What happened
On March 1, 2009, at approximately 2300 PST, a Diamond DA-40, registration N521DS, impacted the Pacific Ocean while performing an RNAV/GPS approach to Runway 14 at Arcata Airport, California. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities, involving the pilot and a passenger. The aircraft, owned by Mitchell Enterprises Inc., was destroyed upon impact.
The flight originated from Bakersfield, California, following a multi-day cross-country trip that had begun in Florida. On the day of the accident, the pilot had flown through several states, including Arizona and Texas, and had recently refueled in Bakersfield. During the flight, the pilot contacted Oakland Flight Watch to inquire about turbulence and received an update regarding AIRMETs for low-level wind shear, moderate turbulence, and icing.
As the aircraft approached Arcata, the pilot transitioned to Seattle Center frequency. The pilot reported experiencing moderate to severe turbulence and difficulty maintaining assigned altitudes. While executing the approach, the pilot was cleared to descend through various altitudes, including 5,000 feet and 4,000 feet. Radar data indicated the aircraft was performing a course reversal outbound of the CULDU initial approach fix.
After being cleared to switch to the Arcata Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), the controller lost radio contact with the aircraft. Radar monitoring showed the aircraft descending to 1,400 feet, well below the required crossing altitude of 2,100 feet for the final approach fix. The last radar contact recorded the aircraft at 300 feet above the ocean surface before it disappeared from radar.
The investigation
Investigators analyzed radar data, descent profiles, and local ocean currents to determine the impact location, concluding the aircraft struck the water approximately one-half mile offshore from Megwi Point. Debris, including portions of the left wing, baggage compartment, and fuselage, was recovered along various beaches near Trinidad and Agate Beach.
The investigation reviewed the pilot's flight history, noting that in the 42 hours preceding the crash, the pilot had flown approximately 22 hours and 45 minutes and crossed four time zones. Records indicated the pilot had not sought a formal weather briefing for his destination on the day of the accident.
There was also an investigation into a delay in search and rescue efforts. On the night of the accident, the Arcata Airport Manager mistakenly believed the aircraft had landed safely at the airport based on a conversation with an Airport Service Worker. This error was not corrected until the following morning, delaying the notification of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department.