Crashes of instructional flights

Background: A pilot's basic flight training influences his or her entire flying career. Instructional flights are involved in more than 300 crashes annually and in 36% of all midair collisions. Research was undertaken to identify the circumstances of crashes of instructional flights and to describe related factors. Methods: We analyzed NTSB data types and 2-page descriptive briefs for 638 crashes that occurred during 1989 and 1991 and that involved a student pilot or a flight for instructional purposes. Results: Loss of control on landing characterized 36% of all crashes, and crosswinds contributed to 28%. Stalls occurred in 15% of the series and 46% of all fatal crashes. Trainees on solo comprised 56% of the series; 193 of the 360 students who crashed on solo did so due to loss of control on landing or takeoff. Touch-and-go landings accounted for 22% of all crashes on solo. Among the 84 crashes on cross country solos, 26 (31%) were due to running out of fuel. Instructors were present in 50% of crashes from stalls and 32% of crashes from fuel starvation. Simulated emergencies ended in 49 crashes. The NTSB identified instructor factors as contributory to one-third of cases. Conclusions: Greater emphasis during flight training needs to he placed on avoiding stalls and midair collisions, managing crosswinds, and understanding the dynamics of takeoffs and landings prior to solo touch-and-go practice. Instructors contribute to crashes both directly during dual instruction and indirectly through failure to successfully monitor their students and convey the elements necessary for safe and proficient flight.