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21) The impossible turn

25 fatal accidents on record

The most debated topic in General Aviation. Under some circumstances, it may be possible to return to the departure airport, but statistics have proven that in all likelihood, chances of success are not high.  The deadly maneuver is called “impossible” for a reason, please be briefed and rehearsed before each takeoff, and be conditioned to accept a simple gear up (if in a retractable type aircraft) off field landing as a guaranteed safe outcome.

Trend

Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
  • Accidents per quarter
  • Rolling 12-month average
21) The impossible turn: Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
PeriodAccidentsRolling 12-month average per quarter
Q1 202500.5
Q2 202541.5
Q3 202552.3
Q4 202512.5
Q1 202602.5
Q2 202663
Q3 202622.3
Q4 2026 QTD22.5

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Practice scenarios

What to practice to keep this from happening to you. Fly drills with a qualified instructor at a safe altitude, or in a simulator.

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Recent accidents in this category

See all 25 in the accident index →