A widow’s final tribute to her late husband over the mountains of Wyoming ended in a tragic crash after spreading his ashes. What can we learn from this fatal accident about flying in the mountains?
aviation accidents
Cessna 208B Crashes Into Ferry Wake During Rushed Takeoff
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to rush his departure, which resulted in a rough water encounter and collision with the wake of a passing ferry boat.
Water-Contaminated Fuel Causes a Fatal Cessna 206 Crash
Probable Cause: A loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to ensure replacement filters were available for use during refueling operations.
Coolant Leak and Unstable Approach Cause Bearhawk Crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s unstable approach which resulted in a landing with insufficient runway remaining to stop and subsequent impact with a river embankment. Contributing was the engine coolant system anomaly.
Botched Go-Around Leads To Crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a go-around that resulted in an impact with a fence.
General Aviation Fatal Accident Rate Drops So Far in 2026
The latest data from the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee reveals positive trends for the 2026 general aviation fatal accident rate. You can take a deep dive into the data, looking at accidents month by month or by category.
Carburetor Icing Ends Instructional Flight Early
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
Pilot and Passenger Seriously Injured in Valley Crash
Probable Cause: The airplane’s encounter with gusting winds resulting in a loss of altitude with performance insufficient to outclimb terrain.
Pilot Loses Control During Water Landing
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane in gusty wind conditions while flying low over water, which resulted in the floats impacting a wave and the airplane’s subsequent nose over into the water.










