Accident Overview
On August 6, 2015, at approximately 1030 Pacific daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR, registration N48701, was substantially damaged during a collision with an occupied riding lawn mower while landing at Frazier Lake Airport (1C9) in Hollister, California. The airplane was operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot reported minor injuries, and the pilot-rated passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot-rated occupant of the lawn mower suffered fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose, California, at 1000, with 1C9 as the intended destination.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported in a written statement and telephone conversation that he transmitted his intention to land on the airport's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) approximately 8 miles from the airport. He then entered a right downwind for runway 23, announcing his position on downwind, base, and final. The pilot stated that he landed slightly longer than normal, and during the landing roll, the airplane struck a lawn mower. He did not see the mower while in the traffic pattern or during landing.
Examination and Witness Statements
Examination by an FAA inspector revealed structural damage to the fuselage. The yellow lawn mower remained partially beneath the engine, facing in the airplane's direction of travel. The airplane also struck a parked white vehicle adjacent to the mower.
A witness in the run-up area for runway 23 reported seeing the lawn mower on the right side of the runway. He did not hear any radio communication from the mower operator but heard the accident pilot report being 5 miles out and on downwind. The witness observed the airplane on final approach, approximately 50 to 70 feet above ground level, appearing fast and landing long. He saw the airplane land in a three-point attitude and shortly after impact the mower.
The driver of a truck parked near the mower reported conversing with the mower operator about a cutting issue. They were located just past the taxiway turnoff on the right side of runway 23. He stated he did not hear or see the airplane before the collision. The mower operator had a headset connected to an aircraft transceiver but was not wearing it during the conversation.
Airport Information
Frazier Lake Airport is a non-towered airport with a single turf runway (5/23) measuring 2,500 feet by 100 feet, and an adjacent water runway 3,000 feet by 60 feet. The FAA Airport Facilities Directory and NOTAMS at the time contained no remarks or notices for mowing operations.