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Casualties unknown

Night VFR Collision with Terrain at New Airport (N8172A)

Lake Havasu, AZ, US

On November 12, 1991, a Cessna 170B (registration N8172A) operated by Howard PL Orlebeke was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Havasu, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S; 1) INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION, 2) FAILURE TO OBTAIN CURRENT NOTAM INFORMATION, AND 3) FAILURE TO OBTAIN A CURRENT ALTIMETER SETTING. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION AND THE PILOT ELECTION NOT TO USE THE LANDING LIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a night cross-country flight to an unfamiliar airport collided with terrain 1.25 miles short of the runway. The pilot had not received a preflight briefing, and the new airport was not yet on the VFR chart.

Incident Overview During a night cross-country flight to a new and unfamiliar airport, a pilot attempted to establish flight following and obtain current altimeter settings but was unsuccessful. The pilot flew over the airport and entered a traffic pattern. During the turn from base to final approach, with the runway lights in sight, the airplane collided with terrain one and one-quarter miles short of the runway. The pilot did not turn on the aircraft landing light. FAA records indicate the pilot did not receive a preflight briefing. The VFR aeronautical chart did not show the new airport. The old airport elevation is 483 feet MSL, and the new airport is 780 feet MSL. The chart depicting the new airport became effective three days after the accident. FAA personnel reported that a NOTAM in effect contained information pertinent to the new airport. After the accident, the pilot reported that his altimeter indicated 1,000 feet MSL.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Nov 1991 Cessna 170B accident near Lake Havasu, AZ?

A pilot on a night cross-country flight to an unfamiliar airport collided with terrain 1.25 miles short of the runway. The pilot had not received a preflight briefing, and the new airport was not yet on the VFR chart.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Nov 1991 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N8172A, operated by Howard PL Orlebeke, at Lake Havasu, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S; 1) INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION, 2) FAILURE TO OBTAIN CURRENT NOTAM INFORMATION, AND 3) FAILURE TO OBTAIN A CURRENT ALTIMETER SETTING. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION AND THE PILOT ELECTION NOT TO USE THE LANDING LIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18474. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.