When a seasoned Malibu pilot experienced a total engine failure, he executed a flawless off-airport landing. However, the real shock came during the ensuing NTSB investigation, when investigators discovered nearly two decades of brazen aviation maintenance fraud.
aviation accidents
Cracked Spark Plug Ends Banner Towing Flight
Probable Cause: A partial loss of engine power resulting from cylinder detonation and a cracked spark plug, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
Fuel Contamination Proves Fatal for Three
Probable Cause: The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a single-engine go-around. Also contributing to the accident was fuel system contamination, which resulted in detonation and a total loss of left engine power.
VFR into IMC Fatal for Three
Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
Alternator Belt Failure Leads To Gear-Up Landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to use the emergency landing gear extension system, resulting in a gear-up landing. Contributing to the accident was an alternator belt failure.
Unapproved Parts Cause Flap Binding During Flight
Probable Cause: The binding of the left flap due to improper maintenance.
Pilot Crashes Into Lake After Failed Go-Around
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with water. Contributing to the accident were crosswind gusts.
First Flight After Annual Bends Piper
Probable Cause: Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the fuel system gascolator strainer bowl following an annual inspection.
Muscle Spasm Leads to Cessna 180 Pilot’s Loss of Control
Probable Cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control due to a muscle spasm.