Probable cause: The airplane builder’s failure to install safety wires on the brake disc attachment bolts, and the mechanic’s failure to identify the omission during the condition inspection. The subsequent brake disc separation resulted in a loss of di
Wiring failure leads to forced landing
Probable cause: A failure of the wiring between the engine control unit and the fuel injector, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Search mission ends fatally
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in high winds, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to load the airplane beyond its allowable gross weight and center of gravity limits.
Wrong part leads to fuel starvation
Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of a threaded metal rod of insufficient strength to connect the fuel tank selector handle to the fuel valve, which resulted in his inability to switch fuel tanks and a subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Fuel starvation leads to crash
Probable cause: The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Carb icing contributes to crash
Probable cause: A partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor icing, which resulted from the student pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat and the flight instructor’s delayed response in applying carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.
Pilot hits tree on takeoff
Probable cause: The pilot’s delayed application of rudder and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Pilot dies when Cub hits river
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding the critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
Pilot crashes during slow flight competition
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.