Deadly Switches - Savvy Aviation Watch in HD on YouTube! Share on Facebook! That ubiquitous key-operated ignition switch in most single-engine piston airplanes is fraught with peril. There are two different designs that have different failure modes and are subject to different airworthiness directives. Yet one critical failure mode is unaddressed by any of these ADs and has resulted in death, serious injury, and costly property damage. Maintenance expert Mike Busch discusses how and why these switches fail and what you can do to protect yourself from the deadly consequences.