On September 1, 2007, a Lancair Company LC41-550FG (registration N2520P) was involved in an aviation accident near Kernville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane carrying six persons, exceeding its four-person certification, crashed on a second landing attempt after aborting the first. Witnesses saw the nose drop before impact and fire.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane approach from the south before aborting the first landing attempt. The airplane then executed a 180-degree left turn for a second attempt to land on runway 35. When the airplane was abeam the approach end of the runway, it began a left turn, followed by its nose dropping straight down. The airplane then impacted terrain and burst into flames, coming to rest in a near vertical orientation.
Weight and Occupancy
The airplane was certificated to carry four persons. At the time of the accident, the airplane was carrying six persons. Calculations indicated that the airplane was being operated over its maximum landing weight at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…