# NTSB LAX08CA020: Piper PA-28-140, N6791J, Fresno, CA, October 26, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 25, 2007, 20:15 local (Oct 26, 2007, 03:15 UTC) - Place: Fresno, CA - Coordinates: 36.733333, -119.816665 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7333&lon=-119.8167&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 20, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 66976 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX08CA020 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66976/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA020 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path to clear objects during approach for landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - light condition - night - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - object - utility pole - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he flew the traffic pattern at a higher altitude than normal because the flight was being conducted after sunset. He completed his before landing checklist and turned to the base leg. He lowered the flaps but noted he did not use full flaps for the landing. Approximately 1/4 mile from the runway, the airplane collided with trees and a pole, and then impacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. ## Factual narrative On October 25, 2007, about 2015 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N6791J, collided with obstacles short of the runway during a night approach into Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, Fresno, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries while the other passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The local flight departed Reedley Municipal Airport, Reedley, California, at an unknown time, with a planned destination of Fresno. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight. During a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the pilot stated he flew the traffic pattern at a higher altitude then normal because the flight was being conducted after sunset. He completed his before landing checklist and turned to the base leg. He lowered the flaps but noted he did not use full flaps for the landing. Approximately 1/4 mile from the runway, the airplane collided with trees and a pole, and then impacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. As of November 26, 2007, the Safety Board has not received the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report," NTSB Form 6120.1. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6791J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6791J-2013-02-13), registration cancelled 2013-02-13, S/N 28-24519, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-140 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-24519 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: O32, Reedley, CA - Destination: FCH, Fresno, CA - Airport: FCH, Fresno Chandler Executive, runway 30, 3,630 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review November 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 750 total, 150 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night - Wind: 290° at 4 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 29.80 inHg - Observed at: FAT, 6 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20071025827959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071025827959A), Oct 25, 2007: Piper PA28140, Fresno, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) The aircraft was on final approach to runway 30 at Fresno Chandler airport when it hit a tree followed by a power pole approximately 400' short of the… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.