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Light aircraft sinks in Hudson River after pilot loses visual reference (N98305)

New York, NY, US

On September 30, 1988, a Cessna 172P (registration N98305) operated by Teterboro Flight Academy was involved in an aviation accident near New York, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a night turn into an unlighted area, which resulted in the loss of control and subsequent impact with water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft sank into the Hudson River at night when the pilot turned toward an unlighted shore area and lost visual cues, resulting in minor injuries for all three occupants.

What happened

The incident occurred during a night personal pleasure flight operating along the Hudson River corridor between New York and New Jersey. At approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot initiated a turn toward an unlighted area of the shoreline. During this maneuver, the pilot lost visual reference to the horizon and surrounding terrain.

Without adequate visual cues, the aircraft inadvertently descended into the water. The impact caused the aircraft to sink immediately. Despite the rapid submersion, all three occupants were able to exit the aircraft successfully. They swam to shore and sustained only minor injuries. The aircraft was not recovered from the river.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a night turn into an unlighted area, which resulted in the loss of control and subsequent impact with water.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 1988 Cessna 172P accident near New York, NY?

A light aircraft sank into the Hudson River at night when the pilot turned toward an unlighted shore area and lost visual cues, resulting in minor injuries for all three occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 1988 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 1988 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N98305, operated by Teterboro Flight Academy, at New York, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a night turn into an unlighted area, which resulted in the loss of control and subsequent impact with water.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26921. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.