On April 24, 1983, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N95341) was involved in an aviation accident near Lebanon, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during a steep climb, likely due to his elevated blood alcohol level. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An unauthorized pilot performed repeated low passes over a runway before attempting a steep climb that failed, resulting in a crash due to loss of control and intoxication.
What happened
Several witnesses observed the pilot making repeated low passes over the runway. On the final pass, the aircraft entered a steep climb but then fell off on one wing before diving toward the ground. The pilot attempted a pull-out maneuver, but the aircraft struck the ground before recovery was achieved. The owner of the aircraft stated that it had been flown without his permission.
Findings
A toxicological report disclosed that the pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.176%. This high level of intoxication contributed significantly to the loss of control during the steep climb and subsequent dive.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during a steep climb, likely due to his elevated blood alcohol level.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Apr 1983 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Lebanon, OR?
An unauthorized pilot performed repeated low passes over a runway before attempting a steep climb that failed, resulting in a crash due to loss of control and intoxication.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Apr 1983 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N95341, at Lebanon, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during a steep climb, likely due to his elevated blood alcohol level.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…