Fay was uncertain of what light color arrangement
indicated a proper glide path to the runway. As the
airplane approached the runway, the lights started to
flicker, at which time the pilot applied full engine
power, but the airplane immediately collided with trees.
The Fay stated that there was less ambient light than he
had anticipated and that he was flying in haze in the
air. Fay further stated he was not aware of the trees at
the approach end of the runway. The airport was not
tower controlled and none of the 4 runways were equipped
with visual approach slope indicator lights.
The intended landing runway has a published displaced
threshold that is 850 feet from the runway’s original
threshold. Published information cautions about trees at
the approach end of that runway. Fay did not review any
publication for the intended airport before the flight.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the
probable causes for this accident were the failure of
the pilot to maintain separation from trees during
landing, inadequate preflight planning, lack of recent
night flight experience, did not have the training nor
hold the proper airmen licensing.
"Fay ... was neither licensed nor qualified to fly
that twin engine plane without an instructor on
board" said Assistant District Attorney Steve Gagne.
Fay who could have faced up to 20 years in prison
was placed on proportion until Dec. 31, 2013 by the
court and he is prohibited from operating an
aircraft or seeking reinstatement of his license
during that time.
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