What are the three leading causes of fatal general aviation accidents?

The three leading causes of fatal general aviation accidents, identified in option B, reflect a detailed understanding of accident causation in aviation.

Loss of control in flight is a significant contributor to accidents, often occurring due to various factors including poor pilot judgment or in-flight turbulence, and is recognized as a major risk especially in general aviation settings where pilots may operate in diverse and challenging conditions.

System component failure, particularly related to the powerplant, also plays a crucial role. This encompasses situations where engine or other critical systems fail, leading to a loss of thrust or control, which can be catastrophic if not managed properly by the pilot.

Finally, the category of unknown causes acknowledges that not all accidents have a clear cause determined after investigation. This can include scenarios where the exact circumstances leading up to the accident were not adequately documented or understood, yet they still significantly contribute to the overall accident statistics.

Understanding these causes is essential for flight instructors as it informs not only training practices but also helps in risk management and accident prevention strategies in general aviation.