Aircraft Crash During Emergency Landing on Interstate Highway

Casualties unknown • Alexandria, MN, US

An aircraft crashed on an interstate highway during a nighttime emergency landing, resulting in the pilot sustaining a concussion and testing positive for alcohol.

What happened

At night, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on an interstate highway. During the sequence, the aircraft initially struck the highway median. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce over the eastbound lanes before coming to rest in an adjacent field.

The pilot sustained a concussion during the accident and was unable to recall the events of the crash. Upon inspection of the aircraft following the incident, it was determined that there was no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks.

Findings

Following the accident, an odor of alcohol was detected on the pilot's breath. A blood sample taken approximately one hour after the occurrence revealed a toxicology report showing an alcohol level of 0.12% (grams/100 ml). The pilot's most recent medical certification had been issued on July 17, 1986.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-10-14 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Alexandria, MN?

An aircraft crashed on an interstate highway during a nighttime emergency landing, resulting in the pilot sustaining a concussion and testing positive for alcohol.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-10-14 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N8088P, operated by Ira Hanson, at Alexandria, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

POOR JUDGEMENT OF THE PLT BY FLYING WHILE PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED FROM CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL, HIS IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, AND FUEL EXHAUSTION FROM HIS INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. THE LIGHT CONDITIONS AT NIGHT AND UNEVEN TERRAIN (HIGHWAY MEDIAN) WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27012. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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