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Aircraft Accident Involving Vacuum System Failure and Spin (N9TG)

Baxter, CA, US

On April 12, 1992, a Cessna P210N (registration N9TG) operated by Amat, Incorporated was involved in an aviation accident near Baxter, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 1) A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE AIRPLANE'S VACUUM SYSTEM WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE DIRECTIONAL GYRO AND THE ATTITUDE INDICATOR, 2) THE PILOT NOT MAINTAINING AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND 3) THE PILOT NOT CORRECTING FOR A SPIRAL BY… 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 requested an IFR clearance and later reported an unusual attitude and possible spin due to a vacuum system problem. The aircraft was observed exiting clouds with wings separating, and the vacuum pump was destroyed in the impact.

Incident Overview and Pilot Communications During the flight, the pilot contacted air traffic control while airborne and requested an IFR clearance. Approximately 15 minutes after receiving the clearance, the pilot was issued a vector for traffic. The pilot then stated that he needed assistance and asked whether he was on course. Shortly afterward, he reported being in an unusual attitude and said he could not determine the reason. About 15 seconds later, the pilot indicated that the aircraft might be in a spin. The controller responded that the aircraft was showing as level and asked whether the pilot was experiencing problems. The pilot confirmed the issue, stating that the vacuum system and artificial gyro were indicating a very unusual attitude.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Apr 1992 Cessna P210N accident near Baxter, CA?

A pilot requested an IFR clearance and later reported an unusual attitude and possible spin due to a vacuum system problem. The aircraft was observed exiting clouds with wings separating, and the vacuum pump was destroyed in the impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna P210N, registration N9TG, operated by Amat, Incorporated, at Baxter, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

1) A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE AIRPLANE'S VACUUM SYSTEM WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE DIRECTIONAL GYRO AND THE ATTITUDE INDICATOR, 2) THE PILOT NOT MAINTAINING AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND 3) THE PILOT NOT CORRECTING FOR A SPIRAL BY USING PROPER RECOVERY TECHNIQUES WHICH RESULTED IN THE…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14443. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.