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Casualties unknown

Witnesses Observe Airplane in Nose-Down Descent; Pilot Under Investigation for Sexual Battery (N757SM)

New Port Richey, FL, US

On October 21, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N757SM) operated by Suncoast Flying Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near New Port Richey, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF CONTROL INFLIGHT BY THE PILOT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 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

A commercial pilot on a VFR flight was observed turning and increasing engine power before the airplane descended nose-down below tree line. Examination found no pre-crash failures; the pilot was under investigation for alleged sexual battery.

Flight Description

A commercial pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight in VFR weather conditions. Multiple witnesses observed the airplane traveling south at an estimated altitude between 250 and 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) in straight and level flight. The airplane was then seen initiating a right turn, and an increase in engine power was heard. Witnesses looked up and observed the airplane in a nose-down attitude until it disappeared below the tree line.

Examination

Examination of the airframe, flight control system, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no evidence to indicate a pre-crash failure or malfunction.

Background

The pilot was under investigation by the Clearwater Police Department for sexual battery that allegedly occurred the night before the accident.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 1992 Cessna 152 accident near New Port Richey, FL?

A commercial pilot on a VFR flight was observed turning and increasing engine power before the airplane descended nose-down below tree line. Examination found no pre-crash failures; the pilot was under investigation for alleged sexual battery.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N757SM, operated by Suncoast Flying Services, Inc., at New Port Richey, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

LOSS OF CONTROL INFLIGHT BY THE PILOT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15910. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.