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Student Pilot Crashes After Unauthorized Night Flight (N49056)

Arlington, TX, US

On July 11, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N49056) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: POOR JUDGEMENT OF THE PILOT, DUE TO IMPAIRMENT FROM CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE WHILE MANEUVERING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS, THE PILOT'S RECENT USE OF DRUGS, AND HIS LACK OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

A student pilot with 14 hours of flight time took an aircraft without authorization at night. After low-altitude maneuvering and bounced landings, the aircraft collided with a transmission line and crashed. Toxicology revealed alcohol and cannabinoids.

Incident Overview

A student pilot with approximately 14 hours of total flight time took an aircraft without authorization during nighttime hours and departed on a flight. The aircraft was observed maneuvering at low altitude in the surrounding area before the pilot returned to the airport.

Landing Attempts

While attempting to land, the pilot reportedly bounced the aircraft on the runway several times. Subsequently, while maneuvering in what appeared to be another landing attempt, the aircraft collided with a transmission line and crashed.

Toxicology Results

Toxicology tests conducted on the pilot showed a blood alcohol level of 0.34 grams per deciliter (0.34%). Additionally, the pilot's urine tested positive for cannabinoids.

Witness Statement

A taxicab driver, who delivered the pilot to the airport prior to the flight, reported that the pilot smelled of alcohol and had a beer in his possession.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Arlington, TX?

A student pilot with 14 hours of flight time took an aircraft without authorization at night. After low-altitude maneuvering and bounced landings, the aircraft collided with a transmission line and crashed. Toxicology revealed alcohol and cannabinoids.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49056, at Arlington, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

POOR JUDGEMENT OF THE PILOT, DUE TO IMPAIRMENT FROM CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE WHILE MANEUVERING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS, THE PILOT'S RECENT USE OF DRUGS, AND HIS LACK OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28827. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.