AOPA's Air Safety Institute Releases Early Analysis

On September 28, 2024, a Cirrus SR22 crashed at First Flight Airport (KFFA) near the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Sadly, the aircraft’s pilot and all four passengers perished in the accident.

“In Early Analysis: Cirrus SR22 Crash Near Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, ASI looks at factors that are expected to be subject of the National Transportation Safety Board investigation. We want to help general aviation pilots understand what is known about the accident and what we can learn from this tragedy to fly safer," said AOPA’s ASI Senior Vice President Mike Ginter.

Ginter continued, “The pilot executed a go-around after flying an initial approach to Runway 21. He lost control of the aircraft during his second landing attempt, and the aircraft impacted trees adjacent to the runway. The NTSB will likely look at the pilot’s experience and proficiency—including flying stabilized approaches and executing go-around procedures—and the gusting winds causing possible mechanical turbulence near the runway that may have led the pilot to lose control.

“Loss of control accounts for the largest accident cause in all general aviation accidents, including takeoffs and landings. So, it is imperative to always fly stabilized approaches and regularly practice go-arounds so we’re proficient to execute the maneuver when needed,” Ginter concluded.

Early Analysis videos provide an initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.

View the video here.

View other Early Analysis videos here.