On October 18, 1991, a Cessna 120 (registration N120MK) operated by Kaplan Michael A was involved in an aviation accident near Olancha, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH. FACTORS WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT'S POOR APPROACH PLANNING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane departed controlled flight and struck the ground nose-down while on final approach to a small field. The pilot was attempting a short field landing in a field about 120 yards wide.
Accident Details
The airplane was on final approach for a short field landing when it departed controlled flight and hit the ground in a nose-down attitude. The pilot was attempting to land in a small field about 120 yards wide.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the airplane at about 20 feet above ground level entering a left turn on short final approach to the field. The airplane's speed was described as slow. The nose was seen to pitch down rapidly. Another pilot reported seeing the airplane stall.
Environmental Conditions
The accident site elevation was approximately 5,600 feet above sea level. The outside air temperature was estimated to be 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What happened in the 18 Oct 1991 Cessna 120 accident near Olancha, CA?
An airplane departed controlled flight and struck the ground nose-down while on final approach to a small field. The pilot was attempting a short field landing in a field about 120 yards wide.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Oct 1991 involved a Cessna 120, registration N120MK, operated by Kaplan Michael A, at Olancha, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH. FACTORS WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT'S POOR APPROACH PLANNING.
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