NTSB Identification: LAX04FA096
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, January 19, 2004 in Grass Valley, CA
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On January 19, 2004, about 1825 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172K, N99LR, collided with trees while attempting to land at Nevada County Air Park (O17), Grass Valley, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) plan had filed but subsequently canceled. The flight originated at O17 at 1648, and was destined for Palo Alto, California.
Prior to departure from Grass Valley, the pilot obtained a preflight weather briefing at 1630, and was advised of marginal visual flight conditions.
While en route to Palo Alto, the pilot was under the control of air traffic control, Bay Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON). Nearing the destination, Bay TRACON observed the airplane's transponder discrete code change to 7600 (used by flight crews to indicate a communications failure). Bay TRACON determined that the pilot could hear them, but they could not hear his transmissions to them. Because of the requirement for full communications in controlled, Class B airspace, they suggested the pilot contact Stockton Airport control tower on the frequency they provided. The pilot contacted Stockton while 12 miles west of the airport, and Stockton could barely hear his transmissions. The pilot advised Stockton to cancel his IFR flight plan at 1731, and he would proceed visual flight rules (VFR) back to Grass Valley airport without VFR flight following. This was the last communication from the pilot.
Witnesses observed the pilot make two approach attempts to land at Grass Valley. According to airport personnel, the airport had been zero visibility and zero ceiling in fog for the 20 minutes prior to his arrival.
The operator stated that the pilot did not purchase fuel while at Grass Valley.
Fonte: NTSB |
