On April 22, 1992, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N13910) operated by Michael L. King was involved in an aviation accident near St. Augustine, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a low-level maneuver, resulting in a stall and spin, due to his ingestion of marijuana. 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.
An aircraft stalled and entered a spin after a low-level pass near a marina, resulting in a crash into the water. The pilot tested positive for marijuana.
What happened
Witnesses reported that the airplane conducted two passes near a marina at an approximate altitude of 100 feet. During the second pass, traveling from west to east, the aircraft pulled up sharply while engine power was observed increasing. At approximately 400 feet, the aircraft stalled and entered a left spin before impacting the water.
The investigation
Post-accident toxicological testing of the pilot yielded positive results for tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid, a metabolite associated with marijuana use. The concentration detected in the blood was 0.002 ug/ml.
Findings
The crash was attributed to stall during the maneuver following the low pass. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana. The aircraft entered a spin from which recovery was not possible before impact with the water surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a low-level maneuver, resulting in a stall and spin, due to his ingestion of marijuana.
What happened in the 22 Apr 1992 Piper PA-18-150 accident near St. Augustine, FL?
An aircraft stalled and entered a spin after a low-level pass near a marina, resulting in a crash into the water. The pilot tested positive for marijuana.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Apr 1992 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N13910, operated by Michael L. King, at St. Augustine, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a low-level maneuver, resulting in a stall and spin, due to his ingestion of marijuana.
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