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Casualties unknown

Stolen Aircraft Crashes Into Meteorological Tower (N12587)

White Water, CA, US

On March 19, 1993, a Cessna 172M (registration N12587) operated by Advanced Flight Training, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near White Water, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's impairment due to amphetamine and methamphetamine use, which led to the loss of control and subsequent collision with a meteorological tower. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A stolen aircraft collided with a meteorological tower shortly after departure. Toxicology reports indicate the pilot was under the influence of amphetamines and methamphetamines at the time of the crash.

What happened

The airplane sustained substantial damage after colliding with a 199-foot meteorological tower. The impact caused the right wing to separate from the airframe. According to available records, the aircraft had been stolen from a flight school shortly before the incident occurred.

Findings

Post-accident toxicology analysis of the pilot revealed significant levels of controlled substances. Blood and urine samples tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. Specifically, blood tests showed 0.303 ug/ml of amphetamine and 1.371 ug/ml of methamphetamine. Urine tests detected higher concentrations, with 2.673 ug/ml of amphetamine and 21.991 ug/ml of methamphetamine.

Additional substances found in the pilot's urine included phenylpropanolamine, nicotine metabolite, and nicotine. These findings suggest that drug impairment was a critical factor in the loss of control leading to the collision.

Probable cause

The pilot's impairment due to amphetamine and methamphetamine use, which led to the loss of control and subsequent collision with a meteorological tower.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Mar 1993 Cessna 172M accident near White Water, CA?

A stolen aircraft collided with a meteorological tower shortly after departure. Toxicology reports indicate the pilot was under the influence of amphetamines and methamphetamines at the time of the crash.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N12587, operated by Advanced Flight Training, Inc., at White Water, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's impairment due to amphetamine and methamphetamine use, which led to the loss of control and subsequent collision with a meteorological tower.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11998. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.