Unauthorized flight and runway excursion involving manufacturer employee

No fatalities • Wichita-Dwight D. Eisenhower (Mid-Continent), United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An unqualified mechanic took an aircraft without authorization, resulting in a loss of control during the final approach and a collision with airport infrastructure.

What happened

A mechanic working at a manufacturing facility, who was not a licensed pilot, operated an aircraft without authorization. During the flight, the aircraft was seen performing an extremely steep climb that appeared to result in an aerodynamic stall. Following this maneuver, the nose of the plane was lowered, and the aircraft began a left turn to follow a downwind leg toward runway 01R.

The flight continued through a low base leg into a very low final approach. During this phase, the aircraft experienced several oscillations in roll. The aircraft eventually touched down 557 feet short of the runway, at which point it struck approach light stanchions. There were no reported fatalities or injuries involving the unauthorized operator.

Findings

The investigation identified that the incident was caused by improper aircraft handling by an unqualified person. The aircraft was taken without permission, classifying the event as an intentional unauthorized use of a stolen aircraft. Additionally, the collision occurred because the aircraft struck approach light structures during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an unqualified individual performing improper aircraft handling during an unauthorized flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-11-12 Cessna 501 Citation I accident near Wichita-Dwight D. Eisenhower (Mid-Continent), United States of America?

An unqualified mechanic took an aircraft without authorization, resulting in a loss of control during the final approach and a collision with airport infrastructure.

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-11-12 Cessna 501 Citation I accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-11-12 involved a Cessna 501 Citation I, registration N2627U, operated by Cessna Aircraft Company, at Wichita-Dwight D. Eisenhower (Mid-Continent), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an unqualified individual performing improper aircraft handling during an unauthorized flight.

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