Probable Cause: The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other resulting in a collision on the airstrip. Contributing was the pilots’ failure to announce their intentions over their radios as they were taking off and landing.
NTSB Accidents
Test flight after fuel system mods ends in crash
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s modifications to the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff despite observing lower than anticipated propeller rpm, his decision to delay his precautionary landing to allow another airplane to land, and his decision to conduct flight testing of the airplane following multiple modifications.
Pilot seriously injured when takeoff goes awry
Probable Cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control at too low of an altitude to recover.
New banner tow pilot loses control of Pawnee
Probable Cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of aircraft control.
Missing bolt ends multi-engine check ride
Probable Cause: The stabilator trim rod assembly separated from the stabilator link assembly due to a missing connecting bolt, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain pitch control of the airplane.
Pilot seriously injured when he forgets to remove wheel chocks
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to remove the wheel chocks before engine start which resulted in the inadvertent contact with the propeller while the engine was running.
Test flight ends with total loss of engine power
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power caused by fatigue cracking and fracture of the crankshaft due to severe wear of the bearings.
Corroded aileron cable proves fatal for CFI and student
Probable Cause: Maintenance personnel’s failure to detect the corroded aileron cable during recent inspections, which resulted in the separation of the aileron control cable and a subsequent loss of airplane control during takeoff.
Failure to apply carb heat leads to forced landing in river
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat before initiating a descent in conditions conducive to the development of carburetor icing, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.