Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

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Cody Goodan tells the story of an accident he experienced shortly after earning his private pilot certificate as a senior in high school. During a series of touch-and-goes in a Cessna 172 carrying three friends, the combination of weight and pilot error resulted in disaster.

Listen to Cody's full story on the "There I Was..." podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cody-goodan/id1240482999?i=1000576143663

Watch the previous Pilot Short Story episode:
youtu.be/chjS9fZG3Po

Check out the Air Safety Institute:
aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute

Follow AOPA on Twitter:
twitter.com/AOPA

Follow AOPA on Instagram:
instagram.com/flywithaopa

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facebook.com/AOPApilots

Credits:

Producer
Adam Rarey

Special Thanks
Cody Goodan
Claire Urban
Tyler Pangborn

Images courtesy of Kathryn's Report and Cody Goodan

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest community of pilots in the world, providing aviation advocacy, education & inspiration. AOPA has represented the freedom to fly for all pilots since 1939. To learn more about becoming a member visit aopa.org/jointoday.

#pilotshortstories #aircraftaccident #crashinvestigation