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Sonora Desert Crash: Intoxicated Pilot, Inoperative Vacuum Pump (XBBCR)

Douglas, AZ, US

On December 22, 1990, a Cessna T210N (registration XBBCR) operated by J. A. Morales was involved in an aviation accident near Douglas, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DUE TO THE PILOT'S PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT FROM THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS AN INOPERATIVE VACUUM SYSTEM. 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

An airplane crashed vertically into semi-level Sonora desert terrain. The pilot had a muscle ethanol concentration of 210 mg/dL, and the vacuum pump had been inoperative for two months.

Accident Site

The accident site was located on semi-level, typical Sonora desert terrain. The airplane had impacted the ground at a right angle, 90 degrees to the surface. The propeller indicated power and rotation at impact.

Sequence of Events

County sheriff's investigators determined that the two individuals were last seen leaving a local Douglas bowling alley at approximately midnight. They were intoxicated and went to a bar, staying until 0100. The time of the accident was not specified.

Pilot Condition

The pilot's muscle ethanol concentration was 210 mg/dL, indicating intoxication. No other toxicological data were provided.

Aircraft Condition

The airplane's vacuum pump had been inoperative for the last two months. No other mechanical issues were noted in the source.

Investigation Status

No causes, conclusions, or safety recommendations were provided in the source. The investigation remains based on the facts stated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1990 Cessna T210N accident near Douglas, AZ?

An airplane crashed vertically into semi-level Sonora desert terrain. The pilot had a muscle ethanol concentration of 210 mg/dL, and the vacuum pump had been inoperative for two months.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1990 involved a Cessna T210N, registration XBBCR, operated by J. A. Morales, at Douglas, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DUE TO THE PILOT'S PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT FROM THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS AN INOPERATIVE VACUUM SYSTEM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24770. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.