Probable Cause: The first pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach, in gusty crosswind conditions, in an environment favoring wake turbulence.
20251204
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.
Cowling strikes windshield after separating in flight
Probable Cause: A failure of the engine cowling right side latch pin and fasteners, which resulted in the partial separation of the engine cowling during flight.
CFI attempts go-around with full flaps extended
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to attempt a go-around with full flaps extended, which resulted in decreased climb performance and led to a collision with trees.
Taylorcraft hits runway closure sign
The failure of the airport authorities to renew the airport closure NOTAM for the airport. Contributing to the accident, was the pilot’s inability to see the runway closure sign.
Amphib lands on water with landing gear down
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to confirm the landing gear was configured for a water landing during the approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s deviation from the airplanes operating procedures by previously pulling the landing gear circuit breakers, which resulted in the landing gear not retracting when commanded during takeoff.
What separates a calm cockpit from catastrophe?
A recent study out of Griffith University in Australia is shedding new light on why some pilots handle in-flight emergencies better than others.
Cessna 172 bent from jet blast
Probable Cause: The business jet flight crew’s failure to appropriately position their airplane to mitigate the impact of their extended duration, high-power engine run, and their failure to adequately communicate these factors to air traffic control, which resulted in the accident airplane encountering their jet blast while taxiing.
More than just a runway
I encourage everyone to find a way to give back through aviation. As the saying goes, aviation is a small community, and your volunteer efforts, big or small, can leave a lasting impact on the next generation of aviators.









