Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Tree During Low-Level Flight Near Highway (N6236E)

Sweetwater, IL, US

On September 8, 1985, a Cessna 172 (registration N6236E) was involved in an aviation accident near Sweetwater, IL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft flying low and parallel to a highway collided with a tree before impacting the ground. The pilot's wife reported extreme stress and sleep deprivation; toxicology found cocaine and Valium. No mechanical issues were identified.

Incident Description

An aircraft was observed flying at a low altitude in a path parallel to a highway before it struck a tree and subsequently impacted the ground. The sequence of events was documented by witnesses, though no further details about the aircraft's configuration or flight path were provided.

Background

The pilot's wife stated that her husband had been under extreme stress for several months and had not slept for two days preceding the accident. She also noted that he was known to fall asleep suddenly when deprived of sleep for multiple days, suggesting that he may have fallen asleep prior to the crash.

Toxicology Results

Toxicology reports on the pilot indicated the presence of cocaine metabolites in urine and Valium in blood. No aircraft malfunctions were found during the investigation.

Investigation Findings

Investigators confirmed that the aircraft experienced no mechanical or system failures. The focus of the inquiry remained on human factors and physiological conditions, though no official probable cause has been assigned.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 1985 Cessna 172 accident near Sweetwater, IL?

An aircraft flying low and parallel to a highway collided with a tree before impacting the ground. The pilot's wife reported extreme stress and sleep deprivation; toxicology found cocaine and Valium. No mechanical issues were identified.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 1985 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6236E, at Sweetwater, IL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37736. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.