Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Oceanside, CA — 2009-03-06

Final reportWPR09LA149
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Date
2009-03-06
Location
Oceanside, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N726RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

During a local flight, radar data identified for the accident airplane indicated that approximately 1 hour into the flight, the airplane climbed above 12,500 feet. About 15 minutes later it climbed above 14,000 feet, and stayed above 14,000 for 42 minutes. At this point, the target was descending, and began turning to the right (west). It lost 13,000 feet in the last minute. Boaters reported seeing the airplane going nose low into the ocean. They maneuvered their boats to the site, and observed debris and an oil slick. The Coast Guard recovered several pieces of debris including a seat, which fell within the serial number range of the accident airplane. The remainder of the wreckage and the pilot were not recovered.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Spatial disorientation
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have descended below 10,000 feet to avoid hypoxia effects.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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