Casualties unknown

Pilot Flying Low Over Wooded Area Strikes Trees and Crashes (N3353E)

Washington Twp, NJ, US

On December 26, 1989, a Cessna 172N (registration N3353E) operated by Darryl Nitke was involved in an aviation accident near Washington Twp, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY PRE-FLIGHT PLAN AND EXECUTE THE VFR FLIGHT. FACTOR'S RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INEXPERIENCE; NO VISUAL CUES (LIGHTS) DUE TO DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS; THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE WEATHER BRIEFING. 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

A pilot with 80 flight hours and minimal night experience crashed after attempting to avoid snow showers. The aircraft hit trees and the ground near Atlantic City, NJ.

Accident Details

On December 27, 1989, an airplane crashed in a wooded area north of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The pilot was in cruise flight at 1,000 feet above ground level, flying over a dark wooded area. The pilot was attempting to avoid reported snow showers and had requested radar advisories through the ARSA (Airport Radar Service Area) but was never acquired by radar.

A witness located about one mile from the crash site reported hearing the airplane fly very low over their home. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and then collided with the ground.

Pilot Information

The pilot held a total flight time of approximately 80 hours, with negligible night flying experience. Prior to the flight, the pilot had been briefed about snow and icing conditions along the intended route.

Investigation Outcome

The accident aircraft was discovered on December 27, 1989, in a wooded area. The investigation did not specify a probable cause for the accident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Dec 1989 Cessna 172N accident near Washington Twp, NJ?

A pilot with 80 flight hours and minimal night experience crashed after attempting to avoid snow showers. The aircraft hit trees and the ground near Atlantic City, NJ.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Dec 1989 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N3353E, operated by Darryl Nitke, at Washington Twp, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY PRE-FLIGHT PLAN AND EXECUTE THE VFR FLIGHT. FACTOR'S RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INEXPERIENCE; NO VISUAL CUES (LIGHTS) DUE TO DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS; THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE WEATHER BRIEFING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30006. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.