Takeoffs Can Be Fun And Dangerous At The Same Time
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Takeoffs can be the most fun part of flying. . . . However, they are also the most dangerous. Yesterday the tragic plane accident involving a small aircraft, Piper PA-44, at Palm Beach International Airport shows the importance of a proper and thorough pre-flight inspection.
The four people on-board were taking part in a flight school training exercise en route back to Melbourne from the Bahamas. Reports show that a flight instructor, three Florida Institute of Technology Students and one passenger were on-board. It is rumored the tail of the small plane may have become dislodged during takeoff. We will not know the true cause of the crash until a full investigation is conducted.
All pilots are taught to do a complete pre-flight inspection of their plane. This includes inspecting the aircraft for cracks, dents, and any other damage to the aircraft, as well as making sure you have enough fuel and oil in the engine. If during the pre-flight inspection you detect a problem that causes concern, safety should be the decision of choice.
As a licensed and active pilot for several years, I understand firsthand the thrill of takeoffs and flying. When I was training for my pilot’s license one caveat that sticks with me to this day is: “I’d rather be on the ground wishing I were up there, instead of being up there and wishing I were on the ground.”
Click on the following links to read more about the Palm Beach Small Plane Accident:
Three Killed, One Injured in Palm Beach Plane Crash
Small plane crashes at Palm Beach airport, three dead, one severely injured
Two local residents died over the weekend when the single-engine plane they were flying in crashed into the Atlantic Ocean just south of Fort Pierce, Fla. The single-engine Yak-52 plane piloted by 60-year-old Donald T. Hopkins crashed just east of Nettles Island and quickly sank Saturday morning. His passenger, 39-year-old James B. Dooms, also died in the crash.