NTSB

The student pilot’s inadvertent movement of the fuel shutoff switch to the “off” position while attempting to take a picture of himself, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and a subsequent ditching in open water.

The pilot’s failure to set the friction lock on the throttle before hand propping the engine, which allowed the airplane to move forward and impact a credit card machine. Contributing to the accident was the malfunction of the parking brake for reasons that could not be determined.

The airplane’s impact by a bird during the initial climb.

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in impact with a knoll and a subsequent ground-loop.

The passenger’s inadvertent application of the brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent flight experience.

Probable cause: The passenger’s improper decision to hold her cell phone outside the helicopter, which resulted in it departing the helicopter and striking the tail rotor.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid the airplane on the runway while landing and the pilot receiving instruction’s and flight instructor’s failure to properly scan the approach before pulling onto the runway during takeoff.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to attain a sufficient climb rate during initial climb in high-density altitude conditions with the airplane near its forward center of gravity and maximum gross weight limits, which resulted in an impact with trees.