On July 23, 1993, a Cessna 175B (registration N8264T) was involved in an aviation accident near Blythe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE CABLE DUE TO DRUG IMPAIRMENT. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL BUZZING, HIS OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE OVER THE RIVER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane struck a marked cable while flying at low altitude over a river, buzzing onlookers. Pilot's toxicology showed cocaine metabolites.
Incident Overview
An airplane was observed flying down a river at altitudes no more than 50 feet above the water, buzzing various onlookers. Several witnesses were able to describe the pilot's dress and overt mannerisms as the airplane flew by.
Collision with Cable
The airplane struck a 1-inch cable that stretches across the span of the river. The cable was marked with white paint at 10-foot increments. The accident site was located 1 mile north of a trailer community.
Toxicology Results
The pilot's toxicology results were positive for benzoylecgonine (0.047 ug/mL blood, 0.092 ug/mL lung fluid, 13.500 ug/mL urine), cocaine (0.155 ug/mL urine), and ecgonine methyl ester (0.525 ug/mL urine).
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Jul 1993 Cessna 175B accident near Blythe, CA?
An airplane struck a marked cable while flying at low altitude over a river, buzzing onlookers. Pilot's toxicology showed cocaine metabolites.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 1993 involved a Cessna 175B, registration N8264T, at Blythe, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE CABLE DUE TO DRUG IMPAIRMENT. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL BUZZING, HIS OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE OVER THE RIVER.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…