Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Davenport, CA — 2015-05-08

Final reportWPR15FAMS1
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Date
2015-05-08
Location
Davenport, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N191TG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

Undetermined because the airplane was not located.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot departed the airport in the middle of the night for an unknown destination. Later that day, a representative of the operator reported that the pilot and airplane were missing. The representative reported that the missing pilot was a contract flight instructor for the operator; however, the accident flight was not authorized, and local law enforcement officials later classified the airplane as stolen. Recorded radar data attributed to the airplane showed a radar track west to the Pacific Ocean, then south along the California coastline. The last transponder return was recorded over the water about 5 miles west of the shoreline at an altitude of 800 ft above sea level. Primary targets consistent with the airplane's flight were recorded heading southwest over the ocean until no longer visible on radar. A sea search for the missing airplane and ramp checks at several airports along the apparent route of flight were conducted; however, no wreckage was found. The airplane and pilot remain missing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Flight was unauthorized and not scheduled, indicating poor decision-making.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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