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Night Flight Ends in Ocean Bay Crash, Pilot Recovered, Passenger Missing (N761GZ)

Half Moon Bay, CA, US

On June 20, 1994, a Cessna 152 (registration N761GZ) operated by West Valley Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Half Moon Bay, CA. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 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 night cross-country flight ended with a spin and impact into an ocean bay. The pilot was recovered one month later; the passenger remains missing. Debris was found, but the aircraft was not located.

Introduction

A night cross-country flight turned tragic when the aircraft crashed into an ocean bay after departing from a coastal airport. The incident occurred during the return leg of the journey, with the departure route taking the airplane over water.

Accident

Weather conditions at the time were reported as an overcast sky with a ceiling of 800 to 1,000 feet. Witnesses on the ground heard the aircraft's engine and then observed the airplane descending from the bottom of the overcast layer while in a spin. The airplane subsequently struck the water in a near-vertical nose-down attitude.

Search and Recovery

A search for the aircraft initially located only floating debris. Despite several subsequent search efforts, the aircraft itself has not been found. The two occupants were not recovered immediately. The pilot's body was recovered one month after the accident, while the passenger has not been located to date.

Loss of control in flightSpatial disorientation

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jun 1994 Cessna 152 accident near Half Moon Bay, CA?

A night cross-country flight ended with a spin and impact into an ocean bay. The pilot was recovered one month later; the passenger remains missing. Debris was found, but the aircraft was not located.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jun 1994 Cessna 152 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jun 1994 involved a Cessna 152, registration N761GZ, operated by West Valley Flying Club, at Half Moon Bay, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01577. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.