Most aviation deaths in 2020 took place during general aviation operations, where 332 people were killed, compared to 414 the year before, according to statistic released by the National Transportation Safety Board.
aviation accidents
Pilot mistakenly retracts landing gear during checkride
The pilot’s unintentional retraction of the landing gear during the landing roll.
Distracted pilot hits taxiway light
The pilot’s failure to follow the taxiway centerline guide and his distraction due to adjusting the radio, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from a taxiway light after landing and while taxiing to a ramp.
Improper fuel management leads to fuel starvation
The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power, and his subsequent improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s improper preflight inspection during which he failed to see that the right fuel cap was not secured.
Car hits Piper on runway
The automobile driver’s incursion onto an active runway, which resulted in a collision with a landing airplane.
Runaway plane hits trees
The pilot’s failure to properly set the parking brake before exiting an operating airplane, which resulted in a runaway airplane and subsequent impact with trees.
Cessna 182 picks up ice in IMC
The pilot’s inadvertent flight into icing conditions, which resulted in the accumulation of structural icing and an aerodynamic stall.
First flight in experimental bends plane
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to make his first flight in an airplane he unfamiliar with before waiting for calm winds.
Improper preflight leads to fuel exhaustion
The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning and quantity inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, and a subsequent nose-over.