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Aircraft Crashes During Night Practice Takeoffs and Landings (N9372E)

Petaluma, CA, US

On October 22, 1988, a Cessna 172N (registration N9372E) operated by Aeroventure Clubs, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Petaluma, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT USED POOR JUDGEMENT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED V.F.R. FLIGHT DURING INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND THAT HE ENCOUNTERED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION WHEN HE ENTERED INTO THE CLOUDS. 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

During night practice takeoffs and landings, an aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in a steep nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. Fog and low visibility were reported. No mechanical failure was found.

Incident Overview

The pilot informed his brother that he intended to practice night takeoffs and landings. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft collided with terrain in a steep nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. The impact occurred approximately half a mile northwest of the airport.

Investigation Findings

Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft. The aircraft appeared to have been functioning normally prior to the crash.

Weather Conditions

Witnesses reported foggy conditions with a low ceiling. One witness estimated the ceiling at 200 to 300 feet with visibility of one-quarter mile. Another witness reported visibility of less than one-half mile. In contrast, about 20 miles northwest at Santa Rosa, the 1945 PDT weather observation indicated a 2,500-foot scattered ceiling and visibility of 10 miles.

Pilot Background

The pilot was not instrument-rated and had logged only about 2 hours of simulated instrument flight time.

Spatial disorientation

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 1988 Cessna 172N accident near Petaluma, CA?

During night practice takeoffs and landings, an aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in a steep nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. Fog and low visibility were reported. No mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 1988 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N9372E, operated by Aeroventure Clubs, Inc., at Petaluma, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT USED POOR JUDGEMENT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED V.F.R. FLIGHT DURING INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND THAT HE ENCOUNTERED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION WHEN HE ENTERED INTO THE CLOUDS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27081. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.