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9 fatalities

Fatal Crash at Santa Ana Airport Due to Low Visibility and Altitude Misjudgment (N7666)

Santa Ana-John Wayne, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 23, 1968, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N7666) operated by Cable Commuter Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana-John Wayne, United States of America during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: improper IFR operation, the pilot-in-command misjudged altitude, low ceiling and foggy conditions, and visibility limited to 3/4 mile or less. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A nine-occupant aircraft crashed into a light pole and the ground 1.8 miles short of Santa Ana Airport's runway 20R after the pilot misjudged altitude in fog and low clouds. All occupants perished.

Incident Overview and Flight Progression After an uneventful flight from Los Angeles, the crew initiated a descent toward Santa Ana Airport. During the approach, the pilot encountered poor visibility caused by low clouds and fog. On short final, the crew did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The airplane subsequently struck a 30-foot steel light pole situated along the Costa Mesa Freeway. Following the impact, the aircraft lost control, dove into the ground, and crashed in flames 1.8 miles short of the runway 20R threshold. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all nine occupants died in the crash.

Probable cause

The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: improper IFR operation, the pilot-in-command misjudged altitude, low ceiling and foggy conditions, and visibility limited to 3/4 mile or less.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Nov 1968 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Santa Ana-John Wayne, United States of America?

A nine-occupant aircraft crashed into a light pole and the ground 1.8 miles short of Santa Ana Airport's runway 20R after the pilot misjudged altitude in fog and low clouds. All occupants perished.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Nov 1968 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Nov 1968 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N7666, operated by Cable Commuter Airlines, at Santa Ana-John Wayne, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: improper IFR operation, the pilot-in-command misjudged altitude, low ceiling and foggy conditions, and visibility limited to 3/4 mile or less.

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