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Student Pilot on first XC solo hits SUV, quits flying (VIDEO)
William Davis said he is grateful everyone survived, but after the incident, he has decided to give up flying, saying it was all too traumatic — even though he was just four weeks away from receiving his pilot's license. "Things like that make you reconsider what is important and what could have happened," Davis said. "I have a young daughter and a wife, and they need me to be there to take care of them." (www.wfaa.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I blame the auto manufacturers. They may SUVs so large, its hard to miss them.
Bad situation. Glad no one seriously injured. Both to blame but it would have been far easier for the jeep to avoid than Cessna descending on final. I would say that Jeep had last clear chance to avoid. Low time pilots make mistakes and therefore become better pilots. God knows i made plenty and ridicule was not necessary to learn the lesson. Cars and planes do not mix. Period. I encourage Mr. Davis to step up his training, hold his head high and continue flying. Remember all pilots have made and continue to make mistakes.
Two afterthoughts: 1. if this was really Mr. Davis´ first solo flight, perhaps his instructor was not aware that his student needed a few more hours training. 2. It amazes me that after a first solo flight, one can expect to receive a pilot´s license within one month later. There is so much to learn still that unless one could have daily instruction - and even then - the time lapse seems rather short. (Or perhaps my generation, 60 something years ago, was slower on the uptake than today´s prodigies. ;-] )
He was returning from his first cross country solo. It wasn't his first solo flight
just more gadgets in the plane to fly the plane for us....less skill needed
If you havent flown at this airport and dont know the true circumstances...
FACTS:
I have flown (regularly) at this airport and I agree that the plane was low. I also must say that the car crossed in front of an approaching plane (there are markings warning not to do so)
Both operators are at fault.
I would be much harsher on a more expeirienced pilot (even 50 hrs). The vehicle was easily visible from the time the pilot made his base to final (even 0 flaps) but I have seen many vehicles at this point that sat there "waiting" for me, only to have them proceed accross the road as I was about 500 feet from the end of the runway.
Plain and simple...Both are at fault and instead of being a trajic accident it should now be a learning experience.
As additional note (some of you mentioned change in plane attitude just before impact), approach from either end of this airport is notorious for tricky crosswinds and some turbulence almost all the time. It usually isnt severe, but can be nerve racking for new pilots, and it us usually encountered right about the end of the runway if you are at the proper slope. As for the VASI, the lights are really hard to see. I dont think I ever have noticed them working at this airport except for at night. They are there, but they dont seem to jump out and scream look at me like they do at a lot of other airports.
FACTS:
I have flown (regularly) at this airport and I agree that the plane was low. I also must say that the car crossed in front of an approaching plane (there are markings warning not to do so)
Both operators are at fault.
I would be much harsher on a more expeirienced pilot (even 50 hrs). The vehicle was easily visible from the time the pilot made his base to final (even 0 flaps) but I have seen many vehicles at this point that sat there "waiting" for me, only to have them proceed accross the road as I was about 500 feet from the end of the runway.
Plain and simple...Both are at fault and instead of being a trajic accident it should now be a learning experience.
As additional note (some of you mentioned change in plane attitude just before impact), approach from either end of this airport is notorious for tricky crosswinds and some turbulence almost all the time. It usually isnt severe, but can be nerve racking for new pilots, and it us usually encountered right about the end of the runway if you are at the proper slope. As for the VASI, the lights are really hard to see. I dont think I ever have noticed them working at this airport except for at night. They are there, but they dont seem to jump out and scream look at me like they do at a lot of other airports.