# NTSB Accident NYC97FA144
> **Cessna TR182** · 1997-07-13 · SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** NYC97FA144
- **Event ID:** 20001208X08478
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-07-13
- **Location:** SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ, USA
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Cessna
- **Model:** TR182
- **Registration:** N737PK
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above water, while maneuvering over the ocean during a dark moonless night.  Related factors were: darkness, the pilot's probable illusion of altitude, spatial disorientation, and lack of instrument experience.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=NYC97FA144) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*