Aircraft Collides With Boundary Fence During Final Approach

Casualties unknown • Hesperia, CA, US

An aircraft struck an airport boundary fence during a turbulent final approach after encountering unexpected downdrafts near surrounding trees.

What happened

During the short final approach to the airport, the aircraft encountered significant turbulence and a downdraft. The pilot reported that despite applying full power, the descent could not be arrested before the landing gear collided with the airport boundary fence.

The airport is situated within a bowl-shaped depression and is entirely surrounded by trees. Both the aircraft owner, who was traveling as a passenger, and a second passenger noted that the turbulence became particularly intense once the aircraft descended below the treeline. The owner suggested the encounter may have been caused by low-level windshear generated by the surrounding vegetation.

At the time of the accident, the nearest official weather station, located 49 miles northwest of the airport, reported winds from 240 degrees at 18 knots with gusts reaching 27 knots. There were no injuries reported in the incident.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered turbulence and a downdraft during final approach, which prevented the pilot from arresting the descent before striking the airport boundary fence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-09-04 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Hesperia, CA?

An aircraft struck an airport boundary fence during a turbulent final approach after encountering unexpected downdrafts near surrounding trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-09-04 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5523P, at Hesperia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered turbulence and a downdraft during final approach, which prevented the pilot from arresting the descent before striking the airport boundary fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13419. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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