On October 3, 1989, a North American SNJ-5 (registration N12377) was involved in an aviation accident near Pacoima, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual reference during a night approach, resulting in collision with an unlighted pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft collided with an unlighted pole during a night straight-in approach due to inadequate visual cues, resulting in damage before the pilot executed a go-around.
What happened
During a nighttime operation, the aircraft was conducting a straight-in approach toward the airport. Approximately 1,700 feet short of the runway threshold, the aircraft struck an unlighted pole situated 41 feet above ground level. The pilot reported that the visual references available outside the cockpit were insufficient to support a safe nighttime approach. Following the impact, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver and successfully returned to Van Nuys.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the collision and the pilot's account of the event. Examination of the site confirmed the presence of an unlighted pole in the approach path. The pilot stated that visual cues were inadequate for his nighttime approach.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual reference during a night approach, resulting in collision with an unlighted pole.
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