Probable cause: The non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper decisions to begin and to continue a flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
aviation accidents
Fuel starvation leads to forced landing
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper in-flight fuel management and his failure to switch the fuel selector to the “both” position in accordance with the Before Landing checklist, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Pilot makes successful emergency landing, then hits signs and a fence while taxiing off road
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to taxi the airplane from the road and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from signs and a fence after a successful emergency landing following a total loss of engine power.
Cessna 170 ground loops during landing roll
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Three die when Cessna 172 crashes into water
Probable cause: Undetermined because the airplane was not located.
Student’s first solo goes awry
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoise.
Fuel exhaustion leads to student’s forced landing in a field
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
Improper maintenance leads to forced landing
Probable cause: Improper maintenance of the fuel pressure regulator, which resulted in an excessive fuel and airbox pressure differential and subsequent loss of engine power.
Pilot gives conflicting statements to FAA, Sheriff
Probable cause: The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.