6 Case Studies for Every Pilot
This post identifies six examples of flights gone unfortunately wrong, with the hope that our students can learn without having to make similar errors firsthand. AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) gracefully captures the sentiment: "Because when we learn from the mistakes of others, things are much more likely to go right." We encourage aviators of every experience level to be thorough throughout each phase of flight, and to exercise good ADM (aeronautical decision making) in order to avoid unnecessary risk, which in these case studies, lead to undesirable outcomes.
Get-there-itis ends in catastrophe
This Piper Cherokee's accident from 2004 in Cumming, GA is an example of why external pressures must be thoughtfully addressed and weighed carefully in the decision-making process.
Although we may feel the need to attempt sticking to a certain schedule at times, there is never enough urgency to warrant unsafe flying. See
Chapter 2 in the PHAK for more information on known hazardous attitudes in flying and how they can be combated.
Spatial disorientation overwhelms JFK Jr.
From
the crash of John F. Kennedy Jr.
in his Piper Saratoga in 1999, we can see how
aeromedical factors play a large role in the borderline conditions that sometimes exist during legal VFR.
When murky conditions are the case, ensure proper and proactive precautions are taken to remain clear and safe from potentially detrimental impacts. Have backup plans (and backups to your backups) in mind should the flight not go as planned - this will help you feel more comfortable and confident making decisions as your flight continues and concludes.
Why takeoff is a critical phase of flight
In October of this year, a fatal accident in Virginia shows us how quickly an otherwise normal-appearing training flight can go awry.
Sterile Flight Deck is a practice we should strive to make a habit early in our flying careers for dozens of reasons; non-essential communication in critical phases of flight such as the takeoff and climbout can be distracting to a fault.
Kobe Bryant: a victim of VFR into IMC
The devastating crash in 2020 shook the world and reiterates the hazards introduced when a pilot continues into "hard IMC" - which even the most experienced, instrument-rated pilots aren't immune from. In this particular instance, the utilization of Special VFR (SVFR) created inescapable circumstances, further supporting the need to completely comprehend the flight rules and what you may consequently (and perhaps inadvertently) be taking on.
This accident also illustrates the paramount importance of spending ample time studying your planned route and the surrounding terrain in the vicinity which will equip you with diversion options if needed.
Flaring improperly can be unrecoverable
Mastering flaring is much easier said than done, as proven by this Tennessee training flight from 2007. The NTSB report found that poor runway alignment was a key factor, and can show us how essential laterally aligning the aircraft with the pavement is for countless reasons.
This case study also reiterates that a successful landing begins with a stable approach - should the approach become uncertain at any point, it is best to acknowledge and address it sooner rather than later.
Practice stall gone wrong results in fatal spin
This Indiana event from summer 2021 is an example of why giving yourself an abundant buffer of altitude when practicing certain stalls and maneuvers may feel excessive and/or inefficient at worst, but be life-saving at best. Knowledge is power, and this report also makes a case for becoming a master of your aircraft's POH and knowing what performance you can expect from the plane when pushing it to do certain things.
These are six case studies emphasizing the hazards involved in flying and how important it is to proceed cautiously and intentionally. Stay focused and alert and don't fly unless you've considered all the pertinent factors involved; beginning with the PAVE checklist (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures) is an ideal habit. Additionally, err on the side of caution when you're unsure and/or never be afraid to ask questions. Your instructor is there to teach you and also help give you peace of mind. While firsthand experience is irreplaceable and impossible to simulate, learning from the mistakes of others is highly effective and an excellent practice in every phase of flight training.
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