I was looking at the AOPA ASF data for Lancair accidents in 2004.  Since I look at life thru bi-focals, something is always out of focus.  Or, what could I learn from these and further put off issues of mortality that I am reminded of at each birthday.

 

There were 15 accidents, 6 of which were fatal, 13 died - 10 in IVs.

 

2 non-fatal accidents (NFA) were "commercial" Lancairs - seems Columbias had problems staying on the runway when landing.

 

2 fatal (FA) (2 died) in Legacys - An engine failure and an attempt to get thru level 4 & 5 TSs.

 

6 Lawn darts (LNC2) got busted up, 1 fatal:

  1 FA, "watch this" syndrome, new owner and a low pass gone bad.

  5 NFA, landing or taking off, 1 off airport (eng/fuel?), all with a passenger in the only passenger seat.

 

1 NFA IV 4 turbine failure.

 

4 FA IVs with 10 dead:

  1 (1 dead) - spit out by a level 6 TS

  3 spun in:

    4 died in grand canyon sight-seeing - spin (flat?)

    3 died in newly purchased IV, spiral/spin

    2 died in newly built IV, flat spin

 

What did I learn?

 

1) Less is more - My pre-flight checklist has been changed from only checking for a terrorist aboard to no passengers allowed unless they are very light.

 

2) Pay attention during landing and takeoff, especially when heavy.

 

3) Do not go near thunderstorms, heavy or not.

 

4) Avoid spins, especially when heavy.

 

5) Start a diet today.

 

Watch your CG out there!