CESSNA 172M near Pacific Ocean, CA — 2022-08-20

Probable cause

Undetermined because the airplane and pilot were not located.

NTSB narrative

Concerned parties reported the pilot missing after not returning from a flight. Multiple agencies conducted a search for the missing pilot and airplane, however, neither the pilot, airplane, nor wreckage debris was located. Radar data believed to represent the missing airplane showed a westerly track over the Pacific Ocean. The last known radar position was about 140 miles west of the Pacific shoreline.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot's decision to fly despite being upset and having a disagreement.

NTSB coding

• Missing aircraft · Unknown

Evidence available

• ADS-B / radar
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD A�� TELEPHONE INTERVIEW SHANE NICHOL'S (SON OF PILOT)interview
• RADAR TRACKING - US AIRFORCEradar
• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD A�� YOLO COUNTY POLICE REPORTreport
• REPORTS FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES - ALNOTreport

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