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Noninstrument-Rated Pilot and CFII Collide with Obstacles During Instrument Approach (N888JK)

Fullerton, CA, US

On November 20, 1995, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N888JK) was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot-in-command's failure to follow IFR procedures in that he descended below the minimum descent altitude and failed to execute a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's self-induced pressure to get to work. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a localizer approach, a noninstrument-rated pilot and a CFII descended below minimum altitude, hitting a telephone pole and apartment building one mile from runway. One ground fatality occurred.

Accident Details

The airplane was conducting a localizer instrument approach. Neither the pilot nor the flight instructor (CFII) held an instrument rating. The aircraft lacked Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). The pilots requested and were advised by approach control when they passed the final approach fix. During the approach, the airplane descended below the minimum descent altitude and collided with a telephone pole and an apartment building approximately 1 mile short of the runway.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather was reported as indefinite ceiling 100 feet with visibility 1/4 mile in fog.

Crew Information

The pilot was noninstrument-rated. The CFII was paraplegic and required special rudder controls to operate the airplane; however, the airplane was not equipped with these controls. The CFII was due at his normal workplace, located near the airport, about 25 minutes after the accident time.

Casualties

One person on the ground was fatally injured.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 1995 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Fullerton, CA?

During a localizer approach, a noninstrument-rated pilot and a CFII descended below minimum altitude, hitting a telephone pole and apartment building one mile from runway. One ground fatality occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Nov 1995 Piper PA-32-300 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 1995 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N888JK, at Fullerton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot-in-command's failure to follow IFR procedures in that he descended below the minimum descent altitude and failed to execute a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's self-induced pressure to get to work.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04867. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.