No fatalities

Cessna 172 Ditches in Reservoir After Engine Failure; Pilot Rescued Then Disappears (N8976B)

Oroville, CA, US

On August 18, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N8976B) operated by Howard L Omdahl was involved in an aviation accident near Oroville, CA. No fatalities were reported. 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.

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

A Cessna 172 with a stopped engine flew low over a reservoir, stalled during a hard right turn, and descended into the water. The uninjured pilot was rescued by fishermen but has not been heard from since.

Incident Overview

A Cessna 172 aircraft was observed flying at low altitude over a reservoir while its engine was not operating. The airplane subsequently executed a sharp right turn, entered a stall, and descended into the water. The pilot sustained no injuries.

Rescue

The pilot exited the sinking aircraft and was rescued by fishermen who were present in the area. The fishermen transported the pilot to the shore and dropped him off there.

Aftermath

Following the rescue, the pilot has not been heard from. The aircraft sank in water approximately 300 feet deep. It was not reported whether the aircraft was ever recovered.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Aug 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Oroville, CA?

A Cessna 172 with a stopped engine flew low over a reservoir, stalled during a hard right turn, and descended into the water. The uninjured pilot was rescued by fishermen but has not been heard from since.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Aug 1986 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Aug 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8976B, operated by Howard L Omdahl, at Oroville, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34532. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.