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Airplane Collides with Mountain Ridge in Low Visibility; Pilot Had Cocaine Metabolite in System (N7523C)

Ashland, AL, US

On March 22, 1991, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N7523C) operated by Sunny Skies, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ashland, AL. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT BY THE PILOT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENCE ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE ABOVE THE WOODED TERRAIN. 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 collided with a mountain ridge at approximately 2000 ft after the pilot was advised VFR not recommended due to low clouds and fog. The planned cruise altitude was 2000 ft but the maximum elevation figure for the area was 3100 ft. No mechanical failure found; toxicology detected a cocaine metabolite.

Accident Details

The pilot received a complete weather briefing that included convective weather information. The briefer advised that visual flight was not recommended due to forecasted low clouds and reduced visibility. During the flight, the airplane collided with a mountain ridge at about the 2000 ft level. Reportedly, the mountain tops were obscured by fog.

Flight Planning

The pilot flight planned for a cruise altitude of 2000 ft. However, the maximum elevation figure for the quadrangle in which the accident occurred was 3100 ft.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage and accident site failed to indicate a mechanical problem.

Toxicology Results

Toxicology tests of the pilot's blood detected 0.068 ug/mL of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Mar 1991 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Ashland, AL?

An airplane collided with a mountain ridge at approximately 2000 ft after the pilot was advised VFR not recommended due to low clouds and fog. The planned cruise altitude was 2000 ft but the maximum elevation figure for the area was 3100 ft. No mechanical failure found; toxicology detected a cocaine metabolite.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Mar 1991 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Mar 1991 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N7523C, operated by Sunny Skies, Inc., at Ashland, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT BY THE PILOT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENCE ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE ABOVE THE WOODED TERRAIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, HIGH TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S RECENT USE OF COCAINE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16540. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.