AVIAT A1

Kernville, CA — August 8, 2020

Event Information

DateAugust 8, 2020
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR20CA261
Event ID20200808X93253
LocationKernville, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates36.22417, -118.49778
AirportPVT Burnt Corral Meadow
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeAVIAT
ModelA1
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around, which resulted in an impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during short final, just before he initiated a landing flare, he lost sight of the dirt airstrip and initiated a go around. Shortly after, the pilot turned right, but he quickly realized that he would not be able to outclimb several treetops, so he lowered the nose attitude. Subsequently, the right wing struck a tree, the airplane impacted the ground at a steep angle and came to rest inverted. The airplane's wings and fuselage were substantially damaged.

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

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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