Probable Cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while on final approach to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, a loss of airplane control, and impact with terrain.
Picture of the Day: TOP flight excitement
Diana Layton submitted this photo and note: “The Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 takes to the skies above Grant County Airport (W99) in Petersburg, West Virginia. The pilot, Lt. Col. Shelton Davis, created a flight plan to the passenger’s workplace, East Hardy Elementary School. The passenger, Mr. Harclerode, takes advantage of his TOP (Teacher Orientation Program) flight after participating in Civil Air Patrol’s ACE (Aerospace Connection in Education) program. Mr. Harclerode got to fly over the school, waving to his students on the ground below.”
Waco UPF-7s dusted too
When insect pests threatened Oregon forests as early as 1945, another duster type, the Waco UPF-7, made the scene. If we think of the UPF-7 today as a vintage sport and training biplane dating back to 1937, its use as an agricultural aircraft comes as a surprise to many.
Blake Scholl has ideas
“You should put the terminals underground. Airside is above ground. Terminals are below ground,” says Blake Scholl. “Imagine a design with two runways. There’s an arrival runway, departure runway. Traffic flows from arrival runway to departure runway. You don’t need tugs. You can delete a whole bunch of airport infrastructure.”
Oregon completes runway and electrical upgrades at S45
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has completed a runway and electrical rehabilitation project at Siletz Bay State Airport (S45) in Gleneden.
Hartzell Engine Tech receives FAA-PMA For PowerUp S-1200 Magnetos
Hartzell Engine Tech’s PowerUP S-1200 magneto is a direct replacement for general aviation aircraft. Designed for both 4- and 6-cylinder engines, they are available in impulse-coupled and “Shower of Sparks” configurations, according to company officials.
Piper bent during hard landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
Picture of the Day: Early morning departure
Ian Lellyett submitted this photo and note: “An early morning departure from Sau Pan Botswana.”
Fear of flying: Rational, irrational, or strategic?
It could be argued that it is a sign of having a functional intellect to feel apprehensive about getting airborne. Humans evolved as land animals. We’re most comfortable on a solid surface at ground level. We seek peace and quiet, especially as we age. Aviation is antithetical to our basic human nature.