Pilot Stories

The pilot failed initial check rides and was said to fly aggressively at low level. And those are the least shocking parts of this story.

Air Tractor AT 602 El Campo, Texas/ 1 Minor The pilot was landing at a remote agricultural airstrip for the first time. While on the final approach to land to the south and just before touchdown, the pilot saw a ground spray rig maneuver toward the airstrip. The airplane touched down uneventfully. The pilot added […]

From Clippers to jumbo jets, United States presidents have used planes to travel safely, and stealthily, too.

There’s nothing good about inflight icing, but you can learn to manage it.

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Yakima, Washington/2 Minor The pilot reported that he chose to conduct a low approach over the private airstrip to familiarize himself with it and then go around. He approached the airstrip from the north and entered the left base leg. After turning onto final, the airplane was on a stabilized approach. About […]

Beech A36 Bonanza Elida, Ohio/2 Fatal The noninstrument-rated private pilot and passenger departed on the cross-county flight under visual flight rules (VFR) in visual meteorological conditions and proceeded on course at an altitude of about 9,000 ft mean sea level (msl). As the flight progressed, the weather conditions deteriorated, and about halfway through the flight, […]

Piper PA36 Pawnee Bancroft, Idaho/Injuries: 1 Minor The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he stalled the airplane while in a low-altitude turn. In an attempt to recover, the pilot dumped the chemicals, but the airplane continued to descend and impacted a hillside. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and engine […]

The holidays for a junior pilot are a mixed bag, but if you plan ahead, you can celebrate in style’€¦sometimes.

The jolly fellow was reportedly unhurt. Phew! Details here!

The accident shows that when it comes to running out of fuel, one error can compound upon another.