Pilot Debrief

RYAN AERONAUTICAL ST3KR near Warner Springs, CA — 2011-01-11

Final reportWPR11LA096
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Date
2011-01-11
Location
Warner Springs, CA, USA
Airport
CL3
Aircraft
RYAN AERONAUTICAL ST3KR
Registration
N57027
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wind sock pole during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were conducting a local flight when it became dark and they decided to divert to a nearby airport. As they approached the unlit airport, the left wing impacted the airport wind sock pole, located to the left of the approach end of the runway. Following the impact, the airplane collided with the ground. The accident occurred 2 minutes after the end of civil twilight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Diverting to Warner Springs instead of continuing to Borrego Valley Airport.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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