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Cessna 208B Strikes Ridge During Visual Approach (N754FE)

Pleasanton, CA, US

On January 13, 1995, a Cessna 208B (registration N754FE) operated by West Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pleasanton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain visual contact with terrain and sufficient altitude for terrain clearance. 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 Cessna 208B collided with a ridge about 14 miles from its destination while descending for a visual approach. The pilot had reported sighting the airport from 7,000 feet MSL over 30 miles away. Weather stations indicated cloud layers at 1,500 and 5,000 feet AGL. No mechanical failure was found.

Accident Overview

A Cessna 208B aircraft struck a ridge line approximately 14 miles from the destination airport. The airplane collided with a tree and the ground in a wings-level attitude at an elevation of 1,500 feet MSL.

Flight Details

The pilot reported to air traffic control that he had the airport in sight from 7,000 feet MSL while more than 30 miles away. The airplane was descending after being cleared for a visual approach.

Weather

A weather reporting station located 5 miles east of the accident site reported two cloud layers: a scattered layer at 1,500 feet AGL and a broken layer at 5,000 feet AGL.

Impact

The airplane struck a tree and the ground at an elevation of 1,500 feet MSL, with the wings level. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction found with the airplane.

Investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical issues. The cause of the collision remains undetermined based on available information.

Controlled flight into terrain

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jan 1995 Cessna 208B accident near Pleasanton, CA?

A Cessna 208B collided with a ridge about 14 miles from its destination while descending for a visual approach. The pilot had reported sighting the airport from 7,000 feet MSL over 30 miles away. Weather stations indicated cloud layers at 1,500 and 5,000 feet AGL. No mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jan 1995 involved a Cessna 208B, registration N754FE, operated by West Air, Inc., at Pleasanton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain visual contact with terrain and sufficient altitude for terrain clearance. Factors in the accident were the pilot's decision to initiate a descent 14 miles from the airport, and weather, specifically cloud conditions and darkness.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02874. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.