Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model.
flying
Picture of the Day: 252 at KTMK
See Ryan Birr’s stunning Mooney 252TSE at the historic Tillamook Air Museum. Explore the beauty of Oregon Coast flying in this GA photo of the day.
Maintenance: Is Less More? Or Just Less?
Should the FAA extend annual inspection rules? Explore how changing maintenance intervals could solve mechanic shortages while reducing maintenance-induced risks.
Sporty’s Founder Flies West
Hal Shevers, the founder of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, passed away May 12, 2026.
First Phase of NOTAM Overhaul Completed
The FAA has retired the legacy USNS as the first phase of a critical NOTAM system overhaul aimed at modernizing flight safety and preventing nationwide outages.
New Prop Approved for Piper FURY
Boost your Piper FURY’s performance with MT-Propeller’s new 7-blade “Silent 7.” Reduce takeoff distance by 10% and cut noise levels.
New Owner Mistake: Fuel Gauge Confusion Causes Fuel Exhaustion
A new Acro II owner’s misunderstanding of a fuel sight gauge led to a total engine failure. Learn why “assumed” burn rates are no match for system familiarity.
Picture of the Day: World War II Trainers Return to KBOW
Matthew Baker submitted this photo and note: “A Ryan PT-22 Recruit next to a T-6 at Bartow Executive Airport (KBOW) in Florida during the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.”
Anyone Can Talk To Anyone — And Probably Should
“Nobody can tell a PIC what to do at a non-towered airport,” is the common refrain from those who treasure their anti-authority stance. Many people believe this, too. Even though it is clearly untrue.