1 fatality

Pilot Reports Autopilot Malfunction Before River Impact (N7123Y)

Dayton, TN, US

On March 8, 1990, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7123Y) operated by Lowell B. Pete was involved in an aviation accident near Dayton, TN. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL USE OF AN AUTOPILOT WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES. THE PILOT KNOWINGLY RELIED ON THIS AUTOPILOT WHICH MALFUNCTIONED IN FLIGHT AND RESULTED IN HIS BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTATED. 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

During an instrument flight, a pilot reported an autopilot malfunction while en route for maintenance, then lost contact and impacted a river in a steep descent.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that the aircraft was level at 11,000 feet while en route for autopilot maintenance. Shortly after, the pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) of an autopilot malfunction. In response to ATC's offer of vectors, the pilot replied "Please." No further communications were received from the aircraft.

Flight Details

The aircraft impacted a river at a steep angle almost directly below the pilot's last reported position. The pilot was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at the time of the incident. According to known information, the pilot relied on the autopilot during instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.

Aftermath

The aircraft was found in the river following the loss of contact. The exact sequence of events leading to the impact remains under investigation. No other information has been provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Mar 1990 Piper PA-30 accident near Dayton, TN?

During an instrument flight, a pilot reported an autopilot malfunction while en route for maintenance, then lost contact and impacted a river in a steep descent.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Mar 1990 Piper PA-30 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Mar 1990 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7123Y, operated by Lowell B. Pete, at Dayton, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL USE OF AN AUTOPILOT WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES. THE PILOT KNOWINGLY RELIED ON THIS AUTOPILOT WHICH MALFUNCTIONED IN FLIGHT AND RESULTED IN HIS BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTATED.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22656. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.