On November 8, 1987, a Cessna 140 (registration N72137) operated by Tom Taylor was involved in an aviation accident near Bryan, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot took off at night with a passenger, performed low approaches, entered a steep bank and stalled, crashing near runway 13. Post-accident blood alcohol level was 0.149%.
Accident Sequence
A student pilot departed at night with a passenger on board. After takeoff, the pilot remained in a left traffic pattern and executed a low approach. Witnesses reported that the pilot then entered a right pattern, but the aircraft was lower and slower than normal as it turned onto the second approach to runway 13. During the turn, the aircraft entered a steep right bank and appeared to stall. Before recovery from the stall, the aircraft crashed near the approach end of runway 13. Initial impact occurred on a roadway, after which the aircraft bounced and struck a utility pole before coming to rest on airport property.
Pilot Background
According to reports, the pilot had received 6.7 hours of night instruction but had flown only about 1 hour in the previous 90 days. The aircraft owner reported that he did not authorize this flight.
Blood Alcohol Test
After the accident, a blood test of the pilot revealed an alcohol level of 0.149% (149 mg/dL).