IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Aircraft: Cessna 172

•Tail Number: N737TH

•Type: Single-engine, four-seat general aviation aircraft

•Location: Lake Ontario, near Shadigee, NY

•Incident Date: November 4, 1979

•Flight Type: Non-commercial, operating under 14 CFR Part 91

•TSB Identification: NYC80FAMS2

AIRCRAFT TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Cessna 172 is a versatile, reliable single-engine aircraft, widely used in general aviation for flight training, personal travel, and recreational flying. Introduced in the 1950s, it is celebrated for its ease of handling and durability, making it one of the most successful light aircraft models in history.

HISTORY OF THE INCIDENT

Overview:

On November 4, 1979, the Cessna 172 (tail number N737TH) departed from Akron, NY, for a routine pleasure flight, planning to return to its point of origin. During cruise flight near Shadigee, NY, the aircraft experienced an unexpected engine failure or malfunction. The exact cause of the mechanical failure remains undetermined.

Emergency Landing:

The pilot, faced with a critical loss of engine power, made the decision to perform an emergency water landing on Lake Ontario. Despite challenging circumstances, the landing was executed with some success, allowing two passengers to escape with minor injuries.

Fatality:

Tragically, one passenger lost their life in the accident.

Aircraft Damage:

The aircraft sustained catastrophic damage during the water landing and subsequently sank into Lake Ontario. The wreckage was later discovered, though records do not fully detail the recovery process or current condition of the wreck.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Aircraft Status: Total Loss.

•Casualties: One fatality; two survivors with minor injuries.

•Cause of Incident: Engine failure; specific cause not fully determined.

•Current Location: Wreckage submerged in Lake Ontario; precise status undocumented.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreckage of N737TH was located after the accident, but details of the discovery (including date and parties involved) remain unclear in available records.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck. The incident does not pose a known hazard to navigation in Lake Ontario.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical data and similar wreck records.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed documentation of shipwrecks and related incidents.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Archival resource for Great Lakes maritime history.

•www.sonarguy.com: Potential source for underwater wreck detection and exploration.

KEYWORDS

Cessna 172, Lake Ontario Aircraft Incident, Shadigee NY, 1979 Aviation Accident, Engine Failure, Emergency Water Landing, General Aviation, Great Lakes Wrecks.

ANALYSIS

The loss of N737TH highlights the challenges faced by pilots during emergency situations and the unpredictability of mechanical failures in aviation. The successful escape of two passengers demonstrates the pilot’s skill and composure under pressure, though the fatality underscores the inherent risks of such incidents.

The wreck serves as a poignant reminder of aviation history on the Great Lakes and may hold interest for divers and historians exploring submerged sites. Further documentation of the wreck could provide insights into the design and safety of general aviation aircraft during the late 20th century.