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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collision with Tree During Final Approach (N16SC)

Columbia, CA, US

On February 1, 1993, a Piper PA-31 (registration N16SC) operated by Richard L. Stockton was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER GLIDEPATH WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK NIGHT LIGHTING CONDITIONS WHICH MAY HAVE AFFECTED THE PILOT'S PERCEPTUAL AWARENESS OF THE AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT AND THE CUES FOR A PROPER… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N16SC
Aircraft registered N16SC. Photo: Jeroen Stroes Aviation Photography from Netherlands / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot reported losing altitude during final approach and applying power after noticing a treetop near the copilot's window. The right wing struck a tree about 600 feet from the runway threshold.

Incident Overview During a final approach to runway 35, the pilot reported that the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) lights were not operating. The pilot stated that the approach initially appeared normal until approximately 200 feet above ground level, when a loss of altitude became apparent. The pilot then applied power to correct the situation and observed a treetop passing the copilot's window. ## Aircraft Damage and Investigation Findings Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right wing had collided with a tree. An FAA inspector determined that the tree contacted by the aircraft was approximately 30 feet tall and located about 600 feet from the approach end of the runway.

Controlled flight into terrain

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Feb 1993 Piper PA-31 accident near Columbia, CA?

A pilot reported losing altitude during final approach and applying power after noticing a treetop near the copilot's window. The right wing struck a tree about 600 feet from the runway threshold.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Feb 1993 involved a Piper PA-31, registration N16SC, operated by Richard L. Stockton, at Columbia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER GLIDEPATH WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK NIGHT LIGHTING CONDITIONS WHICH MAY HAVE AFFECTED THE PILOT'S PERCEPTUAL AWARENESS OF THE AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT AND THE CUES FOR A PROPER VISUAL APPROACH SLOPE GUIDANCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11727. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.