In this installment of Tips & Tricks from our readers, there are tips on everything from the importance of landing lights to how to tell if grease is still good to how to gauge how much fuel you have.
aviation accidents
Kitfox hits tree during forced landing
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during the landing flare, which resulted in the left wing striking a tree.
Student’s attempt to move seat during taxi bends 172
The student pilot’s improper decision to release the seat latch to adjust the seat position during taxi, which resulted in his inability to reach the rudder or brake pedals and a subsequent loss of directional control and impact with a ditch and fence.
Landing on snow bends Piper
The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control while conducting a touch-and-go landing on an unimproved, snow-covered airstrip, which resulted in a nose-over.
Pilot dies in first solo in weight-shift control aircraft
The noncertificated pilot’s exceedance of the aircraft’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Two die when Piper lost at sea
The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
Pilot hits power lines while attempt to avoid flock of birds
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while making an evasive maneuver to avoid birds.
Pilot crashes after having heart attack
The incapacitating effects of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), which resulted in the pilot’s loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.
Fuel starvation results when pilot puts fuel selector in wrong spot
The pilot’s fuel mismanagement and his improper use and placement of the fuel selector, contrary to operating procedures, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.