When something unexpected happens in flight we’ve all been taught to Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. But pilots need to realize that’s not a checklist, but a cycle to be repeated over and over again until the situation is resolved.
aviation accidents
Banner tow pilot seriously injured in crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the banner pickup, which resulted in a low altitude aerodynamic stall/spin.
Exhaust system failure leads to crash
Probable Cause: The loss of engine power during go-around due to a failed muffler flame tube, which resulted in an exhaust blockage. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the exhaust system during the most recent maintenance.
Collision with powerlines fatal for two
Probable Cause The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at a low altitude over water, which resulted in a collision and loss of control.
Fuel starvation results in crash that seriously injures pilot
Probable Cause: The pilot’s mismanagement of fuel, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
How are we doing?
Accidents are trending down this year (to-date) compare to 2024.
Piper hits truck during forced landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper preflight planning that resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Bellanca vs. helicopter
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadvertent encounter with helicopter wake turbulence during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
Wildlife strikes up 14% in last year
The report, “Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the United States 1990-2024” released in June 2025, notes that the 22,372 documented wildlife strikes in 2024 equated to roughly 61 wildlife strikes every day.