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Witness Reports Engine at Full Power and Left Turn Before Descent into Gulf of Mexico (N5136S)

Cedar Key, FL, US

On February 11, 2002, a Cessna TR182 (registration N5136S) operated by Russell W. Blaser was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Key, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation resulting in the airplane descending and colliding with water. A factor in the accident was a dark night . This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A witness reported seeing the airplane's lights and hearing the engine at full power after departure. The airplane turned left at about 45 degrees and descended into the Gulf of Mexico about 1/4 mile from the airport. Weather included patches of fog and light haze on a dark night.

Witness Observation

A witness provided an account to investigators, stating that they saw the airplane's lights and heard the engine at full power after the airplane departed the runway. The witness observed the airplane turn left at an angle of about 45 degrees, followed by a descent into the Gulf of Mexico approximately one-quarter mile from the airport.

Weather Conditions

Recovery personnel reported seeing fog at the crash site about one hour after the accident. Witnesses described the weather as a dark night with no stars visible, patches of fog, and light haze over the water.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage found no discrepancies with the airframe, engine, engine components, or propeller.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Feb 2002 Cessna TR182 accident near Cedar Key, FL?

A witness reported seeing the airplane's lights and hearing the engine at full power after departure. The airplane turned left at about 45 degrees and descended into the Gulf of Mexico about 1/4 mile from the airport. Weather included patches of fog and light haze on a dark night.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Feb 2002 involved a Cessna TR182, registration N5136S, operated by Russell W. Blaser, at Cedar Key, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation resulting in the airplane descending and colliding with water. A factor in the accident was a dark night .

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020214X00217. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.