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Witnesses Describe Aerobatic Maneuver Leading to Ocean Impact (N2667L)

Dana Point, CA, US

On August 6, 1989, a Cessna 172H (registration N2667L) operated by Shirley, Joseph A. was involved in an aviation accident near Dana Point, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT-IN-COMMANDS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHILE IN MANEUVERING FLIGHT. 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

Witnesses observed an airplane performing slow circles, then a sequence of nose drop, steep climb, loop, and vertical dive into the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft climbed from 500 to 800 ft AGL before stalling.

Observed Maneuvers

According to witness accounts, the airplane was observed making slow counterclockwise circles at approximately 500 ft above ground level (AGL). During these circles, the nose of the airplane dropped and the engine sound increased. Subsequently, the nose rose to a near-vertical climb, reaching an altitude of about 800 ft AGL. The airplane then executed a slow loop, rolling onto its back, and entered a near-vertical dive while slowly rotating 180 degrees. The aircraft struck the Pacific Ocean nose first. Witnesses reported that the engine continued to produce noise until the moment of impact.

Altitude and Stalling

The aircraft was at approximately 500 ft AGL while circling and climbed to about 800 ft AGL before stalling. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, operator, or other circumstances were provided in the source.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 1989 Cessna 172H accident near Dana Point, CA?

Witnesses observed an airplane performing slow circles, then a sequence of nose drop, steep climb, loop, and vertical dive into the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft climbed from 500 to 800 ft AGL before stalling.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 1989 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N2667L, operated by Shirley, Joseph A., at Dana Point, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT-IN-COMMANDS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHILE IN MANEUVERING FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29149. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.