The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s latest Accident Case Study, Night Falls on Final, analyzes the tragic 2019 crash of a Piper Saratoga. Discover how lost instrument currency, fatigue, and marginal weather combined, causing an experienced pilot to become fatally disoriented during a challenging night approach.
NTSB
Glasair Destroyed After Bird Strike
Probable Cause: An in-flight bird strike which resulted in an engine compartment fire that ultimately destroyed the airplane.
Maintenance Error Leads To Cessna 150 Engine Failure
Probable Cause: Maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve, which allowed the valve to drop into the cylinder and resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Pilot Crashes His New Plane on First Familiarization Flight
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Crosswind Causes Fatal Crash
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
Unstabilized Approach Causes Substantial Damage To Beech 58
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude and airspeed on final approach, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the airplane.
Taxiing Mooney Sustains Double Wingtip Strike At Airport Crowded by Oshkosh Traffic
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate wingtip clearance while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the ambiguous nonstandard parking at the time of the incident.
Human Factors: Deadbeats
When a seasoned Malibu pilot experienced a total engine failure, he executed a flawless off-airport landing. However, the real shock came during the ensuing NTSB investigation, when investigators discovered nearly two decades of brazen aviation maintenance fraud.
Cracked Spark Plug Ends Banner Towing Flight
Probable Cause: A partial loss of engine power resulting from cylinder detonation and a cracked spark plug, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.