The pilot’s failure to perform a preflight weight and balance calculation and his operation of the flight at an excessive takeoff weight, resulting in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack after liftoff and an aerodynamic stall from which the pilot was unable to recover.
Aircraft
Picture of the Day: Northern lights
Ben Carlson submitted this photo and note: “Brian Pankonin took this picture of my 1955 Cessna 180 in Medford, Oregon in May 2024. The aurora made for a nice backdrop.”
Super Petrel XP makes its debut
Although the S-LSA biplane looks similar to previous Super Petrel models, which have been manufactured in Brazil by Scoda Aeronautica for 20 years, the new XP was completely redesigned to address feedback from owners and to take full advantage of the new 141-horsepower Rotax 915iS turbocharged engine, according to company officials.
Colorado pilots volunteer to fly patients after bridge closes
“We have the ability to do it and it gives back to the community and to people in need. You know, we’re pilots. We like to fly and we just thought why not volunteer some of our time and do it and see what happens.”
Fort Worth airpark community expands
Patten Properties has expanded its Pecan Plantation (0TX1) aviation community in Granbury, Texas, with the addition of The Landings East (66TE), a second airpark located 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth.
Sporty’s launches free aerobatics app for Apple Vision Pro
“This virtual capability brings dynamic aerial maneuvers to life, allowing pilots to learn from a safe, secure location,” Sporty’s officials said. “Beyond the basic maneuvers, the app includes a full air show routine, performed by Wagstaff, allowing users to experience the proper sequence of competition aerobatic flying.”
Picture of the Day: Sunrise to CFI
Dalton Carter submitted this photo and note: “I grabbed this quick photo while I was heading down south of ATL to take my CFI checkride. Fantastic sunrise led to a fantastic checkride and resulted in a pass.”
New device increases safety for general aviation pilots
A student pilot’s struggles during training led to the development of the SkyVoice Alert 500, a takeoff and landing height announcer with gear warning, approved to install in all general aviation aircraft under the FAA’s Non Required Safety Enhancing Equipment (NORSEE) program.
A Young Eagle pays it forward
Luke Nunez was a Young Eagle two years ago. Now the private pilot is paying it forward as a pilot for Young Eagles flights.