On February 9, 1995, a Cessna 172G (registration N4345L) was involved in an aviation accident near Pope Valley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's poor judgment to buzz the lake and his inadequate visual lookout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed a plane flying low over a lake before it struck high-tension wires, plunging into the water and sinking. Investigation found no pre-impact mechanical failures.
What happened
Ground observers, including two sheriff deputies, watched an airplane flying at a low altitude over a lake while maintaining a level nose attitude. One deputy recorded the aircraft registration before it collided with high-tension wires spanning the body of water. The plane then plunged into the lake and sank immediately after impact.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed several wire arcing signatures on both the airframe and propeller assemblies. Investigators found no evidence of any pre-impact malfunctions or mechanical failures that could have contributed to the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Feb 1995 Cessna 172G accident near Pope Valley, CA?
Witnesses observed a plane flying low over a lake before it struck high-tension wires, plunging into the water and sinking. Investigation found no pre-impact mechanical failures.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Feb 1995 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N4345L, at Pope Valley, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's poor judgment to buzz the lake and his inadequate visual lookout.
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