Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes into Water After Low Passes Over Boats; Pilot's Blood Shows Alcohol (N1378C)

Sleetmute, AK, US

On May 22, 1984, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1378C) was involved in an aviation accident near Sleetmute, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses reported a pilot making three low passes over boats in Sleetmute Slough before the aircraft crashed into the water. A toxicology test revealed an alcohol level of 0.048% in the pilot's blood.

Accident Overview

An aircraft crashed into the water of Sleetmute Slough following a series of low passes over boats. According to witness accounts, the pilot executed three passes at an estimated altitude of 5 to 10 feet above the water. After each pass, the aircraft would pull up in a steep climb, execute a 180-degree turn, and make another pass. Following the third pass, the aircraft pulled up, yawed to the left, and then crashed into the water in a nose-low, wings-level attitude.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses observed the pilot making repeated low passes over boats in the slough. The passes were estimated to be at 5 to 10 feet above the water surface. After each low pass, the aircraft would climb steeply, turn 180 degrees, and descend for another pass. On the third pass, after pulling up, the aircraft yawed to the left and subsequently crashed into the water. At the time of impact, the aircraft was in a nose-low, wings-level attitude.

Toxicology Findings

A toxicological examination of the pilot's blood revealed an alcohol content of 0.048% (48 mg%). No other details regarding the pilot or the aircraft were provided in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39440. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.