NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that while on final approach for runway 25R during night conditions, the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) was not operational. The pilot stated that he was "too low" during the approach, so he applied full power in an attempt to go-around. The airplane impacted the top of trees about 530 feet east of the runway and then impacted the airport perimeter fence about 380 feet east of the runway.

The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notice to Airman (NOTAM) Search archive, NOTAM 06/010 was issued for runway 25R VASI out of service, effective on 06/04/2015, at 2017 (UTC). The NOTAM 06/010 stated that the expiration date was 06/19/2015, at 2300 (UTC), but was canceled one day early on 06/18/2015 at 2241 (UTC).

In a telephone conversation with a representative from the FAA Service Operations Center in the Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility, he stated that the VASI NOTAM was canceled because the equipment was returned to an operational status and the Long Beach Airport (LGB) air traffic control (ATC) tower was notified over the telephone. During the time of the accident, the LGB ATC tower Automatic Terminal Information Service was still broadcasting that the 25R VASI was out of service.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot failed to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering to land at night, which resulted in a collision with terrain/objects. A factor contributing to the accident was the lack of oversight by ATC; failing to insure that the fully operational VASI was turned on during the hours of darkness.