The pilot’s poor preflight planning, during which he failed to verify the proper procedure to activate the runway lights; his inability to locate the airport without lighting; and the airplane’s subsequent low-fuel state as he circled looking for the airport, which necessitated a precautionary off-airport landing, during which the nose landing gear separated.
NTSB
Our most popular stories of 2021
In case you missed them, here’s a lists of the most read stories on the General Aviation News website in 2021.
Homebuilt’s first flight ends in accident
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing, which resulted in the right tire contacting the runway first followed by the left wing.
Student practicing soft field takeoffs ends up in snowbank
The student pilot’s failure to maintain the runway heading during takeoff, which resulted in impact with a snowbank and a subsequent nose-over.
Pilot hits taxiway sign after losing control while landing
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with sign.
Training for tailwheel endorsement bends Cessna 170
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground-loop, and the flight instructor’s failure to adequately monitor the pilot.
Excessive braking bends Cessna 140
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and his use of excessive braking while taxiing.
Pilot ground loops after landing on grass between taxiway and runway
The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in impact with a knoll and a subsequent ground-loop.
Student’s failure to relinquish control results in plane hitting airport fence
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action and the student’s failure to relinquish control, which resulted in a runway overrun and impact with a fence.





