On June 7, 1982, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N83654) operated by Ricky Shivers was involved in an aviation accident near Lehi, AR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed West Memphis Airport around 1900 and was found at 2000 in an open field two miles southwest. The aircraft collided with the ground nose-down. Neither occupant held a pilot certificate; the front-seat occupant had a student pilot certificate.
History of Flight
The aircraft is believed to have departed West Memphis Airport at approximately 1900. About one hour later, at approximately 2000, the aircraft was located in an open field two miles southwest of the airport. The wreckage indicated that the aircraft had collided with the ground very hard in a nose-down attitude.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the occupants revealed that neither individual possessed a pilot certificate. The occupant in the front seat had been issued a third-class medical certificate and a student pilot certificate on March 23, 1976. He had also recently purchased the aircraft on April 7, 1982. Toxicological testing of the front-seat occupant showed a blood alcohol level of 179 mg%, while the passenger's blood alcohol level was 83 mg%.