On May 6, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N6129E) was involved in an aviation accident near Industry, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO ENSURE OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS, LOW CEILING, FOG, AND THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. 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.
A Cessna 172 struck the static arm of a 150-foot power transmission tower at night under instrument meteorological conditions. The aircraft was observed turning left abruptly before impact. Fog with 1-mile visibility was present.
Incident Overview
A Cessna 172 aircraft collided with the static arm of a 150-foot tall tower used to support power transmission cables. The accident occurred during night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The aircraft was observed traveling westbound, paralleling a highway, before making a 180-degree turn and descending. As it approached the tower, the aircraft was reported to turn left abruptly and then struck the structure.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, the weather was described as foggy with at least 1 mile visibility. Night IMC prevailed, indicating low clouds and reduced visibility consistent with the fog.
Chart Depiction
The power transmission cables and their support towers were depicted on the sectional aeronautical chart and the VFR terminal area chart, indicating that the obstacle was charted for pilot awareness.
What happened in the 6 May 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Industry, CA?
A Cessna 172 struck the static arm of a 150-foot power transmission tower at night under instrument meteorological conditions. The aircraft was observed turning left abruptly before impact. Fog with 1-mile visibility was present.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 May 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6129E, at Industry, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO ENSURE OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS, LOW CEILING, FOG, AND THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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