Accident Case Studies
In Too Deep
On November 26, 2011, a Cirrus SR-20 plunged to the ground in suburban Chicago, killing its four occupants. What went wrong? Using audio of the pilot’s discussions with ATC and factual information from the NTSB report, we piece together the story of the flight and look at what may have motivated the pilot to continue past the point of no return. (Approx. 15 minutes).
Watch VideoTime Lapse
One of the great advances in general aviation in recent years has been the widespread availability of datalink weather. Like any technology, though, it can be used improperly. Come along as we examine a tragic accident that highlights an important and often-overlooked limitation of datalink radar.
Use the application >>Rescue Gone Wrong
For most pilots, the world of helicopter search and rescue is a far cry from everyday flying—but the fundamentals of aeronautical decision making still apply. Come along as we re-create one pilot's final mission, and seek to understand the circumstances that led him down a path to disaster. (Approx. 11 minutes)
Watch the video >>Cross-Country Crisis
Experience the chilling reality of an ill-fated VFR flight from Chicago to Raleigh, North Carolina. Cross-Country Crisis examines the pilot's actions as weather deteriorates and fuel becomes critical in this gripping video-recreation (approx. 14 minutes).
Watch the video >>Airframe Icing
Ride along for this chilling re-creation and analysis of an accident that occurred when the pilot of a Cirrus SR22 encountered unforecast icing over the Sierra Nevada mountains (approx. 20-30 minutes).
Watch the video >>*This course qualifies for AOPA Accident Forgiveness.
VFR Into IMC
VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions is a leading cause of fatal GA accidents. This minicourse re-creates an actual VFR-into-IMC accident and examines the lessons we can learn from it (approx. 20-30 minutes).
Watch the video >>*This course qualifies for AOPA Accident Forgiveness and the FAA Wings program.
