Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to attempt a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver in a non-aerobatic airplane, and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane during the maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by the effects of diphenhydramine use, and his underlying mild cognitive impairment.
CFI ground loops J-3 Cub
Probable cause: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Failure to enrich mixture ends in accident
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to enrich the mixture during the descent, as required by the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and his subsequent failure to follow the POH emergency procedures, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel/air mixture and subsequent loss of rpm. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to land on unsuitable terrain despite the availability of two nearby airports.
Sun glare contributes to RV-4 crash
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from berms during landing in sun glare conditions.
Fuel exhaustion leads to forced landing
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Landing gear malfunction bends Cessna 340
Probable cause: The failure of the bell crank pivot bolt, which resulted in the left main landing gear collapse. Contributing to the accident was the lack of landing gear inspections in accordance with the airplane manufacturer’s maintenance manuals.
Attempt to take off in choppy ocean waters goes awry
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to takeoff in an area of rough water and ocean swells, which resulted in a failure of the right float struts.
Improperly seated fuel cap results in fuel starvation
Probable cause: The improperly seated fuel cap, which resulted in an in-flight fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Poor maintenance fatal for Quicksilver pilot
Probable cause: An engine loss of power due to fuel starvation from a broken fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine, which prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the engine and its components.