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Casualties unknown

Low-Altitude Collision with Redwoods Near Arcada Airport (N1362M)

Arcata, CA, US

On April 2, 1992, a Cessna 182P (registration N1362M) operated by Northern Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Arcata, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DESCENT BELOW DECISION HEIGHT, AND HIS ALCOHOLIC IMPAIRMENT OF EFFICIENCY AND JUDGEMENT. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot, with a blood alcohol level of 0.14 gm%, collided with redwood trees 4,500 ft NE of Arcada Airport after a missed approach and a request for a DF steer.

Incident Overview and TimelineThe pilot executed a missed approach following an ILS approach to Arcada Airport at 2111. At that time, the weather was reported as partly obscured sky, 100 broken, and 1-1/2 miles in fog. The pilot also canceled IFR. At 2137, the pilot contacted Arcada Radio, advising of 'a couple of dead VOR's' and requesting a DF steer to Arcada Airport. The pilot had earlier acknowledged awareness that the Arcada VOR was out of service. The pilot was provided DF service to a point 3 miles southwest of the airport and cleared for the ILS Runway 32 approach. No further transmissions were received.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 1992 Cessna 182P accident near Arcata, CA?

A pilot, with a blood alcohol level of 0.14 gm%, collided with redwood trees 4,500 ft NE of Arcada Airport after a missed approach and a request for a DF steer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N1362M, operated by Northern Aviation, at Arcata, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DESCENT BELOW DECISION HEIGHT, AND HIS ALCOHOLIC IMPAIRMENT OF EFFICIENCY AND JUDGEMENT. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14438. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.