Cessna 175A accident near Ocean City, New Jersey, May 19, 2003
On May 19, 2003 at about 4:20 pm local time, a Cessna 175A, registered N6989E, was substantially damaged in an accident near Ocean City, New Jersey (Ocean City Municipal Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- May 19, 2003 · about 4:20 pm local time
- Place
- Ocean City, New Jersey · Ocean City Municipal Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Cessna 175A · all 175As on the register
- Registration
- N6989E · no longer on the register · serial 56489
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
During the initial climb, about 800 feet msl, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot made a 180-degree turn back toward the airport, but was unable to maintain altitude. He ditched the airplane in shallow water about 2 miles south of the airport. The pilot stated that it was possible that the airplane's single fuel vent was obstructed, which resulted in the power loss. Examination of the wreckage revealed that both fuel tanks contained fuel, and the fuel vent was not blocked. Examination of the engine did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Thumb compression and valve train continuity were obtained, and the engine initially started. However, it did not continue to run.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; rotorcraft: glider
- Flight time: 7,675 hours in all; 145 in this make and model; 22 in the last 90 days; 15 in the last 30 days
- Last flight review: May 3, 2003
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (valid medical--w/ waivers/lim.)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,200 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, July 31, 2002; 30 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 2,350 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Continental O300G (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: 26N Ocean City NJ at 4:20 pm
- Destination: WWD Cape May NJ
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 060° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 64°F (18°C), dew point 45°F (7°C)
- Altimeter: 30.35 inHg
- Observation at 3:54 pm from ACY, 12 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.