Casualties unknown

Wake Turbulence Encounter on Final Approach Leads to Runway Short Landing (N3373C)

Santa Ana, CA, US

On November 7, 2002, a Beech 35 (registration N3373C) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's encounter with wake turbulence resulting in a loss of control. A related factor was insufficient separation by air traffic control. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on final approach to runway 19L encountered wake turbulence from a Boeing 757 on a parallel runway, causing a violent roll and impact short of the runway. Controllers had authorized simultaneous operations despite runway centerline spacing below FAA minimum.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying a small general aviation airplane on final approach to runway 19L experienced wake turbulence. The pilot had been cleared to land and advised to look for a Boeing 757 on a 4-mile final for the parallel runway 19R. After reporting the Boeing 757 in sight, the larger aircraft overtook him. The pilot stated he attempted to "stay high and land long on 19L." However, as the Boeing 757 touched down, the small airplane entered a "violent snap roll to the right, looking down at the ground." The airplane impacted the ground short of the runway.

Air Traffic Control Actions

During the approach, controllers allowed simultaneous operations on parallel runways by the Boeing 757 and the small general aviation airplane. According to FAA Order 7110.65N, a minimum distance between runway centerlines of 700 feet is required for simultaneous same direction operations between large aircraft and lightweight single and multiengine propeller driven airplanes. The distance between the centerlines of runways 19R and 19L is approximately 505 feet.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021113X05467. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.