Casualties unknown

1992-09-08: Piper PA-38-112 (N2509D) — City Aviation Incorporated — Conway, MA

Conway, MA, US

On September 8, 1992, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2509D) operated by City Aviation Incorporated was involved in an aviation accident near Conway, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE ABOVE THE TREES. A POSSIBLE FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S USE OF A PRESCRIPTION DRUG. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A witness observed an airplane circling a residence at low altitude with a wing-low attitude before an impact was heard. Wreckage was found one mile away. No mechanical anomalies were noted. The pilot had a panic disorder and was taking prescribed medications.

Accident Overview

An airplane was observed circling a pilot's home at a low altitude. A neighbor reported seeing the airplane flying "barely above tree top level, with the left wing lower than the right wing." The pilot's fiancée stated that she heard the airplane fly over their home and then heard a "thump." The wreckage was located approximately one mile from the pilot's home.

Examination Findings

Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) existed at the time of the accident.

Pilot Information

The pilot was taking prescribed medication for a biologically based disorder described as "panic disorder." Toxicology testing of the pilot's blood detected prescription medications: fluoxetine and temazepam. Specifically, the test showed 0.044 µg/mL of temazepam, 0.083 µg/mL of fluoxetine, and 0.138 µg/mL of norfluoxetine in the blood.

Conclusion

The circumstances surrounding the accident involve low-altitude maneuvering and the pilot's medical condition, but no probable cause was stated in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15602. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.