Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to attempt the night flight under VFR when IMC prevailed resulting in the airplane striking trees while on final approach. Contributing to the accident were the unserviceable runway lights at the destination airport.
Picture of the Day: RAF Super Supporter
Tricia McKenna submitted this photo and note: “Rachel Thompson, a supporter of the Recreational Aviation Foundation and snow woman builder, takes advantage of a snowy day in Oklahoma.”
Kidnapping Hank or how I got my tailwheel endorsement
When Rajeev “kidnaps” Hank, a nursing home resident, to take him to an airport open house, he learns the value of connection in the general aviation community, as well as the value of an old man’s aviation memories.
Young pilot writing contest launches
To qualify, the writer must be a pilot (including student pilot) who is 24 or younger. The article must be original, not previously published, and no longer than 1,500 words. The topic should be “my most memorable flight.”
FlightSimExpo registration breaks records
More than 500 people have already registered to attend the expo, which is slated June 27-29, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, just outside of Boston.
New flight school opens at KDKB
Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA), home to the Atlas Cadet Academy, is opening a new satellite flight training base at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB) in Illinois.
A concerning trend
This has become a concerning trend with local tower controllers trying to fit too many planes in too tight spots between all the corporate, general aviation, high volume of training flights, and airline traffic.
Pictures of the Day: Iceboat Regatta
Jim Stevenson sent in these photos with a note: “Over the last weekend in January 2025 there was a large iceboat regatta on Lake Winnebago, just south of Oshkosh.”
When the Mustang served up a dive bomber
Unthinkable for a pure fighter, the dive bomber versions of the Mustang incorporated a sturdy set of dive brakes that extended above and below the wings when rotated into the slipstream by stout hydraulic actuators.