1 fatality

Wreckage Found Offshore After Pilot Departs from Beach in Marginal Weather (N8190A)

Dry Bay, AK, US

On July 30, 1993, a Cessna 170 (registration N8190A) operated by Love, Gary A. was involved in an aviation accident near Dry Bay, AK. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: UNDETERMINED. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot departed from a beach en route to Yakutat, Alaska, 40 miles away, under marginal VFR conditions with visibility less than 1/2 mile. The next day, wreckage was found offshore and on the beach, along with personal items, but no bodies were recovered.

Incident Overview

A pilot took off from a beach intending to fly to Yakutat, Alaska, located approximately 40 miles from the departure point. According to reports, the weather along the route was marginal visual flight rules (VFR), with visibilities less than 1/2 mile.

Discovery of Wreckage

The following day, pieces of airplane wreckage, identified as belonging to the accident aircraft, were found approximately 4 miles offshore, near the location of departure. Subsequently, additional small pieces of wreckage were recovered on the beach, along with several personal items that were identified as belonging to the pilot.

Search for Occupants

Despite the recovery of wreckage and personal effects, the bodies of the occupants were never found.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jul 1993 Cessna 170 accident near Dry Bay, AK?

A pilot departed from a beach en route to Yakutat, Alaska, 40 miles away, under marginal VFR conditions with visibility less than 1/2 mile. The next day, wreckage was found offshore and on the beach, along with personal items, but no bodies were recovered.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jul 1993 Cessna 170 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jul 1993 involved a Cessna 170, registration N8190A, operated by Love, Gary A., at Dry Bay, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

UNDETERMINED.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.