Casualties unknown

VOR Approach Ends with Controlled Flight Into Terrain Near Airport (N66SL)

Red Bluff, CA, US

On January 7, 1991, a Piper PA 34-200T (registration N66SL) operated by Shasta Livestock, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Red Bluff, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO DETECT A DESCENT BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE FOR THE APPROACH IN USE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N66SL
Aircraft registered N66SL. Photo: ZLEA / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a VOR approach, the pilot scanned navigation instruments for a few seconds; shortly after, the aircraft struck level terrain 1.5 miles south of the airport.

Flight Progression

According to the pilot, the flight proceeded normally until the aircraft was established on the VOR approach. After completing the procedure turn and beginning the inbound leg to the VOR, the pilot noted that the aircraft was descending through approximately 1,300 feet MSL (1,000 feet AGL). The descent rate was stabilized and appeared sufficient to meet the crossing restriction at the VOR.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that she then scanned the VOR navigation heads for a few seconds to cross-check the aircraft's position on the approach course radial.

Collision with Terrain

Shortly after the scan, the aircraft impacted level terrain about 1.5 miles south of the airport. The accident site was located on flat ground at an elevation consistent with the area surrounding the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jan 1991 Piper PA 34-200T accident near Red Bluff, CA?

During a VOR approach, the pilot scanned navigation instruments for a few seconds; shortly after, the aircraft struck level terrain 1.5 miles south of the airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jan 1991 involved a Piper PA 34-200T, registration N66SL, operated by Shasta Livestock, Inc, at Red Bluff, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO DETECT A DESCENT BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE FOR THE APPROACH IN USE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16328. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.