On this episode of “Never Again,” a Mooney pilot thinks he’s found a bargain on fuel—but the short grass runway, summer heat and trees ahead quickly turn a $20 savings into a terrifying takeoff.

On this episode of “Never Again,” a Mooney pilot thinks he’s found a bargain on fuel—but the short grass runway, summer heat and trees ahead quickly turn a $20 savings into a terrifying takeoff.

On this episode of “Never Again,” a&nbsp;Mooney pilot thinks he’s found a bargain on fuel—but the short grass runway, summer heat and trees ahead quickly turn a $20 savings into a terrifying takeoff.&nbsp;

Mooney on a Bumpy Grass Field (October 2026)

In this episode of “Never Again,” transitioning between two twin-engine airplanes turns a routine touch-and-go into a runway accident. The flap lever in one cockpit occupies the exact same spot as the landing gear lever in another—and years of muscle memory prove stronger than a moment's intention.

In this episode of “Never Again,” transitioning between two twin-engine airplanes turns a routine touch-and-go into a runway accident. The flap lever in one cockpit occupies the exact same spot as the landing gear lever in another—and years of muscle memory prove stronger than a moment's intention.

The Muscle Memory Trap (July 2026)

On this episode of “Never Again,” a routine IFR flight turns into a fight against worsening weather when a Cessna 210 pilot encounters heavy snow, a 30-knot crosswind, accumulating ice, and an engine problem on approach. With visibility down to less than a quarter mile and the runway disappearing beneath fresh snow, he must decide whether to divert—or commit to the landing.

On this episode of “Never Again,” a routine IFR flight turns into a fight against worsening weather when a Cessna 210 pilot encounters heavy snow, a 30-knot crosswind, accumulating ice, and an engine problem on approach. With visibility down to less than a quarter mile and the runway disappearing beneath fresh snow, he must decide whether to divert—or commit to the landing.

To Divert or Not to Divert (September 2026)

On this episode of “Never Again,” a simple dinner date turns into an emergency when a Mooney pilot discovers his fuel gauges have been lying to him. With the engine quitting, an unexpected landing at a military base, and a less-than-pleased commanding officer waiting on the ground, one overlooked step during preflight nearly has disastrous consequences.

On this episode of “Never Again,” a simple dinner date turns into an emergency when a Mooney pilot discovers his fuel gauges have been lying to him. With the engine quitting, an unexpected landing at a military base, and a less-than-pleased commanding officer waiting on the ground, one overlooked step during preflight nearly has disastrous consequences.

Got gas? (August 2026)

In this episode of “Never Again,” a routine ferry flight turns into a white-knuckle battle to outclimb the trees when a newly checked-out Piper Arrow pilot finds himself on departure from a short, challenging runway. Trapped in the right seat, a young pilot watches helplessly as the aircraft mushes toward rising terrain and discovers that experience, ratings, and age don't always tell the whole story.

In this episode of “Never Again,” a routine ferry flight turns into a white-knuckle battle to outclimb the trees when a newly checked-out Piper Arrow pilot finds himself on departure from a short, challenging runway. Trapped in the right seat, a young pilot watches helplessly as the aircraft mushes toward rising terrain and discovers that experience, ratings, and age don't always tell the whole story.

Near-Death Grip (June 2026)

An electrical failure in IMC requires instruments to be read by matchlight. (Originally published in the Feb. 1997 issue of 'AOPA Pilot' magazine.)

Never Again: Digi on PAR at Shaw (Nov. 2014)

A Champ pilot underestimates his passenger's weight with nearly disastrous consequences.

Never Again: Uphill Battle (Sept. 2014)

Two military aircraft arrive at the same beacon simultaneously, with one going twice as fast as the other.

Never Again: Flying the Beam (Aug. 2014)

A checkout flight of a home-built causes a pilot to appreciate stall awareness training.

Never Again: Push Comes to Shove (June 2014)

As a celebration of AOPA's 75th Anniversary this month, Never Again podcast offers this special vintage episode "Snakes Alive!" by Max Karant, originally published in the 1959 issue of "AOPA Pilot" magazine.

Never Again: Snakes Alive (May 2014)

A Beech 18 freighter pilot hauling newspapers deals with an in-flight engine fire.

Never Again: Wall Street Journey

Preoccupation with a newly-installed engine monitor diverts a Bonanza pilot's attention from a far greater problem.

Never Again: Missed Signals (March 2014)

An Air Force cadet in jet fighter training learns the dangers of scud running.

Never Again: Scud Running (Jan. 2014)

A game warden gets closer than he expected to a flock of ducks. Find out what happens...

Never Again: Unwelcome Guests (Dec. 2013)

Never Again: Night Helicopter Rescue (Nov. 2013)

AOPA presents the "Never Again" series in AOPA Pilot magazine and online to allow pilots to learn from the experiences of others.

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