Density Altitude Final Approach Tail 
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. Probable cause(s): The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing with a gusting tail wind.
Fear of Landing
APRIL 19, 2024
The operator confirmed that the tail rotor had been installed the day before the accident. A mechanic had found a worn feathering bearing in the tail rotor hub and blade assembly. The tail rotor’s responses and vibrations are measured in order to adjust the weights of the rotor blades and/or the alignment of the rotor assembly.
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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 Btw – notice the blue sky in the video.)
Professional Pilot
AUGUST 8, 2024
Challenger 604, G-IV Contributing Writer Pilatus PC-12 on approach at ORL. Air traffic control instructions often lead to unstable approaches. The request to make a short approach or maintain a higher-than-normal speed to the final approach fix is the most common reason pilots don’t meet stable approach criteria.
Chess In the Air
JUNE 24, 2022
The Rifle ASOS recorded a gust of 43 mph from the south: a 100-degree shift in direction, putting it right on his tail. However, at 5:36:23 he still had an altitude of 7025 ft MSL, i.e. a normally very “safe” pattern altitude of almost 1500 ft, and prudently began to head toward the east end of the runway.
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