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Casualties unknown

Night Solo Cross-Country Flight Ends with Loss of Radar Contact (N156RA)

Atlantic Ocean, AO, US

On January 6, 2000, a Cessna 172R (registration N156RA) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's lack of total experience in instrument flight, simulated instrument flight, and night flight resulting in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented, and subsequent in-flight collision with water. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A noninstrument-rated private pilot on a night solo cross-country flight lost radar contact after reporting navigation difficulties. The pilot had only 1 hour of night pilot-in-command time, and moon illumination was 1%.

Flight Details

The noninstrument-rated private pilot was conducting a night solo cross-country flight. The aircraft was at an altitude of 2,600 feet and in radio contact with Jacksonville Approach.

Radar Tracking

At 0245:24, radar showed the aircraft at 2,000 feet, heading 013 degrees, with a ground speed of 112 knots. Thirty-three seconds later, at 0245:57, the aircraft was at 1,200 feet, heading 051 degrees, and its ground speed had increased to 124 knots.

Pilot's Communication

At 0245:58, the pilot stated, "I haven't any direction finder I don't see anything one six ro." Radar contact was subsequently lost at 0246:28.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had logged 1 hour of night pilot-in-command flight time. All simulated instrument time was conducted under dual instruction.

Environmental Conditions

The moon set at 2159. Illumination was only 1 percent.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jan 2000 Cessna 172R accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO?

A noninstrument-rated private pilot on a night solo cross-country flight lost radar contact after reporting navigation difficulties. The pilot had only 1 hour of night pilot-in-command time, and moon illumination was 1%.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jan 2000 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N156RA, at Atlantic Ocean, AO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's lack of total experience in instrument flight, simulated instrument flight, and night flight resulting in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented, and subsequent in-flight collision with water. Contributing to the accident was the dark night with no visible horizon.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20403. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.