On December 17, 1982, a Cessna 340 (registration N5906M) operated by David Russell Burton was involved in an aviation accident near Benavides, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A stolen aircraft carrying an estimated 600 lbs of marijuana crashed and burned during a final approach to an open field at dusk. A navigational chart with a line between points in Mexico and the US was found near the wreckage.
Incident Details
A deer hunter witnessed a stolen aircraft on final approach to an open field at dusk, with its landing gear and flaps extended. According to the witness, when the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above ground level, the nose pitched down and the plane struck the ground, subsequently bursting into flames.
Aircraft and Cargo
The aircraft was loaded with an estimated 600 pounds of marijuana, most of which was consumed by the fire. The aircraft had been reported stolen.
Physical Evidence
A high-altitude navigational chart was found near the wreckage. The chart contained a line drawn between two navigational points: one in Mexico and one in the United States.