You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Sunday 1 January 2023 |
| Time: | 15:40 LT |
| Type: |  Cessna 172 Skyhawk |
| Owner/operator: | private |
| Registration: | N7181A |
| MSN: | 29281 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1956 |
| Engine model: | Continental O-300-A |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Watsonville Municipal Airport (WVI/KWVI), Watsonville, CA -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Training |
| Departure airport: | Watsonville Airport, CA (WVI/KWVI) |
| Watsonville Airport, CA (WVI/KWVI) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The student pilot reported that, she initiated a go around when she realized that she was low while on final approach. During the go around, the airplane struck powerlines, impacted terrain, and came to rest nose down. The right wing and the fuselage were substantially damaged.
Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during a go around.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB WPR23LA082
FAA register: https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=7181A
Location
Media:
Our first responders are at the scene of a plane crash at the Watsonville Municipal Airport.
— City of Watsonville (@WatsonvilleCity) January 1, 2023
Reports of the crash off of Buena Vista Dr. came in at about 2:40PM. pic.twitter.com/AaXxEDjoXp
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation