What happened
On August 30, 2016, a Beechcraft A-36 Bonanza, registration N985CA, crashed approximately one-half mile before the runway 16L threshold at Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in Sparks, Nevada. The aircraft, operated by Flying Start Aero, was on the final leg of a long day of flying that had begun 14 hours earlier.
As the aircraft approached the airport, the pilot was initially instructed by air traffic control to expect runway 25. After being notified of a delay for that runway, the pilot elected to land on runway 16L. During the approach, the pilot reported having the traffic in sight, referring to a Boeing 757. However, the pilot likely misidentified the traffic, focusing on a different B757 that was on short final for the parallel runway 16R, rather than the B757 that posed a potential wake hazard.
Witnesses observed the airplane approaching normally without signs of distress. However, as the aircraft was over an RV park at an altitude of less than 200 feet, it suddenly rolled and descended rapidly to the ground. The impact resulted in 2 fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger; there were no injuries to persons on the ground.
The investigation
Investigators analyzed radar data and wreckage to determine the cause of the accident. The wreckage showed extensive damage and was consumed by a post-impact fire. Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunctions.
A flight path study using ground tracking radar indicated that the aircraft's approach was smooth with sufficient airspeed and stall margins until the moment of the roll. The study concluded that the aircraft most likely encountered the wake vortices generated by a FedEx B757 landing on the parallel runway. The strength of these vortices was sufficient to cause a radical upset at an altitude too low for recovery.
Findings
- The pilot selected a landing runway that was susceptible to high crosswinds and the lateral translation of wake turbulence.
- The pilot misidentified the reported traffic, which likely led to a reduction in situational awareness.
- The air traffic controller did not explicitly transfer separation responsibility to the pilot after the pilot reported the traffic in sight.
- The controller failed to correct the pilot's landing runway decision or provide specific location information for the traffic that could have identified the pilot's error.
- The wind conditions at the time of landing approached or exceeded the aircraft's maximum demonstrated crosswind capability.