Ryan Navion Safety Record

The failure of the left main landing gear upper side brace assembly during landing due to reverse bending fatigue as a result of the incomplete penetration of the circumferential weld during initial production of the component.

The flight instructor's exceedance of the critical angle of attack during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to familiarize himself with the flight characteristics of the unfamiliar airplane before conducting the flight review.

The pilot's inadequate preflight weather planning and in-flight weather evaluation, which resulted in an encounter with a strong cold front and the pilot's subsequent loss of airplane control.

Incorrect installation of the oil temperature probe and an inadequate annual inspection that failed to detect leaking oil around the loose probe, which resulted in a catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation.

A leak in the gascolator due to degraded rubber gaskets, which allowed air to enter the fuel system and resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during takeoff.

The pilot's failure to replace the oil filler cap following the preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine oil and engine power, an emergency landing, and impact with terrain.

The pilot’s improper inflight planning and improper decision to deliberately operate the airplane at low altitude in close proximity to obstructions and rising terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s improper preflight planning and the Federal Aviation Administration’s inappropriate decision to issue a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 certificate to the operator despite the pilot’s history of accidents, incidents, reexaminations, and checkride failures.

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and the subsequent total loss of engine power as a result of debris and water contamination in the fuel system.

The carburetor’s failure to meet its operating limits at the low range, which resulted in a loss of engine power when the pilot reduced power for landing.

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel system management. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's diverted attention and failure to perform the prelanding checklist.

A leak in the fuel selector valve and gascolator that resulted in fuel starvation during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was a lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

the pilot's intentional performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane structure. Also causal was the pilot's impairment due to the effects of alcohol consumption. Contributory was the pilot's impairment due to the effects of prescription medication.

A leak in the fuel selector valve and gascolator that resulted in fuel starvation on takeoff due to air leakage into the fuel system. A contributing factor in the accident was the inadequate annual inspection performed by other maintenance personnel.