Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control while landing on a wet turf runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure the passenger’s proper use of seatbelts before the landing.
Pilots
Picture of the Day: Marking A Milestone
Christian Sanchez submitted this photo and note: “On this day, I pointed the nose and flew to Palacios, Texas. While this little coastal town may not mean much to most people, it’s a town that marked a milestone for me: My 500th hour in the sky.”
High-Tech and High Speeds: Brian Pendleton’s Lancair Evolution Steals the Show
Los Angeles producer and pilot Brian Pendleton turned heads at the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo with his newly painted Lancair Evolution. Featuring a unique, high-tech circuit board design utilizing state-of-the-art heat-dissipating paint, the high-speed composite aircraft reflects its owner’s love for aviation, technology, and adventure.
Honoring Our Veterans
General Aviation News Of Wings & Things columnist Fred Johnsen spent Memorial Day 2026 at the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, Idaho, and captured this video.
New Tower In the Works for KISM
The City of Kissimmee has secured a $10 million federal grant through the FAA Contract Tower Program to build a new air traffic control tower at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM), replacing the airport’s aging facility built in 1997.
New E-METAR Tool Simplifies Pre-Flight Planning
Streamline pre-flight checks with E-METAR, a free tool layering runway data, active NOTAMs, and live traffic over raw aviation weather info.
Piper Ends Up in Watermelon Field After Pilot Changes Mind About Rejected Takeoff
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to re-attempt a takeoff with little runway remaining, after rejecting a takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway overrun at a higher speed and collision with terrain.
Picture of the Day: Flying the Stearman
Scott Scheiurich submitted this photo and note: “Members of the Commemorative Air Force Indianapolis Wing recently traveled to Norwalk, Ohio, to give rides in our PT-17 Stearman.”
New Bill Proposes Ban on ADS-B Landing Fees in New York
New York lawmakers have introduced a Senate bill aimed at prohibiting the practice of charging ADS-B landing fees to general aviation aircraft.