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Casualties unknown

N3999W Impacts Water During Low-Altitude Circling Over Lake Havasu

LK Havasu City, CA, US

On September 7, 1989, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3999W) was involved in an aviation accident near LK Havasu City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot and passenger had flown to Lake Havasu to visit friends on a houseboat. Witnesses observed N3999W approach at low altitude, circle a point, and gradually descend in a right bank until impacting the water. The pilot had 195 flight hours; the passenger tested positive for cocaine and elevated antihistamines.

Flight Details

The pilot and passenger flew to Lake Havasu to visit the passenger's relatives and friends who were vacationing on a houseboat. The aircraft, identified by registration N3999W, was observed by witnesses approaching the area at a low altitude.

Witness Observations

According to witnesses, N3999W circled a particular point on the lake while in a right bank. The airplane gradually descended during the turns until it impacted the water.

Pilot Experience

A review of the pilot's logbook revealed he had accumulated approximately 195 hours of total flight time at the time of the accident.

Passenger Toxicology

The toxicology report on the passenger indicated he tested positive for cocaine and had an elevated level of antihistamines in blood and tissue samples.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 1989 Piper PA-32-260 accident near LK Havasu City, CA?

The pilot and passenger had flown to Lake Havasu to visit friends on a houseboat. Witnesses observed N3999W approach at low altitude, circle a point, and gradually descend in a right bank until impacting the water. The pilot had 195 flight hours; the passenger tested positive for cocaine and elevated antihistamines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 1989 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.

More accident analyses

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.