Probable Cause: The design of the spray valve control lever, which restricted the range of the left rear rudder and brake pedal and resulted in a loss of control during landing.
Pilots
Picture of the Day: Banks Ranch
Christian Sanchez submitted this photo and note: “This photograph was captured during a brief trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. A friend took me up in his 1957 Cessna 172, soaring over various regions of the state. He also introduced me to five challenging runways at Banks Ranch. The image showcases three of those runways at Banks Ranch.”
Combat P-38 regenerated for a new century
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning nicknamed Jandina III made its post-restoration debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, and returned home a Grand Champion.
Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded avgas gets ASTM nod
The approval is for use in Cessna 172R and 172S models with Lycoming IO-360-L2A engines.
GE Aerospace partners with BETA to advance hybrid electric flight
Under the new agreement, GE Aerospace and BETA plan to develop a hybrid electric turbogenerator for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications, including long-range Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, future BETA aircraft, and other potential applications.
Commercial Pilot Oral Exam updated
Arranged in a question-and-answer format, the guide lists the questions most likely to be asked by evaluators during the practical exam and provides responses. FAA references are provided throughout for further study, ASA officials noted.
Wrong seat position contributes to crash
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadvertent brake application during takeoff which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper seat position.
Picture of the Day: Flying over the airport
Katie Smith sent in this photo with a note: “Took this photo as I was in the back seat of our Aero Commander 100 Darter (flight trainer/rental). Airport is Cushing Municipal Airport (KCUH) in Oklahoma. Tanks and runway in view along with the hangars, of which one is our maintenance shop hanger. Such a great view.”
A contract for safety
Many people — including those in aviation — rarely recognize how big a part of the ATC system contract air control towers represent.