On February 1, 1990, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N83253) operated by Three Wing Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Fairfield, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INTOXICATED PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN/MAINTAIN A SAFE ALTITUDE TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE FROM THE TREE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft N83253, cleared for taxi to runway 24 at Bradley, initially taxied toward runway 06 before being corrected. After takeoff, it turned right to 305°, flew about eight miles, and crashed into a wooded residential area approximately 2,500 feet from the pilot's home. The pilot's blood ethanol level was 220 mg/dL.
Departure and Taxi
Prior to departing Bradley, aircraft N83253 was cleared by ground control to taxi to runway 24 for an intersection departure. The pilot began taxiing toward runway 06, prompting ground control to advise that the correct runway was 24. The aircraft was then directed to runway 24 for takeoff.
Flight Path and Accident
Bradley tower cleared N83253 for takeoff and requested the direction of flight. The pilot responded, 'Straight out.' After departure, the aircraft was observed making a right turn to approximately 305 degrees. After flying about eight miles, the airplane crashed into a wooded residential area. This location was about 2,500 feet from the pilot's home.
Pilot Toxicology
Post-accident toxicology testing revealed that the pilot's blood ethanol level was 220 mg/dL.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Feb 1990 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Fairfield, CT?
Aircraft N83253, cleared for taxi to runway 24 at Bradley, initially taxied toward runway 06 before being corrected. After takeoff, it turned right to 305°, flew about eight miles, and crashed into a wooded residential area approximately 2,500 feet from the pilot's home. The pilot's blood ethanol level was 220 mg/dL.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Feb 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N83253, operated by Three Wing Flying Service, at Fairfield, CT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE INTOXICATED PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN/MAINTAIN A SAFE ALTITUDE TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE FROM THE TREE.