Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX08CA006

Arroyo Grande, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N9620Z

Aviat A-1

Analysis

The pilot was landing in a field owned by an acquaintance, and nearing touchdown, the main landing gear contacted the top of a wire fence and the left wing impacted a wooden fence post. When the airplane settled on the ground, both landing gears collapsed and the propeller impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest about 25 feet past the fence. The pilot said there were no preimapct mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Factual Information

On October 7, 2007, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat A-1 Husky, N9620Z, collided with a fence during landing at a private airstrip near Arroyo Grande, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local personal fight departed Santa Maria Public Airport, Santa Maria, California, about 1124, with a planned destination of the airstrip in Arroyo Grande. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In a written report to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot stated that he intended on landing in a field owned by an acquaintance. At 5 feet above ground level, the main landing gear contacted the top of a wire fence and the left wing impacted a wooden fence post. When the airplane settled on the ground, both landing gears collapsed and the propeller impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest about 25 feet past the fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage including twisting damage to the fuselage frame. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's misjudged altitude and distance on the approach that led to an undershoot and inadequate obstacle clearance.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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