“VFR into IMC is among the top five causes of fatal GA accidents, which are largely preventable,” said ASI Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden. “And it’s not only VFR pilots who get trapped — about one-third of these accidents involve instrument-rated pilots.”
aviation accidents
Pilot hits tree while herding cattle
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering at low altitude.
Pitts pilot crashes after misreading fuel gauge
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel level, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
River sandbar landing goes awry
The pilot’s failure to reconnoiter the approach area in preparation for an off-airport landing on a sandbar, which necessitated an evasive maneuver to avoid wires and resulted in an unintentional landing in the river short of the sandbar and a subsequent nose-over.
Fast turn onto taxiway goes awry for Mooney pilot
The pilot’s improper decision to turn the airplane from the runway onto the taxiway at an excessive speed, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and collision with a taxiway sign.
C172 hits pond when nosewheel fails on takeoff
The failure of the nosewheel steerage linkage during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with an obstacle during an attempted aborted landing.
Pilot crashes while performing aerial stunts for children’s party
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid trees while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
Fuel starvation proves fatal for pilot
The pilot’s fuel mismanagement during flight, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Birds interrupt landing
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go-around to avoid birds, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.