1999-10-02: Piper PA-24-250 — LA Junta, CO

Casualties unknown • LA Junta, CO, US

Probable cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a proper altitude during final approach to landing, and his misjudgment of altitude clearances. Factors were the sudden windshift, downdraft and turbulent weather conditions, the dark night, and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographic area.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot and pilot-certificated passenger were on a return cross-country flight that originated from Washington, D.C., with a final destination of Lancaster, California. They departed Missouri earlier in the day, and had planned a stop in Colorado. While approaching Colorado's La Junta airport for landing, the aircraft encountered wind shifts, downdrafts and turbulent weather conditions. As the pilot turned onto final approach during one of several unsuccessful landing attempts, the aircraft impacted the ground at an elevation of 4,500 feet msl in dark night conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-10-02 Piper PA-24-250 accident near LA Junta, CO?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-10-02 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N6406P, at LA Junta, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a proper altitude during final approach to landing, and his misjudgment of altitude clearances. Factors were the sudden windshift, downdraft and turbulent weather conditions, the dark night, and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographic area.

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