On November 15, 1990, a Cessna 172A (registration N5030A) operated by Robert E. Tilley was involved in an aviation accident near Brigham City, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during night flight, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent collision with water. 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 pilot lost visual reference to the horizon shortly after takeoff in night visual meteorological conditions, resulting in a water collision and nosing over of the aircraft.
What happened
Shortly after departing from a peninsula under night visual meteorological conditions (VMC), the pilot initiated a turn toward the downwind leg. During this maneuver, the pilot reported losing sight of the horizon, leading to a loss of spatial orientation. The next event recalled by the pilot was the aircraft colliding with the water and nosing over.
The investigation
An examination of the accident revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the incident. The pilot's report indicated that the aircraft systems were functioning normally prior to the loss of visual reference.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during night flight, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent collision with water.
What happened in the 15 Nov 1990 Cessna 172A accident near Brigham City, UT?
A pilot lost visual reference to the horizon shortly after takeoff in night visual meteorological conditions, resulting in a water collision and nosing over of the aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna 172A, registration N5030A, operated by Robert E. Tilley, at Brigham City, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during night flight, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent collision with water.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…