How Safe Are Cessnas?

Recently Big 2 News told you about the story where five people died in a plane crash in Alpine. The aircraft they were flying in was a Cessna 421. Yesterday, another Cessna that was flying from the Basin on its way to Baytown made an emergency landing in Houston. Authorities said they believed engine started leaking oil. So how safe are these planes? 

Chris Tyler has flown a 1966 Cessna 206 turbo for several years. 

“Cessna has a real proven design and their safety record is among the best in the business," said Tyler. 

Tyler said poor pilot planning is the reason many plane crashes happen. 

"Whether they're not aware of the weather where they're going or the wind were they're landing," he said.

Tyler also explained that there are not many incidents where airplanes fail or have structural damage. He said another reason many pilots get in trouble while they’re flying is that they get distracted.  

“Maybe passengers or things going on in the airplane and we forget. A lot of times I think pilots that have been flying for a number of years have the tendency to get complacent," said Tyler.           

Longtime pilot Jamie Linderman said the big mistake some pilots make is that they push themselves into a bad situation. 

“If it's too windy or if you have any hesitation then don't go. Once you take off your going to have to land, its coming down one way or another," said Linderman.            

Both pilots agree that a pilot's cockiness can be their worst enemy. So pilots keep this old saying in mind the next time you go flying: There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old bold pilots.

"So if it’s too windy or if you think it's exceeding your capability as a pilot then just don't go," said Linderman.  

Despite the recent accidents, both pilots continue believing flying is the safest way to travel. But pilots need to maintain their planes and have a good head on their shoulders.