NTSB Releases Weight and Balance Safety Alert

March 22, 2018 - The NTSB is urging pilots to perform thorough weight and balance calculations in a safety alert published on March 16, titled “Minding Weight, Maintaining Balance.” The document reminds pilots that improper or unperformed calculations can be fatal, noting that 136 general aviation accidents between 2008 and 2016 were related to absent or inaccurate weight and balance checks. The alert examines four accident scenarios and offers a number of weight and balance tips and reminders, including accounting for atmospheric conditions and for fuel burn during flight.