aviation accidents

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat while operating in an area conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power on approach and subsequent forced landing into a creek.

Probable cause: Maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the wheel brake system during the airplane’s most recent 100-hour inspection, which resulted in a loss of hydraulic fluid and the pilot’s inability to control the airplane during the landing.

Probable cause: A loss of engine power on takeoff due to restricted air flow to the engine.

Probable cause: A vehicle’s incursion onto an active runway, which resulted in an evasive action by the pilot landing an airplane on that runway and a subsequent runway excursion.

Probable cause: The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.

Probable cause: The pilot’s improper takeoff trim setting and failure to properly secure his seatbelt, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist.

Probable cause: The non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to undertake a flight into forecast instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his subsequent decision to continue the flight after encountering IMC, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s depression and use of impairing/sedating medications, which resulted in poor decision-making.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a cow on the airstrip during landing. 

Probable cause: The pilot’s operation of the airplane with the alternator switch in the off position, which allowed the selected battery to discharge and resulted in an ignition system failure and a total loss of engine power.