Aircraft

U.S. Civil Aviation Accidents

The unregistered aircraft was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain at an unknown time. The private pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The accident pilot was last observed flying the single-seat gyrocopter at about 1350 on the day of the accident. The wreckage was subsequently located the following day about 0915, about 750 feet east of the departure airports Runway 26 threshold. The private pilot held a rating for single-engine land-based airplanes.

At about 1213 Eastern time, the airplane collided with a taxiway sign following a rejected takeoff. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual conditions prevailed.

The float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged at 1630 Eastern time during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The private pilot/owner and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 1030 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and terrain following a total loss of engine power while maneuvering for landing. The foreign-rated pilot seated in the left front seat and the pilot-rated passenger seated in the right rear seat were seriously injured. The pilot seated in the right front seat and the passenger seated in the left rear seat received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 1205 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight. The private pilot was not injured, but the pilot-rated-passenger incurred minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane impacted terrain at an undetermined time. The solo private pilot was fatally injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. Instrument conditions prevailed; the flight was not operating on an IFR clearance. The flight departed Fort Worth, Texas, en route to Tulsa, Okla.

Let’s dispel some myths: Ditching done well is not all that dangerous. My recent ditching was devoid of actual trauma. Most people—about 90 percent—survive a ditching, and those who don’t are usually the ones who did not take basic steps to prepare. Some recent incidents and my own experience demonstrate ditching usually is very survivable and taking a few precautions can greatly enhance the possibility of a favorable outcome.

The airplane impacted terrain at about 1230 Mountain time. The private pilot and two passengers were seriously injured; one passenger was fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence and post-impact fire. Visual conditions prevailed.

At about 1710 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a field while performing low-level aerobatics. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 2021 Eastern time when it collided with trees and terrain following a total loss of engine power on approach. The instructor pilot/owner-operator and the commercial-rated pilot receiving instruction sustained minor injuries. Night visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a parked railroad freight car, then terrain, shortly after takeoff. The flight instructor and the sport pilot (under instruction for her private pilot certificate) were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.