Primary finding
Probable cause
the driver's failure to see the posted sign and yield to the landing aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airport has an access road that crosses the active runway. The aircraft had landed and was on rollout when the pilot saw a truck approaching. He turned in an attempt to avoid the truck but was unable to prevent the collision. After impact, the truck rolled onto its side and the aircraft nosed over onto its back. At the intersection of the road and runway, a sign is posted that warns of landing aircraft. The driver did not see the sign or the landing aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 5, 1997, at 0827 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna TU206F, N8487Q, collided with a pickup truck while landing at Valley Vista Airport near Yucca Valley, California. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the flight instructor rated pilot received minor injuries. Another flight instructor and another pilot rated passenger were not injured. A passenger in the truck received serious injuries, while the driver's injuries were minor. The aircraft was being operated as an instructional flight by Mission Aviation Fellowship when the accident occurred. The flight originated in Redlands, California, at 0725. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. Valley Vista Airport has an access road that crosses runway 09-27. The aircraft landed on runway 09 and was on rollout when the pilot saw a truck approaching the runway from his left. He turned right in an attempt to avoid the truck but was unable to prevent the collision. After impact, the truck rolled onto its left side and the aircraft nosed over onto its back. At the intersection of the road and runway, a sign is posted that reads: "Caution Airport Runway Look Look Landing + Departing Aircraft." According to FAA inspectors, the driver did not see the sign or the landing aircraft. -