Probable Cause: The inadequate maintenance of the seat locking mechanism, which resulted in the pilot’s seat sliding back during takeoff and a subsequent loss of control.
Flight Safety
Picture of the Day: Sand: Worse Than Flying Into the Clouds
Mihai Silvestru submitted this photo and note: “Flying over the Sahara Desert in our kit-built MCR 4S. This is what it looks like when you account for clouds, rain, and wind — but you didn’t account for sand?”
Student’s Second Solo Proves Fatal
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.
Hot Day, Heavy Airplane Bad Combination for Pilot and Two Passengers
Probable Cause: A loss of engine performance due to carbon fouling of three spark plugs that, when combined with the airplane’s high gross weight condition, resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
Biplane Pilot Loses Control During Return to the Airport
Probable Cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.