Casualties unknown

1993-01-09: Cessna 337H (N1443S) — Messier, John H. — New Smyrna Bch, FL

New Smyrna Bch, FL, US

On January 9, 1993, a Cessna 337H (registration N1443S) operated by Messier, John H. was involved in an aviation accident near New Smyrna Bch, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE WHILE MANEUVERING IN A TURN AT A LOW ALTITUDE, RESULTING IN AN IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WITH THE OCEAN. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

While flying parallel to a beach at less than 100 feet in visual conditions, a private pilot turned left, causing the left wing to strike the water, destroying the airplane and fatally injuring the pilot.

Accident Sequence

The airplane was observed flying parallel to the beach in visual meteorological conditions at an altitude estimated to be less than 100 feet above ground level. To reverse its direction of flight, the pilot initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the left wing was observed to collide with the water surface.

Damage and Recovery

The collision resulted in the destruction of the airplane. Search and recovery efforts located two airplane seats, a checklist, and a part of the instrument panel that displayed the airplane's registration number. These items were retrieved from the ocean. The main wreckage of the airplane was not found.

Injuries

The private pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No information about any other individuals on board or on the ground was provided in the source.

Conditions

The flight took place under visual meteorological conditions. The specific time of day, weather details, or other environmental factors were not disclosed in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11736. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.