On March 19, 2007, a Mooney Aircraft M20K (registration N231KZ) operated by David B. Van Pelt was involved in an aviation accident near Marysville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain a proper glidepath while on final approach and his failure to maintain clearance, which resulted in an undershoot and subsequent collision with the runway's approach light standards. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot extended downwind for incoming traffic, then on final approach struck unlighted approach light bars, impacting terrain. Firewall and left wing sustained substantial damage.
Incident Overview
After departing Runway 14, the pilot extended his downwind leg to accommodate an incoming airplane. Upon sighting the traffic and turning onto final approach, the pilot observed an unlighted approach light bar directly ahead. The airplane subsequently struck, or "clipped," that light bar. The aircraft then impacted two additional light bar standards before contacting terrain and coming to rest upright approximately 1,000 feet from the approach end of Runway 14.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that if he had not extended his downwind leg and had activated the pilot-controlled lighting, the accident would have been avoided.
Damage Assessment
The airplane's firewall and left wing sustained substantial damage.