Greg Hobbs LIGHTNING accident near Torrance, CA
On November 30, 2022, a Greg Hobbs LIGHTNING (airplane) was involved in an accident near Torrance, CA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- November 30, 2022
- Place
- Torrance, CA
- Aircraft
- Greg Hobbs LIGHTNING · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 33.807°N, 118.347°W
- NTSB ID
- 20221130106386
Official records · WPR23FA047
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn November 30, 2022, about 1100 Pacific standard time, an amateur-built experimental Lightning, N60MY, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Torrance, California. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. A review of ADS-B data showed that the airplane departed Zamperini Field Airport (TOA), Torrance, California, about 1042. The data showed the airplane flew several traffic patterns at TOA. About 1100, on the 4th traffic pattern and while on final approach, the last data point indicated that the airplane’s altitude was about 200 ft mean sea level, the heading was about 129°, and the ground speed was about 69 knots. Review of the Air Traffic Control tower audio revealed that the pilot established communication with the ground controller with the current automatic terminal information service information and requested to practice pattern work. The controller cleared the pilot for takeoff on runway 11R and then misspoke and cleared the pilot for the option for runway 29R. However, the pilot read back the correct runway, which was runway 11R. On the 4th traffic pattern, as the pilot was turning downwind, the controller cleared him for a touch and go to runway 11R. The pilot did not read back the clearance. A non-intelligible transmission was then broadcast on the frequency. The controller then lost sight of the airplane and attempted to communicate with them. The controller requested an uninvolved airplane to assist wi
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane while performing a slip maneuver on final approach. Contributing was the failure of the pilot to fly a stabilized approach.
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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.
