Accident Details
On January 10, 2011, at 1724 Pacific standard time, a Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR, registration N57027, collided with a windsock pole while attempting to land on runway 8 at Warner Springs Gliderport, California. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot survived the accident but later succumbed to his injuries, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Circumstances
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office responding deputy, the passenger stated that they intended to fly to Borrego Valley Airport, Borrego Springs, California. They diverted to Warner Springs because it was getting dark and weather conditions were deteriorating. While approaching runway 8, the airplane impacted a windsock pole with the left wing.
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 87, held a commercial pilot certificate for airplane single- and multi-engine land. He held an expired third-class medical certificate issued on December 1, 2008, with the limitation that corrective lenses must be worn for near and distant vision.
Airport Information
The airport manager reported that the runway does not have pilot-activated runway lights. He indicated that the windsock was located about 70 yards before the approach end of the runway and 30 yards left of it. The airport is surrounded by mountainous terrain.
Sunset and Twilight
The US Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department reported that sunset was at 1726 and the end of civil twilight occurred at 1759.