On September 16, 1991, a Cessna 170B (registration N4693C) operated by Kirkendall, Curtis was involved in an aviation accident near Curtis, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during an aerobatic maneuver while intoxicated by alcohol. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 170B collided with terrain while performing a low pass. Witnesses reported the nose dropped during an inverted roll attempt. Toxicology confirmed the pilot had a blood alcohol level of .08.
What happened
The Cessna 170B was engaged in a low pass maneuver over an airstrip when it collided with the terrain. According to witness accounts, the pilot appeared to be attempting a roll at the time of the incident. During this maneuver, the aircraft became inverted and the nose dropped unexpectedly. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a nose-low attitude.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators collected toxicological samples from the pilot. Analysis of these samples revealed that the pilot's blood alcohol level was .08 grams per 100 milliliter. This finding indicates significant impairment at the time of the flight.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident include the loss of control during an aerobatic maneuver and the pilot's intoxication. The decision to attempt a roll while inverted during a low pass, combined with alcohol consumption, led directly to the collision with terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during an aerobatic maneuver while intoxicated by alcohol.