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Pilot Applicant's Excessive Nose-Down Pitch and Check Pilot's Delayed Response Lead to Impact Short of Runway (N840KB)

Reno-Stead, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 26, 2023, a Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840 (registration N840KB) operated by Orion Aerial was involved in an aviation accident near Reno-Stead, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot applicant’s excessive nose down pitch, and the check pilot’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in an impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A check pilot reported that during a familiarization flight, the pilot applicant made an excessive nose-down pitch adjustment at about 100 ft AGL, leading to an impact with terrain short of the runway. Substantial damage occurred to the right wing and fuselage.

Accident Details

On the final approach segment of a familiarization flight, a pilot applicant who was being evaluated for hiring made a pitch adjustment at approximately 100 feet above ground level. According to the check pilot, this adjustment caused the airplane's nose to pitch down excessively. Both pilots responded by pulling back on the yokes in an attempt to arrest the descent. However, the airplane impacted terrain short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and the fuselage.

The check pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause cited the pilot applicant's excessive nose-down pitch and the check pilot's delayed remedial action, which resulted in an impact with terrain.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 2023 Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840 accident near Reno-Stead, United States of America?

A check pilot reported that during a familiarization flight, the pilot applicant made an excessive nose-down pitch adjustment at about 100 ft AGL, leading to an impact with terrain short of the runway. Substantial damage occurred to the right wing and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 2023 Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 2023 involved a Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840, registration N840KB, operated by Orion Aerial, at Reno-Stead, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot applicant’s excessive nose down pitch, and the check pilot’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in an impact with terrain.

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