Casualties unknown

2005-11-25: Piper PA-28-161 (N8091H) — Universal Air Academy — Panamint Spring, CA

Panamint Spring, CA, US

On November 25, 2005, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8091H) operated by Universal Air Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Panamint Spring, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misidentified the fire line as her intended destination airport. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane landed on a fire break clearing misidentified as its intended airport, struck a parked RV trailer, and the left wing separated from the fuselage.

Incident Overview

An airplane touched down on a fire break clearing, which was a rough and rocky surface measuring approximately 4/10 mile in length. The pilot had mistakenly identified this fire line as the intended destination airport. The actual intended airport was located 40 miles farther east.

Landing and Impact

During the landing, the left wing of the airplane struck a parked recreational vehicle (RV) trailer. The force of the impact caused the left wing to detach from the fuselage. Following the collision, the wreckage came to rest in the dirt on the left side of the fire line.

Damage

The airplane sustained significant damage, including the complete separation of the left wing. The parked RV trailer was also damaged by the impact. No other details regarding the aircraft, pilot, or passengers were provided in the source.

Probable cause

The pilot misidentified the fire line as her intended destination airport.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051213X01969. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.