Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadvertent encounter with helicopter wake turbulence during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
flying
Picture of the Day: On top of Mount Shasta
Randy Sharp submitted this photo and note: “Flying back in my TB21 Socata from Medford, Oregon, after dropping off my brother-in-law when I saw this unusual cloud topping the peak of Mount Shasta in California. Headwind was > 30 knots at 10,500 feet. There was no turbulence, which was unusual for the winds aloft.”
Wildlife strikes up 14% in last year
The report, “Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the United States 1990-2024” released in June 2025, notes that the 22,372 documented wildlife strikes in 2024 equated to roughly 61 wildlife strikes every day.
Competitor lineup for 2025 National Championship Air Races revealed
“Unveiling our race field is one of the most exciting moments leading up to race week,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association, producers of the races, which debut in Roswell, New Mexico, this year.
Free aviation program for teens returns to Air Force museum
The free six-week course introduces teens 14-18 to the fundamentals of flight, including time on a flight sim.
New pilot watches for women debut
Abingdon Co. has introduced two new watches, the Amelia Rosette in pink and the Nadia Luna in purple.
Unfamiliar airplane, narrow runway bad combination for pilot
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed after liftoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
Picture of the Day: Seneca sunset
Matthew Baker submitted this photo and note: “A Piper Seneca II flying at sunset over Lakeland, Florida.”
Ask Paul: Is this crazing normal?
Those little “cracks” are actually channels for the oil to travel through as it lubricates the cylinder walls.