Originally posted by statenman:
I used to fly single engine Cessna's for fun, and I can tell you without a doubt the single most common cause of small plane crashes are the weather. Pilots call this "get there itis", and it kills a lot of people who could have saved themselves just by waiting for the weather to improve or to make alternate means of transportation.
JFK jr flew to nantuket on a foggy and windy day and crashed in the ocean. Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle flew the East River corridor (which is difficult on a nice day) on a windy NE wind day when he could have safely flown the Hudson river corridor. He made the sharp turnaround which caused his plane to stall and it crashed into a building.
The problem with small planes and fog is you lose your spatial awareness so one small mistake is difficult to recognize. On top of that with small airports don't have radio controllers who let you know if you are off course.
Prayers for the family.
