Trenti RV-4 accident near Jacumba, CA

On March 15, 2002, a Trenti RV-4 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Jacumba, CA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.

Date

March 15, 2002

Place

Jacumba, CA

Aircraft

Trenti RV-4 · Airplane

Injuries

1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor

Damage

Destroyed

Position

32.616°N, 116.165°W

NTSB ID

20020320X00369

Official records · LAX02LA109

• Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation

NTSB summary

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On March 15, 2002, about 1340 Pacific standard time, an amateur-built experimental Trenti RV-4, N491T, collided with terrain during an attempted landing at the Jacumba Airport, Jacumba, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. The local personal flight departed Gillespie Field Airport, El Cajon, California, at 1323, with a planned destination of Jacumba. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed two witnesses to the accident. One witness reported seeing the airplane at a low altitude, flying just above the surrounding utility poles. She noted that the engine sounded different, not what she was accustomed to hearing an airplane engine sounding like. The other witness saw the airplane flying toward the airport in a southeast direction. He observed the airplane moving slowly, at a low altitude, and began a sharp right turn. About 20 feet above ground level, the right wing dropped and the airplane continued in the right turn until the right wing contacted the ground. The airplane cartwheeled along the terrain, and shortly after coming to rest, became engulfed in flames. He noted that he did not hear any abnormal engine sounds. The FAA inspector also interviewed a deputy sheriff, who had seen the pilot landing the experimental airplane several times at Jacumba. He stated that the pilot normally made a high approach

Probable cause

in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.

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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.