On May 7, 1995, a Cessna 172A (registration N7358T) was involved in an aviation accident near Colusa, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation while flying at a low altitude over glassy water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying at low altitude over a flooded rice field lost spatial orientation and crashed the aircraft, despite the engine operating normally.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight on a southeasterly heading when the aircraft impacted a flooded rice field. At the time of the accident, the engine was operating normally. The pilot later stated that he only flies approximately six times per year and was not accustomed to flying at such low altitudes. He admitted to inadvertently flying the aircraft into the glassy water of the flooded field.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was spatial disorientation due to the lack of visual references over the glassy water. The pilot's infrequent flying experience likely contributed to his inability to maintain proper orientation at low altitude.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation while flying at a low altitude over glassy water.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 May 1995 Cessna 172A accident near Colusa, CA?
A pilot flying at low altitude over a flooded rice field lost spatial orientation and crashed the aircraft, despite the engine operating normally.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 May 1995 involved a Cessna 172A, registration N7358T, at Colusa, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation while flying at a low altitude over glassy water.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…