As a general rule, inexperienced pilots are more likely to get into an airplane accident than experienced ones. While these accidents are notoriously rare, experienced pilots tend to possess the skills and knowledge to avoid accidents that newer pilots lack. Here are five ways that inexperienced pilots can potentially cause plane crashes:


  • Inexperienced pilots are more likely to make mistakes during flight
      • One of the most common contributors to plane crashes is pilot error, meaning that it was caused by a mistake on the pilot’s end. Even a relatively minor error in judgment could result in a potentially fatal accident. The more inexperienced a pilot is, the more likely it is they will make one of these costly mistakes. 
  • Inexperienced pilots may not realize when it isn’t safe to fly
      • There are often potential warning signs that it is not safe to fly: problems with the plane, poor weather conditions, and other issues that can interfere with flying. Experienced pilots understand that flying under those circumstances can be dangerous and will generally try to avoid it if they can. Inexperienced pilots, on the other hand, may push their luck, risking a potential accident in the process.
  • Inexperienced pilots may not be careful about maintenance
      • Maintenance is costly and time-consuming, but it is a critical part of ensuring your plane is safe to fly. An inexperienced pilot may skip maintenance, or try to cut corners to save on time and money. By doing so, however, they place themselves and their passengers at risk of otherwise avoidable harm.
  • Inexperienced pilots may not recognize their own limitations
      • Experienced pilots typically understand when they are not in a good condition to fly. Exhaustion, sickness, and other factors may make a pilot unsafe to fly with, but a less experienced pilot may try to push through, regardless. This is incredibly risky, however, and makes the chances of plane crashes more likely.
  • Inexperienced pilots are less able to handle an emergency
    • When an emergency happens, experienced pilots are typically better able to keep a cool head and respond appropriately to the situation. Inexperienced pilots, on the other hand, are more likely to panic or make critical mistakes during an emergency. As a result, they are less likely to make it through the emergency without serious injury to themselves or their passengers.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.