Probable Cause: The first pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach, in gusty crosswind conditions, in an environment favoring wake turbulence.
Picture of the Day: As the crow flies
Gary Lanthrum submitted this picture with a note: “On my way to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, a cloud shadow shaped like a crow taking flight appeared on the ground as I flew over South Dakota.”
Would our expert add Marvel Mystery Oil to his engine?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: Does adding Marvel Mystery Oil to the fuel and/or engine oil help valves from sticking?
Test flights begin for unmanned Cessna 208
Reliable’s flight tests will demonstrate regional air cargo operations in a terminal area in which maneuvers, procedures, ATC interactions, and implications of visual clearances for remotely piloted operations are assessed. Multiple data collection flights will be conducted, including flights designed to demonstrate contingency scenarios including lost link procedures, detect and avoid with visual observers, and Global Positioning System degraded and denied scenarios, according to officials with Reliable Robotics.
A new way to engage kids in aviation
Students at Lexington Middle School were tasked with designing and painting one of the airport’s snowplow blades, transforming the piece of winter equipment into “a work of art that represented their unique vision and tied to the aviation community” that the students titled “Hands That Dream,” airport officials said.
Book examines role of human factors in aviation safety
Drawing upon the latest scientific research, aviation safety studies, and accident findings, author Dale Wilson explores the nature of human limitations and how they affect flight.
Improper maintenance leads to collapse of landing gear
Probable Cause: The improper maintenance of the main landing gear, which resulted in a collapse and overstress failure of the left main landing gear during landing.
Picture of the Day: Poised for action
David Sandidge submitted this photo and note: “After dinner in San Diego, one lucky couple will be whisked off to Las Vegas for an all expenses paid weekend. The benefit ball helps thousands of underprivileged children in the region annually. My employer is one of the sponsors and donates the use of his Merlin III for the mission. These are some of my favorite flights. I took this photo while waiting for the winning couple to arrive at Signature Aviation at San Diego International Airport (KSAN).”
Why can’t aviation oil be like automotive oil?
Over the past 50 or so years, the one question that most people do not understand is “why do aviation piston engine oils provide such poor anti-rust and anti-wear protection compared to automotive and heavy-duty engine oils?” That’s usually followed by a second question: “Can they be improved and when?”