Probable cause: A total loss of engine power after the separation of the No. 3 cylinder from the crankcase due to improper maintenance.
aviation accidents
Pilot loses control on takeoff
Probable cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Plane hits trees after inadvertent encounter with IMC
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to initiate the flight in marginal visual flight rules over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological and downdraft conditions and the subsequent controlled flight into trees and terrain.
Cause of fatal crash a mystery
Probable cause: Impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Two planes collide on taxiway
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to yield to traffic established on the taxiway, which resulted in a ground collision.
Pilot selects empty fuel tank for takeoff
Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of an empty fuel tank for takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
Pilot loses control when his seat slides back during takeoff
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to properly secure his seat before initiating the takeoff, which resulted in the seat sliding back as the airplane accelerated during takeoff, his inability to reach the pedals, and the subsequent loss of directional control and impact with trees and shrubs.
Flight to hunt sheep ends fatally
Probable cause: An impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
SR22’s muffler separates in flight
Probable cause: Maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the muffler attachment hardware, which resulted in the muffler separating in flight, thermal damage that interrupted the magnetos’ function, and the subsequent total loss of engine power.