Probable Cause: The airplane owner/builder’s inappropriate use of a lower grade fuel than that required by the airplane and engine operations manual, which resulted in engine detonation and the degradation and eventual obliteration of the Nos. 1 and 2 cylinder spark plug electrode tips.
Aircraft
Questions from the Cockpit: Got you covered — maybe
James, a private pilot and airplane owner in South Carolina, writes: What happens if someone wrecks your plane while they are considering buying it?
More than 5,000 pilots take part in safety campaign
In the wake of recent high-profile general aviation accidents in New York and Florida, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute reports that more than 5,000 pilots have already participated in the National Pause for General Aviation Safety.
ALOFT Academy launches to train mechanics
Students will join ALOFT as full-time employees from the first day of class, and graduate six months later as full-time mechanics.
Partnership launches to train air traffic controllers
Serco Inc., which operates 28 air traffic control towers in the United States, has partnered with Middle Georgia State University to offer training to future air traffic controllers.
Failure to engage turbocharger fatal
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to engage the turbocharger for takeoff and his improper decision to continue the takeoff with partial power, rather than reject the takeoff.
Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center in the works for KCMA and KOXR
The planned Innovation Center will feature a 500-square-mile testing range for Advanced Air Mobility at Camarillo and Oxnard airports in Ventura County, California. It will offer research facilities, business resources, and workforce training.
Small horizontal fuel float introduced
RADIANT Technology has introduced the Bingo 6, a small horizontal fuel float that can be used at any point in a fuel tank to detect the presence — or absence — of fuel.
Pilot on collision course in pattern
When I saw them in the left window, they were the same altitude less than a quarter mile turning towards us fast. They were in our blind spot as we were climbing (they were slightly higher). I cut power and did an emergency descent to the right to avoid getting hit.