N52156 Aviation Accident 2025-05-01
Fatal Accident (1) - RBL Missions LLC Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG, N52156, near Nevada County Airport (GOO/KGOO), Grass Valley, CA, May 01, 2025.
Interactive Map
Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fat. | Aircraft Inj. | Ground Fat. | Ground Inj. | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39°13'28.92"N, 121°1'30.31"W | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG | RBL Missions LLC | N52156 | 177RG1180 | 1977 |
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YouTube Accident Related Video(s)
ASX Accident Report
On the morning of Thursday, May 1, 2025, a single-engine Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG aircraft, registered as N52156 and powered by a Lycoming IO-360 fuel-injected engine, crashed while on approach to Nevada County Airport in Grass Valley, California. The aircraft was occupied solely by the pilot, who was fatally injured in the incident. The pilot had initiated a Mayday call shortly before the crash, reporting an engine failure while maneuvering on a left base leg for Runway 7. Weather conditions at the time included light winds out of the east.
According to officials and eyewitness accounts, the pilot attempted to reach the runway following the power loss but came up short, impacting terrain in a residential area along Whispering Pines Lane, approximately one mile west of the airport. The location of the crash placed the aircraft in a light industrial or residential zone just outside the immediate airport perimeter. The Grass Valley Police Department responded to the scene and confirmed the pilot was deceased upon arrival. Emergency services quickly secured the area, and road closures were enacted around Idaho Maryland Road and Centennial Drive to allow for investigation.
Early witness reports and an unofficial aviation podcast recap suggest that the aircraft may have contacted treetops during the emergency approach, though it is still unclear if aerodynamic control was lost prior to the crash or if the aircraft struck obstacles while attempting to glide in. The aircraft's descent trajectory suggests a possible misjudgment in altitude or glidepath as the pilot attempted to reach the runway without power. Investigators are also expected to examine mechanical integrity, fuel supply, and potential system anomalies that could have led to the reported engine failure.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the crash. Both agencies are expected to conduct a full mechanical review of the powerplant, examine radio communications logs, and analyze any available surveillance or security camera footage from the surrounding area. Witness statements are also being solicited, particularly from individuals near the 1000 block of Whispering Pines Lane who may have observed the final moments of the flight. The pilot's identity has not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tracking and Social Media
- Flight Tracking: Flightradar24, FlightAware, ADS-B Exchange
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter)
Sources and References
