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August 17, 2025 · Cessna 140 · N89447

Shelter Cove, CA

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 2025
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Shelter Cove, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 140 (1946)
Tail Number
N89447
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
NTSB Number
WPR25FA257

On August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed Shelter Cove Airport (0Q5), Shelter Cove, California, and was destined for Charles M Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), Santa Rosa, California. A witness located near the airport reported that the airplane departed runway 12 and made a steep climbing right turn over the ocean into low coastal fog, and the airplane disappeared from view. Shortly thereafter, he heard sirens and someone calling for help in the water. The passenger reported that they flew to 0Q5 for lunch and were returning to STS. He stated that they departed to the south, into the wind, and intended to circle the airport and fly over the runway to gain altitude. He stated that after they took off, they made a right turn northbound over the ocean and entered fog. The passenger noted that he could see the water below them and that it was closer than expected. Shortly after entering the fog, he described the feeling of turbulence and stated the airplane was “violently pushed down” and then it impacted the water. He did not remember exiting the airplane after the impact. First responders transported the occupants by personal watercraft to shore. The wreckage has not been recovered.

Full Narrative

On August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed Shelter Cove Airport (0Q5), Shelter Cove, California, and was destined for Charles M Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), Santa Rosa, California. A witness located near the airport reported that the airplane departed runway 12 and made a steep climbing right turn over the ocean into low coastal fog, and the airplane disappeared from view. Shortly thereafter, he heard sirens and someone calling for help in the water. The passenger reported that they flew to 0Q5 for lunch and were returning to STS. He stated that they departed to the south, into the wind, and intended to circle the airport and fly over the runway to gain altitude. He stated that after they took off, they made a right turn northbound over the ocean and entered fog. The passenger noted that he could see the water below them and that it was closer than expected. Shortly after entering the fog, he described the feeling of turbulence and stated the airplane was “violently pushed down” and then it impacted the water. He did not remember exiting the airplane after the impact. First responders transported the occupants by personal watercraft to shore. The wreckage has not been recovered.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:12 PDT
Nearest AirportShelter Cove (1nm SSE)
Runway12/3
Runway Length3407 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN89447
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageUnknown
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 59
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data