Incident Summary
A 65-year-old instrument-rated pilot, who regularly flew between his home in Santa Barbara and his business office near Santa Ana Airport (SNA), experienced a mishap while diverting to Fullerton Airport (FUL). Upon approaching SNA, the pilot conducted an ILS approach followed by a missed approach. He climbed to 2,500 feet and diverted to Fullerton.
The pilot was cleared for a VOR approach to Fullerton, and radar service was terminated at the final approach fix (FAF). He descended on the prescribed track toward FUL but failed to arrest his descent at the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The aircraft collided with power lines and terrain approximately 1.9 statute miles before the airport.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an instrument rating and was 65 years old at the time of the incident. His medical certificate had expired, and he had a recent history of hypertension. Autopsy findings showed evidence of hypertensive cardiovascular disease.