No fatalities

Aircraft Entangled in Power Lines During Localizer Approach at Ontario Airport (N55386)

Ontario, CA, US

On February 12, 1986, a Cessna 172P (registration N55386) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, CA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a currency flight, a pilot and commercial pilot discussed a glide slope issue and switched to a localizer-only approach. The commercial pilot selected an incorrect approach plate, leading to a descent into power lines at Ontario, CA. The aircraft was suspended for 4 hours until rescue.

Incident Overview

An aircraft conducting a flight for night and instrument currency requirements became entangled in electrical transmission lines at Ontario, California. The pilot in command (PIC) was occupying the left front seat, while a commercial pilot (CP) was seated in the right front seat. The incident occurred during an approach to Runway 26L.

Approach and Miscommunication

While executing an ILS final approach to Runway 26L, the PIC and CP discussed a constant 'on glide slope' indication. They decided to transition to a localizer-only approach. During this change, the CP mistakenly selected an incorrect approach plate and advised the PIC that the minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 1,060 feet. The actual MDA for the intended approach was 1,240 feet.

Descent and Impact

While discussing the altitude, the aircraft continued descending and struck electrical transmission lines at an elevation of 992 feet. The aircraft became entangled in the lines and remained suspended for approximately four hours before the pilots were rescued.

Aftermath

Both pilots were rescued after the aircraft had been suspended in the power lines for four hours. The source does not provide further details on the condition of the pilots or the aircraft damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Feb 1986 Cessna 172P accident near Ontario, CA?

During a currency flight, a pilot and commercial pilot discussed a glide slope issue and switched to a localizer-only approach. The commercial pilot selected an incorrect approach plate, leading to a descent into power lines at Ontario, CA. The aircraft was suspended for 4 hours until rescue.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 1986 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Feb 1986 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N55386, at Ontario, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32886. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.