Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Without Multi-Engine Rating Crashes During Illegal Flight with Marijuana (N100DT)

Jacksonvile, FL, US

On March 4, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N100DT) operated by Thomas E. Daniels was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonvile, FL. 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

A private pilot with an instrument rating but no multi-engine rating conducted an illegal flight with marijuana aboard. The aircraft ran low on fuel in dense fog, lost engine power, and crashed during a single-engine approach attempt.

Accident Overview

A private pilot legally rated for single-engine land operations but lacking a multi-engine rating was piloting a multi-engine aircraft on an illegal flight. Marijuana was on board. The pilot contacted Jacksonville Approach Control, reporting dense ground fog obscuring the ground and a low fuel state, and requesting landing assistance. He was cleared for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Jacksonville International Airport but was unable to complete it.

Communications and Vectoring

The aircraft's radio equipment was described as old and provided poor communications. Despite this, air traffic control personnel managed to vector the aircraft for a precision approach radar (PAR) approach to the Naval Air Station. The first attempt was unsuccessful, and the aircraft's fuel state became critical.

Loss of Power and Crash

Subsequently, one engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. While the pilot was attempting a single-engine approach, the aircraft entered a right turn and crashed in a steep nose-down, right wing low attitude.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right engine was feathered, and the left propeller had damage consistent with operation at high power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35976. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.