The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight in the Piper J5A was to maneuver at low altitude and chase birds away from designated fields near Lake Harbor, Florida. He had completed about eight to 10 turns over the target field and during a steep “reversal turn” to the left, the airplane hit terrain. […]
aviation accidents
Corrosion contributes to 210 crash
The private pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff with the Cessna 210’s flaps and landing gear retracted, a total loss of electrical power occurred and that he immediately turned back to the departure airport in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The landing gear, which is extended and retracted by hydraulic actuators powered by an electrically driven hydraulic […]
Fuel starvation brings down Mooney
The private pilot reported that he conducted a preflight inspection of the Mooney M20C and noted that both fuel tanks were full. He then took off for the personal cross-country flight. During approach to landing at the destination airport in Wichita, he extended the downwind leg due to inbound instrument flight rules traffic. The engine […]
Pilot forgets landing gear after maintenance flight
According to the pilot, after completing the maintenance test flight on the Beech 58, he established a normal approach to the runway at the airport in Huntsville, Alabama. However, he reported that he did not extend the landing gear prior to touchdown and the airplane landed with the landing gear retracted. The airplane sustained substantial […]
First flight for new owner goes awry
The pilot/owner was departing on his first flight in the experimental Skyraider I he had just purchased. He began the takeoff roll to the west and the wind pushed the plane towards the right side of the runway. He attempted to correct with left rudder, but the plane continued to the right. He then added […]
Formation flight ends before it begins
The six-ship formation of vintage World War II airplanes had completed their run-ups on the taxiway at the airport in Midland, Texas, and were preparing for departure. A departure clearance was received from air traffic control and the six-ship formation proceeded to the runway for takeoff. The Goodyear Corsair airplane was sixth in formation and […]
Ag flight ends with forced landing to field
The commercial pilot was conducting an agricultural application flight in the Grumman G164. While maneuvering the airplane about 300′ above ground level, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. Unable to maintain altitude, he pilot conducted an emergency landing to a field near Juliaetta, Idaho, during which the plane landed hard and nosed over, […]
Excessive temperatures damage Lancair’s turbocharger
The airline transport pilot was departing in the experimental, amateur-built Lancair ES. During the initial climb, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot performed a precautionary landing on a taxiway at the airport in Prescott, Arizona, during which the airplane departed the paved surface and the nose landing gear collapsed. Post-accident examination of the […]
Pre-buy inspection ends in crash
The non-certificated pilot/owner of the Piper PA22-108 was conducting a local test flight with a prospective buyer, who held a private pilot certificate. After exiting the traffic area at the airport in Lincolnton, N.C., and climbing to an altitude of 1,800′, the owner permitted the prospective buyer to manipulate the flight controls. The pilot then […]