Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to attempt a go-around with full flaps extended, which resulted in decreased climb performance and led to a collision with trees.
Picture of the Day: Vanishing act
David Robison sent in this picture with a note: “At Spencer Municipal Airport (KSPW) in Iowa looking southwest at sunset with Venus setting. The airplane is painted white however, due to the reflection, it looks as though the fuselage becomes one with the horizon.”
Losing weight the easy way and the hard way
One of the immutable aspects of flight that is that weight cannot be finessed out of our calculations. It must be measured carefully, placed in the appropriate location, or discarded. There is no wiggle room. The airplane itself has mass and weight. As does fuel, baggage, passengers, and the pilot. Weight matters.
Challenge grant aims to double funding for GA aircraft to protect endangered animals in Africa
Group Elephant, a multinational services and software firm, has issued a $250,000 Matching Challenge Grant — pledging to release $250,000 of funding if the non-profit Elephants, Rhinos & People can raise $250,000 from donors by Feb. 28, 2026.
FAA shortens anti-depressant wait times
The FAA recently updated several medical policies, including those related to antidepressants, diabetes, migraines, and vaccines.
New partnership creates leasing program for flight schools
The new fleet acquisition and management program has been created to enable colleges and independent flight schools to update their training fleets with new Diamond Aircraft and simulators at fixed monthly costs comparable to buying pre-owned aircraft, company officials explained.
Taylorcraft hits runway closure sign
The failure of the airport authorities to renew the airport closure NOTAM for the airport. Contributing to the accident, was the pilot’s inability to see the runway closure sign.
Picture of the Day: Back in the day
Robert Butterfield Jr. submitted this picture with a note: “Spectators admiring classic and antique aircraft at a Fly-In located at Lee Bottom Airport (64I) in Hanover, Indiana. Bringing aviation to all interested people.”
Confronting Loss of Control In-Flight: A practical path forward for general aviation
GA pilots should stop treating Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I) as an unavoidable statistic, say officials with the Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Association International. To help achieve that, the association is holding a free safety summit to lay out its plan to save lives by eliminating the LOC-I threat.