Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance after a misjudged approach and landing that necessitated a go-around and subsequent collision with some wires. Factors were high density altitude and an inadequate evaluation by the pilot-in-command of the weather conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 30, 1996, at 1130 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172, N6819H, collided with wires during a go-around after an aborted landing at a private airstrip located near Frazier Park, California. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the certificated private pilot and sole passenger were not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot/owner as a personal flight. The flight originated in Tehachapi, California, about 1100 hours. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
The pilot entered a left traffic pattern to land on the dirt strip. He indicated he touched down long on the dirt strip and elected to go-around. The terrain off the departure end of the dirt runway rose gradually. The pilot used full power and retracted the flaps from full down to an intermediate setting. He stated he began a left turn to fly downslope and increase the airplane's height above the ground. While in the turn, the airplane struck wires and descended into the ground.
The pilot cited high density altitude as a limitation, and said there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. The elevation of the airstrip is 5,160 msl and the pilot reported the temperature as 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX96LA255