On June 21, 1986, a Cessna 120 (registration N89789) was involved in an aviation accident near Marlton, NJ. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed into trees about 10 minutes after takeoff while performing aerobatics. Witnesses observed a loop and recovery from descent. Toxicology tests showed elevated blood alcohol levels in both occupants. The aircraft was not certificated for aerobatic flight.
Accident Details
About 10 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft struck trees and crashed while the pilots were conducting aerobatic maneuvers. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was identified.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that aerobatics were being performed at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level. They stated that the pilots executed an overhead maneuver (loop) and were recovering from a descent when the aircraft hit the trees.
Toxicology Findings
Toxicology analyses revealed blood alcohol levels of 0.246% in the left seat occupant and 0.218% in the right seat occupant.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was not certificated for aerobatic flight.
What happened in the 21 Jun 1986 Cessna 120 accident near Marlton, NJ?
An aircraft crashed into trees about 10 minutes after takeoff while performing aerobatics. Witnesses observed a loop and recovery from descent. Toxicology tests showed elevated blood alcohol levels in both occupants. The aircraft was not certificated for aerobatic flight.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jun 1986 Cessna 120 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jun 1986 involved a Cessna 120, registration N89789, at Marlton, NJ.
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…