Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without confirming it had been released from maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to loose magnetos. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB
Stop for fuel ends in crash
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the initial climb following an aborted precautionary landing. Contributing to the outcome were the inoperative runway lights, which reduced the likelihood that the pilot could successfully land the airplane on the runway at night.
Aeronca crashes into hangar after hand propping goes awry
The occupant’s improper throttle movement during the start procedure, which resulted in forward movement and loss of airplane control.
New video delves into twin Cessna crash
Accident Case Study: Deadly Disorientation recreates the tragic events that led a twin Cessna to crash into a neighborhood in Santee, California, killing the pilot and one person on the ground.
P-51 crashes into PA46 on taxiway
The P51 pilot’s failure to see and avoid the PA46 during taxi operations.
Cessna 441 crashes into hangar
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, failure to set the parking brake, and his decision to exit the airplane with engines running to remove a wheel chock, resulting in the airplane’s unintended movement and subsequent collision with a hangar.
Twin crashes after running out of fuel
The pilot’s inadequate in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Snow ends low flight
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low attitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s loss of visual reference due to snow and flat light conditions.
Student pilot loses control during engine start
The pilot’s loss of directional control during engine start.