My last comments on Dalton, GA.

 

Statistically 7 out of 8 general aviation fatal accidents are caused by the pilot not the airplane.  So it's reasonable to think "pilot" not "airplane" when we hear about an accident.  And 7 out of 8 times we'll be right.  To be honest, the last 1/8th are often attributed to poor maintenance, most of the time that's us too.

 

I initially reported things like weather at time of the crash, how close he was to Dalton, etc.  Those, as best as I can tell, are facts.  I avoided any judgements.  If I sounded judgmental, it was not my intention.

 

The magazine articles like "Aftermath" and others are published not to assign blame, but to help other pilots learn.  I've always been a fan of reading about other's mistakes.  I think it makes me a better pilot.

 

I think it's important to separate the engine failure from the fatal crash.  I personally think the cause of the engine failure is less important than the events that took place after things got quiet.

 

I think we may all agree (doesn't happen often on the LML) that given the proper training an engine failure directly over an airport, even with the 4,200 ft. ceiling, had at least a high potential of ending with an emergency landing, not a fatality.

 

Mike Easley

Colorado Springs