Casualties unknown

Pilot and Daughter Survive Overnight After Plane Crash (N48860)

Apple Valley, CA, US

On March 8, 1993, a Cessna 152 (registration N48860) operated by Midfield Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Apple Valley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALLED THE AIRPLANE NEAR THE GROUND. THE INTENTIONAL BUZZING, OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY, AND POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION WERE FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 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 rented airplane crashed after low-altitude maneuvers, leaving one survivor rescued the next morning. Witnesses reported circling and stalls before impact.

Accident Overview

A pilot rented an airplane during the afternoon for a personal flight with his daughter. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying over the pilot's apartment complex, circling at least ten times. Another pilot reported that a friend had seen the aircraft flying over her vehicle that same afternoon, describing the pilot as 'yanking and banking' at low levels and performing stalls.

The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and came to rest in an inverted position. The wreckage was sighted the following morning by another aircraft. Search and rescue personnel then rescued the survivor that morning.

History of Maneuvers

The pilot had a history of performing low-level maneuvers, according to the investigation.

Investigation Status

The accident remains under investigation by the relevant aviation authority. No further details have been released regarding the cause of the crash.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Mar 1993 Cessna 152 accident near Apple Valley, CA?

A rented airplane crashed after low-altitude maneuvers, leaving one survivor rescued the next morning. Witnesses reported circling and stalls before impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 152, registration N48860, operated by Midfield Aviation, at Apple Valley, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALLED THE AIRPLANE NEAR THE GROUND. THE INTENTIONAL BUZZING, OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY, AND POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION WERE FACTORS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11995. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.