FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft N9997C Crashes into Chesapeake Bay After Entering Descending Turn in Clouds

Stevensville, MD, US

On July 24, 1988, a Cessna R182RG (registration N9997C) operated by Jeffrey A. Kila was involved in an aviation accident near Stevensville, MD. 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

Aircraft N9997C crashed into Chesapeake Bay about 8 minutes after departing Bay Bridge Airport. Communication with ATC ended mid-sentence as the aircraft entered a descending right turn in clouds, losing 700-1000 feet of altitude. No mechanical failure was found.

Departure and Communication

The aircraft departed Bay Bridge Airport at approximately 0415 EDT. A passenger, who was also a pilot, was reading back an IFR clearance to air traffic control when the communication ended abruptly in the middle of a sentence, with no indication of distress.

Radar Data and Maneuver

Comparison of ATC and radar recordings revealed that the aircraft, registered as N9997C, had entered a descending right turn while in clouds. During the radio transmission, the aircraft lost between 700 and 1000 feet of altitude.

Accident and Recovery

The aircraft crashed into the Chesapeake Bay approximately eight minutes after takeoff. Recovery operations began about 35 days after the accident, at which time the wreckage was located.

Examination

A thorough examination of the wreckage did not disclose any failure or malfunction of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1988 Cessna R182RG accident near Stevensville, MD?

Aircraft N9997C crashed into Chesapeake Bay about 8 minutes after departing Bay Bridge Airport. Communication with ATC ended mid-sentence as the aircraft entered a descending right turn in clouds, losing 700-1000 feet of altitude. No mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1988 involved a Cessna R182RG, registration N9997C, operated by Jeffrey A. Kila, at Stevensville, MD.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26132. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.