Max talks about the NTSB’s final report on the fatal crash of a Piper PA-28-140 in Moab, Utah, in October 2023. The crash killed a North Dakota State Senator, his wife, and their two children. The probable cause was spatial disorientation due to somatogravic illusion, leading to controlled flight into terrain.
)
Despite being an experienced military helicopter pilot with over 2,000 flight hours, the pilot had limited fixed-wing and night-flying experience. The crash occurred on a dark night with no moon, conditions that significantly increase accident risk. ADS-B data shows the aircraft climbed slightly, then turned right while accelerating, ultimately descending into terrain.
Max explains how somatogravic illusion can mislead pilots into believing they are climbing when they are actually level or descending. He discusses night flying risks, noting that while only about 5% of personal flights occur at night, 20% of fatal accidents do. He emphasizes better planning, including avoiding night takeoffs when possible, delaying turns until reaching a safe altitude, and using a disciplined instrument scan to prevent fixation. He also suggests time-saving strategies like using food delivery services to avoid unnecessary delays that push departures into nighttime conditions.
If you're getting value from this show, please support the show) via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.
Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk. Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199) Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899)Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699) My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu)
Send us your feedback or comments via email)
If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question) using your phone.
News Stories
- Cessna Citation 525 jet Takeoff Crash)
- Pilots argued before crash says police report)
- House prioritizes ATC modernization, dismisses privatization)
- National Weather Service Suspending Critical Weather Tool Sparks Concerns)
- All-electric aircraft completes coast-to-coast flight)
- Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Buys Volocopter)
- Multiple Aircraft Violate Mar-a-Lago TFR)
- Sling Pilot Academy Debuts New Quieter Airplane)
- Sikorsky unveils ‘rotor blown wing’ UAS)
- S.F. police shoot man who purportedly shot at SFPD drone, officers)
Mentioned on the Show Buy Max Trescott's G1000 Book) Call 800-247-6553 Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book) Call 800-247-6553 Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway) Final NTSB Report: Moab Utah Night Takeoff Accident)
Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk)
So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification)
Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself). Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.
Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS) or Android).
Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/)
Social Media Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook) Follow Max on Instagram) Follow Max on Twitter) Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium)
"Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com) If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
