As a flying instructor I always told my students that there would be about a dozen casualties each year through flying accidents with light aircraft.
Over many years they have looked at me with some incredulity, but year on year the figures mount up.
I can never believe the continuing sorrow these tragedies create, but how can you legislate for accidents such as these?
Unless I am unaware of other accidents, with the accident to the Cherokee at the turn of the year we have already lost seven lives to general aviation in the UK in 2009 - and it's only 11 February.
With a daughter of my own I can't imagine the grief this must cause.
Everyone - please take stock, employ ALL precautions and fly safely.
SITW