The SW-51’s operating manuals are clear that you shouldn’t take off unless the engine is developing takeoff power, that you need to check the gauges to make sure that the engine is operating properly, and that for takeoff power the gauges need to show about 50 inches of manifold pressure.
Catalina Island Beechcraft Baron Crash Similar to Cessna Twin Crash?
The Beechcraft Baron 95-B55 was found Tuesday night approximately one mile West of the Catalina Island Airport. It crashed shortly after takeoff, killing five on board. Weather reports indicated low clouds. Thus, the aircraft would have encountered “instrument conditions” in a matter of seconds after leaving the runway.
The aircraft turned right shortly after takeoff.
Cirrus SR22T Engine Failures: Is the Aircraft Properly Certified?
until the Federal Aviation Administration requires
Learjet N880Z: Another Circling Approach Crash
Instrument approach procedures are pre-determined paths and maneuvers that, if followed, will guide an aircraft to a runway in reduced visibility. The last leg of an instrument approach procedure is typically a straight line (more or less) to the end of the runway. The straight line minimizes the turns the pilot must make to land
Bombardier Challenger N605TR Crash at Truckee-Tahoe Airport: Looks Like Base-to-final Stall/Spin
Few turns in aviation are as dangerous as the “base-to-final” turn. That’s the last turn the pilot executes to line up with the runway. 
When that final turn is made, the aircraft is always low and slow. If the pilot tightens the turn too much, the aircraft can stall and crash. The factors that contribute
Cirrus SR20 Crash at Truckee Airport: High Density Altitude to Blame?
At first glance, this week’s crash of Cirrus N89423 at Truckee looks like yet another “high density altitude” accident. Such accidents are, after all, perhaps the most common type of accident at Truckee airport. Due to the thin air, the aircraft cannot climb fast enough to clear rising terrain or to maintain altitude
Maintenance Error that Brought Down Navajo at Myrtle Beach Not Uncommon
In May, a Piper Navajo PA-31 crashed shortly after takeoff from Myrtle Beach. The pilot was ATP-rated and worked for American Airlines. He knew he was in trouble almost immediately after takeoff. He tried to return to the airport. He reached an altitude of about 1000 feet, then dropped 475 feet, then climbed 700
Byron Tow Plane Crash: Glider Pilot Error?
The pilot of a Bellanca 8GCBC Scout, Registration N4116Y, died when the aircraft crashed at Byron Airport on May 9th. According to a witness, the tow plane took off pulling a glider. While still at a low altitude, the glider climbed abruptly. The maneuver pulled the tail of the tow plane into the air, pointing
Air Force Agrees to Change ARFF Procedures; Pay $1.4 Million to Settle Andreini Death Lawsuit
Aerobatic hall of fame pilot Eddie Andreini was flying a routine at the Travis Air Force Base. He was attempting a stunt known as an inverted ribbon cut. Something went wrong. Eddie’s Stearman slid upside down along the runway, coming to a stop at show center. His Stearman caught fire. Eddie couldn’t get out. The crowd watched, prayed, and waited for fire trucks to arrive. Some bystanders wanted to rush to the plane to help, but the announcer warned everyone to stay back and “let the firefighters do their job.”
Continue Reading Air Force Agrees to Change ARFF Procedures; Pay $1.4 Million to Settle Andreini Death Lawsuit
Family Sues ICON for Fatal A5 Crash
ICON Aircraft hired away from Ford Motor Company a superstar PhD to lead its engineering department. When Cagri Sever showed up at ICON’s facility in Vacaville, the first thing ICON did was send him off on a “demonstration” flight with the company’s chief pilot, Jon Karkow. Karkow flew to
Lake Berryessa, a virtual stone’s throw from the ICON factory. Once there, Karkow couldn’t resist the urge to engage is some low level maneuvering over the water. Minutes after takeoff, Karkow crashed onto the shore, leaving both of them dead.Continue Reading Family Sues ICON for Fatal A5 Crash