“Night flying introduces challenges that are reflected in the data,” said Robert Geske, AOPA Air Safety Institute manager of aviation safety analysis. “More than one-quarter of fatal night flying accidents occurred because of spatial disorientation, a condition that can bring about loss of control in flight — the leading cause of all night flying accidents.”
aviation accidents
Pilot’s forgetfulness leads to forced landing
A total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s failure to premix the two-cycle oil/gasoline mixture, which resulted in a forced landing in a field and collision with terrain.
Fuel starvation brings abrupt end to checkout flight
The improper fuel management that resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.
Crash caused by nail in Piper’s tire from pilot’s hangar
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in a failure of the right main landing gear tire on landing rollout, a subsequent loss of directional control, and landing gear collapse.
Quest for $100 hamburger goes awry
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing on a highway, which resulted in an impact with terrain and subsequent nose over.
Stinson crashes trying to avoid van on the runway
A runway incursion, which resulted in a go-around, and subsequent forced landing when the airplane was not able to climb at a rate sufficient to clear approaching rising terrain.
Pilot dies, passengers seriously injured when plane hits trees while landing
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during final approach for landing, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.
Training flight proves fatal for CFI and student pilot
A loss of control while practicing an aerodynamic stall, which resulted in a spin and impact with terrain.
Preparation for check ride goes awry
The flight instructor and student pilot’s inadequate preflight performance planning which resulted in a takeoff attempt with insufficient available runway, a loss of control, and impact with terrain.