Aircraft Accidents or Incidents at or Near Hayward Airport

The following summary of accidents, dating to 1982, is based on the records of the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA's Accident/Incidents Data System (AIDS). It is current as of April 23, 2005.

June 19, 2004 A Cessna airplane (11492) lost power while landing at the airport
May 24, 2004 After taking off from the airport at about 8:20 a.m., pilot was forced to land on the I-580 freeway near the I-238 interchange when his Cessna airplane (734NG) ran out of fuel. Investigators determined that the pilot did not visually inspect the fuel tanks or top off the tanks with fuel prior to taking off. The aircraft was not damaged and the pilot was not infured.
April 19, 2004 Pilot was engaged in "touch and go" flying. While landing his aircraft at 2:13 p.m., pilot encountered a strong gust of wind during "rollout" on the runway, whereupon the pilot lost control. After striking a runway sign, the plane ended up in the ditch between the airport's two runways. The plane was substantially damaged.
May 18, 2003 The pilot of an experimental (home-built) aircraft (N271RP) lost directional control while making his second attempt to land (12:55 p.m.) at the airport. The aircraft, built by the pilot and based in San Mateo, ended up in the grassy area between the airport's two runways and was substantially damaged.
Oct. 17, 2002 During a practice "autorotation" at the airport (6:12 p.m.) a helicopter (N61416) flew out of control, substantially damaging the aircraft when it hit the ground. The helicopter was operated by a Sierra Academy of Aeronautics instructor and student.
July 2, 2001 During a practice "autorotation" at the airport a helicopter (N4052K) flew out of control, damaging the aircraft when it hit the ground. The NTSB determined that error by the student pilot and inadequate supervision by the instructor were the likely cause of the crash.
May 7, 2001 A student pilot, in his second solo flight, landed a Cessna (N757XS) hard on the runway. The aircraft bounced and landed on the nose wheel; the nose wheel was folded back and the left wingtip struck the runway. The NTSB determined that errors by the student pilot were the likely cause of the crash.
March 17, 2001 An East Bay Regional Park District helicopter (N996PD), having departed from the Hayward Airport, made an emergency crash landing in a residential front yard following loss of power.
July 26, 1999 The engine of a Piper airplane (N5539W) quit when the airplane was one-half mile out from the runway. The pilot made a hard landing in a parking lot. NTSB determined the pilot had failed to operate the plane properly.
Apr. 23, 1999 A Cessna airplane (N9512T) approaching the airport for landing at about 7:51 p.m. collided with power lines and an apartment building in Hayward. The two passengers were killed; the pilot was seriously injured. Before the collision the pilot had radioed the control tower that he was running low on fuel and did not think he would be able to reach the airport.
Jan. 2, 1999 During touch-and-go flying, the student pilot of a Piper airplane (N4556Z) lost control of the aircraft while landing; the aircraft nosed over on landing. The pilot exited and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. The student pilot had about 40 hours of flying experience at the time of the accident. No personal injury.
Nov. 27, 1995 A Cessna airplane (N6349M) suffered engine problems after takeoff. The student and instructor pilots attempted to return to the airport but crashed-landed in the adjacent golf course.
Feb. 26, 1995 A blimp (N28SQ) with a history of unresolved electrical problems was being used to transport paid passengers for pleasure rides. At the end of the day the ground crew were given rides. During a landing the electrical system failed. The pilot lost control and the aircraft hit the grass short of the landing zone and bounced along the ground until coming to rest near the top of a berm. The pilot told the passenger to get out and hold down the blimp; the passenger tripped as he got out and rolled down the hill. The blimp began to rise with the pilot holding on to an outside rail. The pilot lost his grip and fell to his death.
May 17, 1993 The engine of a Beech airplane (N7687N) quit after takeoff. The pilot turned back to the airport and, without power, collided with the dirt berm at the approach end of the runway (at Hesperian and Winton). The NTSB determined that the pilot had not adequately inspected the aircraft before flight.
Jan. 12, 1993 A Bell helicopter (N3202A) transporting cargo during very bad weather at night crashed in the bay. The pilot and a passenger were killed.
Jul. 2, 1992 The engine of a Cessna airplane (N11BU) exploded when the pilot attempted to start it, resulting in an explosion that damaged the aircraft. No personal injury. The NTSB determined that a fuel leak was responsible and that the pilot, who owned, operated, and maintained the aircraft, had performed inadequate maintenance.
Jun. 26, 1992 On one landing during touch-and-go flying, a Cessna airplane (N9447E) landed hard on the nose wheel after the student pilot misjudged the landing flare. The NTSB determined the on-board instructor had not adequately supervised the flight.
Nov. 3, 1991 On one takeoff during touch-and-go flying, a Cessna airplane (N4933B) veered off the runway, hit a ditch, and nosed over. No personal injuries. The NTSB determined the pilot lacked experience.
Sep. 2, 1991 While landing, the pilot of a North American airplane (N3660V) lost control of the aircraft. A wing contacted the ground after the pilot attempted to correct for the aircraft's unwanted turning. The plane ground looped and the landing gear collapesed.
Jan. 15, 1991 A pilot was killed when his Cessna airplane (N9721B) crashed into the bay on its way through Hayward to San Carlos. The NTSB determined that the pilot misjudged the bad weather (restricted visibility).
Sep. 21, 1990 The landing gear of a Cessna airplane (N46326) failed while the pilot was landing, and the aircraft veered off the runway and ground looped. The NTSB determined that the mechanical failure was due to improper installation of a component when the aircraft was modified.
Aug. 9, 1990 A restored military airplane (N13NH) lost power and the pilot landed at a local high school, colliding with telephone wires. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was seriously injured. The NTSB determined that the power loss was due to a missing component; the aircraft engine had been overhauled the day before the accident.
Dec. 2, 1989 The pilot of a Piper airplane (N3350W) landed next to the runway because of a power loss. The NTSB determined that the pilot had not adequately inspected the aircraft before flight.
Nov. 18, 1989 A Piper airplane (N4359C) on final approach to the runway lost power about three-fourths of a mile from the runway. The pilot landed in a parking lot, striking an automobile. Two persons in the automobile suffered minor injuries; two persons in the aircraft were uninjured. The NTSB determined that the aircraft had insufficient fuel -- the pilot had not adequately inspected the aircraft before flight.
Nov. 6, 1989 The pilot of a Cessna airplane (N3018T) made a hard landing on the runway. He stated that he was taking a company-ordered business flight that he didn't want to take. The NTSB determined that the accident was the result of the pilot's inexperience with the aircraft and his mental state. No injuries.
Feb. 24, 1989 As the student pilot of a Robinson helicopter (N9076K) started a running takeoff, the aircraft struck an alignment device protruding above the surface of the taxiway. After a violent yaw, the aircraft descended rapidly and was damaged when it hit the ground. No injuries.
Jun. 8, 1988 The pilot of a Rockwell Int. airplane (N47TT) made a forced landing in a field short of the runway and collided with a ditch. The pilot was at the end of a cross-country flight and both fuel tanks were nearly empty. No injuries.
Apr. 27, 1988 While approaching the airport at night for landing, the pilot of a Piper airplane (N3588Y) lost control and landed on the freeway, colliding with an automobile. One person seriously injured; one person with minor injury. The NTSB determined that the accident was the result of pilot error.
Jul. 19, 1987 On final approach to the airport the engine of a Temco airplane (N8K) flamed out as the pilot attempted to reduce the rate of descent. The aircraft struck a light pole and telephone wires and was consumed by fire after coming to rest. One person seriously injured; one person suffered minor injury. No mechanical malfunction or part failure was discovered.
Jan. 4, 1987 After take off, the pilot of a Varga airplane (N5076V) was flying at between 100 and 200 feet above ground level when he made a sharp turn back toward the airport. Suddenly the aircraft entered a steep descent and crashed near the approach end of the runway. The pilot was killed and one passenger was injured seriously. No mechanical malfunction was discovered.
Dec. 10, 1986 During a night pleasure flight the pilot of a Cessna airplane (N1429H) lost power about three minutes after take off. The plane collided with a dirt bank. One person with minor injuries; two uninjured persons.
Oct. 3, 1986 A solo student pilot of a Cessna airplane (N6366D) landed in a grass area beyond the runway because he didn't compensate for wind conditions. The student had 15 hours flying experience. No injuries.
Mar. 19, 1986 The pilot of a Cessna airplane (N52628) veered off the runway and hit a runway light. No injuries.
May 10, 1985 Just after liftoff a Beech airplane (N2022B) experienced engine problems. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but crashed into the golf course. The pilot was killed in the crash. The NTSB discovered that in 10 years no engine or component overhaul had been done.
Feb. 16, 1985 A Piper airplane (N4186W) lost power during initial climb of the student pilot's fourth touch-and-go. The instructor took control and attempted to land on the remaining runway; however, the aircraft continued off the runway and collided with a fence before coming to rest in the golf course. No injuries. No reason could be found for the loss of power.
Sep. 9, 1984 A Cessna airplane (N7338F) was hit by a ground vehicle while taxiing to the runway. No injuries.
Jul. 5, 1984 A student pilot of a Cessna airplane (N67819) landed hard on the third landing of his first solo flight. During the ensuing bounce the aircraft was substantially damaged. No injuries.
May 21, 1984 After landing hard and "porpoising" down the runway, the pilot of a Cessna airplane (N734TH) performed a tower fly-by and no damage was apparent to the controllers. The pilot was able to land without further incident. No injuries.
May 10, 1984 An Enstrom helicopter (N589H) with a student pilot suddenly lost power while hovering. The aircraft was extensively damaged during a run-on landing. Two persons uninjured. No part failure or malfunction was found that would have caused a loss of power.
May 5, 1984 Two airplanes -- a Taylor Smith (N53BT) and Olson (N3528) -- landed in trail and the lead aircraft was struck in the rear by the other aircraft. No injuries.
Feb. 10, 1984 Student pilot attempted to land his Piper airplane (N4552Q) at night on an unlit runway closed for maintenance. The student failed to follow instructions to abort the landing and the aircraft collided with a concrete construction block. No injuries.
Feb. 4, 1984 Pilot lost power in his Cessna airplane (N52034) at night, requiring forced landing. Four persons seriously injured. No mechanical malfunction was discovered.
Jul. 1, 1983 Pilot was having trouble lifting his Cessna airplane (N4957G) on take-off. He cut the power and tried to land on the runway. He was unable to control the aircraft on the runway and collided with trees. Two persons suffered minor unjuries; six persons uninjured.
Aug. 27, 1982 While landing on the airport's runway at 6:18 p.m., pilot lost control of his single-engine Blanca airplane (N2671Z). The plane veered off the runway and was substantially damaged. According to the NTSB report, pilot failed to maintain directional control.

June 19, 2004	A Cessna airplane (11492) lost power while landing at the airport
May 24, 2004	After taking off from the airport at about 8:20 a.m., pilot was forced to land on the I-580 freeway near the I-238 interchange when his Cessna airplane (734NG) ran out of fuel. Investigators determined that the pilot did not visually inspect the fuel tanks or top off the tanks with fuel prior to taking off. The aircraft was not damaged and the pilot was not infured.
April 19, 2004	Pilot was engaged in "touch and go" flying. While landing his aircraft at 2:13 p.m., pilot encountered a strong gust of wind during "rollout" on the runway, whereupon the pilot lost control. After striking a runway sign, the plane ended up in the ditch between the airport's two runways. The plane was substantially damaged.
May 18, 2003	The pilot of an experimental (home-built) aircraft (N271RP) lost directional control while making his second attempt to land (12:55 p.m.) at the airport. The aircraft, built by the pilot and based in San Mateo, ended up in the grassy area between the airport's two runways and was substantially damaged.
Oct. 17, 2002	During a practice "autorotation" at the airport (6:12 p.m.) a helicopter (N61416) flew out of control, substantially damaging the aircraft when it hit the ground. The helicopter was operated by a Sierra Academy of Aeronautics instructor and student.
July 2, 2001	During a practice "autorotation" at the airport a helicopter (N4052K) flew out of control, damaging the aircraft when it hit the ground. The NTSB determined that error by the student pilot and inadequate supervision by the instructor were the likely cause of the crash.
May 7, 2001	A student pilot, in his second solo flight, landed a Cessna (N757XS) hard on the runway. The aircraft bounced and landed on the nose wheel; the nose wheel was folded back and the left wingtip struck the runway. The NTSB determined that errors by the student pilot were the likely cause of the crash.
March 17, 2001	An East Bay Regional Park District helicopter (N996PD), having departed from the Hayward Airport, made an emergency crash landing in a residential front yard following loss of power.
July 26, 1999	The engine of a Piper airplane (N5539W) quit when the airplane was one-half mile out from the runway. The pilot made a hard landing in a parking lot. NTSB determined the pilot had failed to operate the plane properly.
Apr. 23, 1999	A Cessna airplane (N9512T) approaching the airport for landing at about 7:51 p.m. collided with power lines and an apartment building in Hayward. The two passengers were killed; the pilot was seriously injured. Before the collision the pilot had radioed the control tower that he was running low on fuel and did not think he would be able to reach the airport.
Jan. 2, 1999	During touch-and-go flying, the student pilot of a Piper airplane (N4556Z) lost control of the aircraft while landing; the aircraft nosed over on landing. The pilot exited and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. The student pilot had about 40 hours of flying experience at the time of the accident. No personal injury.
Nov. 27, 1995	A Cessna airplane (N6349M) suffered engine problems after takeoff. The student and instructor pilots attempted to return to the airport but crashed-landed in the adjacent golf course.
Feb. 26, 1995	A blimp (N28SQ) with a history of unresolved electrical problems was being used to transport paid passengers for pleasure rides. At the end of the day the ground crew were given rides. During a landing the electrical system failed. The pilot lost control and the aircraft hit the grass short of the landing zone and bounced along the ground until coming to rest near the top of a berm. The pilot told the passenger to get out and hold down the blimp; the passenger tripped as he got out and rolled down the hill. The blimp began to rise with the pilot holding on to an outside rail. The pilot lost his grip and fell to his death.
May 17, 1993	The engine of a Beech airplane (N7687N) quit after takeoff. The pilot turned back to the airport and, without power, collided with the dirt berm at the approach end of the runway (at Hesperian and Winton). The NTSB determined that the pilot had not adequately inspected the aircraft before flight.
Jan. 12, 1993	A Bell helicopter (N3202A) transporting cargo during very bad weather at night crashed in the bay. The pilot and a passenger were killed.
Jul. 2, 1992	The engine of a Cessna airplane (N11BU) exploded when the pilot attempted to start it, resulting in an explosion that damaged the aircraft. No personal injury. The NTSB determined that a fuel leak was responsible and that the pilot, who owned, operated, and maintained the aircraft, had performed inadequate maintenance.
Jun. 26, 1992	On one landing during touch-and-go flying, a Cessna airplane (N9447E) landed hard on the nose wheel after the student pilot misjudged the landing flare. The NTSB determined the on-board instructor had not adequately supervised the flight.
Nov. 3, 1991	On one takeoff during touch-and-go flying, a Cessna airplane (N4933B) veered off the runway, hit a ditch, and nosed over. No personal injuries. The NTSB determined the pilot lacked experience.
Sep. 2, 1991	While landing, the pilot of a North American airplane (N3660V) lost control of the aircraft. A wing contacted the ground after the pilot attempted to correct for the aircraft's unwanted turning. The plane ground looped and the landing gear collapesed.
Jan. 15, 1991	A pilot was killed when his Cessna airplane (N9721B) crashed into the bay on its way through Hayward to San Carlos. The NTSB determined that the pilot misjudged the bad weather (restricted visibility).
Sep. 21, 1990	The landing gear of a Cessna airplane (N46326) failed while the pilot was landing, and the aircraft veered off the runway and ground looped. The NTSB determined that the mechanical failure was due to improper installation of a component when the aircraft was modified.
Aug. 9, 1990	A restored military airplane (N13NH) lost power and the pilot landed at a local high school, colliding with telephone wires. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was seriously injured. The NTSB determined that the power loss was due to a missing component; the aircraft engine had been overhauled the day before the accident.
Dec. 2, 1989	The pilot of a Piper airplane (N3350W) landed next to the runway because of a power loss. The NTSB determined that the pilot had not adequately inspected the aircraft before flight.
Nov. 18, 1989	A Piper airplane (N4359C) on final approach to the runway lost power about three-fourths of a mile from the runway. The pilot landed in a parking lot, striking an automobile. Two persons in the automobile suffered minor injuries; two persons in the aircraft were uninjured. The NTSB determined that the aircraft had insufficient fuel -- the pilot had not adequately inspected the aircraft before flight.
Nov. 6, 1989	The pilot of a Cessna airplane (N3018T) made a hard landing on the runway. He stated that he was taking a company-ordered business flight that he didn't want to take. The NTSB determined that the accident was the result of the pilot's inexperience with the aircraft and his mental state. No injuries.
Feb. 24, 1989	As the student pilot of a Robinson helicopter (N9076K) started a running takeoff, the aircraft struck an alignment device protruding above the surface of the taxiway. After a violent yaw, the aircraft descended rapidly and was damaged when it hit the ground. No injuries.
Jun. 8, 1988	The pilot of a Rockwell Int. airplane (N47TT) made a forced landing in a field short of the runway and collided with a ditch. The pilot was at the end of a cross-country flight and both fuel tanks were nearly empty. No injuries.
Apr. 27, 1988	While approaching the airport at night for landing, the pilot of a Piper airplane (N3588Y) lost control and landed on the freeway, colliding with an automobile. One person seriously injured; one person with minor injury. The NTSB determined that the accident was the result of pilot error.
Jul. 19, 1987	On final approach to the airport the engine of a Temco airplane (N8K) flamed out as the pilot attempted to reduce the rate of descent. The aircraft struck a light pole and telephone wires and was consumed by fire after coming to rest. One person seriously injured; one person suffered minor injury. No mechanical malfunction or part failure was discovered.
Jan. 4, 1987	After take off, the pilot of a Varga airplane (N5076V) was flying at between 100 and 200 feet above ground level when he made a sharp turn back toward the airport. Suddenly the aircraft entered a steep descent and crashed near the approach end of the runway. The pilot was killed and one passenger was injured seriously. No mechanical malfunction was discovered.
Dec. 10, 1986	During a night pleasure flight the pilot of a Cessna airplane (N1429H) lost power about three minutes after take off. The plane collided with a dirt bank. One person with minor injuries; two uninjured persons.
Oct. 3, 1986	A solo student pilot of a Cessna airplane (N6366D) landed in a grass area beyond the runway because he didn't compensate for wind conditions. The student had 15 hours flying experience. No injuries.
Mar. 19, 1986	The pilot of a Cessna airplane (N52628) veered off the runway and hit a runway light. No injuries.
May 10, 1985	Just after liftoff a Beech airplane (N2022B) experienced engine problems. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but crashed into the golf course. The pilot was killed in the crash. The NTSB discovered that in 10 years no engine or component overhaul had been done.
Feb. 16, 1985	A Piper airplane (N4186W) lost power during initial climb of the student pilot's fourth touch-and-go. The instructor took control and attempted to land on the remaining runway; however, the aircraft continued off the runway and collided with a fence before coming to rest in the golf course. No injuries. No reason could be found for the loss of power.
Sep. 9, 1984	A Cessna airplane (N7338F) was hit by a ground vehicle while taxiing to the runway. No injuries.
Jul. 5, 1984	A student pilot of a Cessna airplane (N67819) landed hard on the third landing of his first solo flight. During the ensuing bounce the aircraft was substantially damaged. No injuries.
May 21, 1984	After landing hard and "porpoising" down the runway, the pilot of a Cessna airplane (N734TH) performed a tower fly-by and no damage was apparent to the controllers. The pilot was able to land without further incident. No injuries.
May 10, 1984	An Enstrom helicopter (N589H) with a student pilot suddenly lost power while hovering. The aircraft was extensively damaged during a run-on landing. Two persons uninjured. No part failure or malfunction was found that would have caused a loss of power.
May 5, 1984	Two airplanes -- a Taylor Smith (N53BT) and Olson (N3528) -- landed in trail and the lead aircraft was struck in the rear by the other aircraft. No injuries.
Feb. 10, 1984	Student pilot attempted to land his Piper airplane (N4552Q) at night on an unlit runway closed for maintenance. The student failed to follow instructions to abort the landing and the aircraft collided with a concrete construction block. No injuries.
Feb. 4, 1984	Pilot lost power in his Cessna airplane (N52034) at night, requiring forced landing. Four persons seriously injured. No mechanical malfunction was discovered.
Jul. 1, 1983	Pilot was having trouble lifting his Cessna airplane (N4957G) on take-off. He cut the power and tried to land on the runway. He was unable to control the aircraft on the runway and collided with trees. Two persons suffered minor unjuries; six persons uninjured.
Aug. 27, 1982	While landing on the airport's runway at 6:18 p.m., pilot lost control of his single-engine Blanca airplane (N2671Z). The plane veered off the runway and was substantially damaged. According to the NTSB report, pilot failed to maintain directional control.