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Casualties unknown

Airplane Crashes into Lake after Takeoff; Pilot Unlicensed and Under Influence of Marijuana (N37611)

Kakhonak, AK, US

On June 18, 1991, a Taylorcraft BC-65 (registration N37611) operated by Robert Hester was involved in an aviation accident near Kakhonak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE UNCERTIFICATED PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AND THE PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT BY DRUGS (MARIJUANA) OF THE PILOT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE STALL WHICH WAS NOT IDENTIFIED BY THE NONRATED PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed into a lake shortly after takeoff after stalling during a left bank. Investigation found the pilot lacked a certificate and had high marijuana levels.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane entered a left bank, stalled, and subsequently crashed into a lake approximately 200 yards offshore. The sequence of events occurring immediately after departure led to the loss of control and impact with the water.

Pilot Certification and Toxicology

Investigation revealed that the pilot did not hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate or a medical certificate at the time of the accident. An autopsy report detected a high level of cannabinoids (marijuana) in the pilot's system, with Delta-9 THC at 31 ng/mL and 11-Hydroxy-Delta-9 THC at 6.6 ng/mL. The report indicated that the pilot had been smoking marijuana immediately before the crash.

Passenger Seating

Two passengers were occupying a single seat, with one passenger seated on the lap of the other. This arrangement deviated from standard seating configurations and may have affected the aircraft's weight and balance.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 1991 Taylorcraft BC-65 accident near Kakhonak, AK?

An airplane crashed into a lake shortly after takeoff after stalling during a left bank. Investigation found the pilot lacked a certificate and had high marijuana levels.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 1991 involved a Taylorcraft BC-65, registration N37611, operated by Robert Hester, at Kakhonak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE UNCERTIFICATED PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AND THE PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT BY DRUGS (MARIJUANA) OF THE PILOT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE STALL WHICH WAS NOT IDENTIFIED BY THE NONRATED PILOT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17151. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.