On November 9, 1983, a Cessna 172N (registration N76073) operated by River City Air/charter was involved in an aviation accident near Woodland, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a landing approach, an aircraft's engine compartment emitted sparks, fire, and smoke. The instructor pilot shut down the engine and attempted to land on the opposite runway, but the aircraft struck wires and crashed.
Incident Overview
A training aircraft experienced an engine compartment anomaly while entering a left downwind leg for landing on Runway 34. Sparks, fire, and smoke were observed emanating from the engine compartment. The flight instructor (CFI) assumed control of the aircraft, shut down the engine, and initiated an approach to land on Runway 16.
Collision Details
During the approach to Runway 16, the aircraft struck wires that were parallel to the runway. The wires were located approximately 500 feet west of Runway 16. The aircraft subsequently crashed.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident found no evidence of a pre-crash fire. No further details regarding the aircraft or circumstances were provided.
What happened in the 9 Nov 1983 Cessna 172N accident near Woodland, CA?
During a landing approach, an aircraft's engine compartment emitted sparks, fire, and smoke. The instructor pilot shut down the engine and attempted to land on the opposite runway, but the aircraft struck wires and crashed.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Nov 1983 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N76073, operated by River City Air/charter, at Woodland, CA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…