No fatalities

CESSNA 172K accident at Williston, FL, 6 Oct 2021

Williston, FL, United States

On October 6, 2021, a CESSNA 172K operated by Ocala Aviation Flight Training Center was involved in an aviation accident near Williston, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the approach path, the dark night conditions and the landing light being off.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Student/instructed pilotDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedEffect on equipmentInstructor/check pilotEffect on personnelContributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 2021 CESSNA 172K accident near Williston, FL?

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the approach path, the dark night conditions and the landing light being off.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Oct 2021 CESSNA 172K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 2021 involved a CESSNA 172K, operated by Ocala Aviation Flight Training Center, at Williston, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the approach path, the dark night conditions and the landing light being off.