Piper PA-28-140 N6791J

Summary

On 26 October 2007 at about 03:15 local time, a Piper PA-28-140 registered N6791J was involved in an accident near Fresno, California, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 October 2007 at 03:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Fresno, California, United States

Nearest airport

Fresno Chandler Executive (FCH)

Coordinates

36.7333, -119.8167

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-140

Registration

N6791J

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Reedley → Fresno

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

LAX08CA020

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path to clear objects during approach for landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.