Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach path at night after an electrical failure, which resulted in the airplane striking runway lights.
NTSB
Improper engine modification leads to fuel starvation
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper engine modification and operation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and the pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach path, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the runway.
Carb icing contributes to crash
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat while operating in an area conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power on approach and subsequent forced landing into a creek.
Maintenance error leads to loss of control
Probable cause: Maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the wheel brake system during the airplane’s most recent 100-hour inspection, which resulted in a loss of hydraulic fluid and the pilot’s inability to control the airplane during the landing.
Dead mouse leads to loss of engine power on takeoff
Probable cause: A loss of engine power on takeoff due to restricted air flow to the engine.
Vehicle drives on runway while plane is landing
Probable cause: A vehicle’s incursion onto an active runway, which resulted in an evasive action by the pilot landing an airplane on that runway and a subsequent runway excursion.
Fuel exhaustion leads to damaged airplane
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
Failure to use checklist and put seatbelt on right results in accident
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper takeoff trim setting and failure to properly secure his seatbelt, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist.
VFR into IMC fatal for Cub pilot
Probable cause: The non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to undertake a flight into forecast instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his subsequent decision to continue the flight after encountering IMC, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s depression and use of impairing/sedating medications, which resulted in poor decision-making.









