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Student Pilot Drowns After Failed Go-Around and Crash into Lake Erie (N9837L)

Rattlesnake Isl, OH, US

On January 2, 1991, a Cessna 172P (registration N9837L) operated by T & G Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Rattlesnake Isl, OH. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CFI'S DELAYED DECISION TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND FROM A LONG LANDING AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 student pilot drowned after a plane crashed into Lake Erie following an aborted landing on a snow-covered runway. The CFI and passenger were uninjured.

Accident Details

The aircraft crashed into Lake Erie after an aborted landing on Runway 27 at Rattlesnake Island, Ohio. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The student pilot drowned, while the flight instructor and a passenger were not injured.

Runway Conditions

The turf runway was 100 feet wide and 1,500 feet long, covered with one inch of snow.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the certified flight instructor (CFI) attempted a go-around. However, the airplane failed to maintain a positive climb and struck the water approximately 100 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The occupants attempted to swim to shore. The water temperature was approximately 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jan 1991 Cessna 172P accident near Rattlesnake Isl, OH?

A student pilot drowned after a plane crashed into Lake Erie following an aborted landing on a snow-covered runway. The CFI and passenger were uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jan 1991 Cessna 172P accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jan 1991 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N9837L, operated by T & G Flying Club, at Rattlesnake Isl, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE CFI'S DELAYED DECISION TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND FROM A LONG LANDING AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16364. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.