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An analysis of plane-related accidents in Hollister since 2010 shows that low fuel levels, excess weight and a pilot’s loss of control were among the factors resulting in crashes and emergency landings.
Two of the accidents resulted in a fatality, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The most recent accident, a midair collision between two planes on July 19, is under investigation and is not included in the database.
There have been 70 investigations into aviation accidents in the Hollister area since 1962, according to NTSB, and there are two airports in the area: the city-owned Hollister Municipal Airport and the privately owned Frazier Lake Airpark.
Here is what the NTSB investigations found following the last nine reported accidents.
July 18, 2024: A 64-year-old pilot with 1,154 flight hours flipped a plane on the Hollister Municipal Airport runway following a landing. It was the pilot’s first planned landing as part of a practice session with a certified flight instructor. The NTSB determined the plane nosed over because the pilot lost directional control.
May 26, 2021: A 50-year-old pilot with 2,774 flight hours made a forced landing onto a field near the Frazier Lake Airpark, which resulted in damage to the lower part of both wings.
According to the investigation, the pilot noticed the engine’s revolutions per minute was decreasing and not gaining altitude shortly after takeoff.
The investigation found the pilot had purchased the plane six days before the accident and had a local shop perform an inspection. The pilot had conducted 10 full stop takeoffs and landings before the accident.
The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident was the improper installation of a relief valve spring.
June 20, 2019: A 78-year-old pilot with 1,653 flight hours conducted an emergency landing in a dirt field near the Hollister airport with the landing gear retracted.
According to the investigation, the pilot noticed the engine sputtering and lost power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but believed he could not make it to the runway.
The NTSB determined the accident was caused by insufficient fuel in the plane. It found the plane’s fuel level was inadequately inspected and that the fuel level indicator was incorrectly serviced.
May 28, 2019: A 63-year-old-pilot with 15,560 flight hours nosed over his plane after making a water landing with the landing gear wheels extended at the Hollister Municipal Airport. The plane sustained damage to the right wing and windscreen.
The NTSB determined a contributing factor to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use a procedural after take off checklist and a before landing checklist.
Aug. 6, 2015: A 75-year-old pilot with 2,186 flight hours collided with a lawnmower and truck during the landing roll at the Frazier Lake Airpark.
According to the investigation, the accident resulted in the death of the lawnmower operator.
The NTSB determined the pilot’s failure to observe the lawnmower was partially because he was using the rear seat of the plane. In addition, the lawnmower operator was not wearing a headset connected to the aircraft transceiver. The investigation report stated the lawnmower operator did have the headset with him but was not wearing it, as he was discussing lawnmower problems with the occupant of the truck.
Feb. 22, 2014: A 72-year-old pilot with 1,690 flight hours conducted an emergency landing on a road shortly after takeoff. The pilot reported that the engine lost power.
The pilot sustained serious injuries and the landing resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings of the plane, according to the investigation.
The NTSB determined the accident was caused by a low fuel level and the pilot’s “inadequate” preflight inspection.
Feb. 14, 2012: A 45-year-old pilot with 3,431 flight hours aborted a takeoff and landed “hard” at the Hollister Municipal Airport.
The pilot was conducting a test flight before his planned trip to Australia the following day, according to the investigation. The pilot stated that after reaching 30 feet above the ground following take off, he noticed the right wing “fell” and believed the right engine had lost power. The pilot attempted corrective maneuvers to get the wings leveled.
The plane subsequently landed on the runway, blew a tire and came to a stop in a grassy area. The plane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The NTSB determined the accident was caused by the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb. The investigation report stated that this resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of directional control.
Nov. 25, 2010: A 28-year-old pilot with 2,540 flight hours crashed into a field about four minutes after takeoff from the Hollister Municipal Airport. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
According to a witness, the plane’s nose dropped and spun to the ground.
The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident was a combination of several factors including the plane exceeding its weight capacity, inadequate weight distribution and incorrect service and maintenance. The investigation states these errors resulted in longitudinal instability and a loss of plane control during the initial climb.
March 23, 2010: A 48-year-old pilot with 8,000 flight hours landed in a field near the airport. The plane flipped and slid to a stop.
The pilot reported after takeoff that the left engine “surged” and lost partial power, which was restored during the descent. The pilot also reported hearing a loud bang shortly after takeoff and a witness reported hearing a loud popping noise.
The NTSB said the reasons for the partial loss of power could not be determined.
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