The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power, and his improper landing flare during a forced autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the inoperative fuel gauge, which was not accurately calibrated, and the pilot’s reliance on the gauge.
aviation accidents
Plane hits deer two times in three weeks
The airplane’s collision with deer during the landing and the airport’s failure to provide an adequate barrier to prevent wildlife from entering the runway environment despite previous deer strikes.
Pilot seriously injured when plane hits power lines
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-altitude maneuvering.
Practice flight ends in bent airplane
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while turning at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Soft field takeoff goes awry
The airplane’s failure to maintain a climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
High-density altitude conditions contribute to crash
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and climb rate during takeoff in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in his failure to clear power lines.
Pilot dies when plane mysteriously crashes
The pilot’s loss of airplane control during approach for undetermined reasons.
Pilot presumed dead when plane crashes into ocean
Impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Piper hits deer while landing
The airplane’s impact with a deer on the runway during landing.