Density Altitude Final Approach Knot 
Plane and Pilot
JULY 1, 2025
The calculated density altitude was 4,790 feet. Probable cause(s): The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after takeoff, during high density altitude weather conditions. About 10 minutes later, the airplane was less than 100 feet above ground level, with a ground speed of about 61 knots.
Fear of Landing
APRIL 19, 2024
The helicopter turned left to return to the airport, travelling at about 85 knots. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing. The helicopter was at treetop height with an indicated airspeed of zero knots when the right yaw ceased. The pilot reported two miles out.
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AeroSavvy
AUGUST 20, 2021
I spent a few months researching aircraft performance and high altitude airport flying techniques. Density Altitude Piston engines, wings, and propellers lose efficiency as they climb to less dense air at higher altitudes. Every 1000 feet we logged the time, altitude, and outside air temperature.
Chess In the Air
JULY 4, 2022
In certain conditions blowing dust (a “ haboob “) can make an approaching front easily visible. Imagine being on final approach right when a small-scale thermal breaks off the ground that can even send a 300 pound porta-potty flying high into the air. (Btw That does very little when you’re in 10-20 knot sink.
Air Facts
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
Airspeed variations with weight in light general aviation aircraft are only a handful of knots, so it’s easy to fly the published slow speed when light, the faster speed when heavy, and something in the middle when the aircraft weight is something in the middle. No math required.
Pilot Institute
JUNE 26, 2024
A go-around is a maneuver performed to abort or reject a landing on the final approach or once the aircraft has already touched down. A common situation is if an aircraft is on final approach, and another holding on the runway cannot take off in time. You have to achieve and maintain Vx or Vy within +10/-5 knots.
Chess In the Air
JUNE 24, 2022
This is consistent with Rick’s report, which referenced 9 knots of wind. 65 kts IAS given the high density altitude. Note that a 43 knot gust from a direction of 190 degrees was measured at 17:39, one minute after the accident (provided that the time stamp is accurate).
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