On September 26, 1984, a Cessna C-152 (registration N714YJ) operated by Jekyll Island Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Little S.simons, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to conduct a night beach landing on an unstable surface while under time pressure from rising tides, which led to striking a washed-out area and flipping into the water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft struck a washed-out area during a night beach landing and flipped into the ocean while attempting to retrieve another grounded plane before high tide.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in a night operation on a beach when it attempted a landing on an unstable surface. The pilot had transported a mechanic-pilot to this specific section of the shoreline with the intent of repairing a different aircraft that had executed a forced landing earlier in the evening. Due to the approaching high tide, there was significant pressure to remove the first grounded aircraft from the beach before the water level rose.
During the subsequent beach landing attempt by the second aircraft, it struck a washed-out area of the sand. The impact caused the aircraft to flip over and enter the ocean, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to conduct a night beach landing on an unstable surface while under time pressure from rising tides, which led to striking a washed-out area and flipping into the water.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Sept 1984 Cessna C-152 accident near Little S.simons, GA?
A light aircraft struck a washed-out area during a night beach landing and flipped into the ocean while attempting to retrieve another grounded plane before high tide.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Sept 1984 involved a Cessna C-152, registration N714YJ, operated by Jekyll Island Aviation, Inc., at Little S.simons, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to conduct a night beach landing on an unstable surface while under time pressure from rising tides, which led to striking a washed-out area and flipping into the water.
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…