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Pilot Toxicological Analysis Reveals Alcohol Impairment Before Night IMC Accident (N13051)

Lancaster, TX, US

On December 20, 1993, a Cessna 172M (registration N13051) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's consumption of alcohol prior to the flight, resulting in toxicological levels consistent with impairment, as determined by the regional flight surgeon. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During deteriorating dark night IMC, a pilot took off from runway 13 and shortly after flew into trees on a heading of 090 degrees. Toxicological tests showed elevated ethanol levels consistent with impairment.

Accident Overview

During deteriorating dark night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot initiated a takeoff from runway 13. Very shortly after departure, the airplane flew into trees and the terrain on a magnetic heading of 090 degrees.

Pilot Toxicology

Prior to the flight, the pilot had consumed wine at a social gathering. Post-accident toxicological analysis revealed the following ethanol levels: 81.000 mg/dL in blood; 103.000 mg/dL in vitreous humor; 86.000 mg/dL in brain; and 118.000 mg/dL in urine. In the opinion of the regional flight surgeon, these toxicological levels are consistent with the ingestion of alcohol and would have caused impairment.

Circumstances

The flight occurred in dark night conditions with deteriorating IMC, though specific weather parameters were not recorded. The airplane's impact with trees and terrain occurred on a heading of 090 degrees shortly after takeoff. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, occupant injuries, or damage were provided in the investigative source.

Probable cause

The pilot's consumption of alcohol prior to the flight, resulting in toxicological levels consistent with impairment, as determined by the regional flight surgeon.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Dec 1993 Cessna 172M accident near Lancaster, TX?

During deteriorating dark night IMC, a pilot took off from runway 13 and shortly after flew into trees on a heading of 090 degrees. Toxicological tests showed elevated ethanol levels consistent with impairment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Dec 1993 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N13051, at Lancaster, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's consumption of alcohol prior to the flight, resulting in toxicological levels consistent with impairment, as determined by the regional flight surgeon.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13849. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.