Tutti
← Back to Squawk list
'Multiple' fatalities reported after 2 small planes crash in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE, Santa Cruz County -- A crash involving two small planes attempting to land at Watsonville Municipal Airport appears to have resulted in "multiple" fatalities, according to the city. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a single-engine Cessna 152 and a twin-engine Cessna 340 collided while the pilots were on their final approaches to the airport. One person was on board the Cessna 152 and two people were on board the Cessna 340. (www.cbsnews.com) Altro...Unfortunately had to witness this accident. So scary and easily could have been avoided. 180kts on short final with gear up is not normal.
how tragic for those in the crash and their families..rip..there could have been a multiple number of reasons for the crash..leave it to the investigaors...
ADS-B data from the C340 shows multiple flights around NorCal over the previous days, all of which have more normal approach speeds than the ~180KTS of the accident flight. So whoever flies the plane (if it is indeed the same person) doesn't make a habit out of flying 180 KT approaches. Also looks like the plane was being guided by (at minimum) a lateral autopilot for most of the flight. I wonder if there was an emergency, incapacitation, etc?
Untowered airport, high wing vs. low wing, possibly just didn't see each other.
The 152 saw the 340 and was going to go-around, but he couldn’t get out of the way fast enough because the 340 was doing ~180 KIAS on short final.
[This comment has been downvoted. Show anyway.]
Yep, this know it all troll has been working at the airport on GA planes ranging from 152s to business jets for 35+ years. And flying them/flying in them for longer. I’d comment further but I have to go take a wing off a Learjet for a 12,000 hour inspection. Go back to your rocking chair and have a nice nap. Maybe it will improve your people skills.
You could have simply checked the ADS-B data linked to by Mr. Eigler and saved yourself having to write a snarky response.
https://flightaware.com/squawks/view/1/7_days/popular/89881/Multiple_fatalities_reported_after_2_small_planes_crash_in_Watsonville#300603
https://flightaware.com/squawks/view/1/7_days/popular/89881/Multiple_fatalities_reported_after_2_small_planes_crash_in_Watsonville#300603
https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a9f487&lat=36.940&lon=-121.795&zoom=14.0&showTrace=2022-08-18&trackLabels