Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper decision to conduct a solo flight without an endorsement to do so and to perform an off-airport landing based on a perceived performance issue with the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of training and overall experience.
aviation accidents
Bad approach ends in hitting dock
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper approach over a river, which resulted in a collision with a dock.
Pilot’s reckless low-flight proves fatal
Probable cause: The pilot’s intentional low-altitude flight, which resulted in an impact with power lines.
VFR into IMC fatal for two
Probable cause: The noninstrument-rated pilot’s intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the flight as planned.
Carb icing leads to crash
Probable cause: A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing during final approach, which resulted in a hard landing short of the runway and the nose landing gear collapsing.
Corrosion debris leads to fuel starvation
Probable cause: The loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from corrosion debris in the fuel lines. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s and pilot’s inadequate maintenance of the airplane before the flight.
Pilot crashes after flying with known brake problem
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to take off with a known brake malfunction, which resulted in a collision with a barn during landing on a wet runway.
Video: Should you create your own checklist?
When you add safety equipment to your airplane, it may require a change to your checklists.
In-flight separation of wing fatal for pilot
Probable cause: An in-flight separation of the right wing due to upward and rearward bending that led to an overstress fracture. The reason for the upward and rearward bending could not be determined based on the available information.








