Probable cause
The pilot's improper selection of the mixture control, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and a collision with the airport boundary fence during a forced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on short final during a normal approach, he accidently pulled the engine mixture control to idle-cutoff and the engine shut down. He was unable to restart the engine and landed short of the runway. The airplane then impacted the airport boundary fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA159 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 18, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Upland, California
- Nearest airport
- Cable Airport (KCCB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Vashon Aircraft RANGER R7
- N-number
- N349VR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- 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.