Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent flight experience.
Picture of the Day: On a clear day, you can see forever
Matthew McCoy submitted this photo and note: “Unusually clear November day in Washington state gave a great view of Mount Rainier from a C-185 floatplane.”
Trick or Treat at the Scairport
“The pilots had a blast and the community response was remarkable.”
Women in Aviation 2021 conference goes all-virtual
The 32nd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held virtually on March 11-12, 2021.
Free compliance training offered to unemployed aviation professionals
“We hope this course will be a useful step towards a safety-first rebuilding of the industry.”
Sporty’s new Flight Gear iPad Kneeboard features universal design
The Flight Gear iPad Bi-Fold kneeboard has been updated based on pilot feedback.
Passenger’s cell phone strikes tail rotor
Probable cause: The passenger’s improper decision to hold her cell phone outside the helicopter, which resulted in it departing the helicopter and striking the tail rotor.
Picture of the Day: Moonrise over my Cardinal
Michael McLean submitted this photo and note: “Moonrise over my 1972 177B Cardinal at Mariposa Yosemite Airport (KMPI) in California. The unusual orange glow below the moon is from wildfire smoke.”
Ask Paul: Should we replace the pistons or change oil?
I suspect that the blow-by is caused by glazed cylinder walls. This could possibly be a result of improper break-in, so let’s begin there.