Accident Overview
The airplane departed on a local sightseeing flight from Lower Lake, California. A noncurrent commercial pilot was flying the airplane, while the pilot-in-command (PIC), a current commercial pilot, occupied the right front seat. The airplane collided with approximately 12-foot-high manzanita bushes located about one-quarter mile southeast of the runway threshold during final approach to Runway 30.
Pilot and Passenger Reports
The pilot who was flying the airplane reported that the PIC reduced the engine power during the final approach, leading to the crash. This account was confirmed by a passenger seated in the right rear seat.
PIC's Account
The PIC stated that he was not acting as the pilot-in-command during the flight and was unaware that the other commercial pilot's certificate was not current. The PIC owns the airplane. He further reported that during the final approach, the airplane was too low, and he advised the pilot accordingly. The PIC then took control of the airplane; during this transition, the airplane lost 100 feet of altitude and subsequently struck the tall manzanita bushes.