Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX86FA314

CALLAHAN, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N98998

CESSNA 421C

Analysis

AFTER DROPPING COMPANY EXECUTIVES OFF AT MEDFORD, THE PILOT WAS TO RETURN TO SANTA ROSA EMPTY. WITNESSES ALONG THE 25 NM VALLEY WHICH ENDS AT THE ACCIDENT SITE REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT BUZZED THEIR LOCATIONS AT AGL ALTITUDES VARIOUSLY DESCRIBED AS '10 FEET' AND 'SO LOW YOU COULD COUNT THE RIVETS.' US FOREST SVC PERSONNEL NEAR THE ACCIDENT SITE REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT FLEW OVER THEIR POSITION 'JUST ABOVE THE TREES' FOLLOWING THE SLOPE OF THE MOUNTAIN UPWARD. THE ACCIDENT SITE IS ON A POPULAR HIKING TRAIL THE PILOT'S GIRLFRIEND REPORTEDLY SAID SHE WOULD LIKE TO VISIT. ON SITE EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE AIRCRAFT FIRST CONTACTED THE UPPER 5 FEET OF THE TREETOPS IN A CLIMB ATTITUDE. NO PREIMPACT FAILURES OF THE ACFT WERE IDENTIFIED.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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