The passenger in this aircraft was an old acquaintance of my family, 3 children. The pilot lost his wife to COVID in 2022, they had 3 kids. Rough day for the families. As a subscriber to Juan's channel I've been waiting for this video to shed some light on possible causes. Thank you, Juan.
I can tell you one prob cause for many Bonanzas, as an A@P mechanic Bonanza’s have bad electrical systems up front and do not have independent buss’s. The relay on the firewall is garbage and very unreliable, it’s the first thing to immediately throw away and replace with an upgrade when buying a used Bonanza.
As an airline pilot I don’t give all that much thought to obstacles that would give a small aircraft private pilot pause. Icing? Fly right through it. Mountains? LNAV path around them and a crazy high climb rate. Wt and balance? Dispatch and load planning take care of that. I’ve always thought that if I ever start flying GA aircraft again that I’m going to have to have a very different mind set to do so safely.
I bet that is a problem sometimes. Easy to become inadvertently complacent with things you routinely deal with every day. You are probably not the guy who would crash though because you recognized it.
This guy was a jetblue pilot which made me wonder if the expected more performance from this bonanza. That plane is nice, but not real sporty, never flown one with tip tanks either
@@ronoconnor8971 yes, that’s the genesis of my comment but I have to wonder why he didn’t just make a right downwind departure or accept the tailwind takeoff? It’s no big deal to circle overhead. Surely he understood the low climb rate and rising terrain was a problem. It was night though. I don’t have enough information to understand what happened. I want to believe there was some mechanical issue. I guess we will all have to wait.
Hello Sir, I am also a retired Captain with 12500 hrs. 70 years old. After my retirement i never touched an Aircraft yoke. Greetings from old Germany 🇩🇪
Ill never forget that airport. Back in 1967, I was flying with an old Marine Corps fighter pilot(A4 Skyhawk) in a Piper Tri Pacer and at about 100 feet off the runway, the prop split and he had to hard land it,but safely, and we called my wife in Auburn, and she came and picked us up. I can still visuilize the intent look on my buddy s face as he was doing all the checks of the flaps,etc. We love your channel. All the naval aviators would relate stories of how they had Bingo plans during night carrier operations in that area in case of bad fog. Bill
Thank you Mister Juan Browne for all you do, I’m sure is exhausting talking about all the crashes and lost souls, but I’m sure your videos have saved lives when pilots think about what you teach on your videos, you might not know how much good you’re doing to the community but rest assure we see what you’re doing and im proud to be your subscriber and soon will be able to be contributing to your patron page
Unfortunately, UA-cam too often de-monitizes Juan for simply explaining the details of crashes. We all know that you learn by not only your own mistakes, but from the mistakes of others. This is the service Juan provides, and it DOES sae lives! There is nothing ghoulish about it at all. Yet, YT acts like it is. It is maddening.
@@demef758 I'm a fan of the long-running Canadian documentary series Air Disasters (a.k.a. Mayday) that airs on the Smithsonian Channel. That show often goes into more gory detail than anything on Juan's UA-cam channel. So, why is Air Disasters okay for daytime and primetime TV? That show has commercial breaks, so advertisers are obviously okay with it. But UA-cam has determined that Juan's videos aren't okay? Makes absolutely no sense.
@@hamsterama It makes sense when you accept that UA-cam, as part of the mega corporation Google, cares far more about fellow big corporations than the many small creators on the platform. (Remember when UA-cam took away showing the dislike counter, claiming it was to aid the mental health of creators? Pure nonsense. It was to protect the big corporate channels who frequently had their videos down voted to oblivion.)
I remember the accident pilot and his brother when I was a line service tech fueling aircraft working on my instrument rating. His father died in a Bonanza in UT scud running. He and his brother had a Piper Seneca they flew. The brother quit the regional airlines because he hated the lifestyle but the accident pilot flew Lears and then went to JetBlue. Both were accomplished pilots with extensive mountain flying experience. Sadly this appears to be CFIT with local unfamiliarity and low as contributors
Been waiting for this Juan. I live in Round Valley I was out playing with my son when I saw what I thought was a structure fire in the foothills just west of the airport. We live about a mile from the airport. I only heard days later that it was an airplane that crashed. I've lived here for 15 years I've never seen a plane take off to the West. Land to the west take off to the east. There's been more air traffic here this year than any other year I've been here. Interesting to hear about the cheaper gas maybe that's the reason. Rest in peace. Thanks for your service Juan.
Juan, your explanations of stacking risks is, in my opinion, one of the most important messages you bring to your audience. 30-year GA pilot and Baron owner here, and that messaging is vitally important for all pilots - especially pilots of light twins. Please keep driving that message home. It will save lives.
More likely, the bearer of good air safety practice, turning these troubling incidents into clearer teachable moments and advocating for life long learning (and I suppose the value of equipping your general aviation vehicle with enhanced safety equipment).
Thanks Juan. I’m local to the Humboldt area, Kym Kemp (Redheaded Blackbelt) is the go to source for news. Just don’t read the comment section. The sun wasn’t down at the time the call came in. It would have been right in the face of a westward departing pilot. Covelo is extremely remote even by local standards, and can be a lawless place. I have no doubt that the urge to leave right away would be pretty strong. Flying around here you should 100% have a sleeping bag, tent, fire starter, and freeze dried food in a tote in your airplane. You will eventually end up spending the night somewhere remote with no services.
I earned CFI couple months ago. This channel brings very beneficial content for all the pilots. This channel is the BEST real world learning about aviation. I appreciate so much what you have done so far. Your video definitely save so many pilot’s lives especially in GA world. Again, thank you for making this content.
Grew up on California Coast...my great uncle was a lighthouse keeper at Pigeon Point. It was an often discussed subject! Fog is dangerous to all forms of transportation, and even pedestrians....it can be unpredictable; knowing the area and it's meteorological makeup, is beneficial. Margin of safety, as always, more so in this environment. ✌🏽
Juan, appreciate your analysis and insight as a local who knows the challenges that are present to all pilots. Vaughn was a fellow JetBlue pilot so this accident hits a little closer to home. Did some checking today with a local there and can confirm the weather at Round Valley was good and the accident occurred in daylight about 20 minutes before sunset. An ear witness reported that the engine sounded like a car when it is running out of gas, then heard the crash and subsequent explosion. Might have been yet another loss of thrust on takeoff scenario. We airline types have so many more safeguards to protect us in the 121 world!
Mobile phones are a dangerous distraction. One reason I quit my anesthesia career, was that too many RN's were on their phones in the pre-op, intra-op, and post-op environments. Evidently asking nurses to pay attention to the patient and get off your phone is considered creating a "hostile work environment".
I am a local pilot to this area. I used to stop at Round Valley for gas. The airport still shows on the chart that it has gas but the last few years I don't think there has been any gas out there because I landed only to find the pumps didn't work. So it could have been a fuel related issue.
I stopped there for fuel about a month ago and the pump was not working. I did take off to the NW, but then made an immediate RH turn before the quickly rising terrain.
There is always unusable fuel on board a small airplane. Typically it is about 3 gallons per tank - plenty to get a good fire going. I think the fuel selector on the A36 bonanza only allows left or right tank and not a both. So if he was unable to get gas after trying to land at Shelter Cove he could have been very low on gas in one of the tanks. If he selected the wrong tank for takeoff it could be a recipe for disaster.
County runs the Airport. They are flat broke and because the site is open to the public there is always vandalism up there (I left 10 years ago, but know that fuel station). There is a small fuel bulk station in Covelo which will probably deliver to the airport, but don't know the hours.
Super tragic. As you mentioned putting the phone away, I almost never use my phone even if I'm getting a phone call, message, email. Whatever the case maybe I'm 110% focused on the task at hand. I'm saying this as a 21 year old newly certificated private pilot. Thank you for the tips, Juan. Keep up the great work.
HI Mr. Browne. Thank you for more amazing content. I was stationed in the central San Joaquin Valley (Castle AFB) many years ago and remember the fog well. It moved quickly, stayed low and could bring viz to feet/zero in no time. I recall an event when a B-52 had to land, as it could not divert to Travis (reason unknown). We were on the flightline and were surprised to hear it land. It taxied right past us unseen. The crew chief went out, plugged headsets in and literally walked/talked the flight crew all the to engine shut off. We heard it and smelled it, never saw it. Awesome job to all involved!
I experienced the same type of accident in Round Valley flying a Cessna 150 2 passengers and full fuel load. Luckily I turned to the right instead of the left on a west departure. After refueling at round valley as you noted there was a slight head wind out of the west. I asked the lady that fueled the plane how do most pilots depart out over the valley downwind or into the hills. She exclaimed that in no way could she give me any advice. Even though I told her I was just trying to get a idea not a directive. Luckily I was able to stay abot 4 feet above the tree tops and had just enough climb to get to a right 180 and broke over a saddle where to hills meet to brake out over the hills and into the valley to gain altitude to clear the mountains. I refer this flight as the one where I fast a higher authority. AMEN!
My driving habits coincide with many of these aviation accidents. Get-there-itis being the big one. It’s human nature to just want to go home, and be home, but when aviating, we need to reprogram that part of our brains. God rest the souls of these two, and prayers for their families and friends for strength.😢 Thanks, Juan, as always, for the thousands of reports you have to pour through and post over the course of time. We all appreciate it.
Juan. Sometimes when flying to these remote airports with no nearby accomodations, I take a sleeping bag and some food and water because it may not be prudent to depart at night, I may not be able to get fuel until morning, weather problems, etc.
I have flown in there in an A36 and had to circle twice to get up and over! We had density altitude and if we hadn’t we still would have needed at least one circle 😢
That 59 310 is a beautiful plane. The fuel tanks on the end of the wings definitely add more class to an already classy plane. Lines are perfect on that bird
I cannot thank you enough for sharing your insight / experience = wisdom. Channels like this undoubtably saves lives... If people pay attention... Attention,.. The message about diddling a cellphone in the cockpit is golden too..
Love how u expressed the folly of filming near the ground Vs helping the pilot with call outs. Plus calling out the distraction of phones. Great role model .
Thought of you while flying to Puerto Vallarta last week. Last time I flew to PV, we got diverted to Cabo because a airliner had a nose wheel collapse on landing which shut down the airport. Sat on tarmac in Cabo for 3 hours then returned to Phoenix due to crew rest and customs issues not being able to deplane.
I've had my 210 in these parts quite a bit in the past and it's both some of the most beautiful flying area and also the most difficult. Your feedback is very much on point for Bay area flying. I've flown into shelter cove a few times, lovely as it is, it will inevitably surprise you. The most difficult airport I've ever flown into was Ruth/T42 (very near to the crash site) -- getting out was very similar to what you describe here -- I had to circle up with a tailwind departure, very challenging, it wasn't my best decision but it taught me a valuable lesson which I've used thereafter (preparation mainly). You are so right about phones! Distractions are the bain of our flying existences...
Juan; I am currently in flight school in Logan UT, just about an hour north of Heber by DA40(I actually did my first solo there during my private training!) I grew up in NorCal and have been to shelter cove with my family before. This is such an interesting case for me because the weather here in utah and the mountainous terrain definitely makes flights more dangerous than other places. I always have my phone off during flights and am careful to pay attention to my altimeter settings and terrain maps as it is easy to get distracted with other tasks. It’s hard to fathom that someone with so much experience flying in these very mountainous areas, like Heber, could have made a mistake like CFIT but it seems that the blinding external motivation and unfamiliarity with the area proved to be too dangerous. Rest in peace to the pilot and passenger and condolence to all their families and loved ones. Thank you for all you do, each of your videos help me learn something to be aware of to make myself a properly prepared pilot for every flight
Very sad. I am not a pilot. At first, I was stunned that a commercial airline pilot was involved. Then, after you mentioned what is common knowledge to experienced GA pilots in the area, it struck me that in the airlines dispatch possibly takes over much of route planning with the Captain tweaking as needed. GA requires a different type of preparation. Another airline pilot mentioned the same in the comments.
Thanks Juan, as always taking on a tough subject with reason and balance. The point cannot be stressed enough; before you turn the engine over, you need be sure you've done everything you can to stack the odds in your favor. One of the key jobs for any sensible pilot, is to know when to stay on the ground.
As usual a great teaching moment. A professional pilot who reviews tragic events, such as this one where another professional pilot may have made some bad choices. 😞
Again - excellent report on a sad event. Good point on the right seat passenger helping instead of distracting. I never thought to put my phone in Airplane Mode entering the airport. Good advice. Thank you, Sir
The thing about the coastal fog off the Gold Coast is that once it rolls in during the late afternoon, it doesn't burn off till at least mid-morning the next day. If you can't get in at your desired arrival time, divert and try again tomorrow.
Fog is something that can move at amazing speed. Since there is no thunder/lightning associated with it that movement is silent. We just had the crash in French Valley [Murrieta] in July where 6 people lost their lives because the pilot encountered fog below minimums and only attempted one go around. Rest in peace to all who have lost their lives in fog-related crashes, and condolences to their families.
26 years ago since i last flew PPL ... from 1989. I Noticed there were many challenges to pay attention to,that varies from hour to hour 24/7/365......: Thanks !for sharing wisdom, and i´m shure many will learn more from watching your Taughts, and remarks on the Channel - Blessings from me in Norway : RIP !
Good reporting on another GA tragedy. Stacking the deck against oneself certainly leaves few “outs” if anything goes wrong. Three things immediately come to mind: 1) The temp at Ukiah (40nm away in another inland valley) was 23°C at the time of the accident. So figure around a 2800’ DA if Covelo had a similar temp. Not horrible on its own, but bagged out with gas, not the longest runway, into rising terrain starts that stacked deck. 2) Runway 28 is right traffic per the sectional and a/fd. Now, it could have been a snap decision to go left when they realized they weren’t climbing (for whatever reason), but despite some rising terrain to the right as well, right is probably a better option. The point is, know your outs if you have unexpectedly low performance into rising terrain or obstructions. 3) I made a special focus mode for flying. This way I don’t get any unnecessary notifications but I don’t have to put it in airplane mode so I get emergency notifications, have the connectivity I need for flying, and can quickly make emergency calls as well without having to swipe and change. (Edit for typos)
The town is pronounced cove-a-low. Just a friend of your videos who grew up in a nearby small town. Great information and distracted driving, flying, boating, or moving in general is a problem with many people. Agree with you that it should be off or in airplane mode. Thanks for your insight and knowledge that you post in these videos!
Appreciate the thought about putting the phone in airplane mode before preflight. Never thought of that mostly because I want to text loved ones, open my flight plan, etc, but you’re right- it can be a distraction!
Thank you for your continued focus on safety. I have no doubt that lives are saved with every lesson learned, and this is possibly one of the best ways to honor those who have been lost.
Juan, 40 years ago I flew in this area a lot. I think you hit the unfortunate "nail on the head". A heavily fueled A36 doesn't climb very well until you get the speed up & this "airport in a bowl", as you said, sometimes requires a downwind take off for climb considerations. Often the terrain doesn't look like it climbs as quickly as you see on takeoff. Unfortunate result of a weakness in ;landing. Another aviator loss is a blow to us all. I agree with your assessment.
I just flew this airport in FS 2020 in Bonanza 36 with no passengers or tip tanks. This airport has an elevation of 437 metres and had climb set to 1,000fpm and all I got was the Garmin calling 500 on 5 occasions as I climbed to 4,000ft. Weather was live and totally clear with calm conditions and the Bonanza was struggling to stay above 120kts eventually falling to 90 kts before I took over and turned right up a valley and reduced climb to 500fpm until I got it to 6,000ft. My opinion? The Bonanza was not powerful enough to climb fast enough from the airport headed in the direction this flight took and it would certainly be prudent to gain altitude by steps up in a circling pattern.
It never ceases to amaze me how many fly the mountains in a single engine. When I bought my Beech 95, it had spent it life as an instrument trainer. But the big thing was twin engines & constant speed props. I only flew it a few times in the mountains in BC. I always enjoy your assessments & appreciate your advice even though I no longer fly
So sad and a devastating loss for the families of these two people. Your point about pilots putting phones into flight mode is a great point and something I've never considered. I've even had instructors taking calls on their phones, while I'm in the cct and turning base. At the very least, we should ignore the distraction. 👍
Thank you for the video. Its great to see with all your experience you have a lot of the reverence for procedures and safety practices. With about 300 hours I tend to feel like I'm overly cautious. But when I hear you speak of "stacking the odds" I realize its ok to stay on the ground sometimes. Thanks
Hey Brian I’m similar time pilot. Always okay to stay on the ground! Really just comes to your comfort, knowledge, and confidence level. I started in gliders and see power GA pilots completely afraid of mountain wave for example. In some way they should be, but not all. With training from experienced wave pilots and flight in waves myself I understand that there are days you can use it to great advantage, and avoid the risk areas. Just an example. On the other hand I hardly fly at night and while it’s cool I have hardly done it and want to go get some more in the dark dual experience before anything beyond the moonlit clear night.
I have said it before, but I feel like a learn so much about our limitations and the expectations we should set on ourselves or our aircraft from Juan. I hope it makes me a safer pilot when I get my license. Thank you
So sad to learn of yet another GA crash. Juan your good old commom sense applied to flying from before flight through to landing is so needed. I know if your viewers who are pilots, whether young or old, will "pay attention" to what you've learned will very well save their own lives and lives of others God bless you for your efforts.
I spent a night in Shelter Cove as the fog came I. While we were playing golf on the course that surrounded the airport. Always plan ahead when visiting there
You said it best Juan... they have the lower priced fuel in Northern California. Odds are he was getting low on fuel so he went there to get fuel, and then figured he would just see if he could land in Shelter Cove or some other airport. Didn't work out.
Good advice Juan on all aspects of this accident. Cell phone distraction in cars is the same. Here in Australia they mount cameras above roads to catch people on the phone while driving. Someone we know got fined for simply having the phone in his top pocket while driving.
Excellent break down of the confronting variables and decisions as usual. Thank you Juan! There are lots of critical decisions that have to be carefully evaluated to stay alive and safe.
Juan in every one of your videos you say something that has become a commin practice of mine. This weekend im putting my phone into airplane mode as soon as i park my car. Its true ill be doing my preflight and ill get a text or call and it stops me since ill check who it is and clearly thats a bad habbit. When i fly passengers who ever is right seat i always tell them the speeds im looking for to scan outside and to only talk if they see something they think i should know about and to let them know exactly at what speed im climbing what altitude im turning and how the departure should go and what will happen if a issue comes up. Im so glad i found your channel you are the best in aviation on UA-cam
When I worked at a harbor on Lake Michigan I watched the fog roll in and out again within minutes. As to the cellphone usage, people have gotten under the spell that they MUST respond to it. They have forgotten that THEY control IT, not that they are controlled by IT.
Western states flying both GA and air carrier (as you well know) is local knowledge intensive. Between terrain, and both marine and inland ground fog combinations, there are lots of gotchas lurking. I flew to work each week from Chico to Hayward, then driving to SFO. Few thunderstorms, and nearly no icing, but plenty of challenges. KSFO for 121 pilots requires serious bag of local knowledge, AKA special qual airport.
The Cessna 310 is one of the best looking planes to ever fly. My dad used to park his T-34 next to a guy with a 60s 310 with blue stripes. I always loved looking at her. Don't mean to take away from the seriousness of this accident report. My sincere respects to the families of the crash victims.
Even the airlines have problems with the fog in northern california. Flying United from San Francisco to Eureka/Arcata, I've had the experience where we got to within a mile of the airport, had it be too foggy, and they turned around and flew all the way back to SFO.
Local legend is that ACV was purposely built there as an instrument approach training site during WWII. You can usually get out of ACV, but getting back is the trick.
Great recommendation on airplane mode for the cell phone. Not sure why that never occurred to me, but will definitely start doing that before piloting a plane.
I recently flew a buddy's plane which has an elaborate system indoor and outdoor, but the AOA hadn't been calibrated. He just hadn't "gotten around to that". I did it during a short flight. Arranging priorities in a safety-enhancing sequence is important.
Shelter cove... oh. Above Fort Bragg. I've only sailed up the coast as far as Fort Bragg so my brain filled with question marks when I didn't recognize the picture. How interesting. Yah, the fog is crazy along the coast. That's our big air-conditioner getting ready to push inland in the late afternoon. Winds can be really quite strong along the coast too. What a place to put a runway.
Thanks for sharing. Sorry for this loss. Covelo is remote. Too bad they didn't choose somewhere else with more resources, unless they were almost out of fuel? It might have been easier to find a place to stay, etc. When you've been traveling all day and are tired is especially when you should ere on the side of caution. Condolences. RIP.
First of all condolences to the families involved. As for the pilot, I had the pleasure of flying with him numerous times as my FO and found him to be a exemplar pilot. If this accident shows anything is the fact that in the heat of the moment, any airman may (and I say May because we have no idea if there was a mechanical) lose situational awareness and do something wrong. I’ve seen 60 hour pilots and 20000 hour pilots do it. We will never no Vaughn’s thought process. I do know he was respected at JetBlue, and not a cowboy. To those with the crass comments, we’ll, you weren’t there. I too fly GA. And realize that I need to be as cautious with that as my work flying.
Reminds me of the John Carpenter classic "The Fog." They filmed it and around Point Reyes. That training film the FAA did on the VMCa demo - they fly their light twin right by the lighthouse.
I watch these videos from Juan for lessons learned or ignored and to incorporate the knowledge into my own flying. While sad, the idea is to make pilots think about what could go wrong if you don’t prepare for the worst day of your life as a pilot. Thank you, Juan!
Excellent point Juan, about getting the right seat driver to be involved in the flight. Mountain flying is no joke and any input from a trusted member/passenger can be helpful. You did I believe state that the a/c departed to the west tho most head east, and would have departed into the sunset which would certainly have hidden rising terrain. Terrible scenario.
Here in Australia we seem to have had a few light plane issues recently it would be good to have the information you provide down under .One being the grandfather with 3 grand kids. I live in Tocumwal nsw gliding.
I'm a non-pilot living in Brisbane who follows Juan, Dan Gryder, Scott Perdue, Pure Glide in NZ ("Hello UA-cam"), Aldo Sterone (aviation, in French) and I am puzzled to know what obstacle(s) Australian private pilots might have in accessing information apart from perhaps slow, limited Internet access "out-bush".
I am far and away a much better pilot because of Juan and Dan Gryder. I'm constantly drilling myself on emergency procedures, and situational awareness. I avoid risk stacking and do not cut corners with safety. If the day ever comes that I have to act fast, I pray the lessons that I've learned from these gentlemen save mine in my passengers lives.
I have logged 2 hours flight time. First time I went up in a 172 we almost had a midair collision. Never flew with him again. Second hour was with a fighter pilot. Smooth as glass. Figured I'd seen the best and worst. I'll keep my ass on the ground, thank you.
You make an excellent point that really needs to be expanded upon. The internet is replete with tons of videos of pilots, including student pilots, during flight - even to the point that they mount cameras on the windshields! Like cellphones while driving, this is a distraction that could easily lead to a catastrophe.
I've flown into Round Valley a couple times. The terrain to west is no joke. I would never take off on 28. Landing on 10 was fun, but even that is slightly risky. RIP
Definitely too many questions for sure. I wonder if Rohnerville Airport (KFOT) was not a good option for him. It has weather via Foreflight, 4K foot runway, 19 miles away vs. 40 miles, lower terrain around, and many services nearby in Fortuna. I hope that the cost of fuel wasn't the reason for choosing Covelo.
I live a bit south near halfmoon bay airport. Tricky weather summer is really gusty winter is calmer but fog in the valleys just appears year round. We drive inland and fly out of Vacaville just to be safer plus the hangers near the coast are A LOT
The passenger in this aircraft was an old acquaintance of my family, 3 children. The pilot lost his wife to COVID in 2022, they had 3 kids. Rough day for the families. As a subscriber to Juan's channel I've been waiting for this video to shed some light on possible causes. Thank you, Juan.
I can tell you one prob cause for many Bonanzas, as an A@P mechanic Bonanza’s have bad electrical systems up front and do not have independent buss’s. The relay on the firewall is garbage and very unreliable, it’s the first thing to immediately throw away and replace with an upgrade when buying a used Bonanza.
@@tropicthndrwhy the electrical comment? Was that an issue with this flight?
@@tropicthndrvery interesting, thanx.
As an airline pilot I don’t give all that much thought to obstacles that would give a small aircraft private pilot pause. Icing? Fly right through it. Mountains? LNAV path around them and a crazy high climb rate. Wt and balance? Dispatch and load planning take care of that. I’ve always thought that if I ever start flying GA aircraft again that I’m going to have to have a very different mind set to do so safely.
I bet that is a problem sometimes. Easy to become inadvertently complacent with things you routinely deal with every day. You are probably not the guy who would crash though because you recognized it.
Yup. In the GA World your pretty much on your own to make all the final decisions and number crunching.
One airline pilot kills himself in a Cessna 150 each year. Twelve fatalities a year. Also a commercial pilot accomplishes the feat.
This guy was a jetblue pilot which made me wonder if the expected more performance from this bonanza. That plane is nice, but not real sporty, never flown one with tip tanks either
@@ronoconnor8971 yes, that’s the genesis of my comment but I have to wonder why he didn’t just make a right downwind departure or accept the tailwind takeoff? It’s no big deal to circle overhead. Surely he understood the low climb rate and rising terrain was a problem. It was night though. I don’t have enough information to understand what happened. I want to believe there was some mechanical issue. I guess we will all have to wait.
I’m a 70 yo Veteran and retired Corporate Pilot. I truly enjoy your reporting. Keep up the great work you’re doing. Thanks
I'm not a pilot and enjoy his reporting. I've learned a lot about aviation watching this channel.
I salute your career of safe flying sir. Hope I will be able to say that.
Hello Sir, I am also a retired Captain with 12500 hrs. 70 years old. After my retirement i never touched an Aircraft yoke. Greetings from old Germany 🇩🇪
Thank you for serving. 🥰
Ill never forget that airport. Back in 1967, I was flying with an old Marine Corps fighter pilot(A4 Skyhawk) in a Piper Tri Pacer and at about 100 feet off the runway, the prop split and he had to hard land it,but safely, and we called my wife in Auburn, and she came and picked us up. I can still visuilize the intent look on my buddy s face as he was doing all the checks of the flaps,etc. We love your channel. All the naval aviators would relate stories of how they had Bingo plans during night carrier operations in that area in case of bad fog. Bill
Thank you Mister Juan Browne for all you do, I’m sure is exhausting talking about all the crashes and lost souls, but I’m sure your videos have saved lives when pilots think about what you teach on your videos, you might not know how much good you’re doing to the community but rest assure we see what you’re doing and im proud to be your subscriber and soon will be able to be contributing to your patron page
Thanks for your Support!
Unfortunately, UA-cam too often de-monitizes Juan for simply explaining the details of crashes. We all know that you learn by not only your own mistakes, but from the mistakes of others. This is the service Juan provides, and it DOES sae lives! There is nothing ghoulish about it at all. Yet, YT acts like it is. It is maddening.
@@demef758How can you tell if a video has been demonetized?
@@demef758 I'm a fan of the long-running Canadian documentary series Air Disasters (a.k.a. Mayday) that airs on the Smithsonian Channel. That show often goes into more gory detail than anything on Juan's UA-cam channel. So, why is Air Disasters okay for daytime and primetime TV? That show has commercial breaks, so advertisers are obviously okay with it. But UA-cam has determined that Juan's videos aren't okay? Makes absolutely no sense.
@@hamsterama It makes sense when you accept that UA-cam, as part of the mega corporation Google, cares far more about fellow big corporations than the many small creators on the platform. (Remember when UA-cam took away showing the dislike counter, claiming it was to aid the mental health of creators? Pure nonsense. It was to protect the big corporate channels who frequently had their videos down voted to oblivion.)
I remember the accident pilot and his brother when I was a line service tech fueling aircraft working on my instrument rating.
His father died in a Bonanza in UT scud running. He and his brother had a Piper Seneca they flew. The brother quit the regional airlines because he hated the lifestyle but the accident pilot flew Lears and then went to JetBlue. Both were accomplished pilots with extensive mountain flying experience. Sadly this appears to be CFIT with local unfamiliarity and low as contributors
Been waiting for this Juan. I live in Round Valley I was out playing with my son when I saw what I thought was a structure fire in the foothills just west of the airport. We live about a mile from the airport. I only heard days later that it was an airplane that crashed. I've lived here for 15 years I've never seen a plane take off to the West. Land to the west take off to the east. There's been more air traffic here this year than any other year I've been here. Interesting to hear about the cheaper gas maybe that's the reason. Rest in peace. Thanks for your service Juan.
In the comments of Foreflight it says you need to have a "rocket ship" to take off 28.
Juan, your explanations of stacking risks is, in my opinion, one of the most important messages you bring to your audience. 30-year GA pilot and Baron owner here, and that messaging is vitally important for all pilots - especially pilots of light twins. Please keep driving that message home. It will save lives.
It can't be easy being the constant bearer of bad news, but I always rely on your expert and comprehensive coverage of these events.
"It can't be easy being the constant bearer of bad news...". The rationale is simple. The dead teach the living.
Amen!
Well stated Sir
More likely, the bearer of good air safety practice, turning these troubling incidents into clearer teachable moments and advocating for life long learning (and I suppose the value of equipping your general aviation vehicle with enhanced safety equipment).
Thanks Juan. I’m local to the Humboldt area, Kym Kemp (Redheaded Blackbelt) is the go to source for news. Just don’t read the comment section. The sun wasn’t down at the time the call came in. It would have been right in the face of a westward departing pilot. Covelo is extremely remote even by local standards, and can be a lawless place. I have no doubt that the urge to leave right away would be pretty strong.
Flying around here you should 100% have a sleeping bag, tent, fire starter, and freeze dried food in a tote in your airplane. You will eventually end up spending the night somewhere remote with no services.
I earned CFI couple months ago. This channel brings very beneficial content for all the pilots. This channel is the BEST real world learning about aviation. I appreciate so much what you have done so far. Your video definitely save so many pilot’s lives especially in GA world. Again, thank you for making this content.
Being a pilot in NorCal, fog is a constant 'obstacle' that you have to plan for. It often seems to move in faster than predicted
Grew up on California Coast...my great uncle was a lighthouse keeper at Pigeon Point. It was an often discussed subject! Fog is dangerous to all forms of transportation, and even pedestrians....it can be unpredictable; knowing the area and it's meteorological makeup, is beneficial. Margin of safety, as always, more so in this environment. ✌🏽
Juan, appreciate your analysis and insight as a local who knows the challenges that are present to all pilots. Vaughn was a fellow JetBlue pilot so this accident hits a little closer to home. Did some checking today with a local there and can confirm the weather at Round Valley was good and the accident occurred in daylight about 20 minutes before sunset. An ear witness reported that the engine sounded like a car when it is running out of gas, then heard the crash and subsequent explosion. Might have been yet another loss of thrust on takeoff scenario. We airline types have so many more safeguards to protect us in the 121 world!
Thanks for the update!
Mobile phones are a dangerous distraction. One reason I quit my anesthesia career, was that too many RN's were on their phones in the pre-op, intra-op, and post-op environments.
Evidently asking nurses to pay attention to the patient and get off your phone is considered creating a "hostile work environment".
Unfortunately my generation is going to be so addicted to phones that I don't know how we will make it to retirement alive.
I am a local pilot to this area. I used to stop at Round Valley for gas. The airport still shows on the chart that it has gas but the last few years I don't think there has been any gas out there because I landed only to find the pumps didn't work. So it could have been a fuel related issue.
I stopped there for fuel about a month ago and the pump was not working. I did take off to the NW, but then made an immediate RH turn before the quickly rising terrain.
My thoughts as a non pilot but shouldn’t the ensuing fire after the crash show that they did have fuel on board?
There is always unusable fuel on board a small airplane. Typically it is about 3 gallons per tank - plenty to get a good fire going. I think the fuel selector on the A36 bonanza only allows left or right tank and not a both. So if he was unable to get gas after trying to land at Shelter Cove he could have been very low on gas in one of the tanks. If he selected the wrong tank for takeoff it could be a recipe for disaster.
County runs the Airport. They are flat broke and because the site is open to the public there is always vandalism up there (I left 10 years ago, but know that fuel station). There is a small fuel bulk station in Covelo which will probably deliver to the airport, but don't know the hours.
Looks like the most recent foreflight comments say there is working fuel.
Super tragic. As you mentioned putting the phone away, I almost never use my phone even if I'm getting a phone call, message, email. Whatever the case maybe I'm 110% focused on the task at hand. I'm saying this as a 21 year old newly certificated private pilot. Thank you for the tips, Juan. Keep up the great work.
HI Mr. Browne. Thank you for more amazing content. I was stationed in the central San Joaquin Valley (Castle AFB) many years ago and remember the fog well. It moved quickly, stayed low and could bring viz to feet/zero in no time. I recall an event when a B-52 had to land, as it could not divert to Travis (reason unknown). We were on the flightline and were surprised to hear it land. It taxied right past us unseen. The crew chief went out, plugged headsets in and literally walked/talked the flight crew all the to engine shut off. We heard it and smelled it, never saw it. Awesome job to all involved!
I experienced the same type of accident in Round Valley flying a Cessna 150 2 passengers and full fuel load. Luckily I turned to the right instead of the left on a west departure. After refueling at round valley as you noted there was a slight head wind out of the west. I asked the lady that fueled the plane how do most pilots depart out over the valley downwind or into the hills. She exclaimed that in no way could she give me any advice. Even though I told her I was just trying to get a idea not a directive. Luckily I was able to stay abot 4 feet above the tree tops and had just enough climb to get to a right 180 and broke over a saddle where to hills meet to brake out over the hills and into the valley to gain altitude to clear the mountains. I refer this flight as the one where I fast a higher authority. AMEN!
My driving habits coincide with many of these aviation accidents. Get-there-itis being the big one. It’s human nature to just want to go home, and be home, but when aviating, we need to reprogram that part of our brains. God rest the souls of these two, and prayers for their families and friends for strength.😢 Thanks, Juan, as always, for the thousands of reports you have to pour through and post over the course of time. We all appreciate it.
Juan. Sometimes when flying to these remote airports with no nearby accomodations, I take a sleeping bag and some food and water because it may not be prudent to depart at night, I may not be able to get fuel until morning, weather problems, etc.
Very solid and compassionate reporting, Juan. Hope it helps prevent a similar future tragedy.
Thanks!
I have flown in there in an A36 and had to circle twice to get up and over! We had density altitude and if we hadn’t we still would have needed at least one circle 😢
Not just into rising terrain, but possibly descending air sliding down those slopes
That 59 310 is a beautiful plane. The fuel tanks on the end of the wings definitely add more class to an already classy plane. Lines are perfect on that bird
I cannot thank you enough for sharing your insight / experience = wisdom. Channels like this undoubtably saves lives... If people pay attention... Attention,.. The message about diddling a cellphone in the cockpit is golden too..
Love how u expressed the folly of filming near the ground Vs helping the pilot with call outs. Plus calling out the distraction of phones. Great role model .
Thought of you while flying to Puerto Vallarta last week. Last time I flew to PV, we got diverted to Cabo because a airliner had a nose wheel collapse on landing which shut down the airport. Sat on tarmac in Cabo for 3 hours then returned to Phoenix due to crew rest and customs issues not being able to deplane.
Hello from Utah! Thank you for your videos and your professionalism.
I've had my 210 in these parts quite a bit in the past and it's both some of the most beautiful flying area and also the most difficult. Your feedback is very much on point for Bay area flying. I've flown into shelter cove a few times, lovely as it is, it will inevitably surprise you. The most difficult airport I've ever flown into was Ruth/T42 (very near to the crash site) -- getting out was very similar to what you describe here -- I had to circle up with a tailwind departure, very challenging, it wasn't my best decision but it taught me a valuable lesson which I've used thereafter (preparation mainly). You are so right about phones! Distractions are the bain of our flying existences...
Juan; I am currently in flight school in Logan UT, just about an hour north of Heber by DA40(I actually did my first solo there during my private training!) I grew up in NorCal and have been to shelter cove with my family before. This is such an interesting case for me because the weather here in utah and the mountainous terrain definitely makes flights more dangerous than other places. I always have my phone off during flights and am careful to pay attention to my altimeter settings and terrain maps as it is easy to get distracted with other tasks. It’s hard to fathom that someone with so much experience flying in these very mountainous areas, like Heber, could have made a mistake like CFIT but it seems that the blinding external motivation and unfamiliarity with the area proved to be too dangerous. Rest in peace to the pilot and passenger and condolence to all their families and loved ones. Thank you for all you do, each of your videos help me learn something to be aware of to make myself a properly prepared pilot for every flight
Juan thanks for all you do!
The local Indian tribes pronounce Covelo "cove-uh-low" or "KOH-və-loh"
Very sad. I am not a pilot. At first, I was stunned that a commercial airline pilot was involved. Then, after you mentioned what is common knowledge to experienced GA pilots in the area, it struck me that in the airlines dispatch possibly takes over much of route planning with the Captain tweaking as needed. GA requires a different type of preparation. Another airline pilot mentioned the same in the comments.
Thanks Juan, as always taking on a tough subject with reason and balance. The point cannot be stressed enough; before you turn the engine over, you need be sure you've done everything you can to stack the odds in your favor. One of the key jobs for any sensible pilot, is to know when to stay on the ground.
As usual a great teaching moment. A professional pilot who reviews tragic events, such as this one where another professional pilot may have made some bad choices. 😞
Again - excellent report on a sad event. Good point on the right seat passenger helping instead of distracting. I never thought to put my phone in Airplane Mode entering the airport. Good advice. Thank you, Sir
The thing about the coastal fog off the Gold Coast is that once it rolls in during the late afternoon, it doesn't burn off till at least mid-morning the next day. If you can't get in at your desired arrival time, divert and try again tomorrow.
Fog is something that can move at amazing speed. Since there is no thunder/lightning associated with it that movement is silent. We just had the crash in French Valley [Murrieta] in July where 6 people lost their lives because the pilot encountered fog below minimums and only attempted one go around. Rest in peace to all who have lost their lives in fog-related crashes, and condolences to their families.
26 years ago since i last flew PPL ... from 1989. I Noticed there were many challenges to pay attention to,that varies from hour to hour 24/7/365......: Thanks !for sharing wisdom, and i´m shure many will learn more from watching your Taughts, and remarks on the Channel - Blessings from me in Norway : RIP !
Thank you Juan for some very well considered learning points.
Good reporting on another GA tragedy. Stacking the deck against oneself certainly leaves few “outs” if anything goes wrong.
Three things immediately come to mind:
1) The temp at Ukiah (40nm away in another inland valley) was 23°C at the time of the accident. So figure around a 2800’ DA if Covelo had a similar temp. Not horrible on its own, but bagged out with gas, not the longest runway, into rising terrain starts that stacked deck.
2) Runway 28 is right traffic per the sectional and a/fd. Now, it could have been a snap decision to go left when they realized they weren’t climbing (for whatever reason), but despite some rising terrain to the right as well, right is probably a better option. The point is, know your outs if you have unexpectedly low performance into rising terrain or obstructions.
3) I made a special focus mode for flying. This way I don’t get any unnecessary notifications but I don’t have to put it in airplane mode so I get emergency notifications, have the connectivity I need for flying, and can quickly make emergency calls as well without having to swipe and change.
(Edit for typos)
The town is pronounced cove-a-low. Just a friend of your videos who grew up in a nearby small town. Great information and distracted driving, flying, boating, or moving in general is a problem with many people. Agree with you that it should be off or in airplane mode. Thanks for your insight and knowledge that you post in these videos!
Appreciate the thought about putting the phone in airplane mode before preflight. Never thought of that mostly because I want to text loved ones, open my flight plan, etc, but you’re right- it can be a distraction!
Thank you for your continued focus on safety. I have no doubt that lives are saved with every lesson learned, and this is possibly one of the best ways to honor those who have been lost.
Thanks Juan. And your sidebar comment regarding phone/camera distractions during preflight and critical flight phases is well appreciated.
Juan, 40 years ago I flew in this area a lot. I think you hit the unfortunate "nail on the head". A heavily fueled A36 doesn't climb very well until you get the speed up & this "airport in a bowl", as you said, sometimes requires a downwind take off for climb considerations. Often the terrain doesn't look like it climbs as quickly as you see on takeoff. Unfortunate result of a weakness in ;landing. Another aviator loss is a blow to us all. I agree with your assessment.
I just flew this airport in FS 2020 in Bonanza 36 with no passengers or tip tanks. This airport has an elevation of 437 metres and had climb set to 1,000fpm and all I got was the Garmin calling 500 on 5 occasions as I climbed to 4,000ft. Weather was live and totally clear with calm conditions and the Bonanza was struggling to stay above 120kts eventually falling to 90 kts before I took over and turned right up a valley and reduced climb to 500fpm until I got it to 6,000ft. My opinion? The Bonanza was not powerful enough to climb fast enough from the airport headed in the direction this flight took and it would certainly be prudent to gain altitude by steps up in a circling pattern.
I agree with your premise here. Aircraft was UNDER POWERED for the situation and flight path the pilot chose.
Another first class accident analysis. Agree with you 100% on the cell phone distraction issue. Airplane mode is a beautiful thing.
It never ceases to amaze me how many fly the mountains in a single engine. When I bought my Beech 95, it had spent it life as an instrument trainer. But the big thing was twin engines & constant speed props. I only flew it a few times in the mountains in BC.
I always enjoy your assessments & appreciate your advice even though I no longer fly
So sad and a devastating loss for the families of these two people. Your point about pilots putting phones into flight mode is a great point and something I've never considered. I've even had instructors taking calls on their phones, while I'm in the cct and turning base. At the very least, we should ignore the distraction. 👍
Thank you for the video. Its great to see with all your experience you have a lot of the reverence for procedures and safety practices. With about 300 hours I tend to feel like I'm overly cautious. But when I hear you speak of "stacking the odds" I realize its ok to stay on the ground sometimes. Thanks
Hey Brian I’m similar time pilot. Always okay to stay on the ground! Really just comes to your comfort, knowledge, and confidence level. I started in gliders and see power GA pilots completely afraid of mountain wave for example. In some way they should be, but not all. With training from experienced wave pilots and flight in waves myself I understand that there are days you can use it to great advantage, and avoid the risk areas. Just an example. On the other hand I hardly fly at night and while it’s cool I have hardly done it and want to go get some more in the dark dual experience before anything beyond the moonlit clear night.
Better to stay on the ground than crash into it.
I have said it before, but I feel like a learn so much about our limitations and the expectations we should set on ourselves or our aircraft from Juan. I hope it makes me a safer pilot when I get my license. Thank you
Great job Blancolirio on your report. Helping other pilots learn from others miss fourteen. Thank you.
So sad to learn of yet another GA crash. Juan your good old commom sense applied to flying from before flight through to landing is so needed. I know if your viewers who are pilots, whether young or old, will
"pay attention" to what you've learned will very well save their own lives and lives of others
God bless you for your efforts.
Thank you Juan for this detailed compassionate post,
I spent a night in Shelter Cove as the fog came I. While we were playing golf on the course that surrounded the airport. Always plan ahead when visiting there
You said it best Juan... they have the lower priced fuel in Northern California. Odds are he was getting low on fuel so he went there to get fuel, and then figured he would just see if he could land in Shelter Cove or some other airport. Didn't work out.
Great video JT, great tips and very informative. Life is choices and as you say, make those right decisions.
You put a lot of work into this. Thanks
Good advice Juan on all aspects of this accident. Cell phone distraction in cars is the same. Here in Australia they mount cameras above roads to catch people on the phone while driving. Someone we know got fined for simply having the phone in his top pocket while driving.
Excellent break down of the confronting variables and decisions as usual. Thank you Juan! There are lots of critical decisions that have to be carefully evaluated to stay alive and safe.
Another sad loss of life,thanks once again Juan may they both R.I.P 😢🙏🙏🇦🇺
Jaun Thank you for your many great tips when flying in Northern Pacific costal areas.
Great job, completely agree with you recommendations addressing distractions. Thanks again for all you do!
Excellent discussion, Dr Blanco. Many useful nuggets to take away for GA piloting. 👍
Juan in every one of your videos you say something that has become a commin practice of mine. This weekend im putting my phone into airplane mode as soon as i park my car. Its true ill be doing my preflight and ill get a text or call and it stops me since ill check who it is and clearly thats a bad habbit. When i fly passengers who ever is right seat i always tell them the speeds im looking for to scan outside and to only talk if they see something they think i should know about and to let them know exactly at what speed im climbing what altitude im turning and how the departure should go and what will happen if a issue comes up. Im so glad i found your channel you are the best in aviation on UA-cam
When I worked at a harbor on Lake Michigan I watched the fog roll in and out again within minutes. As to the cellphone usage, people have gotten under the spell that they MUST respond to it. They have forgotten that THEY control IT, not that they are controlled by IT.
Western states flying both GA and air carrier (as you well know) is local knowledge intensive. Between terrain, and both marine and inland ground fog combinations, there are lots of gotchas lurking. I flew to work each week from Chico to Hayward, then driving to SFO. Few thunderstorms, and nearly no icing, but plenty of challenges. KSFO for 121 pilots requires serious bag of local knowledge, AKA special qual airport.
The Cessna 310 is one of the best looking planes to ever fly. My dad used to park his T-34 next to a guy with a 60s 310 with blue stripes. I always loved looking at her.
Don't mean to take away from the seriousness of this accident report. My sincere respects to the families of the crash victims.
Being from Ukiah, Ca, seeing it n the local news; I so appreciate the compassionate explanation of difficulties.
Thank you for your efforts. Much appreciated.
Even the airlines have problems with the fog in northern california. Flying United from San Francisco to Eureka/Arcata, I've had the experience where we got to within a mile of the airport, had it be too foggy, and they turned around and flew all the way back to SFO.
Local legend is that ACV was purposely built there as an instrument approach training site during WWII. You can usually get out of ACV, but getting back is the trick.
Great recommendation on airplane mode for the cell phone. Not sure why that never occurred to me, but will definitely start doing that before piloting a plane.
You are dead right about stacking the odds against you. Thank you for sharing this.
I am not a pilot, but I learn a lot from these videos. The lesson here is: Life is a game of odds, do not stack the odds against yourself.
Not a pilot either, but I learn a lot from these videos as well. A lot of the lessons learned can be applied to vehicle driving.
I recently flew a buddy's plane which has an elaborate system indoor and outdoor, but the AOA hadn't been calibrated. He just hadn't "gotten around to that". I did it during a short flight. Arranging priorities in a safety-enhancing sequence is important.
Shelter cove... oh. Above Fort Bragg. I've only sailed up the coast as far as Fort Bragg so my brain filled with question marks when I didn't recognize the picture. How interesting. Yah, the fog is crazy along the coast. That's our big air-conditioner getting ready to push inland in the late afternoon. Winds can be really quite strong along the coast too. What a place to put a runway.
Hey Juan there was an fume event emergency on spirit airlines that returned to KLAS with 12 people that required medical services
Thanks for sharing. Sorry for this loss. Covelo is remote. Too bad they didn't choose somewhere else with more resources, unless they were almost out of fuel? It might have been easier to find a place to stay, etc. When you've been traveling all day and are tired is especially when you should ere on the side of caution. Condolences. RIP.
First of all condolences to the families involved. As for the pilot, I had the pleasure of flying with him numerous times as my FO and found him to be a exemplar pilot. If this accident shows anything is the fact that in the heat of the moment, any airman may (and I say May because we have no idea if there was a mechanical) lose situational awareness and do something wrong. I’ve seen 60 hour pilots and 20000 hour pilots do it.
We will never no Vaughn’s thought process. I do know he was respected at JetBlue, and not a cowboy. To those with the crass comments, we’ll, you weren’t there.
I too fly GA. And realize that I need to be as cautious with that as my work flying.
Anyone has the capability to make a Bad decision at any time. Unfortunately many times there is no second chance to correct it.
God Speed to the 2 folks on board, and sincere condolences to their families and friends. --gary
Reminds me of the John Carpenter classic "The Fog." They filmed it and around Point Reyes. That training film the FAA did on the VMCa demo - they fly their light twin right by the lighthouse.
Every time this happens I worry it’ll be my 1983 B36 that we sold in 1994.
I grounded myself for lack of currency, both kinds!
Thanks Juan, Nicely Done.
I watch these videos from Juan for lessons learned or ignored and to incorporate the knowledge into my own flying. While sad, the idea is to make pilots think about what could go wrong if you don’t prepare for the worst day of your life as a pilot. Thank you, Juan!
Excellent point Juan, about getting the right seat driver to be involved in the flight. Mountain flying is no joke and any input from a trusted member/passenger can be helpful. You did I believe state that the a/c departed to the west tho most head east, and would have departed into the sunset which would certainly have hidden rising terrain. Terrible scenario.
Thank you Juan 🌲
Here in Australia we seem to have had a few light plane issues recently it would be good to have the information you provide down under .One being the grandfather with 3 grand kids. I live in Tocumwal nsw gliding.
I'm a non-pilot living in Brisbane who follows Juan, Dan Gryder, Scott Perdue, Pure Glide in NZ ("Hello UA-cam"), Aldo Sterone (aviation, in French) and I am puzzled to know what obstacle(s) Australian private pilots might have in accessing information apart from perhaps slow, limited Internet access "out-bush".
Thanks for your coverage of these sad events. Hope they save lives at the end of the day. FYI I think the airplane id# is incorrect in the thumbnail.
I am far and away a much better pilot because of Juan and Dan Gryder. I'm constantly drilling myself on emergency procedures, and situational awareness. I avoid risk stacking and do not cut corners with safety. If the day ever comes that I have to act fast, I pray the lessons that I've learned from these gentlemen save mine in my passengers lives.
I have logged 2 hours flight time. First time I went up in a 172 we almost had a midair collision. Never flew with him again. Second hour was with a fighter pilot. Smooth as glass. Figured I'd seen the best and worst. I'll keep my ass on the ground, thank you.
Wow! There is a lot to know,be aware of and practice to safely fly. I am not a pilot,but, like using these tips for driving my Honda Odyssey.
Always appreciate you sharing your experience when it comes to issues like this. It helps us less experienced pilots a lot. Thank-you.
I'm happy to be a new Patreon!
You make an excellent point that really needs to be expanded upon.
The internet is replete with tons of videos of pilots, including student pilots, during flight - even to the point that they mount cameras on the windshields!
Like cellphones while driving, this is a distraction that could easily lead to a catastrophe.
Sad to see an experienced commercial pilot end up this way. Thanks for your reporting Juan!
I've flown into Round Valley a couple times. The terrain to west is no joke. I would never take off on 28. Landing on 10 was fun, but even that is slightly risky. RIP
Definitely too many questions for sure. I wonder if Rohnerville Airport (KFOT) was not a good option for him. It has weather via Foreflight, 4K foot runway, 19 miles away vs. 40 miles, lower terrain around, and many services nearby in Fortuna. I hope that the cost of fuel wasn't the reason for choosing Covelo.
As always, excellent report Juan. Always professional and on point.
Stay safe my friend..
I live a bit south near halfmoon bay airport. Tricky weather summer is really gusty winter is calmer but fog in the valleys just appears year round. We drive inland and fly out of Vacaville just to be safer plus the hangers near the coast are A LOT