The pilot of the amphibious float-equipped airplane reported that during the initial climb from an airport runway, he was distracted by other airport traffic and forgot to retract the landing gear. As he approached his destination, which was a lake near Emily, Minn., he stated he did not perform the before landing checklist as he […]
aviation accidents
Dragging brake contributes to crash
A CFI and pilot receiving instruction were landing a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 172N at the airport in Loveland, Colo. The CFI reported that after touchdown the airplane veered to the right. He took control of the plane and applied full left rudder and left brake. The plane tracked straight for a moment before it turned right […]
Mechanical failure leads to gear-up landing
The pilot reported that the Cessna 210’s landing gear actuator had been rebuilt and that all ground tests were uneventful. During the takeoff for the maintenance test flight at an airport in Florence, Ore., the landing gear retracted normally. However, when selected to the extend position for landing, the left and right main landing gear […]
Flight to checkride fatal
The solo student pilot departed from an uncontrolled airport in Delta, Colo., to rendezvous with an examiner for his private pilot practical test. Weather conditions were overcast clouds at 600 feet and four miles visibility. After takeoff, the Cessna 182E hit terrain about two miles from the departure end of the runway, on the extended […]
Decision to buzz gun club fatal
Witnesses at a gun club in Paulden, Ariz., reported observing the Cessna 340A make a high-speed, low pass from north to south over the club’s buildings and then maneuver around for another low pass from east to west. During the second low pass, the plane hit a radio tower that was about 50 feet tall, […]
Jammed rudder brings down Zenith CH701
The pilot reported that, during a test flight, the Zenith CH701 encountered moderate turbulence so he decided to return to the airport in Snohomish, Wash. While turning to the crosswind leg in the pattern, the plane suddenly banked sharply and descended uncontrollably. The pilot was able to regain control about 500 feet above ground level, […]
Distracted ag pilot crashes
The Air Tractor 402B pilot reported that he was reading a map in an effort to identify the correct field to spray while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night conditions near Wellton, Ariz. While maneuvering in a turn he didn’t realize the airplane was descending and it subsequently collided with terrain. The wings and […]
Banner tow plane hits parked car
The pilot reported that about 20 minutes into the banner tow flight near Gainesville, Florida, he noticed that the Cessna 172 had descended about 100 feet from its established altitude. He responded by increasing engine power and enriching the mixture while observing that the oil temperature gauge was indicating “hotter than normal.” The plane continued […]
Balloon hits power lines
The pilot and passenger departed on a balloon flight and had been airborne for a little over an hour before making three attempts to land near Rio Rancho, N.M. The wind was too strong on the first attempt. On the next attempt, they found themselves over a residential subdivision that prevented them from landing. The […]