On April 24, 1998, a Cessna 172 (registration N8364L) was involved in an aviation accident near Ramona, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of control of the aircraft on final approach for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Witnesses reported an aircraft on a stabilized final approach at about 300 feet AGL suddenly pitched over vertically without warning. The elevator was observed deflected nose-down. No preimpact mechanical failure was found.
Synopsis
Multiple witnesses observed an aircraft on a stabilized final approach at approximately 300 feet above ground level when it abruptly and without warning performed a wings-level pitchover and dove vertically to the ground. All witnesses concurred that the aircraft was not in a stall or slip maneuver prior to the pitchover.
Witness Accounts
A witness closest to the scene stated emphatically that the elevator control was deflected nose-down as the aircraft pitched over and remained in that position until impact. Other witnesses corroborated the sudden nature of the event and the vertical descent.
Mechanical Findings
Post-accident investigation did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact mechanical failure of the aircraft. No further details regarding the aircraft's systems or structure were provided.
What happened in the 24 Apr 1998 Cessna 172 accident near Ramona, CA?
Witnesses reported an aircraft on a stabilized final approach at about 300 feet AGL suddenly pitched over vertically without warning. The elevator was observed deflected nose-down. No preimpact mechanical failure was found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8364L, at Ramona, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of control of the aircraft on final approach for undetermined reasons.
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