On June 29, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N757QN) operated by Robert Seamans was involved in an aviation accident near Pleasant Mount, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during the flight, specifically his intention to fly at low altitude over his residence for video purposes, which led to an in-flight collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot with only 20 days of experience flew his aircraft at low altitude over his home to capture video footage before striking trees. The accident resulted in the destruction of the airplane.
What happened
The pilot had informed family members and friends that he intended to fly his aircraft directly over his house at a very low altitude for the purpose of taking video pictures. Witnesses observed and heard the airplane flying over the area at this low level just moments before it impacted trees in the vicinity.
The investigation
Review of the pilot's credentials revealed that he had received his private pilot certificate only 20 days prior to the accident. At the time of the event, he possessed a total flight time of 48.6 hours.
Findings
The circumstances indicate a lack of experience and poor decision-making regarding low-altitude operations. The combination of a newly licensed pilot and the intent to perform aerial photography at unsafe heights contributed significantly to the outcome.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during the flight, specifically his intention to fly at low altitude over his residence for video purposes, which led to an in-flight collision with trees.
What happened in the 29 Jun 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Pleasant Mount, PA?
A private pilot with only 20 days of experience flew his aircraft at low altitude over his home to capture video footage before striking trees. The accident resulted in the destruction of the airplane.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jun 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N757QN, operated by Robert Seamans, at Pleasant Mount, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during the flight, specifically his intention to fly at low altitude over his residence for video purposes, which led to an in-flight collision with trees.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…