Probable Cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
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Carb ice contributes to crash
Probable Cause: A loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice that resulted from the pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat during the landing approach.
The #1 reason people quit flight training
To no one’s surprise, money tops the list in the top reasons people drop out of pilot training.
‘Reckless’ pilot dies performing low-altitude aerobatic maneuver
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while initiating a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s high-risk behavior.
Piper crashes after student freezes on controls
Probable Cause: The premature retraction of the flaps by the student pilot, while just above the airplane’s stall speed. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision and failure to regain aircraft control from the student pilot.
Improperly adjusted propeller leads to homebuilt’s crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to properly adjust the propeller’s pitch angle, which resulted in a loss of thrust and an inability to maintain altitude.
Spatial disorientation: GA’s deadliest threat
According to 2025 research from the FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, general aviation accidents caused by spatial disorientation had a 94% fatality rate compared to the 19% fatality rate for all GA accidents.
Pilot loses control on landing when feet get stuck on rudder
Probable Cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing rollout due to interference from the pilot’s foot/shoe with the airplane structure that resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
Music or noise?
While music to my ears, the constant sound of a Cessna T206 circling overhead for nearly two hours may have rattled the nerves of some of my neighbors.