Casualties unknown

1993-11-21: Mooney M20B (N6405Q) — Hellner, John F. — Santa Paula, CA

Santa Paula, CA, US

On November 21, 1993, a Mooney M20B (registration N6405Q) operated by Hellner, John F. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Paula, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Distraction by two automobiles near the approach end of the runway caused the pilot to descend below the normal glide path, leading to a go-around and subsequent wing strike with a power pole guy wire. 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

During a prohibited night VFR landing at an unlit airport, a pilot became distracted by cars near the runway, descended below the glide path, and struck a power pole guy wire while initiating a go-around.

Accident Details

The pilot was conducting a personal flight under night visual flight rules, concluding with a landing at his home airport. The airport lacked a runway or airport lighting system, and night operations were not allowed at the facility. While on final approach to land, the pilot's attention was drawn to two automobiles positioned near the approach end of the runway. This distraction caused the pilot to descend lower than the normal glide path.

Sequence of Events

Realizing he was too low during the approach, the pilot initiated a go-around to abort the landing. As the airplane began to climb, its left wing made contact with a guy wire supporting a power pole. The aircraft struck the wire before completing the go-around maneuver.

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, or extent of damage. No information was provided regarding injuries, weather conditions, time of night, or air traffic control involvement. The airport's prohibition on night operations was noted, but the pilot's reason for flying at night was not stated in the source.

Probable cause

Distraction by two automobiles near the approach end of the runway caused the pilot to descend below the normal glide path, leading to a go-around and subsequent wing strike with a power pole guy wire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13763. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.