There was a small plane crash in Sussex County, New Jersey on April 16, 2024. The plane, a single-engine Cessna 150, crashed at the Sussex Airport. Reports indicate the pilot attempted a go-around, trying to abort a landing due to safety issues, but the engine stalled. The pilot sustained injuries as a result.
Attempting a go-around in a small plane can sometimes result in engine stall, a scenario that poses significant risks due to the aircraft’s low altitude and limited time for recovery. This typically occurs if the pilot applies full power abruptly, which can lead to a condition known as carburetor icing in piston-engined planes, or compressor stalls in turbine engines. Carburetor icing can be precipitated by the combination of high humidity and sudden changes in air pressure and temperature within the carburetor, leading to ice formation that blocks the air-fuel mixture from reaching the engine effectively. In turbines, compressor stalls occur when the engine’s airflow is disrupted, potentially by sudden changes in throttle, which disrupts the balance necessary for continuous combustion.
Additionally, during a go-around, the aircraft’s configuration changes rapidly as pilots retract flaps and adjust the landing gear while simultaneously managing power settings. This rapid sequence of actions can challenge the engine if not executed smoothly, particularly in older or less well-maintained aircraft. If the engine is already operating near the limits of its performance envelope, these abrupt changes can exceed its capability, leading to a stall. This risk is exacerbated by any underlying maintenance issues such as worn spark plugs, dirty air filters, or old fuel, which can decrease engine efficiency and responsiveness.
The potential for an engine stall during a go-around requires pilots to be vigilant and well-prepared. Training and experience are crucial in managing the complex dynamics of a go-around maneuver safely. Pilots must be familiar with their aircraft’s specific power handling characteristics and ensure thorough pre-flight checks to minimize risks. Additionally, maintaining a calm and methodical approach during the go-around process is essential to ensure that engine power settings and aircraft configurations are adjusted in a controlled and stable manner, thereby reducing the risk of stalling and ensuring a safe recovery to stable flight.
There have been a number of recent plane crashes in 2024. A Daher TBM 700 crashed in Truckee, California on March 30, 2024. A Piper PA-24 crashed into the water 2,000 feet from the runway at Quonset State Airport in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island on March 30, 2024. A Beech A36 plane crashed in Cleveland, Ohio on April 6, 2024. A Piper PA-32 crashed in Claxton, Tennessee on April 12, 2024. A Gulfstream AC95 crashed in San Bernardino, California on April 13, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.