Aircraft impact on Lake Havasu

Casualties unknown • LK Havasu City, CA, US

An aircraft crashed into the water at Lake Havasu after witnesses observed it performing low-altitude turns.

What happened

The pilot and passenger had flown to Lake Havasu to visit relatives and friends who were vacationing on a houseboat. Witnesses on the scene reported observing N3999W approaching at a low altitude and circling a specific point on the lake. According to these witnesses, the aircraft was in a right bank and underwent a gradual descent during its turns until the airplane impacted the water.

The investigation

An examination of the pilot's logbook showed that he had accumulated approximately 195 hours of total flight time. Additionally, a toxicology report conducted on the passenger revealed the presence of cocaine and elevated levels of antihistamines in both blood and tissue samples.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-09-07 Piper PA-32-260 accident near LK Havasu City, CA?

An aircraft crashed into the water at Lake Havasu after witnesses observed it performing low-altitude turns.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-09-07 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3999W, at LK Havasu City, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S ATTENTION DIVERTED OUTSIDE THE AIRPLANE. THIS DIVERSION RESULTED IN THE PILOT FAILING TO MONITOR HIS ALTITUDE WHILE IN A DESCENDING TURN AND INADVERTENTLY FLYING THE AIRPLANE INTO THE WATER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29340. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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