The noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to continue flight into convective weather conditions, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its maximum maneuvering speed and the subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and his inadequate inflight weather avoidance of that weather.
Picture of the Day: Remote camping thanks to a Skywagon
Jeff DeFreest submitted this photo and note: “A Cessna Skywagon on Edo 2960 floats moored at the historic West Turner Lake Cabin in the Tongass National Forest in remote Southeast Alaska. This US Forest Service cabin and many others are available for the public to rent.”
Cactus Fly-In returns with a twist
The 63rd annual Cactus Fly-In in Casa Grande, Arizona, was a hit, but with a twist: Because of COVID-19 restrictions, only pilots flying in and their passengers were allowed to attend.
DuPage Airport becomes vaccine site
The airport cleared out several aircraft from the 32,000-square-foot hangar to allow for the setup of 10 vaccination stations. A steady stream of recipients flowed in and out of the hangar from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Wednesday for their first dose of the vaccine. More than 2,000 vaccines were distributed that day.
EAA Air Academy canceled again in 2021
“Given the difficulties in providing the operational extras needed for youth residence camps in the current environment, it simply wasn’t possible to plan a quality Air Academy experience for young aviation enthusiasts this year,” said Ron Connolly, EAA’s museum and education director.
Sporty’s marks 60 years in aviation with online celebration
Customer contests, product specials, and livestreams are all designed to celebrate Sporty’s 60 years in aviation.
Pilot loses control while landing on snow
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during landing, which resulted in the left ski impacting snow and a subsequent bounce and loss of directional control.
Picture of the Day: Moon and Mt Rainier at sunset
Tom Cornatzer submitted this photo and note: “During an evening flight from Pierce County Airport-Thun Field (KPLU) in Puyallup, Washington, my wife and I saw the rising moon with Mt Rainier in the glow of a winter sunset.”
Ask Paul: Is my engine burning too much oil?
My new engine is burning a quart of oil every four to five hours. Some “experts” are telling me I probably have glazed cylinders and others say just keep on flying it hard and the consumption will drop. Should I be concerned?