[RckyRaCoCo]

Lived on the approach path for SNA, remember listening to my scanner shortly before going to work one evening. SoCal gets low clouds/fog certain times during the year that blow in and reduce visibility to nothing(near the coast...inland OK). While listening I heard a bonanza pilot make several unsuccessful attempts, after the 3rd(?)/go-around I heard tower try to contact him, but got no response.

My workplace was down the street from the airport, going down one of the industrial drives, in the back of one of the buildings, was the bonanza which apparently corkscrewed into a dumpster. I was one of the first ones there, within a short time there were police/fire units and reporters from local news organizations who wanted my story. I declined(didn't have much info/knowledge anyway)and went to work.

[Strac6]

My instructor told me, “You get two shots at the ILS. After than, go somewhere else, ‘cause it’s not going to get better.”

Old rule: There are old pilots (like us), and there are bold pilots. There are no old bold pilots.

PS, the media. Guy lost the engine on a 2-seat Ercoupe on take off out of Clearwater Airpark in the late 50s. Put it between two trees, bled off the energy, unbuckled and walked away.

Ditzy reporter for the old Clearwater Sun arrived on the scene, examined the wreckage. We hanger rats told her all ten people on board died. She printed it!

Be well