent loss of engine power.
Picture of the Day: World War I replica aircraft attract fans
Gord McNulty submitted this photo and note: “The replica World War I aircraft of Canada’s Great War Flying Museum impressed aviation fans in 2025 at Brampton-Caledon Airport, just northwest of Toronto. In the foreground of this photo from Airport Day in September is the museum’s Nieuport 28 replica, painted in the colors of the American Air Service 94th Aero Squadron with the “hat in the ring” scheme representing serial 6159 as flown by Eddie Rickenbacker. The museum, established in 1970 to honor World War I aviators, has six aircraft in its fleet, with another one under construction.”
After the Accident
A pilot who did everything right but was still in an accident shares the lessons he learned in its aftermath, from dealing with the NTSB, FAA, and insurance companies, to handling the Seven Stages of Grief.
Another Set Of Eyes
You likely have a regular mechanic. Do you ever let another perform your annual inspection?
New Airport Operations and Response Center Opens at KPLU
The new center will house airport staff and serve as a coordination hub for local and regional responses to wildfires, natural disasters, search and rescue missions, and other emergencies.
Sporty’s Adds Compact Flight Sim Controller to Lineup
Designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane 12, the Echo Aviation Controller integrates primary flight controls (pitch, roll, and yaw) with secondary and trim inputs into a single, handheld unit. Throttle, propeller, and mixture controls are built directly into the controller, complemented by dedicated levers for flaps, landing gear position, speed brakes, and parking brake.
Pilot Crashes From Fuel Exhaustion on Way to Buy Cheaper Fuel
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning that resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Picture of the Day: Night Flight
Jerry Webber submitted this photo and note: “A recent night flight across the south end of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW) in a Cessna 150C at 3,500 feet. Approach controller was very helpful.”
Human Factors: When Over and Above Isn’t Enough
A March 2024 accident where the engine failed “without warning” raises the question of whether an “old school” technique might be able to catch problems newer tools miss.