The flight instructor and private pilot-rated student were flying a five-leg, cross-country flight to conclude a mountain flying training course. The final leg of the flight was intended to cross over the mountains near a popular mountain pass, which was frequented by local pilots because of the landmarks and highway below. When the flight was overdue, […]
NTSB Accidents
Failure to open fuel valves brings down Kitfox
During preflight refueling, the Kitfox pilot reported he closed a fuel shutoff valve located at each wing root to prevent cross feeding. Upon starting the engine and preparing for takeoff, he verified that the main fuel valve was in the on position, but failed to open the fuel shutoff valve located on each wing, causing […]
VFR into IMC results in spatial disorientation
The non-instrument-rated pilot was conducting a cross-country flight in his homebuilt RV-7A. GPS data indicated that the plane departed and then proceeded west-southwest at an initial altitude of about 4,500 ft mean sea level (msl). About 20 minutes later, the airplane’s track deviated from its initial heading, and it began to climb. It continued to climb at […]
Fuel starvation brings down Piper
The pilot reported that the Piper PA 28-180’s engine lost power about five minutes after takeoff and that the starter would not engage to facilitate a restart. He executed a landing on a highway near Sulphur, La., during which the landing gear collapsed. After the accident, a first responder who held a pilot certificate examined the fuel […]
Attempt at hand propping goes awry
The pilot reported, prior to starting the Aeronca 7AC’s engine in preparation for flight, he verified the throttle position and chocked the right main landing gear by using his foot. After he started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the engine immediately went to a high rpm. He attempted to hang onto the airplane to regain […]
Instructional flight ends in accident
The student pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice takeoffs and landings in the Taylorcraft BC12-D. The flight instructor occupied the right seat, and the student occupied the left seat, which was the only position from which the brakes could be controlled. The flight was the sixth instructional flight for the […]
Nervous passenger contributes to crash
The pilot stated that just after takeoff, the RANS S6S entered “uncoordinated flight to the left.” He applied right rudder to correct, but felt that the rudder was ineffective. After clearing trees at the end of the runway in New Berlin, Pa., he elected to conduct a precautionary landing in a field. He stated that the […]
Water testing leads to takeoff
The non-certificated pilot reported he was testing the amphibious Avid’s engine and cooling system while maneuvering the airplane on a lake near Waterville, Minn. He added that he had “no intent to fly.” He completed a number of passes across the lake. Before the last pass, he input full flaps, which resulted in the airplane inadvertently becoming […]
Banner tow flight ends fatally
The banner tow airplane departed, circled, and returned to the airport in Gansevoort, N.Y., for the banner pickup. The operator said he was using a handheld radio and was prepared to provide flightpath adjustments to the pilot for the banner pickup, but the approach was “perfect” and the pickup was successful. He announced over the radio that […]