3) I- IMC ATO ACCIDENTS

This happens when an instrument rated pilot files an IFR flight plan and receives a proper clearance and is fully trained and expecting IMC conditions after takeoff. For whatever reasons, the pilot in this case becomes distracted, overloaded, or disoriented immediately after liftoff. The wreckage is typically found just off the end of the departure runway, within a few miles of the departure airport. In error, the NTSB often makes reference to this accident type as a loss of airplane control as a LOC-I or Loss of Control inflight accident. Loss of control implies that the controls were not working properly at the time of impact. Most SD fatal crashes occur where the controls were in fact performing perfectly, and the aircraft was perfectly controllable even though the pilot positioned those controls improperly. In the first 1000 feet of climb, pay very close attention to aircraft control and consider the delay in accomplishing the following items until you are sure that you can manage an additional task: – Flaps up – Contact departure – Ident – Boost pump off – Landing light off – Check in with departure – Reduce power – Set new assigned altitude – Set new assigned heading. It is appropriate to add the words Single Pilot IFR to your callsign to alert ATC that you do not wish to be overloaded after takeoff. This is similar to using Student Pilot after your call sign when learning to fly. You can also ask for both runway heading and a higher initial altitude before takeoff. Sometimes ATC can make a quick call and approve either or both of these for you so that you are not dealing with both a level off and a turn immediately after takeoff. Last, you can use your voice and let ATC know that this is a very low IMC departure and you desire excellent handling. This is like asking for a sterile cockpit from ATC. Ask them to leave you alone until you get your craft stabilized. Most all ATC are highly experienced and very eager to help if you will tell them exactly how to help you. Most of all, aviate before you navigate, navigate before you communicate. Once you communicate, you have opened up the floodgates for ATC workload and they are going to load you up with more tasks. Take your time. ATC has overloaded many pilots within the first mile after takeoff from a class D airport and it is totally not necessary to sacrifice aircraft control. The Cheyenne crash in Louisiana went from liftoff to impact point in less than two miles. During the takeoff phase, be able to find the gear handle via feel while keeping your eyes on the ADI. Up Simba, Up Simba or similar phrases are good self-reminders to say to yourself while you keep that nose up and climbing properly. Set the pitch first via ADI and then make slight pitch refinements using airspeed information. If you have an autopilot, consider bringing it on line as soon as speed, altitude, and limitations allow.