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.
Cessna 310 vs. cow
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a cow on the airstrip during landing.
Flying with alternator switched off results in total loss of engine power
Probable cause: The pilot’s operation of the airplane with the alternator switch in the off position, which allowed the selected battery to discharge and resulted in an ignition system failure and a total loss of engine power.
Plane lands in marsh after No. 3 cylinder separates in flight
Probable cause: A total loss of engine power after the separation of the No. 3 cylinder from the crankcase due to improper maintenance.
Pilot loses control on takeoff
Probable cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Plane hits trees after inadvertent encounter with IMC
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to initiate the flight in marginal visual flight rules over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological and downdraft conditions and the subsequent controlled flight into trees and terrain.