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Casualties unknown

Aerial Reconnaissance Flight Strikes Water on Lake Okeechobee (N739WS)

Okeechobee, FL, US

On November 8, 1991, a Cessna 172N (registration N739WS) operated by Okeechobee CO Sheriff's Office was involved in an aviation accident near Okeechobee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE DURING A LOW PASS AT NIGHT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LIKELY SPATIAL DISORIENTATION DUE TO THE LACK OF SURFACE VISUAL CLUES, THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, AND THE PATCHY FOG CONDITIONS. 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

During a nighttime search for missing fishermen, an airplane conducting aerial reconnaissance over Lake Okeechobee collided with the water and nosed over after the landing light illuminated haze.

Incident Overview

An airplane on an aerial reconnaissance mission to locate two missing fishermen on Lake Okeechobee struck the water and nosed over. The aircraft was descending to an altitude of 125 feet above ground level when a boat was observed off the left wing. The pilot maneuvered the airplane toward the boat while continuing descent with the landing light activated.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane overflew the boat, the landing light was switched off and then immediately turned back on. According to the pilot, the light illuminated what appeared to be haze, and no visual contact with the water surface was established. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted the water and nosed over.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the night was very dark with patchy ground fog in the area. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupants were provided in the source material.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.

Spatial disorientation

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Nov 1991 Cessna 172N accident near Okeechobee, FL?

During a nighttime search for missing fishermen, an airplane conducting aerial reconnaissance over Lake Okeechobee collided with the water and nosed over after the landing light illuminated haze.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Nov 1991 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N739WS, operated by Okeechobee CO Sheriff's Office, at Okeechobee, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE DURING A LOW PASS AT NIGHT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LIKELY SPATIAL DISORIENTATION DUE TO THE LACK OF SURFACE VISUAL CLUES, THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, AND THE PATCHY FOG CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18485. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.