FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Low-Time Pilot Crashes in Everglades National Park (N47009)

Ochopee, FL, US

On September 21, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N47009) was involved in an aviation accident near Ochopee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE OVER THE TERRAIN. RELATED FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT, SPATIAL DISORIENTATION OF THE PILOT, AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF OPERATION (NIGHT FLYING). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

A pilot with only 4.2 hours of night experience and a five-day-old private certificate crashed in the Everglades National Park on September 22, 1989.

Accident Overview

A pilot who had received his private pilot certificate only five days earlier took off at night with a friend for a flight over the Everglades. When operations personnel realized the aircraft had not returned, a search was initiated. On September 22, 1989, the aircraft was found where it had crashed in the Everglades National Park. The wreckage was extensively damaged during impact, and the main wreckage traveled about 120 yards before coming to rest.

Impact and Damage

Evidence indicated that the aircraft impacted in a slight nose-down, left bank attitude. Both propeller blades were curled and contained chordwise scratches. The aircraft was extensively damaged due to the impact. No preimpact mechanical problem was found with the aircraft.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had logged a total of 4.2 hours of night flying time. He had obtained his private pilot certificate just five days before the accident flight.

Spatial disorientation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Ochopee, FL?

A pilot with only 4.2 hours of night experience and a five-day-old private certificate crashed in the Everglades National Park on September 22, 1989.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N47009, at Ochopee, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE OVER THE TERRAIN. RELATED FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT, SPATIAL DISORIENTATION OF THE PILOT, AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF OPERATION (NIGHT FLYING).

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29434. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.