Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to perform a low-level maneuver at an altitude where he was unable to recover the airplane before impacting terrain.
aviation accidents
Mechanic’s error leads to forced landing in a field
Probable cause: The mechanic’s failure to properly secure the air reference line, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
Pilatus hits Cessna after pilot fails to follow controller’s instructions
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to follow the air traffic controller’s instructions and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate lookout to see and avoid the other airplane on the taxiway.
Carb icing brings down LSA
Probable cause: The pilot’s delay in applying carburetor heat, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during descent due to carburetor icing.
Planes crash after student tries to pass on the taxiway
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper decision to taxi past another airplane occupying the taxiway and her subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the airplane.
Stall and spin at low altitude fatal for pilot
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and the airplane’s exceedance of its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.
Fuel exhaustion leads to forced landing in a marsh
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of power in both engines.
Sharp turn at low altitude a bad combination
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a sharp turn at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Night flight goes awry
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper glidepath during a landing at night, which resulted in a collision with approach lights.