Santa Ynez Airport, Santa Ynez, CA

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Airport Area Accident History:
Accident occurred Saturday, January 28, 2006 in Santa Ynez, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 9/27/2007
Aircraft: Reichel Lancair 360 , registration: N79Y
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
The airplane impacted a soft dirt open field near the airport while in an uncontrolled descent. It was destroyed by impact forces and post impact ground fire. A ground-based witness, who also was a pilot, reported that he heard the airplane during its approach to the airport. The witness stated that the airplane's engine was revved up and the engine sounded "firewalled." No evidence of any catastrophic preimpact engine failure was observed during the Federal Aviation Administration 's on-scene examination of the wreckage. The FAA inspector reported that, based upon the distribution of wreckage and the ground scar signatures, it appeared that the airplane impacted with a significant right wing down attitude and cartwheeled as it came to rest. A post impact fire destroyed the airplane and no findings could be made regarding the preimpact integrity of the control system. The pilot was the experimental airplane's owner-builder. Approximately 3 months before
the crash, the pilot had experienced a mishap when oil pressure was lost. The propeller went into an uncommanded flat pitch, and the pilot experienced a runaway propeller when the engine revved up. The pilot returned to the Santa Ynez Airport , landed hard, and the propeller struck the ground damaging its tips. Thereafter, the pilot shortened the propeller by 1.5 to 2.0 inches. The pilot also made additional repairs to his airplane. The accident occurred during the pilot's next flight. The cause of the apparent runaway propeller was not determined.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

Loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons.

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Accident occurred Tuesday, June 07, 2005 in Santa Ynez, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 2/28/2006
Aircraft: Cessna 172L, registration: N7668G
Injuries: 3 Minor.
The airplane stalled and impacted the airport's ramp area during an attempted landing. While on short final approach , about 15 to 20 feet above ground level, a gust of wind lifted the left wing and shifted the airplane from the runway's centerline. The pilot manipulated the throttle control full forward in an effort to obtain the maximum power setting and execute a go-around. The airplane stalled and impacted the ramp tie-down area just north of the runway. At the time of the accident, the weather observation facility at the airport reported wind from 300 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The pitch trim was found in the neutral position and the flaps were extended to 30 degrees. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified during an examination of the wreckage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.

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Accident occurred Sunday, May 12, 2002 in Santa Ynez, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 9/30/2003
Aircraft: Mulligan RV4, registration: N6579B
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
The amateur-built airplane collided with the ground during an attempted go-around from runway 26. The pilot reported he was on final approach when a gust of wind caused the airplane to balloon up. He elected to go-around and added full power, then retracted the flaps. During this time, the airplane was drifting off the left side of the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane "apparently stalled" and settled to the ground. The left wing contacted the ground, followed by the airplane's nose. He estimated that the winds were from 260 degrees at 10 mph, with gusts from 15 to 20 mph. The pilot stated he had recently purchased the airplane.



The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

The failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during the attempted go-around resulting in a stall/mush. The gusting winds, recent purchase of airplane, and premature raising of the flaps were factors.



Santa Ynez Airport Approach / Landing: