In this episode, Max discusses the recent fatal crash involving of N990PT, a Cirrus SR22, at Bar Harbor Airport in Maine. The aircraft lost control after an IFR approach in low visibility conditions. The episode aims to analyze the incident, highlight crucial decisions, and explore what might have led to the accident, with the hope of educating and preventing future occurrences.
The podcast delves into the pilot’s pre-flight actions, noting several minor mistakes that, while not uncommon, were concerning when viewed collectively. These included incorrect readbacks of ATC instructions and a lack of proper radio communication protocol. Max underscores that even small errors can compound, particularly under stressful conditions.
A significant focus of the episode is on weather conditions and their impact on the flight. The pilot departed from Morristown, New Jersey, to Bar Harbor, Maine, despite widespread low ceilings across Maine, raising questions about the pilot’s decision-making process. Max discusses the challenges of navigating low weather conditions and the importance of having a clear alternative plan in such scenarios.
He also discusses the pilot’s approach choice at Bar Harbor, noting that while both the ILS and RNAV approaches had similar minimums, the ILS approach required the pilot to disengage the autopilot below 900 feet due to a NOTAM for the approach. This added complexity to an already challenging situation, especially with the airport’s approach lighting system out of service, which raised the approach’s visibility minimums.
The episode concludes with an analysis of the flight’s final moments, where data suggests the aircraft may have stalled while attempting a missed approach. Max emphasizes the importance of maintaining situational awareness and making informed decisions, particularly when dealing with poor weather and other adverse conditions.
Throughout the episode, Trescott provides insights into safe flying practices, highlighting the importance of thorough planning, adherence to protocols, and continuous learning from past incidents. He encourages pilots to always prioritize safety over destination and to be prepared for unexpected challenges.
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Mentioned on the Show
Aviation-Safety.net: N990PT Cirrus SR22 Accident, Bar Harbor, ME
Video of the Week: N94NG DA42 Landing Accident, Oshkosh, WI
Pre-Accident Investigations by Todd Conklin
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