Cessna Safety Record

The loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations resulting in the fuel exhaustion. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.

the student pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and subsequent fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate supply of fuel. Factors relating to the accident were: the student's lack of experience in this make and model of aircraft, darkness, and lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. A related factor was the rough/uneven terrain (gopher mound) on the grass runway.

the pilot's failure to adhere to the manufacturer's performance data by not maintaining the recommended best rate of climb speed, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush event. The high density altitude was a related factor.

failure of the engine magneto drive, which resulted in a loss of engine power. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.

the pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with subsequent loss of visual contact and collision with the ground. Darkness and fog were related factors.

The inadequate visual outlook by the pilots of both aircraft, and their failure to see and avoid the other aircraft. A factor associated with the accident was sunglare affecting the helicopter pilot's vision.

the pilot's improper use of the rudder to correct the airplane's drift to the right. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind.

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning for departure and his selection of unsuitable terrain. Factors in the accident were soft, snow covered terrain and the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff.

the pilot's improper in-flight decision to turn up a canyon, which the aircraft was unable to out-climb. Factors relating to the accident were: high ambient temperature, high density altitude, blind/box canyon, and trees in the area where the aircraft's climb profile caused it to come in contact with the raising terrain.

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Factors relating to the accident were: high ambient temperatures; departing from a short, grass runway; and tall trees off the departure end of the airstrip.

the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, by failing to remove the pitot tube cover, which resulted in false airspeed indications, and his failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance from a utility pole.

inadequate preflight by the pilot, and subsequent fuel exhaustion. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and high vegetation (brush and small trees) in the emergency landing area.

The pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which led to his inadequate preflight of the aircraft and his inadequate inflight decision which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.