A tragic accident such as this shakes the GA flying community to its
foundation. The fact that the very person that teaches us how to navigate
such an emergency has died during one such emergency is indeed a sour pill
to swallow.

As a new Aviator and a Legacy builder, every GA accident that happens, makes
me pause and think more about safety, and what I can learn from that
accident to better prepare myself for a similar situation if one does occur.

I will never forget when after my Private Pilot practical test, my
nit-picking examiner stoically said, “I am going to give you a license to
learn, and if you are smart, that is exactly what you will do” That
statement shattered my feeling that I was a member of the Masters of the
Universe Club and made me rightfully feel like a new born baby in a new
world.

As for this accident, until all the available facts are extrapolated and
understood, one can only speculate as to the chain of events and cause. The
current facts do point to a stall during the climb, but how and why have yet
to be determined. To place the blame on the plane’s design, or the pilots
error so soon and with so little hard facts is useless.

My instructor burned unto me; in the case of an engine failure or
abnormality during the climb, to pitch for best glide speed, land straight
and turn to avoid obstacles. That is until you have enough altitude and the
winds allow for an 180+ degree turn back to the field. I have this written
on a card and recite it after my run-up.


Kevin Kossi
New York
Legacy 35%