Probable cause
A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
During a local flight, radar data identified for the accident airplane indicated that approximately 1 hour into the flight, the airplane climbed above 12,500 feet. About 15 minutes later it climbed above 14,000 feet, and stayed above 14,000 for 42 minutes. At this point, the target was descending, and began turning to the right (west). It lost 13,000 feet in the last minute. Boaters reported seeing the airplane going nose low into the ocean. They maneuvered their boats to the site, and observed debris and an oil slick. The Coast Guard recovered several pieces of debris including a seat, which fell within the serial number range of the accident airplane. The remainder of the wreckage and the pilot were not recovered.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA149 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 6, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Oceanside, California
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N726RJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.