Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Crashes on Dark Night; Alcohol Detected (N8287W)

Mangum, OK, US

On March 8, 1992, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8287W) operated by Stanley R. Wright was involved in an aviation accident near Mangum, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRPLANE ALTITUDE. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

A non-instrument rated pilot departed at 0130 on a very dark night, impacting the ground nose-low. Beer bottles were found outside the wreckage, and the pilot tested positive for alcohol. A passenger reported the aircraft was flying without lights.

Introduction

An accident investigation has revealed details of a nighttime crash involving a non-instrument rated pilot. The flight departed at 0130 under very dark conditions and ended with the aircraft impacting the ground in a nose-low attitude.

Details of the Flight

According to the source, the pilot was not rated for instrument flight. The departure occurred at 0130 on a night described as very dark. A passenger reported that the pilot was flying with no lights on. No anomalies were found on the airplane, indicating no mechanical or structural issues.

Post-Accident Findings

After the crash, numerous beer bottles were found lying on the ground outside the wreckage. The highway patrol reported that the pilot tested positive for alcohol at the time of admittance to the local hospital. The investigation did not identify any specific cause for the accident, as the source provides no explicit probable cause statement.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Mar 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Mangum, OK?

A non-instrument rated pilot departed at 0130 on a very dark night, impacting the ground nose-low. Beer bottles were found outside the wreckage, and the pilot tested positive for alcohol. A passenger reported the aircraft was flying without lights.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Mar 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8287W, operated by Stanley R. Wright, at Mangum, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRPLANE ALTITUDE. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14290. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.