Educate:
In 2023, there were 35 reported aircraft accidents in Utah. Researching each of these accidents in an attempt to categorize areas where pilots should improve their procedures and skills, the following representation of phase of flight to type of aircraft in relation to the commonly accepted decision making bandwidth available leads us to the following conclusions:
- Accidents during the takeoff and climbout phases of flight illustrate a potential opportunity to improve upon pre-takeoff procedures.
- Accidents during the landing phase of flight illustrate a need to focus on maintaining directional control in both nosewheel and tailwheel aircraft.
- Accidents across all phases of flight help validate the need for pilots to learn how to manage time to mitigate unexpected threats.
Empower
- Pre-takeoff Procedures
Many of the takeoff accidents reported in 2023 were caused by poor pilot technique. Whether it was an improper takeoff technique (the improper setting of mixture prior to takeoff at a high density altitude airport, the improper use of flaps during the takeoff sequence, the use of whatever the hell a “jump takeoff” is), setting ourselves up for a safe takeoff starts with a solid foundation of pre-takeoff checklists and takeoff briefings. Having our aircraft configured for takeoff prior to taking the runway would have alleviated a few of this year’s accidents. Takeoff briefings that include the plan of attack for any indication of reduced power on takeoff, or the complete loss of power on takeoff, should become normal procedure. Whether we test fate with the dreaded “impossible turn” or know what’s around our airports as far as potential suitable landing areas, better outcomes can come from better planning ahead of time.
For 2024, pilots should review their takeoff procedures after completing their run-up procedures. Verbally discussing the plan of action when a reduction of thrust on takeoff or a complete loss of thrust on takeoff situation presents itself should become common practice for every takeoff. And aiding in that briefing is a little reconnaissance of the surrounding area of your departure airport. Whether it be a drive around the neighborhood, or a review of satellite imagery, one should have chosen alternative emergency landing areas while identifying threats of power lines, towers, and other obstructions that could present hazards in a potentially hazardous situation.
2. Maintaining Directional Control
The threat of divergence on landing tailwheel aircraft will always be something pilots contend with. Whether it be unexpected winds or mechanical failures that drive some of these sequences to occur, in 2023 it appears as though many of our “ground loop” accidents were at the mercy of the pilot alone. One accident was due to a distraction caused by a passenger that likely took the pilot’s attention away from the landing sequence, while the majority of the others were due to a pilot’s actions being either not quick enough or too much too soon. Not to be completely overshadowed by the errant risk of tailwheel aircraft, nosewheel aircraft suffered similar divergences on landing, only one being caused purely by a failure of the landing gear system, while another was the sudden loss of one engine in the flare.
The lesson learned through all this data is that recognizing our abilities decreasing towards the end of flight should alert us that we need to better prepare ourselves for the unanticipated threats that may occur during landing. Additionally, making sure that we can focus solely on the approach and landing phase while not letting distractions, whether they be self-induced or not, impede our duties as Pilot in Command will allow us to continue to a safe landing regardless of what may have transpired.
3. Managing Time
Recognizing diminishing pilot abilities with the timeline of a flight, one can easily draw conclusions on causal factors with increased incidents and accidents towards the descent and landing phases. As the demand for our airmanship skills increase, it is imperative that as aviators we identify potential threats that may introduce themselves into flight and create meaningful and purposeful mitigation strategies to address these potential issues. Periods of low workload such as during cruise offer pilots ample opportunities to prepare for the next phases of flight.
Elevate
Let’s talk about how we can implement better planning and procedures into your personal flying missions today to avoid repeating the accidents of the past by contacting us today!