Probable Cause: The student pilot’s improper fuel management during the cross-country flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
aviation accidents
Pilot Erroneously Extends Landing Gear
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to properly configure the landing gear on his amphibious airplane before landing on water.
Pilot Loses Control on First Test Flight
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
VFR Into IMC Fatal For Three
The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.
Pilot Crashes When Blinded by Sun Glare
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to continue an approach with his vision obscured by sun glare, which resulted in a collision with a tree.
Fatal Experimental Accidents Down
Fatal accidents are down among experimental aircraft, even as flight hours have increased.
Nacelle Flies Off During Post-Maintenance Flight
Probable Cause: The failure of maintenance personnel to thoroughly inspect and repair the worn-out panel fasteners and fastener holes.
Pilot Seriously Injured When He Crashes Unfamiliar Airplane
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to attain/maintain aircraft control during an approach for landing that resulted in an impact with terrain.
The Three-Cue Rule: How Seasoned Pilots Avoid VFR Into IMC
A recent study reveals how experienced pilots use a “multi-cue integration strategy” to avoid VFR-into-IMC. By identifying specific triggers and following the “Three-Cue Rule,” pilots can make safer, proactive decisions before weather conditions become life-threatening.