On February 14, 1982, an Aeronca 7EC (registration N4393C) operated by Turner Aviation Co. Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near New Gloucester, ME. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying a ski-equipped aircraft crashed on a frozen lake after a low-altitude turn toward trees. Witnesses reported normal engine operation until impact. Drugs and alcohol were found on the pilot.
Incident Details
A pilot flew a ski-equipped aircraft to a frozen lake where he met two friends who were ice fishing. After visiting with his friends and giving each of them a ride in the aircraft, the pilot took off again. Following takeoff, the pilot turned back at low altitude and flew over the vicinity of his friends. Several witnesses reported that the pilot was at or below tree level as he flew back over the frozen lake.
Witness Accounts
Other fishermen observed the pilot wave as he flew by. Witnesses then saw the aircraft turn toward tall trees at the shoreline. The pilot pulled up as if to climb over the trees, but suddenly the nose dropped and the plane impacted on the ice. The witnesses reported that the engine seemed to operate normally until impact.
Toxicology Findings
A canvas pouch containing marijuana, hashish, and cocaine was found in the pilot's coat pocket. A toxicological test of the pilot's blood revealed 0.042 percent alcohol but no drugs. The test would not have identified marijuana.