Casualties unknown

1992-01-01: Piper PA601P (N680JM) — Miles, James W. — San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA, US

On January 1, 1992, a Piper PA601P (registration N680JM) operated by Miles, James W. was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain the proper glidepath and was late in adding power when realizing the airplane was too low. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper Aerostar 601P collided with approach lights short of runway 28R during a night landing. The pilot, unfamiliar with the airport, failed to maintain the proper glidepath and was late adding power. The right main landing gear collapsed upon touchdown.

Incident Details

A Piper Aerostar 601P collided with runway approach lights short of runway 28R during a landing attempt. The accident occurred at night in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot, who was unfamiliar with the airport, had planned to conduct a night short field landing on runway 28R.

During the final approach, the pilot failed to maintain the correct glidepath. Upon realizing the aircraft was too low, the pilot was late in adding engine power. The airplane subsequently struck an approach light with the right main landing gear. During touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed.

Runway Information

Runway 28R is 3,408 feet long and 150 feet wide. It is equipped with high intensity runway lights, centerline lights, a Category II configuration high intensity approach lighting system, and a simplified short approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights. The runway's approach slope angle is 3.0 degrees with a threshold crossing height of 29 feet above ground level.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain the proper glidepath and was late in adding power when realizing the airplane was too low.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18629. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.