Probable Cause: A failure of the left fuel valve, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
NTSB
Distracted Pilot Forgets to Extend Landing Gear
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
Pilot’s Delayed Aborted Landing Causes Mooney Crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his delay in aborting the landing.
Mechanic’s Faulty Alternator Wiring Triggers Cirrus Engine Fire
Probable Cause: The mechanic’s improper installation of the alternator wiring connections, which resulted in electrical arcing and thermal damage to the airplane.
Cessna 185 Crashes After Water Contaminates Fuel
Probable Cause: Water contamination of the fuel system which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight.
Loose Throttle Knob Causes Takeoff Accident
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the outcome, was the pilot’s inability to control the engine following the loss of directional control due to the separation of a knob from the engine’s throttle control.
Carb Ice Brings Down Skydiving Plane
Probable Cause: The airplane’s loss of engine power due to carburetor ice that formed during a long descent, contributing to the outcome is the pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat.
Loss of Control Leads to Ground Loop
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing, that resulted in a ground loop and a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
Early Analysis Video Explores Fatal Baron Crash
The AOPA Air Safety Institute has released an early analysis of a fatal July 2026 Beechcraft Baron crash in Illinois. Two private pilots without instrument ratings encountered severe weather at night. The accident highlights the critical dangers of datalink weather latency and flying near thunderstorms.










