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NTSB Report

December 22, 2021 · Cessna 172N · N6280F

Auburn, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 22, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Auburn, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N (1979)
Tail Number
N6280F
Operator
Fox Two
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR22LA069

The operator reported that the pilot was on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan and was on a return flight to an airport after retrieving a company airplane. Radar data revealed that while on the approach path to land, about 3 miles from the destination airport, the airplane descended to 25 ft above the ground and shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted powerlines and came to rest on a rooftop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and empennage. A local law enforcement officer reported that as the pilot was being transported to the hospital, he stated that he was disoriented during the approach. The officer added that the visibility during the time of the accident was less than ¼ of a mile. The operator reported that the pilot did not inform him or the other company pilot flying ahead of him in another airplane of any mechanical malfunctions or failures to the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation prior to or during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an instrument approach, which resulted in an impact with power lines.

Full Narrative

The operator reported that the pilot was on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan and was on a return flight to an airport after retrieving a company airplane. Radar data revealed that while on the approach path to land, about 3 miles from the destination airport, the airplane descended to 25 ft above the ground and shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted powerlines and came to rest on a rooftop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and empennage. A local law enforcement officer reported that as the pilot was being transported to the hospital, he stated that he was disoriented during the approach. The officer added that the visibility during the time of the accident was less than ¼ of a mile. The operator reported that the pilot did not inform him or the other company pilot flying ahead of him in another airplane of any mechanical malfunctions or failures to the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation prior to or during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 PST
Nearest AirportAuburn Municipal Airport (2.5nm W)
Runway07
Runway Length3700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN6280F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFox Two
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360/A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 F / 48 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time13:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data