The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight, the FK Lightplanes FK9’s engine experienced a partial power loss. The experimental plane was unable to maintain altitude, so the pilot chose to perform an off-airport landing to an open field near Canton, Georgia. During the landing roll, the airplane hit a berm, became airborne, and then […]
aviation accidents
Fuel starvation results in Piper landing on Bronx freeway
The pilot reported that both fuel tanks on the Piper PA-28-180 were full when the flight departed. About 30 minutes into the flight, a GPS alarm alerted the pilot to switch fuel tanks, so he switched the fuel tank selector. He then proceeded north to return to the departure airport. About 51 minutes into the […]
Dark night, heavy snow fatal for two
The instrument-rated pilot received weather data via a computerized flight planning service on the morning of the accident. The briefing included a synopsis for upper Michigan that indicated overcast conditions at 3,000 feet with cloud tops at 12,000 feet, visibility of 3 to 5 miles with light snow showers and mist, and wind from the […]
First flight after oil change goes awry
The private pilot and his two passengers departed on a local pleasure flight in the Cessna 210 near Pagosa Springs, Colo. Right after takeoff, engine oil covered the windscreen and the engine began to lose power. According to a video of the accident, the pilot made a tear-drop turn in an attempt to land on […]
Failure to retract landing gear before water landing injures two
The pilot reported that following an uneventful takeoff in the amphibious float equipped Maule M7-235, he intended on performing a water landing at a nearby lake as part of his checkride. During the water landing near Lake Havasu, Arizona, the airplane immediately nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings, as […]
Dislodged pin brings down Cessna 680
The pilot reported that, while climbing to 15,000 feet mean sea level, the autopilot disengaged and the autopilot disconnect chime sounded accompanied by an “AP fail A-B” message. At this point, he decided to return to the departure airport near Wheeling, Ill. He noted that, while trying to slow the climb, “extra” force was required […]
Flight into IMC kills new airplane owner
The pilot had recently purchased the American Champion Aircraft 8KCAB from the factory and was returning to his home airport when the accident occurred. The weather conditions initially forecast in the vicinity of the destination airport before departure were consistent with visual meteorological conditions, however, by the time the pilot was within 50 miles of […]
Cessna 340 plows into snow banks
The pilot departed on a short cross-country flight and arrived at his destination airport near Coldwater, Mich. He overflew the airport and observed blowing snow on both runways. Because the wind was from 220°, he elected to land on runway 22. During the roll-out, the Cessna 340 hit the plowed snow at the intersection of […]
Two airplanes dented after pilot fails to sump fuel tanks
This was the first flight for the Piper PA24-250 in the last three months, during which time, it was parked on a ramp outside in the winter in San Jose, Calif. The pilot reported he performed a preflight inspection, but that he did not sump the fuel system. The main fuel tanks were full, and […]