NTSB Accidents

Probable cause: The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.

Probable cause: The pilot’s improper takeoff trim setting and failure to properly secure his seatbelt, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist.

Probable cause: The non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to undertake a flight into forecast instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his subsequent decision to continue the flight after encountering IMC, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s depression and use of impairing/sedating medications, which resulted in poor decision-making.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a cow on the airstrip during landing. 

Probable cause: The pilot’s operation of the airplane with the alternator switch in the off position, which allowed the selected battery to discharge and resulted in an ignition system failure and a total loss of engine power.

Probable cause: A total loss of engine power after the separation of the No. 3 cylinder from the crankcase due to improper maintenance.

Probable cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Probable cause: The pilot’s improper decision to initiate the flight in marginal visual flight rules over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological and downdraft conditions and the subsequent controlled flight into trees and terrain.

Probable cause: Impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.