On July 2, 1990, a Cessna 177 (registration N2307Y) operated by Burreson, Rex H. was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Havasu, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, OVERWEIGHT AIRPLANE, AND THE PILOT'S ALCOHOL LEVEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After lift-off, an aircraft turned toward a lake, flew low and slow with nose high, then impacted water after 180° rotation. Pilot tested positive for alcohol (0.08%), aircraft 8 lbs overweight, density altitude 4,234 ft.
Sequence of Events
After liftoff, the aircraft made a right turn before reaching the departure end of the runway. It then headed toward a portion of the lake where the pilot and passengers had visited friends earlier in the day. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was flying low and slow, with a nose-high attitude. They observed the wings beginning to rock back and forth. The aircraft subsequently impacted the water after about 180 degrees of rotation.
Investigation Findings
Toxicological tests on the pilot were positive for alcohol at a reported level of 0.08%. The aircraft was over its maximum gross weight by about 8 pounds. The density altitude at the time of the accident was 4,234 feet. These findings were documented in the official report.
What happened in the 2 Jul 1990 Cessna 177 accident near Lake Havasu, AZ?
After lift-off, an aircraft turned toward a lake, flew low and slow with nose high, then impacted water after 180° rotation. Pilot tested positive for alcohol (0.08%), aircraft 8 lbs overweight, density altitude 4,234 ft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jul 1990 involved a Cessna 177, registration N2307Y, operated by Burreson, Rex H., at Lake Havasu, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, OVERWEIGHT AIRPLANE, AND THE PILOT'S ALCOHOL LEVEL.
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