Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an aborted approach, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he announced his position on the common traffic advisory frequency while inbound to land on his destination runway. Just prior to touchdown, the pilot observed an airplane landing directly in his path from the opposite end of the runway. To avoid a collision, the pilot added power and attempted to climb to the left, but impacted a berm, nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 12, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Agua Caliente Springs, California
- Nearest airport
- Agua Caliente Springs (L54)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180K
- N-number
- N2875K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.