Cessna 180 Accidents: Aircraft Anomalies Or Pilot Errors

You may find people who fear flying as completely irrational but if you talk with them and find out the reasons why, you would surely notice that they have a point too. It is not the heights that they worry about. Some of them in fact love being on top of skyscrapers or mountain peaks. It is just the though that there is always a possibility of mid-air accidents and crashes. The fact that the chances of being killed because of such accidents are quite high only worsens their fears. Unfortunately, such fears have led to notions that there are aircrafts that are just completely unsafe.

Among those that are often considered as high-risk planes are the light ones such as those mono-engine ones made by Cessna. There is an impression that such planes are totally dangerous to fly. However, when investigations are made in order to find out the causes of such accidents, the common culprit is not the plane and its mechanisms. Instead, it is usually the mistakes committed by the pilot or the neglect in maintenance and checkups while the plane is still on the ground. This is the reason why even the Cessna 180 could be vulnerable to accidents.

Almost all Cessna planes, including the 180, have built the reputation of being very safe planes. However, these are very basic aircrafts, with avionics that rely more on the skills of the pilot rather than automated electronic systems. Because of this, it is really the pilot that handles the plane and not any computerized mechanism similar to those found in big commercial jets.

Therefore, if the pilot makes mistakes, the consequence could be disastrous for both the plane and people inside it. Apparently just like other plane, the safety of the Cessna 180 primarily depends on the skills of the pilot.

There could mechanical trouble and other malfunctions though but even these could be prevented if maintenance is regularly and thoroughly done. Even if the plane is not in use, it should still undergo checkups especially in the most vital parts. If there is a sudden need to fly the plane, then at least there is a higher possibility that it is fine because it has undergone regular checkups. It is before the flight though that routine should be strictly done. If possible, every moving part and every inch of the engine should be checked. If there are defects found, no matter how minor these may be repairs or replacements should be done. No flight should be allowed if these are not taken care of.
The pilot must always put a premium on the safety of the passengers at all cost. With such attitude, accidents would surely be prevented.

By: A. James David

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James David teaches people how to buy single engine airplanes & has a passion for the Cessna 180