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Night Visual Flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions Leads to Disappearance over San Francisco Bay (N1072S)

Oakland, CA, US

On December 21, 1988, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N1072S) was involved in an aviation accident near Oakland, CA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOTS INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITITIONS FROM WHICH HE INADVERTENTLY DESCENDED INTO THE WATER AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. 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

A pilot on a night visual flight from Oakland to San Francisco descended into the Bay Area amid low visibility, rain, and fog. After a frequency mix-up, radio contact was lost. The aircraft was recovered from the bay; the pilot was not found. Investigation revealed no mechanical issues but the pilot had little recent instrument experience.

Circumstances

A pilot was conducting a night visual flight from Oakland to San Francisco. During the flight, the pilot descended into the San Francisco Bay Area. The aircraft was later recovered from the bay after exposure to salt water. The pilot was not found.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather conditions were instrument meteorological, with visibility between one and four miles. Moderate rain showers and fog were present.

Communication

Prior to the accident, the pilot attempted to contact San Francisco Tower by radio. The pilot was advised that he was still broadcasting on the Oakland Tower frequency. The pilot acknowledged this advice and was not heard from again.

Aircraft and Wreckage

Examination of the aircraft wreckage revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction prior to the accident.

Investigation Findings

The investigation revealed that the pilot had little recent instrument experience.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Dec 1988 Bell 206L-1 accident near Oakland, CA?

A pilot on a night visual flight from Oakland to San Francisco descended into the Bay Area amid low visibility, rain, and fog. After a frequency mix-up, radio contact was lost. The aircraft was recovered from the bay; the pilot was not found. Investigation revealed no mechanical issues but the pilot had little recent…

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Dec 1988 Bell 206L-1 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Dec 1988 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N1072S, at Oakland, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOTS INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITITIONS FROM WHICH HE INADVERTENTLY DESCENDED INTO THE WATER AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING; LACK OF RECENT INSTRUMENT FLYING EXPERIENCE; OVERCONFIDENT IN HIS OWN ABILITY TO CONDUCT A…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27450. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.