Casualties unknown

Missing Aircraft and Pilot After Ocean Flight (N7555X)

Little River, CA, US

On May 26, 2003, a Cessna 172B (registration N7555X) operated by Randy Hietala was involved in an aviation accident near Little River, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Aircraft is missing. 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

An aircraft disappeared over the ocean after departing on a flight from the pilot's home to his business. Despite searches by the Civil Air Patrol, no wreckage was found and both the aircraft and pilot remain missing.

Flight and Disappearance

The aircraft departed and flew out over the ocean before radar contact was lost. The pilot was flying from his home to his place of business. The following day, a friend who had not heard from the pilot contacted his office and was informed that the pilot had not arrived for work. The friend then notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), prompting the issuance of an Alert Notice (ALNOT).

Search Efforts

The local Civil Air Patrol unit conducted multiple searches for the missing aircraft and pilot. However, despite their efforts, no wreckage was located. The searches covered the area where the aircraft was last tracked but yielded no sign of the aircraft or its occupant.

Current Status

As of the latest update, the aircraft and pilot remain missing. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to review radar data and other information. No additional details have been released regarding the aircraft type, registration, or the pilot's identity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 May 2003 Cessna 172B accident near Little River, CA?

An aircraft disappeared over the ocean after departing on a flight from the pilot's home to his business. Despite searches by the Civil Air Patrol, no wreckage was found and both the aircraft and pilot remain missing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 May 2003 involved a Cessna 172B, registration N7555X, operated by Randy Hietala, at Little River, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Aircraft is missing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030605X00796. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.