On November 17, 1990, a Cessna 172RG (registration N5257V) was involved in an aviation accident near San Clemente, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS SELECTION OF IMPROPER CRUISE ALTITUDE WHILE OPERATING UNDER A LOW OVERCAST ON A DARK NIGHT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS FATIGUE AND LACK OF SLEEP. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot who had been airborne for over 10 hours while fish spotting last contacted his boat at 0300, stating he was returning to base. The aircraft was reported missing after failing to arrive, and was later found on a mountainside.
Incident Overview
A pilot engaged in fish spotting for a boat at sea had been airborne for over 10 hours. The last contact with the aircraft occurred at approximately 0300, when the pilot provided a position report to the boat and stated he was returning to base. The boat captain expected to hear from the pilot again at around 0330, but that transmission did not occur. The plane did not arrive at the base by the fuel exhaustion time of 0900. The aircraft was subsequently reported missing, and a search was initiated.
Discovery
By 1100 hours, the aircraft was located by another fish spotter on the south side of an island at an elevation of about 1200 feet MSL. The aircraft was on an approximate heading toward the home base.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Nov 1990 Cessna 172RG accident near San Clemente, CA?
A pilot who had been airborne for over 10 hours while fish spotting last contacted his boat at 0300, stating he was returning to base. The aircraft was reported missing after failing to arrive, and was later found on a mountainside.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N5257V, at San Clemente, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOTS SELECTION OF IMPROPER CRUISE ALTITUDE WHILE OPERATING UNDER A LOW OVERCAST ON A DARK NIGHT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS FATIGUE AND LACK OF SLEEP.
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…