Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
Witnesses observed the airplane flying low over the area and performing loops and steep turns before it dropped out of their view behind a mountain. They heard a loud bang, the sound of metal crumpling, and then the airplane’s engine noise stopped. The witnesses estimated that the airplane was flying in the area for at least 20 minutes before the accident. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot failed to maintain airplane control while performing the loops and steep turns.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA307 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Angels Camp, California
- Nearest airport
- Modesto City-Co Airport Harry (MOD)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N733AS
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.