Pilot Debrief

BEECH C23 near Long Beach, CA — 2015-06-19

Final reportGAA15CA128
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Date
2015-06-19
Location
Long Beach, CA, USA
Airport
LGB
Aircraft
BEECH C23
Registration
N24022
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering to land at night, which resulted in a collision with terrain/objects. A factor contributing to the accident was the lack of oversight by ATC; failing to insure that the fully operational VASI was turned on during the hours of darkness.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while on final approach for runway 25R during night conditions, the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) was not operational. The pilot stated that he was "too low" during the approach, so he applied full power in an attempt to go-around. The airplane impacted the top of trees about 530 feet east of the runway and then impacted the airport perimeter fence about 380 feet east of the runway. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach due to VASI being out of service.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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