By Fred Gibbs
I am saddened to report there was a fatal aircraft accident in October out in Williams, Arizona, but not involving any Arizona-based pilots. A Piper Cherokee PA 28, according to a witness, apparently lost power on climb out and attempted to turn around and return to the airport – the impossible turn scenario – and crashed into a field. Unfortunately, all 3 occupants were killed. As of the time I am writing this, no further details are available. Just as a side note, this accident, involving the impossible turn scenario (that almost worked), is the same tragic scenario that claimed the lives of both Richard McSpadden, from AOPA’s Safety Institute and a former USAF Thunderbird lead pilot, and Russ Francis, the owner of the Cardinal C177RG and a former NFL player and Super Bowl winner. They crashed 440 feet from the end of the runway. Had they had 20 feet more altitude in the approach they would have cleared the embankment at the end of the runway!
But please keep in mind, we are still doing a really great job of flying safe! Here we are, entering our 11th month, with only two fatal accidents with 5 fatalities on record. And only one of the accidents involved Arizona-based pilots. It would sure be a significant accomplishment to actually end the year with no further fatal accidents, so please continue to fly safely. And bear in mind, while monsoon season is over, Mother Nature is getting ready to serve up WINTER. She could, and most likely will, still raise her ugly side, so please do not get into an argument with her. She wins a lot!!!
FOR INFORMATION ON ALL ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED LAST MONTH, REFER TO JIM TIMM’S ACCIDENT SUMMARY HEREIN.