The Flight Safety Detectives point fingers, interpret the facts, politics and policies related to specific incident and accident investigations, and ask the tough questions that haven’t been addressed by the industry or the national/international media.
aviation accidents
Landing gear malfunction bends Cessna 340
Probable cause: The failure of the bell crank pivot bolt, which resulted in the left main landing gear collapse. Contributing to the accident was the lack of landing gear inspections in accordance with the airplane manufacturer’s maintenance manuals.
Attempt to take off in choppy ocean waters goes awry
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff in an area of rough water and ocean swells, which resulted in a failure of the right float struts.
Improperly seated fuel cap results in fuel starvation
Probable cause: The improperly seated fuel cap, which resulted in an in-flight fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Poor maintenance fatal for Quicksilver pilot
Probable cause: An engine loss of power due to fuel starvation from a broken fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine, which prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the engine and its components.
Mooney lands in California neighborhood after running out of fuel
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning and improper decision to not refuel before the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
High density altitude impairs 172’s takeoff performance
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to take off in high-density altitude and gusting quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to gain altitude during the initial climb.
Failure to remove engine cowl plugs results in crash
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to remove the engine cowl plugs during preflight, which resulted in excessive engine cylinder head temperatures during climb and a total loss of engine power.
Bird strike bends 172
Probable cause: An in-flight collision with a bird while on downwind.






