aviation accidents

Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to attempt a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver in a non-aerobatic airplane, and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane during the maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by the effects of diphenhydramine use, and his underlying mild cognitive impairment.

Probable cause: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to enrich the mixture during the descent, as required by the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and his subsequent failure to follow the POH emergency procedures, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel/air mixture and subsequent loss of rpm. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to land on unsuitable terrain despite the availability of two nearby airports.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from berms during landing in sun glare conditions.

Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

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.

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.