Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadvertent brake application during takeoff which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper seat position.
Aircraft
Picture of the Day: Flying over the airport
Katie Smith sent in this photo with a note: “Took this photo as I was in the back seat of our Aero Commander 100 Darter (flight trainer/rental). Airport is Cushing Municipal Airport (KCUH) in Oklahoma. Tanks and runway in view along with the hangars, of which one is our maintenance shop hanger. Such a great view.”
A contract for safety
Many people — including those in aviation — rarely recognize how big a part of the ATC system contract air control towers represent.
Celebrating the general aviation boom
The Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) is kicking off a year-long celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the post-war general aviation boom of 1946 — a transformative year that brought tens of thousands of aircraft into the skies and launched what many call the “Class of ’46.”
Epic Flight Academy opens flight school at KTCL
Epic Flight Academy held a grand opening of its ninth FAA Part 141 flight school on Aug. 30, 2025, at Tuscaloosa National Airport (KTCL) in Alabama.
Atlantic Aviation expands into Big Sky Country
Atlantic Aviation has expanded its nationwide FBO network to 106 locations with the addition of its first in Montana at Glacier Park International Airport (KGPI) in Kalispell.
Poor preflight ends in fuel exhaustion
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Picture of the Day: On final
Diana Layton submitted this photo and note: “Civil Air Patrol cadets watch as the tow plane approaches on final, awaiting rope retrieval for the next glider sortie at Grant County Airport in West Virginia.”
Human Factors: It’s not really a checklist
When something unexpected happens in flight we’ve all been taught to Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. But pilots need to realize that’s not a checklist, but a cycle to be repeated over and over again until the situation is resolved.